agogelogs | To Escape the Snare [Open]

Entry tags:

To Escape the Snare [Open]

WHO? Armitage Hux & OTA
WHAT? After Hux wins his Court battle, he uses the opportunity to start a series of public Salons/Gatherings.
WHEN? ??? [Shh whenever it fits for people. I'm having him hold 'multiple' so people can fit them in as necessary.]
ANYTHING ELSE? I'm trying to keep the need for the mods on this to a minimum so they aren't over taxed; if you need an NPC Aranean or the like, let me know. Feel free to start your own threads [All info will be in the body of the post.]

Attend the General's Salon

[And no, it isn't that sort of salon]

You receive an invitation, requesting your presence at the General's Salon, A place to mingle and discuss the higher things. A neutral space to discuss politics, for Anareans and guests alike.

Dress your best.

But of course, that is far from the truth. Like all things here, everything is dangerous, even if it is beautiful and can seem harmless. Hux has found a large ballroom to use for these gatherings; it gives space for the Aranean's to use their true form if they so wish, while giving humans and guests ample space to avoid confrontation.

Food and drink are provided (donated by a patron), and there is ample siting areas, for people to have small discussions as a group, or perhaps more intimate discussions as well. The floors, of course, are stone--easier to clean up any blood that might be spilled.

For all the talk of 'neutrality', Hux mingles with guests, and sits upon a chair near the center, dressed in his finest and still wearing the necklace provided by the Princess. So his affiliations have been made known; it is unclear if simply being at the salon, or showing favor to him will mean others will think favor is provided to her as well.

But of course, this is just a neutral space. And while those very oppose to the Princess may avoid the Salons entirely (given how Hux won, that wouldn't be a surprise), others of more neutral minds will still attend, interested in gaining information themselves--even if they don't wish to debate.

But if one wishes to discuss a House they might favor, and why--or why COST should be favored over Regency (or why not), feel free and step forward and discuss. See if others lend their voices for and against your arguments. And don't worry, this is friendly after all--no one is going to get eaten.

--unless you offend someone, of course. But that's the risk in this place. Hux isn't going to be able to stop that.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Throughout his life, Hux had often taken advantage of opportunities presented, twisting them to send him higher upon the ladder. Contrary to what many believed in the First Order, nothing had been given to him--he had scraped and scratched for every inch he had earned, knowing often that patience and luck could create opportunities to use skills to best advantage--to win.

It was how he had won his Court battle with Hayng; he could have let that be the end of it, using the win to give himself more standing and attention, but only for that. But once he heard murmurs that other Aranean's would be amiable to him throwing his own salons...well. Perhaps it was a chance for them to eat him, or perhaps it was something else entirely. Regardless, he was determined to thrive.

Arrival/Open Discussion

Hux feels decidedly confident at the Salon, he mingles and greets everyone. Perhaps he seems almost arrogant, but he is not about to show any sign of weakness. Chin high, he gestures with long fingers for people to enjoy themselves.

Once things get settled, however, Hux moves towards the open area, clasping his hands in front himself.

"I'm glad all of you have chosen to attend. Perhaps I shall open the discussion on something easy, perhaps? For example, the idea of 'survival of the fittest'. Do believe in it...or do you find it to be less than fair?"

Hux smirked; it should be an easy topic for the Araneans, but he knew with members of COST, the answers would be different. It should provoke some interesting discussions, thought not overly heated ones, if they decide to engage.

Secluded Area

Later on in the evening, Hux works his way to one of the more secluded areas of the ballroom, into a small rooms that most likely was some sort of closet when usually used.

"You had wanted to meet in private?"

The door was still slightly ajar; he wasn't going to close it completely until he understood why any particular person wanted to get him alone. Even if he knew them--he trusted no one here.

Hei is dressed his best, a navy suit—if you can call it that—with nuances of his ancient roots adding a unique flare. The way he holds himself in formal dress is a far cry from his posture on any typical day on BASE, easily wearing the guise of a calm, confident man visiting a friend.

"Yes, General." A step into the room, eyes touching on the little details that make him good at his job.

"Understandably wary," the mercenary knows it's habitual, that there are those who can't be trusted with a turned back, so he obliges the skepticism further and gestures to himself: "I have two daggers beneath my jacket and my hands won't be anywhere near them, I assure you. You can leave that open, though, if you prefer."

Edited (too many its) 2018-05-15 11:50 (UTC)

The outfit Hei is wearing reminds Hux of the outfits that he has seen the Jedis of old wear in Holos. It's a curious thing to see--but a good look on him, and something that melds upper fashion with what Hux assumes is more like what he wears at home.

Hux appreciates being called by his title in a public place; but he has no doubt that Hei knows that--they work well as roommates for a reason, after all. He wonders, absently, if it is for manipulation (though subtle), but tries to put that thought aside.

At the mention of daggers, Hux smirks, waving a bit. "Come now, given we live together do you think I'd worry about you stabbing me in the back?" He assumed Hei was armed; no need to declare. "I have a dagger up my sleeve. So it's even." Come now.

Still, Hux crosses in front of Hei to close the door; he'd rather not have the conversation overheard until he's clear where it's going.

Kylo didn't think he'd actually gotten an invitation to this little party of Hux's, but here he was regardless. Thus far he'd spent most of his time out of the spotlight, only engaging in debates and discussions when it was foisted upon him. He wasn't one to back down from it, but he'd avoid it where possible. Attending Hux's salon was akin to walking into a den of wolves, or worse.

He didn't announce his arrival, walking in the shadow of some well-to-do Aranean. Spotting Hux, he reached out cautiously with the Force, just to give him the sense of Kylo's proximity. They'd discussed this, and he doubted Hux wanted him to use it so suddenly and without warning, but they had to consider their surroundings. Never lower your defenses, always be ready. He walked the ballroom floor, people watching while keeping Hux in his periphery. What in the hells was he wearing, anyways?

Kylo approached him after the discussions had begun, waiting for a lull in the conversation to say his piece.

"Survival of the fittest is one of nature's simplest laws," he said. "Coming from you, though, I suppose we need to agree on a definition of 'fittest.'"

Debates and arguments between them was another nature of law. As long as they were standing next to one another, and an opinion was expressed, a fight of some sort would be inevitable.

Yes, it was like walking into a den of wolves--but it was one that Hux had a better chance of controlling--something that was necessary, here. Hux would rather have a chance of controlling something that letting himself be moved about the board. He had enough of that in other aspects of his life.

Somehow, he knew that Kylo was in the room; there was an energy the man exuded in a way that it changed the air about him..or perhaps it was the fact they had been speaking in eachother's minds here, more than they ever had before. Though that thought was a bit offputting, to say the least.

Adjusting one of his sleeves, he quirked an eyebrow as Ren approached him, pressing his lips together firmly. "We don't need to go about like a hulking beast to make our point. Intelligence and cunning, the patience to wait until the correct moment to strike with poison will always win out over the misplaced swing."

A beat, then, "Sometimes playing dead is the best way to get prey close. Some may dislike the method, but the meal is still had."

Nothing Hux said surprised him. They'd worked together long enough to know they didn't see eye to eye about training methods, or really how to even run the First Order. If they both somehow wound up back home after this little adventure through time, he had no doubt they'd have to move quickly for control.

Kylo watched him fuss with the sleeves, before looking back up at his face.

"Power has its own merits," he said. "A swing isn't always misplaced, either, and an injured or dying animal can be even deadlier. You're not wrong, though. Not entirely. The fittest could be physically strong, or mentally superior. Both, and you have your apex predator."

Hux watched Ren for a long moment. There was something on the tip of his tongue, but he didn't say it; it seemed like something that to say would be too powerful. The truth of it vexed him, and perhaps that was the reason of it, after all.

Pressing his lips together, Hux just looked away, projecting,

Yes well, that is why things would better if you shared power.

Ren has the power, but not the brains compared to Hux, and vise versa. If Kylo could just do better, they could do so much.

The lack of immediate response was a little concerning. Hux ought to have a retort or a barb ready to go at all times, but instead he just looked away, and gave his thoughts freely rather than speaking it aloud. Hux's compliance with communicating this way sent a thrill through Kylo -- it meant he could be controlled far more easier than he'd ever hoped.

Careful, was all he sent back. Since it was starting to look like they were just standing here, silent in the middle of a conversation, Kylo changed the subject by reaching out and lifting one of the billowy sleeves.

"This seems excessive," he said. He expected the general to stick to his usual uniform, or the closest thing. "By your standards, at least."

Hux could almost feel Ren's smugness exuding through their connection. His fingers flexed a bit, focusing on the way the metal of the rings felt on his fingers, cutting into his skin. It grounded him against the strange intrusion (that he allowed).

And of course Ren would send back that word. Rolling his eyes, Hux pulled his arm away, to take his tunic away from the other man. "Is it? I would have thought of all people, you would like it." He gave a long sweep of Ren's frame, then shrugged, glancing at his nails as if it didn't bother him.

"It is a mixture of my normal style and those that the Aranean's like. Besides, when have you ever seen me outside of uniform. How would you know what I like?"

He must've struck a nerve, otherwise Hux wouldn't so defensive about his outfit. It was entertaining, to say the least. Riling Hux was still a tried and true pastime.

"Forgive me," Kylo said, not sounding the least bit apologetic. "Calling it excessive wasn't a criticism, general."

And he wasn't going to say he liked it, even if he did, which he didn't. Well, he did, but -- it didn't matter. He was a little annoyed that he knew Hux sneered at Kylo's robes, but now suddenly it was an acceptable fashion statement. He'd get laughed off the bridge if he wore that on the Finalizer, though.

"As for what you like, you're very predictable. You wear that uniform like a second skin. I imagine you'd sleep in it, if that didn't crease it."

Hux frowned slightly; Ren hadn't meant to--that seemed--

hm.

But yes, Hux knew he could not wear anything like this on the ship; and he wouldn't. He never even wore his blue sweaters out of the privacy of his quarters, and never in the presence of anyone else. His outer armor was maintained as much as possible.

And Ren wasn't far off the mark--after all, his robe was quite similar to his uniform, as well. Still, Hux gestured to Kylo. "I could say the same about your similar choices in clothing."

Still they were getting off subject--

"--did you come to speak to me about my choice in clothing?"

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

To Escape the Snare [Open]

Armitage Hux | OTA

TOP SUPER SECRET OPTION

no subject

Discussion

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject