Log Date: 3/2/97, 3/3/97 Log Cast: Dillon, Shenner, Kaley, Avalyne, Skeezix, Razi, Grathix Log Intro: Shenner's stay on the NRV _Alderaan_ has gotten rather more eventual than she'd expected: Quick Marado, one of the Caspar contingent on board the ship, cornered her alone in the crews' quarters and threatened her with bodily harm and accidents if she didn't obey him. The man has already alarmed her once by demonstrating he knows she's really a girl -- but this time, his behavior was much altered and more deeply frightening, especially when he unexpectedly keeled over and started screaming. Shenner ran off to fetch the first help she could find, which turned out to be General Calhoun; the man promptly took charge of the situation and saw Marado off to the Medbay. Now, tense over that conflict, Shenner has retreated to the crews' quarters to try to continue to practice and wait for Grathix to signal her to let her know when he's ready to talk again.... [NOTE: "Hills of Alderaan" is another song from the L.A. Filkharmonics tape _In Space No One Can Hear You Sing_.] ---------- Dillon ambles into the crew quarters and pauses at the enterance to look about the room. Dillon enters from the Aft Main Corridor. Dillon has arrived. Dillon ambles into the crew quarters and pauses at the enterance to look about the room. An intently frowning Shenner is half-reclining on 'his' bunk, guitar propped against 'his' gawky young form; the kid's pointed face towards the door, though, and the green gaze lifts warily to see what arrival's just come through the door. Dillon gazes upon the kid and grins, "You look like you just found out there is no force fairy. Did some one just smash your favorite flute?" He asks as he moves toward the food dispenser. Shenner's dark eyebrows crook over those big green eyes, and the kid snorts. "Maybe I _did_ find out there's no Force fairy," Shenner drawls laconically, "and am composing a lament." Dillon chuckles as he ponders his choices. He presses a few buttons and takes a cup from the machine. He ambles over towards the youth and asks, "And what exactly does a youngster like you have to lament? Surely you're not old enough to know real pain and abcessed loss." Shenner doesn't shift position, as 'he' strums idly across the guitar's strings. 'His' eyebrows stay up, though, with the sarcastic reply: "Nah, life couldn't _possibly_ be awful for anybody under twenty-one!" Dillon grins slyly, "You think it's bad now kid, it only gets worse from here on out." "I'll be sure to duly put it to a sob song," Shenner replies, dryly. Dillon laughs and take a drink from the cup in his hands. He pulls the cup down from his mouth, "Play what you have so far and I'll tell you what I think." Shenner smiles thinly. "What do you want to hear?" Dillon replies, almost instantly, with caged enthusiasm, "Know any songs about Alderaan?" Shenner's still-lifted eyebrows climb a bit, then lower again, consideringly, over slightly narrowed eyes. "Yeah," the youngster says, tone cautious. "I know one." Dillon nods quickly and smiles, "Ok then, play that one." The young redhead studies the man for a moment, then sits up on the bed. "Okay." Guitar shifted now into 'his' lap, the kid begins to play, slowly, plaintively, a few bars to lay down a melody. And then Shenner begins to sing: There was a pilot, a Rebel pilot He travelled far and wide throughout the starry sky The war is over, the fighting ended He travels home to Alderaan Shenner's voice rises a bit, into a higher register, for a chorus: Though many fair worlds he has walked upon Seas have traveled on, skies have gazed upon Though many green hills he has wandered on They are not the hills of home Dillon pulls up a chair and listens intently to Shenner's song. The kid sings with surprising sweetness for one with such a caustic attitude; the youngster's voice, gruff in speech, turns pure in song. Old comrades parting, their dreams are starting The love he left behind, the life he had in mind The past is over, his travels ended He heads his ship toward Alderaan And again, the chorus: Though many fair worlds he has walked upon Seas have traveled on, skies have gazed upon Though many green hills he has wandered on They are not the hills of home Dillon appears to be looking toward the singer, but his mind is obivously elsewhere. He blinks a few times and refocuses his gaze toward the cup in his hand. He take a light drink and gazes up again towards the young 'man' Shenner's voice dips again into the third verse: The pilot's lonely, his ship war-weary The Star, it was too close, could not correct the course His life is over, his journey ended He walks the hills of Alderaan And once more, the chorus, Shenner's voice reaching up into the higher notes: Though many fair worlds he has walked upon Seas have traveled on, skies have gazed upon Though many green hills he has wandered on They are not the hills of home Shenner draws out the last line, retarding the tempo, and holding the very last note in a chord with the guitar, before letting the song drift into silence. With the song ended, Shenner's expression seems to close off, somehow, and the kid's gaze turns canny and wary once more. Shenner doesn't offer any comment, though, and no further noise from the instrument; the green regard just takes in this impromptu audience, looking for a reaction. Dillon gulps down the last of whatever was in the cup. He wrinkles the cup up in his fist and flings it towards a disposal unit. He returns his attention to Shenner and claps lightly, "You're as talented as you are 'unfriendly' kid. That's saying quite a bit." he claims as he smiles brightly. Shenner's mouth curls up on one end. "Thanks," comes a bland reply. Shenner doesn't need to add, 'I think'; it's evident enough in the glittering green regard. Dillon laughs and he gazes warmly upon the -boy-, "Lighten up kid. Don't take everything so seriously." Evidently, the kid is satisfied by this reaction; Shenner's lopsided grin grows slightly larger, and the short-cropped head inclines, almost graciously. Dillon smiles cordially, "That's better. So what are you doing aboard this ship anyway kid? I'd thought you'd be long gone from here after your manager came to pick you up yesterday." Kaley enters from the Aft Main Corridor. Kaley has arrived. Kaley enters the Aft Main Corridor. Kaley has left. Shenner shrugs. "Gotta work that out with my manager. He's thinkin' about what to do now." Dillon puts in his two cents worth, "Well I'm sure you could find plenty of work in Coruscant." "Guess we'll just have to see..." Shenner's expression goes a little distant, as 'he' settles back to recline along the bunk, plunking idly at the guitar's strings. Avalyne enters from the Aft Main Corridor. Avalyne has arrived. Skeezix enters from the Aft Main Corridor. Skeezix has arrived. Avalyne taps lighly on the door & steps in. Dillon is sitting at a chair near Shenner's bunk Avalyne glances towards Shenner & smiles. "Master Shenner?" Skeezix steps in behind Avalyne, quietly glancing around the room. Shenner, half-reclined on the bunk in question, looks up and over 'his' guitar. "Ma'am," the kid replies, a trifle startledly at the mode of address. Shen sits up, slowly. Avalyne smiles to Dillon & nods a greeting. Dillon looks at the new arrivals and speaks in a tone loud enough for everyone to hear, "Well kid, as long as we are all stranded here on this ship there isn't much else we can do but wait." Avalyne looks back to Shenner. "I apologise if I am interrupting, but I need to ask you about some things... "It's okay," the youngster says, a bit nervously. Dillon looks up toward Avalyne and smiles warmly, "You aren't interrupting a thing doc. We're just sitting around as usual". Avalyne grins and sits down on the bunk across from Shenner. "You remember me? I was in here with you a couple of days ago." Avalyne laughs and nods towards Dillon. "Thanks. I appreciate your kindness..." she awkwardly adjusts her white coat and grins lopsidedly. Shenner bobs 'his' short dark head. "Yes'm," 'he' answers Avalyne, quietly. Skeezix follows Avalyne, finding a cot nearby to sit on and listens in to the conversation. Avalyne nods, "I hear that you had an incedent today... A man in Medbay threatening you?" Shenner just nods, grimly, now; the kid's green eyes go veiled. Dillon just sits back and listens as the conversation unfolds. He spends quite a bit of time gazing upon Avalyne and smiling. Avalyne nods empathaticly, not noticing Dillon's gaze. "What happened? Will you give me the details. I kinda know this guys 'quirks'." Shenner lets out a breath, glancing up at the General, then back at Avalyne. "Well... how long a story you want, ma'am?" Kaley enters from the Aft Main Corridor. Kaley has arrived. Kaley walks in with a baffled look on her face. Razi sits up and looks around while yawning Dillon leans back into his chair, which is in front of Shenner's bunk, and listens quitely, his gaze fixed on Avalyne. Avalyne smiles, "As long as you can make it. I need all of the details that you've got. What seemed to trigger him.. Things like that. Razi says, "greetings all, hope I wasn't snoring" Skeezix glances up and towards those nearby. He says, "Allright... if you don't have a reason to be hearing what the kid's got to say.. go mind yer own business." Shenner chews 'his' lower lip at Avalyne's request, then flicks a look at the General as the man orders the room to clear. Skeezix stands up from his cot as if to make the request a bit more clear. "Come on... shoo." He motions towards the door. Dillon appears to not have heard Skeezix or to have ignored him as he continues smiling, absorbed in Avalyne. Shenner chews 'his' lower lip at Avalyne's request, then flicks a look at the General as the man orders the room to clear. Avalyne smiles softly, "Its okay, Shenner. You won't be in any sort of trouble..." Skeezix glances over to Dillon, frowning. "Mister Dillon?" he asks pointedly, waiting then for a response. Kaley enters the Aft Main Corridor. Kaley has left. Dillon blinks a few times and slowly turns his attention from Avalyne to Skeezix, still smiling, "Yes?" Skeezix asks, "Could ya leave us three alone for a while?" Avalyne glances towards Dillon and offers a bemused smile. Razi says, "sorry to bother ya with my presence /sir/" Crew Quarters -- NRV Alderaan This is the crew quarters for the RAF Alderaan. A few bunks line the walls. Contents: Skeezix(#4454PLenAc) Avalyne Dillon Razi Lelila's Bunk Mistral's bunk Obvious exits: Starboard leads to Aft Corridor -- NRV Alderaan. Razi stands up from the bunk he was sitting on and rubs his head Shenner watches everyone, waiting tensely. Dillon chuckles and turns back toward Avalyne, "Yes, I could." He stands slowly from his chair and looks towards Skeezix, "However, I am almost certain that a simple reply to your question would not suffice, therefore, I shall take this opportunity to have my stitches checked at the Medsuite. Dillon smiles at Avalyne once more before walking towards the exit. Razi looks a glance at Shenner "hey there kid...wanna go walk a corridor? Skeezix shakes his head towards Razi and looks back to Avalyne and Shenner. Avalyne grins and looks back towards Shenner. Dillon enters the Aft Main Corridor. Dillon has left. Shenner begins, consideringly, "Well... I saw him a coupla times on Etti IV, ma'am. First time, I was buskin' in the park and he asked me if I knew anything about, um..." The kid trails off a moment, looking from the woman to the General and back again, perhaps unsure about whether it's proper to mention this. But the kid adds, "... your missin' pilot." Avalyne nods motioning for 'him' to proceed. Skeezix perks an eyebrow as Shenner mentions a missing pilot, yet shrugs it off with a nearly unnoticable shrug. Razi shrugs "I didn't know nothin', though I think I saw the guy, once, from what he described for me," Shenner offers. "So he gimme a coupa credits, and that was that. I saw him again at a cafe I like to hang out at. I, um..." The kid's nose crinkles. "Well, this Imperial lady seemed to like me, see? Offered to buy me coffee. I don't care much for the Imps, ma'am, but I ain't gonna turn down free food, see? So we were there, and your guy shows up and starts talking to this Chantinelle lady." Avalyne frowns & nods, seemingly interested. Skeezix looks down to his comlink, then back to Avalyne. "Excuse me.. I'm needed on the bridge." He looks to both her and the 'boy' before adding, "I'll talk to you two later, okay?" Shenner nods gravely to the General. Avalyne looks up to Skeezix & nods, "Certainly sir." Skeezix stands up and moves over towards Shenner, kneeling down a bit to pat 'him' on the shoulder. "Yer doin' one hell of a job, kid.. I'd'a never expected this much from ya." He grins as he rises and takes a few steps towards the door. He then looks back and offers both a slow nod. Shenner might be noticed to blush, and offer a wan grin at the General. Skeezix turns after noting Shenner's response, chuckling quietly as he makes his way towards the doors; they swish open with a tap of a button nearby, and the General walks out. Razi shakes his head Skeezix enters the Aft Main Corridor. Skeezix has left. Avalyne raises and eyebrow and taps in a few things on her compad. Razi says, "what crawled up his back?" Shenner draws in a sigh and then releases it, thinking. "Um... I remember he was acting really... arrogant, then. He said somethin' about Kaley bein' his wife," the kid says to Avalyne, gravely. Avalyne nods, "I heard about that...." she murmers softly. Shenner blinks a bit at Avalyne, as if taken slightly aback, but Shenner doesn't comment on that. A look around to Razi, then; Shen doesn't answer his remark, but instead goes on to the woman, "So that was the last time I saw him before I got up here..." Shenner taps fingertips restlessly on the guitar, then adds, tensely, "I ran into him up here again. Here. But Princess Leia came in when we were here, and she wanted to, uh, thank me for helping her brother. Quick got on his knees before her." Razi says, "uhm, may I break the peace here fer a sec?" Avalyne looks to Razi, "Sure? Whats up?" Shenner's green gaze flicks to the Horansi. Avalyne looks to Shenner, a surprised look in her eyes. Razi says, "well, whats all the hoopla about? why'd the Groundie Officer get testy?" Avalyne looks confused. "Who?" Razi says, "the guy that just left in a huff" Shenner says warily to Razi, "He's tryin' to deal with the guy that threatened me, and that's what I'm tellin' her about." The kid nods to Avalyne, indicating her. Razi says, "I see" Razi says, "well, I'm still NRI till I'm transferred....I think I'd have a right to hear" Shenner says, voice almost meek, "That ain't for me to say, pal. If you wanna argue it with the General, that's your business." Razi says, "heh" Razi says, "me an the General can't do anything to the other" Razi says, "cept Sneer maybe" Razi chuckles Shenner does shrug a bit, though, and look back at Avalyne. "Um... anyway, ma'am... he didn't say anything to me after the Princess left, but then I ran into him again today." Avalyne nods, "What did he do today?" Shenner sucks in another breath, lets it out, then says lowly, "Well... do you want me to say everything we said to each other, or just summarize?" Avalyne grins, "Just summerize, but let me know if anything seened to tip him off. Shenner considers this. Then says, "Well, we said a couple of things, and then suddenly he turned mean. Said he was out of patience. Grabbed my guitar and threatened that if I didn't do what he said, I'd get in trouble. And a 'pretty boy' like me could get into all kinds of accidents on a starcruiser." Avalyne blinks and sighs. "Okay. I think I know what is going on here. Please continue." Razi says, "I'm glad someone does" You say, "So I told him a heap o' dewback dung like him could have his carcass hauled into the brig for threatenin' somebody on a boat he didn't even work on. Then he screamed, fell over and started rollin' around and yellin' 'No master! No!' I ran off lookin' for help, and found the General." Grathix walks into the crew quarters. Avalyne sighs & nods. She stands and smiles. "You have been a wonderful help." Razi turns and looks at the newcomer Razi says, "greetings" Shenner smiles uncertainly as the woman rises, and bobs 'his' head. "If you say so, ma'am..." Grathix glances about, looking at those present. His eyes eventually come to rest upon Shenner. Avalyne glances towards Grathix. "Sir." Razi says, "who might you be?" Avalyne looks about the room. "Do any of you need anything before I leave? Shenner shakes 'his' head to Razi. Grathix nods to the slender human female and heads directly towards Shenner Razi looks oddly at Shenner "hmm? Skeezix enters from the Aft Main Corridor. Skeezix has arrived. Razi says, "no thankyou Madam" Avalyne nods slighly and turns towards the door. Skeezix steps in through the opened door and stops as he catches sight of Avalyne. He gives her questioning look as she approaches. Shenner says to Razi, glancing up at Grathix as 'he' does so, "This is my boss." Razi nods to Shenner and then to Grathix Avalyne looks towards Skeezix and nods towards the door. Skeezix turns and steps outside without a word. Skeezix enters the Aft Main Corridor. Skeezix has left. Avalyne enters the Aft Main Corridor. Avalyne has left. Razi says, "wonder whats up" Shenner looks up at Grathix, then. Razi is standing relatively near Shenner as he looks at Shenner once again "ya okay boy?" Shenner shifts, settles, and nods up to Razi. "Yeah. I'm okay." Razi smiles toothily "awright then Grathix stops and stands a few paces from Shenner and says, "So how are you holding up?' Razi smacks his tail against the bunk railing beside him Shenner offers Grathix a lopsided grin. "Other 'n' havin' psychopaths holler at me, I'm okay, boss." Grathix glances over the Kasa. He says, "you speak Basic very well...must have spent quite a bit of time ouside your system." Razi nods politely "most my life good sir Grathix says, "I met a couple of Horansi in my time...don't know if they would envy your ability to speak basic fluently or not."" Razi chortles "I see...well it gets me by better out here Razi says, "yara kalshal qraak cushna yolyne" in Horansi. Grathix says, "hraath inhas" in Horansi. Razi grins Grathix grins, "but as you can see, I am out of practice." Razi nods Razi says, "if you seek a teacher, I will offer it" Grathix nods, "i will keep your offer in mind." Razi smiles "I respect an offworlder who learns my tongue Razi says, "also, yer boy here has quite a way with musical playthings..." Grathix nods, "Aye. That's why I got to him before anyone else." Shenner smirks a bit, lopsidedly, picking up the guitar again and plunking a chord at it. Grathix looks at shenner and says, "Although there are a few things he still needs to learn before making it big." Razi grins Shenner slides Grathix a dry look, quirking an eyebrow. "I'm sure you'll clue me in, boss." Grathix grins, "Maybe." Razi says, "well, I'll be the 1st person to buy a ticket" Razi smiles and extends a paw to Grathix "nice to meet you...I'm Director D'ekharten, NRIS Grathix taakes the paw in his hand and shakes it firmly. "Grathix Stur'ttrakath...entrepeneur." Razi's left ear bats slightly "Entrepenuer ehh? Grathix nods, "Prinicpally, among other things." Razi says, "what brings ya aboard?" Shenner puts in, "Me." Grathix grins, "well, my investment in a certain young promising musician." Razi nods Razi says, "well, Shen? you found out whats eatin that other Horan' aboard?" Shenner looks up to Razi, and blinks. "Kuxli?" Razi nods Razi says, "still don't get it why he hates me so...I aint never met em" Grathix looks at Shenner and says, "Listen, Shen, I see your busy talking with your friend here. I'll be in the paw. Stop by hen you get a chance so we can finish up our talk." Grathix nods to the horansi, "Nice meeting you." Razi says, "and to you as well" Razi says, "in the paw?" Shenner clarifies, "Grath's ship. I'll be down there in a bit, boss." Razi says, "interesting name for one" Razi grins Grathix nods, "Alright." With that, he makes his way towards the exit of the quarters. Grathix enters the Aft Main Corridor. Grathix has left. Razi says, "ya wanna go an chat with him? I didn't mean to keep you two waitin on my account" Shenner rises, thinking. "I... really oughtta talk with him.... we gotta talk about what to do next anyhow..." Razi says, "sure....kid...you go an do that" Shenner sets the guitar on the bunk, and nods. "Thanks, pal..." The kid pads off. [Shenner makes her way through the ship, restless now, not only because of worry about how she and Grathix will complete the job they've set out to do, but also because of the attention drawn to her by the incident with Quick. The kid scurries down to the docking bay, and onto her employer's ship...] The boarding ramp lowers slowly, hydraulics hissing. You then head up into the ship. Ship Entryway - The Cat's Paw(#10346RhFJN) As you enter the ship, you notice the state of disarray it appears too be in. But upon closer inspection, you realize that everything laying around has a distinct purpose. Various tools and equipment sit in seeming the last place they were used in remeberence to the user of what he or she was doing last. A large computer interface consle lines against one wall, humming and beeping occasionally. The faint odor of human and non-human bodies and of cargos long gone seem to indicate that this is definitely a working ship and not a pleasure cruiser. A passageway leads forward and a closed hatch appears to lead to the rear. A small alcove shows a ladder leading up and down. Contents: Grathix Obvious exits: Entry Ramp Ladder Down Ladder Up Aft Hatchway Fore Corridor Shenner comes up the entrance ramp. Shenner, after a time, comes padding up the ramp of the ship, calling out, "Grath? You up here, boss?" Grathix yells back, "yeah, I'm here' Grathix is underneath a panel, fiddling with some circuit boards. The kid clambers up into the entryway, and lets out a breath as 'he' locates you. "So... how about that talk, huh?" Grathix slides himself from underneath the panel. "Yeah, about that talk..." Grathix wipes his hands on a crimson rag he takes out from his pants pocket. Shenner comes to your side, and considers crouching, but opts instead to simply let you get up. The kid looks tense, but that's been the case since you landed on the _Alderaan_. Grathix says, "You said, Skywalker wasn't aboard anymore, right?" Shenner bobs 'his' head. "Yeah. General Calhoun told me." Grathix says, "You know where he was heading?" Shenner lets out a breath. "Palanhi, I think. They were worried about him. I got the idea he left without telling anybody, before..." Shenner's eyes darken, and 'he' sounds concerned. Grathix raises an eyebrow, "before what?" "Before going," Shenner finishes, worriedly, rolling a shoulder in a shrug. Then the youngster studies you, consideringly, and adds, "So what do you want to do now, if the Imps have Solo?" Grathix nods. He seems to ponder something for a moment then says, "well, I definitely need to have a few words with Solo...is that where he is being held, Palanhi?" Shenner purses 'his' lips, then offers, "I... think so. I ain't sure. But I'd guess so, if Luke went there, since he said Solo's his friend." Another beat, and the kid says, tentatively, "Boss... what _do_ you want with the guy, anyhow?" Grathix says, "Don't worry Kid, nothing bad, I assure you...but I guess the matter of Drake will be placed on the back burner for now..." Grathix looks at the red-haired youth and says, "You sure Skywalker went to palahni?" Shenner's green gaze just takes you and your expression in, searchingly; at last, the kid slowly nods. "Yeah. So... now what?" Grathix grins, "you up for a trip to Palahni?" Grathix says, "So, bukie, what say you? You in on this?" Shenner suddenly grins, lopsidedly, and confides, "I wanna help, Grath -- I wanna help get Solo back to his friends." Something in the kid's face brightens. "And I sure as hells ain't gonna do it here!" Grathix says, "I realize this goes beyong our original 'agreement'. The choice is yours and now's the time to make it." Shenner pauses, then, and glances out into the docking bay. "My instruments... there're back in the crews' quarters...." The youngster looks up at you, questioningly, but eyes turning urgent and hopeful. Grathix says, "You can get them if you like..." Grathix says, "Let me inform the good admiral of our departure, that's give you some time..." Shenner's face brightens further, with a surge of eagerness -- and maybe even hope. "You got it!" With that, Shenner whirls, and pelts off down the ramp. ---------- Interlude: While Grathix heads off to find Admiral Jeralic -- and inform him that, having assured the safety of his young charge, he is moving on to make 'profitable business ventures using Shenner's talents' -- Shenner herself zips to the crews' quarters on the _Alderaan_ to fetch her instruments, the only possessions she had time to bring off Etti IV. While she is there, however, she is stricken with a brief spurt of conscience; although she still is uncomfortable with thinking about Shikh and how he must have reacted to her precipitous departure, she does not want to duplicate it now that she and Grathix are heading off to try to find Solo again. Thus, she takes just long enough to leave a couple of messages: (The first letter) Kuxli -- My boss and I have talked... and we're taking off on the _Cat's Paw_ to take care of some business. I hope maybe I'll run into you again, some time soon. You're a pal and I owe you a drum lesson anyway! Shenner (The second letter) General Calhoun -- My boss and I have talked... and we're taking off on the _Cat's Paw_ to take care of some business. I hope this won't cause any problems with the situation with the guy who threatened me. I wanted to also thank you for your offer to contact my friend Shikh. If you can still do that. I don't know where he lives on Etti IV; I just sometimes met him in the Free-Flight Dance Dome and sometimes at . He might ask after me at either place. He's a tall guy with auburn hair and brown eyes, he carries a blaster, and he has a dog named Carmine. Oh, and he's a Corellian. And I wanted to thank you for your nice words. It meant a lot, you being a General and me a street rat. Sincerely, Shenner Then, her messages delivered, Shenner hastens back to her boss's ship. ---------- STARFIGHTER: CECO YT-1300 -- The Cat's Paw The boarding ramp lowers slowly, hydraulics hissing. You then head up into the ship. Ship Entryway - The Cat's Paw(#10346RhFJN) Obvious exits: Entry Ramp Ladder Down Ladder Up Aft Hatchway Fore Corridor Shenner comes up the entrance ramp. Grathix has arrived. Grathix comes up the entrance ramp. Grathix comes up the ramp hurriedly. Grathix heads straight for the cockpit area. Grathix heads down the fore corridor, and dissappears through the narrow hatchway into the cockpit. Grathix has left. You head down the fore corridor, and go through the narrow hatchway into the cockpit Cockpit - The Cat's Paw The cockpit of this ship appears to have seen much use. The pilots seat, in fact, has had most of it's padding worn down to virtually nothing, showing bare metal in many places, and an ash tray in the left-hand arm rest overflows with cigar ashes and butts. The co-pilot seat, in nearly as bad of shape, sits to the right of the pilot, and a far less worn navigator seat rest behind it. Various articles litter this room, giving it an almost lived in look, and the foot of some animal, perhaps a cat, hangs from the windshield for luck. A gold plaque hangs to the right of the door aft. It reads, "No job too small, no payment too big...." Contents: Grathix Navigation Console Obvious exits: Aft Hatch Shenner hastens in after you, and pipes up, "I got my stuff stowed, Grath... we outta here?" Grathix is already sitting on the pilot's seat firing up the main engines. "yup, we're cleared to depart." Grathix motions to the co-pilot's seat, "Strap yourself in." Shenner quickly obeys, movements charged with a kind of anticipation. Grathix says, "here we go..." You feel the ship shake and shudder beneath you as you execute the takeoff sequence. Preparing for hyperspace. Grathix looks towards Shenner and says, "You leaving anything behind?" Shenner smiles crookedly as the ship soars out and away from the fleet. "I got my flute and my guitar and the clothes I'm wearin', which is about all I had time to get when Skywalker got me off Etti IV. I left a coupla notes just sayin' we're gonna take care of some business..." Shenner trails off and says, a trifle amazedly, "They were pretty nice to me, yah know, Grath...?" Grathix nods, "yeah well, most people are unless you rub them the wrong way." Shenner murmurs, sitting back in the copilot's chair, "Yeah, but, well... a _General_ bein' nice to a street rat..." The kid sounds stunned. You say, "Not to mention a Jedi!" Grathix chuckles, "You know, that I know of, no one refers to you as a 'street rat' except yourself. Wonder why that is." Shenner smirks lightly. "Can't say I understand these NR folks quite, yet. Kept tellin' me I was brave..." 'His' voice drops a little, and you'd swear the youngster actually sounds embarrassed. Grathix chuckles, "Why Shenner, I do believe you might be blushing..." Shenner glowers over at you. "Am not," comes the gruff retort. Grathix shakes his head, grinning. "Well, Brave hearted one, how about we stow your gear somewhere instead of having it clutering up around the ship. We'll be awhile in hyperspace." [End log.]