MC: AOTE: Rhea

[JasraLantill]

Looking directly at Beryl, Ryshana then stated, "Lets deal."

 

“Well, well, well,” said the nobleman Beryl was with. “Looks like this table is finally attracting some real competition!” He draped an arm over Beryl’s shoulders and pulled her in closer to him. “Let’s hope your luck holds out for me, eh, cutie?”

 

Beryl was at a loss for words. In fact, she had to blink a few times just to make sure that she actually seeing Ryshana, and then make a conscious effort at keeping her mouth closed from the shock. And even though Beryl recalled her earlier feelings of misgiving about Ryshana being onboard the Echo, she was very glad to see her now. Very glad. So much so, that she had to seriously fight off the impulse of smothering the Twi’lek with a grateful, relieved hug.

 

“What’s the matter?” her ‘companion’ asked her, nudging her close enough for her to smell his breath. “Think she’ll give me a run for my money?”

 

“Huh?” Beryl shook off her shock and tried to regain her composure. “Oh, erm…we’ll just have to wait and see, won’t we?”

 

The nobleman laughed, and luridly patted her thigh. “Deal, then,” he said to the dealer, as he anted up with a hefty handful of chips. “Let’s see what you’ve got, sweetheart,” he said confidently to Ryshana.

 

Although Beryl didn’t want to cause a scene in the middle of the casino that would get both of them noticed, she really just wanted to end her ordeal and go back to the ship with Ryshana. It had been a very rough day. A battle with a Dreadnaught and its eyeballs. Landing in the wilderness. Getting attacked and mauled by a Tusk Cat and her brood. Rescued by a strange and unusual Stormtrooper. And now having to get credits by degrading herself by sitting next to this….

 

She looked at the nobleman askance.

 

…this ignoble creature? It was almost too much for her to take. And there was little point now in trying to get credits to contact the Echo when Ryshana was sitting right here in front of her.

 

Beryl was just about ready to excuse herself from the table, when, apparently out of the blue, a thought came into her head. The Echo didn’t have a job, they needed supplies, and they were running low on credits. And this truly obnoxious, overweight, overbearing nobleman obviously had too many of them to know what to do with.

 

Beryl’s eyes met Ryshana’s, then flicked from the nobleman and back again. Was Ryshana using one of her Jedi ‘tricks’ to try and tell her to stay put and play to get more credits? Either way the pot went, they’d win. But it was an old trick, and if they got caught, they’d attract the attention of the casino security. And no doubt the Imperials.

 

She studied Ryshana for a sign of what to do.

[stingerhs]

Ryshana could feel the shocked expressions and the large variance of emotions from Beryl. A very discreet method of technique quickly allowed Ryshana to partially calm down at least the adrenal glands in Beryl. The rest of the calming process would be up to her.

 

“Let’s see what you’ve got, sweetheart,” he said confidently to Ryshana.

 

Ryshana flashed the man a quick sideways smile as she studied him. Hmm, slightly nervous. He doesn't know what to expect from me, Ryshana thought as the dealer handed out the cards. Nobody may have made any faces about the cards, but Ryshana could still feel their reactions to the cards being dealt. Unlike most players, Ryshana knew whenever somebody was bluffing, when they had a bad hand, or whenever they had a good hand. Call it an unfair advantage or not, but it had aided Ryshana more than once in the past.

 

As her turn came to place bets, Ryshana raised as she knew that two of them would drop quickly with their bad hands. Lets see what you've got, Ryshana thought about the man with Beryl.

[JasraLantill]

Ryshana stared back at Beryl from across the gaming table, as calm and collected as... well, as a Jedi. And Beryl took this as a sign for her to do the same. Or, at the least, try.

 

She took a deep breath, then discreetly looked at the cards in her ‘partner’s’ hand. He didn’t have a bad set showing on the table. His cards only totalled fourteen, but she had an intuitive feeling that the next card drawn would tip it over twenty and he didn’t hold any ‘saviour’ cards in his hand.

 

The other players at the table, seemed to think their hands were all worthy enough to call Ryshana’s bet. Foolish, Beryl thought. Whether it was due to some Jedi trick or just the luck of the draw, she had a feeling that Ryshana held more than one reversal card. So, when the turn came to Beryl’s new friend, and he looked to her for guidance, she gave him a barely perceptible shake of her head.

 

The nobleman sighed dramatically. “I fold,” he said, then grinned with satisfaction.

 

The hand played out and to everyone’s surprise but Beryl’s, Ryshana easily won.

 

“Good hand,” the nobleman congratulated Ryshana. “Shall we play another?”

 

“Oh, look how late it’s getting,” Beryl said suddenly. “I’ve really got to get go….”

 

“Nonsense,” the nobleman said, interrupting her and grabbing her arm to keep her in her seat. “Surely the nice lady would play another hand with us so that we have a chance at winning our money back.” He looked at Ryshana, and then the other players at the table in turn. “Yes?”

 

Beryl sighed. This day was getting longer and longer.

[ExtreamJedi12]

TWO YEARS EARLIER(12 BBY)

 

Finnias Strife, proud Captain of the Royal Naboo Security Force(RSF), was pacing back and forth. There were Jedi in the Palace and he had a feeling that the Empire had found out. He had to prepare Theed for the worst. He had stationed multiple soldiers at different areas of Theed. He didin't expect what would happen during the Battle of Naboo.

 

"Don't give up." he said during the battle. The 501st Legion had captured multiple parts of the city. Then, the auto-turret grid that was protecting the Palace was destroyed. The Jedi that were in the Palace couldn't help going into battle to help Theed. They never stood a chance. During the battle, Finnias's arm was shot off. He had escaped the battle to heal himself. It was then that scouts had killed Queen Apailana. In the conclusion of the battle, the RSF gave up, Finnias went off-planet(unknown to the reat of the RSF), and the 501st became known as 'Vader's Fist'.

 

PRESENT DAY(10 BBY)

 

"I'm sorry, Mr. Strife." said Kylantha "But your father is presumed dead." "Well, thank you." said Cloud in sadness as he left for the bazaar. There, someone was having trouble with their R5 droid. Cloud decided to be a good citizen and help the civilian.

 

"Is there anything I can do for you, sir?" asked Cloud.

[starmark2k]

Nic walked through the Market for about half an hour without any luck in finding cloud, No one had seen anyone by clouds discription. Nic continued walking through the streets, he was neuvous the more time he spent here the more chance of someone recognising him.

 

Nic suddenly got a funny feeling that someone was following him, he turned his body around but continued walking backwards in the same direction he was moving in. After a couple of steps he felt the barrel of a small hold-out blaster hit the small of his back.

 

"Please come with us Sir." The bearer said.

 

Nic obliged as a second man removed his weapons, The two men led nic down a few streets until they came to a large elegent house. Nic walked in and taken into a large room with an elegant sofa in front of a fire Nic was forced to sit down on it.

 

A few moments passed before Nic decided to speak up. "so did you bring me here for a reason or do you just do this for kicks?"

 

"They brought you here because i asked them to." A family voice replyed.

 

Nic turned with an extreme look of annoyance on his face as he saw a Women in an elegant dress walk into the room.

 

"For the love of... Carman why send your bully boyz to get me."

 

"Would you have come if i asked?"

 

"No!"

 

"Then you have your answer." She said sitting on the sofa with Nic and looking at the two men who brought Nic. "Leave us."

 

The two men left the room.

 

"What do you want." Nic asked still annoyed.

 

"Oh it's just been a long time since we've seen each other."

 

"If i knew you were here i wouldn't have came."

 

"I'm actually surprised to see you here. After what you did."

 

"And i'm surprised to see you, shouldn't you be running your businesses on nar shaddar."

 

"That's all under control, I wanted a change of scenary."

 

"if that's all, i best be going i have people to see and thing's to do." Nic said looked around the room then standing up.

 

"I'f you're talking about that whore and twi'lek i've arranged for them to be brought here." She said. "i must admit your taste in companions has improved."

[stingerhs]

((i'll presume that we're playing pazaak. hehe, last time i was under the impression that we were playing a game similar to 5-card stud.

 

come to think of it, lets make this game a mix of the two. each player must place a bet in the pot after each draw from the dealer until they either place a card down from their sidedeck, call their total, or fold. when the betting takes place, the players can either call the current bet or raise. the other standard pazaak rules apply. ))

 

"I don't see why not. I could definately go for another couple rounds," Ryshana replied to the man. Looking back at the dealer, Ryshana nodded to indicate that she was ready for yet another deal.

 

As the cards were distributed, Ryshana once again felt for the emotions of the other players as they recieved their cards. As the bets were cast, Ryshana once again raised to get the other players to fold. It was a type of bully tactics, but with her sidedeck, things like that didn't matter too much. After the last set, Ryshana was showing 12, another man was showing 16, and the nobleman across from her was showing 11. however, one man was sitting on 19 after playing the last card in his sidedeck.

 

as the bets were cast, the man with 16 put in 450. Sensing him, Ryshana could feel his emotions, and she knew he was bluffing. There was no way he could last another round. Sensing this, Ryshana raised the bet to 650. With the man next to her holding at 19, it was now the nobleman's turn to call, raise, or fold. Your call, Beryl, Ryshana thought.

[JasraLantill]

Beryl felt strange, helping the nobleman play Stud Pazzak against Ryshana instead of making a quick exit and heading for the Echo. But as the game progressed, Beryl began to relax a bit, although she wasn’t sure if the calmness she was feeling was coming from within her or being projected to her by Ryshana through her Jedi powers.

 

It was now Beryl’s nobleman pal’s turn. He nudged her, asking for advice.

 

Beryl wasn’t sure if Ryshana could read her thoughts, or know what she was planning, but she was hoping that she would let the guy win this time. It would make it easier to take more money from him later if he got a little confidence.

 

She looked at the cards showing, then thought a moment, then nodded.

 

“I…raise?” He glanced at Beryl, and she nodded again. “I raise,” he said with more confidence.

 

The cards were dealt again. The other player with 16 had busted. The one with 19 stood firm. Ryshana was now showing 17, as was Beryl’s ‘friend’. It was a contest between them now.

 

Beryl had one of her feelings and knew what the next cards would be. She nudged her ‘friend’.

 

“Raise?” he whispered, and she nodded. The nobleman gave a worried look at the three remaining cards he held in his sidedeck. “I raise,” he said, although not very confidently this time. He threw in an additional 500 credits into the pot.

 

Beryl looked at Ryshana, and as she did so, she raised her eyebrow ever so slightly, hoping that Ryshana would pick up on what she was thinking.

[stingerhs]

Ryshana smiled slightly as the cards were dealt and things went her way. Now, it was a 17-17 tie and one guy holding at 19. Not too shabby, Ryshana thought.

 

Looking over at Beryl, she sensed an odd feeling from her. She wants me to lose this hand, Ryshana thought. Upon a bit of further deducement, Ryshana smiled inwardly. I love how this girl can think sometimes.

 

After the nobleman raised, Ryshana easily caught the raised eyebrow. "I call," Ryshana stated as she put in a 500 chip into the pot. With all available bets made, the dealer then set dealt what would be the final draw. Ryshana got a 5, which put her at 22. "Busted," Ryshana remarked. The nobleman, however, drew a 3. That gave him a perfect 20.

[JasraLantill]

The nobleman excitedly scooped the chips on the table into his corner, but not before giving Beryl another well-placed but unwelcome ‘pat’. She glared at him, but he was too busy stacking his chips to notice her displeasure.

 

“Another round?” he suggested. “After all, my good luck charm seems to be working for me!”

 

Beryl deftly dodged another pat, and gave Ryshana a pleading look.

 

Take him for everything he’s got, Ryshana, she thought, hoping again that Ryshana would pick up on it.

 

The hand started as normal, only Beryl was encouraging the nobleman to place higher bets, something that really didn’t need much encouragement as he was on a winning high.

 

Again, the cards were dealt, and again, it was pretty much down to the two of them. With both Ryshana and the nobleman standing at 18, it looked like the game would go either way. But again, Beryl knew what the cards would be and that her ‘pal’ would lose this hand. His next card was a six, and he only had a negative 2 card left in his side deck. She again raised her brow slightly, hoping that Ryshana would raise the stakes even higher.

[stingerhs]

"A good luck charm?? Hmm, perhaps you shouldn't take beauty like that for granted," Ryshana jabbed at the nobleman.

 

"Haha!! You couldn't even dream of it. Besides, you've got beauty of your own. It may be worth its weight in Dragon Pearls, but it doesn't work as well as she does," the nobleman replied with a quick pat to Beryl. "Lets go for another, shall we?"

 

As the hand was dealt, Ryshana felt Beryl's uneasiness. Beryl was a crafty sort, and Ryshana could sense it. Smiling inwardly, Ryshana was ready to play for everything.

 

As the hands started, Ryshana decided to switch from her 'bully' style to a passive style and just simply call the bets instead of raising. Whenever they tied at 18, Ryshana knew it was all over. The pot was brimming with chips, and it was Ryshana's turn to set the bar. Catching another eye raise from Beryl, Ryshana knew things were all set for her to win big.

 

"Lets make this interesting. All in," Ryshana stated as she put every chip she had into the pot. The total: 21,985.

 

It was the perfect bait, and she knew it. While the other players folded, the nobleman was all too happy. "You're bluffing, I know it. They may not have the spine, but I certainly do. I'll call," he stated defiantly. Ryshana noticed that he didn't bother to check with Beryl this time, and that meant that it was indeed all over.

 

As the dealer drew the cards, Ryshana got an 8 while the nobleman got the 6. "Ah, well, all that drama for nothing," the nobleman stated reservedly.

 

"Not so fast," Ryshana stated. "My total is 26, but with the addition of my +/-6 card, that makes a perfect 20."

 

Pausing for effect, Ryshana smiled and then stated, "I win."

 

After collecting the chips, Ryshana now stood at about 45,000 credits. Although she would normally call it quits for the time being, she knew she could get some more credits out of this bunch of rich folks. Several members of the table got up to vacate their spots for others that were looking to get in on the action. Curiously, the nobleman Ryshana had just sparred with also got up to leave.

 

Before the nobleman could try to get Beryl to come with him, Ryshana gave her a quick nod accompanied with a discreet smile as a signal to leave him.

[JasraLantill]

“Oh, look, isn’t that your wife?” Beryl said, quickly pointing towards the entrance. She had no idea what the nobleman’s wife looked like, but fortunately he was panicking too much with the thought of his wife discovering him there with her to care.

 

As he spluttered his excuse to her to flee the scene, Beryl let out a heaving and grateful sigh. “I need a drink,” she said to herself, and headed for the back bar.

 

She gingerly sat down (still sore from the deep cat scratches which were even more sore now from all the ‘patting’ she had endured), checked the value of the couple of credit chips she had palmed, and ordered a large Corellian brandy.

[stingerhs]

Ryshana almost started to giggle to herself at the distraction Beryl had just given the nobleman. Definately creative, Ryshana thought. Hmm, perhaps a bit to quickly for somebody that isn't sensitive to the Force.

 

Ryshana then stuck around for a couple more hands. These rich men were easy pickings since they were much more willing to throw the chips around than the standard Pazaak players. After a while, her stack of chips had grown to almost 60,000. I think that should be enough to help us out for quite a while, Ryshana thought to herself. After winning the last deal, Ryshana got up and gathered her chips.

 

After meeting with the Floor Captain, Ryshana quickly exchanged her chips for credits. As the Captain dealt the credits to Ryshana, she quickly felt outwards for Beryl. It didn't take long to find her sitting over at the bar towards the back.

 

Heading in that direction, Ryshana quietly walked up behind Beryl and then sat down next to her. Before she looked over at Beryl, Ryshana signaled the bartender. "A Cassandran Choholl please," Ryshana stated. "Sorry, we won't even get in another bottle for a couple of weeks. Even then, there's a waiting list," he replied

 

"The Cassandran Brandy will do just fine."

 

As the bartender started mixing the drink, Ryshana looked over at Beryl and smiled. "So, I take it that you've had a busy day."

[JasraLantill]

On her fourth drink already, Beryl replied, “You have no idea.” She quickly downed the glass and asked for another, before turning to face Ryshana. She paused, and her brow wrinkled slightly. “I am so glad to see you,” she said, with genuine relief in her voice, as she shifted in her seat to try and get a bit more comfortable. “Were you looking for me, or did Nic send you out for supplies?”

[stingerhs]

"Actually, we've been looking for you the entire time. After the landing, Nic and I were supposed to get you from the Headhunter. I'm pretty sure he might get on your case for not staying put, but I wouldn't worry too much about it. I'll have your back," Ryshana replied. As the bartender handed over the drink, Ryshana took a quick sip.

 

"Well, there are a couple parts I'm not entirely understanding. First is how the heck you got to be a girlfriend for some Trooper Sergeant," Ryshana stated with a smile.

[JasraLantill]

Beryl raised her eyebrows in shock, and felt herself begin to flush.

 

“Erm…girlfriend? I am most certainly not any Stormtrooper’s girlfriend,” she said. “Penni just…helped me out a bit. Gave me a lift into Theed. Treated some of my wounds. And…”

 

Then she frowned, thinking how ludicrous this all sounded. A Stormtrooper. Helping her. She looked down at her shoes, and she felt herself blush even more. And…buying me shoes. Nice shoes, too…

 

She shook her head. “He’s obviously insane or … or something,” she said hurriedly. “Either that or he was up to something.” She sighed. “But he knows my name. My first name, anyway. I couldn’t for the life of me remember what name was on that ID Nic gave me. Still can’t,” she added with a shrug.

[stingerhs]

Ryshana laughed lightly to herself at Beryl's response. "So, he has a name, too. Sounds like he just simply liked you. You can never underestimate the power of male hormones," Ryshana replied while taking another sip from her drink.

 

Thinking for just a second, Ryshana then stated, "Do you know why he was in that particular area of jungle?"

[JasraLantill]

"He said he was looking for a Jedi," Beryl stated flatly. "Apparently, suspected to be on a cargo ship that had landed in the area." She grinned, and took another drink before continuing. "Have you ever heard of such an outrageous story?" she said sarcastically, just in case anyone was eavesdropping on their conversation.

[stingerhs]

"I've heard of much taller tales, believe me," Ryshana stated quickly. "Oh, and another thing. Exactly how did things turn out with that 'cat'? With no weapons, I would imagine things got a bit interesting."

[JasraLantill]

Beryl gave Ryshana a deadpan look. "What's interesting is how I can still manage to sit on a chair." With that said, she shifted again, grimacing slightly. "Those mom cats don't mess around. Don't think I'll need stitches, but I really couldn't see how bad the wound was. It's covered with a large piece of plasti-skin at the moment. Still hurts though. Least the superficial stuff is nearly healed," she said, looking down at her bare leg.

 

"I came to in a cave, and it didn't take me long to realise I was tagged as 'training material' for her brood." Beryl sighed. "Lost my boot and my jacket in the process. I liked that jacket, too," she added. "Tell you what, though, Krayt Dragon hide is the only leather I'm ever going to wear from now on. I'm lucky to have gotten out of there in one piece."

[stingerhs]

Ryshana raised her eyebrows slightly at the last comment. "Yes, you seem to be very lucky indeed. And on more than one occassion," Ryshana commented. "But, its no matter." Ryshana paused for a moment to take another sip of the Brandy.

 

"Since we seem to have a bit of time on our hands, I think that I need to ask you something a bit personal, if you don't mind of course."

[JasraLantill]

"But it's no matter," Ryshana said.

 

Beryl looked at her askance. "I'm lucky at cards, yes. But that's all. Luck isn't the same as skill. Or quick reaction time. Or quick thinking under stress. Or targeting an eyeball without the computer. Those things come with practice."

 

Beryl cringed slightly as Ryshana said she wanted to ask her a personal question. "Alright. Go ahead. What did you want to know?"

[stingerhs]

"Well, its just that you've been pretty distant since the whole encounter with Vader. You avoid me, and until about an hour ago when we started up at the Pazaak table, I haven't hardly even gotten so much as a look from you. I haven't done anything wrong, have I?" Ryshana asked a bit nervously.

[JasraLantill]

"No, not really." Beryl bit her lip. "I...I guess I should apologise for acting the way I did," she said humbly. "It's just...." She exhaled, trying to collect her thoughts. "I suppose I was a bit...resentful of you being on board in the first place. Because...well, because of you being... you know," she said, reluctant to say the word 'Jedi' in such a public place. "And, right now, that's not a real good thing to be in this Galaxy." She frowned. "And Cloud doesn't need any help with anything now that he's your...student. So, I suppose I was feeling... I don't know. Useless, I guess. Anyway, I'm sorry. I'm glad you're here now. Really." She shivered. "And please don't mention the 'V' word again. He scares me. A lot."

[stingerhs]

Ryshana smiled lightly. "I know this isn't exactly a good place to talk about it, but at least things are in the open. Trust me: if you need something, I'm always available. I may be a bit of a special case, but a lot of that is in the past. Things have changed too much for those things to matter as much any more," Ryshana stated as the smile slowly faded.

 

Taking yet another sip, Ryshana then continued, "Besides, I could use a good friend. Constant meditation makes for a strong connection, but it makes for distant relationships. I'd rather not have things turn out that way."

[JasraLantill]

"Me neither," said Beryl. She grinned at Ryshana. "And I suppose I owe you some thanks for bailing me out of a potentially sticky situation. I was just trying to get enough credits to find a secure com link to contact you guys, not enough to buy my own ship and come find you. And I swear, if that mongrel gave me one more 'pat', I was going to thump him. Hard."

 

Beryl downed the rest of her drink. "Well, I think I'm sufficiently relaxed now." She frowned slightly. "You said you came here with Nic, didn't you? Where is he?"