Posted by Civilian Jezem (Upstanding Citizen) in The Shopping District Gala (Open to all non-Gala peeps)

Posted by Civilian Lai Kitrian (Independent Operator) in The Shopping District Gala (Open to all non-Gala peeps)

Posted by Civilian Kristina Cosgrove (Student, Public Relations Intern) in The Shopping District Gala (Open to all non-Gala peeps)
Posted by… suppressed (1) by the Post Ghost! 👻
bump
Posted by… suppressed (2) by the Post Ghost! 👻
bump
Posted by… suppressed (17) by the Post Ghost! 👻
A big important event such as a diplomatic Gala always got people talking. Talk of the event, the clothes, the politics and speculation of the night fueling people’s imaginations in the upcoming weeks. Though clearly holding the colony’s attention, very few were able to attend the event. Leaving the masses outside sighing wistfully. Wouldn’t it be grand to attend a marvelous party like that? To wear your nicest dress or suit and drink from the finest bottles of wine and partake of intergalactic gastronomy. A fanciful daydream but that’s all it would ever be. . . right?

Argam of Lux Incorporated, understood the plight of the people. Everyone dreams of that night of fancy and luxury and what sort of businessman of fine luxury good would he be if he did not meet the interests of the market? It took some quick planning and the oiling of a few palms (Jezem helped though he said Argam best not ask about the methods he use) but the Ferengi managed to put together his own event the night of the Gala.

The Grand Shopping District Gala. Posters went up a week in advanced and everyone took attention. For one night the Streets of the Shopping district were decorated in the luxury glitz and glam of an official Gala. Various shops along the street partnered up, hosting their own smaller and themed party rooms. There was even a contest where guests could vote on their favorite party room. It was a happy night for all. The people got to live their dreams of attending a gala, businesses received a boost of new customers and visibility. The heart of the party, of course, was established in the space before Argam’s own humble business The four story building that homed Lux Incorporated. There he set up a fine banquet of tables laden with fine foods and drinks. A little further down a live band played before a dance floor lit up with sparkling nights.

Tonight was a night for everyone to live their dreams and live to the fullest.

Jezem

Not one to pass up an opportunity to meet new people, Kristina has come across one of the posters while she was at a little café studying for a test. Very soon she would be starting her first internship in the government building but the official assignments hadn’t been announced yet. She wished it had already started so she could have been at the Museum tonight. Also, that was not the case, but the public party beckoned to her. She somehow didn’t think that it was Michael’s thing, but then again the man was ever a surprise. She told him she was going to investigate.

Cosgrove did not own anything on the level that the people attending the official gala would be wearing, but having a half-sister who had been in this government and was now a cultural ambassador had given her the chance to add to her wardrobe on a few occasions. She slipped on a black dress that was covered in a large pale pink rose print and trimmed with delicate black lace at the hem, waist and neckline. thick black straps held the fitted bodice in place, allowing the loose knee length skirt to flow. She pulled her hair up into a high ponytail, slipped on some black heels and headed out, clutch in hand. A tiny part of her was nervous to just roam about at night, but this was a very populated area and the chance of her being mugged like she had the very first day she had arrived on Oed years ago was exceptionally small.

Kristina heard the party before she even saw it. Turning the corner, she grinned at the sight of people milling about outside and also moving to and from the building. She moved to the entrance and followed people in, taking in the sights.

~Kristina Cosgrove

Eryn had seen the flyers of course. She had even posted some in her shop. She had expected to mixed in with the media during the Gala, but this impromptu party would be an excellent opportunity for someone to sow dissidents or create a catastrophe and blame the Vren. Their presence was advised. With Eryn being a prominent artesian on the colony she could have attended the official Gala, but a good business woman supported her own.

She pressed the comm button down to Vonn’s suite, not quite hiding the laughter in her voice. “I hope your ready to go. Eryn must arrive fashionably late and in such a crowd her primary body guard would never let her go alone.”

Eryn

“We should be at the actual Gala, Eryn.” was the only response she received, but the now-familiar thud-thud-thud of the armored boots on the stirs from below indicated the Breen was already on their way up.

Vonn

The comm went quiet but not before her laughter was heard. She made her way down to the main floor. She was wearing a deceptively elegant dress. Floor length, black with metallic threads, a slit to her knee, three quarter sleeves and a mandarin collar. The bodice, gave the impression of being sheer and hints of more, but hid her scarring well.

“Vould you rather go play nice with all zhe fancy people and Star Fleet brass and Diplomats, or go vhere there might be some fun?” she slipped back into the accent as they headed for the slider. “Ve can alvays change plans.”

Eryn

The Breen gave her silence as a response, but escorted her to the private slider, checked the driver, opened and held the door for her and closed it behind her, and then sat in front with the driver.

As they approached the Shopping Gala, the helmet swiveled to look at the driver. “Rendesvous point three. Two hours.” The driver simply nodded and said “Understood.” Vonn exited the slider and opened the back door and held a gauntlets hand to her to help her out.

Gran (in public)

He was irritated. Eryn gave a mental sigh. She had no way of knowing if it was at her, the ‘assignment’, or something unrelated. She took his gauntleted hand, tapping out a pattern against his hand. A simple acknowledgement. She faced the crowd with an air of disinterest and distraction. In reality, Eryn took it all in, the patterns, the oddities, the people, the routes in and out. And she took in the essence of what was going on around her. She moved into the crowd toward the ‘main’ event staying well within ‘Gran’s’ area of protection.

Eryn

Like any good hosts, Jezem and Argam greeted guests outside of Lux Incorporated. Argam in his best Ferengi-style suit of deep purple with dark green accents swirled with muted gold. A decorative head piece to matched wrapped around the back of his head and attached right behind the ears. Beside him, Jezem stood out in formal Orion attire made of flowing pure white fabrics, shiny gold pauldrons and white leather. Overall they looked resplendent together as they met with guests and subtly coordinated with their small army of staff and security keeping things running.

Jezem caught Eryn’s eyes from across the streets and waggled his fingers at her in greeting an acknowledgment. He noted the shadow trailing behind her and thought ‘ah, so that is her mysterious partner’. Jezem leaned down to whisper into Argam’s ear, “I’ll be right back, I’m going to go say hello to Miss Romanov.” Argam asked that Jezem extend his own greeting before turning to address the concerns of a waiter.

With the grace of a lean and large cat, Jezem navigated through the busy crowd to meet with Eryn face to face, “Glad you could make it Eyrn, though I am surprised to see you. I thought you would have an invitation to the proper gala.”

Jezem (And Argam)

Eryn blinked and looked at Jezem as if surprised he spoke to her. Of course she wasn’t. It was all part of the facade. She was sure Gran was smirking behind that helmet at the reminder they should be at the actual gala instead. “Ah, Jezem. Yes, vell one must support zhe other artisans and entrepreneurs. I am surprised Argam did not choose to attend zhe Gala. He is prestigious enough.” She half turned, her attention fully focusing on the Breen slightly behind her. “Zhis is, Kashir Gran.”

Eryn

Jezem twirled a strand of perfectly coifed hair around a finger, his expression every bit of the dumb trophy husband he liked to pass himself off as, “Oh, you know how Ferengi are. Their lobes start tingling and then there’s nothing you can do to dissuade them from whatever venture they pull together. He’s done quite an amazing job hasn’t he?” Eryn would know him enough to know that Jezem was behind 60% of the entire event. He gave Eryn’s Breen friend a coy smile, “A pleasure to meet you Mr. Gran.”

Jezem

The Breen didn’t move or speak, and the helmet made any interpretation of intent impossible. But the name was not an unfamiliar one. Kashir Gran was a name that made the rounds of all the unsavory and illicit circles in the Quadrant. Syndicate enforcer, sometime freelance operator, all the time reputed to be both very dangerous and dangerously professional. Stories of their exploits were plentiful (if you were ‘in the know’); and looking at the heavily armed and armored figure standing behind their latest client most of them seemed far more plausible. In fact, the latest rumor was that Gran had taken offense to a Syndicate Underboss’s actions against the family of a rival and had… well… polite society said that the Breen “removed the Underboss of all further responsibilities.”… Syndicate speak for something quite brutal and final. And it was apparently not viewed negatively by the Syndicate, as no price had been put on the Breen’s helmet. Some even went so far as to say that even the Syndicate leadership didn’t want the blowback from Gran if whomever they sent to collect failed.

Gran

Jezem knew who Gran was, despite playing dumb. Gran quite likely knew who Jezem was. Though perhaps only as a name connected to someone far, far more important within the highest echelons of the Syndicate. A woman who know doubt would have needed and employees people like Gran. Someone whose reputation mirrored that of the Syndicate itself. Jezem was her protege and she his witness into the organization all those years ago. Naanni was a hard woman to forget, as deadly as beautiful, and she took care of those deemed worthy of her respect.

He ignored Gran to give Eryn his full attention, “Eryn, you should come try the desserts. I know there’s a table out there just looooaded with all your favorites. Plus a few of mine I really want to introduce to you. Ever had Orion Spiced Chocolates? They’re, like, a sweet kick in the mouth that’ll have you begging for a glass of lassi.”

Eryn was far too disciplined to let on her amusement at the game. Instead she looked around rather bored. “I have. It vas an import zhat zhe Korda enjoyed regularly. I had occasion to have earned a piece once or twice. Vell show me zhese deserts zhen. You have alvays had high expectations for food.”

Eryn

The was an air of excitement in the colony and Lai could understand why. Despite the risk and old wounds, people seemed genuinely curious about the diplomatic turn of events. She, of course, had been following the news as she tried to grasp the details of this Universe. That last thing she needed was to make a stupid slip. So far no one from the Government had come to tell them to keep it to themselves, but it was just the smart way to go.

Turning down the street, she saw poeple gathering at various shops and the merriment was contagious. For a brief moment she smiled. Then the dread kicked in. Lai stopped dead in her tracks and admonished herself for forgetting that this was not like before. They were safe here. Or so she tried to convince herself. Akem was better at it. It was in Lai’s nature to reach out and feel things and right now she wanted to do more of that rather than stayed cooped up in their apartment out of fear.

In a rare moment of fearlessness, she approached the larger of the venues and the one that frankly looked the fanciest of the set-ups. She was not quite dressed for it, though the plain black skirt and sleeveless floral top were okay. As she moved, people either ignored her or did a double take. Inwardly she laughed as they saw wha they thought was someone’s döppleganger. The truth was way stranger than whatever story they told themselves. As she entered, she sent Akem a message:

||There’s a party sort of thing going on in the shopping district. Do you remember what fun felt like? I don’t. Join me?||

~Lai Kitrian

Akem had been tracking info on Oed for some time as they learned more and more about their new environment. Typical Deltan attire was not what he was used to. He had grown so accustomed to hiding his identity with clothes that he wasn’t totally sure what to do. Would these people expect him their in his nude deltan glory? Or was he make like everyone and else to fit in? Clothes were probably safer.

||Fun has always been a rarity. I’ll be there soon if you truly think it worth while. Any suggestions on how i might present myself there?||

-Akem

She smiled. ||They seemed to be all dressed up. More so than I. I think this is meant to be a chance for people to dress more formal than they normally would. Do with that what you will.||

Sending her reply, Lai ventured father into the space. She didn’t expect to see anyone she knew here, and it wasn’t like very many people even knew her, so for the moment she was moving about with apparent anonymity.

~Lai Kitrian

Argam was a good host, and greeted everyone as though they were old friends. Though the Ferengi hasn’t lived in the colony for a full year yet, he had a good reputation as an honest business man and fair with is dealings. The Ferengi approached Lai, sensing that she felt out of place amongst the gathered crowd. “Welcome, young miss!” He greeted with a wide smile, “Thank you for coming to this little gathering tonight. Please, enjoy all the food and drink you could want! Everything is free and provided for so you may enjoy your night without cause for concern!”

Jezem (And Argam)

Such public celebrations were something Lai had experienced long ago on her homeworld but had all but faded from her memory. Her gold-ringed hazel eyes took in the Ferengi and she couldn’t help but smile a little bit. The energy around her was contagious and she mentally allowed herself to relax, if only a tiny bit. It was hard to fully let down her guard, especially amongst so many strangers, but she felt anonymous here and it was starting to feel actually kind of nice. “Thank you. It seems like a wonderful party.”

~Lai Kitrian

Kristina wandered around the party with a glass of well… something in hand. Should she be worried about the mystery alcohol at a random block party? Maybe not. It was organized by a business district after all.

She turned the corner and stopped abruptly at the sight of the last person she thought she’d see here. Kristina had meant to stop in but things had been so busy with the dig and school. Guilt gnawed at her stomach and she approached to woman who was the exact copy of her sister minus the facial tattoos and a whole weird set of abilities she knew Halai didn’t have. She didn’t even get all the way to her, when Lai turned and stared right at her. “Hey, Lai. I didn’t expect to see you here. Are you and Akem settling in okay?”

~Kristina Cosgrove

Lai peered at the woman who had rushed into her hospital room only to find that Lai was not the one she expected to find. She honestly wasn’t sure how to feel about it all, but she could feel the regret and guilt radiating off Kristina in waves. Lai wasn’t sure whether she should be upset at being forgotten about or if that was even truly the case. She could understand it being hard for the woman to look at Lai and not want it to be her sister. But sisters they were not, even if surface genetics would say they were. “It’s… an adjustment. We’re waiting on something to happen with our refugee status, but we have temporary status and services.” Who knows what they would do if it ended. After all, there was no way some powers that be would let her and Akem galavant about this galaxy as they pleased. No, eventually people would remember they were there and there would be questions, demands. Of that she was certain.

~Lai Kitrian

Jezem looped one arm through Eryn’s and half-dragged-half-guided her over to the desserts table which was a veritable display of sugary confections from across the galaxy. Most of which made here on the colony with as little imported as possible. Upon a little plate Jezem created a selection of Orion favorites for Eyrn, including the spiced chocolates and a sugar confection that looked like a tiny fried birds nest. Nestled inside the nest was an “egg” of honey-soaked sweet cheese with a fragrant and floral smell. “Try these. You’ll love them so much.”

A gauntleted hand closed on Jezem’s arm holding the plate and steered it gently but firmly away from Eryn. “Please. Keep your distance, sir. Ms. Romanov is particular about her personal space.” the synthesized voice of Gran said. They took the plate from Jezem and, after releasing him, ran their other hand over the food and then handed it to Eryn. “It is safe… although how palatable is point of conjecture, I’m sure.”

Argam sensed the discomfort between the two young women. Normally he wouldn’t attempt to step in between what seemed like a personal matter, as the host of this party he felt obligated to ensure his guests were comfortable and happy. The Ferengi smiled at Kristina, noting she already had a cup in hand, “Ah! I’m glad you are enjoying the party, Miss, do you like the springwine? It is a Bajoran favorite and it would pair nicely with savory grilled skewers being served tonight. To Lai he said, “Would you like something to drink as well? We have both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available.”

Jezem (And Argam)

Gran