Log Date: 9/5/97 Log Cast: Malik Ferdenko, Jase Millikin, Methos, Shenneret Veery, Paul Nighman, Phelan Drac, Detjin, Kadgie, Koba (NPC), Donivan, Mara Jade, Talon Karrde, Ariana Millikin, Ozzle, KirSah, Grei, Syr Log Intro: Back on Kichnar Station again, the _Hawk's Wing_ is lighter by several passengers, with only Paul, Shenner, Kuxli, and Shikh journeying to the station from Corellia. Their arrival has caused Shen a bit of consternation, as Paul has an encounter with a mysterious someone who winds up stun-blasting him... but as Paul proves to be okay, their business proceeds on as usual. Kuxli and Shikh have both left the ship to go about _their_ own business, leaving Paul and Shenner to the task of locating Dane Noth or Kairne, and getting the trip to Mandalore finally underway. The two of them head for the major gathering place on Kichnar Station: Keepon Casino, the domain of one Talon Karrde.... ---------- You step between the pair of bouncers and enter Keepon Casino. Level 4 -Keepon Casino- For many beings, even tall ones, the only reminder this vast room gives of having a ceiling is the three large chandeliers which decend from the lofty roof to illuminate a virtual nebula of color and riches below. Crystal-distorted light casts a hazy glow over the casino, the rich midnight blue and gold trims of the decor giving the establishment the clandestine air of forbidden evenings and half-dreams. A clear aisle from the door sweeps a deep blue path to the bar against the far wall; islands of sabacc tables to the left of the entrance, a smooth near-reflecting black dancefloor to the right, and a wide raised dais in the far right corner which bears tables for dining. Odd movement against the wall behind the draws patrons' attentions, for the entire wall, up to two meters, is one large mirror; but not quite, as odd ghost images waft across its surface which have no real origin in the room. The bar, presiding from the back, is long and of a deep real wood, graceful stools before, and one of the largest collections of drinks behind, rising like steppes behind three hard-working human bartenders. The dance of the Sabacc cards, the disturbing and distracting images on the mirror Wall, the elegantly dressed patrons and the dancers on an ebony field give the Keepon Casino a near mythical, ephemeral quality. OOC: Type 'place help' for help, or 'kchelp' -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Paul_Nighman => Malik_Ferdenko => Methos => Jase -=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=- Corridor leads to Level 4 -Northern Concourse-. Malik_Ferdenko looks at you for a moment. Jase continues across the floor, drink in hand, to mount the stairs of the dining dais. Jase takes a seat at the side table on the dais. Methos is sitting at the bar looking at Jase. Shenner enters just beside and slightly behind a tall Corellian; she moves rather like him, loosely and alertly, and she scans the place with speculative green eyes. Malik_Ferdenko mingles with the crowd, chatting to the people he bumps into. He holds a Mon Calamari Blue in his hand from which he occasionally sips. Jase looks at you for a moment. Shenner(#3773POnACF) 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 can show that this is clearly a young woman, albeit a lean one, with slight and delicate curves. When she is standing, she is about 5'6" in height. Her rust-colored hair is cut in an approximation of a masculine style, but must not have been cut lately, for it is full and soft, with hints of waves; one heavy forelock frequently dangles across her brow. She speaks and sings with a low husky voice, and regards the world with a pair of large, luminous, and sharply intelligent green eyes. This human is clad in blandly unobtrusive garb, the kind you might expect any common laborer or traveller to have on: a simple white tunic with a turned-up collar; a heavy, padded vest of dark grey, with multiple pockets; breeches of a slate-blue hue, tucked into scuffed but serviceable calf-high boots of a neutral tan suede. Over all of this is worn an overlarge brown flight jacket, big enough that it tends to obscure the utility belt at her waist -- and the blaster holster. Slowing down upon entry, Paul looks about curiously, taking in the decor with absentminded interest. His eyes scan the room, clearly looking for someone. He takes his time, walking in further. Stepping out of the shadows it is evident that the Corellian has suffered a recent blow to the head, a large swelling gracing his left temple. Malik_Ferdenko Before you is a relatively short human male, standing at a little over 5 feet in hight. He has short brown hair, styled impeccably. His brown eyes stare out and seem to be constantly on guard. He has a gaunt look about him, as though he resents something or someone. He is dressed in a garish yellow flightsuit, It seems to be a little to big for him but does the job it was designed for. A utility belt surrounds his waist and a few poches are attached to it. His feet are covered by a pair of military style, knee-high flight boots. Sturdy and highly polished. A unit badge is the only decoration to the flight suit, The badge is that of Flight Leader. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Palm-top Jase Eyes of steely blue peer out from beneath a rim of golden blond hair, trimmed military short. He is slender and shorter than average, but moves with the fluid grace of an athelete. A clean shaven boyish face coupled with his lack of bulk and height conspire to make him seem a bit young until you look into his eyes. Experience and defiance look back at you. A loose gray shirt has been tucked into well-tailored black pants that look suspiciously like uniform trousers. Shined black boots and a burgundy vest complete the outfit. <> -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => MX Heavy Blaster Pistol Methos Methos Janar Krilanara is a tall, strong, intimidating, dark skinned Human male in his early twenties. Methos, as he likes to be addressed as, is about 1.9 meters (6 foot 2 inches) tall, and is all of 104 kilograms (228 pounds) in weight, nearly all of that weight being large muscles that he worked to acquire for most of his adult life. He has a bald head and usually has a scowl on his face, even if he is not in a sour mood. Looking like he just came out from under the hood of a car, Methos is wearing a pair of coveralls that are unziped to the waist and rolled up reavealing a white, sleeveless undershirt that shows off Methos' large, tattooed arms. He is also wearing: A small, dark grey comlink strapped to his left wrist. A heavy blaster pistol in a holster on his upper right thigh. A Mek'leth like blade sheathed on his back. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => DL-44 Heavy Blaster Pistol => Vibro-Blade Shenner murmurs something sidelong to her companion: "Think either of 'em are here?" Something about the young woman seems slightly off center, as if she's not quite at ease in this place, but hiding it. Malik_Ferdenko turns and finds himself almost face to face with Paul_Nighman. He extends his hand and says, "Good to meet you, My name is Malik, Malik Ferdenko." Noting that his dress, not to mention Shen's, are less than appropriate for the fancy dive, Paul runs a nonchalant hand through his hair. _At least I washed and shaved_ he muses. "Dunno Shen, don't see 'em, but that doesn't mean anything." He strolls in a little farther, trying not to get sidetracked by the mirage mirror. Jase stops a waiter with an abrupt gesture. He orders something and waits for it impatiently. Phelan_Drac steps into the entry way from the northern concourse. Phelan_Drac has arrived. Phelan_Drac enters the casino and looks around, smiling at familure faces. Jase accepts his meal with less than his usual courtesy. He sits at the side table and begins to eat. Every once in a while, he looks up and surveys the room. Methos is sitting at the bar. He was looking towards Jase, but then he turns to look forwards again. Phelan_Drac making his way to the bar, Phelan spots Jase sitting at a table and nods with a smile, "Hello Jase." Turning sharply, and unexpectedly at the man before him and the greeting, Paul murmurs, "Ah, gee, thanks. Nighman, Paul Nighman." He considers the man for a moment uncertainly, but his smile is pleasant enough. He manages to remember his manners and turns, beckoning to his redheaded companion. "And this is Shenner," he offers in return. The redheaded young woman is, to put it mildly, rather scruffy looking. But she carries herself with a blatant disregard for the less than formal state of her clothing, and as her companion is greeted, she appends, "Shenneret Veery." Jase says, "Evening." He gestures to the seat at his table. "Join me?" Phelan_Drac grins while he shrugs, "Sure thing, though I've already eaten." Malik_Ferdenko flashes a braod grin and says, "Pleasure to meet you both, I'm sorry to bother you but I'm looking for some work, Would you be hiring a pilot or co-pilot? I'm also an astrogator and weapons opperator." He looks up at Paul as he speaks. Jase shrugs. He tries to muster a friendly smile. "Doesn't matter, you can still have a drink." Phelan_Drac nods, and sits down, "You don't seem your usual self today, something wrong?" Paul just blinks at first at the man's forward nature and blantant request. "Ahhh, not at the moment, but if I'm looking for one, I'll be sure to look you up," he offers, a little off balance. _I don't even -look- like I got money_ he wonders to himself. Phelan_Drac takes a seat at the side table on the dais. Shenner blinks, visibly taken aback by the stranger's request, but she quirks a half-grin at him as if in appreciation of such brazenness. Malik_Ferdenko nods, "OK Sorry to bother you then sir," he turns to Shenner, "Ma'am" and moves of into the crowd. Shenner snorts, and mutters under her breath at Paul, "Ma'am?" Jase forces down a forkful of steak. "So. How have you been?" Phelan_Drac shrugs, "I've been better... But not too bad really." "No bother at all," Paul calls after the man weakly. Staring down at Shen, he cracks a grin at the girl. "Well, Ma'am," he drawls, "what say you and me get some food down our gullets?" Shenner smirks. Clearly, the notion that someone would actually call her 'ma'am' has boggled her, but not badly. Casting another green-eyed look about the place, the young woman remarks, "Here?" Jase glances back to the bar and the hulking man sitting there. "Yeah, I've been better myself. But I'm keeping busy so I guess things are going ok." Looking over to the small table on the dining dais, Paul mutters, "That'll do the trick," and ambles toward it, his gaze casting about to make sure no maitre'd is going to want to lead him somewhere else - like the back of the kitchen or the exit. No one, however approaches him, complaining about the dress code. Paul_Nighman takes a seat at the small table on the dais. Methos is in the process of ordering another water at the bar. Malik_Ferdenko sipps from his Mon Calamari Blue and realises that the glass is virtually empty, He heads towards the bartender and orders himself another one. The bartender works for a few seconds and hands him the thin tall glass contaning the Fluorescent Blue liquid, a deep blue at the bottom but fading out to a pale sky bly at the top of the glass. Phelan_Drac flags a waitress down and orders a Corellian Sunburst. He then looks back to Jase, "So how have things been going with your sister, uh.. Ariana?" SMALL TABLE This is one of the tables on the raised dais, it is perfect for people watching and light food. Occupied: Paul_Nighman The smile that appears on Jase's face is warm and sincere. "We're doing fine actually. We've had several nice conversations, a few debates and a couple of arguments. I still don't know her as well as I'd like, but I'm still here, aren't I?" Shenner slides into a chair at the table Paul has selected, and tries not to slouch. Much. Or gape around the place like a hayseed rimdweller. Much. But she's clearly rather impressed by the ambiance and decoration, and as she notes the dance floor, a grin quirks her mouth again. Dance floor located, she looks for a stage to go with it. Phelan_Drac grins, "Yes you are. I guess all is not bad for you then." The waitress has arrived with Phelan's drink, he accepts it and raises it up slightly before taking a drink. "Come on cheer up." He grins widely. Paul's attention is torn between two locations now. A conversation at the table just behind him on the edge of the dias has him perking up his ears and listening. He also realizes as he sits down with this birds eye view, that sitting at the bar is a rather familiar figure as well. Ironically enough, the two subjects are linked. Jase raises his glass. "Thanks." He clinks his glass against his companion's. "I'm not without cheer, just a little miffed at someone. I'll get over it." He smiles, the ice of his eyes melting into a clear warm blue. Phelan_Drac shrugs as he smiles, "Just doing my job." He takes a fairly large swig of his drink and ahhs. With the change of topic, and the realization that "sister" is another bond term rather than a blood one, Paul settles down to peruse the menu that is placed on the table for him and Shen. Half an ear remains behind him, but with the rumbling in his stomach, the Corellian realizes that the only thing he's eaten since that crazy redhead shot him was the cocoa Shen brought him when he finally returned. "I'm starving," he mumbles to Shen with a touch of surprise. Jase takes another bite of his steak, chews thoughtfully and swallows. "You know, I realize every day how much I missed her and how much it hurt to think she, like the rest of the family, was dead. "Get somethin' good then," Shen advises, peering at her own copy of the menu, and doing a fairly credible job at not looking shocked by the prices. Or, rather, the lack of listed prices thereof. She does shoot Paul a look, though, silently asking, 'Uh, CAN we afford this joint?' Phelan_Drac nods, "But be thankful, I only wish I had a chance to meet my father. I would give anything to know he was still alive." Shrugging absently, Paul looks about the place. "It's fine Shen," he assures her. His gaze drops to her shocked one and leaning over the table, he brushes a finger over one cheek. "After my head looks less like I took a brick to it, we should give that dress of yours one more swing across the dance floor before Mandalore," he murmurs warmly. Shenner blinks, looking back at her companion with a sort of 'Buh? OH! THAT!' expression that blossoms across her features. She is quick to cover that flare of radiance, however, with a casual, "That'd be fun..." Phelan_Drac throws a minute glance behind him as he thinks he hears the word Mandalore. This laps of slight surprise only lasts a split second though and he quickly returns his attention to Jase. Belatedly, the conversation strikes Paul, causing him to stiffen in surprise. He remembers, with vivid clarity, his fight with Ariana and her painful confession to him. _Strike two Paulie boy, you're batting a 1000 today_ he muses. The urge to turn and look at the man is strong, but he resists, thumbing his way through the menu instead. Jase says, "Your father is missing?" He has stopped a forkful of vegetables halfway to his mouth. "What happened?" Shenner can't quite fight off a big smile, though, as she murmurs back to Paul, "I kinda forgot I still have that dress, yah know?" Phelan_Drac manages a painful grin, "Not missing. Dead... At least I am almost positive he is. I never meet him." A waitor serving a couple of Rodians who are deeply in love quirks his ear when he overhears something at Paul's table. Rather than talking to Paul himself he starts talking towards the bar. Jase nods and swallows. "I see. I'm sorry. I don't know what would be worse - knowing and losing or never knowing." He turns his gaze back to his plate. The comlink on Phelan's coller buzzes and Phelan flicks it on. A faint voice is heard and Phelan simply says in reply, "On my way." Phelan_Drac Before you stands a tall human. He is slender but muscular. The first thing you notice is the flaming orange hair and the scar above his left eye. He can't be much over 20, but his eyes tell that he has seen enough to fill up three lifetimes. He is wearing black tousers and a thin black short sleave shirt. His feet are clad with black combat boots. You notice he has on a thin vest of what you guess is probably armor under his shirt. A com-link is strapped to his collar. He is clean and well kept. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Protective Vest -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Comlink(#7874V) Jase looks up. "Leaving?" Phelan_Drac nods to Jase as he quickly gets up, "I really have to go, but thank you very much." He drops some credits on the table. "Maybe we can continue this some other time?" Jase nods. "Sure. I'm not leaving anytime soon. Watch your back." Phelan_Drac grins, "Hey... With me? Always." He quickly finishes off his drink and turns toward the door. He turns back slightly to Jase, "Take care." He then leaves the casino. Phelan_Drac makes his way out of the Casino. Phelan_Drac has left. Jase chuckles and waves his friend on. "Go on before you're late." Paul watches the man leave with curiousity, but knows that it is the one still behind him that is Ariana's brother. _Damn, wonder how long he's been back in her life?_ It does give Paul and odd measure of comfort. His last run in with Ariana, like all of his previous ones, ended badly, especially with her final retort. There was something reassuring about the fact that she had managed to recover a fraction of her shattered past. Taking a deep breath, the Corellian tries once again to focus his eyes on the page before him. This will be his third attempt to read the damn thing. Jase sighs deeply and takes a long drink from his glass. Noting its now empty state, he signals a waiter over. "Another Junwarrian Fixer, please." The waiter nods and after checking to see if Jase is satisfied with the rest of his meal, moves on to the bar. The Waitor taps Methos on the shoulder once. Methos responds by asking in a low grunt, "What do you want?" The Waitor then speaks quietly to him, he responds, "You're kidding." The two then converse for a few moments. Shenner's green gaze roams the casino again, and her attention is caught for a time for the images that flow across the wall every so often. The girl blinks twice, and keeps watching the thing, keeping track of what images actually seem to have any bearing on what's in the room, and which are false. "I want steak," she remarks, mostly to herself. Detjin steps into the entry way from the northern concourse. Detjin has arrived. Detjin leans into the doorway, and quietly peers around. Methos is sitting at the bar conversing with a waitor. Jase's colorful drink arrives just as he finishes the generous portion of steak and vegetables. He pushes back from the side table on the dining dais just enough to give his full stomach some more room. Up at a table on the dais, a slim young redhead and a tall Corellian with sandy, shaggy hair are leaning over their menus. Slapping the menu closed, Paul decides that that sounds good enough to him. "Me too," he echos, feeling a palpable sense of relief that he doesn't have to struggle with the menu any further. He leans his arm along the back of his seat, and then looking about casually as if taking in the room more closely, he lets his gaze rake across Jase's seated figure. _Damn, they even -look- like brother and sister_ he notes with some surprise, his eyes ranging on and past. Shenner, not one to avoid taking initiative, peers around and looks for a waiter to flag down. Trying to sound less like a street kid and more like someone who actually knows what she's doing, she returns the slightly askance stare of the waiter who approaches their table and says calmly, "We'd like a couple of these, please." A finger taps the menu. Detjin ducks out of the doorway, as soundless as he came in. Detjin makes his way out of the Casino. Detjin has left. Completely at ease with Shen placing the order, Paul considers the people on the dance floor, his lips curling thoughtfully as he pictures Shen and himself in better style taking a stand there, much as they did on Corellia. The memory of that feeling of that dress brings other things to mind ... things that were not acceptable before, but would be now. That brings a brighter, more mischeivious grin to his mouth, his eyes slipping over to the now rather boyish looking girl sitting across from him. Jase's gaze moves around the room in one of its periodic circuits and it stops to focus on the form of the shaggy redhead. He smiles warmly, trying to catch her eye. "As you wish," says the waiter politely, when Shen specifies that she wants her steak only passingly acquainted with the heat source it's cooked on. The girl glances at Paul and asks him, "How you want yours cooked, and whaddya want to drink?" Kadgie steps into the entry way from the northern concourse. Kadgie has arrived. Methos is sitting at the bar quietly conversing with a waitor. Jase sits at the side table on the dining dais. The remnants of a meal sit before him. He is trying to catch the eye of a slim redhead. Kadgie walks into the casino and looks around. Paul and Shen are sitting on a small table on the raised dias, awaiting their meals. As waiters do, at least in this place, the fellow at Paul and Shen's table nods evenly as he is presented with everything Shenner deems it fit for him to know. The waiter moves off, and Shen turns to idly scan the place again. Spotting the fellow smiling in her direction, she blinks a bit at him, looking slightly taken aback. What? Who? Her? Kadgie Before you stands a human woman 5'6" tall. She has blonde hair that flows down the contors of her face and gently rest on her shoulders. Her hair is wavy and pulled to the side of her face. She has blue eyes that seem to go on forever. Her face and hands are deeply sun-bronzed. She is lean, thin and muscular yet she has an air of grace about her too. She is wearing a blue and white checkered button up shirt. She has the top three buttons unbuttoned. She is wearing black pants that fit loosely against her lower body. She wears black boots that are tucked under the black pants, and on her left wrist is a chronometer. She is carrying a comlink on her belt. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Medpack The Waitor talking to Methos nods to the man, then heads towards Paul and his party. After informing the waiter how he likes his steak and ordering a simple Corellian ale to drink, Paul settles back in his seat, catching Shen's somewhat astonished look. "What?" Kadgie seeing no one she really knows, she heads for the bar, waves a bartender over and speaks quietly to him. Jase chuckles lightly at the young woman's confusion. Raising his glass, he salutes her directly to firmly acknowledge her. The light blue/gray eyes remain focused on her face, but not so intently as to intimidate or frighten, just in friendly notice of a pretty woman. Shenner flicks a somewhat bemused crooked grin in Jase's direction, coughs under her breath, and mutters across the table to her companion, "I'm, uh, gettin' looked at, I think." Kadgie places a few credits on the table when the bartender brings her her drink. She smiles politely to him and picks up her glass to take a sip. One eyebrow raises in surprise and to a certain degree amusement. "What kind of "looked at"? The disparaging kind, the glassy stare kind, or the flirtation kind?" He's baiting her at this point ... her expression is so priceless, he can't help himself. The Waitor comes to within conversation distence of Paul and speaks, "Excuse me please." "Well, from the way he's lookin', he looks like he's Corellian," Shen begins, but she blinks as a different waiter approaches their table, trailing off. The easy grin follows Paul's turn toward the waiter, expecting some request for further details on the preparation of their food. "Yes?" Kadgie sips her drink quietly as she sits at the bar. The Waitor bows slightly, "Hello. My name is Koba." he pauses and smiles, "I'm not your waitor this evening, but I do have a message for you, sir." he is looking at Paul. Donivan steps into the entry way from the northern concourse. Donivan has arrived. The smile slips, but only fractionally. "And what might that be?" Paul queries politely. Donivan makes his way out of the Casino. Donivan has left. Jase frowns as his view of the unusual redhead is occulted by the waiter talking to the tall Corellian. He shifts in his seat at the side table, trying to catch her eye again. Koba says, still with his smile on, "First, your meal, and those of your comainion are already paid for in full. Second, if you are so inclined, the dark skinned man at the bar would like to have aword with you when you finish your meal." Shenner's eyebrows go up. Free food? Well, far be it from her to object, but still. She squints at the waiter and then at Paul, trying to gauge her companion's reaction to this... but as she does, she leans a bit to peer _around_ the waiter. Is that weird guy still looking at her? Raising one eyebrow, Paul considers Shen for a moment and then Koba. "Will this take long?" he murmurs softly, his eyes slipping to Methos's figure at the bar. "I mean, if it will only take a little while, I am content to speak with him now," he offers, his curiousity piqued, but his desire to keep Shen well out of this powerful. Jase looks at you for a moment. Koba honestly says, "I do not know, sir. Please feel free to finish your meal. You may speak with him whenver you decide." "Well, we ain -- er, we don't even have our food yet," Shenner points out, looking at Paul inquiringly. Donivan steps into the entry way from the northern concourse. Donivan has arrived. Donivan walks in and checks his weapon at the door a usual Jase nods to the server who clears away his used dishes and shakes his head at something he is asked. Sipping his drink, he waits patiently for that fool man talking to the Corellian to move. Turning to Shen, Paul leans across the table, murmuring, "Let me just see what he wants and then I'll be back." Considering Shen for a moment, he adds with some exaggeration, "I know him, so it's okay," and he pushes himself away from the table, nodding to Koba to lead the way. Shenner considers this, but nods after a moment, promising, "I'll make sure they keep the steak warm...." She watches Paul go, curious, though. Koba leads the man down a few steps and towards the bar, where Methos turns to see the two approach. Koba then dismisses himself. Jase watches as both the waiter and the other man leave the table and head for the bar. His eyes twinkle as he stands and moves over to the small table and the redhead. "Good evening. Looks like you were just deserted in the name of business. Might I keep you company until your friend returns?" He stands, waiting for an invitation. Donivan walks ovet to a tablein the corner..slowly.. amd waives over a drink girl Methos says to Paul in a low tone, "I would speak with you." Donivan murmurs "give me a 1 liter bottle of vodka and 2 pickles Leaning against the bar, Paul considers the dark man curiously. "I have to admit," he starts, "that I'm surprised that you wanted to speak to me. I can't imagine that Ariana made a very flattering picture of me to you." He, however, remains standing. Donivan ists down at the table in thefar corner Methos shrugs, "I did not ask her about it. She is quite able to take care of herself." The redheaded young woman blinks up at the man who's approached her. Fast mover, indeed. "Uhm... sure, pal," she says, an eyebrow quirked. Jase stands from the side table on the dais. The girl quickly returns with Donivan's order.. He hands her some credits and waives her off. Nodding in agreement, Paul remains where he is, now somewhat confused at the man's intentions. "I'm listening," he murmurs patiently. Jase sits at a neutral distance from the woman. "I'm Jase Millikin. I hope I'm not being too forward, miss, but something about you intriqued me." Methos motions to the bar stool before him and speaks quietly to Paul. Donivan opens the bottle and drinks down half of it as if it where a soft drink.. he then proceest to eat a pickle and repeats the prossess.. and screws the cap back on to the empty bottle.. Donivan stands up and heads for the door grabing his weapon on the way out Donivan makes his way out of the Casino. Donivan has left. Shenner peers at Jase, saying, "Yeah?" She shifts her stance in her seat, somewhat closer to a slouch. Jase shakes his head. "Now I've done it. I've gone and made you uncomfortable and that was the last thing on my mind." His drink glass has begun to leave a condensation ring on the table and he moves it around to makes patterns on the surface. "I just found it interesting to see the woman beginning to peek out from the guise of the tomboy." Paul stares at Methos for a moment longer, their whispered voices not carrying past the bar at all. He frowns, as if considering the man's character by merely considering his features. His voice low, he murmurs once again in reply. Green eyes go wide in the redhead's face, and she apparently can't quite decide how to reply. She's blushing, but just a bit, and after a moment, she smirks lightly. "That a fact?" she drawls. "Funny, I thought I sat on 'er..." Jase laughs lightly. "You won't be able to hide it forever, you know. You're gonna blossom into quite a beautiful flower if what I see is any indication." He lets his eyes sweep her figure lightly. "Do you dance?" Paul considers lying to the dark man before him after the muttered response. His focus is so completely on Methos that he doesn't even notice that some cad is trying to hussle his date right out from under him. Fortunately for Paul, his date happens to be Shen. He considers Methos for a long moment before choosing to answer ... honesty. Shenner squelches an urge to tell this Jase Millikin that he's sniffing coolant fumes. _Flirting. Right. Flirting. Harmless, remember?_ She eyes the man, then says casually, "Yeah. Sometimes." Jase says, "Would you like to dance with me now?" More smile. "If you don't want to, I'll understand. After all, you haven't even told me your name." "Shenner," the girl says, "Shenner Veery." She grins a bit. "I'm, uh, waitin' on my dinner, you know..." Jase nods. "I know. I also know that they won't bring it out until your companion has finished his conversation." The smile fades a bit, especially from the eyes. "I will leave if you prefer. You don't seem to be enjoying my company as much as I am enjoying yours." Paul's frame stiffens noticeably, knowing why -he- is going there, and until that is dealt with, not trusting -anyone- else in regards to Mandalore. His voice, but no longer whispered, he replies, "I cannot divulge that information to you, I'm sorry. Going there for meditation is one thing, if you're searching for anything other than spiritual peace, then I'm afraid our conversation ends here." Methos raises his voice also, "The meditation area I am looking for can be detected by seing deviations in the local subspace field of the planet. _That_ is what I will be scannning for." "I've only had, what, three seconds of your company?" Shen sallies, archly. "Am I supposed to know yet if I enjoy it?" Looking a bit harried and uncertain, Paul mutters lowly, "Look, I'm not one to stand in the way of anyone's spiritual pursuits, but you need to understand my position here ... Mandalore is a planet and a people of great delicacy in a way. They are prideful, often arrogant, and extremely honorable. I cannot betray that honor unless they betray it first," he explains. A thought, however, does stray across his mind. "I can, however, offer you this. I am meeting a contact here who is Mandalorian. If you like, I can arrange for you to meet, and you can bring up your request to him? I can't make any assurances that they will agree of be amenable to your requests, but it's the best I can offer at this time." Jase says, "Fair enough. Shall we make small talk then?" He sips at the colorful drink. "Are you planning to be on the station long?" Shenner shrugs mildly. "Dunno yet," she says. "My friend's waitin' on somebody he has to contact, before we go." Methos shakes his head, "Have you ever been there?" he asks. Running a hand through his hair, Paul replies, "I feel like I have ... I've studied anything and everything I can about the place, but no, I've never actually been planetside." Jase says, "Well, I'm here for a while at least. I was just passing through, but decided to stick around for a while." He notices that her glass is empty and signals a waiter over. "Refill?" Methos curses in his native toungue as he looks back towards the mirror, "All I need is as little as a sensor log." he then shakes his head and dismisses Paul with one hand, "Enjoy your meal." he says. Placing a hand on the bar, Paul asks bluntly, "What are you looking for?" "Peachy," says Shen. Whether it's in answer to Jase's statement of status, or the offer of the refill, is unclear. But she nods casually. "Peace." is all Methos replys, "Order for a chayotic universe... if only for one day a year. But I cannot even get that it seems." Jase says, "Refill for the lady, please." His smile to the server is just as warm as his smile to Shenner. "The casino is a very nice place. Perhaps you will be back again while you are here. Or maybe we'll meet elsewhere on the station. I work odd jobs around the ship docks." Paul shakes his head, annoyed at the man's deliberately vague replies. "No, I mean what is that you want to scan for - what will a scanner show you that you require?" he clarifies. Shenner swings a green gaze around the establishment, and answers honestly, "Yeah... it's real swank." When her glass is refilled, and she is addressed as 'lady', she smirks lightly at the young man across the table. "Well, guess we'll just hafta see what happens." Methos replys directly after a pause, "Between a .002 and a .003 percent increace in the local EM field especially on the gamma levels. After that I would try to detect a fluxuation at that same point in space in the local subspace field. If there is one... that is where there is one." Jase cocks his head and nods with sudden realization. "You've never been in a place this nice before, have you?" Letting the information sink in firmly, mentally reposing it until it is firmly locked, Paul replies, "I think I can check on that for you when I arrive, give you the results of the scan." Shenner blinks -- yes, that question got her. But she rolls a shoulder in a shrug, and drawls airily, "Don't normally frequent these sorts of place, no, pal." Methos blinks, "You are going?" Paul returns the astonished question with a slow and careful nod. "Thus my dilemma of honor," he replies in measured tones. Methos nods, still looking at the mirror, "Very well. But when you return with the sensor logs remember to edit out any astrometric readings so that I am unable to determine a positionn from it." Jase smiles. "Neither have I, really. It's all in attitude. That's all." Leaning forward, he speaks with more intimacy. "I have the benefit of an excellent education and some years in the military. This gives me an edge of experience. If you act like you belong, you belong. That's more that half the battle." He leans back in his chair. "I'm sure that with a little work, you could fit in anywhere you went." If any words could assure Paul of Methos's character or sincerity, those were the ones. Offering his hand in pact, he murmurs, "Done." "I'm workin' on it," Shen drawls again, looking amused now. Jase says, "I get the feeling I've put my foot in it again." He shrugs. "Would be my luck though." Methos slowly moves his greacy hand to meet Pauls... after a moment he says, "I thank you." then turns back towards the mirror looking a little less grumpy than a few moments ago. Shenner actually laughs, then, low and husky. "Hey, pal, don't dent your hydrospanners over it, I just ain't got the benefit of years in the military." Jase smiles in the pleasure of her laugh. "Yeah, but we all have the benefit of years somewhere. We were just in different places." The last of the tension leaves his body, smoothing some almost unnoticed wrinkles in his forehead. "Thank you." Paul grips that hand firmly, familiar with grease and not afraid of it. A wry smile cracks across his face and Methos's controlled thanks and obvious dlight. "You're welcome," he returns, dropping his hand, and leaning against the bar. This turns him back toward the the rest of the Casino, and glancing to his left his eyes widen as he catches Jase making the moves on Shen. Another wider grin breaks across his face, and he marvels, _Damn, no way he's from Alderaan ... only Corellians have that much cheek and move so fast_ "S'cuse me," me murmurs from the corner of his mouth, "Gotta rescue my date." Methos stands and walks to a spot of bad lighting near the north wall. Methos stands from the long bar at the back of the room. Methos slips into a section of poor lighting near a section of wall panelling. Methos has left. The redhead rolls her other shoulder in a shrug, and grins lightly. "Hey, no problem." As Methos just slips away without another word, Paul turns, shaking his head in puzzlement over the man's peculiar nature and behaviour and wondering just what Ariana's little ... big ... whatever brother has been up to all this time. He strolls casually, keeping his gaze fixed to the table and a smile fixed to his lips. Jase sits forward in his chair, his glass raised to Shenner. "To women. May I continue to always find them so fascinating and educational." Clinking his glass on hers, he takes a sip, watching her over the rim. Shenner snorts, but allows the toast, taking down a rather healthy swig of her glass's contents, rather than doing anything so delicate as sipping. "I'll send a few your way if it'll help." Jase is caught in the act of drinking and sputters and chokes. Arriving at the table, Paul considers the scene and the grin goes wider. "There you go again Shen, shocking the guests," he baits playfully. Patting the young man on the back, Paul queries pleasantly, "You okay there? Don't choke or nothing." Jase gets to his feet quickly, covering his mouth with one hand. "Yes." "Yes. I'm fine. Thank you, sir." He steps back a step from the table. "I was just leaving." Shenner pinkens slightly, but grins and glances up to Paul. "Nah, if I'd wanted to shock him I'da come in wearing that dress." Paul quirks an eyebrow at Shen, _Sir?_ The grin just keeps on growing as Jase fumbles his way up and out, figuratively if not literally. "No rush," Paul assures Jase magnanimously. Picking up a glass of water he offers it with a small flourish. Jase looks back at Shenner. "You own a dress?" It's hard to tell if he's teasing or not. He takes the glass of water and takes a healthy drink. "Thank you, sir. But I don't want to interrupt your dinner with the lady. I was just keeping her company while you were talking with Methos." Shenner says without batting an eyelash, "I own makeup, too." Her mouth quirks in another crooked grin. It takes great strength and control not to burst out into hysterical laughter, but Paul manages it. "Yeah Shen, that's a good idea," he murmurs thoughtfully. "We'll come again tomorrow, in style," he suggests with a wicked wink, as if daring Jase to come. Turning to face the blonde man, Paul offers on a somber note, "And thank you for looking after my companion here ... I'm sure that you kept her greatly entertained while I was away." Jase says, "Yeah, I have a feeling that I entertained her more than I meant to." He shakes his head. "If you come back tomorrow night, can I have that dance, Shenner?" Shenner smiles a bit more and grins a bit less. "Sure, pal." Taking his seat back, Paul settles himself down, and just as Jase predicted, the meal arrives, hot and perfectly presented. Considering Shen and then Jase a moment longer, Paul decides to drop another bomb, some little devil behind his ear urging him to do so. "Well, thanks again," he replies with a smile, "and tell Ariana that I said hi and am sorry things didn't work out between us the last time I was here." Jase just stands and stares at the other man for a long moment. "You know Ariana," he asks warily. Jade steps into the entry way from the northern concourse. Jade has arrived. Shenner looks relieved, and hungry, upon witnessing the arrival of the food. She smiles at Jase, then blinks at Paul's further comment. "Uh huh," Paul offers with a bright smile. "The name is Paul Nighman, and do tell her that I am genuinely sorry." At that, Paul's voice and smile dim, in genuine regret. His gaze is fixed on the man next to him and Paul remains thankfully oblivious of Jade's entrance. Jase says, "I'll tell her. But for now, let me leave you to your meal." He looks up and sees Mara Jade. His eyes soften. "Until tomorrow night then." Jade steps into the casino, a weary grimace planted on her face. For the first time outside her bedroom, her hair is slightly tousled and her clothes look as if they have been slept in, or at least wrestled in. Her attention is focused completely inward as she makes her way over to the bar. That turn of the eye prompts Paul's to move up as well, and his frame noticably stiffens before he forcibly relaxes it, eyeing the woman in question with a mixture of suspicion and wariness. Hissing out a soft breath, he picks up his utensils and begins to dig into the meal, willing the man to leave now. Jase stands from the small table on the dais. Jase walks toward the bar and Mara Jade. "Excuse me, Ms. Jade, are you alright?" Shen settles in to eat her food as well, with vigor. It's an excellent steak, and cooked to perfection, and the girl's palate isn't so untutored that she can't be impressed even as she inhales the meal. Detjin steps into the entry way from the northern concourse. Detjin has arrived. Detjin makes his way out of the Casino. Detjin has left. Jade looks up at the voice and sighs quietly as she sees who it is. "Nothing, Jase," she replies wearily. "I just haven't been sleeping well lately," she mutters, propping herself up on a barstool and placing her order with the bartender. "Corellian..." She doesn't even finish the order before the bartender finishes it for her, "Corellian Ale. Make it a double...yeah yeah yeah. When are you gonna get a little originality?" he asks her, chuckling quietly. She merely smiles weakly in return and waits for the drink. That name is filed away, and Paul considers Shen as they each start eating. "Sorry," he murmurs sotto vocce, "I just wanted to tweak him for some reason ... I guess cause he was just so blatant. I overheard that he was Ariana's brother ... and she and I did have a big fight, per usual, so I let him draw his own conclusions." Taking a bite of the steak, Paul sighs at it's perfect flavor. He considers pointing out Mara to Shen, and then decides against it. _With the way she looks, it will be a miracle, or a curse, if she happens to recognize me_ Jase takes the seat next to Mara Jade. "You should take better care of yourself," he holds a hand up to keep her from interrupting. "I know you can take care of yourself, but obviously you need some little reminders or you wouldn't be in such a state." He keeps his voice respectful and low. Karrde steps into the entry way from the northern concourse. Karrde has arrived. Ariana steps into the entry way from the northern concourse. Ariana has arrived. Jase sits next to Mara Jade at the bar, his back to the door. Karrde steps in, giving a nod to Hale, the bouncer on duty by the door, confering with him briefly as he glances over patrons. Shen smiles a bit at Paul, as she tells him, "Hey, it's okay... hell, I was wingin' it, glad you showed up." She slugs down the rest of the contents of her glass. Karrde looks at you for a moment. Ariana watches Karrde for a lingering sort of moment, as if waiting to be dismissed from his side. Jade An imposing-looking human woman, Jade stands before you at about 1.8 meters tall. Her medium-length hair is a beautiful shade of red, almost golden, and contrasts well with her piercing, emerald-green eyes. Her very fair, warm- toned skin lends a touch of delicacy to what would otherwise be a cold- looking woman. All in all, she is strikingly beautiful, enough to turn most men's heads with a glance, but there is some type of emotion...hatred, or bitterness perhaps, that can mar her beauty in some eyes. The woman is wearing a plain grey tunic and pants of the same color. The material is a soft, clingy fabric that conforms to her every well-formed curve. But something in the way she moves suggests the fabric was chosen for comfort and not to accentuate her already stunning physique, however well it does just that. Jet black, immaculately polished jump boots finish off the outfit and give it an almost military feel. There is a blaster pistol resting in a holster, which is strapped tightly to her right thigh. Also, the hilt of a vibro-blade is visible poking out from the top of her right boot. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => DD6 Blaster Pistol => Vibro-Knife Ariana Of medium height and reed-thin, Ariana initially gives the impression of being almost insubstantial until one realizes that what flesh is on her frame is sinewy and toned, like a dancer or athlete. Her pale blonde hair, streaked gold by sun, is growing into a softer but still-abbreviated coiffure, framing a pert, youthfully appealing face. She presently wears a flowing but casual gown of gauzy white material, belted about the waist by braided indigo leather; a midnight blue cloak is fastened about her shoulders, and a comlink is attached to the belt. She appears to be in her early 20s. Karrde He is a slender human male, somewhat tall, with an indifferent, sardonic manner. He has short, dark hair, a neatly trimmed goatee and a thin face which would be considered cunning if the expression weren't so calm, although the mild blue eyes do have a certain intent scrutiny. His attire is simple and elegant in a subdued way, with slate grey pants and black boots, and a banded collar shirt, long sleeved, of a dark plum color. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Protective Vest => DL-44 Heavy Blaster Pistol Karrde spies Jase, and smiles slightly as he sees who he is with. He murmurs to Ariana. Ozzle steps into the entry way from the northern concourse. Ozzle has arrived. That brings another smile to Paul's lips, but as the latest patrons file in, it gets harder and harder to keep that smile constant. At this point, Paul goes for being as small and inconspicuous as possible. Sipping at his Corellian Ale, Paul's eyes dart readily about the room, just waiting for trouble to come and join them for supper. Ozzle steps into the casino. He allows a quick glance before heading to the bar. Karrde is standing by the door, murmuring to Ariana. Jade turns a warning gaze on Jase. "Listen, I'm not in the mood, alright?" she murmurs meaningfully. Jase sits next to Mara Jade at the bar, his back to the door. Ozzle smiles and nods to Karrde and Ariana as he passes. Shenner smiles across the table at Paul and murmurs to him, "So, hey, you're serious about comin' back here, tomorrow? For dancin'?" Head cocked as she listens to Karrde's message, Ariana nods severally until the tall, slender man has finished. "Not a problem," she assures him gently, touching his wrist before she steps toward the ba...no, with Jade there, more likely the far end of the bar. Ozzle steps up to the bar, and politely requests a Junwarrian Fixer. The tender makes one in record time, and presents the dark green liquid to the Sarian. Jase raises both hands in surrender. "I don't have to be told twice." He stands back up. "Maybe another time." He moves away muttering to himself, "hopefully sometime." Forcing his attention back to the redhead before him, Paul inserts a picture of Shen in the dress, which eases the smile. "Yeah," he replies, "that is, if you want to." Ozzle A tall, thin Sarian. His skin is a pale white, and his eyes glint red as if burning with an inner fire. His Sar spots, large and elipsical, mimic the red of his eyes, and span the sides of his face to his cheeks and all around his neck. His face is long and gaunt, his eyes slightly sunken and his nose hawklike. He wears a gorgeous set of armor made of black metal, over which is worn a black cloak lined with deep blue fur. A small emblem is embroidered into the left shoulder of the cloak, an image of a crescent moon surrounded by a pale blue aura. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Field Armor => DL-44 Heavy Blaster Pistol "We got time?" Shen asks Paul, as her gaze shifts out to the dance floor again. "It _does_ look pretty swank..." Karrde waits until Ariana has struck off a bit from him, before he strolls in that vague direction as well, a singularly intent gaze on the back of Jase's head. The stare fades as he approaches his prey, giving way to easy smiles to familiar patrons and the casual manner of a man on his own turf. Ozzle sips his drink casually, watching the events that unfold around him. Watching Shen's features as she considers the floor, Paul murmurs, "We'll make the time ... and in that dress, you're pretty swank yourself." Ariana picks the end of the bar farthest from the infamously stunning redhead -- sometimes that's literal, by the way -- and murmurs her order to the bartender. Jase is threading his way through the crowd on instinct, his eyes on the ground, his mind elsewhere. Abruptly beaming, Shen turns her gaze back to Paul, her eyes lit up. "I'd like that...!" Heck, from the look of her, she'd like dancing right now. Jade continues to run an exhausted hand through her hair a couple more times as she finishes off three drinks in a row, closing her eyes often. Karrde swings through the casino floor, caught in the orbit, it seems, of a small knot of wealthy Bith tourists, and is propelled by casual happenstance to move up alongside Jase. "A few words?" is the poor man's proximity alarm, as well as a dry smile. Jase's head snaps up and he states coherently, "Huh?" He straightens when he sees Talon Karrde by his side. "Oh, sir. I didn't see you come in. Good evening." He manages to suppress the salute, just barely. "A few words? Of course, sir." _So far so good_ Paul muses cautiously. _Everyone seems to be too pissed off to notice me_ he observes, finishing his drink and signalling the waiter for another one. The waiter nods and heads to the bar to place the order for a Corellian ale, which Paul muses would really hit the spot right now. His head is beginning to feel a little light again, most likely due to the fact tha he hasn't eaten all day until now, he rationalizes, taking another bite. However, all the commotion and impending doom at every turn has a funny way of taking away the interest in food. Shenner casts a brief glance around the bar, noting newcomers, all of whom look like -- well, like they belong here. But the girl is rather more interested in just grinning at her companion, and she quirks her head as she tells him, "Though maybe tomorrow, hey, after you lose the headache, would be better." Karrde looks unassuming; which is to say, the effect of his sudden presense there was noted and filed. He smiles, grateful for the permission to visit with the man, and motions to a dais table, wordlessly. Ariana's greyish blue gaze follows Karrde's path and, as he draws near her brother, she supresses a frown and takes with some gratitude the glass of Corellian ale provided to her. "Didn't...frigging...man's backside anyways," she mumbles to herself before swallowing a mouthful of ale. The bartender picks up the order for the Corellian Ale from the waiter and glances at it with a chuckle. Leaning over to Jade, he winks and says conversationally, "It appears you're starting a trend." Ozzle finishes his drink and declines the bartender's offer of another. Instead, he simply makes himself comfortable at the bar, glancing around with a personable but unreadable expression. Jase nods and procedes Karrde to the dais and an empty table. He uses the time to pull him self back together. "Is there something wrong, sir?" A hand brushes across his brow, winging away before reaching his left temple. "Yeah," he murmurs, trying to inject a little more strength into his voice. "Tomorrow I should be all recovered." Giving Shen another warm smile, this one taking a little more effort, he murmurs, "We'll fancy ourselves up and cut the rug." Ariana glances sidelong at the bartender and mutters again. "...day I...stringy redhaired...tell me...drink..." Jade shrugs at the bartender, following his gaze to the table where Paul and Shenner sit eating. The look on her face is surpassed only by the gurgling sound that follows as the poor woman nearly chokes on her drink. -Man, why'd he have to point that out while I was drinking?- Blinking, she focuses her gaze on the Corellian one more time to be sure, and then spins back around on her barstool, turning her back to him quickly. Karrde indicates that Jase might find a seat at the booth in the corner quite nice, shaking his head. "Oh, I just thought to sit and talk with you before you become unavailable. Have a seat?" He gives Jase an inquiring look until he sits. Jase takes a seat in the corner booth on the dais. Karrde takes a seat in the corner booth on the dais. Jase sits and talks quietly with Karrde. Once she has followed the departure of Karrde and Jase, or at least their withdrawal onto the dais, Ariana polishes off most of the rest of her ale and indulges herself in a sandwich. She has foregone any "schmoozish" sort of behaviour and is exuding a definite aura of "think twice before approaching." His gaze runs the gamut again, just checking on how his status is about the room. Naturally, everyone except his waiter is oblivious to him and Shen, which is just how Paul likes it. Now that Mara Jade's back is actively facing him, Paul slumps a little in his chair, making himself a touch lower as well as relaxing a touch more. Shenner, blissfully oblivious to anything else happening now, settles down to inhale the rest of her meal, eating that fine food like -- well, like a street kid quite unused to such luxury. She grins widely to Paul, paying far more attention to him than to what she's shoveling down with her fork. "I can't wait...!" It's not _quite_ gushing; her tone's casual. But her eyes are bright -- a teenager's eyes, the look of a kid ecstatic over the prospect of her first date. "Might actually look okay in a place like this...!" Jade polishes off the last of her drink quickly. After she passes the glass over to the bartender, she slides unsteadily off the barstool. Funny how she can still make a drunken swoon seem graceful...but, no matter. She does make it off the stool safely and heads for the door without further attention to anyone else in the room but the bouncers. Offering Shen a wan smile at her bubbly enthusiasm, he forces down another bite and wonders how much more of this meal he'll be able to cram down. The once ravenous hunger is vanished, replaced with a dull nauseous feeling instead. Knowing, however, that he -has- to eat, Paul dutifully takes another bite. Ariana turns slightly to watch Jade's departure, concern etched in her eyes, then she sighs and looks away. No sense barking up that tree. Ozzle notices Ariana a few stools down, eating a sandwich. It dawns on him that he, too, is feeling a bit hungry, and might not be able to eat again for some time. He grabs the bartender's attention, and places an order for a sandwich of his own. Upon hearing it, the bartender makes no effort to hide his disgust, but makes the sandwich and places it on the bar. Ozzle bites into it slowly, ejoying it. KirSah walks into the Casino, and leans against the wall by the door, survey the situtation KirSah As you glance at KirSah you see she is about 6 feet tall and looks to be very athletic. She dressed in a long sandy colored silk robe that is belted off at the waist with a long rope. Attached to the robe is a large hood that dangles loosely from her shoulders and is mostly concealed by her long blond hair. A close look at her face reveals it is well tanned causing her white teeth and blue eyes to stand out. From what you can see of her boots they look to be made of a brown leather like material. Lastly as you look away you notice that KirSah is quite young looking. KirSah makes her way out of the Casino. KirSah has left. At her table on the dais, Shen peers over at her companion, consideringly. "Hey... hey, maybe we might wanna pack it in early, you think?" Jade's departure is certainly noticed by more than she would probably care to know. Paul is acutely aware of her weaving pace, finding a niggle of concern rising up despite himself. He ruthlessly squashes it down, chiding the errant fret with the reminder _She -shot- us, remember?!_ Still, his eyes remain fixed to her back. Kadgie makes her way out of the Casino. Kadgie has left. His eyes jerk to Shen and Paul nods, feeling relieved. "Sounds good to me ... we'll paint the town tomorrow night." Jade makes her way out of the Casino. Jade has left. Ariana has the courtesy of at least smiling at Ozzle despite the lack of appeal -- all right, despite the nauseous quality -- of his food order. Shenner's food has already vanished, as though she's disintegrated it. "You wanna save that?" she asks of Paul, nodding at what's left of his equally fine steak. Hey, street kids don't believe in wasting food. Ozzle is oblivious to any of the humans' reaction to his order. They don't know what they're missing, and some if their food is none to pleasant to his palette. Pushing the plate over toward Shen, the sight of it becoming almost repellant to Paul, he murmurs, "You can finish it, or we can take it with us ... either works for me." "We'll save it," the girl announces briskly. She sits up in her chair, flicking a look around for the nearest waiter and flagging him down: "Hey, pal, can we get this packed up, and our bill, huh?" Not exactly her best imitation of a Proper Lady, but the waiter knows his business and manages not to look disdainful at this urchin. As the waiter leaves, a haughty glint in his eye and a straightening of his spine, Paul murmurs, "There is no bill, remember?" he draws his chair back, raising up despite the touch of vertigo that flickers through him. He leaves a hand resting on the edge of the table, just in case. Ozzle finishes his sandwich with a look of satisfaction. He tosses a few credits to the bartender, whose visage is still one of distaste. Casually he stands from the bar and begins to wander the casino, looking perhaps for someone. "Oh," mutters Shen, momentarily embarrassed. She then giggles. "Right. I forgot." In due swiftness, the remainder of Paul's meal is whisked off and returns in a tidy storage pak, and Shen rises, peering at her companion. "Back to the ship?" Ariana rests her chin in her hand, emits a small sigh, and, after a look toward the dais, begins to push her food around on her plate, playing rather than consuming. She does, however, order another ale. Taking one last look about from his high vantage point, Paul nods, barely covering the weariness of the gesture, and heads for the stair, allowing his hand to touch on whatever nearby surface is at hand and acceptable - railings, empty tables, chairs, walls, etc. He moves slowly, taking his time, but making it look like he's merely being casual and leisurely, not wishing to alarm Shen any further today. Shen falls into step by Paul, squinting at his slowness, but keeping any opinion on it to herself. Carrying the packed remains of his food, she doesn't so much as try to offer him an arm, but she stays exactly within easy grabbing distance. Just in case. And with that, she's out the door. [Paul and Shen head off towards the Core...] You head coreward. Level 4 -Concourse- The main concourse of the KOS is the busiest part of the station. Wider than the rest of the station,this level is nearly half a mile in diameter. The center of the concourse is domed upward, with the turbolift tube rising up through the center. Spacers, traders, technicians and guards of countless races bustle through the concourse. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Galactic Bank ATM -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Syr => Caspar News Service - Kichnar Edition => Mail Terminal: Kichnar -=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=- Edgeward West leads to Level 4 -Landing Pad-. Edgeward North leads to Level 4 -Northern Concourse-. Edgeward South leads to Level 4 -Southern Concourse-. Edgeward East leads to Level 4 -Eastern Concourse-. TurboLift leads to Turbolift. Grei comes from the eastern concourse. Grei has arrived. Syr walks in from the hangar and begins to walk toward Grei. Syr looks at you for a moment. Donivan comes from the eastern concourse. Donivan has arrived. Donivan heads into the hangar. Donivan has left. Grei walks to the turbolift, speaking quietly to the guards around him. Paul_Nighman comes from the northern concourse. Paul_Nighman has arrived. Shenner comes down from the northward reaches of the station, toting a small package of some kind, and walking along next to a tall Corellian; the two of them head towards the landing pad. The Corellian is looking a little worse for wear, a bruised swelling on his left temple and a hand that trails the wall, ostensibly for support it seems. The man looks tired. You go through the airlock to the hangar. Level 4 -Landing Pad- The Kichnar Station landing pad is built into the fourth level of the station. Wedge-shaped, it takes up about a quarter of the largest level on the Kichnar Orbital Station. Various ship maintenance and repair equiptment lines the walls. A set of hydrospanners lie errantly on the floor. A fusion generator supply tank stands at ready to fuel ships. An airlock leads to the main concourse of the station. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => STARFIGHTER: Lantillian Short Hauler -- Chameleon => STARFIGHTER: SubPro Ilyrian Gnat -- Quasar Bolt => CAPITAL: Numiri Corvette MDS/001a -- White Star => STARFIGHTER: SubPro Ilyrian Gnat -- CFS Kresta => STARFIGHTER: Sienar Lambda Class Shuttle -- CFS Armistice => STARFIGHTER: Corellian YT-1300 -- Fortune => STARFIGHTER: SubPro Ilyrian Gnat -- Dominant => STARFIGHTER: Sienar Lambda Class Shuttle -- Investor => CAPITAL: Corellian Action VI -- Wild Karrde => STARFIGHTER: SubPro Wanderer Mk II -- Mergansar Dawn => STARFIGHTER: Corellian YT-1300 -- Triton => STARFIGHTER: SubPro Wanderer Mk II -- CFS Windancer => STARFIGHTER: SubPro Wanderer Mk II -- CCS Keramisk => starport computer => Transport Panel => NOTIFICATION => Trade Panel: Kichnar -=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=- oreward leads to Level 4 -Concourse-. Paul_Nighman enters from coreward. Paul_Nighman has arrived. Shenner enters in a code and enters STARFIGHTER: SubPro Ilyrian Gnat -- Quasar Bolt Main Ring -- Quasar Bolt(#6524RVat) This is the main area of the ship and obviously serves multiple purposes. The entrance is open and airy, with several couches and a table. It is designed to be an area for passengers and the occasional crew to lounge in. There is a computer terminal available in one corner. To the right, sectioned off slightly, is a kitchen area, well stocked with the latest in cooking equipment as well as a fine assortment of food. Off to the back of the entrance space is a walled off crew quarters section. To save space, the bunks are folded up into the wall space and can be pulled down at will. There is a storage unit available for personal belongings next to each bunk compartment. There is a door visible, leading off to the right next to the kitchen, but it is locked. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Captain's Quarters -=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=- leads to Level 4 -Landing Pad-. ft leads to Cargo Hold -- Quasar Bolt. ore leads to Cockpit -- Quasar Bolt. Shenner enters Main Ring -- Quasar Bolt Paul_Nighman has arrived. Paul_Nighman enters Main Ring -- Quasar Bolt The ship, Kuxli-less and, it would seem, Shikh-less at least for the moment, is quiet. Shen heads off to the kitchen to put away the leftovers. Paul sits down heavily for a moment. Calling after Shen, he asks, "Hey, bring me a glass of that red juice in the fridge!" He knows that if he doesn't nip this problem in the bud now, tomorrow will be far worse. His body is still not in the best of shape, and with the way he's been treating it and abusing it today, it's no wonder he feels whipped already. Leaning his head back against the hull, he shuts his eyes wearily. "Sure thing," calls the girl. Noises of juice-fetching and juice-pouring sound, and after a moment, Shen pads up, sitting down by Paul on the couch he's occupying. "Here." She holds out the glass, then gives a little chuckle. Opening his eyes and reaching for the glass, Paul downs the vitamin and protein enhanced drink with an edge of desperation. After finishing it, he casually wipes at his mouth with one hand, murmuring, "What's funny?" Shenner answers ruefuly, "I'm always tellin' you to rest. Betcha get tired of hearin' it." Placing the glass on the nearby table, Paul rises, pulling Shen close by her shoulder and heads toward their room. "Yeah, sometimes, but it's still sweet of you," he informs her, palming the lock. You enter into the Captain's quarters. Captain's Quarters Unlike the rest of the ship, this room is extremely cluttered with books, papers, computer equipment, and many artifacts and pieces of art from different cultures. In the corner stands a Viol, and a guitar rests in it's case not too far from it. The rest of the ship is clean and efficient looking, but this room is somehow cosier for all it's mess and confusion. Paul_Nighman enters into the Captain's quarters Shenner turns to smile up at Paul, lopsidedly, but softer than she'd smiled at the blond man who'd flirted with her. "Hey, no problem..." The same words she'd given the other man, but without the 'pal'. Touching Shen's cheek lightly with a fingertip, Paul just gazes into her face for a moment, but makes no comment. He draws back, seating himself on the edge of the bed, and works off his clothes. Shenner's gaze, soft and bright, holds his till he moves off. The girl stretches, runs a hand through her hair, and idly scarfs up the Twi'lek-authored novel Paul'd been reading before. She scans the jacket, then the opening scene fragment on the very first page, and snickers softly at it. "Can I read this?" His shirt half tugged off over his head, Paul peers at the book in question before wincing. "Just so long as you don't hold me accountable for it's contents," he haggles. "Well, you _said_ you were drunk when you told him about your job, right?" Shen answers, winking. She plops lightly down on the edge of the bed, skimming bits of the first chapter as she kicks off her boots. Something in the text makes her giggle, though, and she eyes Paul mischievously. The shirt has finally been wrestled off ... conquered ... defeated. Paul tosses it to the ground in victory. "Yeah," he replies guardedly, "but I'm just covering my ass now while I still have the chance." He works on the boots next, his gaze rising suspiciously at her giggle. Shenner says guilelessly, "Found the part where he describes you. Er, the hero." Her eyes twinkle. There is a groan and Paul manages to defeat the boots as well, but whether it's at his success or her commentary is up for debate. The pants offer no resistance, and Paul crawls gratefully beneath the sheets. "Nobody looks that good," he informs her, setting the record straight, "Not even Corellians" "Oh, I dunno," Shen drawls merrily, peering between book and alledged hero of same and back again. The girl hardly professes any finely honed literary tastes, but as far as she's concerned, this Twi'lek has one helluvan eye, and an impressive way with words, too. Her grin broadening, she reads out the words, putting a theatrical relish into them: "'He had the look of one who'd travelled under countless suns, been weathered by winds unnumbered; his hair was streaked golden amidst the brown, his skin bronzed. Rangy and lean, steady of stride, as rumpledly clad as any smuggler who'd ever walked the streets of Mos Eisley....'" Lifting a pillow and smothering himself with it Paul is barely understandable when he mumbles, "Zust kull mm now ... did yu rea da bac? Wha's werse is dat zis is merly one in ah -seriz-." There is a long drawn out whimper of despair. "'But what set him apart from the common rabble were his eyes,'" Shenner reads on in delight. "Crystalline, clear, their color was indeterminate, green in one moment, grey the next, golden in the third, and carrying in their depths a gleam of not only intelligence, but of _insight_'" -- and she stresses this word in clear satisfaction, peering over at Paul as he tries to beat his retreat under the pillow. She concludes brightly, "'"... as though he could, and regularly did, look at you, through you, and beyond, halfway across the galaxy.' Whoo ha! A series? Hey, I'll hafta collect 'em!" The sentence is the end of the poor Corellian who lets out a helpless wail at Shen's determined claim. He remains safely buried beneath the pillow, which cannot protect him from her exerpts, but offers at least something to bury his face in should he feel the urge to scream. Shenner bursts into giggles, setting the book down and leaning over to nuzzle the nearest portion of Paul's mostly buried form. "I _promise_ I won't hold you the slightest bit accountable," she teases. Drawing the pillow away from his face, Paul turns his head to peer at Shen's attack on his shoulder, smiling even as he tries to make his features stern. "I'm gonna hold you to that promise," he warns her sternly. Entirely charmed by the Twi'lek's prose and not caring in the slightest how flowery it is, Shen manages to stifle further giggles, even as she meets Paul's gaze and can't resist fascinated study of that hazel-and-green pair of eyes. "Solemn oath," she vows, failing to look solemn, with her own eyes twinkling so. A smile, impossible not to grant the girl for all her boundless enthusiasm, curls Paul's lips. "It's only fiction .... just don't expect me to start winging on vines and leaping into flying ships and the like. It ain't my style," he warns playfully, his eyelids drooping with the effort to stay awake. "Right," Shenner agrees, deadpan. "You lead a boring life!" She undresses, then, and leans over to wave the light off, before snuggling up next to Paul. Pulling the girl close, weariness beating off attraction with one hand tied behind it's back, Paul mumbles, "That's right, dull as toast," his voice trailing off weakly. Curling up against the Corellian, her arm instinctively draping into place over him for optimum warmth, Shenner giggles into his shoulder. She doesn't bother to answer, but she thinks happily as she hugs Paul once and then subsides, _I LIKE toast._ [End log.]