Swift rings the doorbell to Damaria's apartment the evening of the 4th. He is dressed in formal wear and looks rather sharp. An actual groundcar is waiting at the street - fairly rare these days.
Damaria opens the door, presenting a quite a different sight than what the Baron's used to. A small flicker of a smile crosses her face as she appraises his attire - “Good, it appears casino formal was an appropriate choice. And this time I shouldn't have to worry about security droids kicking me out or Sprend suggesting a 'pat-down'.”
Swift's eyes widen slightly, but he recovers well. “I promise - no security droids at Baron Telmarr's parties. And his security is more… discrete than Sprend.”
Swift walks Damaria down to the groundcar, opens the door for her, and then climbs in the other side. He nods to the driver to begin, and turns back to Damaria. “I really appreciate you joining me. You really are… stunning. I don't miss the Imperial uniform,” he ends in a laugh. “The chattering class will be quite busy trying to figure out how to respond to you tonight. I hope you enjoy yourself.”
The Baron thinks he catches the idea of a smile start to cross Damaria's face, but instead she simply nods. “Hide in plain sight, right? After all, it's not like a couple of rebels would dare to hobnob with the Empire's lackeys,” this time allowing a more obvious upturn of her mouth.
As they arrive at the Chateau du Telmarr, Swift glances over to Damaria nervously. “I tend to skip these events - do not trust anyone apart from Baron Telmarr. There are Imperials all over the place, and probably half are spies.”
Damaria's avg Perception check: 2s, 1a. She can tell that Swift is looking for someone specifically that he is nervous about; it also seems as though he is treating this like a combat of sorts. His words are not idle - he really believes there is an immediate threat or three. A boost for a future check is also earned…
Swift offers his arm, and they walk into the mansion together. They notice a few news agencies waiting outside, one being from he ubiquitous INN. Various holo-paparazzi snap pictures of everyone and everything. The mansion is beautiful - hanging chandeliers, a wide, spiraling staircase, and through double doors facing the front entrance, a large ballroom. The twi'lek footman at the door nods at them, recognizing Swift, and allows entry. A second footman announces as they enter the double doors. “The Baron Swift, and Madamoiselle Marsand.”
Several heads turn, fans flutter, but the conversation continues. Various waiters offer dainties, but the Baron politely refuses. Damaria picks a few of the offerings off the waiters' trays as she wanders about the room with the Baron. Her alert eyes belie her relaxed attitude as she offers a few pleasantries to those they pass.
After a few minutes of inane greetings with minor officials, the Baron steps up to a very interesting Twi'lek, massive, green, and with several chins. He voice is loud and boisterous. “Swift, my boy! I wasn't sure if you'd actually come! And who, pray tell, is this charming young lady?” He winks at Damaria as he bows and kisses her hand gallantly.
Swift rolls his eyes, muttering something under his breath. In an extremely formal voice, he orates, “Dear Baron, may I introduce you to Damaria Marsand. Damaria, this is my oldest and largest friend, the Baron Telmarr.”
“You may call me Fyor'in, of course. I understand you have a military background - very handy, in this day and age.” Telmarr chuckles, apparently in a constant state of amusement.
Damaria smiles and curtsies slightly. “A pleasure to meet you, Fyor'in; it's always good to come across someone who appreciates the value of military training. I hope to have a chance sometime to hear the stories that I'm sure you could tell about our friend Swift as well!” she says with a sly glance at the blushing Baron Swift.
Telmarr turns to Swift after some further small talk. “As host, I have many most exalted guests to greet,” and then he winks at the Baron, slaps him on the back, “Please enjoy the evening this time.” He waddles off to a clump of uniformed officers. The Baron is looking a touch sardonic at the last comment.
Not long after, a tall, swarthy man steps close. He is muscular and proud-faced, dressed in Imperial regalia, and has two females clinging to his side. One is a gorgeous Falleen dressed in a rather translucent green gown. The other is a Zeltron with purple hair and a plunging neckline. Via D'Gane. She gives a nearly imperceptible shake of her head, without making eye contact. The Baron is obviously trying not to stare at her.
“Ah, Swift. Here I thought all the ladies rejected you. Quite the catch,” the man grins, eyeing Damaria.
Swift straightens, clears his throat pointedly, and speaks, nodding his head slightly to the man. “Commander Larness, this is Ms. Marsand. Ms. Marsand, the good Commander is Bin Prime's Imperial Head of Security. And your guests, Commander?”
“Ah, jealous, Swift? These specimens happen to be a couple of my secretaries - very relaxing to be around. Ysanne, Via; most enjoyable to be around. Would you like to borrow one for the evening?” He clearly enjoys making Swift uncomfortable.
Damaria nods curtly as she's introduced to Larness, her face a passive mask. The sight of D'Gane causes a flicker of surprise to shadow her eyes briefly, but otherwise Damaria seems to make it a point to ignore Via (perhaps even more than the situation warrants). “I see Imperial Security is still well looked after,” she says before Larness leaves.
Damaria decides to see what Ysanne might be thinking at this point (i.e., a Sense check), as she's a bit of an unknown (the officer would likely be somewhat known to her – or at least his “type”). Result:Ysanne is extremely easy to read - her vacuous thoughts are fixed on the furniture, the dresses of the ladies around her. She prefers greens - you catch an image of a forest from her thoughts. When she is introduced, Damaria detects a hint of jealousy, and a wistful admiration of Swift. She is also clearly afraid of Larness. But while her thoughts are easy to read, her face is a mask of pleasantries.
“A pleasure meeting you, Ms. Marsand. Swift.” He struts off, smugness incarnate.
As Larness departs, Damaria rolls her eyes slightly at his back, making no attempt to hide her distaste of that whole situation from the Baron.
Moments later, the orchestra strikes up a waltz. Swift looks at Damaria, lifts his eyebrow, asking if she'd like to join in.
Damaria turns towards the music and then back to the Baron, a playful smile (or mocking? Swift can't quite tell which) crossing her lips as she shrugs and offers her hand. “When in Coruscant… well, you know. But allow me to… help…” she says, and an odd feeling of connectedness suddenly washes over the Baron, making him feel as if he already knows what she expects his next step to be. She leans close to his ear and whispers, “I've learned another use for the Force, it may help our four left feet”, and then moves back, ready to move in rhythm.
Both PC's roll a hard Coordination check for dancing. Swift rolls 1s, 4thr; Damaria rolls Battle Meditation and got a couple of white pips to add an additional success. (An apropos use of combat-power-as-social-combat). Damaria passed the Coordination check too; 1 succ, 1 threat.
The Baron's natural musicianship helps, though his dancing is obviously quite rusty at first. But before the first waltz is done, the pair is smoothly stepping in unison, focusing on each other and the music carries them. Swift relaxes, the tension of the fight, of being constantly vigilant, all washing away with each beat.
During the second song, a few others begin to take notice, and there are murmurs as Damaria and Swift gracefully step around other groups and pairs. The song ends, and Damaria finds herself confronted by Commander Larness, and he insists on the next dance. Swift nods, but Damaria catches that same sense as when they first arrived - immediate threat. She doesn't see any blasters around.
In that moment, you see Swift's hand suddenly being pulled, and he spins off in a close embrace with Via D'Gane. She winks at Damaria over his shoulder, and begins whispering in Swift's ears, which start to turn red.
Damaria barely conceals the look of annoyance shot towards D'Gane before turning to Larness as the next dance swells. Sensing the Baron's tense mood, she decides to restrain her first instincts toward Larness' actions and instead smiles politely and takes his hand for the dance.
A few measures in, she looks around briefly and uses a moment when Larness dances close to casually murmur, “You know, I've heard rumors tonight about pockets of rebellion on Balmorra, but it's good to see our security is in your hands.” As she speaks she masks a smile onto her face to belie her effort at reaching out with the Force to sense his true reaction as they spin about the room.
3 red, 1 purple difficulty, but downgraded to 2 red due to successful dancing and catching his attention - he is not being cautious but trying to impress you now. And a boost from your earlier perception check, aware that this may be one reason why you are here - though not as Swift quite anticipated.
Result: Hopefully not using up the good rolls now! 3 success, 5 advantage on the opposed Sense check.
Larness is slightly tipsy from the free-flowing alcohol already, enough that his self-discipline is lax. As the two speak, his thoughts turn from self-indulgence and lechery to a flash of annoyance, frustration, and a distorted picture of… officer Madar. There is anger surrounding that vision, and Madar's face is contorted in pain and bleeding.
Larness covers the frustration well, and replies arrogantly, “Mere children playing at games they don't understand. I have ended many such cells on multiple worlds, and it won't take me long to clean up the minor mess here.”
“If it wasn't for the backwards locals here, this city would already be a model Imperial capital.” As he says this, his thoughts picture Swift staring intensely in a meeting with documents in hand, along with a trace of Larness' fear and frustration. Quickly followed by a vision of various non-humans in government, including Telmarr - hatred and disdain.
“But the city's problems will be taken care of shortly, and the Empire will bring about greater prosperity and security. Even now I have several plans in place that will ensure a quick resolution.” The thoughts are getting harder to interpret, but Damaria catches a glimpse of a ground transport, an old rustbucket. And then it is replaced with the faint afterglow of a red light, a vertical flame and a deep sense of dark dread.
And then he shakes his head, and his mind closes suddenly. “But that is not what we're here for - this is an evening of pleasure, my dear.” He gives another sick grin and his hand on Damaria's back drops lower than is acceptable as you continue the dance. (There's some threat from the earlier combined dancing roll)
(advantages:)Damaria notices that Swift has been cornered by Via, Ysanne, and another attractive human she doesn't recognize. He is obviously trying to extricate himself politely without success; Ysanne pops hors d'oeuvres in his mouth while Via is plying him with drinks (again). (The situation came about from the remaining threat of his dancing check threat - narrative effects that eventually lead up INN articles and Human League hatred against him) Baron Telmarr has danced in nearby with his partner, an older Togruta diplomat.
Damaria resists the urge to use a well-placed knee and rather simply spins away from Larness as the waltz ends, plastering a fake smile on her face and eking out a small curtsy. She then quickly turns to Telmarr, who has finished his dance nearby as well. With a more genuine smile on her face and a deeper curtsy, she holds out her hand to him as the music rises once more. “Now, about those stories…” she grins, an exaggerated glance over to Swift conveying her willingness to let him sweat a few moments more before rescuing him.
I'd try Sense while talking w/ Telmarr as well - more of a “letting curiosity get the better” than “looking for information on the enemy”, as she is apt to trust him given Swift's confidence in him and Larness' distaste of him. ~RB
Difficulty - 3 purple, 1 red: 3 fail, 4 threat: Ah, THERE's the bad roll! (did get light side to trigger it, at least no conflict necessary)
Damaria can't seem to concentrate enough to get a read on his thoughts - his mind is like a sparkling disco ball, and his constant jokes are distracting. Telmarr is not really a great dancer, though his conversation more than makes up for it. He mentions that Swift is like a son to him, but Telmarr is a bit worried about him. “Too much responsibility that he's shouldered on his own for too many years; he needs to kick back and relax more - I think he needs some help with that. He's much too poetic and polite.” He looks at Damaria pointedly. And then she sees him look over her shoulder, and comment, “Actually, it looks like he may need some help right now, he doesn't look relaxed at all - I would be enjoying myself were I in his position.”
As she whirls around to the side where Swift is cornered, Damaria now sees that the unidentified human is pestering him with questions and holding something in her hand (average Core Worlds/Education check to see if you recognize her - add boost if Damaria pays attention to the INN, 2 boost if she is an avid follower): result: 1s, 1a - Suddenly it clicks - it's Renee Wazertiz, INN reporter. Adv: she is holding a recorder in her hand.) As the Baron begins replying, Ysanne kisses his cheek while Via goes for his neck. (There's the threat from the Sense check… forgot about poor Swift's cornering)
“It would appear you're right… I suppose I'd best help before he gets in too deep.” With a nearly inaudible sigh and a quick smile towards Telmarr, Damaria disengages from the dance and moves over towards Swift, arching an eyebrow at his predicament. “Excuse my interruption, ladies,” she says, directing a look of scorn at D'Gane and Ysanne as she does says the last word, “but I think our friend here owes me another dance before the evening has ended. If you don't mind?…”, and she slips between the Baron and Renee, holding out her hand in invitation.
Swift gratefully nods as he takes Damaria's hand, and Renee tries to get some final questions in, “Can you comment further on the curfew imposed by the government - do you support such draconian measures? Will this reduce terror attacks? And what about the missing Twi'leks?” Meanwhile Via surreptitiously winks at Damaria. Again. It's getting annoying.
The Baron replies as he extricates himself from the group, “It was a pleasure meeting you, Ms. Wazertiz. I hope your new assignment works out for you. Ladies.” He nods at Via and Ysanne politely - though his neck and ears reveal he is not as calm as he pretends.
As the two step back into the crowd of dancers, Swift murmurs, “Thank you; it's been a while, but I don't remember these events to be so… adventurous. Do you mind doing that Force thing again? I'd appreciate getting my mind off those… ladies.” A weak grin, and more flushing.
Damaria notices Larness standing at the far side of the room, observing them both. He has a smug smile on his face, as if he is quite pleased with himself. It appears as though he had been watching the whole exchange.
As she delicately reached out with the Force - just enough to keep them dancing half-respectable - she glanced over at Larness and back at the Baron. “So tell me,” she whispered quietly enough only he could hear, “is it Larness that you seem so anxious about tonight? Because I sense”, she said with a light cough and meaningful glance, “we may have a problem brewing there…”
“I have a bad feeling about this… he's been a thorn in my side since he arrived here. I'll see if my sources can find more out than we already know.” Swift really looks bothered by it all.
The rest of the banquet is much less eventful, with a few more insignificant discussions, and as they leave, a promise from Telmarr to meet again soon. “And Swift, my boy, I am offended you did not introduce dear Damaria to me sooner! And those other two, well, Swift, maybe you'd be married off already if you attended these banquets more than once per decade! Or at least happier!” He laughs boisterously but good-naturedly. And of course his lekku are twitching throughout the exchange, and Swift raises an eyebrow and says his goodbye.
The Baron arrives back at Damaria's house, walking her back to her door. He takes a deep breath. “Damaria, thank you again. I really appreciated your presence tonight. I… it was good to leave behind the fighting for awhile. Well, mostly,” he laughs.
Swift rolls a Charm check vs Damaria, usually opposed by Cool. Can you set the difficulty, add boosts or setbacks or upgrades/downgrades? His goal is to leave a good impression, perhaps a kiss, being in a romantic mood. Let's say the stars are out for a boost…
Charm check would be 1 red, 2 purple… throw in a boost because of the mostly enjoyable evening & reprieve from prior tensions, but also a setback because Larness' thoughts are distracting her a bit.
2 success, 1 triumph, but I used 2 dark side pips to eliminate 2 threat - bad force roll and I wanted to use them for thematic value. Can you narrate that result out? Using dark side pips probably means Swift is making use of swirling emotions, but by eliminating the threat I don't think that should result in negative things beyond 2 extra conflict for me!
She chuckles lightly at him. “Clearly you needed a bit of a rescue… and for once I enjoyed providing… backup. Thank you for the reminder it's not all a battlefield.” Caught in the lingering aura of the evening, without thinking she quickly leans forwards and lightly brushes both his cheeks with a kiss. With a bit of a wink and exaggerated flourish, she then bobs a deep curtsy at him and turns, passing through her open doorway, leaving a rather surprised Baron in her wake.