Log Date: 2/21/97 Log Cast: Tr'easa, Espo Major (NPC run by Dillon), Shenner, Grathix Log Intro: Word has gotten, it would seem, to the Espo patrols that there are illegal weapons in the port district. Ordered to close off the district and search everyone until such weapons are found, the patrols are proceeding to do just that as Shenner, after the day's singing work on the streets, heads out for an evening's worth of singing for pleasure rather than profit.... ---------- Tr'easa looks at you for a moment. Tr'easa You see a young girl roughly the age of twelve and standing almost 5', with sandy blonde hair and deep blue eyes. She is dressed in a white tunic belted with a black sash and black pants tucked into a pair of boots. As several Espos scurry towards the exit (2 per exit) another group forms around the Espo Major. He barks out commands at them loudly, though hardly discernable, and the start truding through the district in teams of two. Each team heads in a differnt direction. The teams of Espos draw their weapons from their holsters and bring them up to a ready position. The break off slowly from the center of the district and proceed to closely scrutinize every person they come across. The Espo Major, along with another Espo head toward the southern part of the district. With a flute carry-sheath dangling off one shoulder and a guitar case hoisted in 'his' arms, Shenner emerges from the transients' hostel in which 'he' has been staying. Once out on the streets, the young musician starts heading towards a particular outdoor cafe... but it's immediately apparent that something's going on. The redhead's pace slows to a cautious one, as Shenner continues on 'his' way. Port District - Capital City (#1118RLXtFJN) Though the buildings in this sprawling area of the city are low permacite structures, the general feeling of the Port District is one of foreboding menace not clearly defined. Despite this, many visitors of many races mingle here, taking in the plethora of shops, bars and nooks dotted densely throughout this place. Nothing seems to be spared style, expense, or gross display of wealth here as the scions of the business world (or criminal world) flaunt the products of their various efforts. Several Espo troopers stand out like statues among the sea of people passing through. They watch everything that goes on around them with a tight grip on their blasters, ready for anything. The Espo police presence here is normal. (OOC: Type '+lhelp' for local help.) Contents: ESPO_Major Grathix Tr'easa Obvious exits: leads to Residential Avenue - Capital City . leads to Business District - Capital City . leads to Government District - Capital City . leads to Free-Flight Dance Dome - Capital City . leads to Authority Currency Exchange - Capital City . leads to Spaceport Center - Capital City . People attempt to leave the district, but are quickly rebuffed by the carbine wielding Espos at the exits. One of the Espos teams trudging throught the district stop a group of unlawfull looking youths and begin searching them throughly. The Espo Major proceeds, scowl and all toward the south at a slow pace and carefully scrutinizing every face he comes across. Shenner swallows, paling a bit, but keeping on course for the cafe until somebody with one of those big nasty looking weapons says otherwise. Shen's pace keeps slow, though, and the kid makes a point of keeping both hands well in view. Grathix stands by a nearby wall looking at the commotion. The team of Espos with the unlawful looking youths continue searching each one individually as the other Espos patrol through the district. One team stops a man wearing a dark black treanch coat. One aims the carbine towards him and orders him to slowly remove his hands from his pockets. He does so and the other Espo proceeds to frisk him. The Espo Major continues along his course and his attention is caught by a shadowy looking figure. This figure is wearing a hooded robe and once he notices the Major is glaring at him, he breaks out into a full trot. The Major barks out and begins running toward him, weapon aiming for the torso. The Espo who was with the Major reacts slowly and is horribly lagging behind the Major. Shenner rolls a 16 for her PERCEPTION skill. A Good roll! Tr'easa watches more intently now, her attention caught by the commotion. Shenner comes along the avenue -- and, upon spying Grathix, walks up to him quietly. The kid leans close and murmurs, "Hey... what's goin' on?" Grathix says, "Espos looking around for some weapon energy signatures." Shenner chews on 'his' lower lip and murmurs, "So much for jammin' at the cafe, I bet..." Grathix turns to the youth and grins, "why, nothing wrong with jamming." Shenner half-smiles. "There's only so much a bard can do to uplift a crowd, boss," the redhead murmurs. Shen's green eyes flicker off towards some of those disreputable young sentients the squads have waylain; at the sight of one of them, a blue-skinned fellow with six-fingered hands, the kid might be seen to wince ever so slightly. The hooded figure stumbles slightly but is able to obstruct the path of the Major by spilling a vendor's cart and its' contents into the charging Majors path. He looks back for a brief second and finds the Major almost to the cart. He takes a deep breath and runs as fast as he can. While running the hood has flown off of his face to reveal that of a Calamari looking youth. The Major scowls at the mess and without hesitating, lower his aim toward the spilled cart. He fires off a quick shot and runs right through the scattering debris. He aims upwards toward the Calamari's torso once again. The other teams have abandoned their respective searches and continue trudging through the district either unaware or unconcerned of the incident that is playing itself out. Shenner mutters to Grathix, "I think I need a drink anyway, boss. You comin'?" Grathix nods, "Sure. I'll join you." Grathix reaches down and picks up his briefcase. Shenner re-hoists the guitar case, and as 'he' and Grathix move off, the kid murmurs to the other, "The Dome, or someplace else?" Grathix looks at the youth, "My vessel is well stocked with assorted drinks. we could go there if you like." Shenner considers, then nods, slowly. "Yeah. Okay. After you..." Grathix nods and begins to head towards the space center. The young Calamari stumbles over his own feet once again and the Major sees his opportunity. He lunges toward the Calamari, sending him down to the ground with a viscious thud. The Major quickly places his blaster in the Calamari's face and demands that he place his hand up over his head. The Calamari does not respond and the Major quickly draws his weapon upward then brings it back down with terrible force against the Calamari's skull, knocking him unconscious. The other Espo has since caught up and slight out of breath look toward the Major. The Major just glares at him and issues a few orders. Two Espos stand guarding the exit toward the Spaceport, with two more patrolling toward them. Both teams have their weapons drawn. Shenner falls into step just beside Grathix, expression broadcasting 'slightly concerned tourist' even at the intimidating sight of the route into the spaceport so heavily guarded. Grathix walks towards the Espos and says, "we would like to make our way towards the space center." The two Espos keep their weapons at the ready but not bearing on Grathix and one states, "Sorry sir, but our orders are not to allow anyone to leave until the area is secure." Shenner just stands beside Grathix as they're halted, one hand up on the flute sheath's strap, the other holding on to the guitar case. The kid attempts, and succeeds at, a pleasantly, nervously bland expression. Grathix turns to the youth and shrugs, "Guess we can't. To the free flight, then." Shenner bobs 'his' red-cropped head, and replies amiably, "Sure thing..." The Major has since gotten to his feet and watches carefull as the other Espo examines the unconscious Calamari. The Espo robe and hands something to the Major. The Major holds up a Hvy Blaster Pistol and grunts out, "Damn thing is fully charged and set to kill. The Espo holds something else out and shows it to the Major, a small vibro-axe. The Major makes no discernable reaction and simply barks out, "Drag his ass out here." Grathix turns towards the youth and begins to proceed back to the Free Flight. One of the teams of Espos are heading directly toward Grathix and Shenner and are slowly bearing down on them. Shenner falls back into matching Grathix's broad strides with rangy ones of 'his' own, and does a pretty fair job of pretending to ignore the little crisis with the Calamari. The Espo picks up the Calamari by the feet and begins dragging him out of the district, leaving a trail of blood behind from the wound inflicted by the Major. Tr'easa sighs after a moment, now that most of the excitement seems to have died down, and slowly shuffles off towards the southeast and the governmental district, humming quietly as she unconscviously stuffs her hands in her pockets. ESPO_Major starts retracing his steps back toward the center of the district. Grathix reaches the entrance to the Free Flight, pauses slightly near the entrnce to wait for Shenner. Grathix needs not wait long; Shenner keeps a steady pace and is right behind him. One of the teams notices Grathix and scurries over to him, "Sir, you are not to leave the district until we have secured it. If you wish to enter the Dome we will have to search you." Does Shenner pale? If the kid does, that slightly, amiably worried expression on the thin face doesn't alter; the green eyes flick to Grathix, as if for a cue. Grathix turns to face the Espo. He extends out his trenchcoat and briefcase towards the officer. "Then please, you may review the contents of my case and coat. My youth friend here is in need of a drink." Shenner puts in earnestly, "Long day practicin' music." The Espo nods to his partner, who takes a few steps back and brings his carbine to bear on Grathix. The other Espo shoulders his carbine and begins searching Grathix's body he asks, "Sir, do you have permit to carry this blaster or this vibro-knife?" Shenner waits, watching all this silently, still holding on to the guitar case and sheathed flute. Tr'easa tries to make her way quietly out of the square, seeing as most of the Espos seem to be busy. The Espo nods to his partner, who takes a few steps back and brings his carbine to bear on Grathix. The other Espo shoulders his carbine and begins searching Grathix's body he says, "You may move along sir." Grathix looks warily upon the Espo officer and asks, "Thank you. But just for referrence, may I have you name." The Espo snaps to attention and spouts off, almost robotically, "Espo number 246-82-J97 sir." Shenner smiles wanly, as Grathix is cleared, and casts a hopeful glance towards the doors of the Dome. Grathix nods. "Thank you, 246-82-J97." Grathix turns ot the youth and says, "Shall we proceed now?" motioning towards the entrance. The furthest Espo shoulders his weapon and grabs his comlink. He speaks into it with a very rigid, military tone, "Sir, we found nothing out of the ordinary on our end. A couple of OOAG agents, but of course they all had permits." Shenner bobs 'his' cropped red head and mutters, "I'm dyin' for a cider. Let's go." Grathix makes his way into the Free-Flight Dance Dome. Grathix has left. The two Espos make their way back toward the center of the district where the Major is getting reports in from each team. He barks a few orders into the comlink and the Espos at the exits holster their weapons and proceed along their patrols. Crowd flow slowly starts to regain its' previous momentum. Shenner swallows once, then hastens into the Dome in Grathix's wake. You enter the Free-Flight Dance Dome, ready for an enjoyable time. Free-Flight Dance Dome - Capital City The Free Flight Dome of Etti IV is famous. Not only for the repute of it's patrons, but also for the amazing dance floor it possesses. A ring of tables rise around a central open area. The tables are terraced, with the higher ones being tucked back further and further into shadow and dimness. The center of the room, in contrast, is brightly lit. It is here, in the opening at the middle of the ring, where the dance floor lies. It is from this space that the establishment received it's name. The space is bordered with a railing made of chrome, polished to a high gleam. Beyond this railing there is a field, controlled by the workers, that nullifies the act of gravity. Dancing of all sorts is possible in this field of weightlessness. Flips, jumps of incredible height, and mere toe tapping all to the beat of the live band that constantly plays on the bandstand. The ceiling towers 25 meters above the floor, giving ample room. The bandstand and the glass and chrome bar are the only things that break the circle of tables. The bartenders, two of them at a time, prepare drinks quickly, and attempt to avoid listening to the interesting (and often dangerous) conversations around them. After all, one false word in this place can mean one's life. The Espo police presence here is normal. (OOC: Type '+lhelp' for local help.) Contents: Grathix Obvious exits: leads to Port District - Capital City . Shenner comes in in your wake, letting out a long sigh. Grathix turns to face the youth and says, "Quite an evening, wouldn't you say? Shenner grins weakly. "Never a dull moment on this planet," 'he' murmurs. "How about that drink, then? Or two." Grathix smiles, "Sure..." Grathix says, "You get us a booth and I'll get us some service." Grathix heads towards the bar counter Shenner nods readily and strides off to claim a booth along the wall, slinging 'his' guitar case under the table and 'his' lean frame into the seat after it. Grathix calls back before the musician heads off, "What'll you have?" Unsurprisingly, Shen yells back, "Cider!" Grathix grins and talks with the bar keep. Shenner slumps back along the seat, shoving a now free hand through 'his' hair. The keep hands Grathix his two drink, a mug of Cider and a cup of tea. Grathix glances about and readily the booth the youth has claimed. He heads in that direction. Shenner offers a lopsided grin at your approach, and sits up a bit, eying the cider with evident relish. Grathix hands the mug of Cider to the youth before he takes a seat in the booth. "There you go, Cider. Just like always and how you like it, I suppose." Shenner takes it, chuckles, and drinks long, before coming up for air, and saying, "Not too hard to make a good cider. What can I say, I like apples." Grathix nods and takes ginger sip at his tea. He savors it a moment and says with a sour expression, "Well they sure don't know how to make a worthwhile tea here, that's for sure." He sets his cup down and pushes it away. Shenner smiles crookedly, settles back with the cider, and murmurs, "Ain't too picky tonight anyway." Grathix says, "Really? and what brought this about?" Shenner blinkblinks. "What, other than the friendlies outside?" The kid nods back towards the exit, and grins a bit, then settles again. You say, "Enh. Good enough day till _that_..." And with that, the redhead sighs. "Saw somebody I knew getting roughed up out there." Grathix leans back with a look of interst upon his face, "You knew the person they wre harrasing? that scrugy looking youth?" Shenner answers, keeping 'his' voice down, "Well, one of 'em... the blue guy, with the six-fingered hands.... plays a mean guitar..." Grathix nods, "Ah...I see. A musical comrade of yours. I oculd try to bail him out if it bothers you that much." Looking a trifle uncomfortable, Shenner shrugs, and murmurs, "I dunno... anything we _can_ do? Looks like the Espos're awful testy tonight." Grathix says, "Tomorrow, what say you look into it, as a concerned friend. ou let me know if there's anything to do, and we'll get your friend out. Might be useful...." Perhaps that's a glimmer of gratitude in the green eyes; Shenner's usual smirk softens a trifle, and the kid nods. "I'll do that." Shen's silent, then, gaze ranging about the Dome, as the cider is nursed. Grathix says, "you have anything planned for tonight? a special performance somehere?" Shenner looks back, and blinks. "Not really, no... was just gonna go to the cafe, and jam... why?" Grathix says, "Which cafe would that be?" Shenner names the place, the little outdoor cafe 'he' has frequented more than once. Grathix manages a slight grin, "For a moment there, I thouhgt you'd impress me by telling me you'd gained access to the Members Only cafe here on etti" Shenner splutters on a mouthful of cider. "Not karkin' likely. A street rat like me?" Grathix laughs, reaches over and hands you paper napkin situated on the table. "You never know...could have charmed some lucky lady with your melodious voice." Casually laughing, the kid smirks. "I'm just here to sing, pal, I ain't here for that." Green eyes note the napkin, and Shen just as casually picks it up, as if to play with it. Grathix chuckles, "You never know..." Shenner waves a dismissing hand, the other toying with the napkin. "I just sing the mushy stuff. I don't get involved." Grathix says dryly, "Good. hopefully you can keep it that way. Stuff like that just serves to complicate life needlesssly" Narrowly, Shenner smiles, glances over the napkin, and chugs down another swallow or three of the cider. "'Sides," the kid points out, "ain't like I'll be around after a while anyhow." Grathix says, "What does that mean, that if you were staying you'd be looking?" Shenner smirks. "Nah. Just that if I were, I wouldn't do no 'love 'em and leave 'em' jazz. Ain't my style." Grathix says, "Anyhow, enough of this talk....I have to make another run back to Tat. You want to hang around here while I go? Or qould you like to pay your Jawa friends a visit." Shenner's dark eyebrows trace slightly higher arches than usual across that pale brow. "What, you don't think I should be here cultivating the audience you're gonna convince I'm the musical sensation of the decade?" Grathix says indifferently, "No, I just thought I'd mention it to you, see what you thought. Hell, you almost went psycho last time I told you I had to run back to Tat." Shenner's expression hardens somewhat, and the kid says testily, "Let's just say I'm a bit paranoid about people leavin' me places. But, well, you came back." On that last sentence, Shen's voice loses some of its edge, turns almost casual, but something about the words almost makes it a compliment. Grathix grins, "You know, I think I'll give you your own ship once this is all done. That way, you won't have to feel uneasy about depending on other people to come back for you or fearing they'll leave you behind....you'll conrol your own destiny, as much as you can control it anyway." Shenner, at that, almost chokes on 'his' next swallow. Only after sucking in great gasps of air does the redhead finally croak, eyes gone huge, "You think you'll give who _what_?" Grathix grins, "You heard correctly. Or would you just like to hear me say it again." Once was, apparently, enough, for Shenner answers in a thunderstruck tone, "And.... and you just _happen_ to have extra ships lying around you can hand out?" Grathix says, "well, if things turn out as planned, which I know they will, I'd say you'd have more than earned it, wouldn't you?" Shenner stares at you wide-eyedly, perhaps trying to absorb all the implications of your offer. "Bit of a.... higher payroll than I was expectin'..." Grathix shrugs, "Maybe...but like i told an Espo Captain not too long ago...I take care of friends, especially when they help bring about desired results." Shenner sits, stunned, a moment or two longer, then abruptly chugs back the rest of the cider. When Shen pauses for breath and to lower the empty glass, 'he' breathes out, "You're... you're a real pal, Grath, but maybe you better hold that thought till we're done, hey?" Grathix chuckles, "Sure...just don't doubt that we won't pull this off, cause we will. They won't be expecting somethihng like his, not with all the security they have swarming around the place." Shenner shifts in 'his' seat, and murmurs, "I dunno, boss... I mean, what if _she_ don't show?" No need to elaborate on which 'she' is being discussed. ---------- Postlude: Grathix seemed quite confident that his plan would succeed... and assured Shenner of such, as the two finished off their drinks and slipped warily out of the Dome, looking in all directions to make sure that the Espos had finished their grim business. The night had indeed quieted down, and Shenner and her boss took off their separate ways. As she returned to the hostel, Shenner felt oddly buoyant, oddly cheerful, and she couldn't stop thinking about the offer Grathix had made her. _My own ship!_ The thought was enough to send her to her quarters with visions of travelling everywhere in the galaxy and seeing everything there was to be seen... and the satisfying thought of tracking down That Damned Corellian and letting him know what she thought of him.... Her dreams were violent that night, partly filled with images of revenge and part with the simple, overpowering want of the freedom her own ship could give her. She woke the next morning unrested, but, in a strange way, at ease -- and no longer reluctant about the job before her. [End log.]