OOC: This thread is an open area RP forum where you may interact with NPCs and other players on the casino floor during 'down time'.

The primary casino is located one level above the grand entrance and extends to the seventh story, with each floor dedicated to a particular game of chance or skill. Private games are held in dedicated space higher up. There are also rooms, suites, and conference rooms available for guests.

Sabacc tournaments are played on the seventh floor. This level is very well-appointed, having been renovated only ten years ago. The minimum buy-in for these tournaments is ten thousand credits.

Sabacc tables are also set up on the sixth floor. This is usually the floor where one can find skilled gamblers trying to make enough credits for the seventh floor tournament fees.

The fifth floor is dedicated to Seven Card Comet, a card game involving normal paper cards. This level usually is for the casual gamblers who prefer cards.

Pazaak is the game on the fourth floor. However, since it has fallen out of popularity, this is the first level to look if you want to find something illegal or fence goods. There are privacy booths set up all over the level to accommodate transactions.

The second and third floors host the games of chance between them. Any game which is based on the spinning of a wheel or the roll of dice can be found here.

There are numerous bars and restaurants scattered throughout all of the levels. Hosts, waiters, and security are present on all levels, although the fourth floor has the fewest staff members.

Thousands of guests occupy the area at any given time as the casino never sleeps. If one wants to make contacts in the underworld of Nar Shaddaa, or simply to gamble, this is definitely the place for that.

Kala strode through the crowded Casino, her senses all open to things that were going on. She felt the emotions of the patrons gathered there, and it felt like a veritable cacophany of everything. Some were jubilant for winning a match, others were filled with distrust and hatred for the winners. The servers were filled with a mix of fear, and happiness to have a job like this, and the security guards seemed to eminate a radiance of malace.

She seemed to be able to cut through the hustle and bustle like a well-honed vibro dagger. It probably didn't help that she had gone out and bought herself something nice to wear with part of her salary, which seemed to accentuate her figure. She could have been a hostess in this place, but that wasn't to be her lot in life. Her destiny lay elsewhere.

A handsome male human walks up to Kala a few minutes after she walks onto the casino floor. He smiles in a friendly manner, while his emotions radiate a tinge of desire. Welcome to the Queen of Air & Darkness. My name is Arvon. If there is anything I can do to be of assistance, please let me know. Just alert me with this. He hands Kala a simple comlink with a friendly wink.

Several other hosts and hostesses appear to be watching from a station a few meters away. All of them are very attractive for their species. Kala sees a mix of humans and twi'leks.

Kala Nodded and took the commlink. She knew that he was being paid to be so nice to customers, to keep them coming back. And she wondered exactly how many customers he averaged in a day.

"Well Avron, tonight I believe I am in the market for some nice food, some drinks, and some conversation." Kala replied, as she smiled at him. She often wondered if people could tell when they were being influenced some by different races pheremones, or if most of the people in this building had any idea what a Zeltron could do.

Avron smiles warmly at Kala. For food, I recommend one of the restaurants on the sixth level. They are the finest in the casino, serving delicacies from around the galaxy. Should you have a budget, I can help you choose something in line with what you would care to spend. All of our establishments, regardless of cost, are quite nice.

If you choose to gamble, your drinks will be complimentary.

He grins even more broadly for a moment before continuing, As to the last, well, I would be honored to provide conversation. His expression becomes more serious, then. Of course, I would also be pleased to direct a lady such as yourself in the direction of any conversation you might desire. You have but to tell me a topic that interests you.

"Ahh, I see. I have just returned to this moon, after a long time away from it, and I was hoping someone could fill me in on some of the happenings." Kala replied. She was being truthful, she had come to Nar Shardaa a long time ago. And things had changed since the last time she had been here. "But of restraunts, what would you recommend on the sixth floor, and how many credits will it set me back?"

Avron thinks for a moment before making a recommendation. It's obvious he's trying to provide a suitable choice for Kala. I would recommend, A Taste of Tapani. The theme, of course, is foods from the Tapani sector, and I have enjoyed the cuisine there. The Rockfish twists are excellent. The Plavonian starfish with Rockfish stuffing is also amazing. I highly recommend the Air Cake for dessert. The restaurant is also the only place you can get the finest Corellian Brandy on Nar Shaddaa. Dinner for yourself will probably set you back a hundred credits. It is also the restaurant most likely to have patrons willing to buy your meal in exchange for the conversation you are seeking.

"Ahh. Very good." Kala replied, as she nodded to Avron. "And how do I make sure that you get a little something for the recommendation? I would hate to see any tips that you should have gotten go to someone else."

She was a little suprised at his words, that someone would be willing to buy her meal and give her information. Usually, it goes the other way around, with someone having to pay for information. Though, she could probably use her features and pheremones to get someone to give out information, and pay for dinner.

Avron chuckles. Thank you for thinking of me, my lady, but any tips are shared among the hosts and hostesses. It works much better that way. Anyone who doesn't cooperate or is found stiffing the rest of us is prompty let go.

He offers Kala his arm. Would you care for an escort? I might be able to offer you some advice upstairs as to who you should impress. There are several of the, umm, businessmen, who like to have a beautiful lady at their table who isn't a hostess.

"A good business practice that." Kala replied, as she nodded slowly at what he had said. As he extended his arm for her to take, she nodded. "I'm always willing to meet new people. Their stories are always interesting, and I'm a very good listener. So, lead on, and tell me about some of these people."

Avron leads Kala to a turbolift, walking at a slow, stately pace so that he has more time to speak to her. Well, my lady, I suppose it depends on what you can stomach. If you want a truly magnaminous patron, I recommend Issulla the Hutt. He loves to surround himself with beautiful women, and for the most part, he seems to discuss just about anything in front of them, with little regard for security. Of course, I've never heard of him conducting truly confidential business on an open floor of the casino, so perhaps he pays more attention than he lets on.

Avron slides his access card over a scanner for a private turbolift. The door opens and he leads Kala inside. Your other option this evening is Imperial Admiral Roald Keynes. He'll probably talk himself silly, but you whatever you want, and say nothing truly important. If you are a skilled conversationalist, I suppose you might be able to coax something out of him.

The turbolift quickly reaches the sixth level. The restaurant is in a quiet niche away from the largest crowd. It is tastefully decorated, has a number of private booths, and is only about one quarter filled at the moment. Would you like to find your own way from here, or shall I make an introduction for you?

"I believe the hutt sounds more interesting. They live such long lives you know, and they're more intriguing then some admiral. Usually, the Admirals like to boast about battles they've won, and commands that they've had. I like a bit more... intrigue." Kala replied. She had other reasons not to get all chummy with an Imperial admiral, but she wasn't going to say anything like that out loud. "If you know this hutt personally, I wouldn't mind an introduction. Besides, some rich patron might see you wandering with me, and want to wander with you on another time. You know how it is, someone has something, and others covet that even more."

Avron smiles warmly at Kala. Naturally, having you on my arm does much good for my image right now. Please wait right here. I'll check on Issulla.

He speaks quietly to a hostess at the front of the restaurant. Kala sees the twi'lek female nod and gesture to a shielded privacy booth in the back corner, which appears only as an opaque wall. Avron nods himself and indicates to Kala that he will be right back. He makes his way to the privacy booth, presses a button on the side, then disappears inside a few moments later.

Perhaps a minute later, he comes out and walks back over to Kala, smiling. Issulla would be delighted to host you for dinner. Be prepared, he's eating a dish of some fuzzy looking worms that wriggle and scream when he eats them.

Assuming that Kala is all right with that description of Issulla's meal, after what she had said, Avron leads her over to the booth, and inside, where she meets Issulla, who is currently dining alone. The wriggling black and green worms are all about six inches long and covered in downy fuzz. Avron introduces her. This is Issulla. Issulla, this is... Avron pauses awkwardly as he realizes he doesn't know Kala's name.

Issulla is a typical specimen of the Hutt species, perhaps a little slimmer than normal, with darker skin, but otherwise looks almost like every other Hutt Kala has ever seen. Chowbasa! Smak Telia?[Private to Kala Jorn: Greetings! Snack?]

Having dealt with some hutts before, Kala knew what they happened to like. The description of the food that he was eating sounded a little unappealing to her, but hutts generally knew that some of their bipedal companions didn't have the same tastes as they did.

"Greetings your Eminance. I am called Kala Jorn." She said, as she bowed slightly, hoping to take a lot of the pressure off of Avron. "I would love to join you, so, what is on the menu for this evening?"

Avron bows to Issulla, then to Kala, and makes his exit.

Issulla swipes his tongue out, getting several bits of severed carapace which are stuck to his chin, but leaving a trail of bright green saliva in the process. You, my dear, may have whatever you wish. I suspect that these Antarean Spice Caterpillars would not be appealing to you. Please, have a seat. Press the call button over there and a waiter will come to take your order.

He takes a moment to pick up another caterpillar and drop it into his maw, crunching noisily for a few moments. It isn't often one sees a Zeltron out and about without an escort. Did you lose yours, pretty one?

"Ahh. Many of my kind tend to join with people when they first arrive on planets like this, becoming hostesses or courtisans. Myself, I am a little more of a free spirit. I like to have the chance to travel, meet new people, and experience new things." Kala replied, as she relaxed and set down near the hutt. Most people would find his appetite, and what he was eating distasteful, but she didn't mind. He was enjoying his food, and starting to enjoy the company.

So, she hit the call button, and waited for the waiter to appear. "And you, your Eminance. I know that most of your kind love to surround themselves with pretty things, all vying for your attentions. I am honored you would choose me to be one of them."

OOC: Conversation between Issulla and Kala continued elsewhere.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:51, Mon 04 May 2009.

Kaiten strolled casually around the casino, letting the sounds and scenarios of Nar Shadda's and the galaxy's elite wash over him. He kept an eye out for any imperials however, especially any high ranking officers or influential members of the senate. He had to know how deep Jaeden was with the Empire, and how that knowledge could be used to the queen's advantage. Absently Kaiten smoothed the front of his robes hoping they did not make him appear out of place in this establishment. "Some Jawa Juice please." He remarked casually to a passing waitress.

[Private to GM: I'm assuming Kaiten continues to wear Jedi style robes. In such a vast galaxy with so many fashion trends, they probably would not be seen as out of place IMO.]

The waitress smiles, nods, and quickly disappears, only to reappear a few moments later carrying a tray with two glasses of almost identical beverages. "Sir, you didn't specify, so I brought both the alcoholic and non-alcoholic varieties." She stands quietly, waiting for him to choose.

In the meanwhile, a hostess has noticed the exchange and walks over to Kaiten. She is a human female, blond, with blue eyes. "Greetings, sir, my name is Lynorri. If there is anything I can do for you, please let me know. I will be your personal hostess while you are here in the casino." Saying this, she offers him a simple pager device. "Simply use this to alert me and I will promptly attend you, or send someone else in my place."

[Private to Kaiten: OOC: It would require a trained knowledge skill check in Galactic Lore to recognize them as Jedi Robes, however, having done so, there would definitely be suspicions, which, coupled with any lightsaber or obvious Force use would probably result in a call to the authorities or attempted blackmail.]

Kaiten smiled and took the non alcoholic version. A muddled mind was a mind easily manipulated after all. "Pleased to meet you Lynorri, I am Kaiten." He accepted the pager, and then added, "Since you are here, can you tell me a bit about the clientele frequenting this...establishment? I too am in the employ of master Jaeden, and knowing more about the people here will allow me to serve him better." Kaiten gestured at the floor and the people milling about. "Tell me, are there any high ranking imperials here?" He took a sip of the Jawa Juice, eyeing Lynorri casually and hoping his question would not attract undue suspicion. But then why would it? Plenty of people attempted to schmooze their way into high society in places like this, after all.

[Private to GM: ooc: Well I'll take the risk and keep the robes. Kaiten is still trying to live by the precepts of the order after all. :) Also, please let me know if I have to make any skill checks such as persuasion.]

Aadun Ogden walks back out into the casino and immediately begins to check out the games.  He walks around for a moment before spotting what appears to be a rather high stakes game going on at one of the tables towards the center of the room.  He stands what he hopes would be an unassuming distance away and watches the exchange in credits and the playing styles with some interest.

When a waitress walks by, cutting off his view for a moment, he is somewhat snapped back into reality.  He walks up to her and asks, "Whatever it is you have there, can you bring me one?" and then smiles.

Lynorri smiles graciously, but looks a bit wary now. "Would you mind showing me your access pass, Mister Kaiten? Master Kienaan does prefer it if we keep our lips tightly sealed about certain things, unless we have verification of identity."


Upstairs

The waitress Aadun accosts looks a little surprised. "Are you quite certain, sir? Antakarian Fire Dancers are very strong drinks. I know you are Zabrak, but even you might consider something else if you wish to sit at one of the tables to g..." She stops suddenly and looks embarrassed. "I'll be right back with one, sir."

A green-skinned twi'lek hostess separates from a group of them near the turbolift and makes her way to Aadun. "Greetings, sir, my name is Kyra. If there is anything I can do for you, please let me know. I will be your personal hostess while you are here in the casino." Saying this, she offers him a simple pager device. "Simply use this to alert me and I will promptly attend you, or send someone else in my place."

When his audience with Kienaan had been terminated Narik collected his belongings and exited the private chambers of the casino. He returned to the bustle of the lively gambling club. The human took a deep breath taking in the atmosphere. Narik wasn’t the normal sort of clientele in the Queen of Air and Darkness but he didn’t lack in confidence. He felt the need to do some reconnaissance, best to know his way around the place if he’d be visiting regularly.

His walk was stiff and his clothing old fashioned but casino was busy enough than Narik hoped he’d manage to blend in. With an eye for detail he began a thorough investigation; starting on the lowest floor he planned to work his way up. He watched both the routines of the staff and other customers; he wanted to learn how the place ticked.

"Why thank you, Kyra. I will be sure to do that," he says and takes his pager device.  "I am sure all of your games are equally exciting, but where do you recommend I could best spend my time?" he asks, now giving her his full attention.

"Well, sir, I suppose that would depend on your game preference. Sabacc, Seven Card Comet, or perhaps merely a game of chance?" Kyra asks Aadun politely.

Elsewhere in the Casino

Narik is approached by a human hostess with white-blonde hair and almost colorless gray eyes. "Hello, sir. My name is Shesa. I'll be your hostess while you are here in the casino. Please take this pager and if there is anything I can do for you, let me know. Is there anything I can get you now?"

As Narik tried to appear casual he ambled around the second level. He exhibited an outward interest in the many games of chance although he’s real interest was in the people. Narik smiled at the intrusion of his solitary wandering by Shesa. He gave her a nod ”thank you Shesa, can I get a drink?” the former soldier asked as he accepted the offered pager ”something hot” he elaborated, ”this thing works on any level? I’m considering trying higher up later?” he enquired as he waved the pager and pointed up-level.

Narik looked around as Shesa was speaking to him; he suspected that whenever he spoke to any member of staff that he would have the attention of the security. He wanted to estimate how much security the casino had both in plain sight and undercover. Since he’d left the Core Worlds Narik had got used to looking after himself and knowing what sort of dangers he could expect. Just because Kienaan had let him out of sight didn’t mean he was safe if Kienaan believed him dangerous.

Shesa nods. "The range on the pager is anywhere in the casino as well as about a ten kilometer radius. This way if you wish to alert me of your arrival, I can have refreshments waiting.  Tell me, sir, what sort of drink would you like? We serve just about anything, alcoholic or non-alcoholic that a sentient being could want.

Narik notices that he does, indeed, have the attention of at least one security guard and there are also 'eyes in the skies' around the casino.

”Pembric tea, if you can do one” Narik asked, naming the hot and bitter drink knowing for being a psychoactive stimulant sometimes with brandy or other alcohol drinks added for flavour ”on its own, black” he added as he noted the security arrangements.

As he waited for delivery of his drink he watched the nearest table. He wasn’t tempted to try his luck himself, he didn’t have many credits and didn’t want to waste what he did have.

"Of course, it will be no problem. Give me just a moment to alert a waitress." She steps away for a moment and gets the attention of a waitress. They converse quietly for a moment, then the waitress nods and scurries off.

"She'll be right back. Anything else, sir?"
[Private to Narik: Because we haven't finished your initial RP, you don't know that you have a secure comlink and a 1000 credit chip from Kienaan. So, you do have some credits to gamble if you desire.]

The waitress comes back about a minute later, tea in hand. She offers it to Narik.

Bokha exits his new room after unpacking his things, his credit chit and comm at the ready. The Trandoshan shuffles through the casino, nonchalantly, scanning the various tables and players that he sees. After a while, he heads for the elevator and swipes his pass for the sub-levels.

Following the instructions from Erisi he tracks down the entrance to the arena and waves his pass at the guard, saying, "Bokha is home! Now where can Bokha find the killing?"

The deal was set and now all Joron had to do was wait. Patience, it was a virtue tolerable yet intolerable. Though by no means a desolate dive The Queen of Air and Darkness wasn't home either. How long would his stay on the Smuggler's Moon be? Days, weeks...months? The very thought brought a not-so-subtle pounding to the swarthy gentleman's head. Business was business, after all, and he had just agreed to what may very well be a burdensome contract. As the turbolift door slid open with a hiss, hazel eyes slowly scanned the ground floor. For now, Joron needed something to do. The only question was: where to start?

Kaiten smiled disarmingly at Lynorri and said, "But ofcourse." Fishing around in his robes he produced the access card and handed it to the hostess. "Learning more about the clientele will allow me to do my job better, which is exactly what Jaeden would want." He added quickly as an incentive.

Narik accepted the tea and located a stool; sitting amidst the wisps of steam that came from his teacup he studied the casino. After he’d watched for a while and his tea had cooled enough for him to drink it he considered seeking a bit more action.

The human examined the beeper he had been given by Sheesa. He pressed the call button and as he waited for her return he drank his tea. When she attended him Narik placed his now empty cup on to a nearby table. He remained seated as he spoke ”I’m looking for a bit more action, I’ve been told there’s an arena here” Narik asked casually.

[Private to The Force: Do you want to finish the initial RP or leave it as it is?]

Aadun paused for a moment and thought.  "Sounds like you have just about everything I could possibly want.  Thank you and if I need anything I will be sure to give you a page."  He wanted to go ahead and let her get back to her job, especially since he was having a good time just watching that game over there, for now.  Also, he had a drink to wait for.

[Private to Narik: OOC: Let's go ahead and finish up your initial RP session. I believe it is currently your turn to post. ]

[Private to Bokha: The Arena has its own thread, if you're headed there.]

Kaiten and Lynorri
Lynorri smiles. Excellent. Thank you. If you're interested in Imperials, I suggest you head up the sixth level. Admiral Keynes is up there, eating dinner at the Taste of Tapani.

Narik and Shesa
Shesa leans in and answers very quietly, almost in a whisper, "Yes, sir. The Arena is on sub-level 2. If you have a pass, you simply need to go the guarded turbolifts over there." She indicates a pair of turbolifts in the far corner of this floor of the casino.

Aadun and Kyra
Kyra politely steps out of Aadun's path and heads over to the turbolifts as she notices a new customer emerging.

Aadun's drink arrives a few moments later and is handed to him by the waitress.

As for the game Aadun is watching, he can tell that the players are a little drunk and they're not paying very much attention. They're a little to slow moving their bets around at the moment. The pit boss looks like he might be about to shut it down.

Joron
A hostess walks over to the turbolift as Joron is getting off. She was just talking to a Zabrak, but apparently finished. "Hello, sir. My name is Kyra. If I can be of any assistance to you, please do not hesitate to let me know. If you will take this pager, you can reach me anywhere on the premises. Would you like me to order a drink for you?" She presses a pager into Joron's hands.

"Superb!" Kaiten exclaimed, feeling the corners of his mouth tremble slightly from the strain of all the smiling he was doing today. Chugging down the remainder of his Jawa Juice he put the empty glass by the bar then headed towards the turbo lifts. An admiral was certainly someone high up in the imperial heirarchy, with much information about imperial going on's. How to get him to divulge such information would be the tricky part however. Kaiten mulled the problem as he entered the lift and voiced the command for the sixth level.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:13, Tue 05 May 2009.

Kaiten scans the map of the sixth level and locates the restaurant, Taste of Tapani. It's in a quiet niche away from the crowds of gamblers on this level. The place is tastefully decorated and is perhaps half full right now. There is no sign of the Admiral, but there are a number of private booths, shielded from sight and sound.

A restaurant hostess walks up to Kaiten a a few moments after he arrives. "Dinner for one?" she asks as she takes a menu from the hostess stand.

Aadun gets his drink, but is so enthralled, watching the game in front of him he hardly notices.  'They're not taking this seriously...  If I could get into a game with one of them,' he starts to think to himself and then takes a sip of his drink.

Yeah, that was a mistake.  Instantly he felt as if his mouth and throat had caught on fire and was burning up into his nasal cavaty.  It didn't take very long for the tears to start either, but at least he didn't have enough sense to cry out or anything.  Instead of being the loud and obnoxious Zabrak, he'd have to settle for being the crazy one crying in the middle of casino.

Even though he was in a great deal of pain, he goes ahead and downs the rest of the drink, so that he could just be done with it.  From that point, he stood there, trying to stop the tears and regain his composure back.

The waitress who handed Aadun his drink looks absolutely shocked as he downs the entire thing. She politely retrieves the glass. "Sir, in the event that you need the facilities," her tone indicates she is certain he is going to need them, "they are to your left and down a short hallway."

As she turns and walks away, shaking her head, Aadun sees her motion to a hostess and indicate him. He has the distinct feeling that someone is going to keep an eye on him, just in case he should feel the urge to regurgitate his drink in a few minutes.

He can feel the fire in his belly quite clearly. If it were just a little weaker, it might be pleasant.

Aadun gave the woman the empty glass back and says, "Thank you for the drink," as normally as he could.  He then walked purposely in the direction she pointed.  'Yeah, best first impression ever.'

He thought he could handle it, but didn't want to risk being wrong in the middle of the room and in front of so many people.  He flecks some water on his face from the sinks and then waits for his stomach to settle for a while.

After he first gets to the refresher, Aadun thinks he might be fine once he splashes the water on his face. He waits until his stomach starts to settle and then realizes, in a rather abstract way, that he is getting very drunk very fast as the prodigious amount of alcohol and other things in the drink are absorbed into his bloodstream.

The hostess worked swiftly, so much in fact that the intrepid youth hadn't the time to conclude his mental queries. His eyes casually studied Kyra and then the trinket she was so eager to place in his hands. Through moments of suspicion, a single brow perked as he regarded it. It was truly a convenience to be able to have an employee at his beck and call, one that he did not forgo. With a charming, grateful, smile, Joron thanked the young hostess and slipped the device into one of his pockets.

"Hmm," he murmured pensively at her question. "Yes, I think I will have a glass of Crème D'Infame. Oh and what floor are your games of chance on?"

[private to GM: http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Cr%C3%A8me_D%27Infame ]
This message was last edited by the player at 20:28, Tue 05 May 2009.

Kyra frowns prettily. "Of course, we have that vintage, however there will be a charge. It is complimentary only to preferred guests of Master Kienaan." She remains poised, however her distress is still evident.

She answers Joron's question. "As for games of chance, you can find those on levels two and three. Level two will have most games involving dice, while level three will have roulette-type games, and everything else that would be considered a game of pure chance.

Kyra waits for Joron to either accept a charge for the drink before she orders it, or to choose something complimentary.

[Private to Joron Sarrus: I would prefer that you choose a color for speech other than red. Once we get into combat actions, and such, red is reserved for those. You can see which colors have already been taken under the Welcome thread.]

Narik gave Shesa a nod of thanks and walked over to the turbolift. As Narik walked he composed himself, he expected things would be little rougher at the sub-levels.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:38, Tue 05 May 2009.

Joron couldn't help but smile at the hostess' sweet distress; it was a look he had seen many times in the eyes of servants and employees alike, a look that he and those in his family gleefully fed upon. Though he was one of Kienaan's guests, part of him felt cheerfully disinclined to make that fact known.

"Of course," he said, reaching into his pocket for what had to be a credit chip. However, as his hand fished and fished, a square item fell out and descended to the floor. It was by no means a credit chip, it was the all access card Erisi bequeathed him. Noticing the card's descent, Joron's eyes perked and he soon knelt down to swoop it up. "Kyra? On second thought, perhaps I'll have a glass of mist water on the rocks? It would probably be for the best if I keep my wits about me, now wouldn't it?" He said, slipping the card back into his pocket with a smile. "The third floor is just what I'm looking for, thank you."

Kyra curtseys, then excuses herself to catch the attention of a waitress and place Joron's order. Joron is not entirely sure if she noticed his card before he swooped down to pick it up. "Is there anything you would like, sir?"

The waitress returns very promptly with mist water for Joron. She offers it to him from her tray.

"No, thank you, I have all I need," Joron states with a small bow of his head as he raises the glass of water in thanks. "Have a pleasant day, Kyra. I'll be certain to page you if I find myself in further need of anything." Then, with a sip of his drink, he turned away from the green-skinned twi'lek and leisurely returned to the turbolift from whence he came. Once its doors slid open, he stepped inside and pressed the button for the third floor.

Upon exiting the turbolift, Joron sees a map of the floor which shows general areas for the games, including Zinbiddle, Binspo, a whole secton of Lugjack machines, Magna-shuffle, and a group of Tregald booths.

As with other areas of the casino, waitresses make their way throughout the floor. The Lugjack machines, which Joron can see in the distance, have a large collection of sentients, playing slots. There appear to be no hosts or hostesses here, but that could merely be perception.

Joron closed his eyes then took in a deep breath after studying the map. It had taken only moments but, like many other places, he had put it to memory. Out of all the games on this floor, it was perhaps the Lugjack machines he held the least amount of interest in. Those games, like many others, he would eschew. Like so many games of chance, there were but a fun he truly enjoyed playing and at the top of the list were roulette and dice games. However, some card games proved to be acceptable. Knowing the game he wished to play, he opened his eyes and journeyed first for a place to exchange credits for chips then toward the gaming area. [private to GM: I know the descriptions of the games are usually, 'a game of chance' so I'll not assume which would be the roulette game here. But that's what Joron wishes to play. We can have fun with this and watch Joron build a small fortune off of the 1000 credits Jaerad gave him, heh heh.]

The facilities, while quite nice were not exactly what Aadun wanted to explore, so as soon as his stomach settled, he left them.  He stepped out and wandered back into the main area.  He wasn't very surprised that the table he had been watching was done and a new set of "victims" were beginning to settle themselves in for a game.

He gets some of his credits changed over (if need be) and hits his pager button.  Since he wasn't drunk, gambling should be a great thing to pass the time and he was sure he could beat any of these posers.  'Why is the room getting so hot?' he wonders, but chooses to ignore it.  It was one drink after all.

Kaiten smiled at the waitress, brushing away the menu with a gesture. "I am working on behalf of Master Jaeden. Can you tell me where Admiral Keynes is sitting? I would most like to talk to him." He stated to her, glancing meaningfully at the private booths where he was sure the admiral was sitting. He was also metally going over the questions he neded to ask the admiral, and how he would go about doing it. Strangely, there didn't seem to be any stormtroopers about, despite the fact that an admiral was here. It wasn't common for the Empire to trust security detail to anyone else. Could that mean Jaeden truly was in bed with the Empire?

[Private to GM: ooc: Kaiten will keep a lookout for any stormtroopers, or any other sign of imperial security.]

Joron

Joron makes his way over to the Binspo tables. The gamblers here are much more intent on the spinning of the wheel than on who is beside them, so if he wants to get to the table, he'll need to shoulder a place for himself.

Aadun

Since Aadun isn't very far from where he entered the casino, Kyra is quite prompt in attending him. "Sir? How can I be of assistance?" she asks pleasantly.

[Private to Aadun Ogden: OOC: You have moved 1 step down the condition track. It's persistent as well, so you'll need to rest to recover from it.]

Kaiten

The waitress considers Kaiten's request for a moment. Reluctantly, she answers, "Please wait here. I'll check and see if he would care to have additional company." She leaves Kaiten at the hostess station and walks to a booth on the far side of the dining area. She presses a button on the booth and after a moment, she apparently receives permission to step inside, because she does.

A minute or so later, she walks back out of the booth and over to Kaiten. "I'm sorry, sir, but the Admiral does not wish to see anyone right now."

[Private to Kaiten: OOC: Kaiten has plenty of time while the waitress is gone to perform a very thorough visual search and he sees no signs of Stormtroopers or extra security beyond what is already present in the casino.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:30, Wed 06 May 2009.

Kaiten chuckled at the waitress and replied, "Actually I am here on behalf of Master Jaeden regarding a matter most pressing and most confidential. If the admiral but knew of it he would welcome me inside the booth with open arms. But worry not, it is no fault of yours that he refuses to see anyone. Imperials are stuffy like that. Jaeden shall never know how you inadvertantly caused a delay in a matter of business." He finished meaningfully. "I shall talk to the good admiral myself." Nodding at her, he strode forth purposefully towards the booth the admiral was in, and pressed the button to open the door.

The hostess knows her clients well enough to know that if they don't want to be disturbed, she at least needs to make a token effort to enforce their wishes. As Kaiten walks, she keeps moving forward and putting herself in front of him. "Sir, please, no. Sir, you can't... Sir! Sir, stop!" Kaiten notices that she does not call security.

When he gets to the booth and presses the button, he finds that it does not, in fact, open the door, but only alerts the occupants that they have company and activates the intercom system. A commanding voice answers the alert, sounding quite annoyed, "What is it this time? I just told you I have no desire to see anyone!"

Kaiten scowled at the intercom, which had just thrown a wrench in his smoothly laid plans. For a moment he had a sudden urge to cut a hole in the door with his lightsaber, put the energy blade to the admiral's throat and ask him if he would be inclined to change his mind, but the madness passed quickly.

He turned to regard the waitress and waved a hand nonchalantly in front of her face. "You will tell the admiral that I am here on orders from Jaeden Kienaan." He said, leaning close so that only she could hear the words.

[Private to GM: ooc: Mind Trick on Waitress: 28]
This message was last edited by the player at 15:38, Wed 06 May 2009.

The hostess looks at Kaiten for a moment, and the turns to address the intercom. "He is here under orders from Master Kienaan."

"Dash it all! I'm busy! I don't care if he's here under orders from bloody Palpatine, himself!" the voice roars. Keynes's voice is loud enough that a couple of nearby patrons turn to look at the booth in surprise. Kaiten hears muffled giggling over the intercom, definitely of the feminine variety and then the intercom goes silent, the indicator light flashing off.

The hostess turns back to Kaiten, giving him an almost apologetic shrug, "I'm sorry, sir. It seems the Admiral is busy."

Kaiten nodded absently at the waitress, stroking his chin and considering his options. On one hand, it appeared the man didn't seem to really care much about Kienan, perhaps he simply enjoyed the use of the facilities. But on the other hand he did bad mouth the Emperor, something Kaiten wished he had manged to record on his comlink. And ofcourse there was the woman; women did strange things to a man's head. There was no telling what Keynes ultimate loylaites were, nor the extent of his dealings with Jaered. In other words, Kaiten was no better off than before.

He sighed, then walked over to a corner of the restaurant where he had his back to a wall and at the same time could view the entrance of the booth clearly. "Since I am here, I might as well have a Taste of Tapani myself." He said to the poor waitress with a smile. "Bring me todays special please as well as a cup of non-alcoholic Jawa Juice." Since there was little else for him to do, Kaiten decided to wait Keynes out. When the man left the booth Kaiten would either accost him immediately, fuddling his mind with the Force so that the man revealed all or follow him and try to see what he might be up to this night. Either way, Kaiten intended to have a bit of excitement before the day was done.

[Private to GM: ooc: Hope its ok to try to wait him out. There doesn't seem to be anything else for me to do at the moment. The arena intruiged me, but while Kaiten is very skilled at arms he wont go looking for a needless fight nor fight for credits. And gambling is not really his type of thing, though Qui-Gon did enjoy it so one can't say its against the Jedi Code. ;) ]

A waitress shows up and takes Kaiten's drink order and brings him food a few minutes later. The special today is Rockfish skewers, served with a spicy cream sauce for dipping. The patrons who were disturbed by Kaiten's outburst watch him warily for a few minutes, then go back to their conversation.

[Private to Kaiten: You are welcome to wait for him to exit the booth. ]

Kaiten nodded at the patrons as they glanced at him, trying to appear soothing while sipping his drink. When his food arrived he set into it with gusto, not having eaten the entire day. All the while however he kept an eye on the booth, ready to spring into action on a moments notice.

[Private to Joron Sarrus: As Joron is walking to the Binspo table, he feels a disturbance in the Force above him, at least several floors.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:31, Wed 06 May 2009.

Now was the moment of truth, the time when the spirit of lady luck would either bless of disgrace Joron and the pittance of credits he possessed. It was ironic, really, the way Kienaan's business was named after a card that once upon a time was used primarily for telling fortunes rather than making them. But would the Queen of Air and Darkness prove to be a blessing or a curse? For some, the game of binspo was all about numbers, probability and betting strategies but for Joron...it was all about raw chance and trusting his instincts.

But were his instincts enough to turn all his misfortune around?

Just then, as he moved to push through the crowd and find a place at the table, his body came to an abrupt stop. Above and beyond the voices and commotion around him, something caught his attention but what? As eyes drew upward, wisps of auburn tinted hair slid behind his ears and over his shoulders. It was a feeling, a nagging feeling, like a tug on a rug that sought to steal his senses away from the game. But was this feeling good or was it bad? And so, with chips in hand, his mind fermented at the quiet possibilities. Just what was up there or rather...who? [private to GM: I went ahead and rolled a new utf check for the sense force option if needed. 19:10, Today: Secret Roll: Joron Sarrus rolled 27 using 1d20+15.]
This message was last edited by the player at 19:17, Wed 06 May 2009.

Kaiten

While Kaiten's wait continues, the waitress brings him another virgin Jawa Juice. The two patrons who had looked strangely at him leave when they finish their meal, and a half dozen others leave and enter the restaurant over the next few minutes. Kaiten may be surprised to see that casino's upper floors are actually quite busy. He also has time to look around and really notice the security guards who patrol as well as the numerous 'eyes in the skies' placed strategically around the floor in his line of sight.

Joron

The Binspo pit boss calls an end to betting and then the wheel begins to turn. Joron can watch a game or two as he decides how he wants to bet. A couple of shady-looking characters near him eye his credit chips enviously, perhaps wondering if he's a potential mark.

[Private to Joron Sarrus: OOC: In the 100 km radius that he can sense, Joron picks up several Force Sensitives, which is perfectly reasonable considering how densely packed Nar Shaddaa really is. The most immediate Force Users, however, and the ones that drew his attention, seem to be several floors above him, and there are three that he can detect, all very near one another.]

Always dangerous was curiosity, for through its tangled webs, it possessed the power to enrapture and bind even the keenest minds or strongest bodies. Here, now, in Jaerad Kienaan's most esteemed casino, that sudden disturbance was like a swoop at full throttle. Who, what, why, those were but a few of the questions on Joron Sarrus' mind. Suspicion, suspicion offered him plenty of answers, plenty of reasons why but he had no way of knowing that they were true. He didn't see the look, didn't see the devious men that eyed the chips in his hand; his eyes were still aimed upward.

Part of him wished to investigate, to find and discern but the other half wished to relax and gamble until his services were needed. Then there was his own bait he needed to weave. Raising his left hand to the air, the decadent youth took a long sip of the chilled water. But the freezing water wasn't enough to numb his senses. It was only then that he truly wished that he had ordered something numbing. Frowning, Joron finally returned his gaze to the table and waited for the next round of bets to be taken.

"Two hundred on black," he said, nodding once to the dealer and then placing two hundred credit chips onto the table below. It was a relatively small bet, a means in which to work more money from his benevolent employer. And right now... he was uncertain if his gut had told him black or if that was the wrong decision. [private to GM: Not using utf to cheat, Joron is merely betting as any man would. Given the nature of the game and the bet placed, feel free to random 1d2 with red being 1 and black being 2 or however you see fit.]

Joron
Joron's initial bet on black proves unfortunate. After the ball takes its spin, it lands on Red. One of the other humans at the table, though, shouts with joy as he wins not just with the right color, but also the number and rakes in a thousand credits on a small bet.
[Private to Joron Sarrus: If you wish to do this gambling for any length of time, it would be appropriate to roll a d20 and use the table in the Saga book as a guide. Each roll would be an evening of gambling at pure random chance.]


Kaiten

While there is still no indication that the Admiral is finished, a hutt exits a booth near the Admiral's and slithers towards the entrance of the restaurant. The serving staff is extremely obsequious to him, with all of those nearby making an effort to wish him a pleasant day.

[Private to Kaiten: While Kaiten is waiting, he sees a pink skinned woman peak out of a private booth not far from the Admiral's. The woman looks directly at him for a moment, and then quickly ducks back into the booth. It is the same booth the Hutt exits a few minutes later.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:20, Wed 06 May 2009.

Luck, luck was supposed to be one of Joron's skills but, as with his lot in life, fate had other plans in store for him. His initial bet had been a flop and more than a quaint surprise. His lips pursed in mild displeasure as a look of boredom crossed his face. The man that cheered in victory earned his ire, however, he did not make that fact known. He looked toward the gentleman and smiled. Yes, it paid to be so very lucky. Were circumstances different, their roles would have, should have, been reversed. With a tap of consideration to the edge of the table, Joron mulled over yet another bet then made the same bet as he had previously. Perhaps things would turn out differently? [private to GM: I rolled a d20 for gambling. Got a ten (23:18, Today: Joron Sarrus rolled 10 using 1d20.). So this means, unless he somehow underhandedly regains coin, he has lost his entire stake.]

A few minutes after the hutt emerged from the booth, a pink-skinned woman emerged from it. She appeared to be dressed in a blue evening gown, and had no visible weapons on her person. The way she carried herself, she did not seem like the normal hostesses in the casino.

She stretched a little, as her eyes scanned the crowd, taking in the different emotions from all those gathered.

"Hey, I was wondering...  You mentioned Seven Card Comet earlier, which sounded kind of fun.  Where can I play it?" he asks and begins to ignore the strange feeling that was creeping up on him.

[Private to GM: Alrighty, I'll be sure to factor in the -1 on all rolls, :)  Oh, and I went ahead and changed over, like 200 credits towards gambling, so I wanted to be sure that I kept track of that.]

Aadun

"Seven Card Comet is on the fifth floor. Would you like me to show you, sir?" she asks him. "I must admit, I am impressed that you're still standing. The Antakarian Fire Dancer is an extremely potent drink, even if you don't take into account the fact that you drank the whole thing like that without allowing the other substances to react with the liquor and dilute." She sniffs the air delicately, "And I'd say you've even managed to keep it all down! You must have a stomach like a Hutt."

[Private to Aadun Ogden: Once you get up there, you can gamble for a while, if you like. Roll a d20 for me when you're ready to make your gamble check to represent the evening.]

[Private to Joron Sarrus: It is entirely your call as to whether you feel up to cheating. Besides, the d20 roll is for an entire evening of gambling. You could win and lose quite a bit during that time, but you'll just come out 200 credits down.]

A stunning, flame-haired human woman makes her way to the table where Joron is currently gambling. Male humanoids in the casino turn to look and step out of her way as she walks over to him. The gambling at the table completely stops when it is clear that it is her destination. The human pit boss gulps visibly and stammers a greeting when she acknowledges him. "Hello, ma'am. Can I help you?"

[Private to Joron Sarrus: Joron recognizes the woman on the divan from Kienaan's office.]
She shakes her head, a husky laugh bubbling out of her throat. "No, I think not. I need to speak to this gentleman for just a moment," she says, placing a hand on Joron's shoulder.

She leans in, placing her lips almost against his ear. Joron sees other humanoids at the table gulping, glaring at him jealously, and even adjusting their shirt collars. [Private to Joron Sarrus: "Jaerad would like to know if you would recognize the men who stole your ship and attempted to kill you," she whispers in his ear.]

The noise level being what it was, Aadun leaned in closer and closer to Kyra while she was talking to him and by the time she was done, it was slightly uncomfortable.  He didn't really notice, however and seemed perfectly content right where he was.  When she mentioned the potency of the Antakarian Fire Dancer, he gave a disbeliving look.

'It couldn't of been that bad,' he thinks to himself before giving a wave with his hand.  "Oh, no I drink just fine," he says and gives her the best reassuring smile that he could, though had he seen a mirror, he'd of realized it was more scary than reassuring.  "Please, show away.  I...  don't really know my way around."

Kyra leads him to the nearest turbolift and presses the button for the fifth floor. [Private to Aadun Ogden: Out of the glass doors, Aadun sees a cascade of fiery red hair on the third floor that he's sure he recognizes from somewhere.]

"You really don't look so good. You aren't feeling dizzy because of the turbolift, are you?" she asks, concerned.

Once they make it the fifth floor, she shows him to a table, introducing him to the dealer, a bothan by the name of Nek, and then fetches him some water and some finger foods, just in case he needs something on his stomach.

Kala closed her eyes, and let the emotions of the surrounding people flow about her, like the seas surrounding a boat in an ocean. Sometimes, all of that was hard to keep from affecting her, but sometimes she let it get to her, to experience a little of what everyone else was.

She could feel some despiration of someone who was about to lose the last of his credits, or feel the joy, and perhaps a little of the greed of someone who hit a big score. She could feel people working on losing their wits to alcohol, and also those who wished to do others harm. All of these things were hers to sense, and the darker emotions whispered to her, urging her to follow them to power quickly.

She opened her eyes, and shook her head. Those emotions never lead to anything good. So, she wandered around the different tables, looking for something that looked interesting to her.

'Now, where have I seen that before?' he thinks to himself, but finds that nothing was coming to mind quickly.  Part of him wanted to tell Kyra nevermind and take him to the third floor, but he was already here and another ride on the lift wasn't something he wanted right then, but not wanting to show any weakness in front of the pretty hostess she says, "Thanks for the concern but I can handle it."

"Alright!" he exclaims, excited to finally be getting somewhere and he begins to lay his chips onto the table.  He greets all of his fellow players as they join the table and begins to concentrate on his hands.

[Private to GM: I rolled my D20 and got: You rolled 13 using 1d20 ((13)).]
This message was last edited by the player at 03:44, Thu 07 May 2009.

Kala finds that the patrons on the sixth floor are very intent upon their gambling and the competition is so intense at times, it is almost painful. They're a little too serious for her. Making her way down to the fifth floor, she finds several interesting and friendly games going on, where it is much more fun and relaxing for her to watch.

At one, a bothan dealer is managing a table of four, playing Seven Card Comet. There are two humans, a Zabrak, and a twi'lek. The Zabrak is obviously having a good time, he's very drunk, and he's still holding his own.

Aadun notices a pink-skinned humanoid woman as she walked by the table, checking it out. She is very pretty and something about her draws the attention of everyone at the table for a moment.

Aadun looks up from his cards at just the right moment to see the beautiful pink-skinned woman walk by his table.  His mouth drops open slightly, but as soon as he realizes he is staring, he closes his mouth and sheepishly looks back at his cards.  For a moment, he tries to pretend that he has the most interesting hand he's ever seen, but the damage may have already been done.  He wasn't aware enough to know that his tablemates also checked her out.

Kala smiles at the table, still not used to quite so much attention, but she was getting there. She does catch the stare of the Zabrak a little more then the others, but given what she was, and what she was wearing, she pushed that aside.

"So, what is this game? I don't believe I've ever seen it in my travels." She says, as she stands a little ways away from the table, as to not look at anyone's cards, if they had any showing.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:00, Thu 07 May 2009.

Aadun was focused on his cards quite intently, so he was somewhat surprised that the woman decided to stop by his table and talk to them.  He looks around at the other players for a second and then says, "Oh, this?  This is Seven Card Comet.  You should try it sometime and I might even be willing to give free lessons."

The turbolift doors hissed open, and a figure stepped out that seemed somehow out of place.  Some noticed it immediately, and others took a moment, but in the end, anyone who noticed the fully armored Mandalorian also noticed the distinctly female mold of the armor.  The plates of beskar'gam are a dull blue, while the well-kept flight suit underneath is a flat black, lending a dark air to the woman wearing the armor.

Said armor caused her to stand out among a crowd of people who were trying to blend.  The T-shaped visor slowly scanned the floor, automatically dividing the floor into fire sectors, even if she wasn't carrying any obvious weaponry on her.  It appeared that the vast majority of her arsenal was elsewhere, but Mandos were notorious for modifications to their armor, and it would be foolish to assume that she was unarmed at any time.

She carries herself with an athletic grace, and it's obvious she knows how to handle herself even without weapons.  She stands there for a moment, scanning the crowd before starting to work her way towards one of the tables with an active game of Seven Card Comet.

Kaiten was chewing his fish and pondering his next move when the hutt exited the booth and made his way outside. It seemed to be a personality of some import, unsurprising as this was Nar Shadda after all. For a moment Kaiten considered striking up a conversation with the hutt about his dealings with Jaered, but he waited too long and by then it was gone. He had had many dealings with hutts before along the outer rim on behalf of the Order, and had even gone so far as to learn their language at the behest of his master during his early days as a padawan. When the Empire took over the hutts unanimously declared their support for the Empire, at least outwardly, and had even attempted to hunt for Jedi on their own to score points with the Imperials. As a result Kaiten had lost nearly all his contacts among the hutts along the outer rim, though it was a loss he did not truly miss.

A few moments later a striking, pink skinned woman exited the booth she had been sharing with the hutt. A zeltron, and one who appeared too intelligent to be a simple companion. Kaiten thought about calling her over to lighten up his waiting time, but then decided against it as he did not want to be distracted from the task he had appointed himself.

Kala raised her eyebrows at the newcomer. 'There's something you don't see every day. A woman in mandalorian armor...'She thought, before she turned her attention back to the game. "I may take you up on that offer. the game does look pretty interesting."

It looked like it was about assembling a hand, and bluffing if you didn't get a good one. But, she didn't know all the rules, so there could be something in there that could change the nature of the game at a moment's notice.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:01, Thu 07 May 2009.

Sixth Floor - Kaiten

Kaiten waits another half hour before the Admiral deigns to exit the privacy booth. He is wearing his uniform, but it is slightly askew, and he has two beautiful human women accompanying him, one on each arm. Kaiten does not recognize either of them women. One is a slender brunette, the other a voluptuous blond.

"So, you'll both come up to my suite and spend the evening, right my lovelies?" he asks as he looks from one to the other while they walk towards the entrance of the restaurant.


Fifth Floor - Aadun, Kala, Krysten
Most of the patrons give Krysten a wide berth, a little uncomfortable seeing a full suit of Mandalorian armor in the casino. Only the fact that security isn't accosting her immediately is preventing any number of sentients in here from running away, assuming she's here to assassinate them.

The bothan dealer looks at Kala for a moment before asking, "Are you in or out?" Then he starts taking the ante for the next hand.

Colluded hazel eyes lifted from the binspo table as sudden silence fell upon those around him. Joron knew that type of silence, it was a silence garnered by the working class when someone important or, most often, very, very deadly appeared in the room. He half expected it to be some rugged beast of a thing, a bounty hunter or personal lapdog of of Mister Kienaan but as his eyes roamed to that approaching wave of crimson, he knew, he knew whom she was but what the intrepid youth did not know was...why she was here.

Loose strands of hair slid and fell to one side as he tilted his head to listen to those spoken words. Envy, envy, powerful envy rolled from those around him like a sinister song. It was a pleasant feeling, a feeling that reminded Joron of home and rightfully where he belonged. The only hint as to what she whispered rested in the way his eyes narrowed then opened again and the way his lips curled into a smile that hinted whatever she had to say pleased him. Slowly, he turned and offered the same courtesy...

[private to Varis Rei: "Only if you bring to me the man whose arm I severed," he said, the word trailing off most promisingly. Sadly, Joron's attackers had been clad in armor and, save their voices, there was very little for him to go by. First, he explained to Varis the way their armor looked and any specific details then he added, "one of them spoke as if he were a blithering duros. Perhaps...a visit to their sector or one of their scrap heaps may be in order? They destroyed a number of my droids, if they could be salvaged..."

OOC: It is said that after the fall of the Trade Federation and the rise of the Galactic Empire, the Duros Sector of Nar Shadda fell into disrepair and malaise. This could have been a heavy motivator for many of their ilk to seek employment as bounty hunters, assassins or pirates. But then, this is Nar Shadda and you need only wave credits at a person to motivate them...]

Kaiten immediately sat up and strolled over to the admiral. He cleared his throat loudly before greeting the man. "Good day admiral. I am Kaiten, an employee of Jaeden Kienaan. I was wondering if you would join me in discussing some business."

Varis gives a throaty chuckle at whatever it is that Joron has whispered in her ear, then drapes herself around him in a sensual embraces as she leans across him to whisper in his other ear. The waves of lust and envy from the others at his table intensify and it appears that none of them, including the pit boss, have any thoughts of continuing the game at this moment.[Private to Joron Sarrus: "Ah, what a shame. There's a Kadas'sa'Nikto bounty hunter sniffing about, searching for a man matching your description. He has both of his arms, though. Jaerad will have him followed. It may yield a lead," she says quietly into his ear.]

She pulls away from Joron then, leaving a lingering kiss on his cheek. Looking at the table, she pulls a credit chip from between her breasts and drops it. "Five thousand credits on black." She does not even wait for the gambling to resume before she walks away, leaving the astounded patrons still wanting more.

Keynes barely pauses to glare at Kaiten. "I told the hostess, and I'll tell you the same thing, 'I'm busy.' And you can tell Kienaan to stop hounding me. I'll tell him my decision tomorrow. If you people don't leave me alone, it's going to seriously affect my good mood and my decision."

The two women spare a brief glance for Kaiten, intent as they are on the Admiral. One of them discretely straightens his uniform jacket as she realizes it is askew.

"Here, I will explain the rules first!" he says, excited to have an active audience.  He gestures for Kala to step over and if she does he shows her what he has and then he quickly runs over the basics of how to play and what hands are considered "good" or "bad".  He is surprisingly honest about the gaming mechanics, though he leaves out all mention of bluffing.

"Watch me play a hand or two to decide and if you don't wanna play, you can continue to watch.  I won't mind."  He seemed perfectly content to keep her at his side if at all possible.

"Ah yes, the decision." Kaiten replied smoothly. "That is the thing. Jaered was worried you may not have completely understood the terms of the...agreement, and wanted me to reiterate them for you if that is so. However before I can do that I require you to state what you have inferred so far so I will know how to proceed." He said, speaking quickly and hoping the admiral would be confused enough to blurt out something useful Kaiten could latch onto.

Keynes stops, letting his arms drop to his sides and leaving the women momentarily confused, then turns to scrutinize Kaiten from head to toe. Keynes adjusts his stance slightly, from one of complete relaxation to that of a soldier, and his expression hardens as he unconsciously places his right hand on his hip, where his sidearm would be. "If Jaerad Kienaan knows you're here, harassing me, I'll eat my boots. I know your face now, Kaiten. You can leave me alone now, and I'll let Kienaan stay in the dark, or I can call Jaerad now and settle the matter. It's your decision."

The women stand in the background, completely uncertain as to what they should be doing. Yet again, a number of patrons are looking at Kaiten, although he recognizes none of them. The hostess looks mortified, as she is able to overhear the exchange.

The admiral was canny, Kaiten granted him that. But then again one didn't get to be an admiral in the empire by being a slouch. "There is no need to get offended admiral. I was simply trying to serve Jaeden and you. Perhaps we can talk more once you are free off...other concerns." He glanced at the women. "I will let Jaered know of your response. And a word of caution admiral, one should be wary about making comments about the Emperor. You never know who might be listening." Kaiten bowed, turned and began to make his way towards the turbo lifts. Well at least he had learned something, that a deal was in the works. Perhaps he could learn more from Jaered himself when they met. Whatever the case Kaiten felt he had gotten all that he could from the admiral for now. It was time to see the other floors of this casino.

[Private to GM: ooc: If Kaiten gets to the turbo lifts undisturbed, he will go to the second floor. (the arena)]

Sight, scent, sound, every facet of the redhead's presence seemed somehow infectious and riveting. Her appreciative laughter spurned his own dark chuckle whilst the sensuous embrace served to heighten the tension and desire in those around them. Yes, just as his thoughts on the silence initially attested, she was dangerous, more than that, she was the type of woman most often found amidst his own house. The very type of woman he was so accustomed to dealing. Rolling his head as she moved from ear to ear, he stood quietly and listened. Whatever she said earned a throaty murmur.

[private to Varis Rei: "Interesting," he began with a murderous tone, it was as if his thoughts had already considered how he wished to deal with the reptilian upstart. "That would mean my escape has already spread back to their employer. Unless...he was a part of the crew and is trying to cover up his failure." He considered that thought as arms wrapped around the lady's waist. "Good, I look...forward to the next report."]
As a thoughtful host to a mixture of emotions, the lingering kiss to his cheek did much to soothe whatever visions had crept into Joron's mind. Then, as she placed the credit chip onto black, he turned to the pit boss with a grin while she turned to leave. "Well, you heard the lady..." he said, his voice full of brutal aristocratic insinuation. "Are you content to stand there with your jaw on the floor or will you be wiping the drool from your face so we might play?" Then, with a smug look on his face he placed his own chips with her credits.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:41, Fri 08 May 2009.

Keynes quirks an eyebrow at Kaiten's comment, but otherwise seems unperturbed. He places his arms around the womens' shoulders and smiles charmingly as he relaxes again. "Now, ladies, where were we?"
[Private to Kaiten: The Arena is sub-level 2, actually. I'll give you access. I didn't think you character would be the type to enjoy blood sports.]
The hostess is in the process of making a call on a private comlink at her station as Kaiten makes his way to the turbolifts, but he is otherwise left alone.

"Thanks for the quick lesson. I'll watch for a little." Kala replied, as she nodded to Aadun, and then the dealer. It was an intriguing game, a lot of potential for bluffing, and counter bluffing. Trying to see who could best conceal what they had.

It reminded her a bit of her own life. Except, with paper cards. When she felt comfortable, perhaps she'd join in.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:03, Thu 07 May 2009.

The table seemed to be moving at a good pace, so Aadun began paying a lot more attention to his cards and what he was doing.  When there seemed to be a lull however as the Twi'lek had to really think about his hand, he glanced back up at the pink-skinned woman.

She seemed like she could be uncomfortable, he reasons to himself.  Those shoes alone looked quite painful.  "You know, you do look horribly uncomfortable just standing there.  Especially with those pointed shoes. Why don't you have a seat?" he asked and then pulls his chair out and pats his leg so as to offer her a seat.

[Private to GM: I'm rolling my persuision, minus the one for my inebriation and I got this: You rolled 24 using 1d20+8 ((16)). and I assume she gets a counter roll.]

[Private to Kala Jorn: I did make a roll, so I assume there would be some sort of a counter roll unless you are absolutely against it, :p]
This message was last edited by the player at 21:46, Thu 07 May 2009.

Kala had to laugh a little at the Zabrak's antics. "I think my friend, you have had one too many." She finished, as she shook her head. He was pretty funny, she had to give him that.

She gave a second or two's thoughts of taking a seat, but risking her dress in the hands of a drunk wasn't a good idea. "I'm alright. Years of wearing these types of shoes has gotten me used to walking around for long periods of time."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:03, Thu 07 May 2009.

"Alright, just trying to be mannerly and all.  If you change your mind, you know where to find me," he says and shrugs his shoulders.  He goes back to his table and looks down at his cards.  They were pretty good, so he throws in some chips and gets his head back into the game.

After leaving the third level, the striking beauty makes her way to the turbolift and heads up to the fifth floor, where she makes a circuit of the level. Eyes follow her along her entire path as games are disrupted and halted while men, and a few women, stare lustily or enviously.

The expression on her face tells the astute observer, who doesn't get lost in her curves, that she is well aware of and very much enjoys the havoc she is causing. Beyond that, however, it's difficult to discern if there's any more thought in her head than just reveling in her physical beauty.

[Private to Kala Jorn: Kala recognizes the woman who was in Kienaan's office.]
[Private to Aadun Ogden: Aadun recognizes her as the woman who stuck her head in Kienaan's office while he was being interviewed.]

As the woman enters her field of view, Kala looks up, watching eyes fall upon her, and emotions start to heighten in the surrounding area. She could almost see the lust that some of the men and women were feeling at the moment. She gave a nod to the woman as she walked by, not saying anything.

She hoped there wasn't any hard feelings still lingering from their initial meeting though.

Even he noticed the sudden change in the mood of the room.  He looks up from his cards, quite confused until his eyes land on the red haired woman from before.  It clicks in his mind that that was the woman who had been in Kienaan's office while he was there earlier.  Then, he barely gave her a second glance but now he could barely look away.

He almost made to stand up, but then when his eyes left her and he saw the cards on the table he knew that he couldn't leave them.  Besides which, even in his state he didn't want to mess with who could potentially be his boss' girl.  He just didn't want to die.

The woman's circuit brings her by the table where Aadun is playing and Kala is standing. She stops very near Kala and surveys the audience, as if to see who is paying attention to her and whose eyes might be on Kala. She looks quite satisfied with the result of her search.

She addresses Kala, "Jaerad forgot his manners when he neglected to introduce us. I am Varis Rei, Duchess of Phiris."

"Ahh. It is good to be introduced then Varis." Kala replied, as she walked a little closer, so she could whisper to the woman. [Private to The Force: 'So, you seem to have cut an impressive swath through the crowd. Their desire for you is so intense, that I think even a Non-Zeltron could feel it. I wonder what would happen if we had teamed up... I think we'd have the entire moon eating out of our hands. It is a good thing I don't have to compete with you, in that regard.']

She would wait a moment, in case Varis wanted to reply.

Varis replies quietly to Kala. [Private to Kala Jorn: "Maybe I have misjudged you, Kala. As long as you don't try to compete with me, I think we can be allies."]

"I'm sure we will see each other around the casino. I am pleased I saw you here and we could get to know one another. I should be getting back to Jaerad, now. My little errand is finished."

She glides back to the turbolift and there is a collective sigh as she vanished from sight.

Kala nodded as Varis left. 'Well, perhaps I've gained another ally on this moon...' She though, as she turned her attention back to the game. 'Though, I wonder how many I'll still have if anyone finds out about my past...' Turning fugatives into the empire tended to gain the person a fair amount of pretige, and credits.

The game had picked up again, which was to Aadun's liking.  Even still, there was one thing that was continuing to bother him since the red haired woman left.  "Hey, uh...  I can't remember your name, hmmm," he says, motioning for the pink-skinned lady to fill him in.

"Well, anyway, you work for Kienaan?"

"Kala Jorn. And yes, I just started working for Mister Keinaan." Kala replied, as she nodded to the Zabrak. "I just don't like to go around advertising it, stuff like that tends to turn away certian opportunities."

She let her empathic skills loose again, to see what the moods of people around her were. It was nothing like some Jedi could do, reading people's thoughts and the like, but it was more subtle, and a natural ability, not something that could be learned, or taught.

"Hmm, well next time you don't want somebody to know, don't have a loud conversation behind them," he responds honestly.  "I'm Aadun Ogden, by the way."  It wasn't completely fair to know her name and never give his own, after all.  At this point, he is beginning to feel a little sick and is going to need to concentrate on keeping that from getting worse.

Jealousy was such a palatable meal but even it had its limits. The time spent gambling came to an end, for the people gathered at the binspo table had lost any or all interest that Joron might have had. Attitudes had changed not once but twice. Where had the eyes that looked to him as a mark gone? Where were the casual conversations so common to the working class? Gone, gone, gone, much like the redhead that stirred desire in each of them. No, Joron was not a mark, nor was he their rival, he was above and beyond their creed. Motioning to the pit boss to cash his winnings, the erstwhile man of privilege gathered them and left.

"Such an interesting place, this casino," he murmured to himself. "And now I feel I must..." With the lady's words still on his mind, his brow furrowed in thought. Someone was sniffing around, someone that dare saw him as a gateway to untold credits, credits promised by the unseen. Anger boiled and swelled until long dexterous fingers tightened more and more around his winnings. It was hard, so very hard, to sit around with patience, to wait for Kienaan to work his magic while he did nothing.

The sound of the casino faded, replaced by naught but the his footsteps and internal paranoia. They led him back to the turbolift, where his finger absently pressed for the floor his suite was located. There were things he needed to look into, things that the redhead failed to mention or simply hadn't discovered. The price, just what was the present price going for? And was it made public knowledge? There was also something he needed to do about his appearance...

"Well, Aadun, I think you should concentrate on your game. If you want to meet up for breakfast after you sober up, don't hesitate to give me a call." She said, as she handed a slip of paper to him, with her personal commlink frequency on it.

She leaned over and planted a small kiss on his forehead. "For luck." With that, she nodded to those gathered, and wandered off, looking for other interesting events.

Turning to look at Kala he nods his head.  "Alright, bye," he says and pockets her com frequency for later use.  After she "wishes him luck" and leaves, he can't help himself and gives the table an obnoxious grin, before going back to his playing.  It was just as well that she left anyway, since his stomach was starting to turn.  In fact, he went ahead and hit his pager again, intending to ask Kyra if she would get him some sort of a bread-like snack.

Away from scum and games the turblift placed Joron exactly where he needed to be. Oh it was welcome, his time spent from the public eye but his journey from home did not come without consequence. He traded a life with little privacy for a life with less privacy and ample paranoia, perhaps more than he experienced in the past. Assassins, poisons, accidents, each were common place for those of his blood but there was always a not-so-subtle difference from combating such things from the sanctity of home over a foreign environment, an environment where you had been forced to rely on another person...

The walk from the lift and to his room was a leisurely one, a walk where his eyes scanned for anything out of place. That insipid creature was out there, sniffing around and without the benefit of its reputation to judge the alien by, there was no telling just how good or bad its skills were. With a small click of his teeth, Joron's regal face adorned a sour expression. It was all so very distasteful and he could only hope that Kienaan and his lovely assistant handled things swiftly.

As he arrived to his door, delicate fingers pressed and gauged, looking for any signs of forced entry or foul play. In these moments, his mind wandered [private to GM:, looking through the force to sense any presence in his room]. It almost seemed as if he were listening, listening for anything that could be beyond the threshold. Should he encounter no sense of sound, fingers moved to unlock as body moved to enter. Just as he had before, Joron went about carefully scanning his living quarters. Paranoia and doubt were such dangerous things and right now, they seemed to only escalate an otherwise cautious man.

The room itself was exquisite and certainly said much for Kinenaa's taste. Like his office, the suite was decorated finely, and spoke greatly for the man's character - or if not Jaerad than whomever chose to decorate this particular room. If all seemed well, if there were no shadowed figures or devices lurking in the dark, the brash young heir sat upon a chair and flicked a computer terminal to life. Here he could begin his own digging...[private to GM: Joron will attempt to access any information about a bounty placed on his head. Other useful info he could look up is the current state of Tapani (for example, if there's been news of his "death" or attack, anything that might impact his stay on Nar Shadda. If he needn't improve access, I'll just take 20 on the check for a result of 29, if I need to roll or improve access, let me know. >:)]

Krysten sat down at a Seven Card Comet table, leaving plenty of room for the jetpack on her back.  Swiping her credit chip across the reader, it spat out chip denominations for 500 credits in chips.  Waiting for the new hand, she eventually jumped in with 100.

[Private to The Force: 11:01, Today: Krysten Tyner rolled 13 using 1d20+2. Wisdom for Gambling.]

Krysten sits down and begins to play. Her first hand isn't the best, but over the next few hands, she makes her credits back. The Zabrak sitting at the table with her is having about the same kind of luck she is, winning and losing, but not really making much.

Aadun can not help but notice the woman who sits down at this table and buys in to the game. She's wearing Mandalorian armor, after all. After a few hands, it seems she isn't on fire, but since Aadun isn't either, they probably have a few things in common.

[Private to Krysten Tyner: A roll represents an entire evening of gambling, so you'll lose your credits over the night, but you get a whole night before it happens.]

[Private to Joron Sarrus: Joron makes a little headway. There's no news of his death, but then, the odds are that without a body, whoever hired the hitters would not want to announce things too quickly and seem guilty if he showed up alive. As for a bounty, in spite of all of his searching, he finds no public notices. Whoever has hired the bounty hunter has done so privately and directly.]

Despite all of his searching, despite every attempt to remove the veil, Joron made little, if any, progress. Clever, the phantom menace making attempts on his life was clever, certainly more than the last fool and that fact made the young heir's blood boil. Excited, yes, part of him was excited at the prospects of truly being tested in the games famous to his House. Cutoff from familial agents and resources, he was at quite the disadvantage. But whomever was after his head made a single mistake, one that he would soon capitalize on. With a new ally in Jaerad, he would see to that sooner rather than later. Pressing away from the computer, Joron slid his hand into his pocket and activated the pager to call for Kyra. It was time to do a little shopping...

Aadun gave the woman in the armor a smile as she sits down at the table.  Something seemed familiar about the armor, like there was something he should know, but in his state of mind, he couldn't remember what it was.  "What brings you here?" he asked, innocently, thinking to hear a good story considering her chosen attire.

Krystens mind wasn't really on the game, it was simply something to keep her hands busy since she couldn't clean her weapons on the casino floor.  Plus, she was wanting to possibly meet some of the people she was going to be working with.

"A job that promises credits for which I am uniquely suited.  And yourself?"

The tone of her voice is slightly disrupted by the external speaker, but it's obvious there's a slightly husky quality to her voice.

"And you?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:52, Tue 12 May 2009.

Aadun scowled down at his cards, muttering to himself and setting his hand down.  "The cards, they seem fickle tonight," he says to himself and then turns his attention back to the woman in the armor.  "Huh?  Oh, yeah credits.  That's why I'm here too, though I'm not getting very many right now."

Inside her helmet, Krysten grinned.  Leave it to the drunks to talk to themselves.  She kept her voice level as she spoke again.

"Indeed.  It seems luck has decided not to favor myself as well."

She paused for a moment, trying to decide just how 'friendly' to be.

"I'm called Krysten," she said, holding out a gauntlet-covered hand.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:53, Tue 12 May 2009.

"Nice ta meet you.  I'm Aadun Ogden," he says and firmly shakes her head back. "Welcome to the table.  I usually enjoy a game of cards, but today I'm not feeling the luck.  Do you often gamble?"  This question was followed by a scowl as he sets his cards down and sees that he lost that hand.

His grip was firm and steady, which was unusual for someone faced with a Mando visage, but that was fine by her.

"No, I don't usually gamble.  I'm simply looking for people who I may be working with in an attempt to get some idea of whom I might be working with."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:55, Wed 13 May 2009.

"Oh?  Who do you work for?  Maybe I know somebody," he asks and looks over at her as he's speaking.  He wonders vaguely what she looks like under that armor.

"I responded to an ad for a four to six person group for an undetermined period of time, courtesy of Mr. Keinaan."

She spoke while looking at her cards, though she occasionally glanced over at the Zabrak through the far side of her visor.

"Oh, yeah?  I did too," he says and then chuckels just a bit too loudly.  "What do you want to know?"  He glances around at their tablemates and is kind of wondering why they're all being quiet and some of them seem a little scared to be there.

She took the new hand and looked over it in disgust, but kept her voice neutral.

"Well, without getting into too much detail, what where you hired for?  Your capabilities in specific areas?"

Aadun was silent for a moment as he tried to decide what to say.  She would find out why he was hired one way or another anyway and it couldn't hurt him to tell her.  He leans over and says a quick phrase as quietly as he could.  [Private to Krysten Tyner: I'm a slicer.]

[Private to GM: Considering my inebriation, I'm willing to roll to see if I actually said that as quietly as I wanted to.]

This cycle of the day seems to be quieting down. While the casino does operate continuously, there are still slow periods and they seem to be entering one. The table is beginning to clear out, gradually.

[Private to Aadun Ogden: I think you're fine. There aren't too many people to overhear at the moment, anyway.]