Golden Link Casino

[Ganelon of Seneferia]

Ganelon quietly returns to the Golden Link, carrying with him a small vial of liquid tucked into his coat.

 

Finding Zara busy, Ganelon leaves it on her desk with a note, as well as a hefty bill, then leaves to indulge himself in the Link's bar.

 

The note reads as follows:

 

This is the Athsat you requested from my friend Haldor. The poison remains in one's system for a day after being ingested. During that day it lies dormant until the victim is excited and extremely agitated. At that point, the victim starts to spasm, foam at the mouth, go into convulsions, and then die. They feel the affects of their own throat closing up as they die, feeling as if they are asphyxiated, often dying with blackened faces and throats.

 

While the anger a Dark sider needs to channel is sure to be great, there is a chance a simmer and cold anger could be enough not to trigger it. It must be ingested, so be wary on trying to administer it.

[Zara Nargal]

Zara nodded her head as Ida mentioned that they could only be there for him. "I know the ysalamari helps him to remain stable. That won't cause any undue affects will it?" She glanced over at Idejjen giving him a slight smile. She was grateful that she had a good employee like him. He reminded her somewhat of her twin brother in some respects and kind of filled the gap he left when he disappeared on her.

 

The fact that Idejjen was able to change somewhat like a shapeshifter could become a good asset as well since no one would know how he would look next. That would be a good defense as well. His height seemed to be the only constant with regards to his changes.

 

Her attention was caught by two striking adolescents and a pre-teen coming towards them. Kalyani, Kane and Mellanie approached, followed by their tutor, one of Zara's clan sisters from Dathomir. She hugged her children then introduced Ida. "This is a... friend of Idejjen's. Ida, this is Kalyani, Kane and Mellanie, my children."

 

Kane gave a polite bow while the girls dipped in a shallow curtsy, chorusing "Pleased to meet you".

[Idarah]

"Ysalamari?", the word stuck in her taunting her with her ignorance, but she knew she had heard that word before.

 

Idejjen saw and heard Ida's confusion and slowly removed the creature from his jacket and showed her.

Ida's eyes widened with horror as she remembered reading about these creatures one day flipping through holo books. They literally expelled the force from within their bubble so there was no telling what chaos it was doing to Idejjen's insides. She didn't see him discard it as they left, but now she understood why he wasn't transforming earlier. Her expression turned grim as her voice rose to a desperate plea. "Idejjen how long have you had that creature?"

 

Idejjen's own face grew concerned as he responded, "only for a few months" he said with timidness that defied his size.

 

Ida was still frantic but less so, "I suppose that is good, but you need to get rid of that thing post haste. If you had had it in direct contact with your body for an entire year your body would literally have started to rip itself apart and you would not be able to come back the same way you were. I would have had to re-build you and then perform the same operation, but in the end you wouldn't be the same".

Idejjen needed no further convincing as the horror of dying met him full force; he found the nearest Link guard and gave the creature to him pushing him forward slightly hinting at rapid movement in that direction. He knew that this place nulled force as well, but he assumed that indirect contact was a lot better than having a creature strapped to your back.

 

Ida giggled slightly as Idejjen pushed the guard along, but ultimately sighed with relief as the creature left with the guard. "now that you know and now that I am here hopefully we can go through these transformations together and you won't have to be so miserable" Ida said looking up at him as he came back to the table...

 

Idejjen grinned at the pleasant thought, but wasn't really looking forward to more transformations even if he could wait two months if he wanted.

Ida became distracted as a few new people entered her field of sight, but as Zara greeted them she realized they were close to her. Zara's voice after they had entered settled those notions and she was even introduced... "hello" Ida said casually, " it is pleasing to meet you as well"

 

Ida then slowly returned to meet Zara's gaze, "if you need more information on Idejjen's condition or his creation feel free to ask"

[Zara Nargal]

Her children smiled at Ida then asked their mother if they could go to the holo-game deck. Zara agreed, knowing that their tutor would keep them from getting into mischief. After watching them go, she turned back towards Ida and Idejjen. "So it can't be used in short spurts? Ida, there are areas of this complex - like where Idejjen has his living quarters and this area - that are in a Force free zone. I gather he will have to shift to the Force Zone?"

 

Motioning for them to walk with her, Zara started towards the elevator to head to her Office in the Force Zone. She wanted to set a few other things into motion, get some paperwork done, as well as start training when she got a chance to. As they entered the elevator Zara glanced at the other two, "Is there any way to predict when the next transformation will be or how long between changes?"

[Idarah]

"Actually", Ida said as her face liighting up slightly, "Idejjen will be able to tell us", Ida finished as both Ida and Idejjen entered the elevator. Her face was beaming up at Idejjen as she said it, but he returned her gaze in an interesting fashion.

Idejjen's brow furrowed as he glared at Ida in disbelief, wondering how this phenomenon of traumatic proportions could be predicted.

"c'mon you big lughead" Ida laughed comically, "Idejjen, what do you first experience before you have one of these changes hmm??" Ida said as she poked at him with the pencil she had previously strung in her gleaming orange hair.

 

Idejjen stood stock still for a moment, but within a few minutes he remembered. Something lingered at the back of his mind like a nugget waiting to be found. His mind swiftly rushed through the many traumatic and aching experiences, but re-winded each to the point at least a few minutes before. The process was interesting to watch these transformations again, through a holo playback in his mind, bringing back the once thought to be lost trauma and pain, but overall he managed to accrue one thing from this odd journey back to the past...

"I had indigestion"

"Exactly!" Ida laughed as the floors dinged rapidly going either up or down; she didn't care. She patted Idejjen harmlessly on the back and then told him in hushed tones she was just laughing at the indigestion; she wasn't laughing at his pain.

Idejjen saw the joke and laughed himself, but was glad he now knew at least something to warn himself before his gross reconstructions...

 

_-*-_-*-_-*-_

A lone woman strolled through the Casino's halls heading to her dormitory after a hard day's work as her friend came up to give her a pleasant, but harsh greeting.

 

"Hey Mon-ster, what's up?" Lina said as she ran up to her best friend at the Casino. Lina had only been here for 5 minutes and she was already forgetting why Monica was down...

 

"Are you still fretting over that Rune guy? Mon Mon? Give him a break... Sheesh. It's been months now..." or apparently she hadn't. Lina turned to look her friend in the face and from the disheveled mess splayed across Monica's mug she realized that not only had Monica lost sleep, but she had been over working again...

 

"Monica, Monica, Monica...", Lina took Monica by the arm and dragged her into the now visible dormitory before her. The door opened before them in a quick sliding motion almost beckoning the two through...

 

"I am going to fix you up and then you need to get some sleep...", said Lina as she plopped Monica onto a swiveling chair...

 

"But what about wor.." Monica was cut short by Lina's hand coming up and snapping Monica's mouth shut, "well now I will just have to fill in for you again, and this time it will be planned... I will tell your boss you need some sleep and if she or he has a problem with that then you shouldn't be working here anyhow and should come live with me on Coruscant..."

[Zara Nargal]

Zara just looked from one to the other at Ida's comment about Idejjen being able to tell them. When he said it was the indigestion that preceded his changes she didn't laugh as Ida did though nodded in understanding.

 

By this this they had left the elevator and had reached Zara's office in the Force Zone of the Casino. She always welcomed the rush of the Force returning to her, setting her senses tingling and feeling more alive. Her secretary handed her various messages and told her about some of the items she was to look at. Nodding she led the way into her office, glancing down at her desk and spying what looked like an interesting prospect. She picked it up, looking at the brochure that had a family pass attached to it. It was from a planet that was starting a new resort and wanted to deal closely with the Link Organisation, both as a transport business and to have the Casino show up at allotted times throughout the year. They were offering Zara and her family a holiday package in which to test out their resort and to see what she thought of their business proposals. Zara was seriously thinking about it. If she took her family on a holiday it might be the last she had for a time, especially if she was to get into training for a certain revenge matter. She'd need some quality time with her children before heading off on what could end badly.

 

She looked up at Idejjen and Ida having sat behind her desk. "I might take these people up on their offer. It might be the last chance I have before I confront... "

 

Zara paused, catching sight of something else on her desk. Picking up the note she read through it. Ganelon had come good though she did a double take on his price tag. She sighed, feeling she shouldn't have expected anything less from him. She picked up the vial, turning it in her hands. It was a powerful poison and she'd have to be very careful with it. She'd take it with her to her technical advisor and have it hidden within an item that she could wear that wouldn't look out of place, and that would keep it protected until she wanted to use it.

 

"I'll need you to watch over the Casino for me while Brina is away also. I'll take my children on this 'holiday' while I can."

[Idarah]

Idejjen took in the entire speech with ease, but was slightly intrigued to find that Zara trusted him enough to put him in charge of the Link in her stead. It was quite a thing for Idejjen to trust her with his secrets, but quite another for Zara to trust him with the entire Casino while she was gone. Idejjen's face went slightly paler, but he looked as a child on Christmas morn. His face lit up brightly; It was amazing that Zara trusted him so much and he just couldn't help himself...

 

Idejjen got up from his rather uncomfortable chair and slowly lumbered over to Zara and embraced her. "I will make sure the place is still standing when you return" said Idejjen his face in a direction opposite hers...

 

Ida's expression was of satisfaction and pride as her creation was entrusted with such an enormous task, but she knew he would ask for her help. Even if it was just a little. The amount of responsibility was too great for one person to take and she knew that the Golden Link employed many security officers, but it wasn't enough in the end to cover the entire casino.

 

Idejjen's face glinted in the white light of the room due to the tears streaming from his eyes. He was by no means a mooch for power, but it meant so much to him that Zara would trust him with everything except her own flesh and blood. He wished she would've taken him to guard her, but in the end he understood why he should stay behind...

 

It was then however that he felt a disturbing feeling in the pit of his stomach, "excuse me for one moment" Idejjen said as he pulled away from Zara... "I am sorry you get to see this, but suppose its now or never..."

 

Idejjen 's body began to contort as bones and skin began to mold and mesh. There appeared to be a slight blue hue as his body tore it self into new shapes. Idejjen's cries were muffled by the tears he had shed and the people he was with... He would mask the pain and bear his curse...

 

After about 5 minutes of strenuous changing and struggling Idejjen got up and was now... An Idejjen sized Mon Calamari...

 

"I... *gasp*" Idejjen reaches his hands into the air and grasps for nothing and Ida reaches into the bag around her shoulder.

Ida sees his duress and brings out a water respirator for him to use. She shows it to him and he quickly understands.

 

Idejjen slaps it around his neck and begins to breath again; the water of life, springing through his new gills, "Thank you *cough* Ida... Anyway, thank you again Zara for letting me take on this large responsibility." Idejjen's voice came out slightly garbled as he talked, but ultimately it still sounded as he did...

 

Idejjen's Arms, Legs, head and body were much larger than that of a real Mon Cal, and he looked as though he were a really muscular charcoal grey Mon Cal with amber eyes and a Hammer Head... He was a mammoth Mon Cal out of water, except for the respirator around his neck...

[Kulan Tith]

Another package arrived at the Golden Link, addressed to Zara Nargul directly, from an address on Coruscant that didn't exist.

 

The man who packaged it was a nameless lackey who carefully employed gloves and subterfuge tactics to properly ensure that this package couldn't be traced, tracked, or be used in any way to determine the origin. It didn't really matter though, but when evil minds came together, they schemed, and they tricked, and the plotted to deceive and scam, mislead and misinform, and just generally screw with people. The original packager was eventually executed in the back of an alley too, on some damn world, in a system far, far away, and perhaps that happened a long time ago.

 

Within this package was a full sized human skeleton, with a note strapped to it. The note read:

 

”œHere's a skeleton, for my son's birthday present. I'm sure he'll get a kick out of it, since YOU'VE SO EAGERLY ACCUSTOMED HIM TO HORRENDOUS DEATH AND THINGS OF THAT NATURE.”

[Zara Nargal]

"Thank you Idejjen. You'll have the usual managers and officers doing their own jobs of course. There won't be that much extra to do. I just need someone to be available to the general public if they need someone." Zara was surprised at his reaction, a smile appearing on her face.

 

When he stepped back with the slight warning, she looked across at Ida, taking her lead in this instance. It surprised her that Idejjen's new appearance was that of a Mon Calamari. She looked over at Ida, "What other species are in his makeup?"

 

==

 

When the package arrived addressed to Zara, the new security protocols were put into place. Any package arriving had to go through the scanners and various other security measures before it could be deemed 'safe' to send on. The security guards looked at the size of the package and saw who it was addressed to, two of them shifting it so that it would go through the security scanner without being opened.

 

"Ewww what's that smell?"

 

"Dunno. Smells like something a Canoid would drag in. Uh-oh..." The guard pointed to the scanning machine monitor at the contents of the package. "Ms Nargal's not going to want to see that. Zoom in on that note and we'll see what it says."

 

"Ms Nargal doesn't need to know what was in this. We'll tell her that a package turned up and that we've dealt with it. She doesn't need to know what's in it."

 

"I'll let her secretary know."

 

====

 

Zara's secretary nodded towards the image on the monitor in her office, "No, Ms Nargal doesn't need to know what was in the package. I'll let her know a package has been dealt with. I know of someone who might want to know about this..."

 

After the conversation with the security officer finished the secretary sent off a comm to a man that had aided Zara previously. In the comm was the information regarding both the first and second packages and that they weren't telling Zara about the latter one...

[Idarah]

It was surprising to see Idejjen in his Mon Cal form, but she supposed it was all too random. Ida remembered it was part of his genetic make-up and that is why she carried a water respirator with her for quick use, but she suspected that his body would only change to that if he was in water... Apparently she was mistaken. Ida had turned slightly towards Idejjen as he changed and never flinched. She had grown so used to it during the years they spent together and now respected it as an inevitability.

 

Zara looked toward her with the question across her face as she asked how many creatures and of what type were in his make-up...

 

"Oh!" Ida said, as she realized she hadn't told her. She didn't know off the top of her head, but Ida had logged it in her journal long ago. She reached her hand down into the small brown satchel she had been carrying with her, now at the foot of her chair, and opened it. She began flipping pages, with joy in her face, to the section from before she had made Idejjen...

 

It was fun to relive the past she thought, when it didn't involve reliving the pain.

 

Ida took a deep breath and started to speak "He has two Zabraks, one Mon Calamarian, two Wookiees, one Trandoshan, four Humans, one Twi'lek with amber eyes, One small Rancor, two Drovians, two Ewoks, two Celegians, one Vodran and one Rodian.”

[Sol Kadav]

The sleek transport craft, the Silver Eagle, exited hyperspace. The Golden Link Casino could be seen in the distance; it would take him perhaps five minutes to get there. The structure itself was attractive; the shops, casinos, hotels, and family-oriented places stood out, even from over one thousand kilometers away. Sol sat back in his chair, putting his hands behind his head. His droid, R2-H5, came into the room. It beeped a query directed towards Sol, who answered it with a slight nod.

 

”œWe're going to be staying here until Smash needs me again,”

[Zara Nargal]

"Ewoks? A seven foot Ewok would be a sight to see." Zara couldn't help but laugh at that, "Sorry Idejjen. The image that came into my mind then... sorry. I shouldn't laugh." She forced herself to contain her mirth before adding, "Seeing you in the varying forms is strange. You never know what shape or form you'll be in next. It's strange though. I always seem to know it's you, even in the non force zone."

 

Leaning across to the console, Zara sent a message to the tutor and her children to go and pack. They would leave on their holiday very soon. Looking back up at Idejjen and Ida, Zara knew that the Casino was in capable hands. Besides which, Brina shouldn't be long before returning she didn't think. "If you don't have any questions for me, I'll go and pack. My secretary will be able to assist you with anything you need. As will the heads of the varying departments."

 

======

 

As the ship docked, the hanger crew approached to see if the new patron required refueling or restocking. They would also state some of the security measures to any new arrivals, such as leaving their weapons either in their ships or handing them to the security guards to lock away until they were to leave.

[Sol Kadav]

Changing out of his armor that he was currently wearing, Sol left his ship dressed in a light gray tunic, black, baggy pants, and charcoal gray combat boots. He had his two blaster pistols holstered at his sides, though he left his blaster carbine back in his ship, in a safe place. As he walked down the loading ramp, a couple of people from the hangar crew walked up to him. In the back of his mind, he knew that they would ask him to leave his pistols back on the ship. He was suddenly grateful for the M9 Missile launcher that had been built into his right forearm; he probably wouldn't have to use it. The Golden Link Casino didn't look like it attracted many Sith Lords.

 

He stepped off of the ramp and looked towards the crew, waiting to hear what they had to say.

 

((OOC: Can I leave it up to you to RP what they say/do, Zara?))

[Zara Nargal]

(ooc: Either I'll respond or Idejjen or Brina will - whichever of us is first )

 

"You'll have to leave your blasters in your ship or check them into the security locker until you leave. You will also have to go through the scanners. Standard protocol Sir. No weapons inside the Casino unless we take them through to the dueling arena or training rooms for you. Even then you'd have to check them back with security afterward. We want everyone to feel safe here." The guard indicated the scanner to which Sol was to walk through.

 

As he did, the alarms sounded, the sophisticated monitors showing that he had a weapon within his arm. "You'll need to unload and disable your weapon while you are here Sir. We wouldn't want any accidents to occur. A lot of people bring their families here." Sol would have to follow instructions regarding his weaponry or he wouldn't be allowed access into the Casino proper. It wasn't anything against him, it was only that they didn't want any accidental - or on purpose - discharge of any weapon inside the Casino, after all, it was a place that families could come to as well. That went for anyone entering the Casino - Sith and Jedi included. The only ones that were allowed to bring their own weapons inside had been granted special permission though were still under strict instruction to obey the security protocols.

 

The guards were also on the lookout for anyone that might be a 'would be' thief. Having been held up before, they weren't taking any chances.

[Sol Kadav]

The built-in missile launcher in his arm sounded the alarms. He was afraid of this. Would he not be allowed to enter the Casino? Sure, he worked for the Black Sun; but that didn't mean that he was going to cause any trouble there. He wasn't a cold-blooded killer like Smash Daisaku and his associates. That, along with the fact that he didn't know how to ”˜unload' anything from the missile launcher might just prevent him from enjoying himself at the Golden Link.

 

Still, he took his blasters out of their holsters, and handed them off to his R2 unit, who opened his storage compartment for that very reason. After giving him an enthusiastic warble, the droid rolled back up the ramp and back into Sol's ship.

 

”œI'm afraid that I cannot unload or disable the weapon within my arm,”

[Zara Nargal]

The guards conferred, making a call to their bosses to see what could be done. Could they believe that someone from Black Sun didn't mean them harm? The incident with Piccolo had finally been resolved but that didn't mean that other elements of Black Sun wouldn't cause them more trouble. Black Sun didn't like the competition - even if it was of a more neutral kind. One of them turned back towards Sol while they awaited their answer.

 

"You'd have to be able to load the weapon so it shouldn't be too hard to unload it Sir." He figured there would be no way that there would be an everlasting supply of ammunition within this fellow's arm.

 

Another employee from the Casino approached the docking area where the guards and Sol were. He was carrying a device that would neutralize the weapon while Sol was within the Casino - they would take the device off him before he left - if he was willing to wear it while there. Otherwise he would be denied entrance.

 

"Are you willing to submit to wearing this neutralizing device while you are here Sir?"

[Sol Kadav]

”œOf course,”

[Zara Nargal]

The guard handed the device to Sol who put in on. Once the device was in place it would have to be taken off by one of the Link employees that had the special codes to release it.

 

"This way Sir. Enjoy your stay. Will you require accommodation? We have rooms in both the Force and non-Force zones." The guard led Sol through the docking area to the entrance to the main lobby.

 

====

 

Kane, Kalyani, Mellanie and their tutor arrived back in their living quarters, the twins quick to pack their bags. They were old enough now to explore the galaxy on their own and hoped their mother would let them take off on their own soon. Mellanie would be a while yet before she could "leave the nest" so to speak. She would remain in the care of her mother and the tutor for a time yet.

 

A while before, Zara and her children had sat down and conversed about the twins heading off on their own for a while, they just hadn't decided when that would be. Maybe now might be the time for that to happen.

[Sol Kadav]

The guard had taken Sol to the hotel by his request, where he chose to stay for the night. He rented a room out, went up to it, and went to sleep. In his ship, his R2 unit was currently recharging, having activated the security featuers that his ship had to offer to make sure that nobody tried to take it while he stayed at the Golden Link.

 

((OOC: Sorry for such a short post”¦ I don't know what else to do with this character right now.))

[Zara Nargal]

With the children all packed up and ready to go, the tutor packed her own things and also instructed one of the droids to begin packing some of Zara's clothes into a bag to make it easier for her when she got there. They knew she was in a meeting still and that they would leave shortly after she finished packing.

 

 

(OOC: filler post til Idejjen posts)

[Brina Thalin]

The Crazy Mynock requested clearance to land at the Casino, and, after transmitting the proper codes, was immediately granted it. Brina brought the ship to land in the restricted hangar.

 

Her mind full of everything she had seen and heard, the red-headed co-owner of the Link made her way directly to Zara's penthouse--that is, as directly as she could after being stopped several times by employees to have her look over a datapad or inform her on happenings, or some other such stuff.

 

Brina was hoping to find Zara in her penthouse relaxing, but was unsurprised to find only the three kids and their tutor. She smiled at the kids as she entered. She reached up and tousled Kane's hair, noticing at the same time how much higher she had to reach. "You've been growing like a weed!" she exclaimed. "What have you been eating?"

 

Kane shrugged and grinned. Mellanie gave her a hug, then looked up at her. "Aunt Brina, can't you convince Mum to let me go with Kane and Kalyani? She says they're getting big enough to go off on their own a bit. I want to go too!"

 

Brina raised an eyebrow. That's a big step for any mother, she thought. It was, overall though, a good sign. "Sorry, Mel, but there's nothing I could say that could convince her. You know your Mum; once she has her mind set on something, there's no persuading her otherwise."

 

She looked around at the bags. "Where are you all going?"

 

"Vacation," Kalyani said, her long hair shining in the light. "Some new resort. Though I think they're giving us the stay for free because they want the Link's business." Her eyes rolled at this statement. Their mother was always busy.

 

Brina smiled. "Well that won't stop you from enjoying your vacation, I hope! Here, let me help you finish packing."

[Dizzy]

"Sure Aunt Brina" Kalyani smiled at the woman that was her mothers close friend. Brina was a woman that she looked up to as much as she did her mother. Looking at her younger sister, Kalyani shook her head, "You know how long we've been working on Mum to get her to let Kane and I go somewhere. You've got to stay and keep Mum company so she doesn't miss us too much."

 

Turning back to her wardrobe she brought out and showed Brina an outfit, holding it up against herself, "Should I take this one?" It was a long dress that came to just above her ankles and was in a deep grey colour that matched her eyes. She normally wore boots underneath it though had flat shoes that would suit as well. She didn't wear dresses all that much but if there happened to be a dance, she wanted to look pretty.

 

Kali looked through the open door to where her brother was packing in his room, grinning as he just threw his clothes into his bag.

[Sol Kadav]

Dressed in a loose-fitting dark green shirt, black pants, and black combat boots, Sol made his way out of the hotel where he was currently staying. The device attached to his arm that prevented the use of his built-in missile launcher fit snugly around his forearm, though he paid no attention to it. The sprawling entertainment district that was the Golden Link Casino awaited him. Any money that he bet with would be his pay from being a member of the Black Sun, who he knew were frowned upon in this place. He'd heard several rumors about Smash's organization from some of the other people currently residing here; none of them had anything good to say about it.

 

Before he left his hotel room, he caught a glimpse of himself in a mirror. His dirty blonde hair was mussed, so he used his fingers as a makeshift hairbrush to make it look tidier. His face was starting to sprout whiskers, which he would take care off later, back in his ship. Other than that, he looked decent enough for a small outing in the casino. After a couple hours of gambling, he'd return to his room and use the refresher, before retiring for the night.

 

He walked down one of the many streets of the Golden Link, scanning each sign he passed, trying to find a casino that appealed to him.

[Idarah]

((sorry it took me so long to post))

 

Idejjen didn't understand the joke, he hadn't even seen an Ewok before so this was news to him. His face contorted into a vague stare, showing his absent mindedness as he tried to crack the code...

Ida laughed as Idejjen tried to figure out what an Ewok was, but eventually got up from her chair, strolled over to Idejjen's side, leaned over on her tip toes and whispered the description carefully into his ear.

 

Idejjen watched as Ida moved, but didn't expect what she had to tell him. Nonetheless Idejjen laughed heartily at the aspect of a giant teddy bear like creature. "haha, that will be a thing to see indeed, almost as much as the rancor was..."

 

"Seeing you in the varying forms is strange. You never know what shape or form you'll be in next. It's strange though. I always seem to know it's you, even in the non force zone."

 

Ida looked at both of them as Idejjen stood staring into Zara's eyes. Ida scanned both of their faces and stances, and her thoughts boiled rapidly. What could possibly lead Zara to know Idejjen even while in a different form? Well what besides the obvious fact, how many gigantic ____ are there in the world?

 

She stared for several moments when she seemed to remember something she had researched a close time after she had made Idejjen...

 

Ida looked towards Zara and timidly spoke up, "well, I have a theory, but it is not entirely proven." Zara cleared her throat a little and moved her hand, tilting her glasses to the side a little. "You two seem to have been together for some time yes?... and it would seem that you both have grown quite a liking to one another?" Ida could see Idejjen's head nodding and assumed that Zara had at least felt something... "well then it seems to me that Idejjen has grown an attachment to you of sorts... A link" Ida tried to remember her notes on this subject, but could only form a vague obscure passage within her consciousness... It lingered there for a little while, while she tried to gather her thoughts...

 

"This link isn't like your garden variety man to woman attraction, because even if Idejjen did like you like that, which I know he doesn't... He would never do anything like that, because a) he can't do anything like that biologically, and b) he respects you too much... as he has told me."

 

"This link is actually a little more beneficial to you than you think, even though it seems that you can only feel that it is still him in that body. Whenever you are in trouble... Whenever something bad is happening to you on any spiritual or mental level Idejjen will be able to feel it too. For example, something like mind control won't have the same affect on him as it will you, but he will feel that something is wrong with you...

 

"Also... and this is the stretch here...", Ida stressed to remember, grabbing her head hoping it would serve as some sort of filter, but she couldn't really find the words. They were locked away from her, " I think it has something to do with his transformations and you, but I cannot recall right now... and all my notes were burned... I only really have my journal to consort with now and I don't even think I put it in there"

 

Ida continued her long winded speech with a sigh, "so while there is no attraction in the regular male to female sense, it seems as if Idejjen is more of a guardian to you... It has something to do with his affliction with the force and how a kind heart who willingly opens themselves to him and his pain is adapted into his spiritual structure... but enough techno mumbo jumbo, you should probably go on that vacation"

 

Ida let a pleasant smile cross her face and looked right at Zara as if she hadn't a care in the world, but her hair was matted and sweat dribbled down her forehead as if the smile were merely a welcome break from thinking too hard...

 

Idejjen was floored by this new revelation. It was an interesting thing to think about for sure as he rubbed his head. He had always sensed some sort of connection between them but didn't know that it was actually happening. It was truly staggering to consider...

 

Standing with his arms crossed, he let them fall to his side and looked over at Zara with his fishy eyes; he gazed upon her with every intention of letting her go on her field trip. A big smile widened across his face, "yeah, you should probably go" he finished with a wink, "Ida and I will tend to everything here... and If I am not mistaken Brina's ship just docked"

[Brina Thalin]

Brina smiled. "Yes. I love that dress on you. But if there's a party, you need some good shoes to go with it."

 

She leaned back and looked at the dress. "I know just the thing. C'mon."

 

She grabbed Kalyani's hand and together they made their way over to Brina's apartments. Once there, Brina raided through her closet and after a few minutes came out with some silver strappy sandals that were the exact color of the dress. She shook the dust off them with a grin. "I haven't worn these in ages. Good thing we have the same size feet."

 

As they walked back to the packing party, Brina linked arms with Kalyani. "I wish I was going off with you and Kane. That sounds like so much fun. I remember my first trip on my own." She smiled at the memory. "I have to say I did some pretty stupid things. But you are a lot smarter than I was back then."

[Ganelon of Seneferia]

Having finished his drink and reached that state of being perfectly buzzed without softening his wits too much, Ganelon slinks away from the bar, intent of pressing his luck. He set aside part of the money he was due to receive from her into a mental budget and decided to walk away with a healthier profit yet.

 

He finds a Sabacc game, Bespin Standard, and sits himself down, laying out a generous bet on his opening hand. One bluff, followed by a fold, a modest win on an 18, followed by a solid minus 23 gives him a commanding lead. Impudently, he lights a cigar with a special novelty tool made by one of his former employers- the Lightpick: Based on lightsaber technology, it provided light and could function as a small, small pocket knife, but as best used as a utility item, though it was not quite as energy efficient as a Force User built light weapon. Clipping off the end of the cigar with the lightpick, he lights it at the same time, and blows a smoke ring towards the dealer.

 

"Next hand, please."

[Sol Kadav]

Unable to find a casino that appealed to him, Sol sighed. He'd been wandering around the streets of the Golden Link Casino for nearly two hours. He was hungry, but even more-so, he was thirsty. A shot of Alderaanian ale definitely sounded soothing to him right now. He was sure that it could dull the headache that had suddenly arisen in the back of his cranium. The steady pulse of discomfort had made itself known a couple of minutes after he left his hotel room.

 

Finally, he came across a small, one-story cantina. A modern-looking building, with metal siding, a flat rooftop, and fluorescent light fixtures hanging down on either side of the entrance. He watched as several beings, human and alien, walked to and from the building. He was surprised to see how cheery everybody was. From the first time he had arrived at the Golden Link, the first thing he noticed was how nearly everybody had a smile on their face, or some sort of hidden smirk. He imagined that without any violence or theft ever taking place at the Casino, nobody had anything to worry about. He had to agree with them, even though he had taken part in the murder of one hundred slaves only two weeks prior. He was by no means a cold-bloodec killer, despite what anybody said. Smash Daisaku on the other hand”¦ well, he was a different story.

 

The door leading into the cantina slid open, permitting Sol entrance to the dimly lit, but crowded bar. The majority of the tables were in the center of the room, with dividers separating other tables and chairs to those who presumably reserved them. Aliens and humans alike crowded around the bar, several males eyeing the Twi'lek dancer on the stage, which was directly behind the server. The dancer was wearing lacey, thin fabric, which covered very little of her body. Sol couldn't resist a smirk when one of the men, a Bothan, tried to touch her leg. This was answered with a threat by the man behind the bar, who was a human. He was short, chubby, yet jolly. He welcomed new customers ”“ men and women alike ”“ with a large smile. His forehead was slick with perspiration; Sol was sure that the man's thick, bulky shirt didn't help much.

 

After he'd taken a seat at the bar, the man looked over at him and smiled the same smile that had probably been used a countless number of times before. Nonetheless, Sol nodded in return, and eyed the bottles that lined the glass case behind him. Able to read the label of each bottle, he found what he was looking for. Alderaanian Ale.

 

”

[Ganelon of Seneferia]

A half dozen games later, with one fold, three losses, and two modest wins, Ganelon quietly cashes in his chips, turning a respectable profit. The house usually won, but if the Seneferian nobleman was not drunk or blasted off on some other illicit substance, he could usually win. Of course, gambling had been his downfall a few times in the past, but he was better, more careful now.

 

He walks back over to the bar and orders a classic Bespin martini, simply known as a "Cloud City," and leans against the bar, watching the various play at the casino behind him. He had nowhere to be at the moment, and decided to just enjoy himself.

[Zara Nargal]

Zara listened to Ida's explanation her eyes widening somewhat as she took in what was said. "Not a Force bond but something like it?" She was puzzled though shouldn't have been since it was Idejjen's creator that was telling her about it. She did wonder if Ida had been force sensitive would it have been her that Idejjen had formed this connection with?

 

Having been informed of the same information that Idejjen had, Zara smiled. "Yes I do believe that Brina has gotten back. You're off the hook though be on call for Brina please. Give her any help she needs." The Dathomir Witch gave both of them a nod, "I must go. I've got to pack yet. I'll see you both when I get back."

 

With that, Zara left the two, heading for her apartment.

 

--

 

Kali's face lit up at Brina's comment, swishing the dress back and forth in time with her hips as she looked in the full length mirror. She reluctantly put it down and followed her Aunt to her apartment, her eyes widening with appreciation when she saw the shoes. "That's so cool Aunt Brina." She walked beside her back to her own room, racing the last part to see how well the shoes would look with the dress. "They're perfect!" Kali spun round to hug Brina tightly, "Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!" Looking up at her she added, "I wish you were coming with us too."

 

--

 

Entering, Zara could hear laughter as well as her daughters and Brina's voices. Catching sight of her daughter moving back from Brina, she moved over to embrace her best friend, "Glad you're back. How did it go?" Realising what Kalyani had just said she added, "You could come with us..."

[Brina Thalin]

Brina grinned at Kalyani. "They do go perfectly well with that dress. I'm glad I had them."

 

Just then, Zara came in, and Brina greeted her old friend, returning the embrace. "Thanks. It's always good to be back." She didn't really want to go into detail about the peace conference; now was not the time, and she was sure Zara would not be pleased to hear about Ar-Pharazon. There would be a better time to discuss it. Instead, she gave a brief report. "Well, a tenative peace has been established between the Empire and the new Republic. It's a seperated peace; Imperials are not allowed on Republic worlds or in Republic space and vice versa. But I spoke with the Admiral of the Republic and he said it would not affect a neutral organization such as us."

 

She placed a pair of sturdy boots in Kalyani's bag. "As for the trip..." she paused, thinking. She didn't want to intrude on their family time, but at the same time, she knew she was like part of the family anyway. And she'd love to spend some more time with Zara and the kids. "I'd love to come."