Log Date:
	2/27/97

Log Cast:
	Leia, Shenner, Jeralic, Jessalyn, KuhnDog, Luke, Skeezix, Razi,
Kaley, Kuxli, Gabrielle

Log Intro:
	Unexpectedly hauled off the surface of Etti IV by none other than
Luke Skywalker himself, Shenner has found herself on board the NRV _Alderaan_,
and presented with quite the dilemma. She is awed to the point of near-terror
by being in the presence of those who had fought and won the Rebellion
against the Empire... but on the other hand, these very same people are the
ones with whom Han Solo, the man her boss is seeking, is aligned. And
Shenner's conscience nags her to reveal what she can of her and Grathix's
search, and to ask the officers in charge of the ship whether she can try
to contact her boss.
	Given permission by the Admiral in charge of the ship to do just
that, Shenner has followed Major Jessalyn Valios off to the ship's 
communications center and has sent out a message to Grathix's ship, the _Cat's 
Paw_. In short order a reply is received, and Shenner discovers that her boss 
had in fact witnessed her and Skywalker's abrupt departure from the planet. 
Grathix had hastened to his ship in pursuit, but Skywalker had outrun him. 
Only when Grathix had drawn near to the NR fleet -- and hailing range of the 
_Alderaan_ -- did Shenner's signal get through to him.
	Informed of his young bardling's whereabouts, Grathix has demanded
to be allowed to land on the _Alderaan_, but has been put off by Major Valios,
who has relayed that permission must be secured through the appropriate
channels. The communication ended, Jessalyn has gone off to attend to that
business as well as other concerns, leaving Shenner to fret for a while
before summoning the courage to look for the woman and ask her what will
happen now....

----------
Leia comes out of the Crew Quarters.
Leia has arrived.
Leia exits the crew quarters and begins heading towards the Fore Corridor, 
  her stride graceful and filled with inner purpose.

A rather lost-looking redheaded youngster glances about the corridor.

Leia
        Her appearance is chillingly remarkable. Deep brown eyes set in a 
  smooth oval face the complexion of a china doll. She is small in stature, 
  yet something tells you her frame doesn't hold back her command of any 
  situation she happens to be in. Calm, fluid motions denote her regal lineage 
  and sophisticated heritage. She is striking and beautiful, with long dark 
  hair the color of oiled mink framing perfectly proportioned features. When 
  she speaks, it is usually soft in tone, but with the surprising ability to 
  turn forceful and self-assured. Her movements are subtle and laden with 
  purpose. Wearing a long flowing robe, pristine in it's whiteness, she seems 
  actually.. vivid.

You walk along the corridor to the foremost part of the ship.
Fore Corridor -- NRV Alderaan
        You are in the Forward Main corridor on Deck 2 of the NRV Alderaan. 
You see your standard corridor structure of an NRV ship. This deck is the head
of the ship. Here you can find the gunnery rooms, security, and the bridge.
 
Contents:
Kaley
KuhnDog
Jeralic
Luke
Jessalyn
Skeezix(#4454PLenAc)
Obvious exits:
 
        Starboard <S> leads to MedSuite -- NRV Alderaan.
               Up <U> leads to Main Bridge -- NRV Alderaan.
             Down <D> leads to Gunnery Room -- NRV Alderaan.
             Port <P> leads to Security Section -- NRV Alderaan.
              Aft <A> leads to Aft Corridor -- NRV Alderaan.

Leia comes in along the corridor.
Leia has arrived.

Jeralic turns. "Ah..Princess Leia, good evening."

Jessalyn frowns more deeply and glances away as Skeezix looks at her.

KuhnDog shakes his head, "No they have not mentioned that. I better contact 
  them before doing so. Can you give me till Saturday afternoon to get 
  confirmation?"

Luke engrosses his attention upon waiting for Skeezix's reply. A gloved hand 
  coming to rest unnaturally upon his like clad stomach. Movement in the 
  hallway noticed by his alert mannerisms, yet his focus unwavering.

Shenner, looking plainly lost, creeps into view a beat before the princess, 
  looks momentarily relieved to see Jessalyn, and then promptly boggles at the 
  people in view -- and again at the admiral's address to someone directed 
  behind 'him'. The kid looks, skitters out of the way, then waves as urgently 
  and surreptitiously as possible at Jessalyn, trying to get the woman's 
  attention.

Leia slips into the area and lets her warm brown gaze float over the crowd, 
  pausing on one individual and letting them remain there.

Jeralic nods. "Easily enough, it will perhaps take that amount of time for me 
  to get full permission from my Government, and to brief the diplomatic team."

KuhnDog nods, "Fair enough."

Skeezix looks back to Luke and says, "Well, Sir, my tactical team is still new 
  and quite small... I'm not sure how the other branches are doing these days."

Jeralic nods. "Very well, then."

Luke holds up a hand toward the Captain, his back facing Leia, "One moment 
  Skeez.." he turns offering a warm smile. Peering through the crowd he waves 
  his sister over.

Jessalyn catches Shenner's wave and forces a faint smile on her lips, still 
  leaning against the wall near Luke and Skeezix. She lifts her hand and 
  motions for him to join her.

Skeezix nods to Luke, growing quiet.

Leia makes her way over to Luke with a quiet, gliding stride, her pristene 
  robes flowing as she walks across the corridor.

Luke squints at her, "Problem?" he asks softly.

Shenner's look might be quite easily translated as, _Uhhhh, what say you come 
  over here, instead?_ The kid doesn't move, and in fact casts a look back the 
  way 'he' had come. "It can wait," Shenner mumbles.

KuhnDog looks towards Admiral Jeralic, "Anything else, Admiral?"

Jeralic shakes his head. "No, that's quite enough."

Jessalyn gets a stern cast to her gaze and straightens her shoulders. Placing 
  one hand on her hips, she motions with the other to Shenner. "Come here, 
  you!"

KuhnDog nods, "Thank you, Admiral. Oh yes, what about the stolen Z-100 
  Centurion?"

Jeralic tilts his head. "A stolen Z-100?"

Leia glances up to Luke and speaks in quiet, casual tones, "When you can find 
  the time, we need to talk."

KuhnDog nods, "Yes, the one that the AWOL pilot took."

Jeralic says, "Tell me, just what /is/ a Z-100? I've not heard of that class 
  before. I, of course, assumed that he simply took a shuttle"

Skeezix smiles as he notices Shenner's entry, glancing sidelong to Jessalyn as 
  he waits for Luke.

KuhnDog says, "Its a starfighter that SubPro built to replace the X-Wings the 
  New Republic leased to us."

Luke nods gravely, his gaze remaining on Leia's features for quite some time, 
  silently. He lets out a breath, then turns to Skeezix, "Look.. something's 
  come up, I'll explain it to you later." taking Leia's shoulder he turns to 
  leave, a slight frown plastered on his face.

Jeralic nods. "I see. Well, I assure you. I shall talk to Rear Admiral Gurth 
  abou the fighter immediately."
Jeralic turns suddenly. "Colonel, Councilor, I'd like a word with the both of 
  you, when you hget a chance."

Skeezix nods slowly to Luke, "No problem, Sir.."

Shenner eyes the knot of people in the corridor, and as Skeezix's regard 
  swings round to 'him' as well as Jessalyn's, the youngster straightens as if 
  with determined effort. "'Scuse me," comes a tenorish mumble as Shen steps 
  past the admiral and the fellow addressing him, to reach Jessalyn.

Leia turns to leave as Luke does, offering a slight nod to the group in 
  general as she does so.

"Ah.." the Jedi slows his retreat as the Admiral speaks, "Certainly.." he says 
  something toward Jeralic barely discernible amid the voices..

KuhnDog says, "Thank you, that would be all."

Skeezix passes a nod to Leia as he looks back toards Jessalyn and Shenner.

Jeralic nods, leaning over to listen to Luke
Jeralic nods, whspering back

Looking distinctly as if 'he' might be trying to navigate through a mine 
  field, Shenner reaches Jess and says quickly, "You, uh, if you'll just tell 
  'em 'bout reachin' my boss..." A green glance left, then right. "I'll go 
  wait back in the crews' quarters. Thanks..."

Jessalyn smirks as Shenner approaches, but she glances back towards Luke, a 
  perplexed furrow in her brows. "So much for the princess telling me let him 
  know about..." She stops as Shenner addresses her, frowning. "What's wrong?"

KuhnDog heads toward the aft part of the ship.
KuhnDog has left.

Shenner, with that, turns right back around to re-navigate that mine field, 
  and hot-foots it back down the corridor. "Nothin'!" comes a toss over the 
  kid's shoulder.

You make your way along the corridor to the aft part of the ship.
Aft Corridor -- NRV Alderaan
        You are in the Aft Main Corridor of Deck 2. This deck is the ship's 
heart. You can find Engineering on this deck. The crew's and XO's quarters are 
also located on this deck.
 
Contents:
KuhnDog
Obvious exits:
 
        Starboard <S> leads to X.O. Quarters / Office -- NRV Alderaan.
             Port <P> leads to Crew Quarters -- NRV Alderaan.
             Down <D> leads to Umbilical Docking Tubes -- NRV Alderaan.
              Aft <A> leads to Engineering -- NRV Alderaan.
             Fore <F> leads to Fore Corridor -- NRV Alderaan.

You enter the Crew Quarters.
Crew Quarters -- NRV Alderaan

        This is the crew quarters for the RAF Alderaan. A few bunks line the 
walls.

Contents:
Razi
Lelila's Bunk
Mistral's bunk
Obvious exits:
 
        Starboard <S> leads to Aft Corridor -- NRV Alderaan.

Razi looks at you for a moment.
Razi says, "hi there" in Basic.

Shenner zips through the door as if chased by blasterfire, and as soon as it 
  whooshes shut behind 'him', stands there looking daunted, and visibly 
  struggling to regain composure. Green eyes blink, then, and the kid croaks, 
  "Uh... hi..."

Razi says, "you okay kid?"

"Yeah -- fine," the youngster replies, far too quickly to be anything except 
  the answer of somebody trying very hard to pretend they aren't extremely 
  nervous. Shenner smiles weakly, and creeps to the bunk 'he'd been occupying 
  before, against which rests 'his' closed guitar case.

Razi turns and watches you "you sure?

Shenner's red head bobs; after sucking in a couple more breaths, the kid's 
  weak smile strengthens a bit, as 'he' says sheepishly, "I, uh, just had to 
  find a somewhat more brass-free environment, pal..."

Razi
This Horansi you see before you is a Kasa horansi. He stands at about 8'10" 
  tall (2.5meters) when fully upright and straight. His fur coloration is 
  snowish white with horizontal black striping along his exposed portions, 
  those being his head and arms. You can see two incisors in the front of his 
  muzzle as he looks upon everything around him with his deep, hazel eyes. 
  Raz' has two tri-angular ears with tufts of furr behind them ,the right one 
  having a nick in it,and his body striping continues its pattern on his head 
  as well. Overall he has a broad neck that joins into his thick, black 
  striped chest. Continuing to his chest and arms, he is very well built and 
  muscalative, his arms looking very well proportioned to his size and having 
  retractable claws on them. Razi is Clad in a one-piece black jumpsuit. A 
  multitude of pockets, both visible and hidden, make the garment more than 
  functional. Silver stitching trims the collar and cuffs. A narrow silver 
  stripe runs down the outside of each pantleg. The silver logo of the NRI is 
  attached to the point on the right side of the collar, the New Republic 
  insignia to the left side. A stripe on the upper part of the left sleeve 
  shows the rank of Captain. What shows even through his uniform are his 
  powerful legs, they seem very capable with his hindpaws that have what looks 
  like verry large claws that are retracted at the moment. And last is his 
  tail, it is about 5' long and has the same horizontal black striping as his 
  body and it sways constantly. (OOC reference, he is basically an upright 
  siberian tiger).

Razi says, "I see...well I'm not brass...not any more"

Shenner's skinny figure sinks cautiously down onto the bunk, while Shenner, 
  with the look of one awkwardly trying to appear polite, says intelligently, 
  "Ah..."

Razi says, "I watched you sleep last night"
Razi sits in the bunk next to you

Shenner blinkblinks, watching you move over. "Yeah?"

Razi says, "yeah...heh..don't be afraid of me...I don't bite"

Shenner smiles crookedly. "Okay. You, um... you a Horansi?"

Razi says, "yuo bet"
Razi says, "how'd ya know?"

Shenner appears to relax a bit, as 'he' offers, "I met Kuxli... he's a 
  Horansi, too... he's around here somewhere..." The kid's green eyes scan the 
  quarters.

Razi says, "ahh"
Razi says, "I don't know of him"

Kaley enters from the Aft Main Corridor.
Kaley has arrived.

Razi says, "yer a smart kid..."

Kaley smiles. "Hello"

Razi looks over at the newcomer "ohh , hello there

Skeezix enters from the Aft Main Corridor.
Skeezix has arrived.

Shenner starts to reply to Razi, then looks up, blinking, at the new arrivals.

Razi says, "evening Sir"

Skeezix walks briskly over to a communications officer and slaps him on the 
  back. "Tech officer, show me where I can plug in my artoo unit. I got an 
  urgent message to set loose." The Officer nods and mutters something to 
  Skeezix. In return, the Captain nods to the techie and turns without another 
  word, heading to the doors.
Skeezix enters the Aft Main Corridor.
Skeezix has left.

Kaley jumps on a bunk, lies down and closes her eyes.

Razi says, "talkative chap"
Razi says, "so whats yer name kid?"

Shenner smiles nervously, watching Skeezix leave, then looks back to the 
  Horansi. "Um... Shenner."

Razi says, "nice to meet ya Shenner...you kin call me Raz'"

The kid starts settling down again, and offers another lopsided grin. "Okay. 
  Raz."

Razi chuckles and looks over at the other newcomer "sorry if we're disturbing 
  you ma'm

Kaley opens her eyes and sits up. "No actually I'm enjoying the noise. Strange 
  isn't it?"

Shenner smiles a little more. "I ain't makin' much noise right now, lady..."

Kaley smiles. "But enough it isn't quiet." She adds, "And don't call me lady, 
  I can't be more than two or three years older than you."

Shenner chuckles a little, huskily. "If you say so... I, uh, I'm still tryin' 
  to get people sorted out around here, yah know?"

Kaley smiles. "Well, I'm Kaley. You played for me and a cloaked women earlier."

Razi says, "nice to meet you ma'm"

Kaley stands up and joins the boy and the cat. "You don't mind if I join you 
  do you?"

Razi says, "not at all"
Razi says, "so where do you both come from?" in Basic.

Kaley sits on the bunk by the cat. "I don't think I caught you're names."

Razi says, "where" in Basic.

Shenner shakes 'his' head, offering, "Yeah, I remember you... you were in here 
  before I talked to the, uh, Admiral..." At Razi's question, the kid blinks, 
  and adds, "Uhm. Belsavis."

Razi says, "I am Razi" in Basic.

Kaley says, "And I'm from Caspar."

Razi smiles

Kaley looks at the kid. "So where is Belsavis? I don't think I've heard of 
  there."

Shenner shifts a bit on the bunk, drawing a skinny grey-clad knee up to be 
  wrapped in equally skinny white-clad arms. "Well... Senex sector."

Razi listens"do you have any kin?

Skeezix enters from the Aft Main Corridor.
Skeezix has arrived.

Shenner blinks at Razi. "Me?"

Razi nods

Skeezix steps into the bunkroom and approaches one of the cots. He stretches 
  once and removes his protective vest, folding it beside the bunk. He then 
  climbs in, placing his hands benath the back of his head as he relaxes.

Kaley smiles at Beaubos when he enters.
Kaley says, "All my family is from Caspar also."

Once he has lain down, Skeezix glances back over to Kaley and nods in 
  greeting. "Hey, Kaley," he greets with a smile.

Shenner's grin falters a bit, and the kid observes lowly, "I ain't got no kin, 
  no."

Razi frowns "I'm sorry my friend

Shenner rolls one shoulder, still smiling a little, quirkily, but the smile 
  doesn't reach the kid's eyes. "Ain't nothin' for _you_ to apologize over. 
  Anyway."

Razi says, "so barr these days I meet whom are alone in the world...." in 
  Basic.

Shenner hugs that skinny knee a bit more and looks vaguely uncomfortable.

Kaley says, "While the Empire was in control, life was hard on a lot of 
  people." in Basic.

Razi says, "so what do ya like to do for fun Shen?" in Basic.

Shenner shifts once more and smiles a bit at the change in subject. "Music," 
  the kid replies promptly.

Razi smiles "great...do you play?

Kaley nods. "He does. And well too."

Shenner grins a bit more and pats the guitar case propped against the bunk. "I 
  ain't too bad. This thing's mine."

Skeezix glances over to Shenner from his cot, grinning slightly.

Razi says, "would you play something for us?" in Basic.

You say, "If y'all want..."

Razi nods

Shenner's green glance flicks around the room, taking in the three present.

Kaley smiles. "Please."

Skeezix looks back to the cot above him, his eyes slowly drifting around the 
  blue mesh above him. "Please do," is all he says.

Kuxli has arrived.

Kaley goes over to a near-by bunk, lies down, and closes her eyes.

Shenner visibly relaxes, reaching for the guitar case, as if grabbing at a 
  palpable source of comfort. The kid snaps the thing open, and hauls out the 
  instrument within, something of a cross between an acoustic instrument and a 
  powered one -- from the dials and glints of metal on the thing, it's clear 
  it's got a power source built in, but the redheaded musician doesn't flick 
  any of them. Instead, Shenner strums at it experimentally, after hefting the 
  thing into 'his' lap.

Razi leans back against a bulkhead

Skeezix's eyes slowly begin to flutter, his eyes closing despite himself.

Razi says, "interesting" in Basic.

Shenner glances at the two older humans settling down as if tired; the kid 
  seems to take this into account, as 'he' keeps the attempts at tuning the 
  guitar quiet. The chords Shenner begins to play after that are quiet as 
  well, liquid, flowing unobtrusively about the room.

The effects of sitting in orbit for a day and an hour of hyperspace... 
  followed by a complete days worth of work on the Alderaan finally set in. 
  The Captain's eyes close fully, and he rolls to the side, barely able to 
  pull a blanket up to cover his body before he slips off into REM.

Skeezix is competely entranced by Shenner's playing, pushing him into a deep 
  sleep.

Kuxli is laying atop a bunk, his eyes open and staring up at the ceiling like 
  someone who's just woke up and doesn't want to get up yet... he rolls closer 
  towards the wall.

The youngster with the guitar keeps playing for a time, keeping to an 
  uncomplicated kind of melody, almost wistful. Every so often Shenner might 
  be heard to hum lowly, but the kid doesn't make any more noise than that.

Razi listens quietly

With the black-and-white felinoid as 'his' only remaining audience -- at least 
  the only one that's conscious -- Shenner glances at Razi, and grins 
  crookedly, but keeps playing softly.

Razi says, "you play well" in Basic.

Shenner murmurs, "Thanks," over the soft, slow stream of notes. "I, uh, been 
  practicin'."

Kuxli slowly sits up on his bunk, his ears perked up as he glances over in 
  Shenner's direction, his attention flickers to Razi for a second, giving him 
  perhaps a wary look before turning his attention back to Shenner.

Shenner sits slightly hunched over the wood-and-metal guitar, skinny fingers 
  plucking out chords but softening them before they make it out into the 
  room. The kid doesn't notice the awakening of the younger Horansi, as Shen 
  settles into the music.

Razi looks up at the young felinoid "hello there

The diversion of Razi's attention _is_ noticed by the musician; Shen glances 
  up, and smiles a bit again at Kuxli. "Hey, pal," the kid says softly, still 
  playing.

Razi nods

Kuxli bats one of his ears, the hoops through it jingling together quietly, he 
  looks over at Razi again as he speaks, just giving a quick nod in return to 
  the greeting..
Kuxli tilts his head as Shenner notices him, turning his gaze to her he 
  returns the smile, "Mornin.. er, Evening.. whichever one it is."

"Evenin'," provides the young human, helpfully.

Razi says, "the music reminds me of home....younger days...I will be quiet"

Shenner looks back to Razi, and smiles a trifle shyly. "Don't wanna disturb 
  'em.." The kid's red head bobs off at the bunks where Skeezix and Kaley have 
  dozed off.

Jeralic enters from the Aft Main Corridor.
Jeralic has arrived.
Jeralic enters the Aft Main Corridor.
Jeralic has left.

Razi looks up at Kuxli
Razi says, "dakeaba kaliya ein nuye yolyne" in Horansi.

Kuxli looks back over at Razi, ears lay back some as he hears him speak in 
  horansi. He replies simply, "Kuxli."

Shenner glances up, but remains quiet for now, keeping the guitar's melody 
  quiet as well.

Razi grins "I'm not an enemy my friend

Kuxli pauses a moment, studying the other horansi's face, and his grin. He 
  shrugs in reply, then adds in "If you say so, buddy." his tone dropping some 
  at the last word.

Razi shrugs "just trying to be friendly....
Razi says, "jolnwhar olha jolnwhar hraath khell yolyne shok'la yhna hraath 
  kalshal yara" in Horansi.

Kuxli glances down at the deck, then back up at Razi, "Oh, you don't like a 
  treka.. hrrm." he studies Razi's fur a few moments, head tilting back, "Kasa 
  right?"

Razi nods

Kuxli gets on an odd grin on his furry face, he leans forward some and turns 
  his head to the right, showing the left side of his face, he traces one of 
  the scars on his cheek with a single claw. Once he's sure Razi has seen 
  them, he leans back, "See those? A Kasa gave 'em to me back on Palanhi."

Razi nods "I'm sorry my kind hurt you

Kuxli keeps his gaze on Razi, eventually lifting his shoulders into a shrug, 
  "I just hope you don't go showing your distaste same way he did."

Razi says, "trust me...I won't" in Basic.

The young redheaded human softens the guitar a bit more, keeping quiet still, 
  trying not to intrude on the uneasy conversation between the two Horansi.

Razi says, "it does pop me that I am able to meet you" in Basic.

Kuxli leans back against the wall, eyeing Razi as he speaks, "Hmm, well what's 
  your name?"

Razi says, "I am Razi" in Basic.

Kuxli gives a slow, slight nod of his furry head, his gaze flickering to 
  Shenner for a moment before looking back to Razi, "Well, im gonna go find 
  somethin to eat... if you'll excuse me."

Catching Kuxli's glance, Shenner quirks a dark eyebrow, then just bobs 'his' 
  head, agreeably enough, but still quiet.

Kuxli hops off the bunk, he pads over to the door, keying it open with the jab 
  of a finger, he steps through quickly.
Kuxli enters the Aft Main Corridor.
Kuxli has left.

Razi says, "wonder why he hates me so"

Gabrielle enters from the Aft Main Corridor.
Gabrielle has arrived.
Gabrielle enters the Aft Main Corridor.
Gabrielle has left.

Shenner finally stills the guitar, and murmurs, "I ain't much more sure about 
  that that you, pal... I met him planetside, but he ain't told me much more 
  'bout himself than what you got."

Razi says, "hmm"
Razi says, "he seems troubled"

Shenner half-smiles. "A lot o' that goin' around," the kid murmurs.

Razi nods
Razi says, "well, maybe I can change his outlook"
Razi says, "so how long you gonna be aboard fer?"

Shenner blinks a bit, shifts the guitar and 'himself' beneath it, and after a 
  beat admits, "Well... I ain't exactly sure o' that."

Razi says, "ohh"
Razi lays back on his bunk and yawns
Razi says, "well, ee gonna nap fer abit okay" in Basic.

Shenner nods affably, leaning against the support beam of the one 'he' is 
  occupying. "Sure thing..."

Razi says, "I'll miss ya when yer gone kid" in Basic.

Shenner blinks, and smiles crookedly. "Uh, thanks."

Razi smiles

Shenner settles back with the guitar again, strumming at it quietly, playing 
  the same quiet melody 'he'd' drawn out of the instrument before.

Razi says, "yer a giood friend...goodnight" in Basic.

----------
Interlude:

	_Now what?_ Shenner thought to herself anxiously, as she settled
down on the bunk in the crews' quarters, to work off her nervousness in
the only way she knew how, practicing her music. With the message sent off
to Grathix, she supposed she would simply have to wait until the NR personnel
let her employer land on their ship, but she couldn't help but worry about
what would happen once he did, and what she should do when Grathix caught
up with her, and what _he_ would do about her unexpected abandonment of
him....
	Troubled, and awed by all of the high-ranking officers she's met so
far -- not to mention the truly terrifying personages of Leia Organa and her
brother Luke Skywalker -- Shenner settles down to simply play for a while,
pitching her music as softly as she can so as not to wake the sleeping
beings in the room with her. And after a time, when the night has gotten
quite late....

----------
Luke enters from the Aft Main Corridor.
Luke has arrived.

Jessalyn enters from the Aft Main Corridor.
Jessalyn has arrived.

The door swishes open to reveal a pair of humans, one seemingly holding the 
  other one up as she walks unsteadily in..

Jessalyn's face is pale and her eyes are incoherent as she leans against Luke.

When the door does its swishing, it does so in punctuation to a soft flute 
  melody; the song cuts off at the sound of the door, though, and the flutist, 
  the redheaded kid Shenner, looks up. The youngster is the only person awake 
  the room; Kaley, Skeezix, and Razi are all sound asleep on their bunks.

"It's ok, just get some rest now.." he says close to her ear as he leads her 
  toward a nearby, unoccupied bunk, low to the ground.

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. 

Jessalyn
        Rainforest green eyes return your gaze, set in a face with pale 
  features and wide cheekbones; worry and fatigue showing in those green eyes. 
  There is a bandage over her brow, and the left side of her face is deeply 
  bruised and swollen. Her hair is a shining dark red that falls in unruly 
  silken waves that are clipped behind her neck.
        Jessa is dressed in her plain tech uniform, a beige jumpsuit with a 
  high collar and plenty of pockets, with the insignia on her chest indicating 
  her rank of Major. Around her waist is a black leather utility belt. Her 
  hair is held back from her face and clipped behind her head, though stray 
  curling locks continue to fall into her eyes. There is a standard issue 
  blaster holstered to her right thigh, and the fit of the coverall and the 
  shiny black boots on her legs emphasize her narrow waist and the long-legged 
  rhythm of her strides.

Luke looks at you for a moment.

Jessalyn sinks onto the bunk, blinks, and looks up at Luke. "But... I..." Her 
  brows furrow. "Luke..."

Luke kneels, obliviously to other beings in the room, he brushes a shock of 
  hair off her forehead, leaning in to whisper to her..

Shenner pales a bit, freezing where 'he' sits on one of the bunks. The kid's 
  hands, still holding the flute -- a dark-dappled thing, with green cord 
  binding it here and there -- stay motionless for a moment; then, brow 
  crinkling, Shenner considers, and returns to playing. _Extremely_ softly, 
  barely more than a breath of music in the room.

Jessalyn stares at him hard for a long moment, confusion sprawled all over her 
  troubled face, and she whispers softly back to him.

The man's head moves slightly as he replies in faint words barely discernable, 
  if at all..

Jessalyn shakes her head as she murmurs softly to him.

Luke seems urgent in his reply, the words rising a notch in volume, 
  "..explain.. ..Dark.. sleep.."

Nothin' here but sleeping crewmembers, the subliminal hum of lighting on the 
  edge of the hearing, and just about as subliminal flute notes, low and 
  husky, the tune they're making as slowly paced as that of breath in slumber. 
  Shenner averts 'his' green gaze just after stomping out any trace of a .oO 
  (Don't mind that kid over there with the flute) expression.

Jessalyn closes her still troubled eyes and lies back on the bunk, resting her 
  head in the pillow as she curls up on the mattress.

Satisfied Jessalyn will rest, Luke stands surveying the bunk with booted feet 
  planted shoulder width apart, arms slightly elevated from his sides. He 
  remains there for quite some time before turning his head toward the soft 
  music..

Quite pointedly _not_ looking at the pair that just came in, Shenner remains 
  parked leaning against a support beam at the end of the bunk 'he' sits on, 
  blowing wisps of liquid notes through the green-and-dapple flute. .oO (Just 
  keep quiet, kid, they'll go away, or something...)

Luke leans at an angle, poking his head around the support beam, he can't help 
  but get a smile on his face. "Ah-ha.. the saviour of Etti IV." he says.

The flute makes a strange noise, as if Shenner's just coughed through it, and 
  the kid flicks a wary glance upward. Without moving the flute, the kid 
  murmurs, "You got the wrong street rat, pa -- uh." Shenner blushes, just a 
  hint.

Jessalyn's breathing is the only sound she makes as she drifts off into sleep, 
  her hand resting almost protectively over her chest.

Luke steps from behind the beam, bending slightly to get a glimpse of the 
  person, "Look, I'm sorry we didn't make introductions last night. It was just 
  a little busy, but you knew that much.." he offers a gloved hand, "I'm 
  Luke." he smiles warmly.

"I, uh, I know. Jessalyn said." After a moment's consideration, the youngster 
  unfolds from that huddle, sitting up a bit better. Shenner is all gangle and 
  gawk and huge green eyes; the eyes in question, though, are wary, taking in 
  the young man and his offered hand. Another moment, and Shenner lifts a 
  skinny right hand off the flute to take and shake Luke's. "Hi, I guess..."

A gentle shake, then he responds, "We could drop you wherever you want, you 
  aren't a prisoner here.. I actually wanted to thank you for warning me of 
  that creature, and risking yourself. You're very brave Shenner." he says, 
  with obvious knowledge of your name, also from the same source you 
  mentioned. Finding a seat on the edge of the bunk, he turns at an angle to 
  address you once more, "You're afraid.." it doesn't seem like a question.

Jessalyn's head turns on the pillow, the hand resting on her chest clenching 
  into a fist. She murmurs softly, incoherently as she clutches at the blanket.

Shenner's hand wings instantly right back to the flute, apparently without 
  traversing the short space between it and the hand just shaken. The kid 
  scowls down at the instrument in hand, glances off briefly at the slumbering 
  Jessalyn as if finding the woman a safer place to look, and admits gruffly 
  without looking back at her addresser, "Uh, well, yeah, I am."

Luke replies kindly, "Well you don't have to be.." he shrugs, exhaling a 
  breath, "Although some might say, being on this ship is much more dangerous 
  than down on the planet with that creature." He eyes your face for reaction 
  to the statement.

Shenner's mouth quirks in a flicker of amusement, though 'he' doesn't meet 
  your gaze. "I, ah, heard a bit of what some might say, planetside, yeah."

A rustling of blankets can be heard across the room as Jessalyn shifts in the 
  bunk, her bright hair spread out over the pillow as her head moves back and 
  forth. Her face is flushed and her lips move silently as she dreams.

Luke lowers his voice, extending his legs on the floor and crossing a boot. 
  "... You've heard we're in a battle here, and can't leave. I would think you 
  also saw the ships as we approached," he murmurs sadly. "Is this your first 
  battle, Shenner the brave?" he asks with a grin.
Luke glances over at Jessalyn, worriedly before returning to his conversation.

Shenner's brows lower over 'his' eyes, and the kid blushes. "Uh, with all due 
  respect... don't _you_ start in on that 'brave' thing, hey?" Shen shifts 
  nervously, and goes on in haste, "Yeah, uh... yeah. Saw all the ships."

Luke chuckles lightly, steepling his fingers together and placing them in his 
  lap, "Ok, ok.." he regards you momentarily, "I'll take you back if you like. 
  It's up to you."

"Ain't done nothin' brave, is all," Shenner maintains sheepishly, green gaze 
  back on the flute. "You, uh, you just looked out of it, and I didn't want 
  the Espos to snag yah, see?"
Shenner then blinks, and flicks a look at you, as if suddenly realizing what 
  you said.

His voice taking on a serious quality, Luke replies thoughtfully, "Oh but 
  risking yourself -was- brave, whether you think so or not."

Jessalyn inhales a startled breath in her sleep and moans, turning her head so 
  that her face is buried into the softness of the pillows.

Shenner starts to reply, but is distracted by Jessalyn's next few moans. 
  Uneasily, the kid watches her for a moment or two, before finally saying -- 
  clearly trying to divert the subject -- "You don't hafta take me back down 
  there. Ain't no reason for me to go back and I don't want the Espos and Imps 
  eyin' me again anyway. They were gettin' too damned interested."

Luke folds his arms, "That's up to you. Why were they interested in you? Are 
  you in trouble?"

Shenner's fingers twidle up and down the flute's holes, fretfully. "I think 
  the Espos were just thinkin' I was takin' in too much money buskin', see..." 
  Shenner grins a bit, crookedly, but avoids looking at you again. "Couple of 
  'em started harassin' me when I got too many people listenin' to me and 
  givin' me money. The Imps, though..." And the kid frowns.

Thin blonde brows lower on the man's forehead, his head moving a quarter of an 
  inch to the side, "The Imperials..?"

Still frowning, Shenner does now look back at you, more shy than wary, now, 
  obviously worried. "Did... did she" -- a nod over to Jessalyn -- "or the, 
  uh, the Admiral... tell you what I told 'em?"

Luke shakes his head quizically, looking over his shoulder at the sleeping 
  form, "No, what?" he replies quietly, so as not to disturb the sleepers.

Shenner draws in a breath, looks down, then up again, and blurts, "I... heard 
  you say 'Han'. That's why I stopped. You... meant 'Han Solo', didn't you?"

Jessalyn slowly turns her face from the pillow, her lashes trembling over her 
  eyes, and her hand moves restlessly over her abdomen, slender fingers 
  clutching at the blanket.

Luke's face reacts minutely, he as well draws a breath, "Yeah.. he's a friend 
  of mine."

Something seems to ease, just a bit, behind the youngster's eyes. Shenner bobs 
  that short-cropped head, and then tells you gravely, "Well, see... my 
  boss... was lookin' for him. That's why I was down there. I heard you say 
  'Han', and, well, I kinda thought, 'Hey...' Yah see?"

Luke nods silently for a moment before turning to ask a question, "Well.. what 
  does your boss want with Han?" his gaze narrowing slightly at you.

At that, Shenner drops 'his' gaze. "I wasn't paid to ask." A peek back up, 
  then. "He, uh, dropped hints about friends with the NR, though..."

Shenner fidgets again with the flute, uncomfortably.

"Did he mention any names?" Luke asks calmly.

Shenner shakes 'his' head, peering plaintively at the green binding on the 
  flute, as if exquisitely interested in it. "Nah. I-I didn't exactly get paid 
  to ask about that, either. He just kinda hired me on to help out."
Shenner then goes on, anxiously, "And... well, see, a coupla Imperials were 
  buggin' me, and I was kinda gettin' worried that they mighta found out what 
  Grath was up to."

Luke straightens his shoulders, "But you -must- know what he hired you to do?"
Luke waxes quizzical once again, "Who were these Imperials?"

Shenner does nod, at that. "Well, yeah." 'He' emits a short, unsteady chuckle. 
  "I think his plan was fulla bantha dung, but he had a plan... what? Um... 
  well, one of 'em was a lieutenant, I dunno his name, but the other was a 
  lady. I got her card, and I gave it to the Admiral, and he gave it to that 
  Captain to get checked out. It had 'Lady Alora Antieres' on it."

Luke raises a brow, slowly rising to stand. He turns slowly as if collecting 
  his thoughts, his voice unbelieving, "Alora? She's here on Etti?"

Shenner blinks, looking up.

Jessalyn's lashes slowly lift over her eyes and she blinks up at the ceiling, 
  both hands clutching the blanket around her chest. She catches her breath, 
  unmoving.

Luke is not looking at Shenner now, but starting to pace, he murmurs to 
  himself, "Why she must have been here with the.." he catches himself and 
  turns to look at you, "Was she with anyone else? Maybe an older human male?"

Shenner says, clearly staggered by the reaction, "Uhm... I dunno? I just saw 
  her a coupla times." The kid's nose crinkles. "She tried to give me money."

Luke laughs in disbelief, "Well this is news."

Shenner's expression broadcasts quite clearly without need of vocalization, 
  'Well, uh, if you say so, >I'm< clueless...'

Jessalyn quietly leans on her elbow, her head turning to gaze across the room 
  with drowsy green eyes. She blinks quickly as if to clear them and stares at 
  Luke as he stands in front of Shenner.

Luke nods beginning his pace once more. He answers your question, "Alora is a 
  Force User like me." he pauses to stare at a smudge on the wall, "..but she 
  turned to the Dark Side.."

Shenner blinks again. Then gapes. And echoes blankly, "She's... what?"

Luke's voice is distant, unhearing of the incredulousness in your voice, he 
  doesn't move, "She's a Dark Jedi.. probably hooked up with Sabbath somehow.."

Jessalyn's eyes widen slightly as she listens, and she sits up straight, 
  leaning against the wall.

Shenner's flute-laden hands drop heavily into 'his' lap, and the kid looks 
  distinctly queasy. "Bloody karkin' marvelous," Shen mumbles.

Luke turns finally, returning to a more casual tone, "No, it's alright. Alora 
  hasn't been consumed fully." he finds his seat once again, not noticing 
  Jessalyn's now completely awake form, "What else did Alora say to you?"

Only Jessalyn's hand moves as she reaches it out to snatch up the pillow, and 
  she clutches it to her chest, listening with round eyes and mouth slightly 
  agape.

Shenner answers wanly, "Offered me loads of credits if I'd leave the planet 
  with her... oh, karkin' hells...." Shen lowers 'his' head into 'his' hands, 
  pressing fingers and flute into cropped red hair and making the mumble of, 
  "I bet she knows, why the kark else would she've been buggin' me, I don't 
  sing _that_ good...!" less audible.

Luke sighs, "It could have been anything. She could have sensed anger in you 
  and picked up on that, hoping perhaps to mold you in a way she saw fit." he 
  looks at Shenner sharply, before conciously softening his expression, 
  "..then again it could have been harmless.." he tries to cover.

Jessalyn swallows hard, arms wrapped tight around the pillow as she stares at 
  the back of Luke's head.

Shenner mumbles without looking up, "You tell me, pal, you sure seem to know 
  more 'bout 'er than I do... she the type to offer heaps of credits to street 
  scum bards on the strength of one song?"

Luke stares at you for a long quiet moment before replying softly, "No."

Shenner hugs 'himself', clutching at the flute, and whispering weakly, "Oh 
  geez... I bet she knows... I gotta tell Grath, if she finds out who he is... 
  geez...!"

Luke appears deep in thought, "What does this -Grath- want anyway?"

Jessalyn very slowly inches her legs over the side of the bunk, her eyes 
  frozen at the pair talking in the quiet room, and when her feet reach the 
  floor she rises and begins to inch towards the exit.

Luke turns his head, noticing the movement, "Jess?"

Shenner looks up halfway, clearly terribly shaken... but struggling hard to 
  recover. "Uhm... L... Luke. H... how much..." But at the Jedi's diversion of 
  attention, the kid trails off.

Jessalyn stands frozen, and she flinches as he calls her name. "Y-yes?" she 
  stammers, eyes half-closed.

Luke stands and walks to her, "Where are you going? You need to rest.."

"I...." Jessalyn bites her lower lip. "I couldn't go back to sleep," she 
  confesses, still not meeting his gaze.

Luke speaks quickly, fluidly, "Well you can't very well just wander the 
  corridors. Come on, this is for the best."

Jessalyn bristles slightly, her gaze finally flicking up to look at him with a 
  stricken expression. "I'm all right," she insists, but her hands shake with 
  fear as they clench at her sides.

"What is it?" Luke asks, taking her by the shoulders, "You look like you've 
  seen a ghost."

Jessalyn looks at him for a long moment, the struggle apparent on her face. 
  Finally she bends her head, her shoulders sagging. "I'm afraid." Her next 
  words are barely a whisper. "Of you."

Shenner, apparently, has 'fading into the background' down to an art form, for 
  the kid quickly shifts position to become as unobtrusive as possible. 
  Shenner noiselessly clings to that flute, and eyes the door as if pondering 
  'his' own chances of sneaking out -- .oO (After all, this ain't _my_ karkin' 
  boat...)

Luke answers incredulously, "Wha.? Of.. me? Jess, why are you afraid of me?" 
  he has this sense that she is joking around. The coerced grin on his face 
  makes it evident, as it doesn't look like it wants to be there very much.

Shenner, despite that unobtrusive position on 'his' bunk, puts in tinily, 
  "Between a street rat, a major, and a Jedi, I think you're the scariest one 
  here." The kid grimaces, then offers, as if trying to soften that, "... 
  Luke."

Jessalyn tosses a nervous glance in Shenner's direction, then she sighs 
  resignedly, giving into the inevitable. Meeting his blue gaze she replies 
  quietly, "Because... I don't understand you. I don't understand this... 
  this...gift you have." Her brows furrow deeply over troubled eyes. "What you 
  did.. out there... how can that even be done? Luke, I..."

Shenner promptly gets up, unobtrusiveness be damned. "I better leave you two 
  be," the youngster offers roughly.

Luke glances briefly at Shenner as he moves to leave, then back to Jess. He 
  sighs, while moving a step away from her to the side, "I didn't mean to 
  frighten you. I won't let it happen again." turning to face her straight on, 
  "I can't change who I am Jessalyn. If you're afraid, it's only because you 
  don't understand like you said."

Shenner, unlike Jessalyn, does not creep towards the exit. Shenner blatantly 
  flees, gripping the flute in a white-knuckled hand.

You step out into the Aft Main Corridor.
Aft Corridor -- NRV Alderaan
        You are in the Aft Main Corridor of Deck 2. This deck is the ship's 
heart. You can find Engineering on this deck. The crew's and XO's quarters are 
also located on this deck.
 
Obvious exits:
 
        Starboard <S> leads to X.O. Quarters / Office -- NRV Alderaan.
             Port <P> leads to Crew Quarters -- NRV Alderaan.
             Down <D> leads to Umbilical Docking Tubes -- NRV Alderaan.
              Aft <A> leads to Engineering -- NRV Alderaan.
             Fore <F> leads to Fore Corridor -- NRV Alderaan.

[And after a little while...]

Luke comes out of the Crew Quarters.
Luke has arrived.

Shenner is sitting off down the corridor, one leg tucked beneath 'him', the 
  other crossed on the floor before. The kid's playing that flute again, 
  softly, though the sound carries a little better out here.

Luke steps out quietly, he looks down either side of the hallway before 
  noticing the sound of the flute. "Shenner, get in there before the security 
  detail tosses you in the brig." he says, jerking his head toward the door in 
  mock earnestness. A grin on his face belying any real seriousness in his 
  voice.

Shenner's head jerks up at the voice, and for the briefest of instants, the 
  kid actually looks scared. But Shen seems to quickly realize the tease, and 
  'he' grins crookedly as 'he' stands up, approaching the door of the crews' 
  quarters. "Wouldn't be the first time I warmed a bunk in jail," comes a 
  half-wry, half-embarrassed mutter.

Luke leans over, touching the pad as you approach and the door opens, "I think 
  you'll find the bunks in here much more comfortable."

Shenner keeps a bit of that crooked grin, as the green gaze studies you 
  searchingly. Something vaguely feral about that regard, as though the 
  youngster were some sort of street-dwelling life form taking the scent of 
  another creature. "She's, uhm, okay now?"

Luke inhales a thoughtful breath, "Yeah I think so."

With a cautious nod -- the street-creature deciding, perhaps, that the larger 
  life form, while larger and stronger and more powerful, is nevertheless a 
  non-threat -- Shenner says quietly, "Okay. I'll sleep too, my hands're 
  startin' to get tired anyhow. Uhm... 'night?"

Luke smiles warmly, "Sleep well. Remember, you're on board one of the most 
  heavily protected vessels in the galaxy.. as good a place as any to sleep 
  without fear." he says reassuringly, then moves off, his boots echoing 
  lightly in the empty corridor.

Shenner glances at the Jedi's departing back; only after he's moving 
  off, and therefore not looking in her direction, does Shenner think, .oO 
  (Yeah. Uh-huh. Right...), and dart hastily into the crews' quarters for the 
  questionable refuge of slumber.

[End log.]