High-Rollers and Low-Lifes

[Arriana Rezner]

The ground floor of Cloud City's famous Holiday Towers was alive with light and noise. Customers poured through the huge gilded doors of the casino-cum-resort, some heading straight for the sabacc tables and slots, whilst others took a detour to the bar, to take in the sights and sounds (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVggc7SUhj4) on offer.

That it was a big night for the place was no secret. The party taking place in the casino's upper-levels had been the talk of Cloud City for the last week and invites were precious as spice. Some had been offered as prizes in competitions at the casino itself, others simply sold to the highest bidders. There were a select few, even, which had been free of charge – to special friends of the management only, of course. There was a knowing, distinctly tongue-in-cheek dress-code in place, specifying an outfit of some sophistication, as would have been worn by a gangster of the kind seen in old holofilms. So far, the arrived guests had taken to it well, aware of the humor in it all as they tipped their fedoras and straightened the lapels of their zoot-suits. Who knew a Rodian could look so dapper?

Stood on a balcony which overlooked one of the largest gaming floors, Arriana Rezner took one last satisfying glance at the cash changing hands beneath her before turning back to the growing gathering of party guests. With a string of Alzoc pearls around her neck and corseted pin-stripe dress (http://www.findcoolclothes.com/products/large_photos/gangstadress.jpg) hugging her figure – a change from the usual utilitarian attire – the party's hostess looked every bit the part. Costumes were all about deception, and that was exactly what this evening would rely upon too. There was business to be done, but it would be under the guise of pleasure...

[Endo]

:: Endo had taken to the idea with pride, wearing a loud orange coat and a black tie. He was accompanied by a number of Chattza Enforcers, wearing a similar style, but far less garish then their boss ::

[Varla]

:: Varla arrived in a <a href=http://imagecache.asos.com/inv/P/28/186/351525/Purple/image1xxl.jpg>Purple Silk Fringe Dress</a>. Her hair was in tight curls, and velvet gloves and a feather in her hair completed the look ::

[I'nu]

When credits are low, just sale, sale, sale! Everything went. The shop was down, and all was for not. A lot of problems had been stirring in I'nu's part of town, and he had to make moves. Good moves. Fun moves. The party had left a few ears pricked. People heard across the galaxy. Mostly associates, but they were people - business folk. I'nu knew a lot of people. It was his business to know. Not that he had a hand in anything big, but his ear was as good as any's and he was on Bespin with a hop, skip and jump.

No heed, just speed.

I'nu needed a new place. In the mean time, he had to party. Fun was the anitode to all the craziness his life had become. Running from bounty hunter's, and playing hunter the next wasn't anyones idea of fun. What I'nu needed was a group of stranger and no inhibition. Arriana Reznar provided that, and all I'nu had to do was dig in his closet of goodies and put something together.

Oh, and did he put something together.

A white fedora hid his fuzzy top, splashing well with the white shirt, and bold red tie. The tie wasn't busy, only simple. Strong and elegant were the words, and nothing more. Vintage was the aim, but he was concise in his shot. Over it all sat the jacket, black as a Yavin night. All was cut slim, fitting, and accentuating. Some girl (who liked him) handled the work. It wasn't an orange zoot, or pin stripe, but it was debonair. I'nu smiled, smirked, and faux seriousness as he enter. The hands were in the pockets, and the calm was established. A droid, from long, long ago, would say "Commentary: The meatbag is clearly trying to be cool," but all I'nu only said this:

"Fuh-get bout it."

The guy at the door looked at him weird. He was handling coats, but I'nu didn't have one to take off. Obvious, enough, right? Well, this guy was an idiot, and the words didn't resonate. All he did was stare at him confusingly as the mixed mutt strolled off casually, blending in with the crowd. The objective wasn't the bar, not yet -- he wanted to mingle. Even though all the fun would come from the drinks, booze, and stuff, his wants were the people. Despite all the trouble they caused, it still remained one of those factoids about I'nu...

...He like people.

Or at least the attention they gave him. One or the other, it was too hard to decipher.

[Jhyx]

Oh but he was handsome.

In fact, he was probably the most handsome gent here in the whole establishment. Sauntering about in his (rather dashing) pinstripe suit, the little Isnik was extra careful to make sure that his wide-brimmed hat stay secure on his head. He'd even stuck a peacock feather in the hatband so people would notice him - well, so the ladies would notice him.

Of course he'd not received an invitation, but Jhyx had found out that the lady of them all, the beauty among beauties, the most scrumptious creature (besides him of course), was going to be at this party. And he was determined to see her; security be damned!

Oh Varla, his queen!

She was the bell of the ball to be sure!

But... he still had to find her, and ever-cautious of the feet all around him, Jhyx ducked to and fro. A pink and purple sky lily clutched in one tiny paw, he managed to find himself a vantage point, and perched atop on of the many security cameras littering the room's interior, he gazed out at the milling throng.

Every so often the Isnik would adjust his oversized tie and jacket lapels.

Oh Varla, where are you... ?

[Arriana Rezner]

The crowd was littered with faces familiar and otherwise. Arriana made eye-contact with a number of casual acquaintances, who tipped their drinks or smiled in return. There would be plenty of time to touch base with each guest of importance throughout the night – there was certainly no sense in appearing too eager to win their business. Instead, the Cathar elected to simply stroll amongst the crowd, so that she might see everyone and (perhaps more importantly) let them see her. As she walked, she held her head high and smiled a smile of understated pride.

[Za'in]

Blow, sneeze, repeat!

Za'in had a cold. He didn't want to be here. Not that he wasn't one for the scene, just it wasn't the place he'd prefer to be at that moment. More likely a bed, or something more comfortable. A suit, a tie, and hard-soled shoes weren't what Za'in considered comfortable. Clearly, he wasn't the business type. Not even his partner was the business type - but that why they were successful.

They moved under, around, and above the radar. Nothing about them was truly grand. Awkward, unusual, but not exactly grand.

Blow, sneeze - no repeat!

The hankercheif was pulled from his nose. Well, more like yanked. Then, it was dropped off in the doorman's hand. The door guy was waiting for a tip, or was it his jacket, but whatever it was he wanted he didn't get it. No one really puts their hand out in hopes of getting a snotty rag. At least no one that isn't a mother.

Mom's have it horrible.

Dads do too. Raurn wasn't anybody's dad, not to his knowledge, but it felt like it with Za'in. So, he didn't come. This was a solo night for the business. Invitations had been sent, and public relations were in place, but that was more Z's department. He handled the spotlight a bit more...graciously. Even if it was with a snot rag in hand.

A lazy wave went to a few associates, acquaintaces, and supposed friends, and he trailed off. The crowd was like a sea, and he just floated along. The hope was to get to the bar, hide for a second, but that'd take a while. Everyone knew everybody, and they wanted to annoy each other with stop and chats about senseless blabber. Za'in wasn't interested...Still had to do it though.