Baime. The warmer sister city to Is Brea. What passed for the tropical zone of Solyiat was almost paradise - not too hot, not too cold, beautiful weather - and people from across the Empire flock to this bastion of tourism and vacation. With the backdrop of the Winter Palace, Baime sported the Vatali Museum, the outer ring was filled with casinos and cantina of every flavor. This one city held everything that one could be looking for. Pleasure, business, envoy work (for those incapable of enjoying free time) and enough beach space to just exist on vacation time.
The choices are endless and only the sky is the limit.
Miho stood on the beach, her monochromatic swimsuit starkly contrasting against both itself and her pale skin. She closed her eyes and turned her face up towards the sun with a wide smile on her lips. The two identical shadows behind her, her own personal bodyguards, looked on and seemed about to speak before the smaller woman cut them off.
“Not one word about needing a hat. I don’t mind a little sunburn. Besides, your mother foisted a cream off on me that is supposed to prevent it anyway.”
The twins looked at each other, a slight smile on their faces. “Councillor, we would never think,” one began.
“To presume to tell you anything. We are just here,” the other said softly.
“To protect you.” The first one finished.
Mihoshi shook her head in almost disgust. “I wish the two of you would learn to speak properly.”
She gestured to them and started off down the beach, looking for one of the many, many bars that sat on the beach serving very fruity drinks with tiny umbrellas in them. The large Targon padding along behind the Councillor looked around curiously but the sense of passive disinterest seemed to just flow out of the creature.
Little metal feet pattered against the ground as a BD droid zipped after a crab-like lifeform, beeping and blooping excitedly. An Envoy’s Shadow droid followed in it’s wake, droning on in monotonous warnings about how the crustaceon could clip wires. Behind them both followed a Chiss woman and Human male walking beside eachother hand-in-hand, their feet bare. Siv was dressed from ankles to wrists in a black bodysuit, a multi-hued skirt slung around her waist, with a wide-brimmed sunhat, circular glasses, and her hair flowing freely in raven waves.
The Human, Alex, was her complete opposite. Other than sporting a magnificent tapestry of star and astrogation chart weaved tattoos, the Mandalorian wore nothing else but a very tight black speedo.
“I like the beaches here,” Alex started, “They’re a lot less hot than Selen.”
Siv was silent for a moment, her hand’s grip on her husband’s tightening minutely.
“It feels so strange being here, Vi'Vickust… I feel like I ran away. I feel like I abandoned them all.”
Alex’s fac scrunched up a bit at Siv’s last comment, the wheels in his head turning.
“Not running awaayyy– more like… an extended sabbatical. You deserve it, Riduur, after everything.”
“Zuza isn’t taking a sabbatical.”
“Zuza’s got her own problems.”
Siv opened her mouth to argue, but faltered under Alexandyr’s gaze. Her mouth snapped shut and she frowned softly. He had a point. Zuza was running in her own way.
With the warmth of the sun shining brightly overhead and the distant thump of music, Syrena slowly raised her head off from a bar counter with a noticeable daze in her pale lavender eyes. Just how many days had passed since she’d arrived…? Not that Syrena minded, as time had begun to pleasantly blur together with hours spent lounging on the beach, and the countless alcohol-fueled evenings spent dancing alongside other fellow Zeltrons in a vibrant cantina. She could only hope that this very act would help her blend in more amidst the many vacationers— At least, that was what Syrena kept telling herself as an excuse for excessive revelry.
Yet there had been a purpose when Syrena had opted to travel to this particular location in the first place, one that she could no longer shy away from. It was finally time to meet her new Master. With a long stretch, she made her way to the nearest mirror and nervously ran a comb through her long pink tresses, splashed some cold water on her face, and anxiously smoothed the wrinkles in her form-fitting white linen dress.
“Maybe she wants a drink? Yeah, that would make a good first impression… I think… That is, if I can even find her…” Syrena began to wonder aloud to herself, trying to focus on the name and description that she’d been provided for her new Master. She made a swift exit from the resort, carefully swiping two shot glasses from a server droid, each one filled to the brim with a glowing blue liquid. “Thank you very much,” Syrena made sure to tell the droid with a bright smile, leaving behind a tip of five credits.
Now delicately carrying each shot glass in hand, Syrena utilized her dancer’s sense of balance to keep them from spilling as she began to make her way over towards the beach. A look of concentration shifted across Syrena’s features, as she tried her best to drown out the enchanting music from her resort, resisting the urge to go back and dance for hours on end. “Focus, focus… Now, where could she be?” Syrena quietly whispered to herself, beginning to observe those currently present at the beach.
Dressed in a light blue linen ensemble, Wenet walked down the boulevard on Baime. Despite being dressed for a vacation, she didn’t look like she wanted to be there; she looked rather lost. Truth was, she didn’t come here by choice she was told to. After everything that had happened she was told to take a leave of absence and was advised to take a proper vacation. But Wenet had never been on vacation and had no idea what she was supposed to. But she also didn’t really feel like doing anything. There were still a lot of unprocessed emotions and she still had nightmares.
Wenet kept on walking. On her left there were various bars, restaurants and shops and on her right there was the beach. She moved around the a group of tourists. Avoiding to be trampled on she jumped out of the way. So busy with themselves they hadn’t even noticed the tiny Kushiban. Wenet stopped for a moment and notice a empty bench overlooking the beach. She walked over and hopped on. Sitting there she watched the people enjoying their time. Seeing some kids playing in the sand she thought about Baka, regretting she hadn’t taken him with her, the Houke would have enjoyed the beach. When her eyes fell on a couple sitting under a parasol, she thought about Ryan, she missed him.
Letting out a sigh she leaned back and just sat there trying to enjoy the view…
The elder Mandalorian sighed as he conversed the situation with his partner, life among the Arconans had been hard enough as it was, attempting to justify why they sought their own solace now was even worse. The guilt sank in and weighed both of them down in different ways, but it was something Alexandyr had come to terms with throughout his life, survivor’s guilt and the fear of never being able to live up to what everyone wanted.
“Look at this, Cyare. This is where we started, this is Coruscant.” He said pointing to one of the many glyphs on his body, in particular one on his thigh.
“And this–” he pointed to Dajorra “Is where you’ve spent the last few years. We’ve both made it our passion to travel, explore, and help everyone we could throughout the Galaxy. Arcona’s interests stopped somewhere within two astronomical units of their star. If you want to help people, start with yourself. Then see how we can help others, a hand at a time.” He voiced as he settled their towels and gear among the sands, stretching himself out upon one fabric roll.
“But first, relax.”
Miho sat at one of the little seaside buildings, though building was a strong word for it. It had three and a half walls and a roof, but the floor was sand. It looked more like a shell that could be picked up and moved at a moment’s notice.
The twin giants took up relaxed positions to either side of the bar, eyeing everyone that approached. The small Proconsul smiled at the barman, her violet eyes happy and expectant. “I want something sweet and fruity, please.”
The man nodded and began mixing liquids together. What he placed before her was so dramatically red it looked like a highball glass of blood. “That’ll be twenty creds.”
Handing over the credits, Miho accepted the drink, her oddly youthful face alight with pleasure. “Thank you.”
She then turned on her little stool and watched everyone around her as she sipped at the fruity drink.
The sun danced with the waves as the young kushiban woman was enjoying her time lazing about on the beach in what appeared to be a folding chair beneath an umbrella. Sunglasses upon her head, a rather lage brimmed beach hat covered her and her beloved.
“This is the best, we really needed the time off. Too much drama, too many missions, not enough fun.” she commented at the other kushiban hidden beneath the sunhat. “I think I might jump in the water at some point. Maybe.” She seemed like she wanted to convince herself more than her companion. “But first lots of those drinks and lots of lazing about! What do you think?” she asked as she looked around at the many beachgoers, settling into her spot, hands behind her head.
The kushiban lazying next to Asani sat up and put on his glasses. “That sounds perfect actually. I can’t remember the last time we took a vacation like this. I feel like a kit again. Nothing but blue seas and clear skies. And if you’re getting in the water then I’m definitely joining you.”
Feeling the warm ocean breeze caressing his fur and hearing the sound of waves, his normally white fur turned a soft yellow as he stretched happily. “But first, those drinks!”
Wenet hadn’t moved. She was still sitting on the bench overlooking the beach. Quietly staring at the view whilst in thought she was miles away. Eventually the Kushiban let out a sigh and shook her head, “what am I doing here?” she asked herself and tried to relax, pushing away her thoughts and emotions, trying her very best to focus on the present.
As she scanned the beach she noticed a couple of Kushiban’s sitting under an umbrella. It surprised her, it was a rare sight or she thought. Most of her kind would never leave Kushibah. She continued to look around, noticing the diversity of people. But they all had something in common; they enjoyed being there. Unlike her, she felt out of place, didn’t know what to do. She never been on vacation and the fact that she was alone didn’t really help either. “who am I fooling?” she asked herself again, once more shaking her head. Part of whe just wanted to return to the spaceport, return to the Praxeum and take jobs. But she already knew they wouldn’t let her, ‘you need a break’ they had told her, forcing her to take a vacation.
Wenet eventually got up and reluctantly decided to have a stroll over the beach. She left the bench on the boulevard and walked down the path to the beach.
“I don’t know if I know how to do that, cyare. I might actually have a heart attack if I stop.” Despite the grevious tone she took, the Chiss’s lips were quirked up slightly. Her husband was right, she should relax, but when was the last time she had actually done that? Despite it not being too long ago in actual time, it felt like ages had passed since she stepped out of obscurity and into the eyes of the Brotherhood as a whole.
She had taken a step today, though. She was without her comm unit, which was a first in about a year. Foxen would be so proud.
Her heart jerked a little in her chest at the thought of the friend, and friends, she had left behind in Arcona. She hadn’t had time to say goodbye to all of them. Some of them she wasn’t even on speaking terms with– like Bril. Sanguine eyes turned downcast as she remembered the look of heartbreak on Ruka and Cora’s faces. Another one of their family, leaving, abandoning them. ‘Did we fail you? Did we do something wrong?’ Even now the words cut through her like butter.
Trying to force away the tears threatening to fill her eyes, Sivall looked up once more, only to spot a familiar strawberry-colored face she had only seen so far in the dossier Miho had handed her. A scarred hand and it’s unblemished counterpart smoothed non-existant wrinkles from her bodysuit before she lifted a hand to wave to Syrena. They were some distance away, but Siv was sure that she stood out amongst the waves in her near-black ensemble.
“Vi'vickust! Look! It’s my student. Oh gods, do I look presentable? How is my hair? Did the breeze ruin it? K'taaaaahhh…..”
<@607619766752116771>
As Syrena made her way down the beach, she spotted a Kushiban female dressed in a light blue linen outfit. Having only ever read about Kushibans, and this being her first time seeing one in person, she couldn’t help but be curious. Syrena gave a friendly yet careful wave, as though not to spill the drinks, before continuing on her way.
Glancing up, it was then that in the distance she caught sight of an elegant female Chiss with raven hair, dressed in a striking dark ensemble. This must be her! Syrena couldn’t help but think, a relieved smile coming to her lips. She approached in a careful manner, focusing on not spilling either of the drinks– Now that would be a disaster of a first impression, something Syrena wanted to avoid in this moment, despite how she’d spent the last few days.
“Master Sivall Tenbriss Ya-ir Zoria,” She greeted in a gracious manner, hoping that she had the correct name. Syrena bowed her head and gave a polite curtsy, before glancing back up at the female before her. “It is a pleasure to meet you, I am honored to be your student…. Oh! And before I forget-” She paused, offering her one of the drinks that she carried, the sparkling beverage holding a faint purple glow. “This is for you!”
It had been several days since Zanothi arrived in Baime for a much-needed break. After spending most of his time drinking in the local cantinas, the Mirialan had decided that today was a beach day.
The sun bathed his green, tattooed skin as he leaned back on his elbows, gazing out at the waves as they crashed against the shore. Reaching down, Zanothi took another sip of his Solyiat Ale contemplating jumping into the water.
Being alert as she was, the small Kushiban noticed Zeltron lady when she waved. Surprised Wenet stopped in her tracks. Her ears stood up and she smiled. Even her furr brightened for a moment as she waved back. But when the woman walked away towards a Chiss her ears flattened again. “oh.. I guess she wasn’t waving at me” she muttered to herself as she watched the woman approach the Chiss.
Wenet’s furr dulled again and she shrugged, “as well..” she was about to turn around and continue her walk but then she paused again. “maybe a drink will help me get in the vacation mode” she said and then decided to head to the bar instead…
Mihoshi turned at the sound of tiny footsteps coming up to the outdoor bar with a smile. The toxicly red beverage was about half empty and the Proconsul lounged in her stool, idly chatting with Adenn and Xin, who also turned to look at the approaching Kushiban.
“Ah, Wenet,” Miho said happily. “Pull up a stool and have a drink. What’ll you have, hm?”
Adenn and Xin looked at one another and grinned. Their ward was enjoying herself and seemed more than happy to not stray far from the bar. They watched everything around them, other beach goers, the gentle waves, the pristine sand. Everything seemed optimal for the day and they stood there, soaking up the beautiful weather and the gentle breezes coming off the sea.
Soft footfalls through the sand carried a man who was, admittedly, all-too-pale and dressed in much the same manner as the Vatali nobles towards the waves. A silent complaint could be seen across his face for the brief moment as he lifted his foot and shook something uncomfortable, perhaps some kind of shell or debris, out of from beneath the sole of his foot. Overhearing others calling out for Wenet, his advance stopped and he tilted his head to the side. The half-Arkanian recognized the voice of his Proconsul, the Empire’s acting Councilor of War, and General of the Combined O.U.S.C. Forces joined by the twins. It seemed this would be a fortuitous trip after all, sun, sand, matters of command. A good day.
“Mihoshi. Master Bannog. Twins.” The Jedi High Councilor spoke up as he turned on his heel and strode towards the bar, giving a gentle handwave towards the bartended, pointing towards the water and making a drinking motion to get a thumbs up in return.
“Seems we’ve all chosen a popular destination to relax, Wenet, I’m glad to see you in such fine shape, admittedly you’re not as bright-eyed as I’d find you around the Academy, but, we can see about changing that.” He said with a soft smile as he placed his hand on Mihoshi’s shoulder.
“And you, do I even want to know how many weapons you’ve managed to smuggle to the beach today?” The Jedi jested, patting the small woman’s shoulder with a chuckle, looking to the twins, his eye twitching as he thought of the monstrous woman responsible for them.
<@227653769842655233> <@741417155546841158>
It was still strange hearing Ruka and Cora’s last name come out of people’s mouths. Before it would have caused a feeling of pride to swell within her chest— now though, only sadness. It felt like a lie, like she didn’t deserve their names, like—
Sivall took the gorgeously twinkling beverage from Syrena, offering a soft smile in exchange.
“Oh! Thank you. That’s incredibly kind of you. You can call me Siv-“ A crack halted her speech, almost like a stutter, “S-Siv. You can call me Siv. Unless you’d prefer the formalities, that is, which is completely valid. I was like that at first too—“
Siv drew in her bottom lip as she caught a glance of her husband in her peripheral, the look on his face queueing her in that she had returned to her old habit of word vomiting everything in her brain.
Did her incident just break every little bit of conditioning she had gone under the last year?
“Ktah, I’m rambling. I’m so sorry. It’s nice to meet you too, Syrena. Would you like to join us?”
Mihoshi looked up at Masahiro with a mischievous glint in her eye as she leaned back slightly, gesturing at her attire. “Master Haku, do you have any idea how hard it is to conceal weapons when you’re wearing so little?”
One of the Twins, Adenn probably, cleared her throat in a sound that could be contrued as a barely concealed laugh. Xin, on the other side of the bar covered her mouth with a hand.
“Miho, you,” Adenn began.
“Brought us with you.” Xin finished.
The small Human shrugged and took another small sip from her drink. “Well, yes. But he asked about weapons, not…whatever you two are.”
Miho took a good look at the High Councillor, disapproval clear on her face. “Tell me you aren’t swimming in that…”
“Greetings” the Kushiban said in surprise when she looked up and recognized Miho, Adenn and Xin. She hadn’t expected to meet anyone of the Brotherhood during her mandatory vacation. She gave a slightly awkward smile, “a Moogan tea would be nice” she answered as she hopped onto an empty barstool.
Then another familiar voice caught her attention. Wenet turned and saw half-arkanian male approach them. “Oh.. greeting” she said again with awkward surprise and smiled. “Yeah.. guess there was a discount on this holiday destination” she chuckled, trying to lighten up the mood, mainly her own as the others seemed already in a good mood.
Mihoshi’s response widened the High Councilor’s grin as he settled into a seat near the Kushiban, the woman had never shied away from the chance to throw innuendo or a rapid quip back to any of his jokes, nor was she afraid to settle matters of military command with a pressed hand. She had been the proper choice to take over command when Wulfram, then Yuki, both stepped down from the position.
“I shan’t begin to hazard a guess toward where you’re hiding any of your weapons, just that some are as likely hazardous to your health as any potential suitors on this fine day.” He chuckled, his laughter ticked up a moment more by the response of The Twins.
However, when Wenet mentioned a potential discount on travel plans to Baime, the Echani man balked for a moment.
“Wait— You guys got discounted travel fees? Here I am paying full fare and booking volume price for my suite. These planners are taking me for a ride.” Masahiro jested as he adjusted himself to sit upright and took his drink from the bartender.
-# <@227653769842655233>
Mihoshi raised an eyebrow, with a grin after another sip of her drink. She played with the little umbrella as she asked sweetly.
“You paid?”
For a time, Celevon Werd'a had been practicing Sliding Hands katas in the shallows of the beach, waves idly lapping at his calves, both organic and cybernetic beneath a pair of forest green swim shorts.
Normally, he was not one for vacationing, especially when one considered that his home amongst the Pokora island chain was not far from their location, with much more private beaches and notably less people. However, his daughter and daughter-in-law had convinced… nay, badgered… the Shaevalian-Umbaran otherwise.
Speaking of whom, his daughter and daughter-in-law were further up the beach, lounging atop towels with drinks under the shade provided by an umbrella or two.
Now, however, realizing how thirsty he had become, Celevon made his way to one of the open bars, spotting the tall forms of his twin cousins amongst several others he recognized. Overhearing their conversation as he approached the bar and ordered a drink, the Blade Master felt an amused smile curve his lips.
One his drink had been presented to him — a tall, frosted glass of swirling yellow and purple frozen fruit drink liberally laced with alcohol — and a straw placed inside, Celevon turned to greet the others.
Mihoshi turned and smiled at Celevon, always happy to see more of her clanmates. She looked at the two giants and sighed. “I’m pretty sure there are more than enough people to protect me now. Go terrorize someone else for a bit.”
Adenn looked around and smiled. “I see our,” she began.
“Sisters.” Finished Xin.
“Yes, fine. Good. Go bother them then.”
As the twins wandered off down the beach, probably to obscure the sun for their sister, Miho began to pull her hair back and tie it close to the back of her head in a thick black ponytail. “Anyone want to go swimming?”
She didn’t really plan on waiting for a response which was clear when the small Kyataran took off at a slight jog towards the crystal clear waters.
“I think I will actually, the heats getting to me even under the umbrella, but before that I’ll go get our drinks.” The kushiban woman stated with a smile, getting up and puttin on her rather incredibly large hat, walking off toward the nearby bar.
If anyone bothered to look in her direction it almost seemed like there was a giant floating hat moving up and down the beach. “The fruitiest drinks you got” she told the barkeep. While waiting she decided to look around and see what other people might be up to, not an easy feat when her body was being covered by her headwear, any movement she made was highlighted by the massive straw hat.
It was weird to take time off, but it was also nice. It had been a while since she had taken time to unwind.
While the others were talking, Wenet signaled the bartender over. She smiled when Miho joked about them paying for the trip. Although the Kushiban was entirely surreal if they were joking. All she knew was, that she did pay for the vacation, despite not really wanting to go in the first place. While the bartender finally came over, she noticed another familiar face approcing them; Celevon. “A Moogan tea” she ordered before turning herself towards the Shaevalian-Umbaran male. The Kushiban smiled and greeted him.
“maybe later” Wenet replied when Miho asked about swimming. Truth was, she was shy. Impulsively, she had bought a bikini, but now that she was actually wearing it, underneath her linen outfit, she wasnt so sure if it had been a good idea. Most Kushiban she knew, didn’t even bother wearing clothes because of their thick natural coat of fur. So now she was thinking wearing a bikini, probably looked silly on her.
The Bartender finally brought her drink. As usual it was in a big people glass. “oh, this might take me a while” she chuckled and then paid for Moogan tea.
Mihoshi made it to the water and waded in until the water was up to her mid thigh, smiling brightly. Turning around she looked at the gathered vacationers.
The Twins had made it to where a Pantoran and a Sephi, their sister and sister-in-law, lounged. All four spoke almost excitedly to one another.
New additions to their ranks stood some distance to the other side. Sivall and her new student Syrena. The Kytaran didn’t know either of them very well, but the Chiss had a list of recommendations and commendations that couldn’t be ignore.
A bouncing hat had gone to another one of makeshift cabana bars, leaving a yellow tinted Kushiban to lounge by themself for a time.
Still at the bar she had left sat Celevon, Wenet and Masahiro, enjoying their varied beverages. She choked back a small laugh as the size of Wenet’s drink.
All in all, the Proconsul felt good about herself. Either through orders to take time off or the initiatives she was trying to get started here at one of the tourism capitals, people had shown up. The next step was getting approval for outsiders to be allowed here more regularly.
And wasn’t she looking forward to that possible fight. The argument of it bringing in more income for the city, and in return the Empire, secrecy had kept both the Jedi and the Vatali safe. But, it was time to learn a little trust.