Victory for the people. (OPEN)

[Ash]

”How are we looking,Everything still on track?”

Vincent, looking as professional as always in a crisp, well fitted suit, spoke up to an equally well dressed woman. Laurel Ryder, head of Legal for Legion looked up from the horderves that were set up. It was still a bit too early for most every other senator and other important individuals of influence from around the galaxy.

”We are looking quite well, Vince. Doors are set to be open here in the next half hour or so as soon as our security forces finish working with Prazhi forces.”

Laurel fully faced her boss, and the leader of Legion, a wry smile on her face.

”Just because this is a neutral planet doesn’t mean that theft isn’t a thing.”

“Very true, Laurel. Good work on that.” Vincent said.

”You should thank Myu and Kurt, who are working diligently with Prazhi. I know it’s not easy to try to have any sort of security on this planet, but with Prazhi taking the lead, it was enough to convince them to allow us to assist.”

”Laurel, you are amazing. Try not to spoil your appetite now”

Vince smiled as Laurel gave him a sour smile, then he turned around and headed up the staircase of the audience room they had reserved for several hours. It was just after noon now, and Vince expected all VIP’s to have plenty of time to relax and drink and enjoy a night off.

In the time before this little party officially started, Vincent had several important documents to review before everything kicked off.

Before he knew it, nearly an hour has passed and Vincent was almost bodily pulled from the room by several members of Legion intent of getting him to socialize with everyone. With a genuine smile on his face, Vince started to make his rounds around the audience room, meeting and visiting with dignitaries from around the Galaxy.

[Ghostie]

It seemed as if the Slepnir Plaza Hotel attracted all types of lifeforms. Kol Gedyc remembered the last time he was inside of this hotel, several months ago. That had been quite the unusual double homicide case, which saw the Jedi Master working alongside one of the most premier Sith, a certain Darth Solis. And now as he was transported through the gleaming golden doors and into the large, ornate hotel lobby on the other side, the opulence of the place was lost on Kol. He instead was taken back to that time with Solis. It hadn’t been all, completely bad. In fact, it had been quite eye-opening. As sentimental as the Jedi Master was feeling in that moment, he had to give a small smile.

It was almost unnerving, how much he was getting used to working with the Sith.

What was also unnerving was this new enemy who was becoming more commonplace. Slavers. Not one group in particular, but a archetype in general. Whether they were Zyggerians, like the operation that Kol had helped Keres shutdown on Saleucami, or something as legal and as prettified as this faction called Legion. Kol, like most Jedi, hated the practice. Sentient, living, feeling beings should always be free to make their own decisions. That was just right and there was no denying the fact, no matter what jargon or loopholes there were to hide behind, or blasters and neural whips to enforce your ideals.

From what Kol knew of Legion, they were a small, regional faction, somewhere between Hutt Space and the Republic. They had a few holdings, and a military force to back it up. They sold aid and supplies to both sides during the War, and they had an indentured servitude program. A program that Kol knew, that he felt, was little more than slavery. Yet, here the Jedi Master was, attending a party thrown by the head of Legion, a singular being named Vincent Krenth. He was human, or human enough from what the Jedi Master knew. And he wanted to do away with the forced labor that Legion employed.

It was an interesting turn of events, to say the least. And seeing as how Legion was close enough to Republic Space, the Jedi wanted to make sure that everything went well as the labor workers were released. In fact, the Order had been extended an invitation to send their own delegate. An invitation that had been given to Kol, from the Council. If Krenth were to take back his promise of freeing the slaves, Kol was to step away and report back, and further steps would be taken from there. If someone tried to forcibly stop Krenth, Kol was to step in on the man’s behalf.

The Jedi Master had worn his very dignified, very plain Jedi robes for the occasion. Kol found that they could fit any sort of dress code, and no one would say anything. It had saved him many times from having to wear a suit and tie. The cowl was pulled back as the man had stepped into the hotel, and his lightsaber was hanging loosely at his waist, the silver standing out against the creams of his tunic. The robes offered him a wide berth from other patrons and party-goers, and yet gave him everyone’s eyes, as well. Smiling at the few faces he caught as he passed, Kol found the particular lobby easily enough, and handed over his invitation to the men at the doorway.

[sparrow]

An opportunity to get a read on their leader, to see if this pawn has the potential to become a larger piece on the board. Simple observe and report.

Different names for different places. She had let this one go unused as the war between the Republic and Sith reached its height, but now, during this period of relative calm, the occasionally return to the Exchange helped to bring in some credits while keeping her skills sharp.

“Serin Taborwyn. Exchange. Boss Ulig couldn’t make it, and sends me in his stead,” she replied to the doorman, as a single gloved finger moved slightly aside the veil that hung from her hat, revealing her brown eyes. Doing a quick search on his datapad, the doorman nodded, and motioned for her to pass through the scanner. Prazhi took its restrictions on carried weaponry very seriously after all these days. Pass of course.

She reached up to adjust the shawl that was draped over her shoulders slightly as she stepped into the main audience room, and let the veil fall back into place, obscuring her facial features. There were already a number of guests already milling about, and she thought spied a Jedi in the corning of her eye, wearing the standard issue Order robes. A bit obvious, but a distraction from other more hidden members, perhaps? No sign of the host just yet.

[Ash]

Vincent adjusted the tie on his tuxedo, and then moved his cuffs of his shirt a little, forcing the material down his arms slightly. He was smiling at the amount of people here: senators from the Republic worlds he helped out. Contacts that he knew were independent but he still lent assistance to. And even out there... a Jedi? Yup, it was really hard to mistake those robes.

They were a bit different that what he saw on Jaidan, a nice Echani Jedi he ran into not that long ago, but he was sure that was because he was Echani and was just living up to his heritage. Letting his eyes scan over the room again, he didn't immediately see anyone representing the Sith or Imperial's, but he half expected that.

Wearing his smile still, he made his way around the room, being stopped by Andrea, his little Bystkyn secretary. He didn't see any of her sisters around right now.

"Here you go, Dear," She spoke, handing him a glass of champagne. "Figured you could use a drink."

"Thanks, Andie. You saved me from having to go look for one of my own. Could you find one for the Jedi over there?"

Andrea nodded excitedly and scampered off. Vince smile grew as he turned and made his way over to the Jedi.

"Master Jedi, I am excited you could make it. Vincent Krenth. Please, call me Vince."

Intelligent eyes almost seemed to bore into Kol as Vince reached out his hand to shake the Jedi's, a polite expression now on his face.

------------------------------------

Meanwhile, someone else was stalking the room, a man of dark hair and eyes, and in a soldiers dress uniform rather than a tuxedo. A colonel rank was showing on his jacket's collar. He was scanning people coming in, and one caught his eye. He wasn't close enough to hear what was being said, but his senses were screaming at him.

Tugging at his jacket, this man made his way over to the newest woman to join the event party. He had his left hand in his pants pocket, and the other hung at his side.

"Hey there, need an escort around? Colonel Bit Rook, at your service. Who do you represent, if you don't mind me prying."

His cocky, flirty smile was in plain view, but his eyes showed ready for anything, a trait that he couldn't quite shrug off since his time with the Exchange.

[sparrow]

She was scanning the room for signs of any other Jedi hidden amongst the other partygoers when she was approached by a man in a soldier’s attire, with a rank symbol on his collar that she did not recognize. Probably one of this Legion’s own designs, she decided.

“Serin Taborwyn, Dalaang Exchange,” she replied to his question. She had been tempted to tell him to buzz off, but her purpose here meant that she couldn’t just give in to her anti-social tendencies. “I suppose I could use a guide, Colonel Rook. Ulig was the one who normally handled dealings with the Legion, so I’m afraid I’m not as familiar with your organization as I should be.”

[Ash]

Boot looked down at the woman as she started her name and who she represented. Serin Taborwyn of the Exchange. His brown eyes scanned her over once again, assessing her as he would an opponent, even if he knew this place was as safe as can be during this cold war. After a moment, his smile was there in full view again, flashing a set of white teeth.

"Miss Taborwyn, a pleasure it most certainly is. And please, call me Bit. Can I interest you in a drink?"

Bit turned and offered up an arm for Serin take as he motioned over to a table that had glasses of various drinks on it.

"Any questions I can help with? Good old man Vincent should be prepping to give his speech, unless he's distracted by talking with other guests."

He noticed Vince was off talking to the Jedi representative, and he assumed that Vince was still doing the same.

[sparrow]

She kept one hand gripping her shawl and the other by her side as she continued to observe the man, who was now holding out his arm, as if he expected her to take it. Yeah… no. She would walk with him though as they made their way towards the table he had pointed to, as she wondered to herself how exactly it was that she ended up being roped into going to so many social functions. Smalltalk, my deadliest foe.

At least looking over the drink selection served as a good excuse for a few more moments of silence. “So tell me, Colonel,” she said finally, “How did you come to join the Legion?”

[Ghostie]

Over the din of the party and the hustle of the patrons, Kol found himself at the open bar. It seemed that the few glances the party patrons had given them were more of curiosity and somewhat disgust and confusion. None invited him to join them in conversation. That was just fine for the Jedi, however. He wasn’t here to join in the party, but rather to watch and see, for the Council. And a drink or two was not going to keep him from doing his job.

As Kol ordered his beverage and began to sip it, There was suddenly a voice behind his shoulder. Male, and well spoken. Turning on the spot, drink still in hand, Kol found himself face-to-face with the man of the hour himself, Vincent Krenth. Downing the rest of his drink, Kol silently shook the man’s hand with a firm grip, and nodded.

“Jedi Master Kol Gedyc. I’m here simply to observe, and make sure Legion keeps its word.”

The last part wasn’t meant as a threat, or a warning, but an assurance that Kol would see Legion’s slaves were freed. That was, after all, what this party was all about. Taking the drink offered by Vincent’ assistant, Kol swapped glasses with her and his now empty one. Second drink. That’s where he would stop.

“I’m interested about your organization, and whatever you can tell me.”

[Ash]

Bit thought that this woman would take his arm, but didn't show surprise when she didn't. Instead he casually swept his hair back then let his arm fall. Still, she fallowed him over to the bar before she spoke up again. He quirked up an eyebrow, hiding a smile back as best he could.

"Going for the jugular already?"

He spoke with a joke in his voice, a smile overcoming his features once again.

"I use to be in the Exchange, like yourself, but ran into some... misfortune, and ended up getting into some serious trouble and had to sell off my ship to come close to paying off what was due. Things were looking bad until Vincent appeared and offered to pay off the rest of what was owed in exchange for working for Legion for a few years."

Went from a small time smuggler to being in charge of ships and soldiers of his own in a few years. Being a meritocracy had its benefits, and Vince knew how to find the right people.

"Im sure Vinnie would hire you on in a heartbeat, if you came here representing the Exchange."

---------------------------

Vince was glad that the Jedi Master, now named Kol, took the offered drink with some respect. Some people just kinda grabbed their drink and waved whoever handed it to them off. Vince took the seat next to the Jedi master, looking at the champaign inside for a moment before turning his dark eyes on the Jedi master.

"Master Gedyc, there is no reason for me to not keep my word, especially on this peaceful planet."

He fixed the man with a smile before he took a sip of his drink.

Hmm... its a little bitter... should break out some of the real expensive stuff... or maybe some good wine. That would keep everyone happy.

He made a mental note to tell someone the next time the opportunity came up. His eyes flicked back to Kol as he asked for information on Legion.

"We are simple in terms compared to the Republic. In the 20 odd years since its been established, we went from a small company to a massive business and groups of people all under one name. Daalang proved to be a great cornerstone, and with the assistance of surrounding planets, well...

He let his sentence hanging, instead holding out his arms a little. Legion did indeed grow and explode, being noticed immensely now by the galactic community.

"As for the Slavery thing, which I know is all many people seem to care about. A truly outdated practice and not worth the stigma the word entails. Truly not what we do. Take that man over there; Colonel Bit Rook."

Vince pointed idly to a man talking over by a drink table.

"He lost everything due to bad luck. A former Republic pilot turned smuggler up to his armpits dept, even after he sold his prized ship to try to cover it. I swooped in and paid off his dept, in exchange, him working for me for a few years. That would constitute as slavery within the Republic if I am up to date on my laws. Besides him working for me, he is a citizen of Legion and gets full rights and benefits, as much as you would if you swapped to us."

Vince paused for a moment as he took another sip of his drink

"We're doing away with that. 'Freeing the slaves' as it were. "

Vincent turned his eyes back to Kol, assessing how the Jedi would act. He half deflected the Jedi's question, giving some basic information anyone could find, and talking about the main point of what tonight was about. Slavery, but not as one may find in hutt space or outlying places such as Tattooine, was a main boom to Legion in its earlier years, having people help build her up. Soon it switched to a type of timed contract, still with people working under him, and now it was being released. At least in the public eye. He would still keep his eyes open for those who could benefit, and buy their help out if possible. So not entirely different than now. Legion always came first, and growth and expansion came first.

[sparrow]

“And why would I do that?” she asked, a tone of slight amusement in her voice. She had heard this type of pitch before. Straight out of the Exchange playbook.

Well, that wasn’t quite accurate. Every major criminal and underground organized used it in one form or another. Not just the Exchange, but the Suns, the Hutts, you name it. Find someone with useful skills and a large pile of debt, offer to take are of the debt, in exchange for services rendered, make sure the investment was recouped.

As the Exchange bosses would say, “It’s just good business.” Of course, that had been when she was still a teenager, strapped to an operating table covered in burns and recently installed cybernetic parts, so it wasn’t as if she had been in a position to say no at the time.

“It’d just be trading one contract for another.”