Golden Link Casino

[Zara Nargal]

Zara smiled when she saw the holos. Now at least she'd have some of her children all together while they were apart. She hated the thought of it, but it was a necessary evil. No. The evil was Black Sun. Zara's fear of Piccolo trying something else was great. Ever since she had been kidnapped by him, and had the threats against her children. She felt that her family would never be safe.

 

"Nothing much has been happening. Security has been performing drills, keeping everything running smoothly. Everything is all set for the big wedding event. I did have fun with the decorations that had been sent to us. You must take a look at them. I haven't heard from the Wedding party just when they are coming yet. For that matter, I don't even know where they want the Casino situated."

 

Zara took turns cuddling her twins with her free arm as she cradled Mellanie with the other, a loving look on the young mother's face.

 

"So, tell me about Myrkr. How did you and Durose get on? You were clearly uneasy with each other when you left. Did you get anything sorted out?"

 

From what Zara had seen, the Cathar was efficient and a good employee. She wanted Brina's opinion as well.

[Brina Thalin]

"It was fine," Brina replied. "Of course, it was tense between me and him, but we didn't let it interfere with our mission there. Once we got through a vornskyr attack, it was no problem collecting the ysalamiri."

 

She knew she had skirted the question. "As for Durose personally, I just don't get along with him. Something about me doesn't trust him. I know that's stupid...I don't know what it is."

 

She shrugged. "The others are very interesting characters as well. Procs doesn't have much to say for himself. He was a former sith apprentice, and it seems that he was almost forced to come here by Durose. He doesn't seem to want to leave, though, so I left it open for him. Victoria is an interesting personality. She seems to be feircely loyal to Durose...I have a feeling where he goes, she will follow unquestioningly. As for Cyrus, I like him the best. He's a sexy god (edited by Tarrian), so he has a stong honor code, and is an excellent warrior, but he's very stoic and serious. Likeable enough, though, as long as you don't expect him to talk your ear off."

[Durose Roshan]

((ROFL! So what did it say before you edited it Tarrian? ))

 

The YT vessel carrying Durose finally docked with the station. Durose had found the trip pleasant, if not a little lonely. The lonely part surprised him, but he shrugged it off. He was spending far too much time with all these humans.

 

As he made his way off the vessel, he grabbed a pad to check the security logs and locate Brina Thalin in the system. Discovering her location, he made his way to her to notify her that he had arrived safely, here ship was in one piece, and he was ready to report for duty. Meanwhile, several of the cargo employees went about boarding the ship and removing the ysalamiri in order to take them to storage.

 

Of course, her ship was now in even better working order as he had used the long trip to optimize several of the systems with minor tweaks to improve efficiency and customize and stabilize the new engine modifications he had given her. Of course, he didn't plan on mentioning any of that as he didn't know what kind of reception he would get. That, and judging from the last time they had went down this road, he didn't venture to imagine it would be positive.

 

Entering the room, Durose realized he might be interrupting something, "Oh. I'm sorry. I should have probably announced myself before I came. I'm sorry, ladies. If you wish, I will leave you two be until you have finished." Durose closes as he bowed curtiously and slowly backed away, still facing them.

 

 

---------

 

The vessel containing Procs and Victoria came in shortly before Durose arrived. Carrying the vornskyrs in the hold, the trip had been a little noisy at times. Still, it hadn't been all too bad. Procs, of course, was still his "man of few words" self but Victoria made due. They kept things mostly to small talk when the occassion arose and it did actually help to pass the time.

 

Excited, though, to finally be back at the station, Victoria burst into Procs quarters.

 

"Procs! Where's home! Isn't it great! No more rations, hounds barking, weird smells, or any of that stuff! Just a good old relaxing atmosphere, nice decor, three square meals a day, and plenty of people to talk to!"

[Zara Nargal]

(( LMAO @ Tarrian ...

He's a sexy god (edited by Tarrian)

))

 

Zara was still sitting comfortably against the pillows, cradling her new daughter while the twins were either side of their 'Aunt', small arms around her legs so she couldn't move anywhere.

 

"That's an interesting appraisal of those on the trip. I'll have to get to know them myself."

 

The twins were trying to distract the two women from talking business so by the time Durose entered Zara was trying not to laugh and she gathered Brina was as well, being that she couldn't move very far in a hurry due to the twins.

 

"No, come in Durose. I want your report on the mission as well. Meet my family. The two three year olds trying to topple Brina over are Kane and Kalyani, and this is Mellanie."

 

Her gaze went to each of her children and then back to the Cathar. For some reason she felt she could actually trust him. It was strange as the only other "staff" member that had anything to do with her children had been Brina, though she was more her best friend and business partner rather than employee.

 

"The wedding party and guests should be arriving before long, we'll have to make sure everything else is set before they all arrive. I've just mentioned to Brina as well, that I want contact made with the Hutt's. I hear there is a new leader of them taking over from Whyl. I want to gain an alliance with them, and work out kind of a mutual agreement spying agency with them. Black Sun knows our people, if we hire the Hutt's, we could get information without Black Sun knowing we have it."

 

She looked back at him, wondering what he thought about that idea.

[Brina Thalin]

Thankfully, being tackled by the twins afforded Brina the chance to not have to speak, which she was extrememly alright with. Nevertheless, she was listening to Zara's comment, and was interested to see what Durose would say in response.

 

She tickled Kane, who screamed in delight. Kalyani then quickly demanded the same be done to her, and between the overjoyed shrieks of the twins, Brina would be surprised if Zara and Durose could even hear themselves talk. Suddenly, the commotion disturbed Melanie, who began to cry. Brina gave Zara an apologetic look. Toseling Kane's hair, she whispered to them, "Maybe we should play later."

[Menthu]

A single eyebrow was raised as Victoria decided it was wise to burst inside of his room. Then on top of that she began exlaiming about how happy she was to be back. Naturally a thought or two crossed his mind about how to make sure she stayed here forever, most of those thoughts were centered around grafting her flesh into the bulk heads, Or taking her and implanting her into various systems and sub stytems such as the system that ran the lights and create such a loop that in order to entangle her fried corpse from the remains this place would be out of commision for a week or so.

 

Then he sighed knowing he wouldn't get the chance at any of these things. He had noted however that he was once again wepaonless, not even a comfy little blaster at his side, even though he had decided he wasn't going to try and make a break from the place until he learned some useful things.

 

"If you say so." He replied before returning all of his focus back upon a datapad he was studying.

[Durose Roshan]

((HAHA! Tarrian strikes again! ^^^ ))

 

Durose respectfully bowed to each of the children as they were introduced.

 

"Miss Nargal, Brina," bowing to each of them as well.

 

He felt kind of awkward in his current position. Zara had obviously just given birth for one. This wasn't necessarily the most professional place to discuss business. Two, being around kids made him a little nervious. Human children were so fragile. It always made him scared he might accidentally injure one of them. That, and when they cried it was like someone fingernailing a chalkboard, especially to his sensitive ears.

 

Durose tried to listen as best he could as the kids played around with Brina. He tried to listen carefully as Zara spoke.

 

Guests arriving soon. Need to check security. Contact Hutts. Hire them as spys.

 

Durose nodded. Then the baby cried. Durose cringed. Attempting to stay professional, Durose returned to his unemotional demeanor with only a minor twitching of the left cheek ever so many seconds.

 

Realizing that they were waiting for a response, Durose snapped out of his momentary daze and spoke, "Uh...I...yeah. Yes. I think that sounds like a good idea. I agree. Yes. Yes, I think that would probably be a good idea. That might work, too."

 

At this point, the baby had finally calmed down and stopped crying.

 

Regaining his focus, Durose continued, "I'll make sure preparations for the wedding are taken care of. It would seem that the Sun knows all of us," Durose shot Brina a quick glance knowing she would know what or who he was refering to, "but I don't believe they would be familiar with the new Hutt organization operatives. I like the suggestions. Who should contact the Hutts?"

 

 

***---***

 

Victoria walked up beside Procs so that she could look over his shoulder at what he was reading.

 

"Come on. There's got to be something you like about being back.........

 

So whatcha read'n?"

[Menthu]

"Here or Myrkr, or any other place, is just that; a place. Nothing more nothing less."

 

He decided he better show her some attaention or else she could very likley become a real bother.

 

He took one last look at the datapad and then looked up from his reading.

 

"I am reading a journal. Just because I dropped out of the Sith program doesn't mean I will let this power that I have go to waste, it just means I won't use it as a crutch like all the other Force senstive beings in the galaxy."

[Durose Roshan]

Victoria brushed over the words on the pad. It looked pretty technical.

 

"Just a place? I guess if you minus the fact that there are wild force hunting creatures that can tear us to ribbons on Myrkr I might agree," she replied half teasingly.

 

"So a journal, eh? So that's what you do for fun? Read people's journals?"

[Menthu]

A smile escaped his lips.

 

"No for fun I render the flesh of the bones of the weak and fed it back to them. For fun I allow them to feel the cold icy fingers of death that once gripped my own heart. For fun I take people and sear them into buklheads and then laugh attheir plight.

 

No this isn't for fun, this is for power."

 

He decided to move the datapad out of prying eye and so he tossed it on to what passed for his bed.

 

"Since I don't want this party to be all about me, what do you do for fun?"

 

He silently laughed no doubt it was something stupid as well as a waste of time.

[Durose Roshan]

Victoria gave him a weird look, "Sounds like someone needs a few anger managment classes." Then ending this on a cheerful note, Victoria added, "I bet you they offer them at the Casino."

 

Then came Procs question. Setting a figure on her chin and looking up at the ceiling momentarily in thought, Victoria eyes suddenly widened as she looked back at Procs, "You ever played Phonga Disc! It's this fun game Durose showed me. It's lots of fun! You should try it sometime!" Victoria's demeanor then shifted back to a more subdued manner, "Aside from that, talking to people or going to fancy restaurants when I get the chance. That kinda stuff. Not that I've had much of a chance lately. Things have been so busy with work and training and my other duties. As silly as it might sound, Myrkr was almost like a vacaction for me," Victoria finished almost cringing at the idea that she would ever think of calling that life threatening and dangerous trip a vacation.

[Cyrus Knight]

When Durose and the others returned, Knight did his part in putting away what he had grabbed and brought with him aboard the Redawn. He didn't say anything for the duration of the process, and followed Durose up towards the room Brina and Zara occupied when all was finished.

 

He simply stood outside once they got there. He would be on hand if needed and if he wasn't needed, then he would just stand. So be it.

[Zara Nargal]

Zara could tell that Durose wasn't comfortable around small children, and that this wasn't the correct place to do business, though since they had come to the room she took advantage of it.

 

When Mellanie began to cry, Zara soothed her daughter, soon having her cheerful again.

 

"You can contact the Hutts if you like, or decide which of our agents to send."

 

She thought she'd let the security officer handle that aspect, since it dealt with spying on their enemy.

 

"We need to know what Black Sun is up to. They've been too quiet for far too long. They're up to something, I just know it."

[Rahalin Toral II]

Dahz's patience evaporated while waiting for the shuttle which would transfer him back to Tatooine. He paced around, frightening nice old ladies so much that the Link's guards came over to have a talk with him. They correctly pointed out for the rookies safety that one of the nice old ladies had very large and ill mannered body guards looking to practice on someone and that the same old lady had quietly been slipping thousands of credits to some of them to let her guards have their fun.

 

After that, Dahz sat down and quietly awaited the transport to Tatooine. His wait kept finding ways to stretch itself out until he found himself dozing off. He awoke to the sound of the last boarding call coming from an aggrieved looking flight attendent pointedly staring at him.

 

He hurried aboard and regretted not finding himself a better transport. The stench from the collected bodies on board quickly became unbearable even before they had pulled out from the dock.

 

Dahz knew that by the time he arrived on Tatooine, he was liable to be completely unrecognizable from his last body simply because no one would be able to get to close to him.

[Zara Nargal]

"Quick, quick Ms Nargal... Turn on the holonet"

 

A Golden Link security staff member came racing into the room, flicking on the holonet in time to see the broadcast from the Jedi Master Hou-Jo Poleb announcing that Black Sun Syndicate had attacked their Temple at Haruun-Kal. Still holding Mellanie, Zara felt her face blanch from the news. The entire broadcast was repeated as the news reader replayed it.

 

"I knew they were up to something. I just knew it!", Zara announced as she looked firstly at Brina, then back at her Security Officer, "Durose. Get some of our people out there making those new contacts. We need as much information as we possibly can on this... this thing they have that strips the Force. I want any of our force sensitive people training in both areas of this Casino so that they won't be disadvantaged if we're attacked."

 

With things as bad as they were, Zara knew that she would have to send her children away sooner rather than later. This new threat... this is what she had felt coming. It was the illusive warning she'd received through the Force that something wasn't right, that something evil was coming. And it was coming from her arch enemies Black Sun... Black Dawn as had been mentioned. It was a black dawn with them on the loose with their force stripping device.

 

She held her newborn in her arms, gently rocking her as her mind began to work overtime.

 

"We'll need extra security for this Wedding. It's a high profile Sith wedding and if Hou-Jo is correct with his warning going out to Sith and fallen Jedi, by the sounds of it any force sensitive, we will need to be extra vigilant for the safety of everyone who will be here."

 

Zara would personally send a comm message to Sirvani and John regarding this latest news. Her attention was again brought to the holonet where a representative from Black Sun was now speaking.

 

"Ahh yes... bring on their damage control. They always have their smooth lawyers out to cover up any of their misdemeanours. Well I know who I'm going to believe... and it's not Black Sun!"

 

She looked again towards Brina, her thoughts on Sabian. Had he gone to fight them? He'd been going off to fight some battle or another somewhere... was this it? She didn't think that Brina would have been able to contact Sabian.

 

"I know everyone's been on alert within this establishment, but I want extra probes sent out when we reach our destination for the wedding. I want this Casino to be prepared to make a jump into hyperspace the second any threats come our way. On the chance they prevent us from jumping into hyperspace, I want a representative from either the Alliance or the Empire... or both, as well as Barton contacted so that if we are attacked with so many high profile people on board, we'll have some sort of Fleet support. It looks like we'll need it with the Alliance already engaging them."

 

Thinking quickly, Zara composed her comm message to the wedding party, alerting them to what had happened with Black Sun and to make final preparations for their big event. She then sat back, cradling her daughter while her twins cuddled up to her from the head of her bed. It seemed that her room in the medical center had become her 'temporary office' for the time being.

[Durose Roshan]

Durose stood stunned at the message.

 

Is that even possible? They can drain the force without instantly killing everyone? She still wants to go along with the wedding?

 

"Ma'am, are you sure it is still a good idea to have the wedding with this threat at large? We'll be like a lone fire in the middle of a grassy plain. They'll surely find out about this. And they'll surely come..."

 

Regardless, though, Durose knew they did needed those connections. Quickly he snapped into action.

 

"Brina, you're with me. Given the gravity of the situation, I think it is best if we both make contact with the Hutts. That will show them we mean business. I'll be the muscle and you can do the negotiating and I'll help as needed. We'll contact Barton on route."

 

Motioning for Cyrus, he added, "Cyrus, I'm going to leave you in charge of the Link security. We are going to need to beef up security and run more preparedness drills for the security officers. You'll share command with my assistant, Victoria. Get in contact with her and Procs and have them report to you immediately. I want readiness at 200% when I return. Also, I suggest everyone arm your ships in case of space combat. We may need to meet them in the 'air'."

 

Durose still wasn't sure if he trusted the jedi anymore than he trusted the Black Dawn. Still, he didn't care. If there was a possibility of attack they had to be prepared. That's what he wanted to make sure they were.

[Cyrus Knight]

Knight was smiling grimly from behind his mask when he saw the report. It seemed that the Black Sun was still at large, even larger than before, in fact. He wondered idlely where they got the resources to come up with a fleet that large, but didn't pursue the thoughts. Now was not the time.

 

Suddenly thrust into taking charge of the Casino's security, Knight had work to do. He knew from past experience how secure the space station was already from a technological standpoint, but he also knew many of the tricks to getting around security. He had infiltrated strongholds before, and he had also prepared them against attack.

 

The warrior first set about completing Zara's direct order by sending a station-wide announcement to all that wielded the Force in combat. He instructed them to begin training that specifically increased their ability to fight without the Force, training in the parts of the station that were enveloped by bubbles in which the Force did not exist.

 

He then started going about the ship, making sure that everything was in combat efficiency, making adjustments here or there but none of such significance that it would change the whole scenario.

[Brina Thalin]

Brina bristled at Durose's quick action, but forced herself to calm down and hide it. He didn't mean anything by it, she told herself repeatedly.

 

Thankfully, the comm beeped just then, and Brina headed over to check it. "It's Sirvani," she announced. "She says to take as much time as we need to get prepared; the wedding will most likely be delayed." She turned to Zara. "At least that gives us time to prepare something if Black Dawn tries anything."

 

She put a hand briefly on her friend's shoulder. "Everything is ready for the kids..." her voice trailed off. She knew Zara had to be thinking of sending them away, and even though she didn't necessarily approve, she understood.

 

"We'll make contact with the Hutts and Barton, then the Alliance and Empire," Brina said. "Hopefully, it won't take long, as we still have alliances with these people. If I see Sabian," she hesitated, "I'll tell him about Melanie."

 

She glanced at Durose, then at Zara once more. "Do you have anything specific you want me...us...to ask the Hutts and the other groups we meet? What exactly is it that you want? Just their support, or a rep, or a ship or two?"

[Zara Nargal]

Zara let Brina answer the comm message, breathing a sigh of relief that the wedding seemed to be delayed, though wondering if it was just because of this battle or if it were another reason.

 

"Well at least there's no rush there then."

 

She looked back at Brina again, the two communicating more in the look than the others were aware of when she mentioned everything was ready for the kids.

 

"We'll find out what is happening, and if anything looks like coming our way..."

 

She let it hang, knowing Brina would know she was refering to the kids being sent away. Zara didn't want to if she could avoid it, but at the same time she didn't want them in danger either.

 

"Nothing real specific, mostly for information about what Black Sun's up to. We also need other contacts with regards to our other supplies. We'll have to keep a profit turning since we've had the Casino closed for so long. Since the wedding has been delayed though, we might just reopen for business regardless. We can't wait any longer for the reopening."

 

She'd have to think of a good advertisement to place on the holonet to announce their reopening.

 

"Any ideas for the advertisement?"

[Menthu]

There were no words for a rather awkward moment as Procs decided to simply stop talking. Seconds streched into minutesbefore he spoke of something that wasn't realted in anyway to what the previous topic had been.

 

"Is it possible for me to acquire my own ship and weapons around here?"

 

He raised an eyebrow thinking it over in his head, he didn't like being shuttled around by other people, he much preffered to fly himself, besides he believed himself to be a rather crack pilot when it came down to things, only problem was he had not handled many miltary space craft, ground craft he was a whiz at, civilan crafts also wa soverqualifed for, even smuggler crafts he just hadn't ever truly gotten behind the contorls of something meant to go kill another being in space yet. Which was something he had quite the desire for as of late.

[Durose Roshan]

Durose shrugged, "Good question. I guess we'll try to think of something on the way. As for the Hutts, I guess we'll see about gathering as much information as possible. Brina. Shall we?"

 

Durose motioned towards the door.

 

 

***---***

 

The silence was awkward and when Procs finally broke it, it was a relief.

 

Victoria thought about his question for a second or two before answering, "I don't see why not. Since you are now part of our security team I imagine we should be able to allocate you some weapons and a ship. You are part of our security team now, aren't you?"

[Brina Thalin]

She stood up and nodded. "Alright. Bye Kane, bye Kalyani." She gave Zara a quick kiss on her right cheek, then planted one on Melanie's soft, smooth head.

 

She then headed to the door. "Give me a few minutes," she told Durose, "and I'll meet you down at the hanger."

 

She then quickly headed up to her room. Grabbing a small bag, she threw several outfits in it, including the only dress she owned in case of a formal dinner, and then changed her own clothes. She put on a skintight black jumpsuit, then a green vest over it. She coupled the vest with a thin green skirt whose bottom slanted dramatically to the right. She could remove the skirt once they were on route and put it on before talking to the Hutts. She wanted to make a good impression.

 

Sliding her holster into place around her waist and slipping in her blaster, she quickly pulled her hair back into a long French braid, grabbed her bag, and headed to the hanger. She assumed they'd be flying together, and since this was a business trip, they'd take one of the company ships. She quickly boarded one of the Corellian freighters, and began warming it up for flight.

[Durose Roshan]

Durose stood there waiting outside the ship for Brina to arrive. When she arrived, he insisted on taking her bag for her while she warmed up the freighter.

 

Setting it in her room, he then moved to place his items in the cabin next door. He had never really unpacked from the original Myrkr trip, so he hadn't had to grab too much. Plus, Durose prefered to travel light.

 

Having everything in order, Durose reported to the cockpit.

 

"So how are we looking? We ready to get underway?"

[Brina Thalin]

"We're all set," Brina replied. "Let's go."

 

She set the coordinates, and the ship lifted off the casino and quickly entered hyperspace.

[Durose Roshan]

Durose nodded and watched as the light stretched, warped, and distorted, taking them into hyperspace. (to Space thread)

[Dashel Illioni]

:::Comm Message from Dashel Illioni to owner/opperater, the Link:::

 

Attached to this message are technical specifications for a starship for the Jedi Knight Dashel Illioni. A down payment of the appropriate amount will be deposited once confirmation has been received of the viability of this project.

 

:::End Comm:::

[Zara Nargal]

Receiving the comm from Dashel Illioni, Zara forwarded the message onto the ship repair and building section. They would commence building the ship upon a return message from Dashel. She sent a message back confirming that they were able to build the starship for him.

 

Zara wandered around the room, nursing her new daughter while the twins played happily with Rascal. She had decided not to send them away when she had heard of Black Sun's defeat.

[Cyrus Knight]

Cyrus Knight had the station in good order in little time. Its defenses were already solid, and he found that very little actually needed remedy. He wasn't an experienced leader, but he knew that this duty Roshan had put him on had helped him by making those aboard a little familiar with his appearance and voice. They would be able to recognize him as someone that meant a little bit of something, a leader to them if not in his own mind. It would never do to have a leader you would never recognize if you found him on the battlefield.

 

Once again, he was thrust into a state of having nothing in particular to do, no especially prevelent use of himself or his abilities. Maybe he would take a little time off, find something to do elsewhere in the galaxy, pursue a person interest for a short amount of time. He wasn't sure what the Link's policies were on leave of absences, and he wasn't sure his employer would want him to leave this site at such a time as this, but it wouldn't hurt to ask.

 

Knight began making his way back to where he had last seen Zara Nargal, not with any real haste or apparent purpose.

[Zara Nargal]

Placing her children in the care of their nanny and tutors, Zara dressed herself for a combat session. She left her saber behind, locked in her room while she instead strapped her favourite prototype vibroblade onto her back and grabbed one of the Dathomir staff's.

 

As she left her quarters, she came across Cyrus,

 

"Did you wish to see me about something?"

 

She wondered if he would mind sparring with her, though if he didn't that was fine with her. Zara would use the simulators unless she came across someone else willing to train.

[Cyrus Knight]

Knight paused when he saw Zara. "It just so happens that I was, ma'am," he responded. "I was thinking about asking you for a little time off work, to pursue something personal, though it occurs to me that these times are dangerous and you may be unwilling to do so.

 

"Be that the case, perhaps I could take a little time off at a slightly later date, once you feel that the Black Dawn's threat has ended?"

 

There was something that Cyrus Knight liked about Zara Nargal, just as much as there were certain things he disliked about her. She was (or had been, or was partially) a Dathomir Nightsister, a witch of the Force. She was a warrior to a respectable extent, and she could be intimidating if she so pleased. But he disliked certain people that she had associated with in the past, and he had gotten a sort of ill perception of her through the scandal that had occured some time ago. At any rate, there were few persons he disliked more than Ronin Wartide, who had worked with her before.

 

Now here he was, officially employed under her. Her qualities, he thought, outweighed her flaws. It was an extremely critical way to look at her, but if Knight never admitted to himself a given outlook, he could never critique and improve himself. He was an honest person, honest with himself and honest to everyone else, though he often chose to remain silent instead of speak the truth.