Cruising In The Stars

[Varyan Starfallen]

Aboard the Eternal Moon, luxury cruise yacht.

How many times did I tell you not to mix the Aragess tomatoes with the Deraven zucchini together? It ruins everything!

Rolling his eyes, the chef jumped towards the counter where one of his assistants was trying to get things ready for the evening banquet. He had been working for the last two years aboard the Eternal Moon, a luxury cruise yacht, basically a superstar destroyer turned into a resort, that traveled to outstanding places across the galaxy. And that name was just cheesy but the rest of the place was great.

It had been sheer luck he had landed the post given how hammered he had been on his interview day. That was the good thing about being a naturally amazing cook. He could pull together a great meal even while sleeping, or when badly hungover.

Sweetheart, just go help Nina. I have this under control. He grinned to Florence who chuckled. Control? Do you mean controlled chaos? He bumped his hip against hers. Chaos isn't my middle name, it's someone else's. His mind briefly drifted to someone who had once been close to him, like only a twin brother could be.

Shoo! The first patrons will be here in two hours! Florence smiled and poked him in the side. Sure thing, boss! He waggled a wooden spoon at her. Don't you dare call me that! You know I hate it!

There was some big event this evening. He didn't really know what and didn't care. What mattered was how delicious the food was, and if he had time to peek out of his kitchen to see what was up, that'd be a miracle!

[Tal Kote]

-It seemed like the older he got the more mature he looked. It wasn't bad considering that he was only 20-years-old and the military leader of the New Republic. He wasn't even expecting any recognition for the rank he held. The best part is that not many people recognized him as the military leader. Why was that? Here of all places? Maybe part of that reason was actually because his hair had grown a little longer. Military personal of any type knew that code stated you had to have a buzz cut. In the back of his mind; he didn't see it necessary and thought it would be a little weird to see himself with extremely short hair. But that was beside the point. Kote was on this luxury cruise yacht for a reason.... vacation. The high general deserved it after all. The conflict between the NR and the Sovereign Galactic Empire. It just seemed like to much to handle.-

-He had arrived early on the vessel; dressed comfortably (with the beanie on his head) and a pair of sunglasses hiding his bright yellow eyes he couldn't help but feel even more relaxed. It was all the better since leaving Telos to come to this ship for a nice time away. Of course he only hopped for the best when leaving Telos. Trouble seemed to find him wherever he went. The ticket for this cruise wasn't cheap either. Tal found himself paying a good sum of credits just to get a descent room here. He didn't care what he got or where just so long as it was a comfy bed. After stashing his suit case in his assigned room it was a good time to take a look around the ship.-

-The place was big, finding himself wandering through hallways leading into different areas. Stepping into the dining area the smell of food caught his sense of smell.-

Yeah, definitely different from what I am used to.

-Light on his feet; Kote moved over to the kitchen door where the delicious smell was coming from. Placing his right hand on the door he paused for a brief moment. Yes the food was coming from here, but he had no right going in to see what the fuss was all about. Sighing he turned away only to notice what looked like the vessel captain approaching him.-

"You must be the ship's entertainment?" -The man questioned. Simply Tal looked at him with a weird expression or look on his face.- "Don't give me that look; I hired you to come here to perform remember. You told us to have a certain set of instruments set up for you.... well for when you do perform. They are this way...." -Grabbing Kote's arm he pulled him over to a small area where there was guitar's, drums, and even a keyboard set up. Tal looked over to the man a little confused.- "Just what you asked for; everything is set up to your request so you need not to worry."

"Okay thanks," -Tal responded calmly.-

"In the meantime; why don't you grab a bite to eat. After all you can't perform on an empty stomach."

-True that; but what was he to eat. As the man stepped away Kote let out a sigh. It seemed as though as he was identity was seen off as some kind of musical performer. Which wasn't bad, because Kote had some experience playing instruments when he was a little kid. After all he was here for vacation so why not.-

[Akilah]

Even though she was here on leisure time, Akilah knew that work never ended and being in the service of the empress only made life more complicated. Though she loved her work and serving the sovereign of the Galactic Empire, Akilah hadn't gotten much time to herself and she determined as the droid carried her bags into the nicely appointed room, that she was going to enjoy every minute. Strolling quietly to the large window that commanded her outside wall, the senior operative enjoyed the view. Sunlight gleaming off of the space station's sharp edges, linked to the immense vessel turned into a massive pleasure liner, and with the planet as it's backdrop, the scene was spectacular.

"Everything's in your closet, ma'am," the droid informed pleasantly. "Should you need any assistance, please don't hesitate to call on your com station."

"Thanks," she removed her comlink and raised it, snapping a pic for later. The first of many, she determined. Leaving her room, the door closed as the droid finally left her alone and Akilah removed her jacket and walked it to the closet, in the adjoining bedroom. Passing the large, thickly padded couch and flanking table, the lighter colors gave her some ideas for her own apartment which she never seemed to have time to visit. Once undressed, Akilah then ran a hot bath and sank into it, two candles lit at either corner as she laid back and closed her eyes.

This is the life.

[Varyan Starfallen]

Preparing everything for the big event that evening was an insane ride and he loved the exciment of making sure that all was perfect. He knew that many didn't understand how he could be so happy stuck in his kitchen during these but he got occasions to have fun in other ways more often that many thought.

He felt exhausted even before the beginning of the banquet, but caf worked its magic and when the first guests arrived, the appetizers were all being arranged on the plates, ready for the serving crew to take everything to the large reception room. He could already hear the musicians playing. He hoped the band and performers would be better than the last time as the clinking and clonking of pans was more harmonious back then!

Boss! I don't know what happened but... In a blink, he had rushed to the cooking apprentice and explained that nothing was wasted and patiently showed him - even in the eye of the storm - how to make up for the tiny mistake he had made.

[Tal Kote]

((ooc- Sorry for the late response.))

-Walking through the reception room; Tal had an overall glance of what everything was like. The room was big and well decorated. Aside from where the music was being played he enjoyed this rather well. The mandalorian taken notice of the workers on staff. Not just the musical aspect of everything but more then that. It was a great feeling of relaxing. Other then the original work he had back home... this was so much better. No paperwork, meetings, or training regiments. He stepped over to a bar area and waved down the bartender.-

"Hot glass of mandalorian tea with honey please."

"Sure," -The bartender responded preparing the drink.- "I think I've seen you before? Are you one of the musical performers hired for this trip?"

"You would win that bet," -Tal responded calmly.-

"Well I hope you do better then those lazy guys out there."

-Turning on his seat Kote looked over to a pair of performers trying to get in rhythm of a dance number. Yeah that could go way better. But here was only hopping that Tal could do well as well... it has after all been a while since he touched a guitar let alone sing and dance. All of that was laid to rest when he joined the NR. Adjusting his posture he faced back to the bartender who placed the hot glass of mandalorian tea in front of him.-

[Akilah]

Dressing up for the first time in a long time - and not for work - Akilah applied just enough makeup and then touched her forefinger to a perfume bottle, then touched each side of her neck and lower, on her chest. Having not done this in a long time, she would have preferred to be sitting out on a porch, in a lounger and overlooking some rolling green mountains, but this would do. Rising, she moved from her room and quietly strolled toward the turbolift cluster and waited, gaining the attention of not a few. Grinning to them, she noted every face as was trained.

"My," an older, well dressed man smiled. "You look divine this evening."

"Thank you," Akilah appreciated the compliment. Preferring that to Warrior Goddess that Sebarek always loved torturing her with. Once the door opened, they filed inside and rode the lift down to the middle level which housed the dining rooms. Exiting, she took in the expensive artwork, plush carpets and elegant lighting that had been added to the vessel to make everyone feel at home, or like they were in a holovid, one. She had seen the royal palaces and noticed a similar taste in decor, though with far fewer droids and guests.

Soon, she entered the large, sunken dining room and took a moment to glance out through the large transparisteel walls and gazed out into the galaxy. A raised bar to the far right overlooked the lower sitting area complete with large, round tables with enough seating for ten. Servant droids tended to each of the tables as she continued downstairs and toward a table, then sat down. Opening up the cloth napkin neatly rolled upon her plate, she glanced to the two couples at the table, just across from her as they enjoyed one another's company.

[Varyan Starfallen]

The music he heard whenever the kitchen door opened drove him crazy. He wasn't much of a musician, but it didn't mean he liked putting up with bad tunes. I'm going to turn on the volume here! Who knows, maybe people will actually ask they put it on the speakers in the dining room. He caught a few funny glances though people were used to his quirks by now.

The first dishes were already on their way to several tables, as well as certain special appetizers heading to the bar. Tonight was one of these big nights for the resort, and he had to make sure all was good. He didn't trust premade stuff, or some of the chefs of the other restaurants aboard the yacht.

He was rocking along the music he did put on louder. Maybe the lazy and talentless musicians would get the hint and just give room to someone else. Or his manager would once again show up and tell him to be more discreet, which might turn out as an interesting confrontation again.

[Tal Kote]

-Leaning back in his seat; Tal couldn't help but notice the music coming from the kitchen area. Someone was trying to drown out the "entertainment" that was currently playing. And who could really blame them; the music at all wasn't to good to begin with. Only to compare it of the music coming from the kitchen... that was a little better for his taste. After a while the mandalorian figured it would be best to just start on some better entertainment. Finishing up the last of his drink he pulled himself up and walked over to where the current band was playing. Seeing the blond hair 19-year-old they stopped for a brief moment.-

"Follow my lead." -Tal said picking up a rather nice electric guitar. Plugging the amp into it he placed both hands on it trying to get a good feel of it. After a while he strummed it into a solo to get everyone's attention that seemed a little bored out of their mind.-

[Akilah]

Enjoying the appetizers that she had gathered on the way to her table, Akilah glanced around to the three couples seated across from her as she ate, noting several tells that gave away their possible professions as well as how close they were. Two brothers and a sister all having gotten with friends and friends of friends. None wore rings, so she knew that this was one of those trips that was just to have fun, so she left them alone. It was then that she finally heard the horrid tunes from the stage, though they had a few things going for them. No one seemed to care at this point, spending more time ordering and taking in the amazing view as well as scouting possible dates for later.

It wasn't until the new guitarist stepped up that Akilah finally glanced over to the group and it took a long moment for her to realize who the lead was. She nearly dropped her glass of wine and then recovered as the Imperial agent turned back toward the table, keeping her composure as she had been trained and practiced over and over. Knowing that he was aboard meant that he may have others watching over him which meant that if anything would be coming down the pipe during this trip for her, she would have to keep that in mind.

Approaching with a platter of dishes, the waitress set a plate of seafood that smelled amazing. Her mouth now watering, she finished the small piece of fruit and prepared to eat as the band played.

[Varyan Starfallen]

Hey, there's finally someone decent on stage! One of the waitresses called out as she came to fetch some more dishes that were ready. You kidding me? He smirked and turned down the volume of the music blasting in the kitchen. Heard better, but heard much worse! He peered through one of the openings. Bored rich kid who came here with mommy and daddy maybe. At least, he's some sense of rhythm so that's a nice change!

Varyan! The Dronasks want you to show up at their table. They didn't get a chance to compliment you yesterday!

Can't you tell I'm in the middle of something?

Varyan, they're the one who made the donation for the new oven set!

True. Okay guys, don't ruin anything while I'm off! Be back ASAP!

Trotting outside of the kitchen, he walked to the table where the noble couple - or some big finance shots, he never remembered, beamed as soon as he greeted them and began to compliment him about the food.

[Tal Kote]

((ooc- Not sure what you guys like in music so I am just using the "shuffle" feature on my iPhone to pick songs.))

-Shortly after the first solo to gain at least some attention from the crowd; Kote glanced over to the rest of the band. Nodding to them he moved into a song with some vocals into it along with drums and base guitar. He didn't want to disappoint, but at least this would be a little better then what was playing a while ago. Yellow eyes glanced into the crowd as he continued all the way through the song singing it and then pulling a few solos here and there before it ended finally.-

[Akilah]

Eating quietly, Akilah soon noticed the head chef approach a neighboring table and found herself staring at the handsome man for an extended period. Way too cute to be hiding in the kitchen, that's for sure. She was sure that Sebarek would agree as she grinned and went back to her meal. The compliments being showered on him by the regally dressed couple no doubt boosting his morale as she assumed that most typically kept their opinions to themselves unless something totally sucked. She had heard more of that than anything and perhaps he had too.

Glancing once more before he disappeared back into the cave again, she wondered if maybe she could come up with something to compliment him on, then realized that it had nothing to do with cooking. Chuckling to herself, brown eyes returned to the dish as she enjoyed the combination of seasonings. One of the perks of traveling so much, she mused. Soon, the New Republic general shifted into another song and brought her mind back to the present and what the future may bring.

[Varyan Starfallen]

He spared a look at the guy playing on stage. There was hope. For a likely rich kid bored to death, the boy was doing great. That was definitely funnier to listen to than the previous idiots! He wondered why the musicians hadn't been that good tonight to begin with. Was surprising. And annoying!

From the corner of his eye, he caught sight of the gorgeous brunette and smiled to her briefly, before he returned his attention to the noble couple. He thanked them again and was hoping to get a chance to chitchat with the beauty nearby but he was promptly called back to the kitchen.

Once there, he took care of what he had to right away, before preparing one of his special appetizers and had it sent to the brunette's table.

[Tal Kote]

-Tal wasn't really sure how many more songs he could really play. For sure he knew he had everyone's attention. Some started to dance to the music that was playing while others where singing along to the songs they knew. And others... those critic type individuals just looked away. Yeah they didn't like what was being played. So what could he do? Go more upbeat with the songs he had sung. Or keep in down and dark. Thing is if he wanted to get dancing and craziness going; he would have to go a little more upbeat. Clearing his throat.-

-He began playing a slow intro to the next song...- "Hope you are ready to get loud everyone, because this next song demands that you get loud." -Slowly the song began to play. It was steady and easy, and very understandable. Strumming the guitar he let out an exhale now diving into the song.-

[Akilah]

Noting the looks on the older faces in the crowd as the New Republican officer began singing, she was interested to see that the blonde knew how to play to at least the younger crowd. Perhaps that's how he gained his position, she mused. Imperial officers seemed more rigid and mature, but totally different culture between the two. That's how the Empire had garnered the strongest navy and army in the galaxy. Continuing to eat the main dish, she continued enjoying the meal and for now, also her anonymity.

As the Mandalorian finished the first set, most of the sons and daughters of the liner's clientele clapped and whistled their approval prompting her to join them. Keep up pretenses, she grinned.