Tex looked at Jander and, smiled.As he released Jai from the grip he had around her waist.<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> What's wrong with me he seems to be a friend of Johns turn off the paranoia <!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> Tex told himself.

"Pretty damn good for a guy who's strangling to death in it. There is a trick to getting that collar to not feel like a noose. Want to try it?" Raven asked, grinning.

Well, he didn't say anything, but his face clearly said it all. That darn collar of the dress uniform must have been the result of devious plotting of some nasty sith.

He finnally nodded, aparently having become fed up with the collar in the first place, and Raven quickly unfastened the top button that held the collar in place.

" I don't think there are any others from the NR navy here, other than us anyways, so I don't think there's a point in dieing for their fashion designs."

"So Jandar where ya from?" "I've just gotten back in the business, and all the faces are new ones except for Jai here." Tex looked down at his partner in crime and, smiled.

And, of course my new friend John here who has managed to put up with all my questions about this place, before the reconstruction and, all. He looked at John with respect in his face and, smiled.

OOC: I must have been tired last night. Even as long as I've RP'd a Gand, I forgot about the mandibles. Technically I couldn't have kissed your hand Jai, only mimiced it. My apologies for my error.

IC: "I am Jander Sunstar of Gand. Pleased to meet you Mr. Datoo." He shook Datoo's hand, even as the man tensed and pulled Darklighter to his side. Inside, the Gand mentally frowned. He hadn't meant to offend with his mimicry of an ancient human custom, he'd intended it to show respect. Before he had the chance to reply Sheridan spoke to him.

"I thought that was a Nubian i heard, you need to retune the Ignition chamber, there is a bit too much variance in it, Jander. Tex, my last name is Sheridan." I trust the design i let you have are working out well Jander?"

"Ahh yes, thank you for telling me that John. I'll try and fix that." He said this with a slight twinkle in his eye. He hadn't known the human long, and was only beginning to unravel the mysteries behind him, but he certainly knew his technology. When he said something needed tuning, it did. "As for the designs, they're moving along well. They should be into production in the next week or two." He nodded as he spoke, and the light caught the colors of his decorated carapace.

Now he finally returned his attention to the woman. "I'm sure the pleasure is all mine Mrs. Darklighter. I've heard of your exploits for quite some time but our paths had never crossed. It's too bad really, I knew your parents back during the Rebellion, though our assignments rarely were similar. Likewise, I left service with the Rebellion just after Endor, and I've been working my way up ever since."

At this point the facade of nobility he'd been keeping up slowly began to fade. Sure, the insectoid was of the Sonstaa tribe, traditional rulers of Gand, and he himself was the current Kaalif, but he'd never been fond of the arrogance and sloth that was prevalent among them. He'd rise to power had changed many things, and uprooted many others. The fact that he'd been away from home for many years when it happened had not helped. Now Jander was himself again, smuggler, mercenary, and military man. An aire of the noble remained, held in check should it's use be required in dealing with others at the celebration.

As Tex saw the conversation between friends he visible eased. <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Tex you were wrong about this guy.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> He said to himself <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Tex you are no longer facing the guns of sith lords.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> you need to face it you no longer have to look over your shoulder every five minutes just enjoy the time.Tex told him<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

He let a grin form to his face as he moved a bit closer to her, pressing the two bodies together as they danced.

"Hmm I know one other way to loosen the collar," he said with a grin.

Tec kept watching the stars for a minute before answering.

"Well, I'm up here because I'm lonely. Jerusha isn't around, and Jade is...somewhere with someone."

He sighed as he stood up.

"Well, since you guys would like to stay here, I'll levae and move to another balcony."

He slowly started walking around them to go to another balcony.

"Jander, were you running spec ops with a couple of other guys, neither of whom gave names? Tex, you need to relax man, things can only get worse here if you let them. Just relax and take it easy for a change." John leaned back against the bar, his wine glass empty, he looked at the Bar tender, nodding to his glass. He lifted his glass again, sipping quietly, his eyes continuing to study the three people around him.

One of the worst things in the universe was a Noghri.

Even more worse was a pissed off one.

"Admiral...please do not do that" a mewling catlike voice spoke up behind him.

"Mahk, you need to losen up, we are going to party"

Mahk wasn't impressed.

"I am supposed to protect you....." his voice trailed off but picked up again quietly. "Fearsons will be here"

New Republic High Admiral Joren Logan studied the small being.Mahk was tireless in his job, always at the aging Admiral's side. Logan had been told by Jaina that there was a party..er..ball on Naboo. And she invited him to it.Now he was dressed in the black uniform of an Admiral, with his ever-faithful Noghri bodyguard trailing behind.

He entered the palace and smiled slightly. Jai was never one of small things, and she showed it.

Logan walked directly to the bar and ordered a drink. He took it to a table slightly in the corner and watched all the going-ons. He looked around, a slight smile on is face. Mahk had dissapeared for a moment, but now that Logan was less obvious he suddenly appeared again and sat down next to the Admiral, watching everything at once.

Jai heard Logan and that bodyguard of his announced as they entered. Jai looked over her shoulder and smiled when she saw him. Seeing as she had invited him, Jai felt she had ought to at least say hello.

"Gentalmen, it seems I have someone I need to go greet. So...if you'll excuse me. Mr. Sheridan, Mr. Sunstar,...Tex." Jai nodded to John and Jander, and then as she walked off playfully poked Terex in his side with a smirk.

Jai strolled away from the trio and made her way to Logan. She walked up behind him, but before she could say hello, Mahk picked up on her presence. He turned and narrowed his eyes at her...the two had never gotten along well, despite their mutual loyalty to Logan over the years.

"Jai.", the little Noghri snorted out at her, causeing Logan to look back at her too.

"Mahk...sounding as pussycat-ish as ever... <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Me-yow<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->." Jai purred out with a devilish smirk as the Noghri fumed.

She walked past him, placeing a black-gloved hand on a chair opposite the two. "Mind if I sit a spell, Stranger?", she cooed, smileing at Logan.