Log Date: 3/30/97, 3/31/97, 4/1/97 Log Cast: Skeezix, Shenner, Lando, Paul Nighman, Jessalyn, Luke Log Intro: Shenner has come to a startling realization... that she has developed feelings for Paul Nighman. The problem is that she doesn't know exactly what the nature of those feelings _is_; Paul himself has tried to put her off, claiming that she has an adolescent crush, and Jessalyn, Shenner's only other major source of advice, is suspect due to her own agitation over feelings for Luke Skywalker. Hoping to distract herself, Shenner has taken some of the credits Grathix has paid her and ventured out into the market district of Coral City, and has purchased herself some new clothes, intent on busking again on the city's streets... but this time in style. In addition, she's gotten her hair shaped up a bit. But she has not yet counted on the reaction her new look is going to get her.... ---------- Skeezix The man before you stands to about 5'11. He is bulky, agile and carries a determined look in his vivid blue eyes. He is young, looking to be about 26, his short brown hair just starting to show age. A gold wedding band is always worn on his left hand ring finger. He currently wears a full dress Army uniform. The shirt and pants are a matching khaki in color and are pressed to a military crispness. Attached to his neck and shoulers is a brilliant green cape, flowing down his back and curving around his shined black combat boots. Upon each shoulder is clipped a bright silver star, and a five-pip General's insignia is attached to his right breast. Upon his left breast is a 6-row display of various medals and unit insignias. Upon the neck of his cape is stiched a brilliant New Republic flame. Skeezix walks into the corridor, his cape billowing up behind him as a fresh salty breeze rushes in behind him. Shenner comes ambling out of the barracks, a green flute bag slung across her right shoulder, a black one across her left, and her battered guitar case hauled under one arm. The kid's green eyes are intent, distracted, and she seems to mark others in the corridors only as obstacles to avoid bumping into rather than actual faces to be looked at, at least for now.... Skeezix looks at you for a moment. Skeezix looks over towards Shenner and grins, "Hey, kid! I got yer message..." his voice trails off, however, as he notes 'his' newer appearance. Shenner blinks, looking up; she doesn't _quite_ skid to a halt, but she does slow, and those green eyes blinkblink. "Oh... General Calhoun... uh, hi?" Shenner(#3773PenACF) To a passing glance, this individual might be summed up as 'young male human', and certainly the walk, stance, and mannerisms seem like those a brash young man would have. But a closer observation might show that while the rust-red hair is boyishly short, there is nevertheless a slight softness to it; that while the lean build and tallish height of about 5'6" might say 'youth', there is nevertheless a slight curve of breast and hip; and, that while the voice is almost tenorishly low, it is still too high to really pass for that of a young man. The face is the clearest signal that this is indeed a young woman, for her features, dominated by large, luminous, and sharply intelligent green eyes, are far too delicate to be male. She is clad in what, for anyone who knows her, would be surprisingly ornate garb: a silken wraparound shirt with flowing sleeves, in subtle splashes of teal and green and blue... green velvet pants that closely hug her legs, but not so closely that she cannot easily move... and calf-high, cream-colored boots of a rich, soft suede. A delicate golden hook has been wrapped around the back of her right ear, and from this dangles a dappled brown feather. Skeezix chuckles slightly as he regards Shenner for a moment. He then comments, "Yeah, hi kid. So tell me... whats the -real- story behind you these days?" Shenner sets the guitar case down on its wide end before her, and shoves a hand through her short hair, eyeing you somewhat askance. A half-smile quirks the kid's face, and she says gruffly, "Uh, well... how long a story you want, sir?" Skeezix shakes his head quietly and smirks. "Make it quick, kid, I'm dyin' to get out of this uniform." "Oh, well... I'm here with Jess, then. And I gotta go busk, anyhow... don't let me keep yah." The kid smiles, but it's clearly nervous, and even before she finishes speaking, Shenner takes the guitar case back up and moves off down the passageway. "See yah 'round, General?" Skeezix begins walking towards the barracks, yet sneaks a sidelong glance back towards the 'young male human'. "Sure, kid," he comments, eyeing her for a moment before he turns, barely catching a glimpse of Tacra as he passes by. Shenner, on those newly-booted feet, goes hastening off towards the exits out of the base, clearly aiming for the streets of the city. [Off into the city, and down Coral Avenue to the city square, Shenner goes....] You head toward the city's center square. Calamari Coral City - Coral City Square This vast square, the ground paved with the same pearly white sea rock as the avenue, is deeply cherished by the citizens of Coral City. The plaza slopes downward toward an imposing fountain where the likeness of a Mon Calamari looking upward toward the ocean blue sky and that of a Quarren, its eyes cast down toward the depths of the fountain, have been etched in stone, the salty water streaming like salty tears down their silent faces. Erected to honor the symbiotic relationship that these two races have shared, it is a relic of a once peaceful past when the ocean of space was but a distant dream. Many citizens come here to reminisce, or to rest awhile before continuing on their way. Large crowds gather as a constant flow of people arrive from the west where the city's Commercial District is to be found, or from the Market District to the east. What appear to be the wealthier citizens of Coral City continue on their way southward onto Coral Avenue. Others, not so wealthy, make their way on the northbound stretch of the avenue. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Coral City Information Booth -=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=- - leads to Calamari Coral City -- Market District. - leads to Calamari Coral City -- Commercial District. - leads to Calamari Coral City -- South Coral Avenue. leads to Calamari Coral City -- North Coral Avenue. [Shenner settles down to play her guitar, working through songs she knows, and after a bit, adding in the techniques Paul showed her to embellish them. And after a while, she gets an audience....] Lando walks in from South Coral Avenue. Lando has arrived. Lando looks at you for a moment. Guitar music, powered by the activated amplification circuit on her instrument, can be heard spilling across the square in a fast-tempoed, minor key; over it, Shenner's low voice can be heard singing. The kid's claimed a side nook of the square that, for all that it's out of the way, provides a good place for her to hear... and be heard. Lando strides into the square at a rather brisk pace, black cape billowing behind him. He pauses slightly to take in the pleasing sounds of the guitar then heads towards it's point of origin. Come ye now (no I fear thee) Come with me and see what might be (I'm afraid!) O you are childish Nothing kills that does not know ye! Shenner sings, and, singing, scans the square with a watchful gaze, just to see what passersby might draw near for a more lengthy audience. The kid's guitar playing is mostly strummed chords, but she is plucking out little sparks of melody over the strumming nevertheless, like brief pulses from a blaster. But by far the power of the song she's putting out is vocal, as she growls out the lyrics. Lando nears Shenner's little nook and pauses a few meters away from her. He no longer seems to be listening to the music so much as studying her face and form intently. Come ye now (no I fear thee) Did I say that I would lead thee? (We have walked too far this night Out beyond the firelight!) Come ye now (no I fear thee) Come with me and I will take ye Dancing now with all my brothers I am real! And like the others! The girl turns slowly as she rips the melody out of that big guitar; seeing that she has in fact picked up an audience, she crooks her eyebrows. But the song doesn't falter. She sings out a final chorus: Lando blinks a few times and mummbles to himself, "I know I know her some how." Yes they're real, "No," you told me "Yes," I said, "You should believe me!" Now we have you, wrapped in darkness Now we keep you, never leaving Trade your life for not believing! Steele and maille and gilded crossbow Feather of the ancient windbird Wide as wonder, tall as starlight Lords of earth and lords of fire, life the love that they desire Lords of earth and lords of fire, life the love... that they desire! The song tumbles to a thunderous halt, and Shenner lowers the guitar, exhaing a low, tired-sounding breath. Lando brings his hands together slowly at first, still looking upon the bard intently. His eyes widen slightly in recognition and he tilts his head, squinting at the singer, "Shenner?" Shenner turns to her listener, and straightens, somewhat cautiously. "Evenin', General," comes the drawled reply. The _voice_ sounds the same, at any rate, that husky almost-tenor. Lando grins at Shenner and chuckles softly to himself, "Well I'll be a Mynock's rear." He takes a few steps closer and props a leg up on a nearbye bench, "What's with the new look kid?" He adds quickly, before a reply can be made, "Not that I'm complaining. In fact, I like it. I'm just wondering why the sudden change?" Shenner hefts the guitar's straps off her shoulders, and shrugs, lazily. "I wanted to spend some credits. And get better clothes to busk in. I get an audience faster if I don't look like a street rat." Her eyes do narrow slightly, warily at you, but she doesn't seem bothered by the questioning. Lando grins lopsidedly and looks up at you, "Well the music has always been good. Now you have the look to match." The kid's mouth quirks in a half-smile of her own. Incongruously gracious against her usual curt manner -- as if perhaps aware that as long as she's out with her instruments, she is 'on duty' -- Shen inclines her head, and says gruffly, "Thanks. Spent enough on it." She leans the guitar against herself and alternately flexes each hand, stretching tired fingers. Lando grins and leans foward, shifting some weight onto his propped leg, "Well, from here, it looks like every credit you spent was a credit -well- spent." He leans backward and lowers his foot to the ground. He smiles politely and states, "I'm sorry I can't stay any longer, I have other matters to attend to." The kid flicks a small smile out. "Sure thing," she answers, hefting up the guitar again. "Evenin', General." Lando smiles curtly and adds before turning to leave, "Night Shenner." Lando heads northward up Coral Avenue. Lando has left. [Shenner plays for a time longer, watching passersby head in and out of the square, until at last....] Paul_Nighman enters the square, just arriving from the busy market district. Paul_Nighman has arrived. Music can be heard wafting across the city square, a low, plaintive kind of melody, strummed on a guitar. A soft voice can be heard to be singing, a husky low murmur of a voice that carries well despite the ambient noise in this place, of passersby and transports. The guitar must have an amplifier circuit activated, for _it_ carries even better. Shuffling his feet apparently in no particular hurry, Paul wanders in from the market district ... his satchel hung across his torso to rest on one hip, his leather jacket tossed casually over his right shoulder, and his luggage sack in his left hand. As he walks, he looks about at the people moving about him as if he were unfamiliar with other people - curious about their behavior and where they are off to. His face is clean shaven for a change, but the rest of him looks somewhat rumpled, his hair disarrayed by the sea air and hanging in front of his eyes, begging to be trimmed. Hearing the music wafting through the briny air, Paul smiles slightly and finds his feet drifting in the direction of the melody, his right hand slipping into his pocket for some change. Shenner has taken over a bench; at this hour, after being out and about for hours, she isn't too proud to sit while she's playing. Her gaze sweeps the square as she sings, keeping track of potential audiences. She, too, is windblown, the silken shirt she's wearing -- and the feather dangling off her right ear -- rippling in the night breeze. Paul_Nighman looks at you for a moment. As he nears the singer and the music, Paul realizes that he knows that guitar and that voice - intimately. He stops in his tracks, not realizing that he would be seeing Shenner so soon. His eyes flick toward the barracks and for a brief moment he considers just moving on, pretending that he didn't know she was there. The option is considered for about a second. He then sets his shoulders back, as if gathering his courage and heads torward Shen's voice and strumming strings. He comes along a line of trees, allowing himself to remain in their shadows. As he draws nearer, he takes in Shenner's altered appearance, his eyes widening slightly in surprise, then appreciation, and then consternation. He carefully muffles the questions in his mind and masks the features of his face into an pleasant expression. He doesn't find this too onerous a task, as seeing Shen playing her guitar pleases him immediately anyway he were to look at it, or any way she were to look. The kid is, in fact, playing a finger-plucked melody -- a slow and careful one, over minor chords. Perhaps fortunately, the song is a simple one, but the girl doesn't flub a note. With her guitar case open before the bench, her two flutes can be seen within it, each out of their bags, and a smattering of coins dot the lining of the case around them. Shenner herself finally draws the song to a close, and pauses for a moment, frowning off into the air as if trying to decide what to play next. Paul steps out of the shadows and drops a large handful of coins into Shenner's guitar case. He straightens with an almost shy smile and flicks his head to one side to try to flip his hair out of his eyes, but the wind retaliates and flicks it back at him. "Hey there ... I see you've been practicing." he murmurs softly in greeting. Shenner's gaze immediately shoots around and lifts up to the one who's drawn near, and her hands freeze on the instrument's strings. For an instant, her face begins to turn radiant, but then, as if with a visible effort, she dims it down to merely cheerily welcoming. "Hi, pal," she answers, perhaps, just perhaps, a trifle overfast. "Yeah, it's been comin' in handy, whatcha taught me." His gaze misses nothing, and Paul notes her first reaction, dampened as it may have been. His face betrays none of his emotions, but instead he puts down his bags and lays his jacket over them. He stuffs his hands into his pockets, which looks casual, but is actually to prevent them from perhaps betraying his nervousness. He smiles warmly, but it is a friendly smile, no more, no less. "I thought you might find it interesting ... and obviously not all that challenging ... I knew you would outstrip me in a few meager weeks." A slight flush comes over his cheeks as he internally smacks himself at his potentially poor choice of words. To hopefully cover it, he continues by commently idly, "I like your new get-up ... what's the occasion?" It's too dark, even with the evening illumination in the square, to tell whether Shenner blushes; she does, however, look away briefly, as if embarrassed. She does smile a bit, though, and her voice is quite steady as she replies, "Buskin' again. I figured... what the hell. It'd get me an audience faster, if I didn't look like a street rat, yah know?" Paul watches the kid, his gaze curious and a touch relieved. "I didn't know you played for other people," he replies, his voice holding a hint of surprise and subtle awe." He smiles at Shen warmly and adds, "Well, you look great ... you're sure to get a big audience." He looks around and then back at Shenner and begins to pick up his stuff. "Well, I don't want to cut into your business or anything," he adds quickly. Again, a flash of that radiance in her face, as you compliment her... and an equally sudden flash of disappointment, as you move to go. She says hastily, "Oh, yeah, I been buskin' ever since Tatooine. And, eh, well, y'know, can't sing all night anyway, but I guess you been busy too, huh? Research and everything. That don't wear your voice out...." Paul stops gathering his bags and looks at Shen warily. He seems to be weighing the situation carefully. He releases his grip on the bags and instead hunkers down next to them. "Yeah, singing can be hard on the voice if you haven't had any training," he murmurs absently. He runs his right hand through his hair again, but the sea gusts blow it around playfully and he gives up trying to straighten it, and settles for staring though the strands instead. He nods in response to Shen's last question. "Well, yes, I had to get some final information on Mandolore and visit with an," and he seems to hesitate for a moment, as if he were going to say something else, but finishes instead with, "an old friend." His expression has turned inward and a little regretful. With a small shake of his head, he comes out of it and smiles wryly at Shenner. "No voice strain, but my glasses sure got a workout," he jokes lightly. Shenner brightens a little as you crouch nearby, and grins crookedly even as she appears to devote most of her attention to her guitar. She strums very quietly as she listens to you speak, then abruptly emits a low chuckle. "Glasses," she murmurs, as if the concept amazes her somehow. "You and your glasses, don't think I ever seen anybody else who has 'em." Her gaze lifts back to you, as if she can't quite help looking straight at you as she talks, though her stance _looks_ casual. Paul chuckles himself and replies, "Well, you know how what an old fashioned kind of guy I am." He grins up at Shen, glancing at her face and then watching her hands work over the strings, as if memorizing the patterns she is creating. "I have a small imperfection in my sight ... it doesn't bother me and it's not really worth fixing, but if I have to read a lot, I get headaches and eye strain ... so I just use the glasses and I'm fine." He smirks in a self deprecating way. "Some would say it makes me look distinguished or brainy, but I think it just makes me look like a geek." The kid gives you an apparently casual shrug, and smiles lopsidedly. "Can't say I know too many geeks, so I ain't got nothin' to compare against. You look alright to me, though, with or without the glasses." She returns her attention to the guitar, as she picks her way through something deliberately spritely, perhaps trying to cover for... what? Paul watches the girl play for awhile, not saying anything at all. If one were paying attention, one might think that he was struggling with a decision, and you'd be right. For a long time Paul sits there, balanced on the balls of his feet, and for once he remains silent, uncertain what would be the best thing to say now. He toys with the straps of his stuff, as if he were considering rising again and taking his leave. The girl, though, murmurs at last, "You... gonna go back and, uh, do more research?" Paul stares at her for a long moment before responding. "No, I think that I've gotten all that I can from here," he replies softly. "Now it's just a question of where we're going and when." He eyes Shen for a moment longer, his mouth opening as if he were going to say something else, but then he shuts it and stares at the fabric between his fingers. "Anything else I need to do, I should do here," he finishes, as if he were uncertain what that might entail. He then looks up at Shen and replies, "And besides, I did promise you another lesson, although I doubt you'll need it at this rate." His corresponding smile is small and tentative. Shenner looks back up at you, and her casual air appears to have slipped a trifle, as she ventures, "I'd like that... nothin' else, you could, I dunno, just check over what I been doin'?" The question's almost businesslike, but the kid's face says differently. Shenner's expression, perhaps without her knowing it, has begun broadcasting a bashful kind of hope. Paul shrugs and smiles, noticing that she didn't touch on anything he was hinting at unintentionally. "Well sure ... I can check out what you're doing, maybe show you a few more things ... maybe give you some singing tips so you don't wear out your voice." Paul registers the hopeful look in Shen's eyes, but attributes it to her interest in the music and nothing else. His form seems to relax a little, as if he had been holding himself in to a degree. "I'd like that," comes Shenner's prompt, if oddly shy, reply. Her expression softens a little, before she ducks it towards her guitar. Paul nods shortly in response and stands up, pulling his jacket up andover his shoulder and reaching for his bags. "Okay, pick a time that's convenient for you and we'll run through some stuff." He pulls his bag on over his head and across his chest. "I should probably pick up a guitar so I can show you stuff and you can try it at the same time." Shenner blinks at the word 'time', checks her chrono, and lets out a breath. "Yeah... sure," she blurts, as she hops up, to nestle the guitar into its case along with the coins and flutes. "I, uh, I better be gettin' back...." Paul watches Shen gathering her stuff together as he reaches down for his last bag. "Do you want me to walk with you?" he asks. "After all, I am heading for the same place and wouldn't want any bad guys to hassle you." His tone is both serious and slightly teasing, but more serious. The kid grins crookedly. "Eh, well. I do feel kinda weird still, dressed like this... if, uh.... you don't mind?" She pauses as she lifts the guitar up, glancing over at you, again clearly striving to be casual. Paul lifts the last bag and nods again, waiting for Shen to finish packing up. "Yeah," he murmurs idly, "I didn't think about that. Do you need any help carrying anything," he asks, even though his arms look pretty full as it is. With the two flutes nestled in the case along with the guitar, Shenner has only the case to lift, and she shakes her head briskly at you as she hoists it up. "Nah.... thanks, though..." She moves off a little, and glances back to see if you follow. Paul follows in Shenner's wake, about one step behind her, letting her lead. The girl might, perhaps, look thinner from the back than she does from the front in this new garb of hers; the silk and velvet she's wearing tonight provide far less padding to her slender form than her usual bulky flight jacket and vest do. Shenner strides along as she usually does, neverthless, that guitar case hefted under one silk-clad arm, the feather dangling back off her right ear and occasionally dancing in the breeze. Paul follows along, his eyes occasionally glancing about at passersby, but his gaze generally stays on the slim back of the young girl. Shenner glances once back at you, and chatters idly, "Been buskin' the last coupla days... findin' out how the Calamari like their music, and stuff... and the NR folks here. Somethin' for me to do, anyway, and maybe I can make a few credits..." Paul nods again, and then realizing that Shen cannot see his non-verbal response, he replies, "Sounds like sound business practice - scope out your market and see what will sell." The kid glances back at you again, and grins, startled, pleased. "Uh... yeah!" She nods, vigorously, as she leads you on northward. [And eventually....] You head into the Barracks. NR Spare Barracks -- Calamari(#4222RnFJ) Row upon row of meticulously made cots line in military precision down the cold, off-white walls of this plain-looking room, each separated by a barracks locker and side-table. This room is normally silent, the shadows cast by the lights above harsh and stark against the bare floor. You can see doorways leading off into private rooms and bathing rooms at the far end of the hall. Shenner pads quietly into the barracks, with Paul Nighman in her wake; the kid pauses, just as the two of them come in past the door, and turns to the man, looking up at him. Paul stops short of crashing into Shenner and peers down at her in confusion. "Something wrong?" Jessalyn sleeps soundlessly, curled up beneath a crumpled blanket, hair wild around her face. Shenner's eyes have turned liquid, and she pauses a moment, clearly unsure, even as she murmurs, "Uh... I'm... real glad you're back, Paul..." Shenner offers a tremulous not-quite-smile, barely little more than the right corner of her mouth curving up for a brief instant. Paul stares down at Shen and he swallows and clears his throat. "Uh, thanks Shen ... it's good to be back," he replies a little hesitantly. He watches the kid a little warily, as if he were expecting her to explode without warning. No explosion; if anything, the girl seems abruptly unnerved by your regard, and she strives to cover it by looking hastily away, by striding on soft suede-booted feet to her claimed bunk and sliding her guitar under it. The kid does something else, though -- grabs at a small chest under thebunk, pulls it out, and ferrets through it till she produces a large bathrobe, a rather simply designed nightgown, and an enormous towel. At last, turning back to Paul, she bobs her head at the sleeping Jessalyn as if to signal the need to be quiet, and pads back. Shenner murmurs, "I'm, uh, I'm gonna go get in the refresher, 'kay? If you wanna get to sleep." Paul watches Shenner's preparations with a confused expression, his eyes glancing to Jessalyn when Shenner bobs her head in that direction. Paul nods briefly and then turns his gaze back to Shen's. "Okay, that sounds good," he replies, his eyes dropping down to the new nightclothes and then back up to Shen's face. His expression is unreadable. "Been doing a lot of shopping I see," he says, noting the obvious. Jessalyn shifts slightly beneath her blanket, but her face remains buried against the pillow, the blanket pulled tightly over her shoulders. "Yeah, uh, well... can only sleep, eat, and all in the same set of clothes before they start gettin' pretty rank and I got some credits now, so, uh... 'sides, the NR folks'd get kinda testy, I guess, if I ran around with nothin' on." Shenner grins crookedly as she babbles this out. "'Night, Paul?" Paul chuckles softly. "Well, I did offer to lend you a shirt once, but I guess it would have been a little big," he notes in response. His face seems composed and relaxed. "Night Shen ... don't slip down the drain or nothin'," he teases lightly. One last final, oddly shy look, before the kid is gone, with a bob of the feather at her ear. [And sometime later, Shenner comes back... only to find that Jessalyn and Paul have apparently argued....] Paul stops, but does not turn around. "There is nothing wrong with me Jessalyn ... really. I just recently figured out what I need to do, and it's probably just for the best that I start wrapping things up and saying my goodbyes and such. No point in getting too involved when you're on your way out." His tone isn't angry or upset ... or anything really. Perhaps there is a hint of resignation in his voice, but that is all. The Barracks door slides open, and Shenner, looking dwarfed and perhaps childlike by the enormous terrycloth robe she's wrapped about her frame, comes padding in. Her hair is damp and sticks up along her head in short spikes, her towel is draped around her neck, and she's carrying her clothing in a carefully folded armload. Jessalyn sits in stunned silence at this diatribe, then slowly lowers her gaze. "I see," she says, her voice suddenly cool as she attempts to hide the quake running through her. "If that's how you want it, Paul..." Paul turns to look at Jessalyn, his expression slightly pained. He doesn't notice Shenner's arrival. "That isn't how I like it," he replies, "that's just how it is." he states matter of factly. Jessalyn hides the expression in her eyes from Paul as she turns away. Silently she yanks her bag up to the bed, thrusts a hand down into it, and pulls out her jacket and trousers. Slipping her arms through the sleeves, she pulls her hair out of the neck, then shoves her legs into the trousers, yanking them up and fastening them to her waist as she mutters on her way to the door. "It's exactly how you like it, Paul Nighman. Every man I know runs away from the truth, it seems." She tosses Shenner a sudden compassionate glance, gives Paul a good cold, level stare, and heads for the door. Shenner blinkblinks where she stands, absorbing the exchange between the two adults; then, quietly, the girl slips towards her bunk. Paul stares at Jessalyn in complete confusion and shock. He takes a few faltering steps after Jessalyn, his brow knit. "Jessa?" he calls after her, his tone imploring. He then registers Shenner's presence and gives her a look that seems to say that he has no idea what the hell is going on. Biting her lip a moment, Shenner returns first Jessalyn's and then Paul's glance uneasily as she settles down to place her clothes in the chest under her bunk. "Don't mind me, y'all," she mutters, to no one in particular. Jessalyn frowns, pausing in the doorway, and a flicker of pain crosses her eyes as she watches Shenner. She hits the doorpad and glares at Paul with glassy eyes. "I'm going for a walk." Paul stares at Jessalyn and then he glances at Shenner and gives her an imploring look before he pursues Jessalyn, reaching for her arms and holding onto them hard. "Jessa," he growls softly, "what the hell are you talking about? What's wrong with you?" While his words might be harsh, his tone is concerned and confused. Shenner sits down on her bunk, still quiet, but watching Paul and Jessalyn warily. Jessalyn turns her head as the door whisks open, and her arms writhe, trying to break free of his grip. "Leave me alone! You just want to run away, too, so why should I care?" Paul scowls, his expression becoming just a little bit dangerous. He turns Jessalyn roughly in his grasp so that she is facing him and grips her arms tightly again, preventing her escape. "I'm being reasonable," he replies. "As I see it, you've got your promotion, Luke's got his trip to Kashyyyk, Shen will go wherever it is that she will go, and I will do my job ... and maybe we'll all meet again, and then again maybe we won't. I don't depend on that kind of coincidence." His eyes bore into Jessalyn's, nearly black in the dim light. "Besides," his voice rumbles softly, "the only person I see running here is you." Jessalyn gapes at Paul, green eyes fierce and flashing, her complexion turning a furious red. Her hand trembles even as he holds onto her arm, but she jerks herself away from him, draws back her arm and slaps him across the face. "How dare you! After you know how I feel about all of you!" She spits the words, then turns on her heel and bolts out the door. Shenner might be seen to wince. The kid still says nothing, as she slips off the green robe, leaving herself clad in nothing but an oversized pale golden flannel night-tunic that dwarfs her form almost as effectively as the robe did; only her legs from the knees down, most of her arms, her neck, and some of her collarbone are left in view. Paul lays a hand on his cheek, watching Jessalyn flee. He stands there for a moment, his eyes narrowing to small slits before he turns away and storms back to his bunk and begins to furiously pack up his stuff growling to himself, "Well, I knew this was futile ... don't know why I even bothered coming back, better off where I was, that's for sure ... damn redheads ... nothing but constant trouble ..." His voice cuts in and out as he growls to himself, cursing every so often. Jessalyn has left. Shenner tenses, then, without so much as a peep, takes down the covers on her bunk and crawls in under them. The kid buries her face in the pillow, turning her body towards the wall. Paul finishes packing and heads out toward the exit, sparing only a glance at Shenner's bunk. When his eyes catch her form, huddled torward the wall, he slows his pace somewhat. She can hear his muttered swearing, and she can hear the slowing of his footsteps; still, Shenner remains huddled there under her blanket and sheet, and only after a moment does she say gruffly, without looking over her shoulder, "Don't worry 'bout that lesson, Paul... 'nother time, I guess..." Paul hangs his head for a moment, feeling emotions crowding him hard. He sighs and drops his bags, then fishes around in his pocket till he finds a business card. He walks over to Shen and drops his frame down onto the edge of her bunk, touching her lightly with the card. "Here's where I'll be ... you can reach me there any time of the day or night," he murmurs gruffly. The kid doesn't shift position, doesn't risk looking over at you. But she does let a hand emerge from her blanket-nest, to take the card, and she mumbles tinily, "Thanks..." Her voice comes out slightly strangled. Paul hesitates a moment longer, taking in the tortured voice. He leans over slightly and touches the still damp hair of Shenner's head, the only part of her that is still somewhat visible. "Shen?" he says gently, his hand hovering over her for a moment longer. "Yeah?" she croaks from the depths of her pillow. Paul hovers there for a moment longer, uncertain whether to press the kid or not. He hangs there indecisively. "I'm sorry about that .... that you had to witness it." He sits there for a moment longer and then his hand drops to her covered shoulder. "Anyway, you're welcome to visit any time you want to." He grimaces slightly, noticing the ironic switch in positions. Last time it was Shenner that he was fleeing from and Jessalyn whom he invited to seek him out. He shakes his head in frustration. Shen's head shifts a little, and one green eye comes round into enough view for you to see the girl's bleak look. "I... wouldn't just be in the way? I mean, you got to get ready for your job and everything." Paul catches Shen's gaze and stares at her for a moment, taking in the bleak expression. He shakes his head slowly from side to side. "No, you are not in the way ... I'm not leaving because I have work to do ... that's all set for now ... the rest is up to Lando." He looks away for a moment and a glimmer of light illuminates the red hand shaped mark on his cheek. He turns back and observes the corner of Shen's face. "I'm sure I'll find something to work on while I'm there, but nothing that can't be interrupted," he adds. Shenner peers up and around at Paul, then, shifting position under her blanket. Her eyes are still plaintive, but she offers that brief smile she'd given him before, little more than one end of her mouth curving up. "Okay," she says, trying to sound at ease, and not quite succeeding. Paul nods at Shen, the red of his left cheek standing out harshly even in the dim light. "Okay," he mumbles, rising from the bunk and heading back over to his stuff. He picks up the bag and swings it over his head and around his form and then gathers up the rest of his stuff. "Then I'll see you around, huh?" he replies. Her voice very low, very restrained, the kid says only, "Yeah... see yah." Paul nods again and idly rubs his left cheek before turning and heading out the doorway. Once Paul's back is turned, Shenner simply watches him go, saying nothing, though her expression might be seen to fall. When the door whooshes shut behind him, the girl turns back towards the wall, and the dubious refuge of her pillow and sleep. Paul_Nighman has left. ---------- Interlude: They'd fought again, and Shenner couldn't for the life of her figure out why... or what she could do about it. For a time, she tried to simply sleep, tried to put the problem of Paul and Jessalyn aside, but it refused to be shunted out of her head. She tossed and turned restlessly on her bunk, and at last, got up to retrieve her guitar, and see if she could straighten out her jumbled thoughts with music. At last, at a late hour, Luke found her there.... ---------- Luke steps into the room, an eyebrow settled in an angular line over one clear eye. He bends to get a view past a few of the bunks before taking another step in. "Paul?" he calls out. The barracks are quiet... and the only person visible in the room at the moment is Shenner, sitting crosslegged on the floor by her bunk. Shen's clad in an enormous green robe, and she's strumming slowly and plaintively at her guitar; as you enter, the kid looks up, distracted. "Oh... you, uh, missed him, Luke...." Luke A human male. Short and slight of build, more agile than powerful. Mildly athletic. His tousled, sandy blonde hair is of medium length and frames a tan face with the beginnings of creases around his clear blue eyes. A faint scar runs along the corner of his mouth with a similiar one near his nose. His chin is gently cleft. He looks quite young, yet his demeanor is purposeful, confident, deliberately calm and belies his age. He seems to be empty of selfishness or ego, with quiet movements and a distant voice which can at times be laden with surprising intensity. From shoulder to toe he is dressed entirely in soft black fabric accompanied by gleaming knee high boots. Around his waist he wears a simple brown utility belt which shows some wear and tear as well as a scuffed silver octagonal buckle. He carries no blaster, nor other obvious weapon or accessory, save for an object hanging from his belt.. A silver cylinder roughly 12 inches in length. Luke steps up, shadowing the seated figure. He smiles, "Oh hullo Shenner." he crouches, "You doing ok?" Shenner's face is worn; at this late hour, given the fact that she's actually awake, there's a strong indication that she's upset about _something_. She can't quite manage a smile, as she sort of shrugs up at you. "Gettin' by... _you_ okay? I, uh, ain't seen you. Since we got here." Luke lets out a breath, voice distant as he eyes the door. His hands leaning on his crouched knees before him, "I'm worried about Han. He hasn't checked in." a delicate pause accompanined by a near invisible shaking of the head, "It's not like him.." Shenner shifts the guitar in her lap, looking over at you, and she nibbles at her lip. "Didn't hardly say nothin' to General Solo. Except when we went lookin' for y'all in the city. So I dunno really what he's like...." She trails off, a little surprised that you're confiding in her, but she goes on steadily, "Um... I could, maybe, try to call Grathix... or something? Since he was talkin' to the General?" Luke turns his head sharply back to Shenner, eagerness, or perhaps earnestness showing through his voice. It makes him appear idealistically younger than he is, "Could you?" he nearly blurts out before covering, "I mean.. You could? Contact him that is?" The girl blinks her green eyes, a bit taken aback, then she grins hesitantly. "Well, uhm. Lando was gonna call him anyway. Do you want me to call him separate?" Luke settles into a seated position next to you. One leg out straight, the other one bent at the knee and close to his body where his arm is draped, "Oh.. Lando." he tosses you a look, "Well, Paul and I need to get in touch with him anyway to talk about those artifacts." he squints at you, "He trusts you though, doesn't he?" Shenner leans back against the bunk behind her, considering. "I... guess so," she murmurs. "He gave me all those credits, even when I didn't do squat really, for him..." Luke leans in toward you, his voice urgent almost, yet whispery soft, "What's he all about? Grathix.." With any other man, the kid might shy away; with Luke Skywalker, for some reason, Shenner simply keeps sitting as she is, something in her stance suggesting a kind of trust. She looks plaintive, nevertheless, as she tells you, "I'm not sure how to answer that... I mean... I never asked him much about what and who he is. How do you mean?" Luke leans against a bunk, staring upwards at an unknown point, "I dunno, he just.. struck me as odd. Like he'd been practicing a speech. I sensed nothing dangerous through the Force so this is just simple perception." he turns to face you, "Could have just been the situation getting to me, but until I know more about Grathix, I doubt I'll trust him very much. You know him. You've spent time with him." Shenner looks down at her guitar, musing. "Well... kinda. It was more like... I was on the same ship he was, when we went to Etti IV, yah know? He hardly said much to me, it wasn't like we were social... and on Etti, well, didn't speak much unless we had to talk about the job. He ain't exactly a drinkin' buddy." She taps a bare foot against the floor for a minute, then confides sheepishly, "For what it's worth... he didn't ever lay a hand on me or harm me, and he didn't seem to... change, at all, when he found out I was a girl..." Shenner's voice shifts a bit, on those last few words, giving a hint again that she's disturbed about something. Luke seems concerned. His eyes mirroring this back to you, "You've been scared for a long time that someone will take advantage of you." he states simply, almost as a question. The girl sucks in a breath, slowly lets it out, then finally tells you huskily, "Yeah." "Do you want to talk about it?" Luke asks near a whisper. His voice and expression melting into empathy. His sense is such that either an answer in the affirmative or negative will not harm him, nor will he take it as an insult or affront. His eyes quietly, placidly full of sincerity. Shenner looks up and over at you, and gives a sort of wan half-smile, one end of her mouth quirking for a moment. "Yeah... no... I-I dunno. You get me goin', I ain't liable to stop..." She swallows hard, and for a moment, her expression suggests she's just tried to swallow a lump of plascrete in her throat. Luke smiles warmly, "You don't have to tell anyone anything. But sometimes it's nice to get things off your chest." he points two gloved fingers at his own chest, resting back, "Makes you feel better you know?" The kid bobs her head, strums a little at her guitar, and mumbles, 'Yeah... I guess... I mean, my head's fulla _somethin'_ if I can't get to sleep at this hour." Luke just watches you, questioningly and silently and nods. He tugs at a glove, occasionally glancing back to you with a look that, for all the galaxy, says, -go on-. His mouth curved in an intricate line that is half smile, half stricken frown, as if he is remembering something of his own that has struck a chord in him when he thinks about your own pain. He glances at the guitar as it strikes its chord, then back to you expectantly. Fidgeting with the strings, still, Shenner's right hand twitches out a note or two. She finally offers, without quite looking at you, "Scared the hell outta me, Luke, when you... uh... kinda spilled the beans about me bein' a girl... you know?" There's no blame in the kid's voice; she's simply making a confession. Luke lets out a breath, "Oh Shen.. I'm sorry.. if I woulda known I.." At that, Shenner hastily looks up at you. "No... it's okay, really, no reason you shoulda known, yah know?" This comes out of her with forthright earnestness, before she goes on somewhat more shyly, "I, uh... was gonna hafta to deal with it, sooner or later. Bein' a girl, that is." And she looks down again, both hands occasionally fiddling with the guitar. "Kinda hard to get into it, after playin' boy for ten years." Luke stares at the ceiling, "You've built up quite a defense mechanism there." he observes, then looks at you with a tilt of his head, "So you don't need that anymore?" It's a moment before Shen answers that, and before she does, you might perhaps sense another flare of distress from her. At last, with an effort, she mumbles, "I... dunno. It... I been... thinkin' about it all..." "About.. Paul?" Luke asks with some trepidation, as if he is unsure just what you mean. For another long moment, Shenner is silent, her hands pausing on the guitar, as well. The fretboard in her left hand shakes, just a trifle. Finally, with another palpable effort at controlling her voice, Shen answers, ".... yeah. About... Paul." Luke's voice blends dissonantly with the chords from the guitar, "He likes you. Is that part of the problem?" he replies. "He..." Shenner blinks her eyes closed for a moment, perhaps trying to steady herself. "Nah.... he ain't the problem.... just me." Her voice grows heavier; _now_ there's blame in it, clearly directed at herself. Luke glances at you sideways, "You've had to do certain things for a long time to survive Shenner. It does take some time to get out of that habit and start being yourself all over again. You said it yourself. Don't try so hard." his voice quietly urgent, optimistic and somehow pleading all at once. Shenner's eyes are still closed, and you can see her swallow hard again. "I... yeah. Jessa said I oughtta... give him time, but, well, hey, he's leavin', and I'm just a kid anyway." She sounds as though she's _trying_ for a casual tone, but she doesn't achieve it; is she trying to convince you she's alright, or herself? Luke pauses as he watches you, "You want to go with him.." his tone gentle, not carrying an ounce of reproach or attack. "..have you talked to him about this?" The kid's head is still hanging, and mutely, she shakes it in answer to your question. Luke scoots over next to you, "You know.. I'm not really the best person to give advice on personal relationships. Gods knows I've messed up enough of them. But I do know Paul feels something for you. He doesn't hide that." he leans against the bunk next to you, resting a hand on his knee once again, "Maybe you should ask him." he shrugs, although the shrug is generally centered around his hand, which rises and drops against his kneecap, "..but then again.. this isn't my area of advice." he smiles wryly, "Now if you wanted to know how to hotwire a landspeeder, I can help you there." At that, Shenner _does_ giggle a little, but she also makes a tiny sniffle that tells you she's fighting off tears. "He... asked me, before you and Grathix started talkin' with him 'bout all this... if I wanted to go with him on his ship, but...." A sigh, and then, the girl starts trailing random patterns with one of her fingers along the top of her guitar. "That was before I got real stupid and... tried to kiss him, and reminded him I-I'm just a kid. Don't think he'd... want me along, now, and anyway.... Jessalyn... kinda needs me, too." Shenner grimaces at herself. "Besides, what the kark could I do to help find ancient artifacts, anyhow? I'm a bard wannabe, not an archaeologist." Luke blows out a breath and stretches a booted leg out onto the floor, he looks visibly uncomfortable now, but doing his best at hiding it, "Um.. well.." a glance your way then a distantly added, "There is something about you that he seems to need. Maybe he wants you along for moral support? This could be a big trip for him. Who knows what we'll find there." he shrugs with the hand once more like a lifeless bird, "Maybe he hasn't admitted to himself how he feels about you." he frowns at this, unsure why he is and straightens it into a scowl. He thinks it's a smile and rubs his eyes. Shenner mumbles, "I dunno, Luke... he needs me, maybe... but Jessa does, too, and... every time I see 'em together, they're always fighting....!" Her voice cracks a bit, and she glances at you, mournfully. Luke lowers a brow over a pale blue eye, "Fighting? I haven't noticed them fighting.." Skeezix arrives from the corridor. Skeezix has arrived. Skeezix strides into the barracks at a rather uncharacteristic slow tempo, his face completely expressionless at the moment. Shenner nods miserably to the Jedi sitting beside her on the floor. "Yeah... they're always fighting...." As Skeezix enters, he can see Shenner clad in an enormous robe, her guitar in her lap, sitting on the floor before her bunk; Luke's parked on the floor beside her, and the two appear to be engaged in earnest -- and for Shenner's part, apparently distressed -- conversation. Skeezix walks over towards his cot which, perhaps by coincidence, happens to lie just next to Luke and Shenner. He eyes Shenner for a moment before he sits down, yet doesn't say a word. Luke wraps an arm around his knee, "And that bothers you.." he murmurs, "You know, sometimes people argue for no reason." he adds, half-turning to face her. Skeezix looks at you for a moment. General Calhoun's arrival distracts the kid, and Shen looks up, blinking. Her doleful expression wavers a bit, the look of someone who's been up for hours past when she should have gone to bed; when the new arrival says nothing, though, Shenner just nods, meekly, to Skywalker. Skeezix looks over towards Skywalker and pauses for a moment. "Didn't you hear the bad news?" he finally asks drily. Shenner blinks again, attention locking on the General, now. Luke turns to Skeezix, frowning, "Bad news?" he lets his hand slip off the knee. Skeezix simply watches Luke for a moment, his expressionless face not giving a thing away. "Jessalyn was hurt," he finally says, cocking his eyebrow as he waits for Luke's reaction. Luke's reaction completely aside, _Shenner_ goes pale, and she squeaks, "What?" Luke's confused expression slips off his face. He simply says, "Where?" in a mild voice, yet his eyes furrow and burn silently. Skeezix replies, "She's in the hospital, Luke... for the sake of Alderaan, go speak with her." Shenner gets up, turning around to immediately ferret into the clothes chest under her bunk. The kid digs up her old clothes, and immediately starts tugging on her breeches without taking off the robe. Luke stands and hesitates as if thinking about something. He turns to watch Shenner and says quietly to Skeezix, "I will." then to Shenner, "I'll meet you there ok?" he is halfway to the door before the sentence is completed. Luke has left. Skeezix looks over to Shenner and comments, "I'll be in here, kid.... you two can talk to her." He leans back onto his cot and folds his arms behind his head, staring at the cieling. Shenner hastily dresses, glancing briefly and uncomfortably in the General's direction, and somehow then managing to gyrate herself through getting her shirt on before the robe's completely off. She emerges rumpledly but decently clad, and immediately tugs on her vest and flight jacket, then reaches for her boots. He doesn't speak a word, he doesn't even move a muscle. One might even wonder if General Calhoun were even breathing - yet a troubled sigh escapes his face, which confirms that the latter isn't true. Shenner gets her boots on, hopping into them, and pauses to eye the man who's lain down. "You okay?" she asks awkwardly, hand poised to zip up the jacket. Skeezix looks at you for a moment. Skeezix finally looks over towards Shenner, yet offers a simple, almost convincing grin. "Sure, kid, I'm fine." Of course, the entire facial expression following his grin might speak otherwise... but one can never know for sure. Troubledly, Shenner eyes the General for a moment or two; then, she just bobs her head, and blurts, "Thanks f'r tellin' us..." With that, she hastens out to catch up with Luke. [And soon....] You head into a hospital room. Room 705, Calamari Hospital -- Calamari(#4221RInFJ) The stench of recycled air and sterility strike you immidately. As does the dominance of the color white and the constant activity around you. Doctors, nurses, and droids scurry along the corridor rushing from one room to the next. Patients are easily moved about by nurses using hover beds. A couple of patients amble along by you, aided by droids or attendants. A large desk lies directly in front of you and a friendly looking Mon Calamari. She nimbly mans all communications and answers all questions with a bright cordial smile. A lounge lies to your left and is occupied by several beings sit around the plush furnishings of the lounge, watching a holovid. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Luke => Lando => Jessalyn Jessalyn looks over at Luke, making a face. "I wish I knew. Apparently some thuggy alien didn't like the way I looked." She pauses. "Or maybe he liked it too much." She smirks. Luke surveys the bandages, only now allowing himself an amused grin, "It doesn't look that bad. What'd the droid say?" Lando turns back to Jessa and pats her hand gently, "I'll come back and see you kiddo." He glances back up a Luke, looking very annoyed, "When cooler heads prevail." With that he turns and marches towards the exit. After a time, the sound of pelting footsteps might be heard in the corridor, and a breathless, exhausted-looking Shenner, who apparently ran here the entire way from the NR guest barracks, bursts into view. "Jess?" she croaks, starting off loudly on the "J" and then choking back to a smaller volume as though belatedly remembering she ought to keep quiet in a hospital. On cue, the droid whirrs to face Luke. "There were punctured arteries, Master Skywalker, but they've been repaired. She shouldn't be in pain for much longer." Luke turns to watch Lando leave, scowling faintly. It quickly vanishes as he turns back to Jess, "I should apologize to him later I guess." he says. Jessalyn shrugs at Luke, and a smile brightens her face as Shenner bursts into the room. "Shen!" Luke nods to the droid and waves it off. He steps aside, allowing Shen a path. Shenner stumbles into the room, panting hard, and looking anxiously between you both. She nearly collides with Lando, before making it into the room, and finally babbles out, "What happened? *pant* What happened?" Jessalyn smiles warmly at the girl. "Oh, nothing to worry about. I just got a little scratched up in a bar brawl." She chuckles and looks up at Luke gaugingly. Jessalyn The composure of the young woman before you is somewhat tense, her cheeks even paler than usual, though she tries to soften the expression with a gentle smile. Her flaming dark red hair is even brighter than usual in contrast to her ashen cheeks, as if the color has been drained from her face and lips. Her eyes are pale green and the muscles around them flinch with worry. She is wrapped in a thin light gray medical smock and loose trousers of the same color. There are bacta patches attached to each of her upper arms. Luke seems a mixture of amusement and concern. He folds his arms and allows an eyebrow to pop up for a second as he surveys her. "Brawl?!" Shenner echoes, gaping. Jessalyn sighs, and attempts a shrug. "From what I remember. I was unconscious during most of it." She smirks, then holds out her hand to Shenner. Shenner steps to Jessa's side, taking the hand offered. The kid looks worn of face, but also as though she is stoically trying to keep herself alert. "What happened?" she says again, more softly. Jessalyn pats Shenner's hand and smiles at her. "Nothing, don't worry about it!" She narrows her eyes slightly, then glances toward the door. "Have you seen Paul?" Luke leans past Shenner to place a hand on Jessa's shoulder, "Look.. I'm going to go talk to Lando about this. I'll come check on you later." he smiles at Shenner, "I see you have good company." he steps toward the door, touches the pad and exits. Shenner blinkblinks, and shakes her head to Jessalyn plaintively. "He... left right after you did, from the barracks... back to the academy..." Jessalyn closes her eyes and sinks back into the pillow. "Oh, hells..." Shenner frowns, still clinging to Jessa's hand. "What?" Jessalyn sighs and nods to Luke, watching him leave, then looks back at Shen tiredly. "Nothing, I just feel bad for everything. He probably thinks I hate him. I dunno." She wipes a hand over her eyes. "I'm.. I'm thinking of taking a bit of a break from all this. Going away somewhere." The younger girl swallows, still hanging on to Jessa's hand. "Oh," she says, tinily, after a moment. "You're... gonna go away?" Jessalyn squeezes her hand. "I just want to go home for a little while. Do something peaceful. Get away from... " She hesitates, and a certain uncharacteristic hardness enters her eyes. "From things." But the smile returns, brilliant as ever. "Have you ever been to Yavin, Shenner? Would you like to go with me?" ---------- Interlude: Thrilled by the question Jessalyn posed her, Shenner was nevertheless exhausted... and despite having just been through a harrowing experience of her own, Jessalyn could sense the kid's weariness. The two females agreed to put the matter off until they were both more coherent to discuss it; Shenner refused to be sent back to the Barracks, however, and she settled down to sleep by Jessalyn in the hospital room. The next morning, she was still there when Jessalyn received her next visitor.... ---------- Skeezix walks into the hospital area. In Jessalyn's room, Shenner might be spotted slumped in a chair next to the woman's bed; the kid looks to be in quite the uncomfortable position, and she stirs stiffly, yawning. General Calhoun passes close to Jessalyn's room, peering inside. As he spots the young girl, he takes a detour and wanders slowly into the room, his cape brushing up against the doorframe to quietly announce his presence. Shenner starts awake, perhaps more from simple stiffness of position than anything else. But she looks around herself wildly, and as she starts to register her location, she spies the man at the door, and starts again. "Gen *yawn* eral..." "Beaubos," Skeezix replies, "You don't have to call me General, kid." He walks over towards the girl and turns to eye the sleeping Jessalyn below. "How's she doin'?" Shenner blinks, twice, then says intelligently, "Oh... okay. Uhm... yeah... it was pretty late by the time I got here, she was tired..." Shenner rubs at the back of her neck, still looking only half-awake herself. Skeezix nods slightly, "She'll be fine, ya know.. her wounds aren't mortal." "Yeah...." The kid cracks another yawn, and bobs her disheveled head, then manages a crooked smile. Skeezix looks at you for a moment. "Ya look tired, kid," Skeezix says. "Lets go get some air, okay?" Shenner rises, stretching, and nods. "'Kay...." Skeezix stands up and walks out of Jessalyn's room, turning towards the main doors out into the womprats compound. Casting a brief look at Jessalyn's drowsing form, perhaps as if to promise a fast return, the girl drowsily wanders out of the room along with the General. Shen shakes her head a time or two, to clear it. Skeezix leads Shenner out into the bright calamari daylight. Shenner wakes up a bit as she walks, and jams her hands into her pockets as she goes. Calamari Coral City -- Main Spaceport A large docking bay, people of all races bustling between various terminals, the hum of many conversations in different tongues periodically muted by the roaring of a shuttle's engines. Expansive white walls, smooth and cold as washed stone, gleam in the soft light cast by the fixtures in the ceiling. There is the continuous shuffle of cargo being loaded and unloaded and the need to move out of harms way as a cargo lifter passes by you. Occasionally a wisp of salty air tickles your nose but it quickly fades away. A cargo lifter scoots by as it heads toward one of the private docks then disappears north toward the space platform. To the south the shapes and lights of a lively city can be seen. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Skeezix => CAPTIAL: Corellian Gunship -- Defiant -=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=- aiting leads to Waiting To Be Linked. ivil leads to Civil Offices - Calamari. leads to Calamari Coral City -- North Coral Avenue. Skeezix glances over towards the gunship as he walks through the starport, turning south as he looks over to Shenner. "So tell me kid... what's gone on with you lately?" "Define 'lately'?" Shenner asks, sounding more alert, too, now that she's been moving about for a bit. Skeezix glances over towards Shenner as he passes a working SE4 droid and clarifies, "After you left the NRV Alderaan." The redheaded girl blows out a sigh, gives a half-chuckle, and says, "Uhm, well. Went to Palanhi with Grathix. Caught up with Luke and the others... a lot happened on Palanhi. Then we came here." Skeezix nods slightly, "Aye, a lot -did- happen on Palanhi, from what I've been told." He moves out of the starport as he adds, "You know, we finally took care of that Quick fellow..." Skeezix heads down Coral Avenue... Skeezix has left. You decide to investigate the aesthetic delights of the Coral City. Calamari Coral City -- North Coral Avenue An extensive thoroughfare, the road, made of smooth pearly white sea rocks with irregular hues of pink, glistens under the warm rays of the sun. Residential buildings that seem to have sprung from the very depths of the dark blue oceans tower into the sky. However, these structures, made of a pale blue almost translucent material, are not nature's ingenuity, but that of the Mon Calamari. Cataracts of leaves, rustling in the cool breeze, flow from large trees providing plenty of shade. Many citizens walk to and fro, either to disappear into their dwellings or to quickly pause before a fountain and refresh themselves with its sparkling waters. To the west, you catch a glimpse of coral hills which lure you to take a stroll through the Coral Gardens, and coming from the south you hear the distinct sound of water rushing against cold stone, a pleasant call for you to head into the city's center square. Toward the north is the spaceport. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Skeezix -=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=- leads to Calamari Coral City -- Coral Gardens. leads to Calamari Coral City - Coral City Square. leads to Calamari Coral City -- Main Spaceport. "Yeah?" Shenner relaxes, a trifle. "So what _was_ his problem, anyway?" "Multiple personality disorder," Skeezix replies, "though it was a.... strange version of it, to say the least." Tossing his cape backwards with a swift motion of his arm, he adds, "Don't think I'm crazy, but he was literally possessed by the mind of that Jedi he killed, years ago." Shenner frowns as she strides along beside you, studying you intently for a moment as you tell her this. Then she kicks a stone out of her way, and says only, "Ah." Skeezix nods slowly, "Don't ask, kid. It was too wierd to explain." He then tosses her quick, curious glance as he asks, "So, how often do ya fool people into thinkin' yer a boy?" You might, perhaps, see the kid stiffen a little, and another stone gets kicked out of the way by Shen's scuffed boot-toe. "Well... kinda ain't... doin' that no more." Skeezix nods slowly, "I see." He looks back towards the south as he walks in his typical, medium pace -- which might be a bit fast for the normal person. "Good thing.. that could get you into a load of trouble." The kid has a long stride, though -- for all that she's just claimed she's no longer pretending to be male, she still walks like a boy. And she keeps up with you quite well. "Yeah, well." Shen shrugs. "Didn't much have a choice in the matter anyhow. Skywalker pegged me. Didn't even know he did, either." A light chuckle escapes the General's mouth as he looks back over towards you. "He's good at that. Real damn good." "Think the Force told him, or somethin'," Shenner mutters, sounding vaguely embarrassed. "Nothin' wrong with that, kiddo." The General takes an abrupt turn towards the west, "The Force's done him.. and us.. a lot of good." Shenner follows you, sliding a glance in all directions as she scopes her surroundings in unconscious habit. "Can't say I know much about it," she allows. "I don't think many of us do," Skeezix replies, though a bit drily, almost as if he were hiding some contradicting fact deep within his soul. The kid just nods, uneasily. Skeezix enters the gardens to the west. Skeezix has left. You enter the gardens. Calamari Coral City -- Coral Gardens With one glance it is impossible to drink in the wonderous sight before you. What was once an ocean has receded, leaving in plain view one of nature's architectural masterpieces, a coral reef, it's creamy pink shapes silently jutting into the air. Surrounding the coral are benches, water fountains and lush trees, providing plenty of shady spots under which to rest. Here children are seen scurrying about, their parents keeping a close watch, their laughter harmonizing with the sound of falling water and the chirping of birds. Some people can be seen enjoying a pleasant conversation, refreshing themselves with the fountain's cool sparkling water, strolling by the sidewalk or simply admiring the reef. The Coral Gardens also serves as a meeting place for merchants or business persons who prefer the tranquility of the locale to discuss potential trades or to work out differences. To the east the faint sounds of the busy Coral Avenue can be heard. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Skeezix => Coral Sculpture -=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=- leads to Calamari Coral City -- North Coral Avenue. Skeezix shakes his head as the coral gardens begin to surround the pair. "I don't like to talk about it, anyway. Makes me think about it too much, and why think about something you can't control?" Shenner slows, as the reef comes into view, and does a clear double-take at the sight of it. Her green eyes widen, and for a moment or two, she appears to have not heard you. Then she starts. "Huh?" Skeezix The man before you stands to about 5'11. He is bulky, agile and carries a determined look in his vivid blue eyes. He is young, looking to be about 26, his short brown hair just starting to show age. A gold wedding band is always worn on his left hand ring finger. He is currently dressed in a pair of extremely well pressed khaki pants and shirt, each bearing an overwhelming sense of military perfection. The collar of this man's uniform is snapped tightly around his thick neck and gives yield to a beautiful, flowing green cape that falls down his back and lies inches from the floor. Upon each shoulder he carries a shining silver star, and farther up his left shoulder, a bright red New Republic flame burns. a five-pip red insignia has been pinned upon his right breast, and five rows of gleaming medals line up on his left. A jet black military belt is wrapped around his waist and gives way to an old, worn out holster carrying some type of pistol within. His military grade combat boots shine vividly, reflecting the objects around him as if they were made of glass. Skeezix chuckles slightly and easily changes the topic due to Shenner's inattention. "This place is great, ain't it?" "Yeah," Shenner allows distractedly, looking around again, this time in something suspiciously like wonder. "First time I been on a world like this..." Skeezix nods slowly, "Yeah, it's a beauty... though I'm sure the aliens to this planet get pretty lerry of the water after awhile. The natives love it though." He looks out to the horizon and barely spots a group of Mon Calamari swimming through the waters. "See what I mean?" Shenner, too, nods, watching the water-goers, her head quirked a little in mingled interest and nervousness. Evidently, the notion of swimming is a new one to her. The General sighs quietly, his cape blowing behind him in the salty winds. His hands rest to his side, though his left hand seems to be restlessly playing with a golden wedding band that, rebelliously, seems to stay there despite recent events. "Well, so, anyhow...." Shen shakes herself slightly, as if reminded she's not alone, and plasters on a tired grin. "We were on Palanhi, and now we're here, what else you wanna know?" Skeezix shrugs, "Not like I'm interrogatin' ya, kid... just wondering how life's been treating you." Shenner's grin falters a bit; she's quite clearly not as at ease as she pretends. "I'm copin'," she replies a bit too briskly, deliberately distracting herself with the view of the water and the coral. Skeezix eyes Shenner for a moment and says, "Somethin' tells me you aren't copin too well, kid." Shenner attempts an airy shrug. "Eh, well, no big deal, just had my whole life reorganized for me, is all. Happens all the time!" Skeezix shakes his head, "Like hell, kid... it only happens once or twice." He looks towards the ground and adds, "I'm on mah second right now.... so I figure I can talk to ya about it, if you want." With a slight smirk, Shenner glances sidelong at you, and says blandly, "I kinda doubt you spent the last ten years pretendin' to be a girl." Skeezix snickers, "No... I spent the last two years with a girl. Now... hell, it's been a big change." The girl shifts from foot to foot, uncomfortably -- remembering what happened on the _Alderaan_, what news you received, perhaps. "Yeah, I guess," she mumbles. Skeezix nods, "Comparable, though not nearly the same, for sure." "Lost my mom when I was nine," Shen mutters. "I can relate." Skeezix looks over to Shenner and smiles, "Kid, don't make me tell yah about my childhood. You don't want to hear how I could compare." Shenner unsettledly looks down at the ground beneath her booted feet, and mutters, "Your childhood probably topped mine, pal." "Well, I got to run around and have fun, sure... but I had to have 'fun' simply to stay alive." He looks over towards Shenner and says, "I grew up on some unknown planet... infested with predators and poisonous plants. When my parents had me taken to Kashyyyk to finish my childhood... I thought livin' with Wookiee's was better than where I used to have been.... so, I can relate, from a certain point of view." Looking back up warily, the kid listens to that, one eyebrow quirking at the mention of Wookiees. "Huh..." Skeezix looks back out towards the coral formations and simply says, "Nevermind, kid... a General shouldn't go blabbering about his upbringing, anyway." He turns and walks over towards a bench nearby, sitting down quietly. Skeezix sits down on the bench. Shenner shrugs, tentatively, and flops down on the bench's other end. You take a seat on the smoothly polished bench. BENCH The bench is made from dead coral whose seat has been carefully cut and polished by laser weilding artisans. Occupied: Skeezix Sitting upon the polished bench, Skeezix looks over towards the girl and asks, "So, wherevere'd you learn to play guitar?" Sitting upon the polished bench, Shenner smiles faintly. "Lesson holos on Etti IV and watchin' the band at the Free-Flight, mostly. Still workin' on it." Sitting upon the polished bench, Skeezix grins, "You just picked it up like that? Hell, kid, thats amazing." Sitting upon the polished bench, Shenner shrugs, trying again for a casual air, and ignoring the faint trace of a blush across her own face. "Eh, well." More of her 'no big deal', tone. Evidently, the kid has _this_ down to an art form, too. Sitting upon the polished bench, Skeezix eyes Shenner for another moment before asking, "And that flute?" Sitting upon the polished bench, Shenner mutters gruffly, "Had longer to work on that. Momma gave me a flute before, uh, well, before I was nine." Sitting upon the polished bench, Skeezix nods slightly, "Sounds good when ya play it, you know." Sitting upon the polished bench, Shenner gives a bit of a smile, and mutters a thank-you. Skeezix glances around for another moment and says gruffly, "Well, this is getting to me. Too much trickling and chirping. I'm gonna head back into the city." He slowly rises from the bench. Skeezix leaves you sitting on the bench. Shenner nods, but says, abruptly, 'Hey... look, do you know what happened to Jessa... last night? She didn't say much...' Skeezix looks back to Shenner and nods, "Yeah, a bunch of aliens tried to kill her... we took care of it though, and no one was killed." Shenner considers this, brow furrowed. "Didja... by any chance see a tall guy, light brown hair, kinda hazel eyes? His name's Paul.... Jess asked if I'd seen him." Skeezix nods, "Yeah, Paul... he was involved." Shenner sits up a little more on the bench. "D'ya know where he went?" Skeezix shakes his head, "No clue, kid." Shenner blurts, "He okay, though?" Skeezix shakes his head, "No... he got sliced up to, but he'll be fine." The girl absorbs this news, frowning, getting up off the bench. You stand up, leaving the bench. You say, "He... didn't come to the hospital with y'all?" Skeezix shakes his head, "No." Shenner goes very still, worry flaring across her expression. Then, abruptly, she starts fishing through her vest pockets. "I gotta find him," she mutters. Skeezix nods slightly, though he does perk an eyebrow. "Do that, kid.." Shenner comes up, at last, with a business card at which she peers intently for a moment, before clutching it tighter in her hand. "I gotta find him," she repeats, before looking up at you. "I'll be back at the base in a bit... I gotta find him...!" With that, she abruptly whirls, and breaks into a run, sprinting back towards the streets. [End log.]