Restoration Day, RPathon Thread #1

[NPC]

It would have been a day just like any other, people going about their business on the station and largely avoiding each other. That was, if today didn't carry the awful significance it did throughout the civilized Galaxy. For today was no ordinary day, far from it in fact. Today was the day upon which, exactly a year ago, Coruscant was first struck. That fateful collision that almost wiped out a portion of the planet that would have successfully crippled it for all time. Almost. There had been hope on that day, disastrous as the attack was they could recover.

Until they discovered the deadly contents of the ship that was...

It was the reason he was here today, the reason he had travelled from Arkania. It was to be a day of remembrance, but much more than that. Where normal memorial days consisted of much brooding and many stiff upper lips today was to be more. They were to celebrate, for it was not a sad occasion. The Coruscant disaster itself, yes, a terrible event but today was not just to recall the horrors suffered due to it. Today was a celebration also, a celebration of just how far the Remnant had come since the destruction of the unifying force in the Galaxy.

Through different beliefs and backgrounds they had battled, until the two former groups had successfully merged into one solid driving force. It was this mish-mash of ideas and beliefs that had paved the path for the Remnant to save trillions of lives. Had they not successfully shut down all passage to and from the Inner Core the virus could have spread much further, would have spread much further. So today was a day of remembrance, yes, but also a milestone worthy of celebration. It marked an entire year since the disaster, an entire year since the embers of two fallen factions had been sparked into a much greater flame.

Today was Restoration Day.

It was the name they had bestowed upon it, him and the rest of the upper echelons of the Remnant hierarchy. They had decided the day was to give hope to the masses, to give strength to the earlier promises of the Remnant. They would lead the Galaxy's people into a new era, the fact that they had cleared the most difficult year was proof of this.

He gave the prepared area on the station one last look over. They had cleared an entire floor of the colossal station, room enough for a staggering number of people with areas sectioned for both markets and other stalls prepared for the festivities ahead. The centrepiece to the whole event was the huge balcony from which he surveyed the sprawling emptiness of the floor. It was likely the quietest this area of the station had been since its construction, a few droids busy adding the finishing touches. Later tonight this area would explode, then it would fall silent once more as Admiral Khai took to the balcony to deliver his speech.

One last look at the final preparations on the ground and he retreated into the back corridors. People would be arriving soon. Although Khai's speech didn't come until much later they were likely to mingle in such a way down below that the Remnant were going to have to keep an eye open, celebration or not.

When all had gathered and the events had begun properly there were to be parades, parties and celebrations for as long as people could keep on their feet. Tonight was going to be very interesting indeed.

[Skye Sorel]

Of course Skye Sorel was a patriot. She was a freaking Lieutenant in the Core Remnant military and always took her duties seriously. But among the few things she thought the Remnant could do without was definitely parades and speeches and other ridiculous things that she didn't much care for. Once she had been asked to say something when she had been rewarded with some small time medal. She had leaned closer to the loudspeaker, coughed uncomfortably and said:"Thank you." There's your speech, sir. Loud and clear.

What was worse about this particular day of celebrations and waving and hooraying, was that she wasn't there voluntarily, holding a glass of wine, cheering for all the good stuff that was going on in the Core Remnant. Sorel wasn't even there out of idle curiousity on how things will probably wrong somehow as they always tended to go - she was there to work! In her nicest, most formal dark blue uniform, she looked fancy and yet a little pissed off as she tended to come across. There was a small armory clasped on her person, hidden under the clothes and some not so veiled. Rifle, a few vibroblades, a blaster attached to her belt... Yep, whatever happened, at least there would be BANG.

She hadn't been very happy to receive the ever stressful job of guarding a high priority target like Admiral Khai Amets. Sure, if things went well it could have meant a promotion for her but frankly, she didn't believe things were going to go smoothly. Not with what she was working with. If ever there were any more useless and frustrating pair in the Core Remnant, Gil Venkat and Rei Anan had to be the thickest in their heads, not to mention Venkat had a few complaints and an official warning about a grave misbehaviour as a Remnant military member. Sorel was absolutely sure that even if she was going to do everything right and maybe even go a little beyond her duties, these two would fuck up and drag her straight to hell along with them. Which was why the Lieutenant wasn't happy.

Everything had been checked and double checked. The security was tight, the military in alert. All she had to do now was to go and gather her miserable team and get this nightmare over with. Hands covered with black gloves that went so well with the uniform, she grabbed a tighter hold on her rifle as she walked through the crowd of military and non-military personnel making small talk and killing time until the real show begun. Spotting the two from across the large area, she headed straight toward the two guys, not even bothering to do a "fake smiley face" for anyone she passed who might have been wondering what the heck was bothering the human female.

"Venkat. Anan," she addressed the two sharply, her eyes shifting from one to another. "I have the questionable pleasure of your company during an honour guard duty for the Admiral." Spread joy around yourself, Skye...!

[Rei Anan]

Rei really must be doing something right to have gotten the notice of someone so high up and end up working such a high stakes and important job! Soon he’d be moving up from shocker, but he didn’t have to worry too much about not being able to taunt Gil about that fact that he was something Gil could only ever dream to be. A promotion meant he was even further up, leaving Gil at the bottom. How wonderful was that?

Even more wonderful was that he’d be working with Lieutenant Sorel! The only way this could be better is if you opted the part with Admiral Khai all together. Then he could just celebrate alone with her. They could have a few drinks, dance, have a bit of fun…

Ah, right. Gil would be there, too. Ruining everything, as was just like them.

Everything should have been starting off well. He had all his gear, from his gun and batons down to every hidden knife. He was refreshed and as handsome as ever. But somehow despite this he wasn’t in the company of a fawning female. Oh no. He was standing next to the very Gil Venkat he didn’t want there. How had this happened?

“Today would be one heck of a day to be a shocker, wouldn’t it?” he asked to his lower ranking companion. “But I guess I’m going to have to do all the work by myself.” He made a show of sighing, making it clear that because Gil wasn’t a shocker he was next to useless. After all, he’d be able to deal with any problems well before the man was even aware of them, what with all his pristine talents and all. He didn’t even have to move to counter danger! He could reflect it with his mind, or, well, his telekinesis.

Then he noticed Sorel approaching them looking absolutely stunning in her uniform, as she always was. He stood up a little straighter, because he was naturally already standing up straight as befit him, and graced her with what he believed to be his most charming smile. Nevermind that she looked pissed off about something. Probably the fact that Gil was there. No one ever wanted him around.

“Lieutenant,” Rei said formally while he saluted her, it always looked good to appear that you took your job seriously, “I have the certain pleasure of your company.

[Zharko Shapani]

Zharko was not a patriot. He was merely combining business and pleasure. Mostly pleasure combining with a dash of business. And if the business part happened to go astray and not happen – that was fine too! Yes, Zharko Shapani was going to get laid tonight!

It had been far, far too long since he'd gotten to spend some quality time with someone who wasn't his family. And it had been even longer since he'd gotten to spend that quality time with someone who wasn't family naked. Not that he often got naked with his family either – thankfully – but that wasn't the point. The point was that he'd decided Restoration day was the perfect busy as hell party to blend in and not be noticed by anyway as he got closely familiar with some of the people on the space station.

Even someone like him could blend into the crowd here and not be noticed by anyone important. Or no one important who couldn't be made to be quiet. He could care less what Restoration day was about. All he cared about was that he could get incredibly drunk and laid. Not necessarily in that order. There was some … stuff to do for Zahara but fuck that shit!

With that mindset he'd found his way to the festivities and had wandered in and out of several cantinas already. One had to make sure one's relatives weren't prowling about or friends of said relatives or any other sort of prying eyes looking to find some dirt on him to expose to people who he didn't want it exposed to. With a shifty look around he made sure – once again, for about the millionth time since his arrival – if no one was following him. Had seen him, was paying attention to him.

It didn't seem to be so and he quickly gulped down his drink. One more cantina hop should do it! He would then settle down – as much as one could settle down about these things – find himself a nice young man and then... yes! He was going to get laid, one way or another.

[Gil Venkat]

Gil Venkat, guard to none other than Admiral Khai himself! It was an honour, something that a lowly soldier like him should be oh so very glad for. He was being given a chance to make a name for himself once more, to rise above the call of duty and perform well beyond expectations right under the nose of the Admiral! Any soldier would have cut off a testicle for the opportunity. Any soldier but Gil. There was one reason Gil was here, one reason he had tried his hardest not to try and find an excuse out of it.

Gil was here for the pussy.

He was assigned to Sorel for one, she was going to be accompanying them. He got to stare at Sorel all dressed up for the entire evening. Being a personal guard to Admiral Khai had to be worth something too. That was such a good line to drop on some unsuspecting civilian woman, "You know, I once guarded the Admiral..." He would be so in there. Much further in there than the simpering fool beside him would be.

Rei Anan, the scourge of Gil's life was assigned the exact same placement as him today. Both of them were to accompany Sorel. Both of them were to be guards to Admiral Khai and worst of all, Gil had to stand in close proximity to him all day. It was depressing, he had to stand and listen to his retarded attempts at wooing Sorel. Had to watch his dirty little eyes rove over the body that was rightfully Gil's. He would have Sorel before Anan! He could go fuck himself!

"Today would be one heck of a day to be adept at anything other than prancing around like a Hapan lady." Gil snapped, noticing Rei look elsewhere for a moment.

Under any other circumstances Gil would have followed Reis eyes, found what had interested him so much. Not now however, the movement had served as a signal to Gil. Alarm bells ringing loudly in his head, Gil only had one thought in mind. This was too good of an opportunity. Clenching the his fist and activating the electric pulse Gil swung the blunt of the spikes into Reis ribs. Not enough to do any damage, but enough to give the man a painful jolt. That'd show him who was a goddamn shocker.

"What were you looking at so intently?" Gil muttered then, deactivating the shock and glancing in the direction. "...Oh shit." Gil spat, standing bolt upright.

He'd just shocked Gil, with Sorel approaching in the distance. Would she notice? Gil didn't want to look sideways to see how Rei was doing, to see if he was noticeably shocked. That would betray guilt! No, he'd play dumb. Sorel couldn't have noticed, Sorel would probably agree if she had. She'd look him in the face and she'd say "It's okay Gil, Anan is an utter mess." Then Gil and Sorel would walk off together, hand in hand and everything would be perf-

"Sorel. Er, Lieutenant Sorel!" Gil corrected, snapping into a stiff salute. "I must say, your attire brings out the colour of your eyes oh so well."

Gil said, looking her up and down and lingering rather inappropriately in some areas before catching a grip and locking his eyes with hers. Him and Sorel! Together forever!

[Khai Amets]

Khai hated naming things, that’s why he’d left the naming to everyone else. Khai had nodded at every suggestion that wasn’t completely moronic. (You’d really be surprised at what some people could come up with, though.) It hadn’t really mattered what they would name it. He’d still be able to come up with reasons why it was good. That was why he really shouldn’t complain that they had come up with ‘Restoration Day,’ because it wasn’t as though he’d offered anything better, but at the same time that reasoning wasn’t enough to stop Khai from mentally frowning at it. Nor did that fact that he’d actually encouraged it.

It just sounded as though they were going to force everyone to do community service or something rather than celebrating. Congratulations everyone on surviving thus far! As a celebration we’re going to eat, drink, pick up trash, plant a tree, and repair the buildings! The Core Remnant Republic has decided that through this method we’ll extort its citizens and give you a newer, cleaner environment of questionable quality because half way through you’ll all be drunk! I’d check to make sure your house or store doesn’t sway tomorrow afternoon because if you do it tonight it probably will whether or not it’s stable.

Talk about inspirational.

No, his speech was going to go along different lines, and even as he sat on his desk eating while he waited for his guard to show up he was still wondering whether or not he was going to go for a long speech or a short one. The longer one might be more encouraging and spirit boosting. The shorter one meant they could all shove off and have fun faster. Either way he needed to show everyone their leader was still competent and ready to work for them, because certainly if he worked for himself he’d never do any work at all. Yes dear people, I do all that paper work for you. I sit in my office for hours at a time having some dull droid reading said paperwork for all of you. Behold the glory behind being Admiral. The higher you raise the less fun you get to have.

Did he regret it? By no means. The glory of being blind was that he could shove most of it off on other people if he got too much. That left him with time to do more useful things. Like furthering the search for the virus’ cure and harassing the people below him to make sure the Remnant wasn’t full of half-wits with guns. What a pretty picture that was. That’s why Giloriam Venkat would be joining him at some point. According to his records he was a half-wit that needed to be checked.

Khai could worry about his speech later, like when he walked out onto the balcony and had to deliver it. That was as good time to concentrate on it as any. At the moment he could really go for some sachertorte. There had to be some place around here that sold it, and he would find it. Until then he’d have to content himself with the lemon margarine pie. Those three had better show up soon.

Skye Sorel he’d chosen because she was an example of something positive within the Remnant. Something Venkat and Anan should work towards, not away from. Rei Anan had been chosen because somehow most of the man’s marks all had mentions of Venkat. He liked his men to be able to work together, as shocking as that may be.

[Skye Sorel]

One day she would look back on this day and tell her junkie grandchildren she was in the first anniversary of the Core Remnant and she got to guard their most revered leader. These stories were always better when they were told and hell when they were actually lived. So much pressure, so much responsibility. Anyone could just choose to step up and whack the Admiral when she was distracted. So Skye would not be so. At all. Even if it meant suppressing the violent urge to bash some heads in with something heavy, creating a bloody mess. Ahh... The satisfaction felt over the mental image helped bring half a smile onto her face as she stopped in front of the two of her unit she wouldn't have wanted to be assigned to such a task.

How was she ever going to advance anywhere if her team acted like a bunch of horny kids? Skye had mastered the art of utter disregard for any attempts of swaying her - when she wanted to do either of them, she would not need to be swayed, yes? - and had coolly managed to walk through the leering and casually dismissed the occasional slip-up in addressing her but she wasn't going to always be this accommodating! If this turned out as bad as she thought it would be, Sorel was going to stomp these two jokers so deep into the ground they would pop out on the other side of the planet! But... calm blue skies... Ommm... Breathe, Lieutenant, be cool. A little faith goes a long way. Perhaps they wouldn't be as incompetent as she expected them to be, after all?

Naturally the dubious word of "pleasure" was picked up and for a moment, Sorel even looked a little amused as she eyed Rei. "We'll see," she only said about that before much to her surprise, at a soft hum of some kind of a shocking tool, the man was jerked back. Snapping her eyes at Venkat, the Lieutenant lowered her voice as she stepped closer to the half-breed of whatever the hell it was and snarled:"Fucking behave, Venkat! This is not the kiddies' lounge we're doing, the Admiral could have your hides quicker than you can say "Hydrogen Peroxide"" And then he might have hers as well, for being such a failed fearless leader to them.

Nodding toward Anan, she said rather simply:"Deep breaths, Anan. It sometimes helps me not bash his head into the wall." The Shocker hadn't been as poor in his performance than the Arkanian... or whatever had been. Seeing as he had actually gotten promoted, it had to mean he had some kind of a brain in there...? Straightening up again, she waited for the man to compose himself before doing her little speech thing.

"I need you both to stay in your best behaviour and that means to keep your mouths shut and eyes out for potential security risks for the Admiral. Under no circumstances will you be further away from him than twenty feet from him and for sands' sake, stop bickering like children!" So yes, it wasn't very inspirational but it was better than smacking them with the butt of the rifle she was holding. The temptation was high, I'll have you know! A comlink beeped in her pocket, signaling the Lieutenant they should be heading to pick up the Khai Amets for the escort. Sighing, she shook her head and turned. "Come on," she said somewhat reluctantly, the small mass gathering parting for the three of them. Must have been the amount of weaponry all of them combined were carrying... It couldn't have been the pretty little lady in a fancy uniform looking like she was going to stab you if you didn't step aside! From the corner of her eye she spotted a Devaronian, her attention shifting on him briefly as she gave him a neutral stare and a cold greeting of a "Mr.Shapani," as they passed Zharko.

Without delay the three would find their way to the Admiral's office where his helper or whatever the hell the woman was, went to announce their arrival. Fucking politics...

[Rei Anan]

Rei would have responded to Gil’s considerably rude comeback, because Rei naturally did not prance about, he even had a brilliant comeback planned—really!—but Sorel was worth his attention so much more than Gil was. That being said, he had to ignore it so that he would look alert and ready for Sorel! She wouldn’t sleep with a slacker, the fact that she hadn’t slept with Gil was proof enough. That also meant she didn’t want to sleep with idiots, hybrids, grunt troopers, and drunks. Oh yes, Rei certainly had the advtange!

At least he had until the asshole decided to have a cheap shot and hit him in the ribs with his stupid knuckles, which really had made his formal and appropriate greeting to Sorel much more strained and difficult as he was trying not to show the pain that he was feeling, although he had glared thoroughly at him. It was bad enough that Gil got a shot in front of Sorel! He should have countered it first! Flung Gil away with the Force! He could at least look strong, because if he pretended it didn’t hurt, brushed it off, then it would just make Gil look weak.

That’s what Gil was. Weak, pitiful. He couldn’t do a damn thing in a fair fight, and he knew it! This wasn’t just revenge, it was jealousy. Rei had everything Gil wanted, and soon he would have Sorel, too. Take that you bastard. Already he was starting higher on the scale, no surprises there, than Gil was with the Lieutenant. She was already yelling at him, whereas for him she had helpful words as to how to deal with it. She’d even looked slightly amused with him! Which certainly beat that frightening glare of hers.

Listen to Gil try to talk to her was sickening. Such a boring compliment! Not that it wasn’t true, but women liked a guy to be smart and cunning. Rei would have said that the clarity her attire brought out in her eyes brought out her authority. That way she would think Rei liked women for more than their looks! Stupid, stupid trooper.

He took a deep breath to show her that he listened to her and trusted her advice; women liked a guy who listened, right? Before smiling some and saying, “It didn’t hurt that much, but it does help.” Like hell it didn’t hurt. Rei would get his revenge, but he’d do it where Sorel wouldn’t see it. Until then both of them could think that he was fine! He’d just have to try extra hard not to wince every time he took a step. It’d get better.

Then suddenly she was yelling at both of them. No, that couldn’t be right. She was just angry at Gil for hurting him! That’s right! Even if it might look like she were yelling at him she was actually just yelling at Gil. Though it hurt when she said he’d been bickering like a child! He’d done no such thing! He was very mature and dashing. Maybe what she meant by wanting him to keep his mouth shut was that she wanted him to be very mysterious. He could do mysterious. His looks were dark enough for it, well his eyes and hair were. He’d use them to his advantage!

Looking mysterious also didn’t mean he couldn’t talk, he just needed to be.. mysterious.. with it? Yes? Well whatever. As for being on his best behavior, he was always on his best everything as the situation called for him. That was Rei. Always ready!

To further show Sorel that he listened to her he nodded firmly, at least he hoped it was firmly but his ribs hurt and followed behind her. Maybe he could trip Gil on the way, make one of his steps slip with his powers. Then it would look like Gil tripped over his own feet! Ha! He’d make sure to look for an opening and take it if he could. He barely registered Sorel offhandedly greeting some guy on the way. After all, she was walking with him!

[Gil Venkat]

Sorel was looking gooood. So good that even though she was yelling at him to behave and berating him in all kinds of ways Gil didn't hear a goddamn word of it, simply nodded as his eyes wandered once more to...places. It wasn't really his fault he kept doing that! She was the one who dressed in such a manner, bringing all this attention onto herself. Hell, she probably enjoyed it. It was likely her intentions to have him and every other male in the vicinity drooling.

Gil was just happy knowing that he would be the one that would ultimately be chosen as her bedroom companion.

Anan had no chance, she was giving him stupid little tips on how to avoid feeling the pain of what Gil had done to him. Deep breaths! Hah, deep breaths wouldn't help him stuff that one away, no matter how much he put on a brave face and claimed he was just fine. Gil had shocked himself before, many times. Gil had shocked himself in places no man should ever shock themselves. He'd made damn sure to give Rei enough that he wouldn't forget it anytime soon. It was this thought that brought a small grin to the soldiers face, this thought that strengthened his resolve when Sorel voiced her thoughts about bashing Gils head into a wall.

It was kind of rude, but after a few moments thought on the comment Gil realised what she meant. "Bashing his head into the wall." So that was how Sorel was? He liked his women rough, the idea of being thrown around in the throes of passion with Sorel was exciting indeed. It was boring when they just lay there like a corpse... Take that Anan. He probably thought that he was winning this one, that Sorel was somehow on his side and not simply talking about how she was going to be in bed with Gil. He couldn't wait until the day he told Anan exactly what he'd been up to with Sorel the night before, that would wipe the smug grin off the man's face.

"Best behaviour sir!" Gil repeated, snapping another salute out.

As Sorel led them away, Gil cast a dark glance at Anan before following. He found himself glancing suspiciously at the Devaronian as they passed. Mr. Shapani? Was his princess...was she going to be here?!

"What's he doing here?" Gil asked of Sorel as they walked further.

[Zharko Shapani]

Happily – the hunt was about to begin! – he meandered from one cantina to the next, trying his best not to grin like a tool. That was quickly solved though as someone addressed him. Politely. As 'Mr. Shapani!”

He hated being called that, that was his father's name or Zerin's name, not his, it was just-- FUCK! Someone had seen him. Recognized him. Knew him. Knew he was a Shapani. Suddenly disturbed as the full realization sank in he snapped up, looking at the little woman who had greeted him. That was.. whatserface! Sorel! A bugger! She knew him and that... pale white guy who was so annoying and … he didn't know the other guy.

“Lieutenant!” He said with a forced grin, looking entirely too cheerful, almost eerily so. “What a lovely surprise!” shit fuck bugger crap fuck shit fuck fuck shit crap fuck... she knew him! He would have to go all in cognito all over again! Swerve through more cantinas just to make sure no one saw him. He felt creepy, sneaky a tthat moment. It wasn't supposed to be this hard to get laid! For no particular reason other than pure unadultered masochism he felt somewhat compelled to say something else to the lieutenant. Nosey little woman that she was...

“Surely not working on Restoration day?” He asked, even though it was obvious she was .”Did you draw the short straw?” He added conversationally. WHY?! What was wrong with him, he was supposed to blend in! Why was he standing out? Talking to lieutenant Sorel as if they were best mates! Fuck!

A swift glance at her companions...
“Oh, I guess you did...” He amended, his grin fading a little. Shit, why was he still talking...? He drew in a deep breath. Blend you fucker, blend or you'll never get laid again! he ordered himself mentally.
“Well, eh... have a nice evening then... Hail the republic!” He said, trying his best to act... natural? Did people even say hail the republic? Fuck.