Session export: An Arconan Costume Party

The first guest to arrive had actually already been there. Little could have gotten in the way of her preparations. She had gone to exorbitant lengths with the decorations, using synthetic string to make intricate fake lattices of webbing. Ochre lights from lanterns, prop skeletons, and holoprojected, campy monsters from the holonet covered the corners, leaving the main “dance” area open.

She had left to change, and re-enterer in her home made costume. She wasn’t sorry for it, but admittedly she could have maybe done better. Still.

Zig Kaliska ambled in a onesie- a single jumpsuit like outfit that she had to step into and zip up. There was cut outs at the sleeves for her hands, at the ankles for her boots (with claws drawn on them), and an opening for where her face could poke through.

The fabric itself would have looked like a typical mastif-phylone, but she modified it herself to have fake-crystals glued around it.

All things told, she was proud of her Crystal Raptor costume. She wiggled slightly so that the sewn on repitlian-tail could swoosh slightly.

“All set and reporting for duty, Cap'n” Zig mock saluted.

“Nice hood, little Red,” Zig grinned at the burly Shistavanen.

Walking into the party area was a white sheet covering a lean body. The sheet had two black circles drawn on the “face” of it and the figure moved across the floor with the large sheet flowing around them.

Zig perked up at the appearance of the ‘ghost’. She seemed confused at first but then got it. “Oh my lord, is that you Ele? That’s genius!!!” She proclaimed.

Ele turned to his ex-captain’s voice and responded.

“Thanks Zig, your costume looks amazing!”

“…So…you can see I guess, right..?”

“…not really. I just know that’s the appropriate thing to say in these functions. I can’t actually "see” your costume. But knowing you, I’ll bet it’s great!“ Ele said, answering Zig.

Turning to Doon, the Miraluka chuckled and said.

"Oh, this is just costume part one.”

He grabbed the sheet and took it off, revealing a mouse costume, and his face uncovered by wrappings.

“This is costume part two!”

Playing the angle of his costume, Eleceos felt the area around him before looking horrified.

“Oh no! I’ve lost them again!”

Mune and Caleb arrived before long. The Shistavanen’s hand resting on the Togorian’s bicep, one of the big feline’s hands resting upon it as if to lead them into the ballroom. Mune held their husband’s complete attention for the moment.

Caleb, for his part was perhaps as striking. The large Togorian wore tightly fitted leather trousers (they looked like they could have been painted on) tucked into thigh-high leather boots. A silk shirt loosely hugged his upper body, tucked in at the waist in a rich sapphire blue that made his blue eyes appear darker. A just as striking vest, in black, adorned with silver, lay open over the shirt. He looked much as one would expect a noble or prince charming to look.

Mune, on Caleb’s arm, was dressed in a billowing dress, what could only be described as a ball gown in a colour that compliments Caleb’s attire. The dress was impressively extravagant and made up of numerous layers. A corset was definitely involved in the making of the curves Mune displayed and the chest. The Shistavanen had gone the extra step and wore something under the dress to give the impression of breasts. They were smart about it, too, not going overboard in the least and staying in rather pleasant proportion. The back of the dress was open. Mune’s makeup was delicate yet striking, from eye shadow to eyeliner. They had even changed their earrings to ones that matched the fancy dress. Even their claws were painted.

A princess and their prince charming.

Qyreia crossed the threshold into the ballroom feeling somewhat awkward. The olive drab woolen uniform was tight, and its antiquated design left some things to be desired in comfort. But between the leather fittings and the leg wraps, this creation of Keira’s was unique, if nothing else. The real trick of the costume came with an earlier application of a hypospray and some black hair dye.

For all intents and purposes, the Zeltron looked like nothing more than a pale skinned, black-haired human in an old war uniform. Her hair was too long these days to complete the effect entirely, but a tight ponytail was enough for the moment.

Keira will be along in a minute. Just don’t get in any fights until then, she mused, looking around for familiar faces. With all the costumes, she wasn’t sure how many folks went for the complete disguise like she did.

Zig’s sand-yellow eyes went wide and large and caught the light of the room, almost as if they’d become stars, as she noticed Mune and Caleb. She made a high pitched squeak and hurriedly ran towards them, her raptor-tail awkwardly bouncing behind her onesie costume.

“Oh my maker, you two are so perfect!” she exclaimed as she tried to give each an awaked hug.

She immediately pivoted and saw who she…wasn’t sure of, but they looked like an authority figure, so she saluted with a flattened hand going to the rapto-head top of her costumes hood.

“Greetings and Salutations…um, Sir?”

Mune blushed, ears laying back shyly. They returned the hug warmly and with genuine affection. Caleb was a little more awkward about it but returned the hug nonetheless.

“Thank you, Zig,” Mune returned softly. “Your costume is absolutely adorable.”

“Seconded,” Caleb chimed in gruffly.

Zig beamed and did a little circle-spin. “Thanks! I made it myself.”

Mune smiled wide, “Your talent to create is always something to impress. I find myself a little jealous of your skill.”

Wyn did one last glance over his costume components. It was simple, yet complex, the mark of a true artist.

He wore dress slacks, a long sleeve dark button down shirt with a white vest. His hair was tied back neatly, and he has a way-too-real looking mustache fixated above his upper lip. It curled majestically at the sides.

He carried in his one hand an empty platter tray. It was attached to the glove he wore.

He perfectly matched the Citadel wait staff. The only difference, however, was there was a big bulge in his stomach, beneath his vest.

Wyn had created a prosthetic “baby belly”. Against his otherwise waifer-thin limbs and legs, it very easily mimicked a pregnant person.

Wyn had felt a tad bit overshadowed that Socorra was getting all the attention because her baby bump. So in a sign of solidarity and need for attention, he had devised his costume.

“Nailed it,” he grinned as the existing wait staff that noticed their entrance just stared blankly at him.

He held out his other hand to his partner. “Shall we?” He asked Socorra.

Qyreia choked back a laugh, returning the salute amid all the other greetings from the Shistavanens, trying vaguely to deepen her voice. “Same to you sir-raptor-sir.”

Zig finished her spin, and then managed to, quite adroitly, curtsey towards the important-military-looking costumed person. She surprisingly had little issue moving around in the costume.

“`

”`

Refreshment Stand (Bar)

By the refreshments table, a neat and well organized operation had been established by the Bartender on call.

Having lost a bet with his brother, Marick Tyris Arconae was relegated to this task. But if he was going to run a bar, it would be run efficiently and correctly.

That was easier said and done, thanks to his “assistant”.

Kirra hummed along as she took two different colored bottles of juice and mixed them together like a mad scientist. Then she poured them into a little bowl she had on the side that was supposed to be for punch. But Marick had given up trying to get her not to use it, so he’d just given her her own “cauldron”.

Kirra wore an oversized black hat with a long point that went up and folded over at the tip. Her long messy tangles of white hair framed her round face, and she wore a tattered looking “robe” that came down to over her knees like a dress. She completed the look with a pair of boots that had over-sized tops at the laces, painting her as a powerful, fearsome “Witch”. Lastly, her mini broom was slung across her back.

Marick had gotten away, somehow, by just letting her wrap toilet-paper around him. He wore a tattered, loose fitting white robe but was otherwise covered in random wrappings of toilet paper.

“Mister Mummy, could please pass salt?” the Little Witch asked, reaching up with one hand.

Marick sighed slowly and handed her the small shaker. It seemed to be keeping her happy, for now.

He glanced out as guests started to arrive. At least he didn’t need to be out there, and could just remain here at his assigned post.

Mune and Caleb turned towards Q, not recognizing her. To keep up their own costumes, Mune curtsied in greeting and Caleb even bowed at the waist. It was obvious Mune knew how to curtsy and managed to look quite elegant doing so. “Sir,” Caleb greeted politely. It was clear neither recognized their Consul.

Okay, maybe this costume worked a little too well. Still, not one to waste a good moment, Qyreia offered her own polite bow to the furry persons.

“And to you two as well. Your costumes are fantastic.”

Mune practically beamed, “Why thank you. Have we… met?”

Caleb arched a brow. It was a fair question, considering how amazing Qyreia’s costume was.

The ‘human’ smirked, not even really wanting to maintain the charade at this point. It seemed almost rude.

“Kind of? I’m Qyreia.” She motioned to her everything. “Don’t mind the skin or hair. Just some chemical treatment with a hypo and some hair dye.” She took a pointed glance at Zig. “Honestly, I didn’t think it’d work this well. I’ll have to keep it in mind in case I ever have to genuinely go undercover.”

Mune blinked then, and their muzzle broke into a wide grin. “Oh wow! I am awestruck.”

Caleb bowed at the waist a second time and chuckled some. “Sir. Impressive costume, indeed. I’d not have even begun to guess as to your identity.”

“…”

Zig just stared at Qyeria, squinting her eyes.

“Touche, Ma'am,” she huffed.

She gae Zig’s shoulder a pat, “There there. And ease up on the formalities, yeah? It’s a party.” She gave them all a collective wink. “Just don’t ruin the surprise for anyone else.”

Mune’s eyes gleamed mischievously, “Oh, we will definitely be playing along. Though… please… do keep up the charade longer so we can have some fun.”

Caleb groaned and rubbed a hand against his face. “Behave yourself… we left your brother with Ruka’s lot so we wouldn’t need to worry about him getting into trouble…”

“Not trouble. Fun!” Mune grinned toothily then turned that grin back on Qyreia and Zig. “Zig! You need to play along as well.”

Eleceos walked around the party until he recognized the familiar colored aura of his friend, Mune, though their shaping looked more…feminine. knowing what he knew of the Shistavanen, Ele smiled as he quickly approached, purposefully, accidentally bumping into them.

“Oh, I am so sorry, I didn’t see you there.”

Mune turned, recognizing the voice and their smile brightening again, then froze when they saw the costume. It took them a moment, the cuteness of the costume nearly that overwhelming. Then they squeaked and gave their tail a bit of a wag. “Oh, I love it! Eleceos! That costume is perfect!”

Caleb glanced, then chuckled, “Eleceos, you’ve outdone yourself.”

Eleceos laughed before responding.

“I’m sure you two look amazing!”

He then got a little closer to Mune and said softly.

“You don’t think me not wearing my bandages will be an issue…do you?”

He seemed nervous about his choice of attire, or lack there of.

The soft clack of heels on stone heralded the arrival of a crimson lady, the deep red and black of her dress contrasting with the purple of her skin and shining amber eyes. A baroque affair with a long flowing cape with an exaggerated collar and intricate embroidery along the dress’ bodice, Tali Sroka looked much like an aristocrat of the Old Republic or perhaps even beyond. Subtle details, though, spoke of a darker pedigree as the lacework was fashioned like spiderwebs and the hemlines curved like bat wings, giving her ensemble a distinctly nefarious feel. As much was confirmed when she smiled, lips pulling back to expose a pair of fang-like canines that hungered for the blood of the living—or at least a stiff festive cocktail.

For once, she’d decided to throw caution to the wind and pick an outfit with the guiding principle of: What Would Lucine Do?

Mune looked shocked for a moment then shook their head, “No. Do not think that for even a moment. If someone takes issue, point me in their direction and I will have Caleb deal with them. I painted my nails, would rather not chip them.”

Caleb rolled his eyes but was smiling affectionately at their mate.

A couple of newly arriving guests appeared whilst others conversed. One such guest was dressed in a costume of mixed synthetic plastic and velour styled in a typical carnival hot-dog. Anyone who knew of this guest could recognize Jael’s head with styled dreads hanging to the side sticking out of the top opening. His companion was Eris, a Devaronian woman with noticeable horns that slightly curved backwards through a large crimson cone hat. She was dressed in a cylinder cloth which matched her hat and had off white letters in basic around the midriff which read Ketchup. The couple spoke very hushed as Eris’s cheeks deepened in color once her awareness of the strangers around her became more apparent.

“Thank you,” Ele responding with a soft smile. “I just wouldn’t want to make people uncomfortable.”

Mune shook their head slowly, “No one should feel uncomfortable. You are perfectly handsome with or without eye coverings.”

Zig winked

“Took the fuel cells out, so should pass the Ruiboi vibe check. Be kind to ma ladies, m'kay, Tatts?”

Just outside the ballroom, a belt with two chromium plated blaster pistols were holstered was being dangled out for a Zabrak to take. Behind the hand, grinned the one and thankfully only Diyrian Grivna. Her tight dark green curls were pulled back into a poof with a green ribbon, the tail of which hung long like a padawan’s braid. Donning a brown cloak over a tan robe, she certainly looked the stereotypical force user – if Jedi’s robes cut off above the knee and had a generous v-neck.

“‘N’ I’m not gonna accidentally stab myself on your saber, eh?”

“You know how well me and the ladies get along,” Sera replied with a sly wink, brushing one of the chromium-plated heavy blasters hanging from her hip. Their weight was different from her normal armament…but, so was the rest of her costume.

Today, Sera had dispensed with the tribal wear, the tunics and cloaks and that she normally preferred. Instead, she’d pulled from some notes from Diy’s wardrobe; tight cut trousers, a long, a sleeves button-down blouse tucked loosely into them, and a dark vest over the top, draped with a pilot’s harness. She had managed to finagle her sword-belt into a workable gun belt, slung loose, with an ostentatiously overdone buckle.

Her boots, of course, remained…as did the dagger at her thigh, shining in a new scabbard.

“Don’t need to worry about the saber, either. She doesn’t work anymore, ‘member? Got all crushed up by that katka wannabe-god,” the Zabrak continued. Though her saber’s hilt had since been repaired, she had not yet replaced it’s destroyed crystal. Just one of many scars that had gone unaltered, unhealed.

Still, the Zabrak gave her friend a cocksure grin, winking her one good eye and through an arm around Diy’s shoulder as they strode into the group.

A Slim and tall figure entered the room. At first glance it wasn’t recognizable who it was. He moved slowly, hair long and black and skin was pale as marble.

The figure wore what seemed to be a white and long tunic and it was completely drenched in water and dirty form some tipe of mood. He didn’t have any boots on his feet, and the long black hair covered the person’s identity. As he moved closer he stopped and… waved to everyone.

“Hello everyone! Sorry if I’m a bit late. This coloring thing took more time then I originally thought. Heheh.” Kaled smiled underneath his black hair that covered his face as a makeshift veil.

“Ow! Kriffin’– I’ve changed my mind, I regret everything.”

“Careful, dear.” Reaching up, a sky-blue hand patted an unusually pale green cheek. Corazon stood on his tiptoes gracefully to kiss his husband, gentle of the bitten lip Ruka was nursing.

“I keep– franging– knicking myself.”

“Well, they do look realistic, at least.” Another pat. “Remember why you wanted to do this?”

For Qyreia, the Mirialan thought glumly, a little bitterly, feelings he was generally sick of having. While he’d fully intended to supervise this party as the Proconsul, he hadn’t originally intended to dress up. But the Zeltron loved Besh-rated horror holoflicks worthy of the same trash bin that Turel and Satsi’s serial dramas belonged in, and this weird bloodsucking people shtick of some kidnapping, sexually harassing, rapey nobleman asshole was for some reason one of the “classics.”

“I like it,” Leda chirped, wicked, and did another sashay worthy of a ballroom like Cora had been teaching her. She wore a full ball gown, hair a bejeweled cloud around her, long sleeve gloves supple; it wasn’t a costume so much as an excuse to wear some of the finery that her grandmother-in-law had commissioned for her. Those were real gems.

“Eh,” Noga commented, though he was smirking too, clearly amused at Ruka’s expense and none too disappointed by the prospect of an Arconan costume party, given the last one they’d seen (hopefully with better results around Qyreia). And he didn’t seem to be having any problems with the little fang inserts that went over his canines, unlike his father. Where his sister had gone all out, spending hours of seemingly pure joy getting ready with Cora, Noga had thrown on brown huttball shorts and a brown short sleeved shirt of different shades, completed by the sharp two front teeth and a headband with brown, big ears. He carried a ball bat loosely with him, currently resting on his shoulder, awaiting opportunities to make jokes.

“Let’s go, ay,” Ruka sighed.

The Proconsul and former co-holder of the position wouldn’t exactly be unrecognizable as some others as they entered. Corazon was a vision of white gossamer fabric, light and flowing, hugging supple to his shoulders and baring collarbones, throat, and the top of his chest. The airy piece seemed halfway between dress and shirt, draping down to his thighs, seamlessly flowing into equally white and sleek trousers and boots. It could have been a ballet outfit, just with fewer accoutrements. His hair was coifed and curled, framing his delicate face, accented with bold but elegant makeup. Two red dots on the side of his neck that trailed small crimson tails gave clue to his costumery.

Ruka, himself, looked mostly normal at first glance. His tattoos were numerous and dark enough that covering them would have been serious effort more suited to an undercover operation than a holiday, and so they stood out bold as ever. His skin was far paler than normal, though, a nearly corpse-like chartreuse, and his violet irises were covered with bright red contacts. His suit was borderline gaudy, despite its strict pallette of mostly black, tasseled jacket, tight trousers, and sharp knee high boots broken only by a white cravat and shirtsleeves poking out at the wrists and the scarlet vest. A high black color curved behind his head and neck, much like Tali’s, attached to a voluminous black satin cape. Red smears around his mouth and black smudges around his eyes were the finishing touches, and his hair was loose and tucked over one shoulder like a second drape.

Socorra was dressed as the ancient and long evolved of the more affluent and civilized of the Socorran native societies, one she was not born to but knew their evolution intimately. A circlet, half veil and leg-wrapped sandals softly dangled and jangled coins and trinkets and beautiful gold-hued embroidery and craftsmanship were evident in each thread that bordered the pure white and flowing maternity dress. The bare-shouldered and deeply cut and flattering empire bust ended with a belt laid in between her mountainous peaks and swollen belly. A little innie belly button had popped and indented the white silk from underneath. It annoyed the woman but not so much she was willing to spackle it.

The golden chains of a circlet wove in between loose waves and curls of her massive, long raven and white-streaked mane and down the forehead the circlet laid an elegant, heavily sacred crescent moon that shone brilliantly in the light. It was the only real piece of jewelry other than her usual nose ring, and it required importing from her homeworld itself.

Black kohl rimmed her one arctic eye, which she was fully capable of doing, but was drawn outward with intricacy courtesy of Wyndell’s cosmetology skills and her great ability to telepathically gift someone a perfect slice of memory. Socorra enjoyed Wyn’s work but had become leery as soon as a shit-eating grin replaced the tongue in the corner of his mouth and eventually she had realized her mischievous partner had “creatively” drawn over her missing eye.

Of course he hadn’t been finished even then, and while it was very tastefully done, even the red painted nails to match his, the Mandalorian was fairly sure that if any of the Erinos boys had seen it they would run away screaming faster than the time they saw her topless. The woman’s hormone-blushed cheeks were already pink enough, so at least he didn’t go for the rouge.

Finding gaudy fake jewelry was actually the easiest and cheapest part as Wyn had loads of theater and spy persona accessories so she donned a necklace and thin metal gauntlet-style cuffs. The dress had to be custom made as the style and embroidery no longer existed, and already uncomfortable in public, the fat suit in Wyndell’s costume closet that would fit only reminded her that she was currently a not-so-majestic space whale.

But so was he today, bold and absolutely endearing for it. Socorra gripped Wyndell’s hand with hers, less hesitant than other times, and thankful that he was there far more than she could ever convey. She was awkward and paranoid as ever at another clan social, especially this soon after her attempted murder by one of their own. Their baby boy was safe and wounds in her gut and back had healed but she was still sore in more ways than one.

The woman walked into the ballroom with Wyn - inelegantly waddled rather - with a sabacc face in full force as she immediately began identifying everyone gathered and assessing security, already itching to get on the comms and ordering more agents and personally posting them into position. And reminding herself where all the new custom fitted holsters and sheaths were strapped to herself. She disappointedly could only fit far less weapons than last year’s social.

Carr entered close behind Ruka, Cora, Noga and Leda. His fur was as untidy as it always was, though, rather than his bedraggled-looking clothes, he wore a rather nice suit and jacket, looking to match Leda’s dress. He even wore a cute bowtie that appeared expertly tied. They managed to look handsome (yet still as adorkable as usual.)

Mune glanced in their direction and had to do a double-take. They tugged gently on their husband’s arm to draw his attention and to join them in staring in astonishment.

Carr looked more than a little self-conscious. Ears splayed, grey eyes glancing around nervously. “Is this going to make me totally uncool?” he had asked Cora nervously. Even worried about cool factor, he let Cora dress him up without much fuss. He hadn’t expected to be going to the party, but he jumped at the opportunity. Now only if Ruka would stop scowling at him.

Spying the splayed ears and taking a guess at their meaning, Leda looped an arm through Carr’s and tugged at him. She elbowed Noga until he stopped staring at the crowd with a mumbled curse and rounded the younger Shistavanen’s other side to give him a nudge.

“C'mon, ay, there’s Mune and Caleb, you wanna say hey?” Leda asked, while Noga made a face.

“And get caught for group holos?”

“Bold of you to presume there won’t be group holos, dear heart,” Corazon said with aplomb, brushing some lint off Noga’s back. Ruka peeled his glare look once again off Leda and Carr’s joined arms to survey the party.

“Yes, go say hi to your folks,” he told the trio sternly. “They oughta get to check in with you ‘fore you go off.”

Carr looked down at where their arms were looped, his ears came back up slightly. He gave Leda a small smile before nodding to Noga. He probably should check in with Mune and Caleb.

“Yes, sir,” Carr responded to Ruka.

He brought up his free hand and placed it over Leda’s that rest on his arm. He looked every bit a gentlewolf… now only if he would brush his fur.

The young Shistavanen led the way over to their sibling and the Togorian. Neither had taken their eyes off him.

When they were finally close enough, Mune smiled, “We need a holo of this. How did Cora ever get you to dress up?”

“Leda and Noga were… and… does it not look good…?” Carr mumbled.

“Oh. Oh sweety, you look very handsome.”

“You’re just saying that,” Carr grumbled.

“I have to agree with Mune. Run a brush through your fur and you could break a few hearts.” Caleb chuckled.

“Huh?”

“Lovely… thanks Caleb.” Mune rolled their eyes, “Leda, you look absolutely beautiful dear. Noga, looking handsome too. The costumes look splendid.”

Leda beamed and dipped a curtsey to Mune, while Noga just flashed a little two-fingered salute, knowing he didn’t look splendid because he hadn’t tried.

“So do you, Miss Mune!” the girl exclaimed, and then turned her smile on Carr. “They’re right, you look handsome. And the messy’s good, ay, yeah? You own thing.”

Back near the entrance, Ruka narrowed his eyes…until a blue finger tapped his cheek.

“Stop that, mister,” Cora chided, though there was a giggle on his painted lips. Ruka grumbled, and once again looked actually around, since for some reason he kept looking at the kids. He recognized his best friend and Consul immediately, even in her get up and disguised coloring. And that was…Zig, Sulvir, Chi'ra and his guest, Kaled?? Yeah, Kaled, by the sense of him, Eleceos, Sera, Diy, whose guns the Zabrak held had better not be loaded, Sroka, Tyris and his daughter at the bar.

He actually smiled at that one. Precious kid. And a dad that was there constantly. Good of them.

Privately, he hoped that didn’t mean her mom was nearby–

“I am summoned,” whispered a voice right behind them, and the Mirialan nearly jumped. Nearly. Cora twirled and beamed, seeing they’d been idling long enough to miss new arrivals.

“Lady Atyiru! Oh, and Lady Socorra! Lord Wyndell! Oh, goodness gracious, ladies, you are both just glowing, I adore your outfits, this is adorable, and Socorra, beautiful! Oh, Ashla…” the Pantoran began gushing over the Socorran’s pieces, while Ruka slowly inched behind him as if expecting Atyiru to strike like a viper.

She was dressed in a bright orange crop top…crop sweater? It looked soft and plush, but showed her round belly entirely. Which was painted equally orange as that and her leggings. Green fluffy slippers were on her feet, and a little pumpkin-top hat on her head. He couldn’t tell what demented shape had been painted on her tummy, but he had a suspicion it was the result of the blind woman doing a happy face.

Qyreia sort of hung back from the crowd, letting all the pleasantries happen and quietly soaking in the good feelings pouring off of everyone. She quietly caught Ruka and Cora in the corner by the entrance, but only because right in tow of the latest addition were Noga and Leda, the former in some odd… sports attire? And the latter replete in some very fine evening wear.

“Damn you’ve gotten tall,” she murmured as she took a second glance at Noga.

Mune smiled and returned the curtsy politely to Leda. “Why thank you dear.”

Carr’s ears splayed and it was lucky his fur hid his blush when Leda seconded the compliment. He cleared his throat and grinned awkwardly. “A… anyway, we were just… checking in! And… umm… wanted to say your costume is beautiful and stuff. And Caleb’s is cool, I guess.”

Caleb chuckled, “I’ll take cool, thank you.”

“Thank you, Carr; perhaps you will honour me with a dance if there is dancing later.”

Carr smiled with a bit more certainty, “Yes. Okay! Come on Leda, Noga, let’s go look around some more!”

“Just… be good, please?”

Caleb rolled his eyes, chuckling again. He knew Ruka’s kids would keep the younger Cinteroph from getting into anything he shouldn’t and was glad for the friends he had found himself. When Carr led them off, he leaned over to Mune, “Good kids, the lot of them. Ruka has much to be proud of.”

“Agreed.”

Zig did a double take when she noticed Sera. If her eyes could have somehow formed into hearts, they would have admiring the Zabrak. She suddenly felt self conscious in her Onsie. She waved awkwardly from her raptor costume.

She narrowed her eyes at Carr. “I’m watching you, Little Cinteroph!” she called out as she pointed at her own eyes with two fingers than towards the youth.

Noga gave Zig an upwards tilt of his chin from behind Carr, a nod that said, gotchu.

The idea was, after all, that someone had to look out for everyone around here. Arconans were disasters. So, of course, while their Papi handled the adults, they’d watch the other kids. Leda’s hold on his arm wasn’t just for show.

“` The lighting shifted slightly as music began to increase in tempo and energy from the speakers. It was still hardly loud enough to be heard over people’s voices and conversations, but the background ambiance was very clearly moving to a beat.

At a stand set up towards the center of the ballroom, a table with a bunch of equipment had been set up. Behind it, a Hapan with a AAF Wilderness Ranger on his face and a short mohawk bisecting clean shaven skull. There was a small, simple sign that said "DJ ACE”, with a sticker attached to it that had a badge that represented the emblem for those who identified as “Ace”.

The former ‘Fade’ touched some buttons and adjusted the large headphones over his ears. “`

Wyn nudged Socorra gently. “Do you want me to get you a ‘drink’? Or…”

Carr blinked at Zig, looked around, then pointed at himself before giving his best innocent smile. He bowed his head politely to her, “Hello Zig, I like your costume. Made it yourself? It turned out really cool.”

He shifted his gaze to Leda and, falling into character, asked, “Would m'Lady care for refreshments?” He was awkward saying it, one ear down and a nervous smile on his muzzle, but he tried. “And the gentlebat, of course?” He shot Noga a smile, making sure to include both of them.

Zig narrowed her eyes and folded her arms across her chest. “You’re not fooling me, kiddo. Best. Be. ‘Havior.

“I knoooooow,” Carr huffed, “I already promised Mune… and Caleb… and Ruka… and Cora… and security…” he added the last in an annoyed mutter. It was like he was a troublemaker or something.

She smiled and then patted him on the head, careful not to ruin the hair. “Peachy.”

His ears splayed and he huffed again, rolling his eyes some. As annoyed as he sounded, he genuinely liked Zig. So far as he was concerned, she was the coolest person on the ship. The other coolest person was Socorra by far. He grinned, “Come then, m'Lady, to refreshments. Gentlebat.” He shifted the grin to Noga and then led them to the bar where Marick was serving drinks, and Kirra was making some kind of concoction.

“Mmmkay. I’ll just stay here then,” Qyreia muttered to herself as the kids walked away without so much as acknowledging her existence. It was one thing not to recognize her, but she figured Cora’d at least taught them to say ‘hello’ or some kark.

“` "Hello,” Marick’s low, calm voice greeted the approaching children.

“Hello!” Kirra piped up, mimicking her father but in a much higher, brighter octave. “Pwocede at your own wisk!” the Witch exclaimed as she struggled but managed to place the punch bowl onto the table, complete with the combination of colorful sugar-based drinks. She had a little wooden ladle and was stirring the ice cubes.

“Hi Leda. Hi Carr. Hi Noga. You are a bat!” she pointed excitedly. “`

Socorra breathed in sharply at Cora’s use of “lady.” She gripped Wyn’s hand tighter as if to say stay with me. And she turned to each of the current and former summit behind them and began bowing to each as best she could, although the soreness from Rogon’s attack along with the resulting labor was still prevalent. The Sith was well-practiced however and refused to show it.

“My Lords, Ladies. I believe all know Wyndell, my baby momma.” Socorra gestured to him for everyone to notice his prop belly, which she treated as the real thing with gentle hand on it and what only Wyn could equate as a lovingly one-eyed look.

Wyn played his part dutifully, and placed a hand on top of Socorra’s that was on his prop baby belly. “Yes, I do believe we’re into the third semester, er, trimester. I do ever so wish I could drink, but alas, cruel fate!”

“Hey!” Avery exclaimed, reaching for his faux mustache that pale pink fingers had snatched. Too slow, he grasped the air as the perpetrator nimbly skipped away. A tired sigh and chuckle left his lips as he folded his arms, tilting his head to the side as she giggled putting on the black prop.

“How do I look?” Eevie asked, swiveling back to the man she’d stolen the item from.

A soft laugh left him as he put a hand on his chin, his brow furrowing as though it were a serious matter. “Hmm…” He tilted his head to one side and scratched his cheek with the hook that replaced his hand. “A little crooked, but a fine stache no less. May I have it back? We are running a little late.”

The Sephie twisted the end of the mustache, her amethyst gaze meeting his. With no resistance, she relented and peeled off the black mustache, giving it back to its rightful owner.

After placing the accessory back onto his face, the man checked the mirror and then nodded. He turned to his partner, giving her costume a once over. “If I didn’t say it before, you would make an exquisite pirate.”

“Right back at you, handsome,” she said after lightly booping the tip of his nose. “Why don’t you grow out your facial hair again?”

He made a slight sneer, then shook his head. “Gross.”

Eevie quirked a brow. “That’s not really an answer.”

“Shh, we’ll talk about it another time. Let’s go.”

Hand-in-hand, the pair left the changing room, making their way to the Citadel’s venue. Any eyes set on them would notice the unmistakable pirate costumes, Eevie’s being a bit more risqué compared to her counterpart’s. They joined the gathering by the entrance of the party, a grin on the Human’s face as he noted everyone there. The younger party seemed to have broken off from the older one, where they were headed.

“Greetings, everyone,” Avery said to the group with a slight bow. “Hopefully we’re not too late for the fun.”

“Tell me about it. And cravings, what Wyn into today? I still needing big plate of savory Ewok. With cool hwhip. And chalk dust. Ohh I wonder if bar has olives. I hate olives.”

“Oh, I could definitely do for some seared Ewok with a dash of pickled jal-epeno peppers. And ice cream. And strawberries.” He ran through the mental checklist of things Socorra had asked for over the past few months.

Zig did a quick double take, her jaw nearly dropping. “Ahhhh. Avery!! I mean yaaarg!” She wiggled her way excitedly over to the Aedile.

Eleceos walked over to a bar with a server waiting for customers. He had never really consumed Alcohol before, but Rein had told him he needed to branch out and try new things.

“Excuse me, I’d like to order a…oh crumbs. What did they call it… a flame out?”

“` "One flame out, coming right up,” the waiter bowed.

A few moments later, they returned with the drink. “Hopefully it is to your liking,” they said smoothly. “`

Eleceos smiled to the waiter before taking the drink. Rein was known to just down these with a single drink, and Ele wanted to show he was just as good as anyone here. The young Miraluka took a quick drink, attempting to down the liquid quickly.

The alcohol flowed smoothly at first before the burning sensation was throbbing in his throat. His tongue felt almost icy, and this cause him swallow too aggressively. The young Jedi began to cough hard, trying to catch his breath. He’d never experience something like this before. After a few seconds his body began to warm. He felt different but in a good way.

“This…is wierd.”

“Aaargh!” replied Avery with his best pirate accent. He held up his hook to wave. “Ahoy, matey!”

Just down the corridor, around a corner where people weren’t coming from, a certain small Human was smoothing down various pieces of fabric on her costume. It was so delicate, but that was the point. It felt very weird to wear, even her fancy dress she wore for the last big meet up didn’t come close to this.

Shopping with Cora was dangerous, Zuza had learnt.

After a minute of building herself up a little, gladdened that she didn’t need a crutch anymore with this brace on her leg, she made her way into the ballroom. She peeked around with a broad grin that had quickly overcome her expression, looking over all the other costumes and stifling a laugh at Doon’s choice of wear.

Zuza herself was in a mostly white fairy dress, decorated with sliver sparkles and feathers. It had a deep V-Line on her chest, the feathers making the shape before stopping in the centre of her stomach. The skirt was many layers of various shades of silver and white, stopping about half way down her thigh. A few sheer layers were overtop. creating a more ethereal visage, with the topmost layer draping further down than the skirt itself at the back like a cape would. The dress itself it didn’t cover her arms, but she’d managed to find see-through gloves with similar feather and sparkle decorations.

And to finish it all off? A pair of very shiny, iridescent wings that were magnetised onto the back. They bounced with each step Zu took, the material not that strong, but they held firmly in place on her back.

She made her way further into the room, debating the bar but the doctor had said alcohol would react weird with some of the stuff they had her on still. Boring, but he’d been explicit about the damage and she didn’t want to be back on bedrest. Again. So she merged into the rest of the arriving group, spotting the back of a certain vampire couple and aiming there for now.

Zig gave him a quick hug and then nodded to Eevie. “Thanks for coming, glad you could make it!”

Diy winced a sympathetic smile at the reminder, just another thing then damn ‘gods’ have taken. Kark them. The downcast of her face was short lived as she couldn’t help but return that grin. Wrapping an arm around the Zabrak’s waist in return, she followed her into the ballroom.

Blue-green eyes cut through the dim lighting and glanced through the growing crowd of costumes. She recognized the Ru-Cora fam, gave Ruka’s sus look a wink. A wave to Kaled, uncertain is he ‘saw it’, but she noted to chat with him in a bit. Her eye spotted not one but there pregnant people and she mentally noted not to hang out in their vicinity. Kids running about, punch being served, a spiked hair dj, and was that the Consul’s wife chatting it up with a soldier? Diy suddenly wished for the tea.

“I’m gonna say high to Jael ‘n’ his hot sauce over there. Welcome ta come, or I’ll see ya later, ya nerfherder!” With a mock Jedi hand gesture, Diy parted and headed toward the freshly mint, grilled?, Galeres Quaestor and his guest. “Jael, good to see you. Congrats by the way. And hello, we haven’t met. I’m Diyrian, call me Diy,” the grinning Kiffar offered a hand to the Devaronian woman.

“Are you kidding? I wouldn’t miss it for the world!” Avery beamed Zig a smile. “How’s life now that you’re no longer captain?”

“Sah, the hotter the better. I could drink the brine right out of glass for days. Be careful though.. it does have habit of coming back up.” She paused for a second, at least attempting to play along for Wyn’s sake.

“How are contraptions? Oh, what about kicks? Every time you tell me, I run over but miss it, like clockwork. Have seen him shove foot out yet? Kick you in bladder?”

Wyn winced and rubbed at his belly. “I feel each and every one of them something fierce! I swear a foots going to come right through any days now. Just like in those…‘alien’ holovids.”

He mimed a fist from his stomach bump unfurling with wiggling fingers as if it was a creature bursting through.

“It’s…going. Still weird, but just happy I can still be useful and of use to the team,” she nodded. She glanced around the room, then, and bit her lip. She debated trying to message Zuza, but didn’t want to bother her. She’d probably already sent her enough messages as is. It was hard to really see around with all the costumes and the lighting.

Both Noga and Leda were completely oblivious to Qyreia, despite searching the crowd for her as they walked. Leda smiled for how Carr was really making an effort, going for the manners and stuff, even as he made eyes at Captain Kaliska, and debated whether or not to tell him he could relax; it wasn’t like they were fancy nobles or none nothing. Not like the ones back on Kiast. Just dressed up like it.

Suddenly, she wondered if they usually came off that way, all better than you and that sorta frang, and then worried at it. Carr hung out with Noga – and her, sometimes – often enough, picking up the basics of huttball her brother was showing him and trying to show them some fancy stuff with his computer that they didn’t get half of, but…well, he didn’t seem like he didn’t feel welcome.

Kriff and Papi wouldn’t stop glaring at him tonight.

Her thoughts were pulled away by their arrival at the bar, which made her nose wrinkle as a destination, but her face immediately softened when she saw who was there. She beamed and laughed, and Noga did too.

The teen gave Kirra an exaggerated bow, grinning at her. He went so low he had to grab his headband to keep it from falling off.

“Sure am, ay. Yo, Mister Tyris. Yo, Kirra. And you’re a…ay, ay, what’s it? Zcalle ci?” He snapped his fingers a few times, then turned to Leda. “Teljhavac?”

“Oh, witch,” she replied, and Noga nodded, crouching a little to level with the little girl.

“You’re a witch, ay, Kirra? You makin’ medicines back there? Telling dreams?”

Ruka’s face went chastising at plate of Ewok, while Corazon just looked deeply concerned, but only in the eyes and if one knew to look like his husband did, his bright smile and cheery greetings to the outpouring of arrivals as practiced as ever.

“You all look so splendid,” the Pantoran continued to enthuse, bowing to Evie and Avery – he had learned that Socorra preferred a salute to such formalities, and even then, didn’t much prefer it from what she considered an ‘upper’ station at all, one he still seemed to be considered despite his demotion. “It’s so good to see you! And Miss Zig, dear, you look so comfortable, I adore it.” He gave a rare, conspiratorial wink, giggling all the while behind petitely-raised fingers, and nodded at the figure coming towards Ruka’s turned back. “And I do think you’ll find your companion similarly magical, no?”

Cora’s nod indicated gossamer, rainbow-glinting wings and a fairy dress, Zuza attached to them. His husband turned from what seemed to be his personal nightmare scenario of something ripping out of a pregnant belly the wrong way that Wyn and Socorra were pantomiming to dole out nods of greeting, glancing at Zuza, a small smile on his lips, before he went back to generally trying to keep track of everyone. Kaliska, Watson, Eevie, Socorra, Tyrises, Sulvir, Zuza, Sera, Diy, Aceleus, Kaled, Eleceos, Mune, Caleb, Sroka, the kids, Qyreia, check check check…

Wait, where was Atyiru?

He caught a flash of silver and orange by the bar, and his eyes widened.

Oh Ashla and Bogan was she going to go marry their daughter off with Carr? She could, he knew she could, those old laws she’d written were insane and they still hadn’t been able to disentangle them–

Or, or, he told himself…she was just going to see her own damn kid and husband. Right. Totally.

Nothing. To. Worry about.

Carr grinned, “Oh, that costume is too cool, Kirra! Good evening, Tyris, sir.”

He wondered, only for a moment, if Marick would let him try some alcohol but decided almost immediately that he definitely would not. A shiver made the fur of his tail stand on end for a moment, and he glanced toward Atyiru, eyeing her for a moment. He glanced towards Ruka, meeting his eye, giving a bit of a mischievous grin… and now he was messing with him.

“Hey Kirra, we would love something to drink. Care to make us something?” He assumed what she was mixing was not alcoholic and… was drinkable.

Caleb, a distance away from the bar with Mune, glanced between Ruka and Carr and chuckled. “Oh, look, your brother is trying to make Ruka’s head explode.”

Across the room, Ruka’s contact-colored eye twitched. Leda and Noga had turned their attention to the littler girl, all adoring in their own ways just as their Papi would be, and the sister didn’t seem to notice Carr’s antics. She just smiled at him for talking to Kirra.

Atyiru, meanwhile, siddled around to the serving side of the bar with a sideways, lumbering shuffle to wrap her arms around one of Marick’s toilet-papered ones. She giggled, her ears wiggling, and said of the children, “Aren’t they all precious, Mika yirue? I could just eat them up. Or cool whip jalapeno ice cream poppers. Wynnie gave me the idea.”

Carr smiled, ears splaying adorkably at the compliment. He knew it was intended for the three of them, but it felt nice. Remembering his manners, he responded to Atty, “You’re looking beautiful this evening, Lady Atyiru. Also, if you make that, you must drizzle caramel over the cool whip.” He sounded quite serious and as if he actually knew.

“Excellent idea, Carr!” the Miraluka cried.

“` Kirra beamed from ear to ear, her smile bright. Her mismatched eyes actually seemed to flow with her costume, her pointed hat bobbing with her excitement. "Yes I'mma witch, just so!” She bounced in place a few times. “Did you know that baby bwats are called pups?!”

Marick cleared his throat and looked down at her with a tired, patient stare.

“Oh. Um. Greetins, twavelers! Would you like some stew?” she gestured at her mixture of sugar drinks in her big bowl.

“Brew, dear,” Marick whispered.

“Brew!” she repeated dutifully.

Marick put a hand up to guard his mouth to address the older children. “Don’t worry it’s just fruit juice.” “`

Zig flushed at Cora’s compliment, but then blinked a few times as she tried to follow the Pantoran’s hint. She looked around a bit stupidly until she noticed a fairy, no, a goddess, just in a very familiar, smaller frame.

Stay cool, it’s just Zuza…

“I DIDN’T KNOW FAIRIES WERE REAL,” Zig nearly yelled as she waved a hand awkwardly in Zuza’s direction.

The Mirialans nodded back at Marick, then returned their attention to Kirra.

“We’d love some brew! Thank you, Kirra,” Leda replied.

“And ay, I didn’t know that ‘bout bats,” Noga added. He smiled at her. “You’re dang smart, huh? Figures. Teljhavac always is. You like bats a lot?”

“` "I am tewwibly clever,” Kirra giggled. “I like bats, and birdies, and badger moles, and woofs, and all kinds!”

Marick leaned down and and helped Kirra fill up glasses of punch. He added some extra ice cubes to water it down. “Enjoy your witches brew,” he said, his face stoically neutral. “`

“` "Hi hi Mister Carr!” Kirra bubbled and then pointed excitedly. “Your tail looks extwa fwoofy!”

She almost stumbled, but caught herself, then smoothed out her witches tunic and furrowed her brow and narrowed her eyes at her mean shoelaces that had decided to try and trip her. How rude.

“One more brew for Carr, vrwoom!” she poured a cup way to the brim, but a careful, deft hand from her father prevented a spill. He carefully handed the drink to Carr while giving a him a look that said: No, you can’t have alcohol. “`

Marick exhaled slowly, but seemed to relax visibly somehow as he felt Atyiru's arm around his. "Remind me to thank my brother for another of his ideas," he murmured. Then he leaned over slightly and whispered something into her ear.

Carr accepted the drink. He was oblivious, or, at least, seemed to be, to the look Marick gave him. “Thank you very much for the drink and the compliment.” He brushed his free hand through his mussed-up tail fur.

He sipped the drink and smiled at Kirra. It was fiercely sweet and quite the mix of flavours. “This brew is amazing, Kirra! You are a very skilled witch!”

“What’s taking Keira so damn long?” the Zeltron mumbled, trying her best to curb her impatience. Ruka was busy being everyone’s dad; she knew that shrewd look in his eye. She tapped her foot a get more beats before deciding she’d had enough waiting.

It was time to go to the bar.

Qyreia bee-lined up to the nearest free space, avoiding the conversation with clear aim to just get a refreshment. She might’ve grimaced for Marick’s presence, but the old angst for the former Voice was much dimmed these days.

“Please tell me we have actual alcohol back here.”

“` Kirra hopped up and down. "Did you hear that poppa, momma!? Imma witch!”

Marick gave her a small smile, the one reserved for her. The smile melted away seamlessly behind a neutral mask as he met eyes with the costumed Consul.

“Zig somehow convinced Ruka to allow for it, so yes. What can I get for you…” he seemed to calculate a few things with the weight of a retired spymaster. “Sir…” “`

“One more person calls me ‘sir’, I may contemplate violence.” Dammit Keira, this getup was too good. “Something strong. Pumpkin flavoring I leave to your discretion.”

Zuza was drawn to the noise. Her head snapped toward Zig, and between the costume and what she had yelled, Zu had to take a moment to laugh before making her way over toward her partner, looping an arm through Zig’s upon arrival.

“Heeey Zig. Hi Cora, Ruka, Mune.” She offered head nods to the other 3, a wide grin on her face. It was nice to finally bloody relax. She turned her gaze back to Zig, “How’s it all goin’”

Atyiru blushed and smiled, turning to kiss Marick’s cheek. The Tenbriss Ya-ir siblings went to sip their punch, Leda stopping short to grin at Kirra and Noga, unfortunately, already being in the middle of swallowing when Qyreia spoke.

He half-spat his drink, coughing and slapping his chest, eyes watering as they both gaped at the Consul.

“Qy-ray-axk–” Noga sputtered.

“You look so different!” Leda stared…and then blushed. “But um, good, ay.”

“` Marick nodded and then casually reached out a hand and called a bottle to his hand. He poured out an almost eerily exact pour of whiskey into a high-ball glass. His eyes went up and to the side, sifting through the rolodex of his memory where he’d stashed recipes he’d researched and then memorized.

Bartending was not too far from herb lore and creating homeopathic remedies and teas. He moved with clock work, careful efficiency, not the do-it-in-your-sleep style real bartenders had, but he moved with the precision of a chemist.

He added two dashes of orange bitters. A small splash of club soda from the hose. A wedge of locally grown orange. And then some pumpkin flavoring he’d diffused himself from pumpkin extract.

"Pumpkin Old Fashion for our Fearless Historical leader,” Marick said as he handed the drink to the costumed Consul. “`

She side-eyed the kids, managing a grimace. “Oh, now they deign to say hello.” She took the offered drink and gave the Hapan a nod of her glass. “Thanks, Mr. Tyris.”

Oh, this was needed, she thought as she savored a mouthful. Helps with the headache from the hypo.

“I, um, wow, you’re pretty,” Zig said, her cheeks flushed. “Sorry, uh, yes it seems to be going well! Everyone showed up and has great costumes. I’m sorry I didn’t get to finish mine…so I threw this together. Rar,” she mimed making a raptor claw.

“We didn’t see you, sorry,” Leda mumbled, looking down at her feet. Or would have. Her skirt hid them. Cora had been teaching her a specific way of walking that showed off her shoes even in large skirts like this, but it only worked going down stairs or sitting or dancing.

Noga was still wheezing, now into a napkin from the bar, with a lot of snot and coughing involved.

The Zeltron sighed into her glass, taking another sip while she considered the futility in giving them any more guff. She wasn’t even really mad anyway.

“Eh you’re fine, Leda. And so’s that dress.” Before she commented further, she looked at Noga, contemplating if she should clap him on the back. “Don’t choke. I know CPR, but I rather not use it.”

“Youre very rawr.” Zuza chuckled, tapping on one of the crystal spikes, “can finish the other costume for next year maybe, but more advance notice. Though to say this is the quick fix, hot damn.”

She bumped her hip against Zig’s, “Everyone’s looking great.”

Zig moved a hand protectively towards Zuza’s hip to check she was wearing her brace. Once confirmed, she left it there anyway and smiled wider.

There was a non-zero thought in Noga’s mind about a little mouth to mouth that quickly got pushed away in favor of accepting a glass of water that Kirra helpfully struggled over to him. He drank sporadically, still coughing lightly. “I’m– good–”

Leda used her free arm to do some enthusiastic back-slapping herself. Her brother waved her away with Mirialan mutterings.

“Thanks,” she said to Qyreia’s compliment, belatedly, and then, “don’t you like the, ay, Lord right? Why not sir?”

Mindful of not seeming mean to Carr, she squeezed his arm.

“No one’s dying yet and everyone has clothes on, so so far, I’m not disappointed,” Ruka commented dryly and seriously, much as it could’ve sounded like a joke. Cora patted his hand.

“We’re so pleased to be here, you and Master Doon did lovely, Miss Zig.”

Zig flushed a bit. “Thanks Ru, but the night is still young and I’m sure something will happen that will come back to haunt me for days to come…” she mused.

“You and us both,” muttered the Proconsul.

“Because I’m not a ‘sir’,” Qyreia chuckled back. The ‘Shadow Lord’ choice was a more complicated one, and she wasn’t quite in a mood for lengthy explanations. Much easier to deflect. “And who’s this on your arm, Miss Leda?”

“This is messir Carr Cinteroph,” Leda demured, quickly broken by her snorting a giggle. “He’s my Duke! I’m a duchess, and Noga’s a bat. We all match.” She pointed back at their parents. “Papi thought you’d like the holo reference. What’re you? A soldier?”

She nodded, offering a silent greeting to the Shistavanen. “Old style of uniform. Keira wouldn’t tell me where she found the design, but she’s the one that put it together.”

Her eyes went briefly to the entry, wondering again where she was. The glance brought her eyes around to Noga again.

“You had one helluva growth spurt there, Noggers.”

Noga puffed up a little, grinning. “I know, right, ay? Frangin’, er–” he glanced at Kirra, “…frangi…pan…ing…grew out of all my clothes.”

“Ten of ten recovery,” Leda whispered.

Carr was doing that awkward thing again, ears splayed, dorky grin on his muzzle. He eyed Qyreia, admittedly not having met the Consul before now. Which in a way was surprising considering how much trouble he got into on the regular. He gave a nod in greeting to Qyreia and added, “That is a cool costume,” noting the outfit, not realizing everything else was part of it in actuality.

Carr side-eyed Noga, arching a brow curiously.

Mune and Caleb returned Zuza’s greeting. Mune with their usual warmth. Caleb with his usual aloofness and a slight smile. The white-furred Shistavanen was studying all the costumes, delighted at the varied colours and designs.

“I bet,” Qyreia said, briefly acknowledging Carr’s comment on her costume. “Seems only yesterday I was looking down at you. Couple months, and you’re taller than me. Or close enough to.”

“Yeah,” the teen shrugged. “Papi’s thinkin’ I’ll get taller still. Our mama ain’t tho, so must be from the other puuja side.” A slightly crude gesture of his non-drink holding hand accompanied this, which Leda elbowed him for. “Gonna be great for huttball.”

“You’re pretty tall already,” his sister directed at Carr, who she thankfully only had a few inches on. “Think you’ll be taller than Miss Mune?”

Eris’s lips softly perked in the corners as she took Diy’s offered hand into her own with a stuff yet clumsy shake. She hardly knew how to respond with all the new faces around her.

“H-hello,” her words seemed to tumble out or get stuck within her own throat. “My name is Eris.” A new warmth burned under her cheeks.

“Heya Diy,” Jael wrapped his arm around Eris, tugging and rubbing her shoulder. He could sense the bubbling embarrassment though it would not take much of a mind-reader to see. “Thanks for that. It has been quite a an interesting turn of events,” he mused with a soft smile. “Eris here has been a great help with assure the office space is set-up.”

Socorra looked around, noticing everyone she was attempting to get to fawn over Wyn’s belly had run away.

“Hm, they all left. Think it was my pepper brine and cool hwhip recipe? Definitely no the icecream, everyone like icecream. Suppose some people only like boring food.”

It couldn’t have been his belly itself, because Wyndell’s antics were incredibly endearing and hilarious. She patted his belly one last time, unsure what to do now besides bury her nose in a datapad and get to work because she was anything but social and the ballroom was filling fast.

“Sorry, I try. I appreciate you though.”

Zuza laughed a little, “Well, sounds like it’s going better than expected all things considered then. I’ll have to make sure to thank Doon in a bit, for his first party as captain, he’s done a damned good job.” She rolled her eyes at Zig’s doom saying.

“It’ll be fine. The last spooky gig… and the first one i attended actually, went great. No crazy epic disasters. Can leave the worrying for when it happens rather than playing eye spy on everyone.” She followed Ruka’s line of sight over to the kiddos, before meeting his eye again with a less enthusiastic but still warm smile.

“My job to worry, but you all go have fun, ay. Can even make it an order.” The Mirialan shook his head, still not believing the idea of that, even after more than a year and two Consuls. “Bet they’d like to see you. Leda will love your dress.”

“Oh, yes, she was so curious. We went shopping together the day after just to make up for her not coming with you and I,” Cora added, smiling.

Carr scratched at his cheek fur with a claw in thought. “Well… Mune is only like… 5'7”, and mom is… 5'9". Seito, though, that is our eldest brother. He is 6'6", I think?“ His muzzle scrunched up as he thought on it, "I don’t know how tall Mune was at twelve, they were part of all this by then, and I did not know them until a few years ago.”

He shrugged lightly, perhaps going on far longer than he needed to answer Leda’s question. “Really, I don’t mind how tall I get… though I do hope I am taller than Mune… My dad is 6'4”! So that is something.“

"Sorry, guess that was not your question. Haha.” He grinned toothily, “We’ll go with yes! I will be taller than Mune!”

Zuza shrugged with her none occupied shoulder at the worrying job. Ruka would maybe relax someday. Hopefully. Cora did good for him at least.

“Awwh bless her. She looks wonderful in that dress, is that what shopping ended up in?” She questioned, looking over toward the bar again. She unhooked from Zig. “I’ll go say hi, was heading that way soon anyway… And don’t worry, I’m not drinking anything stronger than juice. Doctor’s orders.”

The reassurance was more for Zig’s incoming stare than Ruka’s sanity.

“I’ll be back!” She kissed Zig on the cheek and made her way toward the bar, waving to Marick, Atty and Qyeria as she got closer, who were the only ones really facing her direction.

Eleceos composed himself and his drink and placed the glass back on the counter. He looked around and noticed something slowly happening as he gathered his breath. The colors he saw, the Force aura of each person, began to waver and blend. It was a strange hazy effect that the Miraluka had never experienced. It didn’t make his “vision” difficult…at least not too difficult, but he did think it strange.

The young Jedi also felt lighter. As if there had been some weight holding him back that had been lifted. His earlier nerves were vanishing. He felt… good. Maybe this was why Rein drank as they did.

Lost in his thoughts the Miraluka took a few steps into the party and the music started to invade his head. The rhythm was…enchanting. He felt like his body needed to move. Moving to the dancing area, Ele began to dance.

Diy went along with the clumsy shake, picking up from the threads of her sleeves a lingering sense of nerves. The corner of her mouth twitched upward, always a bit of endeared amusement for the shy ones. Her grin then softened as their hands parted. “Nice ta meet ya, Eris.”

“Good, good. Think this will be a nice change of events, curious what a techy might bring.” The ‘Jedi’ chuffed and stuck her tongue out. “Less combat trainings wouldn’t be on the table, would it? What I give not to crawl through mud again.”

Kaled made his way over to the bar. Slowly and creepily waving at Ruka, Tali Socorra and Wyn as he passed. Maybe taking this costume thing a bit too seriously.

“Sorry, could…I get a drink?” He spoke slowly and in a gravely voice as he reached the bar. Clearly not noticing everyone else there, being exited at a prospect of having another alcoholic drink.

“` "Kaled,” Marick greeted the young Miraluka. “What can I get for you?”

Next to him, Kirra waved excitedly at Kaled. “Hi Big Brover!” She then covered her ‘normal’ eye so that only her Miraluka-eye was visible by way of salute. “`

Kaled finally noticed all the people in front of him. His demeanor changed form “scary” to a wide smile once he heard Kirra’s and Marick’s voice.

“Master Marick! Good to see you again! I was just hoping to get something to drink. Like alcoholic.” As he finished, the Miraluka lowered himself on one knee and spared his arms wide.

“Hey there little star. Long time no see. How about a hug?”

Mune saw Eleceos dancing and smiled some. They smiled up at their husband who sighed heavily. “Okay, I did promise,” Caleb grinned.

The Shistavanen took the taller Togorian by the hand and drew him over to where Eleceos seemed to be enjoying himself. They too began to dance. Considering the music, ballroom dancing would not work, so Caleb was a little unsure of himself so defaulted to shuffling. Mune on the other paw got into it, and looked good doing it.

Carr glanced over from where he was still at the bar with Noga and Leda. He arched a brow at the dancing. “Umm… Would you like to dance, Leda? Noga?” He had no clue how to dance.

Kirra beamed and ran over to hug him. Then she handed him a drink that Marick gave her to give him. "Dwink responser-bly!"

The Miraluka couldn’t help himself himself and he stole one more hug before taking the drink from Kirra.

“Thank you little sis. Promise I’ll try.” He stood up, preparing himself to take his first sip of the day. As he took the first sip, it felt sweet. He was expecting that the fluid in the glass would burn his whole body like the last time, but that didn’t seem to be the case.

After that first sip, the took another. Then another, and before he realized it seemed like the glass was…empty. He felt a sudden tingling sensation and just over all lightness in his feet.

“Ooooo…that was niceeeee.” With a grin, he somehow put the glass back on the bar. “And the music here is realllly nice. I’ll over to the dance flor for juuust a bit. See you later muffin.” Kaled stumbled a bit as he made his way over to the dance floor. hoping to enjoy himself and forget all things that happened over the past few days.

Ele felt…confident! He wasn’t worried about his abilities getting out of hand, or restricted by his self inadequacies. The Miraluka danced to the music, and spun with his head leaning back. His hand grazed an unclothed part of Mune’s body.

His head was momentarily filled with images and thoughts from the Shistavanen. He sensed their newfound sense of…ease. The Feral nature that the Shistavanen had for so long feared was still there, but it was deep down and Mune didn’t seem so afraid.

Ele didn’t feel the pain or fear he normally would have. Something seemed to block it all out, or at least dull out the affects. The Miraluka stopped dancing for the moment, shocked by this development. Aside from his time spent with Atyiru, he hadn’t felt so…normal.

He didn’t want this feeling to end.

“Nah, they just don’t appreciate fine art,” he said to her as he kissed her cheek and placed his hand protectively over hers.

Mune turned an uncertain glance towards Eleceos. They had felt that touch, brief though it was. The Miraluka seemed… other than a little loose… he seemed fine. A smile split their muzzle slowly, “Having fun, Eleceos?”

Eleceos smiled at their Shistavanen friend. They’d grown closer since their three way connection with Marick.

“I am. Feeling good tonight Mune. I hope your nights going well!”

Mune curtsied, grinning a bit. Caleb chuckled behind them and stepped back to let Mune dance with someone a little better at it. blew a kiss to their husband then started dancing with Eleceos and chatting.

“My night has so far been quite wonderful. Thank you so much for asking.”

Before moving away from the bar completely, suddenly the Miraluka had an idea. He giggled to himself and his head turned around, trying to really get a feeling who else was in the room.

Eleceos was near with Mune, that was good! Ruka was also near, Zig as well. Socorra and Wyn were at the entrance? Well that will not do at all! Kaled once again approached the bar lifting his hand still giggling to himself.

“Master! Master Marick! Could I get, hehehe, like…5 of what you gave me?”

Three sets of eyes, all in tattooed green faces, looked to Kaled’s loud giggling and judged to varying degrees.

Carr blinked at the judging looks and realized, yay, they were not aimed at him! He slowly moved out of the way of the looks and followed their gazes to the Miraluka. He did not recall meeting Kaled before but even he looked shocked at the drink order. “F… five?! Are you crazy?!” Carr exclaimed loudly. He did not judge with a look, he judged good and loud.

For a moment the Miraluka stopped giggling and turning his head around to follow the voice. He didn’t really met Carr before but it was always exiting to meet someone new.

“Oh…heheh. Hey there!” Kaled just waved still giggling as he did. “Yeah, I need five more? Is that to much? You want one?”

Leda’s gaze, which could be described, kindly, as poisonous, snapped over to Carr. She seemed surprised by his reaction. But not displeased.

In fact, if the way her chin lifted a bit and she gave the Shistavanen a considering look, one could surmise he’d just gained a few points in her books.

Carr actually opens his mouth to say he would most definitely take one then stopped. He looked at his two friends then, smiling politely, “No thank you, I am 12, but that is kind of you. You should maybe have some water?”

Socorra pivoted a little, idling, still at the entrance. Her mind drifted around the room, watching the ebb and flow of the Force as it passed over and through everyone gathered. The Seeker lingered on all of them as habit, but everyone did seem to be having a good time.

She gestured with a burn-scarred and faux gold-adorned hand to the crowd. The bangles jingled slightly as it moved. “You should join, do social thing. Even Marick social…ing - never thought of him as bartender, is bizarre. At least go see your fam, I sure it make them happy.”

To avoid the full on awkwardness of sobriety and everything that came with it, including angst, she whipped out a datapad and promptly buried her nose in it.

Kaled couldn’t help himself but giggle a little as Carr said his age. But he managed to keep it together and took a deep breath in.

“Hooo, sorry. I didnt know…Well cant really tell you know. Hehehe.” He waved his hand in front of his face. “My name is Kaled. Kaled Atros. I was just getting some drinks for a few friends. And who might you be friend?”

Noga was given to vocalizing as much as Carr. “Yo, Kaled, you even old enough to drink? Try the witch’s brew, ay, or yeah, some water. Maybe sit down with us. Can even bring you friends. ‘m Noga.”

His sister did not seem happy at the last suggestion, but forced a stiff, grimacing smile that was so much like her Papi, Qyreia probably had jibe material for days.

“Hey,” Leda muttered quietly in Carr’s ear, leaning closer over their linked arms to do so. “Good job, that was great.” She squeezed his hand.

Carr eyed the Miraluka, then nodded some. “Carr. I’m Mune’s brother,” he answered in that gravelly voice of his.

He felt Leda lean in closer, and his ear gave slight flicks as she whispered. He blushed some and squeezed back. He offered her that dorky grin of his. He turned his muzzle, cold nose brushing her cheek slightly, which made him jerk back quickly. “Sorry. Umm… yea… five is just… four… or five too many when he is already tipping over?”

Mune was watching from where they danced with Eleceos. Caleb watched from where he stood nearby. He had a wide grin on his muzzle, obviously pleased that the younger Shista was behaving and acting like a grown-up! Now, where did he hide surprise… it better not be a glitter bomb, so help me… recalling the last bunch of searches he saw in Carr’s browsing history.

“Well I am glad that we have meet at last.” Kaled gave a big smile, before waving over to Noga.

“I’ll be there in just a moment. I’ll need to be a waiter for a second and bring drinks over to some people. Also I’m 21! Still ok to drink.” Once more his attention was focused back on Carr. “Sorry, Mune is a good friend. It is good to know that he also has a really good and responsible little brother.”

Carr could have sworn he heard fits of laughter from multiple places in the room following Kaled’s comment. Caleb definitely had a hand over his muzzle, stifling a cough that sounded like it had begun as something else altogether. Mune simply smiled at Carr warmly. They knew full well that for all his troublemaking, he was not a bad kid. No more than they had been. Maybe a little more…

“Thanks, Kaled.”

Kaled tilted his head, not really sure what did Carr mean by that. But in his usual fashion, the Miraluka softly smiled and lowerd himself a bit.

“You have nothing to thank me for. Its my pleasure. If you ever need someone to talk to, just look me up ok?” As he finished Kaled extended his cybernetic hand forward before quickly switching it up. He couldn’t help but giggle himself on this simple mistake.

“Sorry force of habit. Handshake?”

Carr, grinning, shook hands with the Miraluka. How many interesting folks were there around here, he wondered. “Cool.”

Leda had given a squeak at the wet brush of a soft nose on her cheek, but otherwise seemed unbothered. At least by Carr. She still looked like she was debating kicking her brother but finally resigned and nodded to Kaled.

Papi spoke well of him. So there was. That. She guessed.

“Cool…” echoed Noga. “You, ay, do that, bud. We’ll be around.”

Eleceos felt so happy he couldn’t help by grab Mune into a big hug. After a few moment of that he laughed and went back to dancing, not caring who saw him, or what anyone though. His mind was his own right now and he felt…free.

“Great! I love making new friends.” He smiled as he stood up.

With his hair constantly waving all around, he unwrapped a long peace of cloth that was tied on his wrist and pulled it over his eyes and used the remaining length to tie up his hair in a ponytail.

“Phew, that is better. Oh, sorry for not saying anything to you this whole time lady Leda.” He smiled and bowed slowly “Hope that you and your siblings are doing well?”

Recognition seemed to dawn on the girl…not that it made that much difference.

“Apology accepted. We’re fine. Thanks,” she said, and curtsied back, thinking of her father’s poise. “Hope you and yours are…doing.”

“‘Ten of ten recovery,’” Noga mocked in whispered Mirialan.

Mune squeaks in surprise then giggled. They kept dancing with the Miraluka. How much did he drink? Or… what did he drink? Mune shook their head and smiled.

“What drink did you have? Must have been good.”

Carr arched a brow at the two siblings. He sipped his witch’s brew. It really was super sweet. He liked it. He’d have to ask Kirra for more when he finished his glass.

Ele smiled and told Mune.

“It’s this thing that Rein drinks sometimes. I’ve never heard of it, but it always smelled amazing, and they seemed to really enjoy it. I can see why. It’s called a Flame out.”

“You are too kind my lady. R3 and Myself are doing fine. Hope that you come for a visit some day.”

Kaled tuned around as the last of the drinks were put on the table. He thanked Marick for the drinks promising that he will definitely not drink all of those by himself.

“Sorry I have to get going. It was nice meeting you Carr. Lady Leda.” The Miraluka nodded his head as he moved over to the entrance. First he made a quick stop over to Diy. Placing one of the glasses in her hands with a giggle before quickly moving away. Second was Socorra and Wyn.

At first he didn’t know if Socorra should even drink alcohol, but didn’t she drink when they were in the Saloon?

“Aunty? Would you like one?” Kaled said as he extended his hand with a glass.

Qyreia watched the various exchanges as she finished her drink, expression fairly deadpan save for a brow that felt perpetually raised by this point. She wasn’t sure if these kids were turning into their dad, or had already stretched into the territory of something worse. That level of teetotalling just made her crave a second drink.

“So did your dads put you two in babysitting detail, or is this all on your own initiative?”

Mune nodded slowly, “I see. Do make sure you are drinking plenty of water. Hang overs are rather unpleasant.”

“` Marick’s eyes flitted towards the Proconsul’s. He blinked once. Then, he poured some of Kirra’s fruit juice brew.

"Kirra dear, can you bring this to Kaled?”

“Yussir!” the Hapa-luka-sephi saluted, her pointed ears twitching.

Kirra waded her way, carefully holding the cup with both hands. She frowned when she saw that Kaled was talking to all the taller people around. But her hands were occupied on the drink.

So, she furrowed her brow and concentrated. Concentrated real hard. Tune out the noise of the room and focus, like papa had started to teach her….

Kaled’s cloth garment tugged…ever so slightly with an unseen hand through the Force.

“Kali! Dwink from Papa!” she exclaimed. “`

“Honestly, it’s something he can control, and requires more memorization in this environment than social. At a regular bar? He’d be eaten alive, but here, he should be okay. He’s trying at least.”

He didn’t leave her side, though. He stayed. And then slowly tried to peak at her datapad to see what she was reading.

“We’re not babysitting,” Leda sniffed.

“Be gettin’ paid if we was,” Noga sighed, and scratched at an ear. His actual one, not the bat one. He’d gotten it pierced and it itched still. “What, you wouldn'ta told Kal there to slow down?”

Zig bit her lip as she looked between everyone. She tugged at the hem of her costume. It was starting…already. She’d been the one to ask if it was okay for liquor to be served. Was she going to ruin the party with her decision even as it started? She reached for her hydrospanner to fidget but realized it was on her bag.

“Um…does anyone want to dance…or uh, see some of Doon’s activities?” her voice pitched high a bit.

“Kaled, despite his young appearance and… admittedly naive demeanor most days, is an adult, and can make his own choices. Much like yours truly.”

Something tugged at the back of her mind. Something familiar. Warm.

Oh thank god, Keira’s almost here.

Zuza arrived as Kaled started to move away, but had overheard enough. She shifted so she’d seemingly pop up beside the kiddos and leant gracefully with one elbow on the bar, facing toward the Consul as well as the trio of youngun’s. She looked to Noga’s itching hand first, chuckling. “If you itch it, it’ll get infected and that’ll itch more.”

And then regarded the group at large, “To be fair to em, Kaled does seem like this is his first drink ever. But, we do have people here to take care of him and Marick isn’t one to let someone drink past their limit. I think.” She glanced to Marick with a grin.

Marick waved quietly in support, his face a tired but impassive mask.

The teen boy dropped his hand with a huff, instead snapping his fingers in Zuza’s direction.

“What she said, ay. Yo, Zu.” He tipped his headband. “You look great.”

Leda, at least, was sufficiently distracted from her gearing up to argue with Qyreia by the other Human’s appearance. As soon as her eyes landed on Zuza’s outfit, she gasped, releasing Carr in order to jump in place.

It was an effort hindered by her massive ball gown skirt, and she nearly toppled.

“Oh my GWOSH LOOKITHEWINGS!”

Socks looked up from the dossiers pulled up on the screen with a double… single? take. “What doing? Go, do your family thing, it’s ok. They all right there at bar, waiting to see you.” Her brows furrowed and she averted her eye, diving back to the datapad.

Carr reached out to keep Leda from toppling. Of course, that drew his attention to Zuza whom he blinked at for a moment. “Wow, Miss Zuza.”

Steadied, Leda kept staring, though her quick squeeze to her duke’s arm indicated gratitude.

Across the room, Ruka gave the smallest nod.

“Thank you Noga, Carr.” Zuza laughed, returning the fingerguns with both hands and a flourish. However upon the mention of her wings, she did the curtsey thing she’d practised, and followed it up with a twirl to show off the various layers and overall how damn pretty it was for Leda. Cora had spoken plenty of how curious she’d been.

“I know right?? Cora did amazing finding this. As he did for yours, you look like royalty.”

Carr released Leda as soon as she had her balance back. “Mr. Cora has a serious knack for putting together or finding awesome costumes.”

Carr stepped back to stand beside Noga. “Those wings are pretty. And cool.”

Leda squealed.

“I see them all the time and I prefer looking at Socorran royalty, honestly,” he whispered conspiratorially.

Ele stopped dancing for a moment. His smile never leaving his face. He gave a slight bow to Mune before declaring his intentions to go procur another drink.

Walking over to the bar, he enjoyed the vibrant, wavy colors of the group tonight.

“You are all beautiful souls.”

He said with fervor. Approaching the bar he gave a grin before ordering a second Flame out.

Time to remove myself from the kids’ convo, Qyreia mused as the conversation once again went to fawning over each other’s costumes. She looked to Marick, tapping her glass for a refill. She’d pick it up in a minute.

Slipping away, she made for the main door, quietly passing Zig and Ruka as she went. Every step made the mental link feel warmer. She didn’t need to be a Force user to know Keira was all but on the other side of the door. I wonder what her costume is. She wouldn’t let me see it before I left.

She was almost excited when she reached the door to have it open.

She wasn’t expecting a Gammorean ömus wrestler to greet her.

“Keira. The kark are you wearing?”

Her wife’s green-painted face lit up in a smile that showed off the fake tusks. “You like? I thought it was pretty clever.”

Both their eyes went over her swollen belly, the creature inside all but ready to pop. The outfit and body paint were fairly ingenious, even if she didn’t want to admit it. And as usual, she was just so excited over her handiwork.

Qyreia sighed. “You look great. Just don’t go getting into any fights. Wouldn’t want that parasite of yours getting hurt.”

“Our parasite,” the Force user corrected, giving the disguised Zeltron a quick kiss. “Come on. Show me around. I wanna see what trouble you’ve managed to cause already.”

“Me? Trouble?” They looked at each other. “Okay, but I didn’t do anything this time.”

Ruka glanced over, noting that Kiera was unusually green tonight, compared to his unusually pale, like they’d swapped. It seemed pregnant bellies and body paint were a theme. Though this was… something.

“Kiera!” Cora called, waving and smiling.

-

Meanwhile, back at the bar, Noga turned to look at Eleceos with a stare that said what the hell? seeing as everyone else was still distracted by Zuza.

“Uh, man, you good? You look kinda…blotchy.” Was he really drunk? Hard to tell without eyes.

Ele smiled at the younger Mirialan before shaking his head.

“No, a little out of breath from all the dancing. In fact I should probably have some water too. But I actually feel… great! I haven’t felt this good in a long time!”

He smiled at Noga before speaking again.

“I very much appreciate the concern though. Thank you.”

Mune approached the bar, “Yes, you are definitely getting some water. I will have one of Kirra’s Witch’s Brews myself.” They smiled back at the kids reassuringly.

“Sure, ay…” the teen responded, noting the approach of yet more partygoers. His bat tapped on his shoulder as he side-eyed Eleceos. If he’d been playing a game, he’d be pressing xesh to Doubt. He turned a grin back to Kirra, voice softening. “Witch’s Brew is great. Best drink ever.”

Hearing about his tiny cousins brew, he knelt down towards little Kirra.

“I’d very much like to try your brew as well, Ichi-Kannasau.”

Keira turned to the vampire victim and offered a smile and a nod. Be nice, she mentally shot to her wife’s thoughts.

“I’m always nice,” Qyreia whispered back as they approached the Pantoran. The casually sharp glance was sufficient. “Okay fine.”

“Cora, looking lovely tonight,” Keira said as they came to a more personable distance. “Any character in particular? I recognize the bloodsucker marks, but that’s about it.”

“Looking horrendous yourself, excellent craftswomanship” the Pantoran offered with a smile and a dip of the head. “And oh, I’m afraid I don’t remember the names, exactly…I honestly paid a little more attention to the costumes, and you know how easy I am for those scares! But we’re meant to be from that holo of yours, Qyreia, with the Count, I do believe is his station. Or was the vampire the lawyer? Not that that would be a very kind stereotype…”

“Nothing in them movie was a kind anything,” muttered Ruka, rolling red eyes. “Vampire dude gets reminded of his wife and goes and abducts and mind roofies a woman…”

Cora patted his arm.

“Sorry, ay. Anyway, kinda thought, dunno…you guys’d like the spirit of it.”

The Proconsul shrugged stiffly, which made his cape flutter.

Sera hadn’t intended to sour the mood. Really, that was the farthest from her mind. She needed…a distraction, something to distance her thoughts from blood and hurt and failure. Just for tonight. Just for tonight.

So, grinning bright, she planted a quick kiss on Diy’s jawline, lingering for just a second as she met the Kiffar’s eyes with a mischievous glance, before spinning back and away, towards the crowd.

So many familiar faces. Many, she had seen only recently, in the aftermath of the battle at Blindshot, or the hustle and bustle surrounding reconstruction and the games that followed. Kaled, Ele, Mune, welcome faces all. Q, of course. Sera paused for a second as she sighted Ruka, trying to puzzle out exactly what his costume could have been, but that hardly mattered. She…needed to talk with him, anyway.

But, brightest, most distracting, and most welcoming of all, was Ziggy.

Dressed like a lizard. In a onesie. Sera couldn’t help but laugh, putting on an exaggerated swagger as she approached her friend.

“So…didn’t get enough of raptors over the summer, huh?” the Zabrak questioned idly, brow rising with a grin. “Clever girl…”

The Zabrak paused, eyes narrowing as the party’s festive lighting seemed to dim…

“…he’s looming again, isn’t he?” Sera questioned, not bothering to turn around. She didn’t need the Force to tell who it was…not that she could feel it, anyway.

“` Kirra shuffled back, humming a tune of her own devising, Sephi-ears twitching as she returned to her fathers side.

"You’ve got a line forming for your Witche’s Brew, Lunayi,” Marick said calmly as he pointed towards Mune and Eleceos.

Kirra beamed up and offered Eleceos her Miraluka-salute: one hand going over her blue ‘Hapan’ eye to leave her ‘Miraluka’ eye open. “Hi hi. And hi-lo, Lady Moon!” she addressed Mune.

With Marick’s help, she filled two cups with fruit-juice, with Marick adding also some generous ice cubes to help water down the sugar content. “`

Mune offered a beaming smile to the girl. “Hello there Master Witch Kirra.”

Mune smiled and bowed their head politely to Marick, “Tyris, bartenders smile,” the jab was light and playful, teasing as one would a friend. “Thank you kindly for the drink, it smells splendid.”

They sipped the fruit juice and mentally thanked Marick very very much for the ice cubes. The sugar content was intense. This would not help someone trying to avoid a hangover, they thought. “Kirra, you have outdone yourself.”

“You could make my kessel…run…in twelve parsecs…” she tried to keep a straight face, failed, and then wrapped her arms tightly around Sera, squeezing. “Not nearly clever enough, hi, I missed you, and your horns and your face,” she prodded at the Zabrak.

Then she let Sera go, and nodded towards Doon.

Kirra bobbed her head knowingly. "Duh, I'mma witch!" she giggled.

Zuza leant back against the bar, giggling a little at the teen’s reaction.

“Yeah that was about my reaction when I first say myself in a mirror. And your dad’s.”

She overheard talk of the witches brew Kirra was making and made the decision to hit it up… after checking the contents, actually. Sugar was great but a twist of lemon and the night would be less fun. Marick would hopefully know still by the time she asked.

Sera let herself melt into the hug for just a few moments, breathing a long, low sigh.

It’s okay to not be okay, she thought, and it helped bring a smile to her face.

“If you miss me so much, why dontcha’ hit me with your best shot?” The Zabrak teased, good eye sparkling. Then, another sigh.

“Missed you too, Zig,” she murmured, pulling back, adjusting her pirate-style eyepatch before she turned around to greet the Shista towering over them both.

“Hiya, Doony. You’re looking…red?”

Zig grinned from ear to ear. “Little Red Riding Hood, obviously…”

Ele gave his little cousin a hug and thanked her for his drink. After standing and drinking the sugary liquid, he took to his glass of water to drown out the sweet taste in his mouth.

He turned to Mune and raised his alcoholic beverage to his friend before drinking that as well.

This time the liquid didn’t burn so badly. And that familiar warmth resonated throughout his body. For a monent when he finished, he felt the slightest bit dizzy, but when his head cleared, everything felt more….more. The Miraluka’s smile shown brightly. It was time to party, and he was gonna let loose.

“Mune, I’m heading back to the dance floor. I’m going to crush these party games tonight!”

The gears worked visibly in Sera’s head, turning beneath her shaved scalp. Then, she grinned, head cocking.

“Delivering cookies to your Nitha?”

“Woah! Look at the craftsmanship on that Doon!” Zig’s eyes went wide with admiration, ignoring both Doon and Sera to focus on the trinket.

Mune blinked slowly, “Did he just… down that?!”

The Shistavanen had to double-check the Miraluka’s glass, frowned, then looked back in the direction of their friend. “He just downed that drink. What is in there?”

Mune picked up the empty glass and sniffed at it. Whiskey, definitely whiskey; they loved a good whiskey. They sniffed again, picking up the nice spicy tones. Pumpkin spice? Really… They shook their head and put the glass back down, “Downing whiskey… gods help me… Eleceos, you need more water!”

They ordered another water to chase after the Miraluka with. They could do more dancing after saving their poor friend from the worst hangover ever.

Carr watched Mune go running past with a glass of water. “Adults are weird,” He muttered to Noga, looking confused.

Marick blinked, his face remaining carefully neutral, but his eyes followed, watching.

Sera looked down at the charm, blue eye narrowing. Her gaze darted between it and Doon, several times, assessing.

Then, she laughed. It wasn’t a mean laugh, but a golden, joyous kind of sound, and even blushed.

“It’s my honor, Doon. Thank you,” she responded with a toothy grin, folding the charm into her hand. “But I didn’t know you liked me so much. Might be missing a little…uh…cultural context?”

Her smile was absolutely devilish.

“It’s not really adults so much as anybody once they get they kr– crap in they system,” Noga muttered back, gesturing with a finger off his punch glass to the… everything…that was the two Miralukas on the dance floor and the others chasing after them. He kept his tone very low, just between them, since there was Kirra and Leda was happier now with Zuza’s shiny dress to look at and they didn’t need to spoil the moment. “It’s like watchin’ Papi pick up after our mama. You ain’t seen Mune or Caleb drunk or high before? Nobody?”

Zig was oblivious to Sera and Doon’s exchange, focused intently still on the trinket and wondering what kind of tool was used to make it…

“Well, none of the monsters in those flicks are nice,” Qyreia said, somehow putting the ‘duh’ solely in her inflection. “That’s what makes them monsters.”

“I think they know that, hon.”

“You’d be surprised what some folks don’t think about though.”

Carr seemed to really think about it. “I have only been with them for just about a year now? But in that time… nah.”

The Shistavanen watched Mune trying to get the dancing Eleceos to accept and drink the additional water. He grinned some, “They drink, but they tend to only drink one or two. I’ve asked why. Caleb because he prefers to be in control if something goes up in flame. Mune… well… Mune seems scared of something…” He watched the white-furred Shista trying to wrangle the Miraluka. “Neither likes drugs.”

“I’ve seen Mune buzzed. That is normally where they stop. And they always drink a glass of water for every drink… Probably why they are chasing Ele right now.” His grey eyes settled on Noga, focusing on him. “You okay?”

At that jab, she rendered a flat, piercing stare, one eye brow rising.

“Big talk for a guy that just proposed, Vankar a xixta,” she replied, her grin turning to a smirk.

Zig did a double take, then had to cover her mouth to stop from bursting out into a fit of giggles.

“I love it,” Leda gushed. “It’s perfect. I’m totally jealous!”

“M'fine,” the Mirialan replied, and sent a tight smirk Carr’s way. “Ay, glad you brother– eh, sister, sorry – is good about it, they smart, huh? Think that’s what I’ll do, if I ever try it.” He shifted a little. “You liking it this year? Bein’ here?”

When Mune caught up with him, Ele took the water and quickly drank it. They could feel the concern on their friend and just laughed.

“Mune, I’m fine. I promise. Honestly, I feel so good right now!”

He grabbed him friend in a hug and realized something.

“Oh my goodness! Mune, you’re fur is so soft! It’s so comfy!”

He leaned to the side and kissed Mune on the cheek.

“I love you Mune. You’re such a great friend!”

“You shouldn’t be jealous! Look at you, you’re could be a princess or.. I don’t know the other words but you’d look right proper on Kiast from the holo’s I’ve seen of those parties.” Zuza had a broad smile.

Carr nodded, “They like to think they’re smart… but yea… they are.”

He went back to watching the adults and their numerous antics. “Being here… I was not sure at first. But… Well…” He shrugs. “I have friends now,” he grinned at Noga. “So it’s worth being shipped off from home.”

“Friends and plenty of adventures. Oh! I managed to find some of my old comics from back home! Totally need to show them to you next time!”

The teen girl blushed, glancing shyly away and giggling. “Thanks…it is from Kiast. Dad’s mom gets us stuff made. It’s like, way more clothes than we ever gonna need and for what all? But it’s…nice.” She smoothed the gown’s bodice and skirts, biting her lip and just absorbed for a moment in wearing something so princessy again. There were pearls sewn in, and it was probably stille or something.

Mune debated the whole fine thing but took Eleceos’ word for it. Then they felt the warm embrace and relaxed and hugged back. Their fur was indeed very soft, and very well kept. Mune felt the kiss on their cheek and smiled, patting Eleceos’ head lightly.

“Love you too, Eleceos, I am glad we are friends.”

Mune drew away slowly. “Let me bring the glass back to the bar, and we shall dance some more.”

The Shistavanen did just that then returned so that their friend may have company on the dance floor.

“That makes a lotta sense. We didn’t go as far out as Kiast for mine, must’ve been quite a long day of shopping. I thought I had Cora out there for a while.” The Human chuckled, “Too many clothes is never a bad thing. Unless you’re on the move, but if you don’t do that then it’s just a matter of closet space. It suits you.” She spoke the last bit more gently, watching her feel over the fabric.

Leda beamed back at Zuza, touching her hair then. “I actually already had this one, just never wore it…we don’t go back to Kiast so often these days cause of, y'know, everything…”

Meanwhile, Noga brightened at Carr’s revelation. “Ay ay! Yeah? What kind? Hey, Leds, Carr got new comics he gon show us!”

His sister’s head whipped around. “Ay?”

“Ay!”

“Cool! Carr, you wanna come over tomorrow? If it’s okay and everything.” She paused. “Ugh, maybe day after. We’re probably all gonna be tired from this party. It’s always something.”

“Well, definitely a good reason to crack it out.” Zuza agreed, chuckling at the shift of conversation and turning to order a Witches Brew from the Tyris’. After safety checking it, obviously.

Once it was in hand, she turned back to the little trio, leaning against the bar for now. Admittedly, it gave her braced leg a break which was something she preferred not to mention but this was casual enough. Zig would notice if she wasn’t laughing at something Sera just said. The Human chuckled to herself.

She blinked and looked up from the screen, the tiny chains and accessories of the circlet jingling around her head with a soft chiming. Above the half veil her kohl rimmed eye stared at the man intensely for a moment then back to the datapad. Her dark brows furrowed even deeper before Socorra looked left and right conspiratorially, angled herself so that she could still view the exit, and wrapped her arms around Wyndell’s shoulders. Nearly the same height, her belly forced his prop to swing comedically to the side like a giant tumor.

Socks embraced him closely, her shoulders tight and heavy with a thousand different things.

“` "Hewwo Zoo-za! You are a fairy just like momma was!” Kirra recited up towards the Human girl with the pretty wings. “One brew!”

Marick nodded knowingly towards Lottson, helping Kirra to pour half-a-brew, watering down the rest with some ice and a lemon wedge for Zuza. Kirra delivered it and smiled wide. “`

Wyn started to make faint choking noises, exagerated of course. “Care…full…not so…hard…the…baby…” he patted at his prop belly dramatically.

Carr chuckled, “I have some more back on Seraph. Next time Mune gets out that way, or Caleb; I’ll ask them to check in with mom and grab them! The ones I have on the Voidbreaker II are called The Sandman.”

He grinned toothily, “Sure, I’ll ask Mune if it is okay to come over tomorrow or the day after. Make sure to ask Mr. Ruka though, he seems to have been staring at me a bunch tonight for some reason.”

Safety checking was important. Zuza winced slightly, speaking as delicately as she could.

“Hey Kirra, thank you so much. I didn’t know your momma was a fairy! I hope my wings are somewhere near as pretty as hers were. Although.. with the brew, could it be in a new glass without the lemon? Lemons and oranges and stuff like that makes me poorly. It looks really tasty though.”

“` Kirra scrunched her nose as she realized what was on the glass. She listened very carefully to Zuza’s response. "No probs, Zoo-za, I fix,” she said primly.

Kirra did an about face and stormed over to her father. She had to adjust her hat a bit as it tried to fall off. But she placed her balled fists on her hips and furrowed her brow. Just like Aunty Sock did when she was scolding Uncle Wynnie for something.

“Papa, NO lemon for fairy’s!” she puffed.

Marick glanced over at Zuza. He blinked once, then his memory pulled the note from Lottson’s file. How did he forget that detail? He would have blushed, if he knew how, but instead he simply looked down at Kirra and bowed his head.

“Please forgive me, Head Witch Kirra,” he said softly. “I will fix this at once.”

Marick glanced at Zuza and fixed her a regular drink with some sparkling water from a glass bottle, and garnished with some fresh berries he’d brought.

“Please give this to our fine fairy,” Marick said, seven words, hopefully enough for an apology.

Kirra huffed, turned indignantly, and then presented the drink to Zuza.

“Proper fairy brew!” she proclaimed proudly. “`

Atyiru “winked” with an eyebrows at was.

“Gee I wonder why– ow! Leda!”

“Zcepi sche kabron!”

“You–! Ugh. It’s fine, it’ll be fine, Papi’s just keepin’ an eye. What’s Sandman about? He some Tatootine smuggler?”

Zuza mouthed ‘It’s fine’ from across the bar, relaxing and overall amused at Kirra’s reaction.

“Aha! Now, this looks like a perfect brew for me.” Zuza took the drink and sipped it, making a dramatic display of enjoying the ‘brew’ and going “aaah” afterwards. After finishing the dramatics, she blew Kirra a kiss, “Fantasti..cal! Thank you very much.”

”Osik! Sorry!” She let go to try and help him fix it real fast, kneeling down on both legs to do it because her potbelly kept getting in the way. Finished, she patted her terrible handiwork and kissed the top of the synthetic prop.

“There you go, baby. Nice and snug.”

When Socks went to get back up she fell backwards instead, stuck on the floor like a turtle. She sighed loudly and looked up to him from the ground.

“No even drink yet. Is Ruka judging? Of course he judging. Why I ask that?”

Carr looked confused for a second, then shrugged and answered, “It is about the king of dreams, Morpheus, and how after being held captive for over 105 years, he escapes and sets out to restore order to his kingdom of the Dreaming. It’s a dark fantasy based loosely on some lore from back home.”

“Cool,” Noga replied, much like Carr liked to say.

“Oh one more?” The Miraluka was generally surprised by the sudden drink that Kirra brought over that he didn’t even thank the little girl as she went away.

Maybe it’s for someone? On the other hand…I could drink it?

Kaled again couldn’t help but giggle to himself as he took the sip of this new drink. Surprisingly there was really ni alcohol to it, but the fruit flavorer was really sweet and exquisite. Alcohol is all well and good but this drink was more up his alley. He once again turned over to Socorra and Wyn, bringing the tray closer to them.

“Soooo….no drinks for you guys?”

Wyn winced, but slowly pulled Socorra back to her feet. He placed a hand protectively over her stomach and dropped his act, concern on his face.

He looked over at Kaled, then re-applied his acting face. “Kaled, we’ve been over this, you can’t drink while you’re pregnant,” he pointed down at his fake-belly.

Kaled tilted his head in confusion. He could recall that she definitely had something to drink in the saloon but what was it?

As he pondered for a moment his head turned to his hand holding the glass juce.

“Well would this do then? It’s some juce mix but I took a sip out of curiosity. It’s alcohol free, Auntie can at least drink that and you can have the other one?”

Wyn glanced at Socks, curious if she was interested in the drink.

He took a sip. “Oh. Hmm. Definitely sugar with a hint of fruit…”

She stood upright, placing her hand on top of his over the recent scar. “Thank you. Is okay, just sore.” Socks thought about it for a second, as she did seem to recover faster than before the war. Rehab for the atrophy had taken forever. “Odd theory, but wonder if crystals actually.. help.” She indicated where all the shards had embedded after the battle explosion and raptor mauling. Something to think on later.

“Kaled,” she said, her eye softening at seeing him. “Interesting costume. From holovid, sah?” Socks peered at the drinks. Alcohol free.

“Ah…sure. Thank you, nephew.”

Accepting the drink, she looked over at Wyn’s. “I appreciate.. but you can drink. Is okay. Or I could try do what you did? Illusion?” <@189568236201705472>

“I can try, sure.”

“There you go.” The Miraluka giggled once again before giving one of the glasses over to Wyn.

“Oh the costume was R3’s idea.” He brought his attention back to Socorra. “I like to have some background noise in my room as I work. So usually I tell R3 to put on some holovid’s and he told me that the costume would be simple to recreate. The only part that was challenging was dying my hair.” He carefully moved his ponytail in front, his hair almost reached his ankles. Normal the Miraluka would have it tied up in a lot of ways, but now it was easier to see it’s length.

“Had to spend about three boxes to cover it all.”

Eris smiled gently with the brush of heat just underneath her skin whilst she appreciated the warm welcome. Jael continued to be supportive with the over so present hand upon her though he now withdrew his hand at the curious question posed on the future. The Sephi smirked at the assumption and responded. “Well, some drop in combat training would be I am sure wanted,” he mused. “Maybe we all just lay around a few cabana and enjoy the sweet steamy burn of paradise.” Laying his head back with arms folded behind his head, he pictured the scene topped with many boozy drinks.

“` Kirra giggled and caught the kiss with her hand from the air, then held it to her heart, bounding back towards her Papa, eager to serve more people who needed drinks.

Marick leaned over and adjusted her Withces hat so it sat correctly atop her head. ”`

“I respect the commitment, and you didn’t go full Ringu,” Wyn nodded to Kaled.

Zuza smiled, before turning back away from the bar and leaning against it, observing the room as the trio of kiddo nerded out over some comic book thing. She never really got into anything like that, but comic books were one of the few ways her father managed to actually teach her to read.

Sadly, the pictures were usually effective and kickass enough that it didn’t last long as a method and while she’d probably recognise many a comic, what it was called or what was going on? Hahaha…

Zig hummed as she glanced around and waved at DJ Ace. She made a hand signal that apparently he was supposed to recognize.

The music turned a bit more upbeat and faster tempo.

“Anybody care to dance?” She made a flexing motion and did a quick spin in her onsie.

“That is quite some hair. But I see you take care of it.” With a wiggle her silver-white and raven tresses cascaded over her lower back. “I could no grow hair before the long sleep, or wear nose ring. Once long enough Timeros would rip both out.” With a gesture she mimed a hair yank with telekinesis.

Socorra’s head tilted as she looked back up to Wyn, her lone arctic eye catching his emeralds. Wordlessly she mentally sent her partner a thought deeper than a suggestion, far more inviting than water to wine. There was something very, very special about his cup. A tiny, evil little smirk crept into the corner of her ruby lips.

“Thank you! Well at least I try to take care of i-wait! You have a nose ring?” Kaled’s mouth opened and was generally surprised.

“That’s so cool! I wanted to have earrings, but Im a bit scared. Needles are not…my favorite. Tattoos seemed like a fun idea at the time but I’m not really sure what type would I want to have. Maybe a muffin, people seem to call me that all the time. Not really sure why.”

*“Sah, is common where I come from,” she nodded. “A tattoo be interesting, as you unable to see it - someone could put space whale instead. But I think as healer you be fine. Pain mostly come from scars.”

“That’s….a good point.” He nodded. “Honestly I would need to bring someone with me because I can’t really tell what I’m getting.”

Suddenly, Kaled realized that they were standing this whole time by the entrance. “Oh! Would you like to take a seat Aunty? I mean, we cant have you standing all day.” He gestured twords Socorras belly with the index finger. “Maybe there are some free tables around. And once we take a seat I want to hear all about your tattoos and how they look like.”

“Now that,” Diy laughed and grinned, “that is what I’m talkin’ about!”

A cool touch at her shoulder garnered her attention. Diy turned to see a cold drink being handed to her by some dark haired creepy maiden…Kaled? She smiled and took it before the Miraluka disappeared to talk to Wyn and Socks. A quick sniff confirmed it was alcoholic, earning a fleeting frown on the Kiffar. She turned back to the couple and offered the glass to them.

“Might not be on the beach, but can at least drink like we are.” Diy chuffed. “I’m gonna get something a bit less spicy, virgin. Anything ya’ll want me to grab?”

Ruka’s face wrinkled in its classic you duh look that Qyreia tended to get out of him. Cora, at least, was ever the conversationalist.

“What inspired your costumes? Besides the little one, that is,” his tone cooed at the last, finger scrunching towards Kiera’s painted belly as though tickling, though he didn’t move to touch; he never would, unless invited.

“I simply did a holonet search for ‘pregnant humanoid costumes’, and this was honestly my favorite option. My Red Qek seemed to be fond of the tusk teeth as well.”

That earned Keira a playful glare. “Reminds me of some of the high-fantasy stuff I used to read. So sue me.”

“To be fair,” the Force user whispered loudly, “I did sort of lose her interest at the pig snout.”

“Oh, that is kind of you, Kaled. Ah, I guess we could get table? But I want you have fun too.”

“Tables can be plenty of fun!” Wyn exclaimed.

Socks blinked at the sudden enthusiasm. “Ah, okay. Table it is then. Kaled lead the way?” She offered the crook of her arm although wasn’t sure he could see it.

Now that was an offer that Sera could not lightly refuse. She shot a grin between Ziggy and Doon, giving her felinoid friend a half-smirk as the Zabrak began to back towards the bar.

“Oh, you’re going down…but not before I grab a drink,” Sera promised, shooting Zig a wink. She found her step, and her soul, lighter than it had been in weeks…months, really. Friends, food, distraction. Things she needed.

But, a part of her knew that she couldn’t hide forever. Not now. Not from this.

She needed to talk. The only question was to whom…and that was not a question that she wanted to think about while sober.

Caleb, after watching Mune dance for a few minutes, finally approached the bar. He chuckled softly, hearing the kids geeking out over comic books. He was glad the younger Shistavanen had found some friends. Friends that could keep him out of trouble and be a positive influence. The tall Togorian approached the bar, nodding in greeting to Marick.

“I will take two fingers of whiskey, on the rocks. And thank you for sparring with Mune the other day; it helped.” He left it at that.

Eleceos danced his heart out, greatly enjoying the warm and calm feeling coming over him. But he could feel his breath catching him, and sometimes a break is necessary.

He turned to his furry friend and smiled.

“Wanna go sit down, Mune? Maybe we could get some folks to play a game or something!”

Mune slowed down and smiled, giving a bit of a nod. A break would be nice. The gown was not necessarily the lightest weight. “A game would be quite enjoyable!”

They led the way to an empty table.

“Right this.”

Kaled slowly made his way to the bar with Socorra and Wyn. Carefully walking past several people and giving a small wave and the giggle as Kaled passed by Ruka.

After a few moments, he settled on one that was closest to the bar. As the luck would have it no one sat at the table.

“There we go. Now the whole family is at one place. If you need anything just let me know. I’ll go over to Eleceos.” He gracefully turned around, trying to sense the presence of his friend.

“Hey Ele! Stay still I’m coming over.” He giggled as he made his way to were Mune and Eleceos were.

Socorra’s eye widened as Kaled brought them through nearly everyone. The crook of one arm held his hand and the other was protectively over her belly, poised for instantly retrieving one of several weapons. The woman’s focus dotted from one hand to another more so than costumes and faces, all disguised anyway, looking for slight movements and telltale wrinkles and folds of hidden things. As they passed by Noga and Leda her lips parted to speak but naturally Kaled kept going to the bar with all three Tyris’, with Wyndell behind her being the fourth.

Dropped off at the table, Socorra stood awkward at best with aches and pains flooded over with other terrible things. Seeing them all for the first time since moving out, despite living across the hall, she felt inadequate on every level, and certainly not good enough to carry their nephew. Sobriety was not kind to her conscience. She bit her lip and nearly reached for Wyn’s hand but something in the back of her mind chastised her for it.

The short lull of Q and Coruka’s conversation was suddenly interrupted by a whole other voice, feminine and ethereal and really, really close.

“Ooo.. oooOOOooooo… IIII am the invIIIIsible womaaaaann!!!”

Nothing but a slight shimmer gave away where the voice was.

“Hee. Howja like my costume?” Xee spun in place, still invisible.

“` Zig went around, as the party continued, collecting ballots on her datapad. She handed it to everyone, let them mull over some choices on "Best Costume” and then ran the results through a quick script she’d programmed.

While everyone milled and continued to mingle, she made her way over to DJ Ace’s stand and took over the microphone. “`

"Attention, attention! Mic check, goood check!” the Zygerrian’s voice boomed over the speakers causing her ears to flatten slightly under the hood of her onesie.

“Er, thank you all! I have the results of the costume contest, which I’ll reveal in a moment after a word from…our sponsor.”

She tapped her datapad and cleared her throat.

“Do you worry about the safety of your datapad? Well, fear not anymore…with Shadesworn VPN. Shadesworn VPN is totally secure and protects…all of your data-ey needs. Use code CITADEL to get 25% off …”

Carr snickered some, listening to Zig. Gods, she was such a dork. He loved it.

Caleb, having obtained a drink from the bar, approached the table Eleceos and Mune sat at. His free hand landed on Mune shoulder though he had no doubt the Shistavanen already knew he was there, probably sensed him. He has likewise amused by Zig.

Keira leaned in toward her wife. “Friend of yours?”

“I don’t recognize the voice,” she muttered back. “And I’m assuming Force shenanigans. But I feel like… like I can feel her feelings.”

“More than usual?”

Like another Zeltron. Qyreia simply nodded instead, pulling herself away from the quiet huddle to address the… ‘ghost’. “It’d be easier to gauge your costume if we could see you.”

“What’s a VPN?” Leda whispered to Noga, who shrugged.

Back with Qyreia and Kiera, Cora smiled at the direction the voice was coming from. “Very festive!” he complimented. “Forgive me, I can’t say if we’ve met! I am Corazon, and this is Ruka, Qyreia, and Kiera.”

Carr leaned over to Noga and Leda and whispered, “For holonet stuff. Better security of data.”

Kaled stopped by the table where Eleceos, Mune and Caleb were, putting the rest of the drink’s he was carrying on the table.

His head turned slightly as Zig spoke giggling at the sponsor anointment.

“Hey guy’s! Long time no see. Got us some drinks if you want.”

“Oh I’ve seen you plenty of times!” she flapped a pink animated hand. “I’m Xee! But um, my costume is authentic. If I take it off it might make people scream. So, nicetoseeyou byeeee!” Xi'ana spun around and invisi-fled towards some of her Void friends.

Ele saw Kaled coming over and got excited. Tonight was shaking up to be a very fun evening. He waited for the other Miraluka to sit down before saying anything.

“Kaled, glad you came over. We’re gonna play a game of some kind…im.not sure what yet…”

He turned to Mune and tilted his head slightly.

“Do you know any fun games to play on a situation like this?”

Zig smiled and tapped the mic a few times.

“As we call people up, feel free to come up and get your prize! It’s…a gift-credit chit of an appropriate value!”

“In third place we have….Kaled!” Zig called out, clapping her hands in hopes of getting others to follow suite.

“In second place we have….The Spooky Family: Witch Kirra and her Mummy and Pumkpin!”

“Sure thing! I actually know a-” Kaled stopped as he heard his name being called out.

He tilted his head in confusion not really sure what kind of prize Zig was talking about.

“Ha…well I didn’t know we were in the competition?”

“That means come up and strut your stuff, Kal. Oh, and get your gift credit chit.”

“Great Job Kal! Go show off!” Ele all but shouted.

Mune and Caleb applauded. Carr, back with the other two, whistled. Excited for them.

Kaled couldn’t help but giggle to himself. He put down his hair once again, letting it fall over his face to cover his “eye’s”.

He went over to Zig, debating on what she meant by “showing off”. As he reached the podium, the Miraluka felt a bit embarrassed not knowing what to do.

“Aaa…ok now what?” He asked Zygerrian in a lower voice.

“` Kirra’s eyes widened. "Momma Poppa that’s us!” She started bounce up and down.

Marick narrowed his eyes slightly but sighed. He glanced at Atyiru, a wordless exchange of “I’ll go”.

Marick took Kirra and lifted her up. She giggled, kicked her a feet a bit, and then settled herself sitting on his shoulders, hands tapping the top of his head like a drum. “`

Zig smiled and gave the Miraluka a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “Yer a winner, Kal!” she drawled. And handed him the credit-gift-chit.

“` Kirra clapped her hands. "Yay Big Bwother Kal!!” she cheered. Marick made his way towards Zig, the wraps of tissue paper that had been used to turn him into a ‘Mummy’ a random mess curled around his shoulders and arms.

Zig tried to look apologetic towards Marick, but then shrugged helplessly. She rose up on her tip-toes and handed the small envelope to Kirra. Marick knelt down slightly to make it easier. But Kirra took the envelope and held it up high and proud.

“I did it!” she exclaimed proudly. “I casted a spell and win!” She waved at her aunt and uncle sitting at the table as Marick walked back towards the Bar. “`

Zig cleared her throat, again. “And now…for the grand prize winner! Drumroll please….”

DJ Ace played a drumroll track. Zig waited, and then checked the datapad.

“Our winners: Lady Muuuune and Lord Caleeeeeb!”

Socorra turned towards the announcement and watched Kaled go up to Zig. She tapped Wyn and nodded towards the kid, a bit of pride settling in the crow’s feet at the corner of her eye sockets. Marick and Kirra went up next and the crow’s feet settled even deeper. Socks missed her so much.

“We no see her since before the war. Kirra grew like weeds.”

“` As they passed, Kirra waved excitedly. "Hi hi Aunny Sock, Uncle Win!” then she was on the move again.

Marick let Kirra down, and the young girl ran back behind the bar to resume her duties making ‘brew. “`

Eleceos heard Munes name and stood up, cheering for his good friend. He was ecstatically happy, probably slightly influenced by his current level of inebreation.

“Mune and Caleb! You’re both amazing!!!”

If there was one meme that would’ve fit Ruka right then, it was my ovaries. He was staring over at Kirra cheering on her father’s shoulders with a dumbly happy look on his face, relaxed for once and pleased.

“Alright, ay, this ain’t so bad,” the Mirialan said, prompting his husband to smile softly and squeeze his arm.

“Want to go congratulate the apparent winners?”

“In a bit,” the Proconsul returned, some of his good mood fading back under the normal responsible mantle. “Be a good chance to check on Kaled. He’s…going for it.”

Cora hummed, then turned back to the Consular couple. “Would you two like to sit down? We could get you some refreshments.”

“I could use a sit,” Keira said, not-quite-nudging her wife with the remark. “Even the Force only helps so much with the ankles.”

“I’ll get you some snacks too.” Qyreia turned to Ruka and Cora. “Tell Kal congrats for us. And everyone else. It’s weird enough being called ‘sir’ to explain who I am, et cetera.”

“Will do,” Ruka replied, arching a brow. “You flying incognito then?”

“Not specifically, but the mystery is fun. Just explaining my real identity isn’t. It’s a double-edged sword.”

“Or if you used a lightsaber, an all-edged sword,” Keira chuckled to herself.

“You’re worse than me, I swear. I just don’t know if you’ve been perusing the holonet for dad jokes, or if the hormones are getting to you.”

“Mmmmbit of aurek, bit of besh.”

“Table! Go!” Qyreia gave the ‘Trandoshan’ a little swat on the backside to get her moving, smiling as she shook her head. “We’ll see you two later.”

The Miraluka moved to the side of the podium. Still puzzled by what just happened, and a bit more embarrassed by the kiss on the cheek.

He wanted to say “thank you” but it went out more like a gibberish that a three-year old would say. Kaled held a credit-gift-chit between his fingers, and slowly clapped on his wrist as the others were coming to claim their praise’s.

Mune looked confused but the look was quickly gone when Caleb swept the Shistavanen up from the chair and up into his arms. He actually made a show of carrying the princess to Zig. Mune laughing at the absurdity of the action. The tall Togorian lowered them back down and wrapped his arms around the smaller frame of their mate.

“Umm… T… thanks everyone,” Mune said, a little flustered, their ears back and blushing fiercely under their fur. “You are all too wonderful.”

Caleb rumbled and kissed the Shista’s blushy ears. Mune huffed and batted him away with a wide grin. They turned back to Zig with the same wide grin on their long muzzle.

Zig had to cover her mouth with her hand as she nearly made an audible squee and might have gotten a bit teary eyed if anyone looked closely enough. Perhaps it was cheating to “ship” an existing couple, but the sight still made her heart swell with pride and happiness.

“I present to thee, the ultiiimate Gift-Credit-Chit!” she handled the pretty colored envelope to Mune. “Try not to spend it all in one place!”

She smiled and have both of them a hug.

“But before they go,” Zig spoke into the microphone. “How about a dance between our two winners to keep the night goooin!” the Zygerrian pumped her fist in the air and the music changed to something that seemed to start slow, but familiar. An electronic waltz.

Wyn nodded and wiped an imaginary tear. “They learn so quickly.”

Not entirely sure what was happening but recognizing a moment and the given cues, Cora and Ruka applauded softly and briefly as they bid goodbye to Qyreia and Kiera. They approached the dance floor.

“How sweet,” the Pantoran crooned, and Ruka smiled down at him, flashing fang, which he promptly jabbed his lip on again when he tried to bend and kiss his husband’s hand.

“Ow, franging– shfnfjsf. Ugh. I was gonna say, can I have the next dance, highness?”

Cora giggled and gingerly cupped his face, thumbing at his mouth.

“Of course you can, you poor thing.”

Meanwhile, Noga and Leda stuck close to Carr, Zuza relaxed against the bar beside them and a lot going on between drinks and costumes and the huge wolf dude in a red hood handing out shiny stuff? Atyiru was crying without actually crying, because she didn’t have eyes, which was a little freaky, but it was sweet, since she seemed to be emotional over Kirra winning a contest and the kiddo was happy and that was nice.

Caleb groaned, “Oh gods…”

Mune smirked, hugged Zig a second time before pulling the Togorian along to the dance floor and into a dance. The envelop got tucked into Mune’s bodice with a laugh from Caleb then they were off, dancing under the lights and the rhyhtm of that waltz.

Carr grinned some, “Awesome! Kirra was totally cute. Does Mr. Tyris never smile or something? Ah well. Hey Leda! Want to dance?” He tried for a confident smile but it never made it past dorky.

Leda looked surprised, then shy, her cheeks turning ruddy when blush flooded her green skin. Still she smiled and blustered, “Yeah, sure! We can totally go after them. Dad’s taught me a lot. Do you know a waltz?”

Carr scratched his cheek some with a claw. “Well… kind of… Mune tried to teach me some ballroom dancing a few months ago and… well… I know the basics!” His ears splayed and he grinned toothily, “I am happy to try, I mean… if you want to dance.”

“Hey, I’m not saying I’m any good at it.” The girl nudged his arm. “And yes, ay, I wanna.”

Noga just slowly slouched into a seat of his own at the bar and sipped his juice, content to chill out. And record this on his comm for possible blackmail later.

Mune and Caleb moved fluidly together. They had danced together innumerable times by now. Caleb could not really dance well, unless it was ballroom, only because Mune had talked him into it so many times. So together, they just worked. Every step practiced. They knew how the other would move, step for step, they were a picture of grace.

With Caleb and Mune off to such an inspiring start, and feeling fairly confident for once – perhaps because she felt pretty and regal, perhaps the lack of disasters yet, or perhaps just growing sureness – Leda looped their arms back together and started out onto the dance floor. She stopped them what seemed like a decent distance in and then turned to face Carr.

“So, ay, basics, right?” The Mirialan girl took his hand, lifting it up. Thanks to Cora, she had memorized five different Kiastian waltzes already, and there were more. Dancing together was their thing, but Noga and Ruka did join in sometimes. She tried to think of the simplest one that Carr could probably match to whatever Mune had taught him that hadn’t been replaced by VPMs or stuff like that. “Hands up here, and here.”

She took his other and put it on her waist. Then thought about her Papi glaring half the night and moved it higher, to her upper back. She hoped she wasn’t sweaty. Was she sweaty? They were…really exposed now that they were actually out here. People were staring. No, that was stupid why would anyone stare at them she was just gutter trash all dressed up–

No!

She shoved the thoughts away and breathed out slowly like Papi had her when they counted. This was fine. She looked at Carr’s toothy smile and floppy hair everywhere and focused on that.

“U-um, ri-right, ay, hands. Go there! And then we do, u-um, one two three, right? One two three one two three, like this…”

The girl stepped backwards, tugging the slightly shorter Shistavanen with her. They did a few steps, stumbling, not in sync like Mune and Caleb or Ruka and Cora. Her mouth pressed into a line, and Leda tried to look down at their feet to direct their speed better, but she couldn’t see hers. Her ball gown skirt was too big, and Carr kept stepping on the edge a little, tugging. This was so embarrassing everyone was definitely looking why did she say yes?

And she was leading, which was usually a thing boys did and she wasn’t– anymore–

She–

–tripped.

Her foot caught on her own skirt this time, there was a faint ripping sound somewhere under all the pretty, truly expensive layers, and she was going down.

Carr tried his best to follow, biting his lower lip with a canine as he moved. He counted in his head. Accidentally stepping on the edge of her skirt more than once.

Ugh, why did I suggest this. I look so dumb…

Carr’s eyes narrowed some, concentration as hard as he could on the rhythm. Then, the world was tilting and he heard the sound of tearing. He tried to tighten his grip on Leda to keep her from falling but instead fell with her.

As they went down, though, Carr twisted and barely managed turn them both around. He hit the floor on his right shoulder with a grunt, then back. A yelp escaped him as his tail was pinned. But he had managed to switch their positions so she would land on him rather than he on her.

Oh… gods… oh gods. Please say no one is watching. Carr closed his eyes tight, embarrassment burning in his ears.

“Are you okay?” he finally spoke to his dance partner.

Noga had nearly dropped his comm when his sister fell, and was half a step from rushing over, but Carr caught them, which was a relief. Falling over in a ball gown, though, not so easy.

Leda pushed up off Carr’s chest, her whole face purpling with embarrassment and tears in her eyes that she blinked rapidly to try and save her tiny bit of make-up. Her lashes stuck together, mascara clumping wet, and she struggled to get off of her Shistavanen dance partner with all the skirts weighing her down and in the way. If she twisted too much, she was going to flash somebody.“Y-yeah, are you? Sorry, frang, ayyyy…”

Socks gave her a small smile as she ran past and back to her station, her heart going with her. The bar reminded the woman how thirsty she was despite the annoying water retention in her tiny feet. Booze she desperately wanted. Water she unfortunately needed.

“Need drink?” Socorra asked Wyn and slowly stood from the chair. The bar was only a foot away, hardly a stretch.

“Min Mesh’la, Mia bel,” she quietly greeted Kirra. “Grats on your win. Your finest brew, please.”

Her gold-adorned hands wrung together with apprehension as she turned and bowed her head to Atyiru, the coins softly chiming around the raven locks. The veil revealed one kohl rimmed and downcast eye. The scarred over one was intricately yet whimsically drawn over, clearly Wyndell’s handiwork.

“Ol'val,“ she said softly, her tongue suddenly drier than sandpaper.

Carr saw the tears, and, before anyone else could notice them, he handed her the folded handkerchief from the breast pocket of the jacket. “I’m okay… just… may have a kink in my tail… haha.” He winced.

After a moment, he grunted and struggled up, helping Leda back to her feet. He made sure she was not about to flash him or anyone else. He worried over the tearing sound, “Is your dress okay? Maybe Cora has a sewing kit on hand just in case?” Ruka is going to yeet me out a window.

Qyreia and Keira watched the whole fiasco unfold as they were taking their seats at an unoccupied table. They both winced, and the half-breed Force user looked to the disguised Zeltron sympathetically.

“You gonna go help her?”

Qyreia shook her head. “Nah. Her parents are close by. Besides, fish gotta learn to swim at some point.” It hurt to say. She really felt for Leda — could practically feel the anxiety bleeding off her — but this was her fight. “What can I get ya, love?”

“I’ve had acid burps all day. I’ll just take some milk. Maybe sweetened a little, if they can.”

Atyiru hummed and huffed. “Now, Socky,” she began, and proceeded to waddle-tawddle her way around the bar while Kirra went about making her BESTEST FINEST brew yet for her most precious auntie. Once the Miraluka got there, she stole Socorra’s wringing hands into her own and then squished the two of them into as much of a hug as their two massive bellies would allow.

“We missed you,” was all she said, simply, squeezing. Then, “how are you? Have you eaten today? I had a fizzy drink with this barbeque-chip jello I was craving and now all my burps taste like meat and they all burn my nose. Come here and sit with me. I want to talk to the babies.”

“Papi carries needle and thread,” Leda mumbled, going to wipe her eyes and then remembering she’d ruin her gloves, finay noticing the handkerchief Carr had given her. She sniffed and clutched it, barely daring to look around – her parents were right there and she shot them a look begging them not to rush over – before focusing more on the Shistavanen’s feet as a safe spot.

His toes were pretty cute.

Deep breath. Count.

The teen dabbed her face as she’d practiced and breathed. “Sorry about your tail. Um, thanks. For catching me. Wanna go sit back down maybe?”

Carr hesitated then nodded, “We can try again later after I get more lessons. I’m sorry.”

The Shista guided Leda back over to a table and even pulled a chair out for her. “Would you like something to drink? I can go get some more of Kirra’s brew if you like?” He was trying to make everything better. “Then I’ll go ask Mr. Cora if I can borrow his needle and thread.” He smiled reassuringly, though, his ears did not come up with how embarrassed he was. “Or I can get the needle and thread first then get us a drink.”

Mune and Caleb of course noticed. They saw too, that Carr was trying hard to take care of it himself. They chose not to interfere, not wanting to embarrass either Leda or Carr more than they likely already were.

Seeing Carr’s ears all but glued to his head had Leda reaching over to ruffle the fur between them very gently.

“Hey, s'okay,” she soothed, picking up on his distress caused by her own. “I need more practice too. I’m the one that tripped. Not used to not being able to see my feet, ay ay! And let’s just chill, yeah? Whatever’s ripped, we probably ain’t none fix it. This thing is, like, worth both of us. Whole people. Cora’s mama will get it fixed if I ask her. And it’ll make her happy if I ask her. She’s got like, guilt, yanno? For ignoring us so long. Soz gettin’ her help will make her week or something.”

She sat down, smiled, tugging at his hand.

“Nobody but my family never pulled my chair out for me before. Thanks, Carr.”

Carr’s ears finally came back up. “What kind of Duke would I be if I didn’t pull out my Lady’s chair for her?!” He said rather matter of factly, that grin returning to his muzzle. He sat down with her to watch the others dance far more gracefully than he managed. He reminded himself to pester Mune for more lessons…. and perhaps pay attention this time.

Zuza had cheered for the winner, forgetting for a moment her drink was non-alcohol and being sad at necking half of it and no burn. Oh well.

Good for Mune and Caleb, the pair were on POINT.

Zig returned the microphone to DJ ACE and then, somewhat shyly, went looking for Zuza.

After the waltz, the Miraluka slowly moved away from the podium. Still a bit perplexed on what to do with the prize he has gotten.

He moved over to the table where Wyn and Socorra were sitting. Holding the gift-chip Kaled had an idea. As he approached his uncle, the Miraluka expected his hand holding the gift-chip to him.

“Here.” Kaled spoke with a smile on his face. “I… didn’t really plan for a prize so consider this a gift. For the baby.”

Wyn grinned and carefully accepted the gift-chip. “Stay golden, kid,” he said as he tucked the gift away into one of his pockets. Then he added, patting Socorra’s belly and whispered loudly (more like a stage whisper without realizing it) “See that? No need to kick your mom so much, there’s plenty of people excited to meet you when you’re ready to come out.”

Ele watched his friends on the dance floor, excited about their win. They looked so happy together. He was so preoccupied that be didn’t notice Doon approach him.

Hearing the Shistavanen speak, he turned to his voice.

“Hey, Captain. I have been enjoying myself, thank you. What can I do for you?”

Ele looked to the captain of the Voidbreaker and accepted gift. He opened the package to reveal a pair of silvery textured gloves. The fabric was of a fine and reverent quality and looked quite expensive. The Miraluka wrapped his arms around Doon in a hug.

“Thank you for this gift, Doon. I would be honored to dance with you.”

I haven’t gone anywhere, she wanted to say, but it made her think twice on what the statement meant.

With the awkward hug Socorra released a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding all that time. They pulled apart and she slowly looked the other woman up and down, costume and belly and all, for the first in what felt like a year- or clearly at least six to nine months. The older woman’s hands were clammy and slightly tremoring as the younger held them. Her brows deeply furrowed.

“Sober…ing,” she eventually and quietly replied. “…I think.”

Socorra moved back to the table, clutching it and holding her breath as she slowly lowered herself down into the chair again. A wince from the deep scars stretching, always worry they would reopen, but at least no falling like a turtle this time.

Atyiru just smiled at her, settling down at the table too. It was a very good table, being very polite of the three humongous bellies bulging against it more than under it. She eased back with one hand on her own belly, and the other found one of Sock’s and held. The Socorran’s were rough with old burns and war wounds. Atyriu’s were perfectly, disconcertingly smooth, synthetic skin stretched over woven metal and light. Her scars no longer told her stories, because they were all obliterated. Socorra’s body was a litany, rebuild and repaved and riddled.

“You look beautiful tonight, Socky,” the Miraluka said softly, and meant it. “You know, who might be good to talk to? Satsi. She had Samantha, and well, you haven’t seen her medical records, but you’ve met her, yes? I think she could advise on some of what you’re thinking, better than I could.”

Socorra’s ruby lips slightly parted as she stared at the gift. “Kaled…ni bey fiera de Valle. We are proud of you.”

Her head tilted to the side a little as she looked up to him. Her only other gift was a valentine from Kirra, and this was just as meaningful.

“Danci, Nephew. Is very kind of you. We no have anything yet, so you can pick? But not diaper, I working overtime for that.”

“Psh he kick hard because he yours. Mischief want to play all night on work night.” A slight tease.

She studied Atyiru’s hand holding hers again, really looked at it for the first time in years. The farmer’s callouses were gone, the constellations wiped. A brand new tapestry. The Miraluka had come back as perfect. A Goddess, loved and worshipped. The Socorran, back as broken, erased from history, abandoned by all she loved. A year later they still couldn’t be more opposite.

“You were always Turhaya, the bright star. Just more radiant now.”

I am Oblivyn, the void. A black hole that–-

Wait, Satsi?!

Socks nearly did a doubletake - single-take? - that someone, anyone would propose willingly talking to that woman.

“I…met…Satsi. I made deal with the devil. Wh.. what I be thinking that Satsi help with?”

The name having been spoken three times already, Socorra quickly laid her other hand reassuringly on Wyn’s.

Normally such a request would’ve been nerve wracking for the Miraluka, but he was quite confident with himself. This night, he.was almost without fear and set aside his gloves as he stood next to Doon. A night of fun and practice was eagerly accepted by the Jedi.

“Lead the way, Doon Sulvir.”

Wyn mimed drawing a circle around his chest and then dotting it in the middle. A silent prayer to himself: Saint Wyn.

Tali let out a deep breath. It seemed the previous Clan-wide goings on had led to some obvious romance, the results of which were being on obvious display at the party. She was happy for them all, of course, but even so the sheer sudden number of rounded bellies, pregnant or merely sympathetically so, was making her queasy. Making her way to the bar, she drummed her fingers on the counter while trying to blot out the waves of motherhood oozing through the Force before placing her order. “One Wildspace, if you can make it?” she said through fanged dentures.

When the waltz had closed, Caleb, chuckling softly, excused himself from the next dance. Mune was not ready to stop dancing, though. They glanced around, grinning softly at seeing Doon and Eleceos.

Mune padded past them and over to the kids. They gave a warm smile to Leda and Carr, making it reassuring and kind. Bruised egos healed. They turned that gaze on Noga, “Care to join me for a dance, Noga?”

“Uh,” Noga articulated, juice cup lowering from his mouth. He’d started zoning out a little on his comm once assured his sister was fine, just sitting with everyone. His blue eyes darted over to their parents, then back. “…suuure, Missus Cinteroph.”

Setting down his glass, the Mirialan teen got up and brushed off his shorts and shirt as if expecting crumbs, then offered Mune his hand. It was still weird to look down at the Shistavanen now, just compared to last year.

Mune took the offered hand in one of their own and guided the teen onto the dance floor. “Mune is fine; missus makes me sound old. I am only twenty-four.”

Once on the dance floor, Mune turned, so they faced each. “You know how to lead?”

Noga snorted a little at that, resisting comment that twenty four was old. Papi wasn’t much older in years, and he was Papi.

“Cora taught us some,” the Mirialan replied, and again offered his hands, more positioning this time. “Ay, ain’t promise it’ll be no show tho.”

The Shistavanen laughed softly at Mirialan’s snort. “Just wait until you are twenty-four, then we will have this discussion again.”

Mune smiled and took those hands. They moved gracefully but, taking Noga’s words to heart, chose to dial them back. They did not want to show the young man up, after all, so they began with a basic set of steps to get them going, trusting Noga to take the lead.

“` Marick moved about after checking his datapad quickly.

"One Wildspace,” the former Battleteam leader said.

Kirra waved a hand mystically towards the cup to ‘be-witch’ it. “`

“Why Satsi?” Socorra repeated, more forcefully. “Because I no talk? No, no I talk.” …Said the career intelligence officer and Seeker.

She tapped Wyn on the arm with her hand. “What all I like again? How you say? Jala.. jalape- … pepper brine, with strawberry, and icecream! Real spicy, hot. Really hot, burn eyebrow off just sniffing. With caramel, cool hwhip and chalk dust.”

Socks leaned in to whisper to Wyn. “Should I tell about… the plate? From Seraph? Kark, what else I been doing? Warring? Healing. Working? Working. Getting karkin’ stabbed. Working.“

Atyriu just smiled, shushing.

“Socky, dear, no no, you’re fine! Ashla and Bogan. I don’t suggest Satsi because she’s a good interrogator,” abject distaste appeared a flashfire that faded in the Miraluka’s tone, “but because she’s one of the only women I have ever met with quite so many scars, of which I mean mental and the physical, some ninety percent of her body, including– areas. And she still managed to have her first baby. My body is…rather cruelly perfect. And my healing makes the process rather no fuss. I thought maybe she’d have some advice for you.” Lower, she muttered, “Goodness snicker doodles, you’d think I was summoning a demon…”

Across the room, the doors opened, then closed again. Nothing seemed to come in. Unless one looked closely. Caught the slight distorted shimmer in the air…

Eleceos allowed Doon to take the lead as they entered the dance floor. Surprisingly, even with their height difference, the two moved well together. The footwork of the dance made Eleceos remember the times that Atyiru would teach him things like dancing.

The love and admiration he held for his cousin allowed him to grow into the man he was becoming. Eleceos smiled as the good memories flowed inside him. He never wanted this feeling to end.

“Oooh, who’s casting spells on my drink?” Tali mused with a grin. “I hope this doesn’t turn me into a newt.” Picking up the glass, she tried to take a sip but found the dentures a bit too restricting and plucked them out before going for a proper taste. “I think your spell didn’t vork, unless it vas meant for flavor, vhich is spot-on.”

“` Kirra beamed and giggled. "No newt, silly! It make boot-a-ful! It worked!”

“Beautiful, dear,” Marick tried to quietly correct the young witch.

“`

A pair of darker splotches of purple flared to life beneath her freckled cheeks. “You’re quite the vitchlette. You’ll be studying Alchemy before long if you keep that up. Maybe Marick can borrow you his oldt study notes? I think mine vere lost…in a fire.” She sipped her drink, only mildly traumatized by long-lost academia.

“Ah,” she said. “We almost lost baby already.” Socorra pulled Atty’s hand to her belly where the front scar was. “But not because of body, because I do stupid. He should have died and it my fault. Ruka or the crystal shards stopped sword from twisting. Hopefully not Ruka, I owe him enough.”

Her pale eye flicked up and darted into the crowd, looking, sensing, for Rogon. He wasn’t there, or wasn’t there yet.

The woman sighed a very long sigh and kept the Miraluka’s hand there if she wanted. “Was around Kirra too much, she make clock scream. Wyn no wanted catch pregnancy, but I think he got little too close too.”

Atyiru left her hand, as though to be closer to feeling her little nephew as much as to be closer to Socorra.

“Mmm, the Force works in mysterious ways. Sometimes, it knows what we truly want, and it moves us accordingly.”

“Wyn, earmuffs.”

She leaned closer to Atty and whispered. “I think he enjoy more than me. He no know yet, but I surprise bought big gadget that simulate pregnancy. I use illusion at home and he have this for while I at work. Is very heavy, kicks in bladder and make you pee. Shocks for contractions. I think Wyn will like it. Until the shocks, maybe.”

If she’d has eyes, the Miraluka might have blinked. As it was, she just made a sound of semi interest and confusion and commented, “I think this is where he would say, ‘kinky?’”

Wyn moved his hands obediently over his ears, but left a small gap with his fingers. He closed both eyes but then opened one.

She snorted loudly - actually physically snorted. “Okay maybe he love it more than like it.”

With Mune moving to a very simple set, Noga was able to lead smoothly enough. He took over with one of the court dances Cora had taught them all, guiding Mune by the hand and shoulder.

“Soz…” he said eventually, figuring it was small talk time. “How’s it going, ay?”

In walked a face that was perhaps a stranger to most folks in the room. The woman was dressed in very nearly all leather. From tight leather pants tucked into ankle boots that were tightly laced. Her top was sleeveless and just as tight as the pants, containing what appeared to be a robust chest. Her cybernetic left arm was on full display. Sunglasses covered her eyes and her short white hair was left loose. The scarlet lipstick was shocking in contrast to her alabaster complexion.

The Umbaran scanned the room. Her eyes dwelled for a moment upon the Togorian across the room. The Togorian, in turn, met her gaze. He arched a brow but said nothing, instead heading to the bar to get another drink.

Mune smiled, “It goes well.”

The Shistavanen followed Noga’s lead. Every step was perfectly in time with the music. “Thank you, for being a good friend to Carr. Our mother. She told me back home, he was a longer. I appreciate you and Leda, for the kindness you have shown him.”

Zig padded over the to DJ booth and whispered something to Ace. The Fade blinked a few times but then nodded.

She looked around at… everyone. Side conversations, dancing…laughter. She could hear the smiles and her heart lifted faintly against the wake of recent events.

This is it. This is why we fight. This is what they gave everything to protect.

Zig watched as Marick lifted Kirra up again and let her sit on his shoulder. The child laughed and the stone faced warrior that had recruited her and trusted her with his family, smiling.

She looked at a costumed Ruka. Mune being themself. Even Doon, the grizzled mercenary turned captain, Tolerating his costume.

She might not be captain anymore, but Zig Kaliska was not going to run or hide. Whatever threat lingered or came next. Monster, demi god, or otherwise. They would face it. Together.

Arcona was her home now. She felt moisture at the side of her cheek. She sniffed, wiped the side of her face with the back of her hand and shook her head.

Just in time for the music to shift. The lighting in the room changed. From the rotating sentry in the ceiling, the reflection of of light and faint smoke creating a dance of what looked to be small flying creatures. Glowing with an faint fire.

A familiar, upbeat, happy synthesized beat thrummed.

A few people might have sighed. But Zig did not care. It had been nearly a year, hadn’t it, since the Gala. Time was a bit blurry, but who cared. She had grown and learned a lot since then.

Just as the synth intro ended, Zig maneuvered her way towards Zuza, who was not hard to find.

Zig smiled, flushed, and extended a confident hand out towards her favorite fairy.

“May I have this dance,” she asked, just as the well worn lyrics began their cadence.

You would not believe your eyes…

Ele matched Doon’s movements, doing his best to not overshadow or show up the much larger partner. He could fell Doons attempts to keep his mind ear and full of warm thoughts. The Miraluka appreciated that after their talks in the past, Doon still tried to help him with his physical touch issues.

“Doon, I appreciate what you’re doing, but you don’t have to tip tow around me. I can handle it. Especially today, I feel free of my control issues right now.” Ele allowed what he said to sink in a bit before continuing. “Perhaps after we’re finished dancing you’d join Mune and I and whoever else? We were going to play some sort of game over at our table.”

“Atyiru,” she started, a far cry from the bosom wife.

The woman went quiet again, warring over her own thoughts and the words to express them. This moment was only temporary, Socorra recognized. Fleeting illusions. But despite it all, she couldn’t help but want to enjoy it while it was still there.

“…I missed you,” she finished.

Kaled stood ideally by, listening to people around chatting. It almost felt like a bliss. Being in the same room with his clan’s man. His family.

The Miraluka couldn’t help but smile as he heard Socorra and Atyiru talking together. He tried to listen to something else, another conversation or music played on the speaker. But he could help but hear Mandalorian’s words.

Illusions ha?

Kaled couldn’t help but remember the talk he had with Socorra. About how we really are all alone. She used the word ‘Illusion’ to describe that feeling of the moment that we are not alone. But he couldn’t help but smile to himself.

“I’ll have to leave.” Arcanist spoke, tapping Wyn on his shoulder and pointing at the entrance.

“I remembered that I left R3 alone at home, don’t want him to worry to much. Will you come by for a visit next week?”

“Anytime, Kal,” Wyn replied easily. “And don’t be a stranger. The Tyris’ will have plenty of need for extra hands very soon…”

Zuza had looked up upon hearing the familiar music, quickly distracted from her sweet drink and spot propped against the bar. Within a few moments, she spotted Zig making her way over and stood straight, a bright smile crossing her face.

She reached out her hand, taking Zig’s and letting the other woman draw her closer before responding. “You can have any dance you want.”

The Human gave Zig’s hand a squeeze and as they made their way toward the dance floor.

Socorra’s brows furrowed and she seemed confused at Wyn’s words. “Do you mean me too? I not in family but will need hands lots too.”

“Well, with you having a baby, and Atyiru having a baby. Both myself and Marick won’t mind having another set of hands around to serve–I mean support Momma”.

With the change in music, Mune let Noga escape. Thanking him for the dance, they padded back to the table they shared with Eleceos, though it appeared the Miraluka was still dancing with Doon.

Carr was about to comment on Noga’s dancing but, decided that he should perhaps avoid commenting on anyone else’s dancing after his performance.

“Ah, silly translation. One day you will know all Olys Corellisi. Then never problem. Basic too boring. It basic.”

Socorra seemed thoughtful for a second before slightly angling her ruby lips to his ear.

”Minmin Larel Valle,” she whispered. “Is beautiful, sah? It mean I love you. Mia amaha, mia falsa, mia brili shelo - my beloved, my true, my shining star.”

Her words were mentally accompanied by the formidable warmth and fire of the Black Sands of Socorro.

As the party wound on, Count Ruka judged judgily while Cora advised him to gentle somewhat. But not too judgily. Nobody even died, got stabbed, had an old enemy/lover appear, got into a screaming match, had their life drained from their body, or got forcibly married by an insane sugar crazed pregnant woman. The worst thing was some drunk-high Miralukas. Satsi didn’t even show up despite being Summoned.

The kids had a nice time. The adults behaved(?). It was a surprisingly tame Arconan party, and he didn’t hate it.

Maybe the new Battle team leader would do…okay.

As he was saying his goodbye’s, Kaled kissed Socorra and Atyiru on the cheek before leaving. He wished them well before saying his goodbye’s to Marick and Wyn respectfully. Promising that he will keep in touch as often as he could.

This night was just what the Miraluka need instead of staying at home and digging through history and studying as he always did. Sometimes it was good to just… relax a little bit with friends and family. Before he left, he made his priority to hug Eleceos, Mune, Diy, Ruka, Cora and especially Doon for organizing such a wonderful event.

I love me too, he responded mentally.

While actively, instead, he simply smiled, took her hand in his, and squeezed gently. Words were wind, and actions would be how he proved himself worthy of the Socorran-Mandalorian warrior.

Mune returned the hug with a smile, “Stay out of trouble, Kaled, it was a pleasure seeing yo this evening.”

It had been quite the pleasant evening, spent with friends, and nothing exploding. Mune and Caleb got in a few more dances, Carr stayed with his friends Noga and Leda chatting about comics for hte rest of the night. The embarassment of their tumble falling away. At some point Carr vanished only to return a short time later with a datapad and ended up with comic books on the screen so the three could read at their table. It was relaxing. Mune rested their head against Caleb’s chest as they swayed to the music that was playing, they could not imagine being anywhere else right then. They would have to thank Doon for sure for putting the costume party together. For now, they would enjoy the rest of the evening ahead.

(While they read, Leda eventually leaned her head on Carr’s shoulder. Sure, bit of a crick in the neck, but he’s cute, it’s cool.)