OBrah Club.(Owned by Black Sun)

[Tress Odak-Zann]

He smiled at her laugh, it was infectious. "Not a mystery, no. Its just talk....you know how it goes. Kuat is something of a mystery to most and what they don't know about they will be talk about. Look at the Hapens for example. " Shrugging he sighs and goes on. "Them....people....is who talk. "



Leaning forward more, his eyes twinkling in laughter. "Talk to me about telbuns. That's what most are speaking of....no better than slaves. Me personally don't see anything wrong belonging to one woman alone...." Gives her a slow flirtatious wink. "Though I will not hear the end of it from the Odak-Zann family" Laughs out loud thinking about what would happen if that happened.

[Khari Vestra]

He had a point there, she thought inwardly, nodding ever so slightly at the mention of the Hapans. She knew enough about their society to know it was matriarchal, much like her own, but the rules were slightly different in their case, you only needed to look at their current ruler to notice that much. But what happened on Hapes was of little concern to her or the Kuati in general right now, each world that had been hit hard during the Yuuzhan Vong war, was still having it's own issues with recovering, the rebuilding would go on for years, and in some cases, decades. Kuat hadn't faired as badly as those worlds that had spent the majority of the war occupied, but it hadn't exactly been a picnic either, with many neighbouring systems no longer trusting to interact with their kind after it had come to light the extent of their former senators treatchery.

"I see, I cannot speak for everyone, but I imagine the rumours are just that...rumours. What scraps of truth they are based on, however, well, you would need to see that for yourself. My view is always going to be slightly biased, no?" At least in the outsiders opinion - she finished in her head.

What she hadn't been expecting was for the conversation to travel in the direction he took it next, though really, she should have thought it might. He had been a forward person from the start, of a sort, still managing to keep many of his cards close to his chest whilst asking what he would about her in order to gain a measure of what she was holding close to her own. So far, he'd learned the superficial, very little of what she, herself, could actually be like, but that was all fine and well by her, she wasn't about to just hand over information for the sake of perpetuating smalltalk.
When he leaned in, however, she had to keep herself from visibly swooning, the glint in his eyes almost eclipsing the question.

"That...I wasn't expecting, but very well." She breathed, clearly a little taken aback but not minding much at all, then continued, "Again, I don't know how much you have heard, so forgive me if I sound condescending. For one thing, they are hardly slaves, their families have a choice weather or not to induct them into such a system. If they choose to, the child is trained from birth in a variety of acedemic skills that will allow them to excell in their potential. At the correct age they are assessed on these skills and placed into a ranking of sorts. If chosen - or purchased as the case is - their purpose is to perpetuate a noble bloodline without the complications of what could occur were a Kuati noble to choose a partner from another of the great merchant houses. The telbun's family are compensated and kept in good stead in payment for their offspring's services. It is an arrangement, simply that. They will become the child's caretaker in essence."

That was the basic overview of it, she surmised, though she did elaborate slightly. His view was, no doubt, amusing to say the least.

"Just as my mothers raised me, so too will mine raise any resulting offspring from my own arrangement. You do put your finger right on the pulse there, however, belonging is, in essence, much of what there is to it. He is mine to do with as I wish, though his life is greatly enriched from what it could have been. Is that so bad?"

Khari already knew what offworlder's view was on that particular aspect of Kuati society, it was seen as inhumane and somewhat cold on the part of those participating in such arrangements, but that was the way it had been for centuries, it wasn't showing any signs of changing. It was little secret as to what degree the Kuati were control freaks, they would govern every aspect of life if they were able, even love.

She might have laughed slightly at that wink, had he not said what he did soon after, the name catching her more unaware than anything else - she knew that name and knew it with good reason...and that wasn't a good thing, not at all.
Incredulous, she wondered if she had heard right...

"Odak- Zann? Zann as in one, Tyber Zann?" All sorts of confusion raced through her mind then, if this one were a relation to who she had just accused, then what was he doing being elected as a senator for his homeworld? How could the people of Anaxes actually constitute doing that as a general rule? Not that she was by any means a pure soul, but even so...what were they thinking?

Leaning back in her chair, posture upright and expectant, she waited for his answer.

[Tress Odak-Zann]

Everyone is slightly biased on their own home world, he thinks, especially when others talked about it. It was more like pride if you thought about it, pride in knowing the truth where others just talk out of ignorance....

Ah, he smiled again, he had caught her off guard with his question. It was the most talked about rumor so he thought he would get it out of the way first. Then talk about the famous gardens of Kuat, as a lover of fine things, it was something he wished to see one day. Though he did listen closely to her description on the tel bun. "Belonging" she says, his life greatly enriched by the association or business arrangement. A relationship was like that, wasn't it? Not so much as belonging in an ownerships kind of way, but in a sense of rightness in the pairing. He liked that idea.

"No, its not bad at all....just different. In a business sense it makes for a perfect arrangement. But, what of love...." he stops as he was talking when he heard her last question. What was that, she had changed from one second to the next. The way she said grandfathers name. "The same...he's my grandfather. Whats the matter? Have I said something wrong?"

He tries to place his hand on hers, whether she allowed it or not was up to her. "If i have insulted you with my questions, I apologize....i meant no disrespect."

[Khari Vestra]

"Love? There is little or no love involved in the telbun arrangement, it's easier that way...more practical." She expressed quickly, mind still racing at the thought that he was who he was, and then for him to confirm it?!

His hand on her's startled her almost, and she recoiled it almost immediately, only feeling marginally guilty when she looked at his expression.

"Offend? Perhaps your grandfather could explain that one better than I?" She hadn't meant that to come out as short as it did, but she drew herself up indignantly, a fire in her gaze that had lain previously dormant, now ignited by the thoughts that were running through her mind.

Doing her best to regain some composure, she shook her head as she tried to get a grip. Perhaps he genuinely didn't know? But how could he not, children were taught about things like that in history lessons across the galaxy, on numerous worlds in the core. She, herself, had learned of the Zann consortium in her early years, or rather what it's head had done to KDY.

Sighing, she shook her head again, trying to let the words form naturally, but there was a destinctly terse tone to her voice when she did finally speak.

"I will assume you feigned that ignorance...are you aware of how much damage your grandfather and his associates caused Kuat Drive Yards? And assuming you are, here is something you might not be aware of. When Tyber Zann decided to abscond with Eclipse, not to mention the lives of numerous personnel stationed around the immediate attack area, that he also caused a knock on effect which saw not only my family, but countless others to lose a great deal of standing and reputation in the process?!" Khari paused, waiting to see if any flicker of remorse or apology could be seen in those roguish eyes of his, when she wasn't immediately satisfied, she continued,

"It took decades for us to reclaim that which we had lost. But to the victor go the spoils, hmm? "

[Tress Odak-Zann]

He would have answered her question about love, or replied to it, but the other stuff was something that caught him off guard. Looking at her he tilts his head studying her as she speaks. Yeah, he got the anger she was feeling about his grandfather. What had that to do with him? He wasn't Tyber Zann, well thats a lie, he was seeking to be just like him. He pulls his hand back and looks at her."What does who my grandfather is have to do with me?" Yes, of coarse he had heard or read all about his grandfathers life and spectacular deeds, he even wants to surpass all of the tales someday himself. Well thats the way his life was leading him, before he got elected into office. "I know he did allot of bad things..."

He looks at her trying to make her understand, that he was a criminal but Tyber was still family "Every summer he took care of me, taught me, shielded me, inspired greatness in me. Thats the man in know....yes, he was still secretly running his business which was a fraction of what it was in its heyday. But, earned my respect and love the old fashion way, by showing me everyday of who he was inside and not what others viewed him as." Which he thought was funny, when they had just been talking about what others thought of Kuati's when they didn't really know what they were talking about. Same thing with his grandfather...they spoke of what they didnt know about. He was a criminal but he was so much more to him and to the family....he was am inspiration. He stood shoulder to shoulder with the powerful and beat them at their own game never standing down.

[Khari Vestra]

It stood to reason that he was going to have some sort of emotional ties to his grandfather, who wouldn't have? Well...she for one, she wasn't even sure who her grandfather actually was, blood wise anyway. Not that it mattered, but he would never understand that. What was interesting was the way that he had taken it. No, the crimes of the father were not the crimes of the son, or grandson in this case, but that didn't mean that his family couldn't be held accountable for the trauma they had caused.

"Everything...you do realize that no one has ever been held accountable for that theft? Those deaths? There are those who would pay into the billions for some retribution you realize? Thankfully for you, I am no more into needing blood money than I am into taking it. See that as a friendly heads up if you will."

For a moment, she was certain she had seen mild amusement in those eyes of his, what could he possibly find amusing from this? Perhaps she would never know, but it did bait her ire.

"I understand he holds some sort of sentimental value to you, but you have to see things from my perspective, surely? He cost people their lives, but of course, who cares about paltry things like the life of some kuati? Clearly not your grandfather."

Khari made to get up then, moving away from the table and nearly bumping into a particularly drunk looking rodian at her back, but she didn't waver nor pitch into him. If he had hoped to play on her heart strings with that rending rendition of a sympathy vote, he would find little solace in her. Unbelievable, the relations of known criminals could now be elected to a position he was? Unthinkable....come to think of it, what had SHE been thinking coming here in the first place?

[Tress Odak-Zann]

"It was war, Khari...people lose their lives all the time. What do you think those ships KDY makes do? You think they are used to shuttle people around for diplomatic missions....please don't be so naive. " He tells her trying to make her understand.



"As I have told you before...I am not my grandfather, understand that. That has nothing to do with me, whatever happened in the past. Those people who seek retribution have nothing on, him or me....not use that threat on me. Be it a friendly tip or otherwise....." See her get up, bothered him. He was enjoying himself, not over the argument they were having, but talking to her. Who would have thought he would ever meet someone that....well, like her here of all places. He didn't want this to end, whatever it was. Slamming his down hard enough to make a scene, he whispers fiercely to her. "SIT DOWN! This conversation isn't over yet...." Looking around the club he notices his out burst had drawn attention to them and inwardly smiled. "Let me take you somewhere else and we can talk, Khari....."

[Khari Vestra]

Oh she knew all about the sensibilities and logistics of war, and what had centered around what had happened that day, she'd seen holos of it, read records, what wasn't to know, if he really thought she was that naive...the nerve of it!
Even so she held her peace, content to just leave him there until he effectively caused quite the scene, the action of him slamming his hand down on the table causing some members of the crowd at her back to actually jump in suprise over the noise, which travelled over the noise of the entire room. Not to mention the momentary alarm that showed in her own expression. And she was quick to replace it with that steely gaze that had been ever present before hand.

He just got more and more interesting, didn't he?
But now, accompanied by his harshly uttered words, half the room was staring.

Flushed, but nonetheless deterred, she carefully slid back into her seat with all the grace afforded to her, eyes narrowed to dark slits of contempt and embarrassment, hoping he didn't think she had just done that because he had demanded it of her.
Conspiratorially, she leaned in towards him, words spoken through near gritted teeth,

"It's over when I say it is over, and don't for a second think I am going anywhere with you! The idea of ending up dead in some back alley does not fill me with much joy!"

Turning the other cheek, she turned her attention back toward the main room, her glare seeing off any spectators who might have wanted a better glance at what was happening. Then she turned and looked back at Tress.

"Now look what you have done."

[Tress Odak-Zann]

He had done that for the dramatic effects only, he had never hit a woman, and never intended to. Though he did notice her expressions changing to shock, alarm at the thought of everyone turning to see what was happening, and embarrassment in the end. He to, got embarrassed but he had this blank look as he stood and stare everyone down. Most looked away or forgot anything was happening either resuming to dance or leave the club.

Noticing her sitting down, he sits as well and looks at her as she got real close and whispered through clenched teeth. "It's over when I say it is over, and don't for a second think I am going anywhere with you! The idea of ending up dead in some back alley does not fill me with much joy!" This woman was very, very interesting no wonder he didn't want to end their talk.

He laughed at that, just for the fun of it. The next question made him look around and shrug, he was used to being in the spotlight...nothing new there. "So what of it, do you not want them to stare at us, my other offer still stands. We can go somewhere else....unless your scare to be alone with me?" He gives her his usual disarming smile.

[Khari Vestra]

She drew back slightly, still fixing him with the same punishing glare that she had since he had decided to cause this scene, though granted, with looks from them both, the crowd had wisely chosen not to become more involved than they were already, but they were certainly listening.

And at his comment she sniffed,

"Scared, of you? Oh you positively rend me...I think I might die of fright right here."

He did have a point though, he might not be like your average senatorial type, but he didn't exactly look like he was about to kill her in the streets either, no matter what she might think about his grandparents and choice of allegances.
No...thinking any other way aside from leaving without him, is not the way to be thinking, you know better than this.
She thought to herself angrily, and he had worked her up into a tumult of irritance.


"Suit yourself, I would rather do this away from prying ears anyway...but I choose the location, or it doesn't happen, understood?" She didn't wait for him to answer, then giving her response soon after, "The hotel I am staying at has an ample bar, we won't be disturbed if you think you can keep yourself from causing a scene there...well?"

She didn't move to get up just yet, waiting for his response before making so much as a move, she didn't want to get up only for him to give her a reason to sit down again....and that thought unnerved her slightly in it's self, why had she sat back down again? It wasn't because he'd demanded it, no. Rather that she had actually been interested in his reasoning for causing this scene.

Yes, she thought, very unnerving.

[Tress Odak-Zann]

"Scared, of you? Oh you positively rend me...I think I might die of fright right here." He kept his laughter from showing on his facial expression, but his eyes twinkled with it. She had said with with this accent, purely Kuati in nature he assume. Noble and sarcasm all rolled into one.

Not wanting to waste time he stood and reached into his pocket. Pulling it out he offers her the keys which dangled from his fingers to his speeder outside. "You can even drive us....if you know how. I know you noble core worlders....." He leaves it at that. Sort of a challenge and sting to her pride. Most nobles didn't know how to operate a speeder, having a driver always taking them somewhere if they needed.

Waving his hand he motions her to get up "After you....Khari." he said in a soft seductive voice, he didn't mean to its just the way it came out.

[Khari Vestra]

If dangling the keys to your speeder in front of a persons eyes could be taken as offensive, then she might well have taken offense to that too, but even his abrasive comment did little to work up her ire anymore than it had been already. He was trying, testing her limits to withstand his pushing. Well two could play at that game.

Snatching the keys from his grasp, she shot him a withering glare. She might be a noble, she might be every stereotype under the stars that he might know of, but there was one thing she was not and that was going to stick with him for the rest of this night. And she certainly wasn't afraid of his pompous challenges either.

"Fine..."

Getting up with every ounce of resolve left in her, and paying the onlookers no mind, she made her way through the crowd, having it on good authority that he would follow, since she was still holding what were apparently the keys to his personal speeder, and out into the coolness of the night air.

It hadn't been lost on her, her mind relented, that he had uttered her name in quite another tone entirely, but nor had she chosen to succumb to it either, she filed that away carefully, comitting it to memory as she walked across the pedwalk to where the speeder bay seemed to be located, waiting for him to catch up.

"Yours is?"

She had piloted a speeder before, granted she didn't do it often but he didn't need to know that.

[Tress Odak-Zann]

He was not going to give her a reason, well, more than he already had in causing some sort of rift between them. He smiled as she grabs his keys and walk off. Shaking his head at her 'Fine' he began following her after dropping some credits on the table for his drink.

He walks slow, his eyes following her while he felt some eyes on them as they walked out. To him it didn't matter, having attracted there attention in the first place, but to her...he had a feeling she didn't like it. A private person maybe...he would find out more soon.

Out in the cool night air, he still followed her steps not far behind. She walked with confidence, smoothly, and with grace. The more he learned from her the more he liked about her. Hearing her question he nods to the red speeder, it was an open top convertible . "That one there....if the wind bothers you, we could get a taxi." He says as he stops beside her, his hand casually coming to rest on the small of her back. It was another challenge they both knew it, but he was persistent in pushing her to her limits. Besides maybe she will like the wind flowing through her hair, its why he got it after all...the exhilaration of it all.

[Khari Vestra]

As far as Khari was concerned, she hadn't drunk enough of that strange concoction back there to warrent an air taxi, and his peristence in trying to irk her wasn't going to pay off where that was concerned. However, it was an expedient time to get her own back slightly.

"Afraid i'll scratch your pride and joy?" She queried, a decidedly sarcastic undertone to every last sylable. "I'm sure you could quite adeptly steal another."

Flashing him another all-too-cute smile of minor triumph, she became aware of the slight warmth and pressure of a hand on the small of her back, and her amusement seemed to fade in a miasma of haughtiness. Though even she had to admit, that motion had made her tingle in a manner she would rather it didn't, not when she was busy trying to be angry with him.

"This will do just fine. I know the way."

Extending a hand toward the speeder, she depressed the thumbpad deactivating the vehicle's alarm system, satisfied that this wasn't going to make a scene either, Khari made her way over to the speeder and let herself in, looking back in a cursory manner as if to ask him if he was just going to stand there or actually join her.
Within a matter of moments they were on their way, the temptation to push the speed just that little bit further than the limit was barely kept within her thoughts, she didn't think she could be bothered to deal with the authorities just for the sake of making a point, though she kept the moves sharp, last moment, if just to turn his hair that little bit whiter.

"You caused quite a scene back there, want to explain what that was all in aid of? Or should I just assume you treat everyone that way when they confront you with the crimes of your grandfathers ostentatious career?"

[Tress Odak-Zann]

"Its an object, not a pride and joy. Its for fun, excitement, and living life dangerously." He tells her still beside her. His hand still resting at the small of her back. Though he did turn and laugh, which he was doing allot around her. "I guess I could 'steal' one, i hear its highly....exciting. Would you like to try?" He knew it was a stab at him, but he was enjoying her company to much to take it to heart, it was just them testing one another.

He saw her look, as if she was asking 'Are you coming or not?' moving while shaking his head he jumps in beside her. He had to admit she did know her way around a speeder. She drove with skill, though he wasn't paying attention to where she was going, his eyes were on her. He sat facing her, enjoying the moment for what it was.

"I don't usually act that way, no. Forgive my rudeness. I....well, I did it to force you to either stay or go. In any case I would have got to be around you long....by either following you and trying to explain my feelings for my grandfather or you would have sat and I would have still do so." While he was talking he did something he would never would have done. He reached into the middle compartment and pulled out a holo-imager. A took a still if her as she drove. "Why did you stay? You could have left...."