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| - Grand Ballroom -- Imperial Museum, Coruscant here is no doubt that this is the most spectacular part of the museum, the ballroom as breathtaking as it is expansive. The floor is inlaid with extremely rare marble tiles, the stone similar to that found within the exhibit hall, the color of which lighten gradually as it grow closer to the walls. Precious metals and woods from around the galaxy adorn the trimmings of the room underscoring the vast power of the Empire. Upon the walls artwork is hung in proud display, each depicting an important event in the Imperial history carefully selected to stir the emotion of the one who looks upon it. Exquisite paintings of epic battles hang along side images of many of the Emperors, each painting chosen to tell a tale. Long banners of white offset with black and cerulean blue streamers have been hung from the high ceiling, glowing in the light created by ornate chandeliers of very rare crystals from Verpine, melded together by precious silvers and gold. To the front of the room is a stage for the grand orchestra to play, stands and various instruments left on stage. Two great banners hang behind the stage off to either side, their pure white color is offset with the black Imperial Starburst on them; each one a proud show of the Empire's symbol. On the floor of the stage lining the back wall are the flags of the Imperial worlds and military command in their entire splendor. Tables have been placed throughout the room, each holding a colorful floral arrangement with a small candlelight which glimmers through the Verpine Crystal in the center. Many of which have been arranged so that those seated are afforded a view of the almost mystical dance floor as well as the stage. On the side wall there is a mouth watering display of foods and drinks, the drinks served from grand fountains where serving droids and staff await guests every whim. Along the perimeter of the room green plants of varying sizes in ornate pots sit, completing the breathtaking view of the room. The ballroom hadn't lost any of its granduer within the last 24 hours. The same setup was still in the room, except the ballroom floor had tables on it now and there was a long table up on the stage for the dignitaries and their guests. Krieg was again up there as well, only in front of the same podium as the night prior. His guest was there as well, but at her request she was off to the side to keep out of the view of the holo-cams. The symphony was here as well, but they stayed silent as the ceremony was about to begin. Krieg stands at the podium and says to the room, "Please, everyone take your seats." He waited a few minutes for everyone to grab some more food or snacks before the evening began. Snagging a drink from the table and a napkin holding a few of those odd little sandwiches defined as 'finger food'. Taking both and weaving her way through the room, Dante seats herself where many other pilots already are and makes herself as comfortable as one gets at a formal ceremony while dressed to the nines. Jeni had already taken her seat, seated uncomfortably amid the Imperial dignitaries, wearing a soft blue dress. This one had proper sleeves, and the skirt came all the down to her feet to cover her shoes. The design of the dress was simple, save for a faint floral pattern of matte threads. As she picks a bit idly at her probably quite expensive meal, she ponders what she'll do with the bit of froofery she's wearing. Burn it, perhaps. Or maybe she could actually resell it somewhere, somehow. It had been rather pricy, after all. Idle chit chat aside, Dreven holds a glass of wine in his right gloved hand. Speaking with one of the other dress-uniformed Agents, he chatters back and fourth for a few moments until the announcement, then gives a polite bow of his head as the two excuse eachother. Taking a sip of the drink, he then walks over and makes his way to a seat, drawing it out and sitting himself down at the table containing a few other of the ISB's finest. He sets his glass down on the table as he tugs and fixes his sleeves, then fixes his gloves. Moving from the small bar with a glass of wine, Lokus weaves through the gathered people and takes his seat with a pleasant look upon his face. Sniffing the wine as he rolls the glass lightly, he sips and takes a moment to enjoy the flavor. Closing his eyes for a moment as he settles into his seat comfortably, he turns his eyes to the podium to watch the speaker. Liza sits down, picking a back table to do so. She's had her fill of beung in the public eye at the Gala and she is trying to be as unnoticeable as possible, even going as far as to slouch in her chair a bit. She has a drink before her which she doesn't touch, the glass still as full as it was when she fetched it from the refreshments table. Once again Jal'Dana was back on Coruscant, though this was a little more bearable. She had returned to her Star Destroyer in the hours between the social gathering last night and the Awards services tonight. She had returned only minutes before the start, taking her place on the stage and seated in the chair designated for her. Dressed in her Imperial Class A, with all the bells and whistles. It was very rare she selected this uniform, but it was the order of the day. A gleaming white plastisteel form stands along the far wall of the ballroom. There are a few of them in attendance, lower level Stormtroopers don't have the pleasure of wearing the all-black dress uniform of the officers. This one stands silent, looking suspiciously among all the attendees, all the while hearing various security reports through her scout helmet. Once everyone is settled in Krieg begins, his voice echoing across the room. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for coming tonight and welcome to the awards ceremony. I am Marshal Krieg Inrokana, and I will be your host for this evening. Tonight, I would like to introduce to you the members of senior staff at the head table." He gestures towards them, highlighting each but especially Admiral Rall. "Before we head into our main event, I would like to welcome Admiral Rall from Imperial High Command who would like to speak a few words." He steps out of the way and claps, to which many in the room follow suit and do the same. Clapping his hands together, Dreven joins suit with the rest of his table in giving proper applause towards the Admiral, who then gets a curious gaze from the ISB Agent. Once the clapping dies down, Dreven then allows himself to sip the wine he took, and he screws up his face a little bit at the taste, but swallows it anyway. Setting his red wine down, Lokus claps politely from his table near the back as the addictive applause fills the room. Mentally filling in the concept of being in the room with both the prestigious Krieg and Admiral Rall, he relaxes back in his chair and rests one arm on the table and the other on his knee as he regards the speakers. Dante's applause as well is part of the general sound that welcomes the Admiral to the Podium. She leans back slightly in her chair, sipping from her drink before braving one of the curious little sandwiches. Not being one to miss cues like Krieg's, Liza applauds politely, chuckling softly to herself as she does so. As the room eventually quiets, Liza lets her hands fall to her lap while straightening her posture, preparing to listen to the Admiral's words once she begins to speak. Jeni puts her glass of tea down hastily to join in the applause. Nothing would make her stick out like a sore thumb more than failing to applaud, she figures. She keeps a polite smile on her face, though she sits a little stiffly in her chair. Why did she agree to come, again? Throughout all the applause, this stormtrooper keeps her feet as she stands at rigid attention along the rear wall. As impolite as it looks, it would be very bad form among her colleagues to break her stoic and stiff stance and show any semblance of emotion. What would all the others think? The Admiral comes up on stage, nodding to the task force. "Welcome all. I now hand the awards over to the very capable commander of your own Task Force Inquisitor, Marshal Inrokana, for the awards." She steps back and Krieg takes her place, nodding back to her, "Thank you Admiral, and it is my pleasure to reward those tonight with their distinguished service the awards that will be presented this evening." A table is brought out with awards on it and Krieg calls out the first name. "I'd like to start with our most junior member, "Flight officer Molokai. Front and center." Liza startles slightly and she looks around a second, not expecting to be called first. It takes a bit but she soon stands and tugs her tunic into place while approaching the stage where the Marshal stands. Once before him, she snaps to attention and gives a salute, her expression shifting from surprise to pride. A different Lieutenent steps up to the podium for Krieg as he steps to the side to face Liza. The citations are read off, "Flight Officer Molokai, you are hereby awarded The Star of Cimber, 1 chord and 2 knots for feats of distinction. You are also awarded the Nova Cross for your recon missions work and engagements against the enemy at Garrison Vexed." Krieg takes the awards from an officer next to him and pins them on Liza, then salutes her - the same point at which everyone else claps. As Liza departs, the next name is called, "Squadron Leader Alex Dante, front and center." Standing once called, Dante also tugs at the hem of her uniform tunic, brushing off a minute speck of dust before striding towards the podium. Heeding her own advice she is very careful to NOT trip and or fall face first along the way. Upon arrival she salutes the Marshall crisply then stands silently. Liza holds the salute for a second longer and then turns to return to her seat. Smiling, she returns to her seat, the applause ringing in her ears. She can't help but to blush a bit as she makes herself comfortable and she reaches over to touch the chord at herself. Jeni remembers once idly wondering what these award banquet things were like. She had never been to one. She was quickly coming to the realization that she was probably much better off that way. She occupies herself meal, picking at it slowly and politely, but steadily. A smile forms across Lokus' lips as Officer Molokai is awarded the medal, and applauds with the crowd in response. It was one thing that he happened to be seated at the very same table as the pilot, but a whole other event to watch everything unfold before him. Clapping politely, a thought passes his mind. He knows he's on Coruscant drinking Garqian wine of all drinks, and is surrounded by the Empire's finest. If not for the sheer audacity of the situation, he would be feeling entirely different about the event. Forcing himself not to grin at the mention of Garrison Vexed, he continues to applaud. As Liza approaches the table again, he offers her a boyish and cheezy grin with a curt nod of respect. Giving proper respect towards those that are being given their award, Dreven waits until they're starting to walk back towards their seats after having the award pinned before he begins to clap. He gives Liza a polite inclination of his head before he then returns to watching the ceremony. The Lieutenant continues the citations, this time stating, "Squadron Leader Alex Dante, you are hereby awarded the Star of Cimber an 1 chord with three knots for feats of distinction. You are also hereby awarded the Medal of Loyalty." Saluting Dante Krieg takes the awards and pins them on her, proud to have her serving with them. He was very pleased with each officer's service here, and he knew that no matter the number of awards handed out there couldn't be enough thanks for their service. As Krieg salutes off Dante, the next person is called, "Sgt Dreven Mecruio, front and center." Accepting the awards, Dante meets the Marshall's salute again then makes her way back to her seat, nodding to Mecruio in passing. Pushing himself out of his chair, Dreven gives a polite bow of the head towards the other Agents at his table before he then turns and walks. He's a bit more stiff than usual, probably because he's trying not to do what the others aren't trying to do, which is fall on their faces. He makes his way up to the podium and gives Krieg a formal half-bow, as is the ISB cusom. Liza smiles and claps for Dante, her eyes alight with joy for her fellow pilot. It is good to see everyone get the recognition they deserve, after all, and she has flown with the other woman so she knows those awards are very deserved. Different from the other officers, Dreven is ISB. But Krieg still is up there to present him what the man was due. The Lieutenant says, "On behalf of Director Fleming, the Marshal is pleased to award Sgt Mecurio the R&D Service Ribbon, the Order of Ishin - II = Raz, and the COMPNOR medallion first class for loyal service in COMPNOR and sticking closely with ideals and protocols." Krieg pins the awards on the ISB officer, to do as they would with them. Shaking his hand, the next name is called up to the stage. "TK-4455, front and center." A moment of hesitation, and one out of the Stormtrooper numbers makes its way up to the stage. Striding confidently up the steps, anonymous uniform not giving anything away, the trooper makes its way to the stage, snapping to sharp attention before Marshal Krieg. A lifted eyebrow merely a millimeter, Lokus replies with applause as Dreven is handed his reward. Recognizing the name 'Fleming' he rolls it around in his head and acknowledges it, as the awards continue to flow. Staring down at his awards for a few moments as his hand is shaken, Dreven feels rather numb inside. He blinks and then offers Krieg what appears to be a smile as he takes a step back, and with a firm half-bow, turns and moves back to his seat. He slips himself into his seat silently, then lifts up his glass of wine and takes another drink. He sets the glass down and swallows. Dante applauds as Dreven is awarded and sent off the stage, turning slightly towards him as he passes near her table and offers a, "Congratulations," en sotto voice. Liza applaudes for the ISB agent, looking just as pleased for him as she did for Dante. As TK-4455 is called she lets her applause stop but she keeps her pleased smile in place. "TK-4455, you are hereby awarded the master marksmen ribbon in your outstanding scores for shooting." Krieg salutes the trooper and pins on this award as well. As the trooper leaves, he turns back to the audience to let the lieutenant to continue to talk. "For the Inquisitor's service, all members serving over one year in the military are awarded the Long Service Medal. For service in many parts in the galaxy, depending one when the members of the force have served the Core worlds, Inner rim, Outer rim, and corellian service ribbons are hereby authorized for wear. Also, for those serving during the destruction of the griffon alliance in 14 ABY, the Griffon Domination medal is hereby authorized for wear. Finally, for participation in the retribution of Coruscant in 15 ABY the Retribution of Coruscant ribbon is hereby authorized for wear. Congratulations to all of you." As the Lieutenant finishes, he hands the floor back to Admiral Rall. Having sat quietly for most of the services, Jal'Dana stands up and gives her tunic a tug, but does not go to the podium yet. Instead she calls the Marshal back up. "I have a few more awards to give out before I give my closing remarks. Shael nearly chokes on her tea as Krieg announces the 'Griffon Domination medal.' Setting her drink down abruptly, she covers her mouth as she coughs, as softly as she can manage, hoping no one will notice the reason. The Griffon Demoniation medal? Seriously? Once the last of the awards are given, Liza claps, this time a bit longer as she's also doing so as Admiral Rall had been introduced. Finally, the Sarian takes her drink and sips from it, smiling from around its rim as she does so. Sipping from his own drink, Lokus turns to glance at Liza and then eyes back to the stage. Tilting his head slightly at the mention of more awards, he listens intently. Dreven offering his own measure of clapping, then he finally stops, taking the time to rub over his knuckles and crack his fingers. All that clapping had made them pretty achey. He stares down at his wine, then back up towards the podium. Odion walks in slowly at a crouch, trying to avoid being seen. He knows his late and is obviously embarrased about it. Spying one of his squadronmates he makes his way to the table and sits across from Liza. As he sets himself in the seat he smiles and nods to her. "Well hello there. What all did I miss?" As Krieg approches, and Jal'Dana speaks one of her Aides steps forward to present the awards to the officer that she is talking about. "Marshal Inrokana. You have been awarded the Medal of Loyalty, The Ace pilot ribbon with three stars, COMPNOR Medallion Second Class, For showing loyal and dedicated service during the Corellian Corruption Scandal, and assisting with the detainment of traitorous segments within the Empire following Kreldin's Betrayal." Glancing again, Lokus sees Odion sneak in. Glancing as he speaks with the female pilot, he looks back to the stage as an amused half-grin fades from view. Silently, he watches Krieg be presented with his medal and prepares to applaud along with the crowd. Saluting back, Krieg accepts the awards from the Admiral. "Thank you Admiral, and I look forward to your speech." He lets her have the floor, it was her show and she could close it. The awards had been presented, there were more for the many other people in the task force, but that was all there was to this evening. The rest of the night would be a celebration, and tomorrow night a grand dance, but that was all coming up. The Admiral offers the Marshal a warm smile and then As Jal'Dana turns she returns to the podium. Placing her hands on both sides, she starts to speak her raspy voice needing no amplification "Simply standing in our formations does not achieve the ideal of the Imperial Soldier , be it Trooper, Pilot or Agent, it is not about rank; nor branch or specialty; not about gender, race, lineage, or position. The ideal of the Imperial Soldier transcends all of those things. The ideal cannot be purchased, it is invaluable. And while we cannot adequately define it, its enduring spirit permeates the very fabric of our Empire's history.' Looking out to the award recipients, Jal'Dana speaks to them directly. "What each of you has set is a standard of valor so profound that all of us feel somewhat uneasy about the commonness of our own humanity whenever we recall their feats of courage. Yet what emerges out of the collection of episodes is the ideal of a soldier's trust for one's fellow soldiers. And trust is the very foundation of loyalty. It is intangible; we cannot quantify it but their deeds are proof that it exists. That is part of the ideal we celebrate tonight." She pauses to let her words have impact. Dreven once again claps. This time it has a bit more zeal to it. The clapping slowly fades as he then rubs his hands together. He listens to the speech, shifting in his seat to straighten his spine. Applauding politely in response to the speech, Lokus reaches his hand over to his glass of red wine and picks it up. Taking a sip and pausing to accept its flavor, he sets it down again to listen some more. Liza looks at Odion and almost answers but that's when Jal'Dana's speech begins so all he gets is a shrug. In the wings of the grand ballroom, Imperial Grand Vizier Korolov steps into the shadows. His dark cloak pulled around his shoulders as he watches the proceedings. His dark eyes peer out from the shadows cast by the fading light around him. He smiles as Admiral Rall speaks. Stepping out from behind the podium, Jal'Dana moves to the front of the stage "The ideal of the Imperial Soldier is also about uncompromising excellence in an adherence to standards. Our noncommissioned officers and those with commissions, the best in the galaxy, preserve and perpetuate our standards. During a family's recent final farewell to a loved one it was that adherence to standards that caused an Old Guard company first sergeant to refuse to accept an imperfectly folded Imperial flag at graveside services. It did not meet the standard. The colors were quickly refolded properly and then presented.' Dana pauses to say one word "Standards." The Admiral's hands gesture to all in attendance "We celebrate the ideal of the Imperial Soldier, Pilot, Trooper, and Agent. Who tonight and every other night of the year defends the homeland; fights and wins the war on terrorism; and preserves the peace in places like the O'Paal, Coruscant, Bespin, Corellia, and some hundred other sectors around the galaxy. And even as we celebrate the courage and determination of the Imperial Soldier in furtherance of that ideal, we also acknowledge the strength and generosity of Imperial families who embrace and support soldiers and send them off to do tough missions. Mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, husbands, wives, and children whose courage, sacrifice, and steadfastness inspire us all." Again she pauses to move across the stage. Smiling softly, Lokus fills the void with applause alongside the crowd, politely clapping to the Admiral's words. He'd never thought she'd be so eloquent. Shael smiles politely while Krieg recieves his rewards, no less than would be expected of her, after all. The Admiral's speech she also feigns the appropriate interest in, sipping her tea occassionally, though it's started to get quite cold. This speech, and then the worst of it is over, right? She certainly hopes so. As she walks, Jal'Dana starts in again "Strength is sometimes reflected in the words of an all-too-young Imperial widow who assures that she will always be a Trooper's wife; or, in the words of another widow, "He was a Pilot before I knew him; he taught me to love the Corps; I will always be a Pilot's wife." Or in the words of a Agent's mother who, in the moment of greatest pain when informed that she had lost a son, asks that her thanks be conveyed to the Emperor for his leadership. Strength and generosity, Imperial families, we know we do not fight alone." As she reaches the end of the dais, she looks back out. Past the honored to the other's gathered in the ball room. "Internalize the values of our profession. They capture the spirit of the Imperial Soldier - loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. Guided by them and the time-honored motto of this great institution: Duty, Honor, Country. Many of the complex decisions you will surely face will become less difficult." Applauding politely as the speech ends, Lokus simply relaxes at the occasion, watching the crowd for a standing ovation. Having long since fallen silent while the Admiral speaks, Dante straightens slightly as the Admiral speaks. Sitting at attention, such as it is, and with a sense of solemn pride as the speech continues. Still standing behind the Admiral and off to one side Krieg listens, knowing that his guest probably didn't really want to hear all this, but it was an honor to him and his subordinates. He was proud of each and every one of them for everything they have done. They all had been through a lot, and the last year was a rough one for them, many of their fellow servicemembers had passed away. But today they could celebrate and live on another day, and it was for that reason the Admiral had her time to insprie once again the reason why they all were here. Jal'Dana's voice is growing more raspy as she speak, but it is still clear and commanding. Looking out at the troops, /her/ troops she can't help but feel the pride in them. "Learn to love your soldiers. You are preparing to lead magnificent men and women out there in the force. Rise to their expectations; be equal to the task. Train them to succeed in battle; grow them into the leaders of the future. Care for them and their families with the deep and abiding love they deserve. And when you inevitably ask your soldiers for what seems impossible, they won't let you down. They will inspire you each and every day. As Each of the award recipient's inspires me" Again she starts to walk, her movements keeping the attention on her and her words. "Finally, do not forget that each of those soldiers represents a proud and enduring legacy of preserving our Empire - they are precious for who they are, individually and collectively. People envy them for their courage, their skill, their perseverance, and their raw determination. In them, that envy is well founded." Stepping back to the podium, Jal'Dana puts a closed fist down on the center. "We may not be able to define the ideal of the Imperial Military - but we sense its dimensions. The Military does what no one else can, at a time when there are no other solutions and the fate of the Empire hangs in the balance. Glory bless each and every one of them. Glory each of you here tonight. And Glory our magnificent Empire." And with that the Admiral closes her statements and steps away from the podium. Odion stands with the other assembled people and claps, smiling. He looks around at the others standing and clapping and nods. Everything the admiral had said was true, and more. Standing as well, Lokus partakes in the standing ovation, clapping politely. The audience seemed moved by the speech, and his general relaxation about the issue kept him feeling comfortable. Adding to the applause, he continues until it dies down, planning to reseat himself. Jeni continues to play the part of the good little Imperial, standing with the others, judging how enthusastically to applaud against those at the head table with her. At the head table of an Imperial awards gala. Seriously, how did she end up here and how is she ever going to live it down? One of the pilots in her squadron lets out a loud whistle while applauding, earning himself a slight kick from Dante in order to restore some sort of decorum from the pilot section. She too is on her feet, loudly applauding while keeping an eye on her squadron mates and trying to do a tally of the amount of glasses on the tables nearby. Taking the podium now that the Admiral had finished what she wanted to say, Krieg keeps his closing comments short. "Thank you once again for coming tonight, enjoy yourselves this evening, there are refreshments and meals in the back of the room, whatever you wish. The staff will be happy to get you anything else that might suit your fancy. Thank you once again, and I am proud to serve with you all. Lets have one more round of applause for all of those serving; Good night, and I look forward to seeing you all at the ball tomorrow night." He steps back and applauds for his task force, to join his guest shortly thereafter. Finishing his applause, Lokus gathers his glass of wine with his right hand and stands as the crowd begins to speak with eachother and mingle. Deciding to do a little mingling of his own, Lokus heads to wander about. Odion stands as the formalities finish. Spying Dante he walks over and stands beside her. "Interesting evening, wasn't it?" Retakes her seat once all the applause is over, poking at her cooled tea a bit distastefully. As Krieg rejoins her, she turns toward him with a smile. "'Griffon Domination medal'?" she asks him mildly, careful to keep her tone low. No, she still wasn't over that, and she wasn't likely to be over it anytime soon. Stepping down from the center dias, Jal'Dana moves off to personally congratulate some of the award recipient's. She cared more about the soldiers, pilots, and troopers than all the pomp and circumstance. She only gave speeches when she had to, preferring to lead by example and from the front. Boredly, Lokus finishes his wine and sets the glass down on the tray of a passing server. Adjusting his jerkin, he begins to wander about the area to take in the sights, people, and architecture of the building, while tending one ear to the conversations as he passes. In the process of offering a low voiced 'cautionary' comment about getting so drunk that they pass out in public - and that not being a spectacularly great idea, Dante glances up at Odion and nods in agreement. Once the crowd at the table begins to disperse she snags her own drink and adds, "Beribboned and bemedaled," with a grin. Odion smiles and nods. A waiter comes by and offers a drink. Odion nods and accepts one, some sort of ale. He sips on it and shrugs. "Not bad. Well at least you got something, didn't you? I'm afraid I came in late, didn't get much of anything. Though I hear we're allowed to wear some service ribbons now, so at least I got one thing." "Stay with us long enough and we'll get you be-ribboned and be-medaled so flamboyantly that'll you'll be too colorful to take out in public. You'll tip forward from the weight displacement," Dante offers with a shrug of one shoulder. Politely crossing through the crowd, Lokus passes Dante and Odion with a slight 'excuse me' as he angles to get past them. Merely passing by politely, he continues to mingle. Replying to her he says, "A soldier needs his or her medals and awards to strength their fighting spirit, regardless of what they are ordered to do. It is the same for whatever cause you fight, and it is universal for all armies. Even for the ones that fight on the other side of a line, they share this in common. I was only a junior officer at the time, but I am not sure of all the reasons why it happened." Taking a drink of the newly arrived hot tea for the both of them he adds, "Though I imagine there are things that many of us cannot comprehend." Odion smiles. "That'll be the day." He steps back a bit as someone brushes past. "Congratulation to you are your own, by the way. And I see our old friend Marshal Inrokana got a few metals for himself, eh? Good for him too." Dreven idly drums the tips of his fingers against the wineglass close to his right hand. He was never very sociable, and it shows. All of the other Agents are talking amongst themselves while Dreven simply stares at his wine glass. He lifts it up and sips it, making a small face and swallowing it down, as if trying to get used to the taste. Having met the parents of a proud Sub-Lieutenant, and waved off a few drinks Jal'Dana continues to mingle with the Military Officers. Much more comfortable in her own element, as opposed to the socialites the small framed woman slips in and out of crowds like a TIE in an asteroid field. With a polite nod, handshake or a slight smile to those that she does not know but offer her greetings. Seeing a group of young pilots she can't help but envy them, if just a little. They were starting their journeys, free of the trappings of command. She wondered how many would give up the shockcouch to be in her place, and how many in the Admiralty would like to go back to simpler days. A wry smile parts her lips thinking of the fat ex-Trooper now Supply General Retin trying to squeeze back into the armor. "Yeah," Jeni replies vaguely, lifting her cup to her lips to take a sip. "You'll forgive me if I don't feel a welling of pride," she continues in a soft whisper. She probably shouldn't say anymore than that. Or, likely, have even said that much. "There are quite a lot of things that go beyond my comprehension. Pretty much anything that has to do with Galactic politics fits into that category." "Thank you," Dante replies simply, again feeling the slight weight of the additions to her uniform, though it's more subjective than physical. "When I think of how badly he and the admiral kicked our tail feathers in practice combat, I'm glad he's on our side," she adds in a low voice. The Imperial Grand Vizier makes an attempt at slipping back into the crowd, mingling with general officers and juniors as best he can. The salad on his chest quickly sets him apart as well as the ruby starburst wrapped around his neck, even if he were not known it would set him apart, the Order of Palpatine still was such a completely select group. Passing around, Lokus finds himself nearing a cluster of Imperials speaking with Admiral Rall. Looking about as if he's looking for a serving tray, he spies one on the other side of Admiral Rall. Blinking, he adjusts his jerkin and moves through the gathered clumpings of Imperial officers and agents. "Excuse me..." He mutters, passing. "Pardon me, pardon me, thank you." He mutters as he passes them, heading for the drinks. Passing the Admiral, he offers her a smile and a nod of respect as he makes his way by them towards the serving tray. Odion sighs. "Alas, I wish I were around more to be at some of those sessions. My knees have been acting up as of late and I was taken off active flight duty for a while. They thought it might have been arthritis but it seems to be good now. I am glad, too, I am too young to be plagued with that. I should be around more, they gave me some sort of medication." "A feint within a feint, deceit within deceit, pride within pride, they are forces that are as universal as the things that beings require to stay alive. Though, that's a discussion for another time. Anyway, let's take some time away from here, I am told the gardens at night are absolutely exquisite. All of these events have taken their toll, I need to get some rest if I am ever going to race." Standing up he waits for her to stand, pulling her chair out when she does. Jeni stands with Krieg, leaving her napkin at the table. "I ought to get some rest myself," she agrees. "And I think I might enjoy the gardens better'n this rabble." Calling such a 'prestigeous' assembly such as this a rabble seems to amuse Jeni, if you judge by the amused smile she wears. "Lead the way." She gestures for Krieg to show the way to the garden, and walks along with him out of the Ballroom. Dante grins at Odion, "Excellent. We'll expect you back on the flight line and being you back up to speed by kicking your arse around in flight practice for a while. Sound like fun?" she asks, one eyebrow arching upwards in inquiry. Odion smiles happily and nods. "Of course. I wouldn't have it any other way, ma'am. So, we lost anyone lately, or gotten anyone new? I didn't have time to check the roster, I just got off leave after the medical checks." Rattling off the list of names for the squadron members, Dante indicates the 8 other members by pointing at the crowd still nearby. "Molokai was moved to the bomber squadron and is making a name for herself there, AND for the squadron." Odion nods, looking at each member in turn. A couple he recognized, but some were as new to him as bantha herding. "The bomber squadron you say? Interesting. I heard about Wolf, damn shame. I liked him a lot, sad to see him go." Looking down into her glass for a moment, Dante nods slowly in reply. "He was a good pilot, one of the best. But way to hot headed and prone to thinking not with his head but with his instincts - not the best way to serve." She shakes her head slowly, "So much recklessness." Grabbing a fresh glass of wine, Lokus continues to mill about, looking for a good conversation to slip himself into. Grabbing a glass of wine fresh off of the tray, Lokus pauses for a moment to sip it. A look of curiosity and inner thought on his face, he folds his arms for a moment and considers his options silently. Stepping forward toward Admiral Rall, he smiles and offers her a nod in greeting. "Moving speech, Admiral." He offers in greeting. Odion shrugs as he sips on his drink, still testing it. "Perhaps, but sometimes we need instinctual people. People who think tend to think too much. Wolf was too instinctual. The greats are the ones in the middle." "Walking the fine balance," Dante agrees, then breaths a quiet laugh. "Not an easy task for anyone, really. No matter how experienced we are, how experienced ANYONE is, it's not easy. But then , if it were easy, what would be the point?" Odion says, "To do it better than everyone else, to take it to the next level where it /is/ hard. That is the way of the galaxy, how it has always gone and how it always will go. Everything easy someone has to make hard in some way." He shrugs. The chestnut brown haired woman smiles at the man she was speaking to about nothing in particular, and with a polite touch of his arm turns away from the First Sergeant as she is addressed by another person. As Jal'Dana's blue eyes focus in on the man who appears to be a civilian, she bows her head slightly, "Thank-you" she says her voice much softer the rasp ever present in her words. Flashing her a brilliant smile, Lokus bows his head in a polite nod and motions with his glass. Not believing he's doing this, he pushes himself to continue, at least for a little bit. "No, thank you Admiral," Lokus replies, locking eyes with her. "The imagery was amazing, and as I sat listening to it I had a moment to envision the members of the services that received the awards. I can imagine in many different walks of life work can seem unrewarding, and I think it's important that people like them are rewarded for the things they do." He adds charmingly, squaring to face her. Taking a drink to wash the bald-faced lie in his words, he smiles again to her. "And, arguably, anything that is now 'easy' was a challenge at some point. Think about the first time you did a solo fight on your own, instead of as a ride-along," Dante suggests in return to Odion. "I felt like I was about this high," she gestures towards just below her knees, "and a total incompetent. Before. Now, I believe I stand an even chance of coming back each time." Odion nods, thinking back. A fire flashed in his eyes as the memory came back. "The worst is when your first solo is in combat. I thank the Gods that many of our freshies don't have to go through that sort of thing. We'd have no one left to fight with." Never one to be impressed with overstated flattery or a pretty face for that matter Jal'Dana's eyebrow arches up and she doesn't return the smile, "Really?" answers the man who can, at this point, best be described as 'smarmy'. Good looks often hid an ugly soul "If you were so captured by the imagery" Dana purses her lips and then goes on, "Why not enlist?" She could already sense the man would balk, but it was worth it to spook him. Many civilians liked to play at soldiering, never getting fired upon. "My first solo flight was over Corellia, routine patrol," Dante confesses with a faintly sheepish grin. "I was more worried about dinging up the paint job on the fighter or cutting it too close on the landing than getting toasted." Davyd steps into the room, slips through the doors rather, not something easy for the Stormtrooper. He waves off a passing server as he scans the room. Noticing her reaction, Lokus doesn't fade from his slightly intrigued persona and holds eye contact with her. Rolling the question over in his head for a moment, he gives her a sidelong look. "Well, truth be told I'd already given my father my word that when he was elder and unable to fend for himself that I would take over the family business and provide them with a comfortable ..." He pauses, seemingly sombering. "...end." He adds, seemingly unfriendly with the words. "I had an interest, but a sick mother is enough for my father and I to take care of..." He gives a slightly chuckle, shaking his head. "Wine must be getting to me I don't understand why I'd bother you with this story, but I suppose in the long run even civillians have their sacrifices, no?" Odion grins. "We all start somehwere. Your start was just relatively safer, and didn't involve seven of your comrades being killed in that sortie while you flew around aimlessly trying to dodge fire. Amazingly, I never even got skimmed." "Of course." Dana answers, her hand moving up to brush a stray strand of hair back behind her ear. It would make a break for it later she was sure. She kept the much taller man's face in her view, her eyes studying the features like a sector map. Reading the expressions, if the smile reached his eyes, if he had a tell. It was something she picked up in Special Ops, and had honed working undercover with Senator Faust. She had yet to grow accustom to people just knowing her, or at least acting like they did. They always wanted something though, this one a military contract, that one a plum posting away from the front lines for a son. People looking for cake jobs so they could act like vets with out having to be veterans. "A man or woman is worth nothing if they are filled with lies. Wouldn't you agree Mister.?" The question was left hanging, because the man hadn't introduced himself when her first greeted her Dante reaches out and pats Odion's shoulder briefly, "See, that just means you were destined to be part of this task force." "Arbin..." Lokus replies, offering a hand in greeting. "Lokus Arbin," He adds with a half-smile, properly introducing himself. "Is whispering nothing, I believe a wise man once said?" Lokus adds, smiling to her softly as he holds his composure and envisions himself flying in clear skies as he joyrides to avoid a wave over nervousness at her question. "Admiral I assure you that as a man and an adult I've told many lies but it would take a long, long time for me to be filled with them. All people lie, if even to themselves." He smiles, daring to make a reference to the stuffy high society crowd. "I'm sure there are many lies being told in this room, depending on how shiny their jewelry is." "Walking your talk is a great way to motivate yourself. No one likes to live a lie. Be honest with yourself, and you will find the motivation to do what you advise others to do." Jal'Dana replies, "For he that does not lie is proud of not being a liar.' Jal'Dana tilts her head slightly,"And there in is the true test. Do you have the strength to follow though on your words? Every one of the people wearing shiny medals or jewelry as you put it here has. They can look themselves in the mirror each morning and know if nothing else, that much is true." The woman crossed her arms under her chest, a subconscious way of being more closed off. The civilian was walking a tightrope with the Admiral one false step and she'd eat him alive, public image or not. Dana was not one to fence with words. Smiling softly, Lokus shakes his head from left to right as he regards her quietly. "Admiral..." he pauses, tilting his head a bit to her as his emotion slowly drains from being the mingling bureaucrat to one of matter-of-factness. "...there are few things I know for sure in life but when I give my word I keep it. I suppose the real test is to know when you should and should not give your word." He shrugs, smirking slightly. "I've lied but I am no liar, there's little more I can offer to you then that. But you are correct. I too look at my face in the mirror and ask myself if I am just in what I do, who I am, and what I choose to do with myself daily because in the end that mirror may no longer be there, and I'll have to ask those questions to empty space." He smiles wryly, sipping from his glass. "But thankfully, there are no broken laws and little warfare in running an old man's winery." "The only thing worse than a liar is a bad liar." But then Jal'Dana shrugs her shoulders, "You're splitting hairs on telling lies and being a liar. By definition a liar is a person who has lied or who lies repeatedly. You admit to the act of lying but are not a liar? I guess it's not me you have to convince Mr. Arbin." Bringing her hands down, she folds them at the small of her back. "There is no bigger war than the war of commerce and any business mand would tell you that. You might want to listen to your father a bit more closely." Jal'Dana smiles wicked smile, her keens eyes sharply in focus. "Stray to far off the path, and the wolves will get you." As the Admiral looks past and then back to the man, "Far more ruthless than any Pirate, from more underhanded than any Rebel, is an /honest/ business man. Returning the smile boyishly, a glint passes over Lokus eye as he speaks with Admiral Rall. Beginning to like the exchange in the same way a space battle exhillarates him, he tilts his head and regards her lightly. "Well well..." Lokus begins, smile lingering on his face. "...either you just don't like me much or you're probably wondering exactly why I would approach an Admiral of all things." He begins, keeping his eyes on hers as he lets a bit of the act fade. "Perhaps you're right Admiral. I could be an idiot child of a businessman, in all reality I possibly am. I could be a man simply enamoured by the -only- attractive Admiral in the fleet. I could be alot of things. I could be alot of things. I..." he smiles to her, shaking his head a little. "...could be a little nervous speaking to someone so well above my station. But I apologize. I did not intend for this conversation to become so heated, and for what it's worth I apologize if I offended you." He smiles with a hint of laughter in his voice. "But this is the best conversation I've had in years." The Grand Vizier's fingers wrap around the stem of a sparkling wine flute as he lifts it to his lips. He is not engaged in simple conversation as few beings linger too long in his presence, the rumors of his anger enough to keep the faint at heart away. His attention shifts among the various groups mingling as he watches in disinterest, occasionally his attention flicking to his wrist chrono. Out of the corner of his eye he watches Admiral Rall, watching as she tacks and moves as expertly as any warship in the fleet, a brief flash of pride crosses his features before he turns his attention back to his wine and the buffet table laid out at the end of the awards ceremony. Dreven stares down at his glass of wine. The same glass that he's had throughout the entire award ceremony and the talking thereafter. He lifts it up and stares down at the liquid, sipping it again before then watching the other Agents at his table talk amongst themselves even further. He felt distant usually, but now its just irritating. He pushes himself up and out of his chair, holding the glass in his hand as he begins to walk. Once Odion wanders off, Dante takes her now empty glass and places it on the tray of one of those wandering waiters, snags another and then slaps on her 'let's go mingle and be nice' expression and prepares to do just that. She spots Dreven, nods at him in greeting and angles in his direction, "Congratulations," she says, in case she'd forgotten to say it the first time. Dreven nods his head in return. He takes a few steps over to the woman, and sips his wine, at least making an attempt to intermingle. He smiles politely. "Thank you very much. Congradulations yourself." He offers out his right gloved hand towards the woman. Nodding her head in return, Dante accepts the offered hand, clasps it for a brief firm handshake and releases Dreven's hand all in the same smooth movement. She lifts her glass, takes a sip from the bubbly contents, resists the instinct to make a face at the contents therein and glances around at all the uniformed personnel. "So many of us in one location," she muses aloud, "heh. Hard to resist playing 'find all the exits'." Dreven stares down at his drink. He then finally decides he has had quite enough, and places it onto the nearest waiters dish. "I have no idea how anyone can drink that stuff." He quickly mutters, before he then takes a breath and beings idly pointing around. "There.. There.." He looks behind himself. "There.. And uhn.." He points at the main entrance. "There. Except I don't think they allow us to leave quite yet, Dante. You're welcome to try and sneak out, but I think too many people will decide to hover around you to allow that to happen." His hands now free, he crosses them over behind his back. Dante pauses, literally, going entirely still as she stares at Dreven for a long silent moment. Her eyes narrow slightly, clearly attempting to determine if what the agent said was a jest or no. When in doubt, "Was that an attempt at levity, Agent?" she asks aloud. "That, I'm afraid, is classified information which I cannot reveal to you at this present moment in time. Perhaps if you buy me a few corellian twisters I might reconsider the notion of it being classified or not." To that, Dreven gives a sharp inclination of his head. He doesn't have a very humor filled voice, and his eyes have a quite odd dull stare to them, like a pair of unpolished stones. "I wouldn't let it linger on your mind, but if you're going to try for a quick escape, I would probably suggest that you use the right exit. There's less people over to the right hand side of this rather marvelous hall." "And here I was contemplating calling in an air strike to provide a sufficient distraction so that I could dive through a window, roll neatly to avoid getting any glass in my eyes. Then, having achieved this daring escape I planned to waylay a server, thump him upside the head, swap clothing and, having sufficiently disguised myself," Dante retorts, deadpan, "make my get away. Now, about those corellian twisters.." ".. I suppose that would work. But then you would have to take into consideration that if you clobber someone up the head, you'd have to drag them into a dark alleyway and I doubt you'd want to be found pulling the clothes off some unconcious person by Stormtroopers while in dress uniform in a dark alley. Yes?" Dreven quips in return. He nods his head once. "About them. I don't honestly know if they have any, but I got a taste for them a while back and I rarely get to indulge, I suppose they'd be by the buffet table." "Are you implying that a storm trooper would find anything at all amiss if I were to be seen in some dark alleyway pulling the clothing off of someone else, conscious or no?" Dante responds, keeping that deadpan tone of voice, with effort. "Plus, in my black on black attire, I am rather difficult to spot, it's part of the camouflage." She grins then, a flash of white teeth, "Lets see if there's anything palatable at or by the buffet table." The woman's voice had never gone up in pitch, nor had she gotten angry, at least not yet for that matter. And while Lokus seems all over the page, in truth the conversation was only holding half her interest. Breaking eye contact long enough to offer a polite nod to a Colonel passing by. It was an Interceptor dueling with a Y-wing. The kid had some bombs to drop, but in the end speed would pick the slow moving bomber apart. "If you had offended me Mr. Arbin, rest assured, you wouldn't be guessing at it." Again the arms move back to her front, crossed under her chest. "To be perfectly blunt, it doesn't phase me either way if you're the son of a wine dealer or drinker. Nor had I been expending much energy trying to ferret out your intent in approaching me. Though your open salvo was as easy to read as it was sugary sweet." Shaking her head, "And as much as I doubt you know the looks of every Admiral in /our/ fleet. Nor do you know me well enough to know if I hold airs about my station." Then her own sly smile appears, Jal'Dana knowing she controls the battle field, if not the reasons why. "As for you being enamored, well if I take you are face value I have but this to say. You can take my current rank, or power out of it. For even as an ensign, all green and new unsure of my position I still would not find myself reciprocating the feeling." Then arching that single eyebrow. "As for this conversation. If it is best you've hand in years, you might want to consider changing the company you keep." Davyd makes his way through the room nodding to Dana giving her a nudge as he passes her, a faint smirk on his face. He mingles sort of, greeting those who speak to him, most avoid him. Likely one of the more feared people in the room. Stopping near Dante he glances at her a moment. When Agent Mercurio is waylaid by another similarly clad agent, Dante continues on towards the buffet table on her own. She nearly walks right into Levvis along the way, neatly sidestepping at the last moment and offering a smile, "Colonel Levvis," she says by way of greeting followed by a nod. Blinking, Lokus' coy grin slowly fades into an enlightened one, as he inclines his head with a tilt to watch her. Eyes having never left her, he can't help but feel like he's pushing the envelope. "I see..." Lokus replies, taping his wine glass with his one free hand. His brow raises as he mentally tosses a coin, letting the decision linger in the air. "...well, Admiral, I think what we have here is something very simple. I..." He motions to himself, "...approached you for conversation and you took every last ounce of my excrement and cut it apart with an axe with little to no hesitancy and mercy. I can appreciate that." He adds, locking eyes with her as he makes his point. "Perhaps my mirror's gone bad. But you," He pauses, peering quizzically at her. "The thing that impresses me about you, and probably the same thing that disgusts you about me, is that you're just honest enough to let the people that see you know a good deal about what you see in your mirror." The Sith Lord cannot help but notice the skill with which the Admiral eviserates the civilian, his lips curling into a slight smile. He takes another sip of wine as he flicks a piece of lint from his ebony black tunic, his dark eyes flicking down to the buffet table, peering at delicacies from across the Empire, He idly puts together a plate of various dishes and picks at them, not one to typically eat with the masses, he makes a show of it at least before passing the half eaten plate onto a tray carried away by a passing steward. Davyd chuckles and puts up a warding hand to keep from getting run into "Dante, how has this evening been for you?" "Mr. Arbin, hesitation is not a luxury that I have ever been afforded. On the plains of hesitation bleach the bones of countless millions who, at the dawn of decision, sat down to wait, and waiting died. And as for mercy, fire, water and government know nothing of mercy." Again she purses her lips in a short thought. "Too much mercy... often resulted in further crimes which were fatal to innocent victims who need not have been victims if justice had been put first and mercy second." Jal'Dana says. "If you came to me seeking some insight to yourself, you are on a fools errand. I don't judge myself by what others say, good or bad. Which is why if asked, I don't hesitate to say good or bad views. And the end of the day only history and I can truly sit in judgment of me" Gesturing to herself, "And history is written by the winner. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to be going. And I believe you were looking for a new mirror?" Dana had positioned Lokus in a corner by his own words, and by driving forward at all personal costs. This battle was over before it began, because only one fighter was always looking for the win. Dante clasps her hands behind her back, shoulders squared and spine straight as she replies, "So far so good, Sir." She leans slightly to the side to avoid being side-swiped by a pair of pilots moving through the crowd with drinks in hand, "It appears that it's been a very good evening for many of us, in fact." Lokus' eyes narrow in an undefensive manner more common to the detail of someone being sly, and a coy grin crosses his lips. Any air of lying has been stripped from him and his posture changes as if he's happy to see it gone. "Admiral..." He begins, letting his wry grin fade from you. "...one last thing. Is a man who admits to lying a liar?" He asks with a tilt of his head. Finishing his wine, he sets the glass on the tray of a passing server deftly. Trying to avoid moving like a martially trained man, he lets himself be slightly aloof. "For what it's worth, I regret being a dishonest man towards you. I won't apologize for my poor social habit because it's my problem and not yours." He adds as the memory of her ship leaving after disabling his was once thought to be mercy, but he now realizes was simply timing an exit from the system. His jaw settles as he thinks about this and then looks back up to her eyes. "I came seeking insight on you. I've found it. Thank you, and thank you for your time." Davyd nods "Congradulations Squadron Leader, it is good the brave and honorable soldiers get the recognition they have earned through thier acts" The Imperial Warlord checks his chrono as the time for his departure arrives and leaves. He places his now empty glass down on a passing tray as he makes his way for the exit, slipping his armos to the small of his back, he strides purposefully towards the entrance into the musuem proper. "A man is never more truthful than when he acknowledges himself as a liar" Jal'Dana answers, "And that is the truth." Giving a polite nod of her head. "Good night, Sir" she says moving through the crowd, her aide falling into step as she makes towards the door. The night might be late, but there was still much work to be done.
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