Log:Golden Orb Grand Re-Opening
The Golden Orb Grand Re-Opening
Location: The Golden Orb, Nar Shaddaa
Participants: Maeve Zavir, Moog Hilnici, Jax Greystorm, Qadira Suuryet, Gaarurra, Sesti Gath, Bleys Draconis, Rhia Salis, Navi Kryze, Strand Korsen, Rax Vaelus , Jictor Gubyls, Gene Novaflare, Ax, Waywards
The mood is electric in the Golden Orb tonight with the servers impeccably dressed, males and females both in the same uniform of black trousers and sleek fitted, black shirts, and black shoes. Likewise every man's hair is slicked back and every woman's hair is either twisted up in a sleek chignon or swept back akin to the mens' styles. Music plays just loudly enough to fill the gaps between conversation but quiet enough that such conversation can take place with ease.
The air is crisp and lightly scented of citrus and spices though so faintly that guests may not particularly notice. In the open area among the tables, shimmering iridescent curtains hang from the ceiling with spotlights occasionally sweeping over their surface, drawing attention, if briefly. The servers circulate with trays of drinks and cut winding paths from the bar through the crowd and back again while their host and hostess counterparts show people to tables for seating.
Arriving early to get the lay of the land Gene Novaflare has staked out a corner table, he sips an odd blue colored drink with mist wafting off the top.
Ax made his way to the Golden Orb, undecided on what he wanted for dinner so this seemed as good an idea as anything else. He'd left his pet tail ring on the ship, and dressed in his finest clothes They weren't exactly high-society threads, but this was Nar Shaddaa, not Coruscant. Considering the Echani didn't know what he wanted to eat, just that he was hungry, a tasting event would be perfect. He just hoped it wouldn't tap his bank account too badly.
This kind of social gathering was bound to attract the wrong element. One of those elements has taken the form of the fearsome raider Rax Vaelus. Wanted in several systems while also being a successful, Guild-contracted bounty hunter, the large human has blonde hair, hard features, and electric-blue eyes. He's also dressed like an Ord Mantellan lord, with pseudo-military rainments and decorations in addition to a slick black sport coat, a brilliant red, silver, and black tie, a silver vest, and a black silk shirt. His black slacks are immaculately creased, and his shoes polished to a mirror shine...despite also being ringed with gilding and shod with iron reinforcements. His delicate leather gloves, likewise, have subtle reinforcements along the fingertips and knuckles. The pirate lord's gaze is hard and his stride bold as he moves through the crowd gawking at the food.
Scanning over a menu, Ax goes to the drink list. It's there that he notices something to bring a smile to his face. Corellian Reserve, "By chance is that Whyren's Reserve?" he asks a server, pointing to the drink on the menu. "If so, then I'll gladly take it. If not, then I'll still take it, just won't be quite as thrilled." For a non-Corellian, the Echani is particular about his Corellian liquors.
Gene checks his watch, then glances to the door, at least the bartender knew how to make his drink of choice. The man swirls the misty blue drink taking another sip. Nice place, all the best people seem to be showing up. He draws in a breath taking the smells of the food cooking, it was going to be a very good night.
For once, Sesti has a chance of not being overshadowed by the huge Wookiee behind her when she makes her entrance. The purple shift sparkles along the straps, and the jota on her face have also been enhanced, and she's also left her dark hair, unusually thick and wavy for a zabrak, down over her shoulders. She glances over the crowd, seeking out familiar faces as well as the usual case of the joint. Then she steps forward to take a drink from a passing tray, carried by a server and gives the steaming concoction a small sip, tasting the flavor on her tongue before she turns to her companions, as the pilot Jax has accompanied her as well. "Maybe if we make Gaarurra try everything there is to drink here tonight, between us we can drink him under the table. She winks at Jax before she takes another, longer sip.
So many soft, brightly-colored people. Without his trademark greatcoat or his large, cuffed boots, Rax Vaelus is not nearly the monster of a man he is when encountered in the lower levels of the district. But even with fine, soft clothes, he still stands out in a crowd. A flashing glance of cold, grey-blue eyes stops a waitress in her tracks, and he turns towards the woman with the slowness of a Hutt. Favoring her with a faint smirk at the reaction, the human tilts his head slightly, nodding off to the side toward where she came from. "Chandrilan brandy." When the woman just stands there, mynock in the headlights, his eyes narrow slightly, and his smirk becomes sly. "...Please." He looks amused as she scurries off, and he clasps his hands behind his back, showing off gemstone cufflinks, and a multi-colored metal chain near one of his vest pockets.
Bleys slinks across the threshold just ahead of Rhia. "This must be the place," he comments to her uncertainly, before dipping his head to murmur quietly to one of the staff as he surveys the environ curiously. A moment later finds him being lead over to the table where Gene Novaflare is seated and he slides in to slouch bonelessly in a seat. "You see what he's drinking?" he asks the server, pointing to Gene's glass. "We need drinks as unlike that as you have.
Something in a naturally occurring color, that isn't reacting visibly with the atmosphere, and that preferably doesn't visually inspire survival related anxiety in most sentient races." He holds up two fingers as he gestures for Rhia to join him, adding. "Two, please."
Kadi comes in on her own, some time after the rest of her crew. She pauses at the door to look around, checking to see what the place looks like now, and who is around. After a couple moments, she steps further in, finding a server with drinks, and taking one of the misty blue cold drinks he has. She sniffs it, and then takes a sip, nodding in approval. And then she starts to walk through the place, unknowingly going the opposite direction from the majority of her crew.
Navi strolls in from the street, dressed to the nines and smiling at half wattage. "This dress better be worth it..." she murmurs, largely to herself. "Two months' pay isn't mynock muffins." Instantly she looks for familiar faces, since the place seems to be crowded enough that totally empty tables are going to be few and far between, and her crew is nowhere in sight.
The server tending Ax points to something further down on the menu, to which Ax smiles. "Oh, there IS Whyren's Reserve... I guess I should have kept reading." Well, it was worth the credits and he was eager to have a mug. Then, the man was looking over the rest of the menu while waiting for his drink to arrive. The entrance of crewmembers draws his eyes, as do some of the other patrons making their way in, but the Echani keeps a low profile for the moment, his stomach rumbling at the thought of all the different foods. "Gods I hope this is a buffet style ordeal," he mutters to himself. "I can't decide."
Rhia Salis is indeed just a step or two behind Bleys, a bit like an inverted shadow, pale to the man's relative darkness. "Mmm," she agrees in answer to his assessment, head tilting to drink in the relative chaos of the gathering. When he moves, so does she; when he sits, she sinks into a chair as well, though the simple act of having a seat doesn't really quell her interest or distract her from glancing about with slow, purposed interest. It's not until he's ordered for them both that she laughs. "Maybe I like drinking things that look like radioactive waste liquid. If he hasn't keeled over dead by the end of the night..." A toothsome smile is flashed at Gene.
The lights dim and it might be noticeable that the servers have stopped circulating. The music grows louder for a moment then fades off to silence and the spotlights all begin to whirl over the surface of the curtains. A muted drum roll begins and the spotlights fix on the curtains in their assigned places as the sparkling fabric being to lift.
Kael Greystorm makes his way into the Golden Orb stepping off to the side as he looks over the patrons before he makes his way over towards Ax, "Sup boss." He takes a seat at Ax's table, "Hope you don't mind the company..." He glances over at the other crew members and waves them over as well may as well make it a party.
Strand Korsen arrives quietly and with little of his usual flair. He seems to be trying to blend into the crowd and people watch. A drink is obtained and he begins circling the room as well.
Gene holds up the nearly empty glass, "Hey, you two can go for the boring stuff, Naboo Blu is for the refined...I wish they had an umbrella for it." he shrugs and drains the glass setting the dead solider on the table before him "About six more of those and I'll head back and help Sabra with the repairs she is working on...she'll like that!"
Jax was wearing his nicest shrit, it was a back tunic, dressy pants, and a jacket. He looks up and goes to comment to something as he'd been lost in his drink. Though when the drum roll begins he instead falls silent.
Rax Vaelus narrows his eyes slowly as the lights dim. He has his snifter of Chandrilan and that seems to appease him somewhat as he watches the confluence of the spotlights, but there is a visible tension about him, in the way he holds himself. He's like a vornskr on display at the zoo--just waiting to test the strength of the electro-fence, and the tensile strength of the viewing glass...
"Not at all, Kael," Ax says to the man. Then the drum roll draws his attention. Grey eyes scan the room and he sips at the drink that arrived just before the servers stopped circulating. "Damn that's good," he says, raising a glass to Kael. "There was a brewery on Socorro, called Ethra's, that made something close. Their Corellian whiskies were actually better than most, but they couldn't match Whyren's," he says. "Expensive, but well worth it."
The curtains ascend to reveal a raised stage in the shape of a T and one spotlight finds its mark in the shape of a curvy redhead standing on the end of the stage. Behind her across the back of the stage five people are standing each in black slacks and a stark white chef's jacket and poofy chefs hat. They look a little nervous. Behind the Chefs a giant holo vid scrolls through a picture of each chef accompanied by their bio and curriculum vitae. The redhead smiles and lifts a microphone to speak.
Kadi catches sight of Strand and smiles, waving briefly his way. She is about to say something, when the drum roll starts, so she turns to watch the announcement, skirt swirling around her legs as she does so.
Navi glances up as the lights go down and the curtains go up, her search for a table momentarily halted. By chance she finds herself pausing right behind Kadi, and has to glance down to realize that the sudden brushing against her thighs was Kadi's swishy skirt's hem. "Apologies," she murmurs, surprised to find herself able to look the other woman in the eye, and takes a slow step back to avoid crowding her. "Wonder if any of those guys are from around here..."
There is only so dressed up a wookiee can be but he's at least showered and combed and stuff. Gaarurra is wearing his best fur that's for sure he looks to Sesti and to Jax "grarrrl rwowoal grarrrl rwowoal wrall." he speaks of being drunken under the table. "woeieowl rwal grarrrl wrall rwowoal rwowoal wrall rwowoal wrall rwarrl." he walks along side the others looking about the place as he steps further in.
Re-Pete ( 7987) repeats after Gaarurra, "That's not likely to happen. I have saved up to be able to eat more."
A long, slow sip of the Chandrilan brandy is followed by an indulgent smirk as Rax watches the curtains rise. Curvy redheads? Almost worth the wait. The five chefs are given cursory glances... Their CV's also get a quick glance. But then his eyes return to the redhead, her curves, and what she has to say. When a Sullustian starts to whisper to an associate, a glare like twin blaster bolts cuts sharply to the left, and the fold-faced alien is left stammering before finally falling silent under the withering heat of Rax's imperius gaze.
Bleys Draconis' brow arches acutely to Rhia, and he murmurs wryly, "This is why I'm here. To lend both of you positive guidance via example. Don't encourage him." But he cuts off and sinks a bit in his seat when the staff pauses it's circulation and the lighting shifts. It's as though he's waiting to see if this was some sort of trap or ambush, visibly prepared to bolt until the curtain indicates this is part of the show. Then he relaxes. A little. "That's, ah.. supposed to happen, right?" he asks his companions, edgily.
Sesti Gath grins to Gaarurra. "Worth at try..." then she nods to where she sees Ax. "We should join the captain," she suggets, but the appearance of the redhead and the chefs pauses her in her tracks, she focuses her attention on the stage instead for the moment.
Strand Korsen waves towards Kadi. And also Navi. And stops as the show begins. "theatrical dinner" murmur
"Good evening everyone. I am Wyndreth Nuir and on behalf of my staff I'd like to welcome you to the Grand Re-Opening of the Golden Orb." She gestures back, "Behind me are the five finalists in the race for the position of Executive Chef here and YOU, the guests, will make the final call. "
"Our servers will begin circulating again to deliver platters to each table containing samples of all the items the chef's have submitted for this final phase of the contest. On each table is a placard displaying each chef's name and his or her contribution along with instructions for voting. So please enjoy this night of the finest fare the Galaxy has to offer. Bon Apetite!"
Servers begin to arrive at tables setting out sampler platters for each person containing the foods listed on the placard. They are followed closely by drink servers who pour up elegant glasses of Emerald wine but are prepared to take individual drink orders from the bar as well.
Jictor Gubyls is in attendance as well, standing alone in one of the darkened corners of the establishment. His arms are folded across his chest as he watches the proceedings on the stage, although his eyes regularly shift elsewhere to sweep across the Golden Orb and the patrons therein.
"Oh yes, I'm sure she'll love every minute of your help. Better make it seven or eight; it'll make you extra useful," Rhia answers Gene in a sort of deadpan manner. She does not truly lounge in her chair though; there is a bit too much carefully coiled tension in her for that, though it isn't the kind that makes her twitch when the show part of dinner and a show begins. One white brow curves upward though, a stark arch of some dubious surprise, before she slants a gaze at the captain. "If it's trouble, they're the ones in it," she murmurs, tilting her head toward the stage. When the explanation comes she ahhs quietly, another flash of teeth appearing as she smiles anew. "Trial by culinary combat. How peculiar."
Kadi turns as she hears a voice nearby, glancing over at Navi. She smiles briefly, and shrugs, staying quiet as the announcement is made. "I guess that means we should find tables," she says once the announcement is done. "Or else not eat?"
Tables... Rax Vaelus suddenly looks caught off guard, but only briefly. He turns, sweeping his gaze about for a table with an open chair...and tolerable table-mates. Turning with a swiftness that implies being used to much heavier accountrements, the caged vornskr of a man stalks off, prowling through the darkened restaurant for a place to sit...
Now it's Gene's turn to arch a brow, "Yes, that is supposed to happen" he looks toward the stage, "I hear tell the food being served tonight is beyond belief," he smiles to Bleys "I am sure they have beer nuts or something for..." The pilots eyes go to all the plates being set before them, "I take back whatever I was gonna say Bleys." Gene smiles to Rhia, "I do my best work with a few drinks in me...keeps me loose."
Strand as he appreciates the artistry. And the contest. So many up and comers, here. He begins working the crowd. Handshakes and hugs. Softly, without flash until he passes near Qadira. He clicks his heels and bows, "Your imperial highness. May your path lead you to wonders. And may the Lady Navi share fortune with you." And, then, he is gone through the crowd.
"Evening ladies and gents," Ax says to those of his crew but his attention is diverted as plates of food are being placed around the table in front of him. "Oooh, that smells good. I don't know what the hell it is, but it smells good." He wasn't big on formal settings, and while he was dressed in his finest, he was still a smuggler from Socorro at heart. The Echani picks up one of the bantha medallions with his fingers, popping it into his mouth. "Oh my god..." he mutters, a bit of blood seeping from the side of his lips as he feigns a mouth orgasm.
Bleys eases a bit, watching the food being delivered with anxiety abating in favor of intrigued appetite. Gene's comment wins a sidelong glance. "Loose? Loose is fine. Naked in the cockpit of my ship? Again? That's too loose." He sniff's tentatively at the nearby plates and begins probing at portions for his plate. "Hey, this gives me an idea. We could press gang one of the runner's up for the Hart? Have a proper cook?"
"Good idea... there's one, if you don't mind sharing with a stranger," Navi replies softly to Kadi, nodding at a vacant table almost in a corner. And then she starts and glances back at Strand's bow, blushing a little and mouthing 'Imperial... highness..?' And then she hastily bows as well, offering a soft, "Your Highness. I beg your pardon." She hastens over to the vacant table, even going so far as to pull Kadi's chair out for her. Someone's been to Servants' School...
Jax makes his way to the table with Sesti and Gra. He pulls a chair out before taking his own chair. "Hey Ax." Strand, Kadi, Rheisa, and even Strand gets a wave. He looks up as Kael disappears. "I hope everything is alright." Then he asks Ax. "You act like you haven't ate in years Ax." He says reaching to get a small bite off the tray of something that isn't making Ax go nuts. He finds a waitress and requests some whiskey.
Rax Vaelus turns about as though on a pivot. He's facing Strand, Kadi, and Navi. His face betrays nothing. Not even surprise. But then he comes forward, spreading his hands to break up a small knot of Corellians that have congregated in his path. Gliding through the part in the startled group, he drifts right up to the three of them, "Excuse me, but did I hear the words 'Imperial Highness' correctly?" His smile is pleasant, but his gaze cuts deeply as he stands there in his midnight black suit, silver vest, and blood red tie.
Braised squall is Gene's target of choice, he chews happily until Bleys speaks, "That happened once" his tone wounded "and you said you would never bring it up again. He looks to Rhia, "back me up here...he's the one who gave me that swill."
Ax finishes the bantha medallion, then looks to Jax. "Well, I haven't had good food in years, best I've had is the swill at the Meltdown and it's more grease than food." When the waitress comes by, "A round of Whyren's Reserve for my crew," he tells her, then his fingers go to find something else to sample, settling on the shark filet. Wasn't exactly a finger food, but he made it so, that or he was regressing down the evolutionary chain to his caveman days.
Kadi opens her mouth, and then closes it, before she grins at Strand. "I'm all in favour of wonders," she replies, as he vanishes into the crowd. That at least gives her a moment to notice the rest of the crew, over thataway. Her gaze is rueful at the reaction she gets from Navi though, eyes widening at the chair bit. "Oh, don't believe him for a moment. That man is a con artist supreme," she says. "My crew is - " Pause. Blink. Kadi gives Rax a long look and then she shrugs. "You did, but I don't know how much you want to believe the source. I don't mind sharing a table, m'Lady. Navi is it? I'm Kadi."
"rwal wrall wrall grarrrl wrall grarrrl rwowoal woeieowl rwarrl woeieowl grarrrl rwowoal rwowoal rwowoal grarrrl." Gaarurra says with a grin over to the doctor at his teasing though he will indeed move over to find himself a seat as well and grab a drink to have while they sit and wait and mingle and stuff. "woeieowl rwal rwowoal grarrrl-worieowl wrall rwowoal rwal rwarrl grarrrl. woeieowl rwal rwal wrall rwowoal rwarrl rwal rwal rwowoal rwarrl wrall grarrrl rwowoal rwarrl grarrrl."
Re-Pete ( 7987) repeats after Gaarurra, "Think i'll just end up having to carry a half drunk Jax and Sesti home. I like the re-opening of the place so far. It looks like it'll be a great place to get some food and a drink."
When the platters arrive Rhia leans forward to inspect them, and steals a forkful of the squall before Gene can nab it. There is possibly a brief duel of flatware. Once she's secured it, however, she lifts it to inspect it, sniffing and then nibbling delicately. "That's an amazing idea," she tells Bleys. "Until you find out they can only cook with exotic ingredients like Ecclessis figs and glasscaps and turn up their noses at what we've got on board."
Wyndreth has exited the stage and mingles among the tables, making sure everyone has everything they need, meeting people. She looks at ease and her slow, graceful gait is enhanced by the way the slit of her skirt plays peek-a-boo with her leg up to the mid-thigh. Her eyes shine and her lips are curved up in a smile as she goes from person to person, making the rounds.
Bleys heaves a dismal little sigh wearily at his table's melee over the squall. He chews reproachfully, glancing between them, eloquently communicative of mute reproach, before he swallows. "I can't take you two anywhere. This? This is why we can't have nice things." But he takes another bite and murmurs, "I believe my vow was to never let you live it down, not to never raise it again. And we can always knock over some shipments of perishables. How well guarded can steak shipments be?"
Navi blushes at the revelation from Kadi, noting Rax as he steps in close. "So you're... not an 'Imperial Highness', Miss Kadi? Isuppose it's just as well, since I'm not a m'Lady, either... just Navi is fine," she replies, with a wry smile. But she still holds Kadi's chair for her. "Sorry for any confusion, sir," she adds to Rax. "Seems a friend of mine's exercising his sense of humor, and his talent for disappearing in crowds..?"
Leaning back in her chair a little bit, Sesti watches the plates being set before her. She surreptitiously pushes the vegetable kabob more to the center of the table away from her. All the courses are tried, the cheese seems all right, but it's the meat that she downs... not in a messy fashion, but it disappears fairly rapidly, leaving behind a scattering of the sides on her plates. She glances around for seconds, if possible. "I can walk back to the ship on my own power, thank you Gaar," she informs him. "Although, I believe Jax owes you a headache."
Hearing about the grand re-opening from his new crew Moog decides to make a late arrival. Still wearing the flight suit he landed in, though much cleaner now, he sidles in through the door and into the crowd. He pauses just inside the door and lets his multi-faceted eyes roam the crowd. A few of the closer customers spot him and stare before edging away thinking he's here to cause trouble, especially since he isn't 'dressed' for occasion.
Gene loses the squall battle, and stabs the bantha, a glances it given to Rhia, then a garnish is tossed at Bleys. The wine is sipped Gene holds it back to admire the color, "this is nice..." he mumers to his table mates.
Rax Vaelus hmms quietly, clasping his hands behind his back as Kadi waves off the question. Watching her and Navi depart for elsewhere, his eyes narrow faintly with suspicion." At Navi's comment, he just smiles, his expression relaxing, "Ah, I see... An excellent jest." His teeth glint as he grins, his eyes widening faintly as he nods just a fraction of an inch, "Enjoy your meal, ladies..."
His gaze thoughtful, as he turns away, the bounty hunter strides off, and he's just about to join a table occupied by a couple Duros merchant princes when he notices the red-haired proprietress, descended from her stage. Turning that way, Rax glides up to Wyndreth with an easy smile and lightning-blue eyes. "Lovely establishment. I did not expect this when we briefly met on the streets the other day." He grins wickedly, "I see you cleaned up all the damage in record time."
Wyn smiles at Rax, "Why thank you, I am glad to have pleasantly surprised you. And yes, I was able to get it all ready on time, we'd had far too many set backs," she says. She looks around the restaurant and smiles, "I am so pleased, the chefs outdid themselves and we have a fantastic gathering, the winner will be announced as soon as the votes are in, what is your favorite dish here?"
Kadi nods to Rax, especially as he seems to relax a bit, and then wander off to flirt with the proprietress. Which leaves Kadi free to chuckles softly at her new acquaintance. "Really? Well, pleased to meet you then, Navi," she says, as she sits finally. "Thank you. It's very crowded in here tonight. You're kind to share your table. Though if you are expecting company, I could take off elsewhere. Please don't let me get in your way at all."
Rhia turns that smile on Bleys, briefly. "You might be surprised." But she's already moved on from the squall to the shark filet, picking out a small piece of that for inspection and then for nibbling as well. Possibly there is a pattern to be found in the way she's going to navigate the dishes, some rhyme or reason in sampling not only the proteins but their attendant bits as well. Potentially it has to do with making sure she gets to something before Gene does, since she doesn't actually have more than a single taste of any ne thing.
Ax savors the taste of the shark filet, but it's apparent that it wasn't as pleasing to him as the bantha. Next, his fingers go for the Squall. "It's all so good, and perfect considering I didn't know what I wanted for dinner." He tries the Squal though, like the shark he was obviously not as pleased as he was with the bantha. A bit of juice and blood trails from his lips, but is wiped away with the back of his hand before he goes in search for more of those wonderful medallions. Sure, he'd try a few vegetable dishes, but those came after the others.
Jax waves to MOOg. Then he looks at Sesti, "What no comments about me giving Gra and the rest of the crew a headache all the time?" He grins, "Well this is true. And the bantha is good." His eyes flash over to Kadi's direction on ocassion to make sure his friend is doing alright. Then he looks at Gra, "Just one time. I was drinking Wookiee booze with Wookiees. I'm lucky to be alive. I don't have your liver."
"wrall rwarrl grarrrl rwowoal." Gaarurra says about the carrying her home. He will try some of the food of course a bit of each thing and taking some of his drink in between. "grarrrl woeieowl woeieowl grarrrl rwarrl grarrrl rwarrl rwarrl rwowoal rwal rwowoal woeieowl rwarrl grarrrl." he grins and gives one of his wookiee laughs at the thought of being carried.
Re-Pete ( 7987) repeats after Gaarurra, "Just a tease Sesti. Though maybe I should get drunk so you two have to carry me home."
"I'm not, so you're not. Um, in my way, I mean. I was looking for people I knew when I walked in," Navi replies to Kadi, blushing a little more and offering a quick little fingertip wave to Rax's back. "He's a funny guy, definitely. Enjoy your meal, sir," she calls softly after him.
As the dishes are set out, she all but reels on her feet as the aroma tickles her nose. "Oh, wow... this smells heavenly. I haven't eaten this well in almost a year," she murmurs.
Rax Vaelus flashes a disarming smile, spreading his hands innocently, "Truth be told, I haven't actually sampled -any- of the dishes here yet." He gestures off to the side casually, toward one of the waitresses, "Except for the Chandrilan." The woman in question, sporting traditional Chandrilan features, opens her mouth in mute surprised, looking horrified, and she's just about to speak when he clarifies with a rogue's smile to Wyndreth, "The brandy, that is."
Rax shrugs helplessly, "I suppose I should be getting on with it, shouldn't I?" He smiles lazily, his eyes sly, "Everything will be gone if I keep feasting on eye candy." And with that, Rax heads off a couple steps, sits down with the Duros princes, and starts to help himself to the array while talking with them in low, serious tones.
"Right I am sure there are plenty of freighters hauling high end foodstuffs" Gene chews thoughtfully, "I wonder how hard it'd be to fence?" he is speaking to Rhia, "Well assuming we don't eat the profits that is." the mans expression is thoughtful, considering the possibilities of such an enterprise.
Now that she's spied the crew, Kadi does glance that way every so often. But she seems comfortable where she is at the moment. She tilts her head for a moment, watching Navi, and then says. "Does that mean you didn't find anyone you knew here? That's too bad, it seems a great party." The food of course arrives, and Kadi looks over the options with some interest. "I am not even sure where to start." But she laughs and starts in on a bite of the shark fillet, curiously.
Wyndreth's gaze is roaming, table to table then back to Rax and to the woman who's mouth drops open. Wyn can only laugh, putting a hand toward Rax's arm, "Oh my, aren't you a tease, the ladies don't stand a chance do they," she says to him, shaking her head. "Yes you'd better get to it, you snooze you lose, as they say.." she agrees then she too is off to another area of the restaurant, checking on patrons. She stops a server, "Yes they can have more.. you keep serving.." she says to him.
The olive skinned Rodian notices the wave from Jax and begins to wind his to the table. He expects to be stopped and questioned at any moment because there doesn't seem to be any other Rodians in attendance. It does take a few moments due to the crowd but most who notice move out of the way making it a bit easier.
Wyndreth ushers the server away then walks to the bar and shares a few words with the 'tend. She smiles and nods, "I am so pleased.. good job.. it's almost time," she says and then begins her weaving path back through the tables toward the stage. She'll pause and talk to a few people along the way no doubt.
Frowning, Bleys flicks the garnish from his lapel, dryly peering sidelong towards Novaflare. He murmurs something about heathens with a little shake of his head and pokes delicately at his dish, chewing as he pours more into Rhia's glass and his own. "I vote we kidnap the shark chef. Partly because it's tasty, partly it feels thematic for our crew. So, vote for one of the others, so he'll be less likely to be missed."
"I think that was the point," Rhia answers, shaking her head at Gene. She collects a glass of the wine now and lifts it up to sniff at before having a tiny sip, just enough to count as a taste of the liquid. "Though there's a market for almost everything." One more tiny sip, then, before she sets that glass down and goes to picking out new morsels to sample. "We're supposed to pick two dishes? Seems a bit subjective, doesn't it? I already know what you're picking. And you," she adds, gesturing at Bleys with the tines of her fork in a dainty little swirl. "I should pick the vegetarian stuff just to be contrary."
"I'm afraid not. I'd thought my two superiors might show, but I haven't seen any sign of them. It's a shame, really... we don't get to spend enough time together. Essential to good crew-building," Navi observes softly, her smile slipping. "Still, there's room even if they show up late, so please don't feel like you're imposing, ever. Dining alone isn't all that much fun." With that, she cuts off a bit of the Firaxa fillet and takes a dainty bite. Her expression brightens subtly, but she manages to properly chew the bite and swallow before adding, "Not bad... the Brogo clan would love it. They have a weakness for exotic seafood."
Strand Korsen circulates through the crowd, chatting here before vanishing again. He seems in his element. He does make sure to pass by the Greystorm clan and say hello. And others. A smile at the hostess before settling in with Navi and Qadira to quit glad-handing and actually eat
Rax Vaelus is still murmering quietly with the two Duros, nodding occasionally, but mostly doing the talking. After a while, he nods once, twice, narrows his eyes a bit...and then smiles, nodding a third time. He drags a knife across a flank of shark and twirls it idly as he listens to the two talk. Dunking it in butter, he smiles knowingly and nods, letting them continue before finally flashing his bright teeth and chomping down on the skewered super-predator. He shakes his head, still showing teeth as he mutters something to them, looking blissful.
The lights flicker in a purposeful manner and then a spotlight goes to the stage where Wyndreth stands with the mic in hand. "Alright, I hope everyone is enjoying themselves. We have a speeder with license.." Pause. "Kidding.. what we really have are five fantastic chefs, yes?" The chefs take their places on stage again though their crisp white jackets are now not so white and their poofy hats droop as tiredly as the chefs' shoulders.
"First of all I'll introduce them from left to right we have, Rashallo Comdro, Cybine Mantalla, Zendal Su, ChiChi, and Jorusca Kan'het. Let's give them a hand!"
Gene's eyes widen "the vegetarian...are you alright Rhia?!" The man then drains his own glass, snagging a drink from the tray of a passing server, no one will miss one drink after all. "So the Shark chef you say...." and he shifts his gaze to the tray, another swallow of wine.
Kadi nods to Navi, a smile briefly crossing her face. "So what do you do then?" she asks. "I'm an engineer on the Corellian Phantom." Yup, that crowd. But it seems Kadi is the adventurous sort. Sort of. The petite redhead glances as the lights flicker just after Strand arrives. She gives him a right proper scowl. Her gaze goes to the green wine, and she tastes it, rather than making any further comments. And then her attention goes to the introductions.
"My compliments to the chefs," Ax says, raising a glass. His fingers go for a bit of this and a bit of that, sampling each of the dishes a piece at a time. "Oh, even the potatoes are awesome," he mutters, savoring the flavors. Sure, his crew is doing whatever around him, but his focus is obviously on the food itself and nothing else at this moment matters. Well, there is the Whyren's reserve, that is also a great but his rumbling stomach was the key to his heart.
Once the applause dies down she smiles and holds up a note in front of her. "And our second runner up is... Zendal Su! Congratulations, we have a prize package for you to take home with you and you have the option to work as a sous chef for..." DRAMATIC PAUSE. "ChiChi!!!" The little woman in the middle steps forward and smiles, lifting a hand to wave, "Congratulations ChiChi and welcome to your kitchen." Wyndreth salutes ChiChi and then looks to the crowd, "Thanks again everyone for being here. Feel free to eat yourself silly, we'll be open til midnight!"
And, did he not have other duties, Ax would stay here until midnight, partaking of food and drink. He gorges himself on anything that's within arm's reach, aside from mushrooms. The man won't touch those, but will damn sure eat around them.
Navi can't help a faint scowl at Strand, either, though her eyes sparkle with mirth. "Mean Mr. Korsen... so nice of you to join us. Just be glad no permanent harm was done by your exercise of that wicked sense of humor of yours. I could've blushed myself to death!" She smiles to Kadi. "I'm just a hired gun in training, that's all, on the Thunderheart. Only hope I can live up to the level of class of that boat." She samples one of the bantha medallions cautiously (and daintily), then smiles as she swallows the bite. "Mmmmmm... who knew bantha could be so flavorful?"
Rax Vaelus twirls his fork lazily through his fingers as he smirks at Wyndreth, "Don't mind if I do." Then he smiles and nods to the Duros traders, commenting something to them with an outward gesture of his hands and a gambler's smile. The three nod, exchange Duros fist-bumps, and Rax departs from the table, the three shark flanks he ordered utterly annihilated. He nabs a honey cake from a passing serving girl and starts to snack on it as he drifts through the darkness, haunting tables.
Jax has finished his first drink and starts to clap. Then he looks at the others at his table, "Wait what did Chichi make? Was it the bantha? If it wasn't Chichi. We need to hire the one who made the bantha." Yup and Ax would explode in three weeks.
Kadi grins at Navi, and she relents on the scowl towards Strand. "Well, I won't go that far. I don't think I'd ever blush myself to death, but - that was quite startling, I have to say." She tries each dish, a bit at a time, and then the cobbler, and it seems she might have a sweet tooth. Kadi tosses her vote in, and relaxes as the vote is tallied up, and then announced. "I have to admit, I think that all the dishes are quite delicious. Hard to pick between them."
Still proceeding unmolested, Moog breaths a little easier as stands next to the crews table. The trip got a little hairy when the lights flickered a bit but the Rodian managed. Looking over the table and what was offered, his snout wrinkles a bit at the myriad of smells wafting from the table. "Greetings crew." He finally says once his eyes have scanned the table.
Bleys seems to take the eating himself silly invitation somewhat to heart, restocking his plate with contents from around the table despite the voting seeming to be done with. "See, Novaflare? You can make it through an entire event and be upright and enunciating," he comments, chewing cheerfully, before glancing to Rhia. "You win, I'll pay up at the ship."
The other chefs applaud then they all exit the stage as does Wyn. She shakes the hands of the chefs and smiles at them, conversing briefly before the three who were not called out take their leave. Zendal Su and ChiChi remain a few moments more then they too take their leave, no doubt worn slick by tonight's festivities. The sous chefs in the back can handle the rest of the evening. "Send a bottle of the Emerald with them," she says to the bartender as she passes then goes back to the restaurant floor, making her rounds again.
With a mouth full of food, Ax looks to Jax. "I don't know which chef made what, but all of it's better than what we got aboard," he says, before reaching and shoving more into his mouth. He then stands up, shoving some of the fried bread into his jacket pockets. "I need to take a fighter and go collect the Dawn. I'll catch you guys later. He then motions for a server, and hands over a company cred chit. "This is to pay for anyone with a Waywards membership, captain's treat tonight," he says before looking at the others. "Take care guys and gals, I'll catch you tomorrow.
A server drops off another of the Blue drinks in front of Novaflare, this one looking like it actually fizzes. A smile crosses Gene's face, "will you look at that" he says in awe, "They got it just the way they do at that resort on Naboo" he blinks "The one I did not go to instead of picking you too up after claiming I had to put in for emergency engine repairs." He lifta the glass and just admires it for a time.
When the winner is announced, Rhia looks perplexed. It shadows her pale face, causing her brows to drift together and her mouth to purse into an expression that borders on petulant. "So which dishes won? Why would I come back here if I don't know that the chef who cooked what I liked best got hired?" She shakes her head and up-ends the glass of whatever it as Bleys tabled for her, then flashes another smile at him. "Yes, I know you will. Might want to bring a bottle and possibly a few of those honey cakes with you. Gene, don't stay here too long. If you go wandering and end up on the wrong ship again, we might have us a problem." Then she too gets to her feet, preparing to depart.
Sesti Gath has been eating more than her fair share of the bantha, it seems, with some squab, as well. She's also tried the Wyren Ax was imbibing, and gives a sideways turn of her head, appraising it before setting it down. "Okay, I guess there are some redeeming things that come from Corellia," she mentions, giving a little smirk to the pilot sitting next to her. She finally pulls a plate of honeycake towards her and takes a bite. "Hmmmmm... okay. This /is/ good, but I do not think I can eat the whole thing..." she nudges it a little sideways so Jax can help out. When Ax stands, she opens her mouth a little. "Are you sure, Captain? Gaarurra can drink quite a bit on that tab..."
Rax Vaelus eventually acquires a new snifter of more Chandrilan brandy, his honeycake having taken longer to eat than even he expected. He growls quietly, "Perhaps I should have voted for the honeycake instead... Though Firaxan shark in butter is the Force made manifest..." He smiles to himself, looking a bit thoughtful as he watches the restaurant as a whole evolve and change with each passing moment. Snippets of conversation drift by him, plucked from the air like soap bubbles...
Better late than never, Dr. Zavir slips into the room just as Ax is emerging, pausing alongside the captain long enough to exchange a quick greeting and gain welcome directions to the table where the rest of his crew is seated. She shares a quick grin before weaving her way through the room and popping up at the table that Ax pointed her toward. "Mind if I steal this seat?" she asks as she slides into Ax's now-empty seat.
Bleys looked like he wasn't quite finished stuffing himself. As Rhia signals, he sets his more careful manners aside, dumping the remainder of that tasty green wine into his glass before tilting the vessel back to quickly quaff its contents. He shovels a few more bites in, still chewing as he begins to rise. "I like the place," he comments, readying to depart. "I wonder if they'd take barter to cover a tab?" He glances to Gene as he rises. "And don't.." but he breaks off whatever he was about to say. "Nevermind, it only encourages you. Just behave."
Gene Novaflare drains the drink and rises with his shipmates, "I am gonna grab some of the shark, and the sides for Sabra" he tells his companions, "I feel kinda guilty letting her behind, instead of dragging her along" the pilot might seem just a little unsteady at the moment.
"Oh, /definitely/," Navi replies to Kadi, pointing with her fork at the bantha and the Firaxa fillets. "These two spreads seem to be the best, I think. But it was /such/ a hard choice... fine dining shouldn't be such hard work. And I wanted to be fair...
"
Jax waves to Moog, "Join us." Then Maeve shows up, "You too doctor. Good booze on Ax's tab and awesome bantha." He says looking at Sesti. "The best things in the galaxy come from Corellia. If you don't believe it ask Kadi and Kael." He though reaches over to try a bite of honey cake.
Strand Korsen seems immune to scowls, using his native charm as a shield. He eats sparingly from dishes at the table, sampling a little bud of everything before responding. "There was no harm meant. And tell me, Kadi, did it not feel good for that sudden minute of adulation? To be treated like royalty. . " He looks to Navi, "I apologize, Navi. I do so enjoy teasing Kadi. for, she is like a fairy princess. I also like playing with the power of words. Consider me owing you a semi-important favor and half of a kiss."
"We'll wait outside," Rhia offers to their pilot. Then she moves, although not far, preparing to fall into that trailing orbit behind Bleys. "They might trade," she answers, meantime. "I suppose it depends on what we can come up with to put on the table." Further conversation will drift off as they go, too quiet to hear.
With the business concluded the atmosphere of the Orb shifts a bit with the subtle change in lighting to a somewhat less bright ambiance, the colors fading from the golden hued iridescence to the more blue-green tones that lie within the palette. Soft music plays and instead of piped in overhead it comes from the stage where a live ensemble plays.
Kadi just blinks, and then she laughs. "That's a trick question," she decides. The honey cake gets a taste too, after a moment or three. She sips more wine and looks over to Navi. "The meat dishes are very good, but I also quite like the desserts." A breath, and a glance over at Strand. "Half of a kiss? You are most definitely a rogue, Mr. Korsen."
Gene walks to the bar and talks a moment with a waitress, placing an order to go. He looks about and spies the pretty red head who runs the place, crossing the room to her. For one who seems to be in that happy buzzed place his sway and stagger seems less then one might expect. Speaking to Wyn "Thank you for a lovely meal" he says in a polite tone, "My shipmates and I will be making this a regular stop." A goofy smile on the mans face, the booze starting to get the better of him.
Moog, the olive skinned Rodian nods to Jax's invite. Just as he beings to move to Ax's vacated seat he bumps into a woman a little rudely, also intent on the same seat. He turns and motices the attractive human and his attennae flatten for a few seconds. "Apologieth, madame." He gestures to the seat as he apologizes with a slight lisp. "Please take the theat." His black eyes linger on her for a few moments longer than necessary before he again looks over the table.
Rax Vaelus takes note of the energy starting to drain from the place and idly downs the rest of the Chandrilan brandy. Starting to head out with a mysterious smile, he doesn't bother with exits, or good-byes, or well wishes... He simply drifts out the door, disappearing into the night for parts unknown.
Wyndreth smiles at Gene, "Why thank you, sir, glad to hear it, make sure to get some dessert.." she says with a wink. "We have a special VIP lounge upstairs and it will have additional menu items starting next weekend, and our live entertainment will include all sorts of music and dance," she tells him. "Have a lovely evening!"
Strand Korsen dips his head towards Rax. "He is a rogue. A very good one. Better than me. I am the king of jesters and jester of kings." He grins at Navi and Kadi. "And half a kiss is where I try to kiss you and you slap me in the face as I lean in."
"My apologies," Maeve offers with a quick shot of a grin aimed at the olive skinned Rodian whom she beat to the chair by a handful of seconds, or heart beats. She solves the problem by adroitly dragging the chair to the side and rises long enough to snag another one then offers it to Moog with that same grin. "Two new arrivals for the price of one. Speaking of, I - for one - would love to see just how much damage we can do to Ax's tab," Maeve confides to Sesti with a wink before she shares a smile in Jax's direction. "Darn right," agreeing with his remark about the best things coming from Corellia. She flashes the credit chit in the air like a card trick. "Last one standing has to arrange safe transport home for the lot of us."
Jax gets up from the table. He makes his way over to Kadi, Navi and Strand's table. He grins at the table, "Let me take this, so Strand doesn't get himself in dire straights with a third beautiful woman." He looks at Strand, "Just remember I'm looking out for your well being." He winks at Kadi, "Let me know if we need to reboot Lily's re-charge cycle so she sleeps an extra shift. You know those R2 need their beauty sleep or their cranky in the moring. All tazy." Then he steals the chair and brings it to the table of the rest of the Waywards. "Moog sit. We all got chairs now." He grins taking his seat back and stealing a bit more honey cake.
Wyn smiles at Gene then looks over the restaurant proper and her eyes land on one Maeve Zavir. Wyn goes behind the bar and picks up a small box, wrapped in emerald green paper with a silver bow and she walks toward the doctor. Reaching her she says, "I'm glad you could make it.." then she holds out her hand with the box perched upon it. "My thanks for your fabulous idea.. " she says, offering the gift.
"Well, maybe I won't /slap/ you... I'll probably settle for a subtle nudge. Probably to the solar plexus," Navi replies to Strand, with a tiny, impish smile. "Possibly so you can't point to the handprint and say 'SHE did THIS!'."
She turns a warmer smile on Kadi, stifling a giggle. "I think it's /all/ good... makes me glad my stomach won't stretch, or I'd put on ten pounds from this one meal." She notes Kadi's favor of the desserts and stifles an impish smile.
Between herself and Jax they've managed to acquire three chairs for the price of one, drawing a grin from Maeve just as Wyn arrives at the table. Rising again, Maeve accepts the gift wrapped in emerald green paper with it's jaunty silver bow, "I'm so glad that it turned out so well," she admits in a soft voice before she leans forward to offer a quick hug to Wyn before stepping back, "Congratulations on a fabulous opening night! May your restaurant always be full, your customers always happy, and your books always in the black."
Kadi grins as Jax comes by, and then she laughs outright, delighted. "Hey, you leave Lily to me," she comments, before she shakes her head. Since Jax's is a drive-by chair-thiefing, shes doesn't get to say more than that. But Navi's remark gets Kadi to laugh again, the honest amusement brightening up her face. "I think we might have gained 10 pounds from this meal anyway," she observes. "But it was really good, and this wine is delicious." Another sip. "They have live music - how lovely."
Moog sits down next to the woman and at the offer of drinking."I will volunteer as I get too naughty with too muth alcohol." He does look over the proffered food but nothing seems apealing so he contents to listen to the conversation. His attennae twitch and rotate every so often, seemingly at random times.
Strand Korsen theatrically rubs his solar plexus. He also turns to Jax, "thank you, m'lord. otherwise, I would be dead before cigars and politics. " He lets Qadi and Navi discuss the food he is still nibbling at. "This is very good. Your highness, as your vizier, I suggest we retain this chef."
Turning in her chair, Sesti smirks at Jax's 'protection' of Strand, and gives Mr. Korsen a little wave, and notes Kadi, giving her a smile as well. She turns back to the table, and chuckles as Moog has a choice of chairs. When he sits next to Maeve, she gives him a nod. "Good choice," she applauds, then looks to Maeve. "I think a few more bottles of Wyrren's will be a good start to denting that chit," she offers with a smirk. "It might improve my appreciation for other Corellian exports..." she gives a glance to Jax.
Jax raises his glass to Maeve, "Dam right best things in the Galaxy. Corellia." He looks at Moog, "You're a fighter pilot. It's your Maker given right. Nay duty to get drunk and naughty." He laughs. "And turst me Kadi, I will leave her all to you. I try not to borrow trouble." He He looks up at Wyn, "Thank you for the invitation." He looks to Sesti, "Hey it's not my fault, You don't always know quality when you see it."
Navi stifles a giggle, watching Strand massage his solar plexus. "In that case, I shall make a note to the royal vizier to extend a formal invitation to the said chef," she says imperiously. "In plain talk, I'll suggest it to the nearest in-charge person. Which chef do you mean, though? Probably several who will decide to walk away from working under ChiChi... I just don't know why, since steady honest work with good pay is so rare around here."
Kadi grins, her attention going to Navi, and she nods. There's a sort of blink and a eureka! look on her face as though something just went click in her head. Click. "I think probably any of them would be good, really," she says, about the chefs. Jax wins a smile, but Kadi leaves that topic. She does raise her glass of green wine in salute to Sesti, grinning her way briefly, before returning to the discussion about the meal. "It's all very good. I like the honey cake - and the cobbler, that might be my favourite of all."
Moog snorts at Jax's comment but flags down a drink. Grabbing one he takes a tentative sip and after a moment takes a bigger sip.
Wyn smiles and pats Maeve's hand, "Thank you for your help and all of you for being here.. but for now I have a few things to take care of.. everyone enjoy..watche for other events and come see the entertainment..goodnight!" and she turns to wander toward the a doorway behind the bar. She disappears inside then walks back out in fuzzy slippers in place of her heels. She grabs a bottle then pads back to the office door. Yep, time to have some wine!
Sesti Gath sips some more of the Corellian whiskey, and sways slightly towards Jax as she leans foreward again to take another bite of the honey cake. Looking up to Maeve and Wyndreth, she grins. "I could eat that bantha every day. If you have it here, I will definitely be back very often."
"Good night!" Maeve calls to Wyn before Wyn wanders toward the doorway then disappears into her office. Turning back to the table, "We should order one of everything, to go," Maeve suggests with another quick gleam of a wicked smile as she glances over to Sesti then sidelong to Jax then back again to Sesti. "Enough alcohol and your appreciation of any Corellian export could be seriously... augmented," she teases lightly before lifting the empty cup that Ax had drained and toasting Jax in return. "To Corellia," she agrees then claims a seat again and taps the empty cup against Moog's before snagging one of the bottles off of the table, tops off the cup, and reaches to sample some of the food already on the table.
