Golden Link Casino

[Brina Thalin]

Glancing at her chrono, Brina realized that Durose and his recruit were over half and hour late. Sighing, she left instructions with the receptionist to let them know the meeting had been cancelled. If they wished to set up another time to interview, they could contact her.

 

She inquired after Zara's whereabouts, and was informed that she was at one of the Casino's nicest restaurants. Grinning, she headed down to the tracks to check on the progress of refurbishing. She arrived just as the last new seat was being installed. She looked the whole facility over, and was very impressed. "Excellent work," she told the crew team. "It looks gorgeous." And indeed it did. With cushioned chairs, luxury viewing boxes with self-setting environmental controls, and a newer, harder track, the podracing facility was simply begging to be used. Each of the other tracks were similar, and Brina was pleased with the new blob-racing track. The blob wranglers were satisfied with the blob pens, and they were given quarters nearby as nice as some of the other hotel rooms on the Casino.

 

She commended the crews on their work, then sent them off to have 5 days off, paid in full by the Link, to whatever destination they wished. She then checked the status of the other teams. Many were nearing completion, but none required her attention.

 

Part of her was glad of some time off, but at the same time, being busy left less time to think...As her treacherous thoughts began to creep back in at the mere inkling of them, Brina threw up her hands. She headed to her apartment, changed into a black jumpsuit, and headed to the hanger. Once there, she grabbed her tools and set to work on the Mynock, trying to focus on improving her ship, and not think about Kat.

[Zara Nargal]

Zara tilted her head to the side, a smile on her lips as her hand went to rest over her abdomen,

 

"Melanie... That's nice. Melanie Devanus."

 

The meal arrived, Zara digging into it just as eagerly as Sabian, the hunger and cravings needing to be sated. She had left her own surname off, having had left it off from the twins as well, they only had their father's name, not her's. It was surprising the amount she had been putting away when it came to food these days, thanks to the growing child within her. She glanced back up at her love once she had finished her meal,

 

"Holding up much better now I know you're alive and well. It was touch and go for a while there... I... wasn't sure I wanted to live without you. Only for the children... for our unborn... but you're here now and that's the main thing."

 

She didn't know how close Sabian's ties were with the Jedi now, though she wanted to make sure the arrangements were still in place to deliver any hopefuls that they came across. She also hoped he would be understanding if the Link delivered Sith hopefuls to their rivals as well. It was only a preference thing, if someone wanted to go to either the Link would be confidential with their dealings.

[Durose Roshan]

Durose strolled quietly into the hanger bay in search of Brina. He knew she had to be working on her ship somewhere. It wasn't long before he found her. Watching her silently for a short while, Durose finally moved in. He greeted her. She was a little startled initially, as it seemed her mind was somewhere else. Durose appologized and continued.

 

"Sorry about that, ma'am. I didn't mean to surprise you. I just wanted to touch basis with you. I guess Ani and I went to the wrong conference room. We were waiting for you and then I received your comm that the meeting was canceled. I'm so sorry. I must have taken us to the wrong room. I'm new around here and can do that sometimes. Ani will talk to you about rescheduling at his earliest convenience."

 

After a prompt bow Durose continued, "Being we are so close to Corellia I've been monitoring ship activity in the system. I was reviewing the records for the last few days and I spotted a passanger manifest that included a Pau'an aboard. If my past experiences prove true, they can prove to be very valuable employees. I'm going to investigate. If possible, can you give me word when the Casino is going to jump at least an hour before it does? That would be much appreciated."

 

Durose bowed deeply once again and then headed for the door.

 

"Oh. And the left power coupling looks a little worn out. You might want to replace it and add a better damper," he noted with a smile as he walked out of the room and prepared to leave.

[Brina Thalin]

She was startled by Durose's sudden appearance. "No problem," she said. "I'll let you know. I have your comm number."

 

As he left, he pointed out the power coupling with a smug smile. Brina inwardly seethed. As if she needed someone to tell her how to fix her ship! Furiously, she slammed the hatch over the panel she was working on, and ripped out the old power coupling. She replaced it, then went to the quads. She was hoping to coax a little more power out of them, and darn it if she didn't get what she wanted when it came to her ship.

 

The only good thing, she reflected after she had calmed down a bit, about Durose's intrusion was that it had given her something else to think about. But if he ever insulted her ship in her presence again...!

 

She continued to work, her comm open in case anyone wanted to get in contact with her.

[Zara Nargal]

A beep at her comm unit alerted Zara to a message. While in the Casino she used the portable wrist mounted unit that had the security monitor. Looking at the screen, Zara smiled as she took note of the two small figures trailed by a larger one just before they entered the restaurant. The two young children scurried their way over to the table where they felt their mother to be, throwing their arms around her before looking up at Sabian. Kalyani climbed onto Zara's lap, Kane moving round to Sabian's side, tugging at his arm and holding his arms up to be picked up.

 

"Looks like they wanted to welcome you back too my dearest. So... what have you two been up to?"

 

"Rascal hid on us Mummy. He won't come out from under your bed."

 

Zara gave a small laugh as Kalyani complained about the lack of Rascal's enthusiasm to play with the twins all the time. Kane looked over at his mother, a curious look on his face as he asked,

 

"Where's Auntie Brina?"

[Mikey]

Pressing the IC comm, Anakin calls Brina and tells her that he is ready.

[Brina Thalin]

All right, here goes nothing, Brina thought as she started the computer diagnostic on the quad lasers.

 

Laser efficiency: 96%.

 

She sighed in relief, and a smile crossed her face. They were up 2%. Deeply satisfied, she pulled out her hydrospanner and began to tinker some more, moving wires around and replacing old ones. So caught up in her work was she that she jumped nearly a meter in the air when her comm buzzed. Laughing at herself, she checked it.

 

The prospect of having to go sit through a meeting sobered her up, but she knew it was her duty to go interview this man. She glanced in the mirror on her way out and saw that she was filthy. Knowing she wouldn't have time for a nice, long shower, she opted for a quick sonic one, which removed the dirt and grease, but didn't refresh her. She tied her red hair back in a pony tail and headed down to the conference room.

 

"I'm Brina Thalin," she introduced herself as she came in. "Have a seat. So...tell me about yourself, sir. What's your name? Why do you want to join the Link?"

[Sabian]

He was hardly the least bit surprised, already experienced in knowing the little tikes were infamously able to locate their mother, regardless of where she was within the casino. Smiling pleasantly, the man was quite taken as Kane made pathway towards him of all people, obviously wanting to be held up like her sister had. Although, upon a closer inspection, his own blood ran cold. For that split moment, the boy's father took his place within Sabian's mind, the two faces overlapping being so similiar.

 

Suddenly becoming a tad bit more pale in appearance, a strange barrage of thoughts invading his head, he placed the napkin that had laid placantly upon his lap onto the table, bringing his chair back with the same motion.

 

"If you'll excuse me for just a moment, I'll be right back."

 

The kind man's conscience could not allow them to feel his fear, veiled by the knowledge of the Force he withheld and a genuine smile. Feinting a stomache illness, he leaned to kiss Zara's cheek in reassurance before leaving the table, entering the nearest facility. Washing his hands and face thoroughly, troubled images kept bombarding his mind all of the sudden; some familiar, some unknown to even he. For the time being, he kept to himself, secluded, coping with whatever happened upon seeing the children.

[Mikey]

Well, my name is Anakin Geer and I am a bounty hunter/assassin. I was introduced to The Link by Durose Roshan as I was leaving Kamino. I know a bit about The Link and am interested in employment. That enough? Anakin said.

[Zara Nargal]

Something was wrong though Zara hid it from the twins as Sabian kissed her cheek. She made room on her lap for Kane as Sabian moved off, heading to the gent's room, her eyes following him until he left her view. She had caught a quick flash that he had seen Ronin within Kane's facial features. Yes, both children did have traits of their father, Kalyani more in temperment as far as Zara was noticing, with Kane following his mother in that regard. She hadn't done anything with the twins to put them against their father, had even told the twins that she was sure that he loved them in his own way. She'd shown them footage on the holonet when she'd seen their Father so they knew he was still out there.

 

They had long ago stopped asking why he didn't come and see them. Zara had noticed, though didn't comment, instead showing the twins that she loved them more than anything. That Zara would love her unborn daughter just as much was obvious. She only hoped that the twins wouldn't feel put out that Sabian was around more than their natural father was. They kept asking her when he was coming round next though, liking that he made their mother happy.

 

Zara kept glancing back at the door from which he had parted, hiding from the twins that she was concerned also. There was something... something she couldn't put her finger on. For the moment she shook it off, listening intently as the twins gabbled on about their latest exploits, making their mother laugh as they got enthusiastic and waved their little hands around. Snacks were brought out for them, the two soon stuffing their faces with sweets and treats.

[Brina Thalin]

Most of that I new already, but oh well, Brina thought. Aloud, she added, "What kind of employment are you seeking, Mr. Geer?"

 

She jotted a few things down on her datapad. "Also, what is your previous job experience, and why did you quit those jobs?"

 

She was trying to keep an open mind about the new employee. He didn't have much to say for himself, but it was possible that he was just one of those people who didn't talk much. Or he was shy. It was impossible to tell until she got to know him better, and that was one of the goals of this meeting.

[Zara Nargal]

After the twins had finished their snacks, Zara let them up from her lap, the Nanny helping get them settled ready to go back to the apartment. Zara looked back at the rest room door to where Sabian had gone, before catching the eye of one of the waiters.

 

"Please tell Mr Devanus when he comes out that I'll be in my office"

 

"Yes Ma'am."

 

The waiter would pass on the message when he came out.

 

Zara didn't know what to think, though there was something she had been wanted to do for some time now. She had to keep the twins safe. The only way to do that would be to send them to a secret location. The small group made their way firstly to the apartment where Zara cuddled and kissed both twins before letting the Nanny take care of them while she got down to some work.

 

She headed back to her Office, beginning a special search for a location that would be safe to send the children to where they would be safe. Once her newborn was old enough, Zara would send her off to the twins too. With the last attack by Black Sun, there was no way that Zara would risk the safety of her children again. She had even miscarried a child while in captivity. Zara would have to be very careful while she carried this daughter, not wanting to lose her either.

 

Zara would keep in touch with her children regularly, by a special encrypted channel that would be difficult to trace. One that would be bounced around everywhere else first before reaching it's final destination. She would send the Nanny and Rascal with them, also another loyal guard and a droid. She would make sure that nothing was left to chance when it came to their safety.

[Mikey]

Well, Ms. Thalin, I am interested in a position that would involve lots of action and combat. My personal field of expertice. he said.

[Brina Thalin]

Brina waited for Anakin to answer the other half of the question, and when he remained silent, looked up, slightly surprised. "So you have no other job experience?"

 

She paused. "As for 'action and combat', the Link is a neutral faction. We do not choose sides between Alliance and Empire, Jedi and Sith. Our only enemy is Black Sun, the crime syndicate that has recently attacked us. However, they have given us a moment to catch our breaths, and we have made new deals to ensure they won't be a threat again." The last statement wasn't entirely true, but Brina didn't mind. She wanted to let him know where they officially stood.

 

"I don't think you will find much 'action' with the Link. We are a piloting agency, mechanical repair shop, big business, and casino backers, among other things. However, we do hire bounty hunters from time to time. If you are interested in that line of work, which seems like it would suit you much better, then I would be happy to arrange something for you.

 

"However," she continued. "If you wish to learn something new, we are in need of a public services supervisor. You would be responsible for judging the needs of the visitors to this Casino, evaluating our host and hostesses, and making sure everyone's stay is enjoyable and that there is nothing more we can do to make it better. Then you would be reporting to Miss Nargal or I with your recommendations on how to improve based on the needs you see daily."

 

She handed Anakin a datapad with the job description on it, then waited to see what his response to all this information on it was.

 

((OOC: Just a note, if you want to improve more as an RPer, aim for longer posts. It helps build your writing skills, and makes your character much more interesting and developed. For example, what does your character think about this new situation? Why is he looking for a new job? Does he have an old friend that Brina reminds him of? Is the Casino as nice as some of the others he's been to, or has he been to one at all? Just some ideas/comments/suggestions. ))

[Zara Nargal]

Not knowing what had gone on with Sabian was concerning Zara, though she couldn't dwell on it. If she did she would worry herself sick and she didn't need that. She left a note on her desk incase he showed up there and headed to the meeting room where Brina was interviewing the new recruit.

 

She knocked once sharply to let them know she was entering before she opened the door and strode in.

 

"How are things going so far Brina?"

 

She looked at Anakin to see what his response would be to another of the 'bosses' coming into his interview.

[Mikey]

Well, Ms. Nargal, Brina and I were just discussing the terms of my employment. Turning to Brina, he saidI think I'll take up on that offer of a hired bounty hunter. As of now, I really could use the credits. Anakin said with a smile as he twirled a DC-17 on his finger.

Where should I go, and what do I need to do?

[Brina Thalin]

Brina paused, thinking. "Well, I think it would be beneficial to keep an eye on Black Sun. If I'm not mistaken, Piccolo is the leader right now. If you could find him and return to let us know, we would pay you, oh, let's say 7000 credits."

 

The amount was fairly good for the job. Finding Black Sun would not necessarily be easy. Anakin would have to find someone who knew where their base was, get them to tell him or take him there, and then find Piccolo, escape, and report on his dealings without being detected.

 

She glanced at Zara to see if she approved. It would indeed be a good idea to keep an eye on Black Sun...and maybe if this worked out, they could even employ Anakin as a double agent.

[ObliviousKnight]

The YT-1300 freighter Worshyr appeared out of hyperspace in the vicinity of the Golden Link casino. In the old freighter's cockpit, Misal Draygo scowled, realizing that a great portion of the casino station was utterly dark to her senses, blanketed in a veil that completely blocked her senses. She growled a low curse, eliciting a curious glance from the Wookiee pilot of the freighter.

 

Keying the communications systems to hail the glittering casino station, she sent a brief message to detail who she was and her purpose in coming to the casino.

 

"This is Misal Draygo. I have come to impart business concerning the Jedi Order, and was redirected here from your headquarters on Coruscant."

[Zara Nargal]

Zara looked at Anakin as he spoke, then listened to Brina. To know where and what Black Sun was up to would aid not only them but all the others Black Sun had attacked as well. Reports had come in that Thorpe had had an entanglement with them as well.

 

"Yes, Black Sun. Our arch enemy. You would have to be extremely careful with your dealings with them. They once sent their agents here, I'd thought I'd managed a way around their dublicity only to have been countered with his false orders to medical. Becoming a double agent, working for us to find out information about them, might be too risky if you are found out. If you can befriend one of their agents and get information from them. We may or may not be able to get you out."

 

She looked back at Brina before her gaze returned to Anakin.

 

"How do you feel about implants? What I'm suggesting is a tracking device placed somewhere under your skin that triggers an alert if you are in danger from them. I've been captured by Black Sun and know what they can do. It isn't pretty. The option is there if you want"

 

--

 

Clearance is given to Misal Draygo, having already had the report that she was on her way. She would be led to the meeting room next to where Brina and Zara currently were by Zara's secretary, down in the Force Zone. Refreshments would be provided upon her arrival, while she waited for them to finish their other meeting. The secretary would keep her company in the mean time, being able to answer certain questions if required.

[Mikey]

Holstering his blaster, Anakin said Double-agent sounds good. I actually already have a contact within Black Sun, Jacen Onnd. He'll probably fill me in on important details and give me the location of Piccolo. And about the implant, i'll take it. Hopefully it wont interfere with my Type-D Optics implant. Zara handed Anakin the implant, and he left.

[Brina Thalin]

Brina nodded as Anakin accepted the job, then headed to the medical bay to get his implant installed. He had planned on leaving as soon as he was recovered, so Brina didn't expect to see him again until he returned from his mission.

 

She turned to Zara. "Well, that was an interesting interview. He is definately not a people person. I barely got him to say three sentences to me the whole time. But we'll see how this job works out for him. I hope he'll be alright, but he does seem to have a pretty good head on his shoulders."

 

She had recieved the message from their Coruscant HQ about the rep from the Jedi coming to see them, and the notification that the woman had arrived. "I wonder why the Order didn't just send Sabian?" she wondered out loud. "How is he, by the way?"

 

Brina's tone turned teasing. "Is he back to stay?" She rose and cleared off the table, then stored the datapad away for further future use. She then opened the door for her friend, and the two women headed over to the conference room that held the waiting Miraluka.

[Zara Nargal]

"You'll find the implant doesn't interfere with others, I've got several myself."

 

She watched him head out the door towards medical, turning towards Brina as the two moved towards their next meeting.

 

"You're not wrong with him not having much to say. I hope he goes well."

 

Her thoughts turned to the Jedi representative waiting for them now.

 

"I'm curious as to why as well. Sabian is still here, but something happened. I'm not sure what. We had something to eat and then when the twins showed up, Kane went to sit on his knee. I saw a flash that he saw Ronin in Kane and he went strange... wanted some time to himself. I'm not sure what is going on, or how long he's around for."

 

As they walked along, Zara stretched out her feelings towards Sabian, wondering if he would join them in this meeting, being that it was with another from the Jedi Order.

 

"I don't know if he'll come join us for this meeting or not. Brina, I know the twins will be constant reminders of Ronin but I think this is more than that. There's a feeling, kind of like an omen. I'm going to send the twins off to a special 'safe' place for a while, and when Melanie has been born, she'll be sent to join them if the danger hasn't passed."

 

Her hand went over her abdomen and the child that was becoming visible with her baby bump. It let Brina know she was carrying a girl and what they had decided to call her.

 

The two arrived in the meeting room before their latest arrival, Zara picking up a cup and pouring a caffa, indicating towards Brina that she'd pour her one too if she wanted one.

[ObliviousKnight]

((Currently editing.))

[Durose Roshan]

Durose's shuttle finally docked with the Link casino. Leaving the vessel, Durose carried proc to the medical facility and strapped him down to an operating table. He wasn't going to operate on Proc, but with all the damage he had done lately, Durose wanted to make sure he couldn't run around and do anything more for the time being.

 

Durose took a seat. Messing with his comm settings, Durose initiated his 'master plan.'

[ObliviousKnight]

((Urrghh.... I forgot to copy/paste that post and ended up losing the entire thing.))

 

Upon arriving in the Golden Link's hangar complex, Misal Draygo was quite pleased to find that her hosts had reserved a meeting room removed from the effects of the anti-Force field. The Miraluka had been forced to imitate blind woman for a great portion of her life and had learned how to function without her innate senses, but that had no effect on her reluctance to be parted with the Force. Many Force Sensitives expressed discomfort when severed from the Force, but a Miraluka was literally rendered blind.

 

While walking to the meeting through the outskirts of the casino station, Misal chatted freely about her role in the Jedi Order... which was nearly nonexistant. She considered herself only as the representative of one of the Jedi Masters and member of the Jedi Council, who was, conveniently, her daughter. Misal considered this task to be only out of her responsibilities to her family. "I can only imagine how surprised Armiena will be when she finds out that I got here first." She smiled, shrugging slowly. "Still, if she hasn't gotten used to my working behind her back, it's her loss." That said, she could only laugh at how unusual their relationship was.

 

Upon arriving at the meeting room, Misal wasted no time in getting the first word in. "Ms. Nargal, Ms..." She searched her memory, as the other woman was less familiar to her. "Thalin. I am here on the behalf of my daughter, Jedi Master Armiena Draygo."

[Zara Nargal]

Zara sipped at her cup of caffa, placing it down as their guest arrived. She indicated for her secretary to fix Misal Draygo any refreshment she'd prefer.

 

"I must say I'm curious as to why you are here on behalf of the Jedi Order. We currently haven't come across any hopefuls to deliver to the Jedi, though I know you've changed locations again. Have the drop off points and contacts changed?"

 

She was still wondering if Sabian would arrive at the meeting or not. He didn't seem himself at the moment and she was concerned. Zara took a seat now that Ms Draygo had arrived, slipping into one of the comfortable chairs to take her ease.

[Sabian]

Several hours hours passed as if they were never there to begin with. Rearing back against the cold wash of the sink he had submerged his head into, one hand smoothed his right cheek, a simple confused look upon his face. The man checked himself in the mirror, wondering if the reflection would show his face or the face of another; the one that had been upon his mind. To his awe, he saw his own for once, as the memories had swept away as easily as they had come.

 

Left uneasy against the bathroom sink still, having only had the strength to look at himself past the foucet's lining, Sabian pulled himself inwards, drying off either wrist and slicked back his blonde locks of hair. Inside, he was given a sense of clarity and focus; able to regain full consciousness after what he had witnessed. Striding away from the facility, it became easy within the very force-friendly environment that certain sectors of the now privatized casino to locate anyone within its vacinity.

 

Riding the lift back upstairs, it would only be a few minutes of travel before the Jedi Knight approached the meeting room, although purposely stopped outside its door. Closing his eyes, he peered inside, seeing two familiar faces and one unfamiliar one. Breathing deeply in and out, he reopened his eyes just as the door opened, obviously having been recognized by Zara.

 

With a sheepish grin, he bowed his head graciously as he entered, folding his arms in traditional fashion to the older woman who was now in their company.

 

"Hello there. Forgive my intrusion, I was just curious as to what was going on here. Clearly a meeting of some sorts, I presume?"

 

Extending an arm within Miss Draygo's reach, he peered deeply into her eyes with his own crystalline blue orbs, smiling very friendly as they exchanged a brief formal handshake.

 

"Please, do continue."

 

Folding his long sleeves over, Sabian took place by Zara, folding a hand over hers, and sat comfortably during the conversation...

[ObliviousKnight]

Misal Draygo visibly hesitated, not only considering her next words but weighing the implications of Sabian Devanus' arrival, their rather intimate posture, and the gradually growing presence in Zara's abdomen. If she had eyes, they would have raced between the two Force Sensitives, then, after drawing the obvious conclusion, given the woman a good humored wink.

 

"Congratulations." She seemed torn between a frown of concentration and a grin. "A... girl? Yes--I could hardly forget when I was carrying Armiena. I could tell you stories that would make her turn all sorts of interesting colors...." Misal was clearly tempted to tell the two that Armiena was a fighter from the time that she had just barely developed proper legs--splendid entertainment, especially if her daughter was in attendance... but the Miraluka suddenly realized that she had important business.

 

"Where were we... yes, the location of the Jedi's academy has changed. It's been relocated to Manaan, on the Eternal Vigilance. It's fairly easy to find if you have proper clearance. But that is not the main purpose of my visit here."

 

She took a sip of her tea, then leaned forward instinctively. "My daughter is founding a charity organization with the purpose of relieving the destruction caused by this war. It's officially neutral, of course, but Armiena is understandably leery of a possible threat to the Survivor's Foundation." Finally, she used the official name of their organization. "She understands the wisdom of reaching out to as many organizations as possible before unveiling it to the public, so she wishes to secure The Link's support--financially, and otherwise if necessary."

[Zara Nargal]

Zara felt herself smiling even before the door opened to admit Sabian, pleased that he had come. Her smile widened when his hand rested over hers, her eyes lighting up. She gave him a wink, turning her attention back to Misal.

 

"Thankyou. Yes, we're having a girl."

 

She could just imagine the kinds of stories Misal had about her daughter Armiena. Zara had some interesting tales with her twins and they were only two and a half.

 

Zara nodded her head when Manaan was mentioned, she had heard of rumours of the Jedi being out of there. If they found any hopefuls they would comm ahead to let them know they carried them. She listened carefully as Misal explained the reason for the visit. So it was funding that they required. Her eyes met with Brina's, then with Sabian's, her gaze shifting back to the Miraluka. It sounded like a good idea. The Survivor's Foundation.

 

"Financially we should be able to aid you."

 

She looked back to Brina to see if she wanted to say anything.

[Brina Thalin]

Brina smiled at Sabian as he came in, just glad to see him not only for Zara, but also because she liked him. She hoped to get to know him more in the future. She also took in the news that the child was a girl, then turned her focus to Misal.

 

Brina listened carefully to the woman's proposition. She thought it was an excellent idea. It was exactly what the Jedi needed to be doing. It lined up perfectly with her ideas of them, and that they hadn't been doing something like this before surprised her.

 

"Of course," she replied. "Frankly, I think it's a wonderful idea, and always something Coruscant is in dire need of. We don't have a lot of personelle to spare, but if you need aid, I'm sure we can reassign some people. Also, we can donate some of our profits to the Survivor's Foundation, and if you need anything else, feel free to ask us. I'm sure we'll be able to do at least something."