Log Date: 8/3/97, 8/4/97 Log Cast: Paul Nighman, Shenneret Veery, Tyre, Kuxli Log Intro: Spending this round of days on Caspar with Paul has proven for Shenner to be simultaneously both less and more stressful for the young musician than their stay on Corellia had been. On the one hand, they are safely away from Paul's father and all of the conflict between Paul and the older man, and Paul is hale again... but on the other hand, Shenner has found herself thoroughly caught up in trying to sort out her feelings for Paul... and what she can tell about his feelings for her. Loathe to intrude on him where she's not wanted, convinced he doesn't want to _love_ her yet treasures her as a friend and needs her support as he works with his colleague Marcus Crowley to try to locate his missing ship, Shenner is caught between trying to trying to hide her own deep sentiments for the Corellian... and the recurring risk of exposing them as she tries her best to be a friend even if she can't necessarily be more. At last, though, after briefly encountering her old Horansi friend Kuxli as well as a woman called Jaeinn Blix down on Caspar's surface, Shenner and Paul make a pit stop up on Kichnar Station. And Shen immerses herself in study of lesson discs on archaeology, bent on making herself a valuable assistant to Paul, if nothing else.... and not quite noticing how well she's imitating him in work habits. [NOTE: Although we are using Paul's actual ship, the _Quasar Bolt_, for an RP location, IC it should be considered in this log to be the _Hawk's Wing_, the ship loaned to Paul by his friend Jace Raven.] ---------- Paul_Nighman comes through the corridor from the Main Ring. Paul_Nighman has arrived. Slogging his way into the Cargo hold, Paul deposits his stocks and provisions in the web-encased shelves there, not noticing Shenner right away. His eyes and his mind are intent upon the work before him, and it is not until everything is stowed that he even realizes that Shenner has set up camp once again in the cargo hold of the ship they are traveling in. At the tiny table, Shenner sits slumped, her head pillowed on one arm and the other arm flung along the tabletop. Her datapad, flipped open, rests beside her head, four or five loose discs scattered around it. The girl's brow is furrowed and she frowns tightly in her sleep. Ambling over toward the girl softly, Paul settles one thigh on the table's edge, half sitting there. Reaching out with one hand, he gingerly brushes a loose lock of auburn hair from her brow. _Gods, she is so young_ he marvels, taking in her delicate features, made even more child-like in sleep. _This is no kind of life, dragging around the galaxy, living in ship holds ...._ But at the same time, Paul knows that this is the best that it's ever been for her ... and that thought is even more distressing than the first one. Softly sighing, he brushes the determined errant lock back once again. "I'm sorry Shen, I'm sorry that I'm going to screw up your life even more than it already is." Shen's mouth moves a little as her sleeping mind registers the gentle contact, if not the whispered words. She breathes out in a mumble, "...tifact preservation...." Hazel eyes drop to the table, touching on the titles of the various discs scattered there. "Xenoarcheology and History" ... "Historical and Anthropological Relevance of Archeological Finds" ... "Basic Xenoarcheaology - An Exploration of Cultures and History" ... "Oh Shen, why are you trying so hard ... this isn't your life, it's mine," he murmurs almost fretfully. Sighing, he reaches down, placing the discs back in their proper cases. The soft noises make Shen's disheveled head shift, and she mumbles indistinctly, ".....aul?" Green eyes open, groggily, and the lifting of her head is stiff. Another soft sigh feathers the air. Leaning over, Paul drops a gentle hand on the girls shoulder. "You look mighty uncomfortable sleeping there Shen ... why don't you use the cabin?" Shenner sits up slowly, blinking in disorientation. "Wha' time is it?" she mumbles, rubbing the back of her hand across her eyes, before she focuses on Paul. Glancing down at his chrono, Paul's hazel eyes capture and hold Shenner's green ones. "Late afternoon," he murmurs. Slipping off the table's edge, he crouches down next to her. "You wanna more comfortable spot to sleep in?" "I can't *yawn* I can't sleep," Shen murmurs fretfully, sitting up straighter. "I gotta get this done..." Looking over at the discs lying, now in their cases, on the table, Paul shakes his head, pulling Shen's chair back sharply. "I don't think so," he growls, gathering her up suddenly in his arms and rising. "You were up all night reading the damn things, take a break." This, thinks Shenner muzzily, is strangely familiar, even if backwards. Scooped into Paul's arms, she emits a small startled noise, caught between the warm proximity of the Corellian's shoulder and the need that had kept her up so immersed in study. Frustratedly, she mumbles, "Don' wanna be useless..." Carrying her through the cargo hold easily, her weight negligible, Paul brushes his lips across her forehead in a reassureing kiss. "You're not useless," he assures her. "You help keep me sane," he reasons. _And insane, too_ he reminds. "But I don't _know_ anything," Shenner mumbles tinily, her face screwed up in weary peevishness. At the kiss, her face shifts slightly up towards Paul's, but she doesn't relax. Much. Paul_Nighman heads fore, into the Main Ring. Paul_Nighman has left. You head down the corridor into the Main Ring. 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. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Paul_Nighman => Captain's Quarters -=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=- leads to Level 4 -Landing Pad-. ft leads to Cargo Hold -- Quasar Bolt. ore leads to Cockpit -- Quasar Bolt. "You know lots of things," he assures her, entering the main ring. "It's just differnet stuff, that's all. You don't have to become an archeaologist overnight ... you couldn't even if you wanted to Shen." Cradling her easily in his arms, he taps the door panel for the Captian's quarters, the door sliding open silently to admit them into the dark room. Paul_Nighman has left. Paul_Nighman enters into the Captain's quarters 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 "Not bein' much of an assistant either," Shen mumbles dolefully. "Can't help yah if I don't know nothin'....!" She frowns as you carry her into the room, and adds, "You shouldn't worry about me." Leaving the lights off, Paul settles Shenner down gently on the large bed. "Can't help myself there," he murmurs softly, "it seems to come naturally." Covering her up slowly, Paul sits at the side of the bed, his eyes intent on the workings of his hands, pulling at the blankets. "Too much on your mind," Shen mumbles in reply, her voice rising a little in pitch, fretfully. Then she catches herself, frowns vaguely, and slumps down where she's been placed, promising hastily, "I'll sleep...." "I'll wait," he assures her, his hand dropping to her hair, caressing it back with gentle tender passes of his palm. Shenner blinks drowsy green eyes up at Paul, her gaze strangely full -- or perhaps it's just that she's so visibly exhausted. "Don't hafta..." "I know," is his simple reply, the hand still trailing thoughtfully through her hair as he observes her childish features, barely restraining the frown that tries to cross his face. _You're going to hurt her ... it's inevitable_ his conscience and logic ruthlessly remind him. _Look at her ... she -is- just a child_ That redheaded child blinks rapidly a time or two, but perhaps not quite swiftly enough to conceal a brief glimmer of wetness in her eyes. Tiredness etched in those delicate features -- or is she troubled as well as tired? -- she mumbles, "Don't wanna hold you down..." Continuing to brush her hair, Paul finds that he has no words to counter or greet that statement. His hands run through her auburn waves with a feathering touch. His eyes remain focused on her, he cannot break his gaze and not feel like a complete heel for ignoring her words, but neither can he open his mouth and make words of his own. He wants to assure her that she isn't, that she doesn't, but his conscience slaps that desire, reminding him of the previous day, of in fact many events and constraints that have occured solely because of her presence in his life. _You lie to her now, you assure her that she isn't to some extent a burden, and you will have done both her and yourself a great wrong_ Shen releases a taut little sigh, opens her mouth as if to speak and then immediately clamps it shut, her face pained, perhaps even a little frightened. She shudders and closes her eyes. Her expression cuts Paul sharply, and hovering over her for a moment, he leans over gently, pressing a soft kiss to her temple, one hand rubbing her shoulder now. "It's alright," he soothes, "Everything will work out for the best." _I hope ...._ Feeling a fresh prickle of moisture behind her lids, Shen tries to hide it, tries to smile. "I'm okay," she whispers hoarsely. "I'm..." "A liar," Paul finishes for her, brushing one finger against the damp eyelid. "See, I knew this would happen ... I knew I would hurt you," he murmurs regretfully, one hand slipping to rub her back while the other supports him over her. Her eyes open, and she blinks, aghast. "You didn't!" she swears, with arguably far too much emphasis. "You didn't do nothin'!" Regarding her fierce expression, her now clearly damp eyes, Paul draws a finger tenderly down her cheek. "Uh huh," he whispers in a clearly disbelieving tone, "then why are you crying?" With a small sniffle, Shenner shakes her head vigorously, again claiming, "You didn't do nothin'... you didn't do nothin'... I'm just an idi... I'm just tired, is all..." Considering her features doubtfully, Paul doesn't press the issue, but does press a kiss to her brow. "Okay, so sleep then sweetheart," he murmurs, drawing a errant lock from her face as one of his own drops before his eyes. Shenner's eyes linger on that shaggy lock of hair, and for a very brief moment her eyes soften considerably. Then she catches herself and mumbles obediently, "'Kay Paul...." She sniffles again and shuts her eyes. He breathes a soft sigh, his breath tickling her cheek, before he sits up again. Watching her intently, and with no small measure of uncertainty, Paul finds himself seriously considering leaving her on Caspar for safe keeping. _Tatooine ... and with the Imperials in charge. It's bound to be tricky_ Ruminating to himself, he feels fairly self assured that he doesn't have any current marks on his record with the Imps, but they have long memories, so one can never be too certain. Shen's hand fumbles once for Paul, trying to make contact with him. Although her breathing begins to settle down into a steady rhythm of sleep, that little furrow to her brow remains. For all that she's avoiding the issue, something is clearly troubling her. Raising off the bed slowly, hesitantly, Paul waits to see if Shen will wake. He crouches down in front of her face, gently stroking the crease above her nose with one tender finger. "Fret not," he assures her in a whisper of a voice. "It'll all be fine," he lies convincingly. The redheaded girl issues a very tiny sigh, and slowly, her features ease, lagging behind her breathing somewhat. But at last, she is asleep. Raising up once again, Paul moves silently toward the door, touching the panel to open it. He steps halfway through, watching her from the edge for a moment. There is a subtle and familiar twinge at the base of his chest. A twisting sensation. Frowning hard and shaking it off along with the melancholy nostalgia it brings with it as baggage, Paul steps through the door firmly, letting it close behind him. Silently and irrevocablly, the door seperates and divides them, closing one into darkness, the other into artificial light. [And, a long while later....] Shenner dreams.... but once she awakens, does not entirely remember what had played out in her drowsing consciousness, save for a lingering sensation of worry and solitude and loss. She jerks into awareness with a small twitch, and blinks rapidly, trying to orient herself. The room is dark, silent ... or almost silent. Very gentle breathing is discernable, coming from behind her on the bed. There Paul lays splayed out, one arm beneath a pillow and the other reaching off to the side, as if it had been touching Shen, but had slipped in his sleep. His features unmarred by the usual lines of concentration or concern, seem far younger than his years. The sheet lays draped across his belly, trailing over the side of one exposed hip. Shenner turns and catches her breath at the sight of Paul sleeping there. Troubledly, she stares at his silent form, and finds herself thinking, _I almost told him. Gotta be more careful..._ Embarrassed by the memory, she begins to clamber out of the bed, scrubbing a hand across her eyes and blinking to clear her vision. Turning at the sound, the shifting of weight and heat, Paul rolls over, his arm capturing Shenner's pillow instead of Shenner, pulling it close. Then he is quiet and still once again. Shenner bites her lip, and turns again to Paul. She cannot tell him what has been troubling her, but as long as he is safely asleep, neither can she keep herself from leaning over him and placing the tenderest of kisses on his brow. _Love you,_ she thinks at his drowsing face. Shen lifts her head, and lingers there a moment, smoothing Paul's shaggy hair back from his forehead. He'd asked her to remind him to cut it, she remembers suddenly, but the concept suddenly seems almost sacriligeous to her somehow, with those thick strands beneath her fingers. Then she sighs to herself. The urge to curl back up beside him is strong, but a pang within her brings the thought, _You're gonna hafta deal with not being with him sooner or later..._ And now, she is too restless to go back to sleep. Upon the touch to his brow, Paul murmurs sleepily, an unintelligible sound. A half smile curls the corners of his mouth, and he releases a soft comforted sigh, nestling himself firmly into the pillows. Shenner smiles wistfully at the sleeping man, taking some measure of pleasure in that little reaction, at least. She climbs the rest of the way out of the bed, and begins to dress... and after pulling on her boots, she thinks to find a scrap of something and a pen with which to wrote. The note, left propped on a prominent shelf, reads "Gone for a walk. Back later -- Shen." And with that, the girl slips out. [Shenner exits the ship....] 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. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Tyre => SHUTTLE: CSS Olumekar => Kuxli(#3872PLACF) => STARFIGHTER: SubPro Ilyrian Gnat -- Quasar Bolt => STARFIGHTER: SubPro Wanderer Mk II -- Mergansar Dawn => STARFIGHTER: Yacht Lady Luck => STARFIGHTER: Sienar Guardian-Class Light Cruiser -- Voidstalker => STARFIGHTER: Corellian YT-1300 -- Triton => STARFIGHTER: SubPro Ilyrian Gnat -- CFS Kresta => STARFIGHTER: SubPro Ilyrian Gnat -- CCS K'nak-Ve => 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-. Tyre looks at you for a moment. The ramp of the _Hawk's Wing_ hisses open, and Shenner pads down it on quiet feet, frowning troubledly to herself. Green eyes scan her surroundings, taking in the collection of vessels docked here, and the landing pad itself. Tyre is standing nextto a feline sitting on a box conversing. Tyre rolls a 13 for its PERCEPTION skill. An Average roll! Tyre This human male looks to be in his mid-to-late 20's and athletically built. He stands roughly 6'2" not counting the shock of unkempt short hair that sits on top of his head. His tanned face is outlinded by a short well trimmed beard that follows the angles of his jaw and circles his mouth (like a Hamlet or king Arthur thing.) Under heavy eyebrows, his eyes are constantly roving around the scene absorbing information and constantly calculating; the rest of his face remains expressionless and indifferent. This human is wearing a long, well worn, black trench coat over a heavy white shirt. At the neck of the shirt you can make out a thick black cord that you guess is connected to a pendant that he keeps hiden in his shirt. The shirt itself is tucked into pants made of a heavy blue denim-like material held up by a black nerf-hide belt. On his feet he wears thick soled hiking boots (SW equivalent of Vasque) that have seen many miles and much abuse. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Pendant(#6501IVX) Tyre glances over and watches the human descend the ramp of the ship for a moment then turns back to the feline. Kuxli sits on the deck, his back against the hard wall, near the Voidstalker's rear ramp. Apparently, a part of his attention was on the Hawk's Wing, and his ears perk as it's ramp opens. Tyre says, "cheretz grranack ergol?", in Horansi. Tyre raises an eyebrow at Kuxli Kuxli glances back to Tyre at the question, giving a nod in response as he stands his armored form up. "Aye, if you'll excuse me a sec.." The redheaded girl jams her hands into her vest pockets and begins to stride across the landing pad, her pace one of someone stretching her legs. Her brow remains furrowed; evidently something's on her mind. Tyre shrugs and leans against the wall watching the feline and glanceing occasionally at the human. Kuxli looks at you for a moment. Tyre looks at you for a moment. Kuxli pads away from Tyre, pushing his duffel bag back so it's mostly behind him as he moves over towards Shenner. As he nears her, a slight smile forms along his muzzle, waving a paw towards her, "Hey Shenner!" Shenner's head immediately turns, lifting slightly. The hail is familiar, and after a beat she answers back, "Kux!" Tyre watches the exchange with mild interest as he pulls his pendnt out of his shirt and rolls it slowley through his finger tips unconciously Kuxli grins now, the motion parting his thin lips to flash a few fangs... though in a friendly manner. "Whats new?" The redheaded girl smiles crookedly, a trifle wanly. "Paul had to bring the ship up here for some stuff... I, uh, came out for a walk..." Kuxli tilts his partially furry, part metal plated head, grin broadening. "Hmm, he's your... boyfriend eh?" the pause evident, as if still adjusting to the idea of Shenner with a boyfriend. Tyre pushes himself up from the wall glanceing down at his wrist chrono. He frowns as he realizes he isn't wearing a wrist chrono and starts making his way to the shuttle. He glances over at the feline, but decides not to disturb him. Tyre has left. Tyre walks up the ramp of the Olumekar. At the Horansi's question, the girl abruptly blinks. For a fraction of an instant, a pained sort of look flickers across her eyes, before she tries to covers it with a broad crooked grin and a shake of her head. "Paul's... my friend," she says firmly. "And kinda my boss. I'm, uh, workin' for him, at least right now." The Olumekar powers up it's engines and leaves the landing area. Kuxli just grins wider at the response, shaking his head with a glance towards the ship. "Watch yourself, working for a Corellian like that..." he looks back to yours, "Ahh.. damn, now I've embarressed you.." Shen lifts her hands, quickly, shaking her head again. "Hey, pal, no sweat, I embarrass myself often enough as it is, yah know?" Kuxli Standing roughly seven feet tall is the body of a young feline being, clad from head to paw in chrome colored combat armor. The helmet of the suit is shaped for the feline's head, letting it's triangluar ears show, the sides of which are lined with dull silver rings. It's muzzle is also free, with long whiskers shooting out along it's sides, with a pair of coal colored nostrils at the end. The suit covers the entire body, throat, torso, arms and legs. Though it leaves it's paws free, all of which give away it's feline nature. A brown leather strap wraps around the armored shoulder of this feline, attached to it is a navy blue duffel bag. A tail extends from the rear of the suit, the tan color on it dectorated with black spots. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Combat Armour -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Duffel bag Kuxli growl chuckles at that, shifting the duffel bag on his armored shoulder. "Yeah, just dont want to add to it." he replies with a wink. Though once more, his attention drifts to the ship. Kuxli looks at you for a moment. "It's okay, really..." She eyes the Horansi, taking in his armor and his size. "You grown since I last saw yah or somethin'?" And she quirks her head, taking in the drift of his attention. "What?" The feline's eyes snap back towards you, leaning his head back some. "I've grown.." he responds quietly, though his eyes lower at the next question, shrugging helpless. "Jus running out of options.." "You in trouble again?" the redhead asks, very quietly. A shake of the head is the response, "No no, not that..." he speaks with a sigh, "Just no job, no real place I want to go... lost really." Shenner blows out a breath, looking up the difference of height between herself and her furry acquaintance. "Know how that feels," she says gruffly. Kuxli gives a quiet growl of a laugh, though it's not filled with it's usually gutteral tone of mirth. "You... you and your pal wouldn't happen to be willing to fly me someplace for some credits would ya?" Shenner blinks at Kuxli's question, straightening a little and involuntarily glancing up toward's the _Hawk's Wing_'s lowered ramp. "He's... I left him asleep," she explains sheepishly. "He'd be the one to ask, though...." Kuxli pauses for a few moments, then inclines his head slowly with a small apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, I understand if your... crowded already on there." "It's not like that!" Shen blurts. "I mean, it's not even Paul's ship, really, we just kinda borrowed it till he can get his real ship back, see?" Her words pick up a bit of speed, as part of her mind seizes on the thought that perhaps before her might be a way to help keep her mind off... well, what she wants her mind kept off of. Impulsively she promises, "Look, I'll go see if he's still asleep, okay? If you wanna come with?" Kuxli thinks again, though he does end up with a slow nod, smile turning brighter. "If it's not to much trouble for ya Shen.." "Hey, no problem. C'mon..." And she turns back towards the vessel. For an instant, she swallows hard, then steadies herself and heads up its ramp. Shenner enters in a code and enters STARFIGHTER: SubPro Ilyrian Gnat -- Quasar Bolt Main Ring -- Quasar Bolt(#6524RVat) -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Captain's Quarters -=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=- leads to Level 4 -Landing Pad-. ft leads to Cargo Hold -- Quasar Bolt. ore leads to Cockpit -- Quasar Bolt. Kuxli has arrived. Shenner leads her tall companion onto the vessel, muttering, "Mind your head... hang tight, I'll go see if he's awake..." You enter into the Captain's quarters. Captain's Quarters -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Paul_Nighman Shenner slips into the room, calling out quietly, "Paul?" The room remains dark and silent, Paul's form sprawled across the entire length of the bed now, the sheets a tangled mess, exposing enough flesh to indicate that it is unlikely that's he's wearing anything. Shen breathes out a soft sigh, loathe to wake Paul.... but she promises Kuxli. She pads to the bedside and reaches to touch his forehead, trying to ignore the rest of him, and runs her fingers through his hair. "Paul? Hey, pal? Paul?" A sleep ridden mumble escapes his lips, and one hand moves out hazily, sliding along the sheets. "Mmmmm?" he queries unconsciously, "Hrm-mmmm-er-hmmmmm," and he snuggles into the pillows. Shen moves her hand down to a bare shoulder, and shakes it gently. "Paul, wake up. I gotta talk to yah." He rolls at the touch, catching her hand in one of his and pulling hard, jerking her down to the bed. His eyes snap open reflexively, his mind obviously thinking _Danger_ but he can't quite shake the sleep out of his brain. Wrapping his other arm around her, pinning her against his body, Paul peers up into emerald eyes. "Shen?" Shen swallows, taken aback by the unexpected embrace, and she blurts huskily, "You awake?" She gets the honest answer first. "No .... " but he blinks rapidly a few more times, his thoughts muzzy, but slowly collecting themselves. "What is it?" "Paul, I, uhm... you know that Horansi, Kuxli, the one I know?" She swallows again, still very much aware of Paul's arms around her slender frame. "He wants to know if we'll take him somewhere, and, uh, well, you're the pilot... can you talk to him?" That little memory jog is going nowhere fast. Paul's eyes flutter again, and releasing her hand, he reaches up to rub at his face, trying to clear his thoughts. "No, he murmurs, "but okay, just a sec ..." and he begins to rise, pulling Shen to one side, the sheet sliding away unnoticed. "Thanks, I'll, uh, I'll tell him you'll be right out..." The girl smiles wanly, and abruptly flees. You exit from the Captain's quarters. Main Ring -- Quasar Bolt(#6524RVat) -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Kuxli(#3872PLACF) => Captain's Quarters -=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=- leads to Level 4 -Landing Pad-. ft leads to Cargo Hold -- Quasar Bolt. ore leads to Cockpit -- Quasar Bolt. Shenner emerges from the captain's quarters, coming back down the corridor and calling out, "Hey, Kux, he'll be right out to talk to yah, 'kay?" The girl looks a trifle shaken for some reason, but as she had done with that brief pained look she'd had outside the ship, she covers it now with a lopsided grin. Kuxli is still standing, looking rather akward as he head turns towards you as the door opens, in time to catch the ending of the pained look. He frowns slightly, but nods some. "Alright Shen.." Paul_Nighman exits from the Captain's quarters. Paul_Nighman has arrived. Stumbling slightly, wearing rumpled clothes, his eyes bleary, Paul shades his face from the bright light. A moment passes as his eyes adjust, and then he makes his way through the room, ignoring everyone in his quest for a cup of coffee. Shen and the big Horansi can be seen in the corridor near the entry hatch, and at the sound of Paul's emergence, the redheaded girl glances over her shoulder. She murmurs sidelong to Kux, "He don't wake up that fast." The Horansi is standing near the exit ramp, a long duffel bag resting over one armored shoulder. His eyes track Paul as he stumbles around, "Need help?" he calls out. "Nerhermrf!" is Paul's firm reply, reaching the small kitchen. He pours himself a cup of something that has been sitting there since morning. He drinks it down without flinching. Turning about, he makes his way back into the main room, the erratic pattern of his steps becoming assured now. "Okay," he rasps in a voice that is still under the covers in the other room, "What's going on?" Shen straightens, and begins, "Well, this is Kuxli, Paul... I met him on Etti IV... and he wants to know if we can take him somewhere. I thought he'd better talk to you." Kuxli blinks at the first reply, itching behind one of his ears as if nervous. "Err," he begins, straightening himself also. "Yeah.. I can pay.." Passing his gaze back and forth between Shenner and Kuxli, Paul takes a strong draw on the black sludge in the mug before him. After a moment, he places the near empty container on a table, pulling up a chair and sitting down on it backwards, resting his arms along the back edge. It seems, for just a moment, that his pupils dilate dramatically in reaction, but perhaps it is just a trick of the light. "Alright," he rumbles thoughtfully, "Did you have some place specific in mind? I'll warn you, we're heading for Tatooine next - have some business there that I have to attend to immediately." Kuxli's metal played head shakes slowly in response, his cat-like eyes meeting Paul's own, as if searching. "Tatooine is fine." he replies in a quiet toned voice, though a gutteral growling feline qualitly is to it. "How much?" throwing a quick glance towards Shen. Shenner seems all at ease now, leaning against the corridor wall and listening quietly as the man and the young feline discuss the matter at hand. As long as Paul's attention is diverted, though, it might be observed that the girl's green gaze lingers on his sleep-rumpled hair. Rubbing his eyes with his right hand, Paul considers the prices of the day, noting to himself that making the trip won't inconvenience him. Raising his hazel gaze to Kuxli's amber one, Paul quotes a price that is three fourths of the going rate. "After all, you're Shenner's friend, and it won't be a delay in our business," he reasons. A slow smile spreads along the muzzle of the horansi, nostrils flaring open a little in excitment perhaps. "Wow, uhm.. wow. Thanks!" he replies to Paul, "Will dinner be served?" he teases with a wink. The Horansi's enthusiasm and unusual request catch Paul off guard. He just stares for a moment, before a humored grin catches up with the rest of this features. "I'm sure we can work something out regarding food ... any allergies or dietary concerns?" Shenner grins lopsidedly and murmurs, "Thanks, Paul." Kuxli flicks one of his furred ears as he shakes his head slowly, the two motions causing the lines of silver hoops along the sides of his ears to clink together. "Er, I was jus' joking... anything that's meat and not cooked for too long is ok.." Shenner adds to Kuxli, "Maybe I can finally give you that drum lesson I promised yah, huh?" "Hell, if it's time to eat it's time to eat, right?" Paul jokes pleasantly, casting Shen a curious and amused glance. He rises from the table, carrying the leftover sludge in his mug to the kitchen to wash it out. "When will you be ready to leave?" Kuxli now raises a paw to itch behind the ear he flicked, taking a few moments to do that before he flashes Shenner a grin with a shrug, "That's be fun," his ears perk back up at pal, "I can leave now in fact, but we dont have to eat.." Shen's answering smile to Paul is a trifle sheepish, full of memory. "Promised Kux I'd teach him something about music on Etti IV, see, and he kinda would have problems playin' my flute or my guitar, so I thought, drums, yah know?" Shrugging noncommitally, Paul murmurs, "It's after dinner time," absently. Returning from the kitchen, Paul nods, pointing to the bunk area. "Alright then, we're expecting one more passenger I think, and then we can scram. Kuxli, if you need a place to bunk, yer welcome to pull one out and crash here in the meanwhile." Casting a sidelong glance at Shen, Paul chuckles. "Just so long as you don't ruin any of my pots, I'll be content," he assures her good-naturedly, stretching his long frame out on a nearby couch. The girl's smile widens a little, perhaps because of Paul's attention. Or not. She doesn't say. She does glance to Kuxli, though, and ask him, "Well, uh. You want anything? Guess we could get caught up or somethin', barely said two words to you on the planet..." Shenner adds, grinning a bit more in earnest, "I got some cider." Kuxli glances between the two humans, as if studying them. He takes a moment to respond, blinking as he thinks. "Er, well what have you been up to?" he asks, leaning against the wall. That question is rewarded with a bark of a laugh from Paul. "I'll let you field that one Shen," he mumbles amusedly. Driven to the kitchen herself to rummage for some of the cider in question, Shen re-emerges and offers one to the Horansi. She half-smiles, and begins, "Well, uh. Last saw you on the _Alderaan_, right?" Kuxli inclines his head into a nod of thanks as he takes the offered cider in one paw. As he leans down he inhales it's smell, letting out a quiet breath. "Ah.. brings back memories of the dance dome." he comments before sipping it. "The Alderaan? Jeez.. a lots happened.. got a job working for the President of Caspar." Shenner smiles and mutters lowly, "Yeah. Ain't danced like that in a while," she replies. Then she blinks, twice, at the mention of the President. "Yeah?" "Hey Shen," Paul perks up, "didn't you know the President too?" he teases. "We forgot to give her a ring while you were in town." Shenner smirks a trifle, and says primly to Paul, "She just heard me sing a coupla songs, is all, no big deal." Kuxli quickly grins as his armoured shoulders lift into a shrug, "I had known her before from a social function... we became friends and she offered me a job as her aide. I worked for her for a few months on Caspar, till the job was to boring.." Shen slugs down and swallows a mouthful of her own cider, and huhs. "So now you're movin' on?" Although the Corellian on the couch is quiet, it is only because he is listening the conversation curiously. His eyes flutter shut as he leans his head back. Kuxli nods in return to the question, whiskers fanning out in less then a second, "Yep, worked for a.. uh, Privateer for a couple months after that, left and came back here.." The redhead girl quirks her head, and considers. "You've gotten real big, guess you'll be good at bodyguard work, huh?" Another sheepish grin. Kuxli growl chuckles at that, a deep rumbling noise from his metal covered torso. "Aye, I'm a decent shot, you two in need of one?" Paul cracks one eyelid, considering the Horansi's build for closing it again, a wry smile curling his lips. "Who'd ya serve under as a Privateer?" he queries. "A gunner, eh? What were your duties? Plundering or piloting?" The voice is one of curiousity, with a smuggler's knowledgable edge. "Always good to have an extra ace in the pocket," Paul mumbles thoughtfully, his eyes still shut. "Me, I'm just the assistant here," Shen says, waving a hand in Paul's direction; with the man's eyes closed and Kuxli having reason to glance his way, the girl takes a moment to make absolutely sure her tone and expression are perfectly casual. Kuxli shifts as if uncomfortable at Paul's words, making sure to keep his slung duffel bag behind of him. "Captain Jaeinn Blix," he replies cooly. "Was security and a pilot some, worked their shields when I wasn't groundside.." Shenner blinks. "Oh... we met her." Paul's eyes pop open at the name and he sits up slightly, looking at Shen through his touseled hair. "Hey, we just met her ... can't say I've heard of her before though," he muses thoughtfully. Kuxli hrrm's as if in thought, the sound having a certain gutteral quality to it. "Hope you uh, didn't think bad of her?" Shenner smiles a bit, glancing down at her hands -- a little quickly. Perhaps to avoid looking at that tousled hair over there. "She found me buskin'. She was alright." "She speaks ancient Corellian," Paul murmurs, settling himself back down comfortably, "That makes her okay in my book, though I'm sure she and I would butt heads on certain historical and religious issues." Kuxli squints, thinking again. "Buskin?" then he suddenly gets a look of understanding, "Ah.. yeah playing your flute." he announces with a smile. The girl relaxes again. "Yeah. Gotta make my spare change when I'm not studyin', see." Kuxli's eyes flick towards Paul, then he gives a non-comitting nod before letting his grin return. "Aye, know whatcha mean Shen." Rising from his seat, Paul runs his hands through his hair, mussing it further before ambling toward the two-some. "Feel free to hang and chat," he invites Kuxli. "Forgive me, but I'm going to crash now," he informs them with a half-yawn breaking through. He turns toward the Captain's quarters with a small goodnight wave to Shen and Kux. Shenner goes on to explain, "See, at least for now... I'm bein' Paul's assistant. He's an archaeologist, and I figure, well, what the hell, I could stand to learn somethin'...." She trails off as Paul gets up, glances at him, and nods. Shyly. Kuxli tilts his head curiously as he listens towards Shen, then perks back up as Paul makes his exit. "Err, g'night.." "'Night, Paul," Shenner murmurs. "Night," the Corellian mumbles back, palming the door. He enters the dark room, vanishing as the doors silently slide and shut behind him. Paul_Nighman has left. Paul_Nighman enters into the Captain's quarters Shenner's green gaze remains in the direction in which Paul vanishes, and the girl looks almost transfixed as she watches him go. Kuxli's eyes flick back towards you as the door closes, eyeing you as if considering. "Boyfriend problems eh?" he inquires with but the faintest of grins. "He's not--" Shen's gaze snaps back around, and with an effort she steadies herself, adding and striving to be convincing about it, "Nah... no problems...." Kuxli's tail gives a quick flick behind of him, taking on a gentle smile... well as gentle as a 7 foot tall armored tiger can have. "Shen you can tell me what's happening, I find it hard to belive a young girl and a guy like him are just.. 'working together'." Shenner snorts. "Guy like what?" she asks, beginning to sound uneasy, and also beginning to blush. Kuxli's smile slips into a grin, tilting his furred head back. "A good looking Corellian guy." he replies as if the fact was as plain as day. Shenner's gaze drops towards the deck, and for a moment, she seems torn between a scowl and a rather more plaintive expression. "I _am_ his assistant," she blurts, roughly, but whether it's to convince the big feline or herself is debatable. Shenner then adds in a low whisper, "And yeah... he's... really handsome." Kuxli crosses his arms over his metal covered tum, "Hmm... possible boyfriend then?" The redhead starts to shake her head, but then she pauses, clearly uncertain. "I... we've been real... close, Kux," she finally says, looking up, her voice husky-edged. "He's... my friend. That's enough." The grin falls from the furred features of this horansi, as he nods sagely. "Aye, jus be careful Shen." he replies in a gentle tone, "Lotsa nasty diseases floatin about in this galaxy." Shenner's gaze softens. "I know. Paul wouldn't let anything like that happen, he..." She trails off, reddening again. Kuxli keeps the gentle look upon him, "Good," he replies before he shakes his head slowly. "Never thought I'd be lecturing you on this when we met on Etti.." Shenner is still inspecting the scuffed toes of her boots, so it's arguable she hasn't noticed Kuxli's gentle expression, but if her slow relaxing is any indication, she's at least responding to the gentle words. She issues a short bark of a laugh and murmurs, "Hell, _I_ didn't think I'd be here when I was on Etti, but.... well, Paul kinda popped back into my life." She considers, then offers, "He got me off my homeworld, see. 'Show we met." Kuxli blinks once, then again as he throws a sudden glare to the quarters. "He's the guy who left you on Tat? And your.. your sle-" he cuts himself off, biting his tongue. He calms himself slowly, taking a few deep breaths. "I thought you hated him?" Shen's green eyes widen, and instinctively, swiftly, she shakes her head. Her expression brims over with a sudden tangle of emotion that suggests that hate is the farthest thing from her mind in regards to the man who's vanished off into the other room. Her mouth opens, closes, and then opens again as she manages to murmur, "Naw. I don't hate him." Kuxli frowns a little, looking down at you as he thinks. "I figured if your workin for him and all.." he replies in a much quieter tone. "Im sorry.. what happened?" Shenner blows out a soft, long breath. "Where do you want me to start?" she asks. Kuxli pauses once more, leaning back against the wall as if for support. "How you went from hate to boyfriend?" Shenner presses her eyes closed, and abruptly lifts the cider container she'd brought out and chugs down a good half of its remaining contents. When she lowers it, she murmurs roughly, "I dunno if I can call him boyfriend, Kux." Kuxli lets out a long growl of a sigh, taking a simple sip from his muzzle. "Well if you've two... uhm well, share the same bed I'd consider him a boyfriend." Shenner swallows hard, and whispers, "I sleep with him, yeah..." Kuxli nods slowly in response, as if the confession was expected. "Do you love him?" Shen's eyes clamp shut again, but not before suspicious traces of moisture glimmer into being within them. Both her hands clench around the cider bottle, as if she hopes to absorb alcohol molecules straight through the plastic into her palms. Her mouth crumples a little too, and at first, she doesn't answer. Then she gives a tiny, shaky nod, and croaks out, "Yeah." Kuxli's ears fall back as he watches you, making a quiet whimper of sympathy. He places his paws upon your shoulders, speaking a in quiet yet urgent voice, "That's good, it's good you love him... does he love you?" Through the girl's closed lids, more wetness becomes apparent as a few tears begin to trickle free. "He... he... cares about me," she blurts, "a-and I'm important to him, h-he said so..." Kuxli lowers his head, looking down at that deck. "I'm sorry for makin you so upset Shen.." he says guiltly. "'Sokay," she mumbles, sniffling, and lifting a hand to scrub the back of it across her eyes. Kuxli lets his paws fall away as he smiles faintly, "Just dont let him hurt ya, ok?" Shenner offers a wan small smile. Her eyes, though, are the soul of earnestness, as she says quietly, "It ain't his fault." Kuxli's shrugs by way of response, suddenly looking tired as he moves over towards the bunk mentioned earlier. "I need some sleep Shen, ok with you if I crash?" Shenner bobs her head softly. "Yeah... yeah, you do that," she says, sounding a little more normal. "I'll stick your bottle in the recyc, if you want..." Kuxli hands over the bottle with an apologetic smile before hopping onto the bunk. "Thanks.." Shenner just grins, lopsidedly, a trifle wistfully. "No problem," she whispers. [As Kuxli curls up to go to sleep Shenner pauses uncertainly, not sure what to do now, with her mind so full. Finally, though, she creeps off....] You enter into the Captain's quarters. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Paul_Nighman The door whishes open as Shenner slips into the room, swallowing nervously, her tread quiet. With the Horansi asleep, she's at a loss as to what to do now... but she knows she isn't exactly eager to go out and explore the station. She pads to the bedside, timidly. The darkness is familiar, as well as Paul's lanky frame, stretched out on the bed. Facing the wall, his arms wrapped about a pillow, the Corellian seems sound asleep. The sheet clinging to his body outlines the lean lines, unbroken beneath the thin covering by any clothes. Shenner sighs to herself, and rises long enough to undress. Then, just as silently as she'd entered the room, she slips into the bed, leaving a momentary coolness against Paul's back as she lifts the sheet. Murmuring softly, Paul shifts, rolling over towards Shen. He settles there for the moment, swallowing reflexively, a small portion of his mind still aware of his surroundings. Shenner hesitates. Kuxli's questions reverberate in her ears -- but then, he'd asked her nothing she hadn't already been asking herself for days now. But nervous as she is, still, she wants nothing more than to sleep safe in Paul's arms. So she slides down next to him, nestling close. The desired arms wrap about her obligingly, drawing her close to the furnace of his drowsing body. "Shen," he half murmurs in his sleep, recognizing the feel of her flesh, the scent of her. Wrapping his legs about her own, Paul sleepily tucks her head against his chest with a soft contented noise escaping his throat. "I'm here," Shenner whispers, smiling a little. To know that Paul welcomes her presence beside him is a comfort, and she wraps her own arms around him as best she can, to squeeze him tenderly in reply. Her head nestled there on his chest, she listens to the barely detectable slow pulse of his heart, and adds to herself, _I'm here, love...._ Content as she believes she can get, Shenner simply lingers that way, letting her senses take in the feel of the man embracing her... and at last, she lets herself drop into slumber. [End log.]