Planet Zar: Nexus

⦿Still healing from the consequences of the Vella Crean, when invitation comes for the Checkerboard Ball, both Kutoth and Janardan know the Refugium must send representatives, but aren't certain who.

⦿Janardan nearly lost an arm and is covered in scars. Protective of Al'Kahinath and not eager to run into Shy or any of the Death Court. He's an angry man to begin with and with Kutoth withdrawing into himself, Janardan has been managing more of the Refugium than usual. No, neither himself nor his father will make an appearance at the ball... but it's an important Nexus event and someone needs to attend. Janardan's already aware of the Heimdall's attendees.

⦿Janardan passes around some discreet invitations through the Refugium's staff. Plenty of the station's civilians are planning on attending the festivities so word of the Checkerboard Ball is commonplace. Janardan's only concerns are for proper Refugium representation.

⦿Zeraya'tya is one of the first to answer Janardan's messages. She's one of the Refugium's ambassadors and it makes sense for her to be the figurehead for this adventure. She's eager for the opportunity to socialize and she's been considering bonding for a while now. Zeraya's offer wasn't unexpected and Janardan is grateful for it.

⦿More surprising are the other staff members that intend on joining the ball.

⦿Amah, dragon-mutt and medical officer, has managed to convince his employer Doctor Midgee to attend the ball with her Alskyrian bond Reatuath. Midgee is known for being surly and brusque, not the partying type - but she's intrigued about the Checkerboard dragons and Reatuath has expressed an interest in expanding their little family. Although it's unusual for Alskyrian dragons, the pair of them are interested in a multi-bond situation.

⦿Finally, myrmex Queen Gleam themself presents an interest in attending the ball - with their little band of drones and warriors in tow, of course. It's nearly time for more myrmex eggs and Gleam wants to represent their species at a public spectacle worthy of their magnificence. Expanding their hive with some non-myrmex blood would be lovely, too.

⦿Janardan sees off the group of party attendants, with Al'Kahinath at his side, learning the ropes.