Log:Crimson Dawn: Massey's Payment
Gar Massey returns to the First Light with the datastick Qi'ra hired him to acquire
OOC Date: October 18, 2023
Location: First Light
Participants: Qi'ra, Gar Massey, Crimson Dawn
Amidst the vast black of space, the First Light moves gracefully, its streamlined design a beacon of opulence. Outside, fighters cut through the void, their paths crisscrossing as they ensure the security of the yacht. Below, the rim-world planet shines brilliantly, its landforms casting shadows and light in a mesmerizing dance.
Inside, the ballroom of the First Light buzzes with life. The high arching ceilings are illuminated with soft lights, making the whole room glisten. Live music permeates the atmosphere, a sultry tune played by a band of various alien musicians who expertly draw their audience into the rhythm. In the center, guests dance gracefully, their movements echoing the beats, twirling and swaying in a harmonious display.
Others converse at the fringes, toasting to shared ventures or perhaps sealing new deals. The opulence is evident in the room's very fabric, and it's mirrored in the attire of its guests. Long gowns, tailored suits, jeweled accessories?everyone looks the part.
Through the hum of conversations and the music's beat, Qi'ra stands out not only for her position but for her poise. The black evening gown she adorns hugs her figure elegantly, its fabric shimmering subtly with her every movement. The gold emblem of the Crimson Dawn on her chest serves as both a mark of her station and a warning. Her guards, dressed in intimidating black armor with gold trim, stand like sentinels around her. Their rifles, held at low ready, are a silent testament to the gravity of their mission. Among them, the one with the unmistakable red vibro-arbir stands closest to Qi'ra, her stance slightly more alert, ready to defend or attack at a moment's notice.
While most guests maintain a respectful distance, there's a palpable interest in Qi'ra -- whispered conversations, stolen glances, and speculative looks. But her attention is diverted when a young Togruta woman, distinguishable by her colorful montrals and head-tails, approaches cautiously.
She leans in, her voice a soft murmur over the ambient sounds, "My lady, Gar Massey has returned. He says he has the shipment you desired."
Qi'ra's blue eyes sharpen at the news, and she gives the Togruta a nod, signaling her to lead the way.
Outside the First Light, the unmistakable Unpredictable Gravitation visually slams back into real space with what appears to be a sudden stop. The Duros at the controls is the only life form aboard. Gar is careful to do everything right when dealing with the Crimson Dawn, let alone Qi'ra herself.
The yellow YT-2000 courier doesn't move at full speed. The engines burn dimly as Gar eases it nearer. Soon, he's given clearance to come aboard the much larger vessel.
Gar knows that, even in a suit, he'd feel underdressed again here. Siak comes along, walking ahead of the tall, blue Duros. That's for two reasons. Firstly: He REALLY doesn't want to make a social faux pas around these people. Secondly: It's just a little ostentatious, while not outshining anyone important.
When the two finally get near-ish to Qi'ra, the droid bows. "Mistress Qi'ra," the droid says, arms extending outward with palms aimed at her. "We are honored by this audience." Gar mirrors the gesture, moving slowly and trying to cultivate an heir of mystery. After the honorific bow, he stands again.
Qi'ra's eyes, sharp and discerning, drift over the approaching duo. She's seen countless faces over the decades, interacted with many underworld figures, yet despite tales of her exploits spanning over sixty years, the Lady of Crimson Dawn seems to defy time itself. She looks no older than thirty-five, with skin that retains its youthful elasticity and eyes that shimmer with the wisdom of the ages.
She takes in the sight of Siak, the droid who speaks with such formality, and then to Gar, exuding a mix of confidence and cautious respect. But her demeanor, warm and welcoming, is a stark contrast to the reputation that precedes her. In person, in this light-hearted atmosphere of warm welcome, she seems not at all like the woman that is rumored to murder those that would betray her to preserve the order and integrity of her criminal empire, much less the woman that was rumored to have dueled Darth Vader himself and lived to tell the tale. But that was a very long time ago -- some fifty years.
"Mister Massey," she begins, her voice a pleasant melody against the hum of conversations and music, "you're always welcome aboard the First Light." She offers a smile, one that crinkles the corners of her eyes just so, a testament to her mirth. Still, there remains something predatorial deep within that relaxed facade, as if this woman trusted everyone in the galaxy equally. That is to say... not at all.
She steps forward, closing the distance slightly. "And while I appreciate the gesture, there's no need for such formalities here. We're all friends tonight. Your droid can wait at the bar if it wishes. We have a selection of lubricating beverages for it as well." Qi'ra tilts her head slightly, her eyes flitting to the side to catch the gaze of one of her guards, silently conveying that there's no threat here. "Please, join me..." She lifts a hand slightly from her side, and a server droid rolls over with a tray of assorted beverages that are presented, her posture already shifting to indicate that she was prepared to walk and talk, her chosen path remaining inside the ballroom itself but lingering towards the less occupied areas. "And tell me," she continues, her tone intrigued, "how was your journey? I trust all went smoothly?"
Gar doesn't react at all. His sabaac face was unyielding. Siak continues. "Please forgive Master Gar's reliance on your humble servant, Mistress Qi'ra," it says. "My master wishes to make sure you are shown all the respect and honor you are due." Gar uses slow and deliberate movements to not draw the ire of the guards protecting Qi'ra. He reaches into his inner breast pocket of his vest and begins to draw something out. "My master is quite skilled at procuring seemingly unobtainable items," the droid continues. Gesturing with one hand like a waiter upholding a platter, the droid indicates what Gar is retrieving. "Master Gar has the item you requested."
Gar's fingers hold a small box. It's the size of a pack of cigarettes with the edges chamfered. It's made of two sides that open via a seam in the middle on sliding rails. Inside, should she choose to open it, is a data chit.
Qi'ra's eyes are unwavering, holding Gar's gaze for a moment. Among those closest to the little group, there's an undercurrent of tension and anticipation, the atmosphere thickening as if charged with static when Qi'ra's wishes are deliberately ignored.
Yet Qi'ra's demeanor doesn't change. She doesn't falter or show any sign of apprehension. Instead, her face reflects genuine curiosity and perhaps even a hint of amusement. "Ah," she begins, looking between Gar, Siak, and the box, "Master Gar does enjoy his theatrics, doesn't he?"
With a soft chuckle, she extends a graceful hand, beckoning for the box with subtly thinned patience. "Thank you, Mister Massey. And Mister Massey's droid," she continues, acknowledging Siak with a much smaller smile, "for ensuring everything is done with utmost care."
When the box is handed over, she takes a moment to appreciate its craftsmanship, running her fingertips over its surface. There's a beat, the weight of the room's anticipation palpable, before she slowly slides the box open. Her gaze flits to the data chit inside, and then back to Gar, a glint of satisfaction shining in her eyes.
"Well done," she murmurs. "I had no doubts about your capabilities, but it's always a pleasure to have one's expectations met." She closes the box gently and hands it off to one of her guards for safekeeping.
Leaning in slightly, her voice drops to a conspiratorial whisper, meant only for Gar and Siak. "Now, shall we discuss the details of your payment? After all, such dedication to one's craft should be handsomely rewarded."
Siak knows what to say in this circumstance. Whether that's because they rehearsed it ahead of time or the droid just has learned its masters wishes well after a decade and a half of serving him--that's an exercise of interpretation.
"There's no need for my master to take up any more of your most valuable time," Siak says. "He trusts your impeccable judgment and leans on the weight of your generosity and strong reputation to choose something appropriate to the level of skill displayed and danger faced."
Qi'ra's eyebrows quirk up in a mixture of amusement and admiration. "Your droid speaks wisely," she remarks, the warmth in her voice unmistakable. There's a certain respect for Gar's approach -- the confidence, the reliance on a trusted droid to convey messages, and the tactful assertion of his trust in her judgment.
She tilts her head, taking in Gar's sabaac face and the poised bearing of his mechanical companion. "Very well, Mister Massey," she says, nodding graciously. "You shall find the Crimson Dawn's reward to be most generous... I do greatly value reinforcing trust and rewarding skill."
Stepping back slightly, Qi'ra makes a subtle gesture to one of her guards, who promptly steps forward. "This guard will escort you to collect your payment. And do take your time to enjoy the party. Tonight, First Light is a place for esteemed guests like yourself to celebrate, mingle, and find the company of like-minded associates."
With that, she offers Gar a gracious smile. "Thank you, for your service. Until we meet again, Mister Massey," she bids, her voice soft yet filled with authority, before seamlessly returning her attention to the gala around her.
