Log Date: 10/18/97, 10/21/97, 10/22/97 Log Cast: Paul Nighman, Shenneret Veery, Remus, Tynos, Ozzle, Nazerath, Yashar, Synex, Kuxli, Darrien, Deion, Benjawa, Solon Halwinder Log Intro: Returned to Kichnar Station following the abortive trip to Ithor to try to recover Paul's lost ship, Paul and Shenner have once more attempted to make contact with Dane Noth and commence the mission to Mandalore. But the two have also found themselves reeling as they try to take in all the rapid changes in the relationship between them -- especially when Shenner discovers to her surprise that Paul, for all that he is eleven years her senior and generally far more mature, has at least one big emotional insecurity to match her own. Shen's attempt to assure Paul that he is just as worthy of love as anyone else in the galaxy touches him deeply, and the incident stays with the Corellian well into the following day.... ---------- Entering into the ship, Paul considers for a moment the box in his hands. He hadn't planned on getting anything, but then, well, he saw it in the window. There is a small measure of uncertainty, the events of the previous night emblazoned on his mind. To say that the Corellian was uncomfortable with their recent developments would be an understatement. To say that he just liked Shen would be one too. The strains of music are unmistakably Shen's, and standing just inside the doorway, he slows and holds, listening for a bit. It's a raucous, full-bodied rhythm pouring out of Shen's fingers tonight, a steady jizz line of major chords. The young redhead is clearly jamming for the pleasure of it at the moment, rather than any serious need to practice. Leaning back against the closed hatch, Paul watches, a smile curling up the corners of his mouth. Slipping the box beneath one arm, he has absolutely no interest in interrupting the girl. It doesn't take her very long, though, before she abruptly snaps to a halt, the noise of the hatch belatedly registering in her consciousness. Shenner cuts off unceremoniously in the middle of her rhythm line, looking up; her face lights at the sight of Paul, and she calls over, "Hiya...!" There is an unexpected jolt to Paul's nervous system at that glowing countenence. The smile turns sheepish and he murmurs, "Hey there ... didn't mean to interupt ...." Slow lazy strides bring him next to the redhead. Her guitar is laid aside, and Shen gracefully hops up, wrapping her arms loosely about the Corellian while peering curiously at the box he's toting. She squeezes him, saying lightly, "Ah, hells, I was just bangin' around anyway..." A green eye winks. "I heard somebody playin' that in the Blue Nebula the other night, and wanted to see if I could remember it. Whatcha got?" "That was better than banging," he compliments her, "and this," he explains, waving the wrapped object, "is a box." He quirks one eyebrow, as if he had just clarfified the origins of the universe to her. Shen's eyes go innocently wide. "This is why they gave you the degree, huh?" Then her grin flashes again, lopsided and wry, and she playfully pokes Paul's chest. "So what's _in_ the box, Dr. Nighman?" Her arms squeeze him again, in acknowledgement and gratitude for the compliment. Offering the flat box to her, Paul chuckles. "Consider this your first experiment ... your goal is to postulate on what you think is contained within said box, and then set up a process to help you determine what the contents truly are, and then write a dissertation on the comparisons of your expected find and what your empirical data tells you." Grinning gamely, Shen accepts the offered box, and peers up at Paul as she does so. "In other words, you want me to guess, figure it out, and compare my guess to what's actually in there." "Well, in -laymen's- terms ... yes," Paul sniffs disparagingly, wiggling the box in front of Shen's nose. The young redhead giggles, and with growing eagerness, shakes the box back and forth in her slim hands, leaning an ear down close to hear what the contents do within. "Hrmm, can't be my very own ship! Kinda small for that...!" A smirk colors the Corellian's face, but he says nothing one way or the other. With a contented poker face, he leans against a nearby bulkhead, crossing his arms and Shen begins the process of elimination - a respected scientific method. "Ooh, sounds like something soft," Shen pipes, flashing Paul a curious look. But her curiosity is rather overpowering, and she doesn't try another guess before simply cutting right to the chase and opening up the box, as eager as any child who's ever received a present. There is a flurry of ripped paper and the box top drops to the floor to reveal a puddle of black satin within. As the fabric is raised, the bottom of the box joins its lid. A dress unfolds - a sleek thin thing with a chiffon scarf attached to the bodice, clearly meant to wrap about the neck. It is a sheer and fitted slip of a dress, meant to cling to the body, the skirt both curve hugging and full, willing to flare enticingly at the slightest turn. "Oh, Paul... wow!" Shen holds up the dress, her face lighting all the more when it is confirmed that this is in fact a gift for her -- not like it hadn't been obvious before, but it pleases Shen to see the actual evidence. She holds the garment to herself for a moment and spins around with it, before lifting a bright smile to the man beside her. "What brought this on?" she breathes, voice warm. Paul_Nighman Paul Nighman is a tall and lanky Corellian, 6'3", with a lean and muscular build. His face sports rugged features and a cleft in his chin. He is generally on the unshaven side - a sort of perpetual five o'clock shadow look, unless he has made a distinct effor to clean himself up. His hair is light brown with gold highlgiths, and there is one unruly swatch that has the tendency to fall over his brow. His eyes are expressive and hazel in color with a green sunburst around the pupils. His skin has a naturally tanned look to it and in general he is robust and attractive. He has long muscled arms with light scars and nicks crisscrossing them. His hands are similarly large and strong, laced with thin scars. His voice is deep, warm, and gravelly. He is currently wearing a deep blue shirt, the collar high on his neck, opened to expose the base of his throat with just a hint of collarbone. The sleeves are full, gathered in at the wrists with long tapering cuffs. The soft natural fabric is tucked into dark blue breeches, a thin line of light blue piping extending down along the length of the outside seam, only to disappear beneath calf-high black boots. A black leather belt circles his waist, the matching holster trailing down his left thigh, containing in it's grasp a blaster. A simple black vest drapes over his shoulders, cinched in slightly at the back to bring it close to his torso. For once the Corellian is clean shaven and impeccably groomed. There is the clean scent of sandlewood about him. "You," he answers simply, watching her spin about with pleasure. The lips curl again, both in approval of how it looks, even just held up to her, and at her obvious delight. "Shall we dance?" he queries. "I know it's kind of late, but then there won't be any crowds ... oh, you'll need these too," he murmurs, reaching over for a bag that he had dropped earlier, pulling out a pair of matching black sandals with a slight heel - comfortable but classy. "Yeah.... yeah!" enthuses the girl, already moving to dart off and try the dress on. Paul's offering of the sandals stops her in mid-flight and she whirls back happily to accept those, as well. Then she's off again, hollering out happily, "Thank you, Paul, thank you!" Chuckling to himself, the Corellian settles himself down in a chair to wait for her. "Take your time," he yells back, knowing that she'll be back in about two minutes most likely. Glancing over his own appearance, he decides that while he doesn't look fantastic, he is better dressed than usual. It's more like five... but not very long, regardless. Shenner might be developing a love of pretty clothing, but the girl doesn't waste too much time primping. She reappears in short order, her slender frame bedecked in black now, her hair caught back from her face with her feather clasp, leaving only a few rogue tendrils to spill across her forehead. As she comes back into the main hold, she speaks up hopefully, "How's it look?" His eyes travel up and down her lithe frame, a smile in his eyes as well as on his lips. Rising up from his seat, he takes one of Shen's hands, bending his head over it and placing a light kiss against her knuckles. "You look ravishing." Her arms come up to twine around Paul's neck, and she smiles up into his face, diving headlong into green-gold-hazel eyes. "Thank you," she murmurs happily, her entire face reflecting her gratitude, whether for the dress, the compliment, or both. Catching her waist up in his hands, spanning it easily, Paul drops a light affectionate kiss against her mouth. "You're welcome," he murmurs in a velvet growl. "Where do you want to go?" "Anywhere with music...!" Shen answers back the words and the kiss both, and breathes in a startled soft sigh at the feel of Paul's form pressing the satin to her own. Thrilled by the experience of wearing yet another fine kind of cloth, she experimentally hugs him and whirls around a little, laughing. Unlike the velvet, which clung and shifted like a cat rubbing against one's flesh, this dress slides and slips against the skin subtly, much like the slick feel of soap against the skin. As she whirls away, Paul catches one of her hands, pulling her back in a reverse spin, his arms wrapping about her and stroking slowly against her back, the heat of his palms easily felt through the thin material. "Alright then, guess that would make Keepon our destination." "Let's go," is Shen's eager answer, even as she hangs on to Paul's hand, her thumb lightly brushing along his fingers. Nodding and stepping back to take her arm in his own, Paul palms the door lock and steps out. Paul_Nighman has left. [Paul and Shen head out into the station, towards the Keepon Casino. Once they reach the northern concourse, the couple makes a discovery...] You enter the wide, busy concourse. Level 4 -Northern Concourse- You stand in the middle of a long corridor reaching from the center of the station out to the outer edge. Along the corridor a variety of businesses have shops open and flashy signs trying to draw you into their interiors. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Paul_Nighman => Miu => SQUAD: Caspar Guards - 2208 -=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=- Keepon Casino leads to Level 4 -Keepon Casino-. FineLine Spaceways Office leads to Level 4 -FLS Offices-. Blue Nebula leads to Level 4 -Blue Nebula Cantina-. Coreward leads to Level 4 -Concourse-. Miu says "Prrow?" and peers at Paul_Nighman. Miu This small, furry creature watches you attentively with immense, round, soulful eyes. Long, floppy ears, tufted with white fur, frame its entire brown-furred body, from its tiny front paws to its much larger, stronger back haunches. It's a talkative little thing, often purring or letting out a sound that sounds a lot like "Miu!" Miu says "Prrow?" and peers at Shenner. Shenner, arm in arm with Paul as the two of them breeze into this part of the station, glances over and lets out a throaty giggle at the furry creature. "Aww... look," she tells her companion, charmed. With Shen's arm tucked comfortably in his own, Paul notes the feline and slows curiously, wondering who would leave their pet out in a walkway ... and why? He crouches down next to the animal, offering a tentative hand. "Hey there, you lost?" he asks, as if expecting a response. Miu says "Prrow?" and peers at Shenner. The animal purrs softly, curiously at the offered hand, then rubs up against it affectionately. Paul pets the animal for a moment, a strange smile coming over his features as he does so. "Do you like to be scritched under the neck," he croons, his fingers doing so. The animal's eyes lower to slits and a loud purring noise fills the corridor. "What _is_ it?" Shen asks in wonder, peering down over her companion's shoulder. Shrugging, Paul coos in soft tones, as if still talking to the creature, "Not sure ... looks kind of like a shethkan .... but they're native to Corellia, and I've seen lots of creatures that look like 'em." Miu turns, offering Paul the ruff of her neck, which he scratches obligingly. "Pretty," Shenner breathes, curiously -- and ungracefully of stance, given the dress she's wearing -- hunkering down to get a better look at the creature. Frowning, Paul rises, offering Shen a hand back up. "Well, if it's still here when we leave, maybe we should take it back with us ... put up a notice or something." Shenner starts to rise, and eeps a bit, as she realizes the awkward position she'd gotten herself into with her crouch. Blushing, she scrambles back to her feet, grinning sheepishly. "Okay... bye!" she tells the creature, who 'mius!' in response. Paul_Nighman steps past the pair of bouncers and enters the Keepon Casino. Paul_Nighman has left. [And inside the Casino....] Remus slowly peruses the casino floor while simultaneously moving about it; he halts, here and there, to whisper a joke to a Devaronian dealer or to refill his glass of ... whatever it is he drinks. Remus also, then, notes Shenner and Paul's arrival. For now, he appears content to walk the floor. Walking in with a delicate redhead on his arm, Paul glances about absently, noting with both a touch of relief and a touch of surprise the absence of certain patrons of the Casino. He saunters in, glancing down at his companion fondly before stopping shortly after passing through the door. He gives the security his weapon and then turns to Shen, asking softly, "What do you want to do first? Drinks? Dinner? Dancing? Or would you like to try your luck at one of the tables?" Tynos makes his way out of the Casino. Tynos has left. The girl in the sleek black satin dress grins crookedly up at her companion, an expression completely at odds with her delicate air and the halo of softly brushed red hair that frames her face. "Dancing," she replies immediately, green eyes alight. Remus produces a pair of cigarettes, one for each mouth. He lights them, contemplative. He finally rests his eyes on the establishment's most conspicuous pair. The movement of patrons in the casino is deplicted in the large mirror as trailing faint auras of color. Ozzle steps into the entry way from the northern concourse. Ozzle has arrived. Ozzle steps in from the concourse. Glancing around, he makes his way to the bar. "Hmmmmm, I should of known," he teases lightly, and the Corellian catches up her hand, leading the way to the dance floor. The music obligingly comes to a close, and pulling Shen close, Paul waits for the few first strands to tell him what is to come, and how to set the pace. It's a slow number this time, and the Corellian sweeps Shen into the dance with smooth assured steps, humming along with the familiar tune. Remus drops Ozzle a nod. Ozzle leans against the end of the bar, silently motioning to the keep. Within seconds, a tall glass is set in front of him. He sips casually, his eyes studying the other patrons. Ozzle notices the Ithorian, and nods in return, his cheeks hinting at a personable smile. Shen lifts one arm to twine round the tall Corellian's neck, and the other goes round his waist. As fluid as the light that touches the dress she's wearing, the young woman flows into the music that drifts through the place. Remus leans in a corner, a brief respite found next to a newly-installed series of potted plants and hanging vines. One great, slender hand scratches the back of his neck as he watches the pair twirl about the floor. On the mirror wall, Shenner's reflection morphs into an unrecognizable Human for a while. Tynos steps into the entry way from the northern concourse. Tynos has arrived. Tynos walks into the casino. he stops to take a look around. Tynos looks at you for a moment. Arm in arm, the rangy Corellian and the redheaded girl in black twirl about the floor; the girl, for all that she is clearly thrilled to be in the company of the man whose company she shares, occasionally tosses a green-eyed glance about the casino, perhaps checking out her surroundings, and perhaps simply absorbing the ambiance. Tynos walks up to the bar and sits down. He nods tentatively to Ozzle as he passes him. Spinning her out and then back again, Paul's gaze rests on Shenner's face for a moment before pulling her close, looking out over the rest of the dance floor and the nearby tables as they move about the room. He catches sight of the Ithorian on one turn, his eyes flickering in recognition. He considers Remus thoughtfully on a second pass, then allows his gaze to drift elsewhere. Ozzle sips at his drink, his eyes passing slowly, not lingering long on anyone or anything. On the mirror wall, Ozzle's reflection morphs into an unrecognizable tall Sarian for a while. A flight of bats swoops through the mirror's rendition of the room. Through the first slow number, and the next few, Shenner dances; dancing, she beams up at Paul, her features growing steadily brighter, both from her mood and the flush of her exertion, when the music grows swifter of tempo. "Could do this all night," she murmurs up at him, in a soft lull point of the complex melodies enriching the air. Ozzle still sits silently at the bar, still allowing his attention to wander. He seems to be making some effort, consious or not, to avert his gaze from the dancing couple. According to the mirror wall, Tynos is suddenly dressed in last season's fashion. Chuckling, Paul murmurs softly, "You're a regular bundle of energy ... I better start working out so I can keep up." The music blares into full swing, a jazzy flashy number. There is a quick flash of mischief that crosses the Corellian's face before he flips Shen unexpectedly. Spinning about the floor quickly, his feet taking to the music and the air, Paul's actions certainly speak louder than his words. Ozzle stands from the bar, finishing his drink, and places a handful of credits next to the empty glass. He walks in a wide arc toward the exit, avoiding the dance floor altogether. The redhead actually squeals, delighted by the transition in the music. She begins to dance with more vigor and energy, all black shimmer of satin, red fire of hair, green brightness of eye. Ozzle makes his way out of the Casino. Ozzle has left. The mirror wall behind the sabacc tables reflects the room, then slyly adds about a half dozen black silhouettes of stormtroopers. Tynos makes his way out of the Casino. Tynos has left. The song ends and the bandmaster stands, murmuring his thanks at the polite applause and announcing that the band is going to take a break. Paul considers Shen for a moment, breathing a little hard after that number. "Hey, I got an idea .... let's go somewhere different. Let's go planetside ... I'm tired of metal planking under my feet, what do you say?" Her head quirking, Shen grins, startled, but pleasantly so. "Yeah... if it ain't rainin' down there. I could go for that." Nodding, Paul pulls gently on her hand, at first to lead her off the floor, and then, on second thought, he raises it to his mouth, dropping a kiss upon it. Collecting his weapon at the door he gives her a humored look. "What, afraid you're going to melt or something?" The smile intensifies, broken only as he takes the weapon back with a quick thank you. "Don't worry," he assures her in a dark murmur, "I'll keep you warm ..." Paul_Nighman makes his way out of the Casino. Paul_Nighman has left. You make your way out of the casino's main room and into the concourse outside. Level 4 -Northern Concourse- You stand in the middle of a long corridor reaching from the center of the station out to the outer edge. Along the corridor a variety of businesses have shops open and flashy signs trying to draw you into their interiors. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Paul_Nighman => SQUAD: Caspar Guards - 2208 -=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=- Keepon Casino leads to Level 4 -Keepon Casino-. FineLine Spaceways Office leads to Level 4 -FLS Offices-. Blue Nebula leads to Level 4 -Blue Nebula Cantina-. Coreward leads to Level 4 -Concourse-. Shenner chortles as she allows herself to be grandly led, parrying, "Is that a promise or a threat?" Shrugging with a dangerous gleam in his eye, Paul returns nonchalantly, "It all depends on your frame of mind ..." He heads back down the corridor toward the landing pad. Paul_Nighman heads for the core of the station. Paul_Nighman has left. [And the two head for the landing bay, arm in arm....] 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. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Paul_Nighman => Nazerath => STARFIGHTER: SubPro Wanderer Mk II -- CCS Ceylon => STARFIGHTER: CEC YT-2400 -- Comet's Tail => STARFIGHTER: SubPro Ilyrian Gnat -- CCS K'nak-Ve => STARFIGHTER: Sardakh Kale-1 -- Vrii Olumdar => STARFIGHTER: SubPro Ilyrian Gnat -- CFS Kresta => STARFIGHTER: SubPro Wanderer Mk II -- CCS Keramisk => STARFIGHTER: Koensayr BTL-S3 Y-wing -- Viper => STARFIGHTER: SubPro Wanderer Mk II -- Mergansar Dawn => STARFIGHTER: Corellian YT-1300 -- Typhos => STARFIGHTER: SubPro Ilyrian Gnat -- Quasar Bolt => CAPITAL: Numiri Corvette MDS/001a -- White Star => CAPITAL: Sienar Fleet Systems GAT-12j Skipray -- Sea Flat => STARFIGHTER: SubPro Wanderer Mk II -- CFS Windancer => starport computer => Transport Panel => NOTIFICATION => Trade Panel: Kichnar -=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=- oreward leads to Level 4 -Concourse-. In a visual harmony of blues and black, a tall Corellian and a slim young redhead stride into the hangar, arm in arm, eyes bright with anticipation. Shenner, her black satin dress swirling about her legs as she keeps pace with Paul Nighman, flashes him a daring lopsided smile and tells him, "Time for more research, I guess, huh?" Nazerath looks at you for a moment. Nazerath nods to Paul and his lady friend.. "Greetings.." "For who?" Paul queries back playfully, guiding them toward the transport panel, typing in a request for the shuttle. His arm slips easily about her hips, but he looks up at the voice, recognizing Nazerath. To his credit, the Corellian merely blinks, his expression easy despite the niggle of worry beneath the surface. "Hello there," he replies politely, a pleasant smile curling his lips. The Olumekar comes in for a landing and powers down it's engines. Green eyes turn at the voice in earshot, and the young redhead in black says cheerfully, "Hiya, pal." Her inflections are oddly rough for a creature clad as she is, incongruously earthy against her delicate appearance, but from the glint in her eyes, she's probably aware of this. Looking down at tad bit, Nazerath nods. Grining at the greeneyed lady, Nazerath speak.. "Hello miss... how are you this evening?" The shuttle arrives and Paul glances at it and then Shen and then Nazerath. Nazerath turns, not offering another look, and walks to his ship... "Fine," replies the girl archly, and she flashes an impish look up at her companion, murmuring _almost_ under her breath, "and probably finer, pretty soon." -That- comment has Paul arching a brow. "Yes ... we're going to, ah, do some experiment planetside ..." he explains with a smirk. Leaning closer to Shen, he murmurs softly against her cheek, "And with any luck, I'll get to have my performance analyzed." He draws back, waggling his eyebrows suggestively at her. Pausing for a moment, Nazerath spairs a glance at Paul and Shen, then enters the code of the ship.. Shenner grins all the more widely, turning her radiant face up to the Corellian at his murmur and struggling, without success, to splutter even as her eyes sparkle at the words. Paul notes the younger man's withdrawl curiously, giving a Shen a look that seems to indicate, -whoops, was I indiscreet?- He heads over to the Olumekar, content to leave things just as they are. He waves pleasantly as they pass Nazerath. Paul_Nighman stops and takes a look at the STARFIGHTER: SubPro Wanderer Mk II -- CCS Ceylon. Shenner loops her arm through Paul's again, flashes the stranger another grin, and accompanies her companion -- and clearly her date -- into the shuttle, looking for all the world like someone who is exactly where they wish to be in their own personal universe. You walk up the ramp and find a seat. SHUTTLE: CSS Olumekar The interior of the shuttle has seating for 25 or so. A hatch forward leads to the cockpit but is sealed off, permitting the pilots some privacy. A panel on the arm rest of each chair allows each passenger to select their destination, to give the pilots some idea as to where they need to head next. Paul_Nighman walks up the ramp and takes a seat. Warning klaxons sound as the boarding hatch closes. The sound of roaring engines can be distantly heard. Taking a seat, Paul draws Shenner close. With no one else on board, he leans over murmuring, excuse me ma'am, but there seems to be something on your lips," and he leans over to take care of the matter with his own. The sound of the engines slowly fade away. The boarding hatch opens letting in the fresh Caspian air. Well, then, by all means, the Whatever It Is has to be removed. And clearly, Paul must take his time about it. Shenner is all too delighted to give him the opportunity, and only after the shuttle's hatch actually pops does she start and look up. Chuckling, Paul settles back, then stands, offering Shen a hand up. Okay, let's see what this planet has to offer." Shenner hops to her feet, eager as a bird on the wing, if a bird can be clad in black satin. You walk down the ramp and clear of the shuttle. Landing Pad - Union Starport Slightly sunken down into the rocky ground, the paved flightline that is the landing pad is crammed with ships of a variety of types. Eight towering, oddly-shaped structures encircle the tarmac, serving as light towers and static dissipaters, but their markings and carvings in their metallic skin hint at a different original purpose. The dense forest crowds in on the rim of the clearing, and some foliage creeps over the stoney edge and hangs down like drapes. A row of hangers lie agape under the windows of the Starport Complex, and techs on hoversleds constantly push ships in and out of them. Near the exit which leads into the city, a sign is secured to one wall, separated from the rest of the notices placed in the area. OOC Note1: Type INSPECT NOTICE to read the Immigration Notice. OOC Note2: Type RECALL SHUTTLE to call the insystem shuttle to this location. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => SHUTTLE: CSS Olumekar => Yashar => STARFIGHTER: Sardakh Class 750 Freighter -- CCS Anglesey => STARFIGHTER: SubPro Ilyrian Gnat -- CFS Kalinin => CAPITAL: Corellian Corvette -- Avatar => starport computer => Transport Panel => Trade Panel: Caspar -=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=- est leads to Concourse - Union Starport. Paul_Nighman walks down the ramp of the Olumekar. Paul_Nighman has arrived. Yashar looks at you for a moment. The Olumekar powers up it's engines and leaves the landing area. Yashar The humanoid before you has multifaceted eyes, a tapirlike snout and deep green skin. He has a prominent ridge of spines running along the back of his head. His fingers are long, flexible and end in suction cups. Currently he is wearing a black tunic, a pair of black pants, and a pair of black boots. The Olumekar comes in for a landing and powers down it's engines. Synex walks down the ramp of the Olumekar. Synex has arrived. Ambling along, Paul wraps an arm about Shen's waist in an unconcious and possessive gesture. Glancing about, he points out the exit, escorting her that way. "So, we'll see what the weather is like ... maybe drop into the Oceanside for a bite to eat or drink?" "Sounds like a plan," enthuses the redhead on Paul's arm, striding out with him. You head back into the main concourse of the starport. Concourse - Union Starport The throng buzzes about this modern complex, a mix of travelers, tourists, merchants, and citizens. An array of tiers encircle a busy floor, each tier hosting a different kiosk or bureau that offers information, services, traveling necessities, or souveniers. In the center of the complex, a huge post supports four immense databoards, giving a constantly updated listing of arrivals and departures. The air is crisp, and the skylights give this place a very airy, open look. The tiers have foliage planted on their borders and railings, and the greens, blues, and grays of the fibrous walls and floor gives the structure a very natural, forest atmosphere. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Blink => BOOTH: Cham's Fortunes and Variety -=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=- ast leads to Landing Pad - Union Starport. own the tunnel leads to Merchant Operations Center - Union Starport. est leads to South Mergansar Ave. - Plaxton City. Paul_Nighman comes from the landing pad. Paul_Nighman has arrived. Synex comes from the landing pad. Synex has arrived. Synex goes down the corridor towards the Merchant Operations sublevel. Synex has left. Synex comes up from the Operations sublevel. Synex has arrived. Synex enters into the city. Synex has left. Walking along from the landing pad, Paul turns, heading for Plaxton City, the redhead on his arm. [Shenner and Paul continue on through the city, into Fountain Square...] You walk towards Fountain Square. Fountain Square - Plaxton City The huge buildings in the background threaten to take over this small patch of green. A stone fountain--left over from another time--sits in the center of the square. It depicts a young woman looking into the sky. Water flares around her and bursts into a star pattern ten feet above her head. The inscription at the base of the fountain is written in the aging language of a more romantic time. 'Fare well, for all journeys that leave from this place shall always return to call it home.' The night sky above is cloudy with patches of clear spots allowing you to see the sky behind them. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Galactic Bank ATM -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Paul_Nighman => Darrien => Tynos => Kuxli(#3872PLACF) => SQUAD: Caspar Guards - 6799 => IGNews Terminal - Caspar(#5284L) => Caspar News Service => Mail Terminal: Caspar -=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=- outh leads to South Mergansar Ave. - Plaxton City. ast leads to East Blake St. - Plaxton City. orth leads to North Mergansar Ave. - Plaxton City. est leads to West Blake St. - Plaxton City. Kuxli shifts, as if uncomfortable, pausing to think... or recall. "Most of it is uhm... hard to remember, though we had lots of rituals every day!" Darrien is standing not far from Kuxli and Tynos, facing Kuxli and listening to what the Horansi is saying. So enthralled is he, that he doesn't even noticed the others enter. Darrien says to Kuxli, "Well, I bet Avy sure will be glad to see you again." Kuxli's whiskers fan out at those words, or perhaps at a scent he picks up. "I hope, haven't been able to catch her yet though." Darrien nods and sighs. "I'm always trying to convince her not to get so buried in her work... but she just doesn't listen to me sometimes." Tynos nods at Kux's workd,s "I agree, I'm hoping to get her to take some time off. "No rain," enthuses Shenner as she and Paul come down the street; the young redhead breathes in a healthy lungful of the air, entranced by it. And probably by the Corellian at her side, for her gaze keeps coming back to him, warm with appreciation. As she and her tall companion approach, though, Shen turns her head, and suddenly hollers out, "_Kuxli_!" Tynos glances briefly at the newbes that enter the square and then back at Kux. He whips his head when he hears Kuxli's name yelled. Darrien looks over at the newcomers, eyebrows raised. -It's amazing,- the Corellian marvels to himself, -how she can go from delicate creature to screeching hellion in a flash.- Instead of being annoyed or shocked, Paul just smiles affectionately, his eyes reflecting deeper feelings than that. Darrien looks at you for a moment. Kuxli gives a jump in surprise as his name, not for the first time this evening is yelled out. Having located the source, his grin doubles in toothiness. "Shen! And... uh... uh, Paul!" Paul_Nighman says, "Guess I'm not as memorable as you are," Paul murmurs to Shen before she dashes off from him. He follows at a more sedate pace, smiling in amusement." Darrien looks between Kuxli and the newcomers, and shrugs in Tynos's direction. Tynos glances at Kux, when he sees he's smiling he relaxes and glances more closely at the newcomers after quickly flashing a glance at Darrien. The redheaded girl, clad in her shimmering black satin dress and with her hair a softly brushed, windruffled halo about her face, does indeed seem bizarrely earthy for her manner of dress, for she charges up to the Horansi, grinning widely. "Hi again...! Look what Paul bought me!" And she swirls around once where she stands, letting the satin skirt flare out from her legs. Synex walks into the square from the east. Synex has arrived. Tynos takes a step away from Kux and the girl. Darrien looks at Shenner and her dress, again raising his eyebrows, then glancing once more at Tynos. Tynos Tynos is an average sized human standing just under 6 feet tall who is built solidly, though not particularly muscular. His neatly trimed beard is firery red. It matches his fine red hair that hangs freely to his shoulders. On top of his head covering a bump the size of an acorn his hair is short, like it was shaved and just growing in. There seems to be a small metalic indention at the top of the bump. His bright green eyes are surrounded by a few lines that hint at his age. A couple of faint freckles can still be seen on his nose. He is wearing a collared, light green shirt that compliments his eyes. His shirt is slightly larger than it should be and it flutters if there is a slight wind. It is tucked into a pair of slightly worn beige pants that are held up by a black, leather belt. His ankle high, black boots are well worn in. He moves and speaks with a natural confidence and grace. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Protective Vest -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Tynos' Datapad Darrien You see a young man of average build. His long hair drapes down his back, held loosely by a leather cord. His sharp blue eyes seem to never rest for long on one thing. His skin is well tanned, especially his face and hands. Perhaps he's spent a great deal of time in the sun. Darrien wears simple clothes of brown and tan. Both his shirt and his pants have deep pockets. While they are not obvious, you can see light brown Sarian spots, traveling down the sides of his face from his temples, disappearing under his shirt. While they can be seen fairly easily now, they are just a little darker than bronze of his desert tan. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => 1 Clue Unit Kuxli shakes his head slowly to himself, letting out a quiet laugh... the noise an odd rumbling sound. "Very, uhm... fashionable!" he replies, eyes flickering up towards Paul, then towards Ty and Darrien. "Err, Shen, this is Darrien and Tynos... some old friends of mine." motioning to each in turn. Catching up to the spirited redhead and the small group clustered there, Paul hangs back fractionally, watching more than participating in the little reunion. He does, however, give Kuxli a friendly grin and smile. Darrien smiles a friendly, smiles and waves awkwardly. "Nice to meet you both." Kuxli looks at you for a moment. "Hiya," says the redhead, grinning broadly, her voice a husky low drawl as she identifies herself, "Shen Veery. And Paul Nighman!" She immediately whirls back to her companion, taking up one of Paul's hands in her own, and pointing at him another radiant grin, clearly meant for him alone. To Kux, she says sidelong, "We've come down to... experiment. Don't let us interrupt!" Uncertain of getting an introduction as well, Paul offers the two men a friendly nod, shooting Shen a look of thanks as she does the honors for him. At her final statement, the Corellian coughs discreetly and then grins. Darrien says, his voice full of curiosity, "Experiment?" Kuxli blinks once, then breaks into snickering... shaking his head again. "Well..." letting that draw out as he peers at Paul, shaking his head again with the same grin. "You aren't, in fact I just got back myself.." "I'll let you explain," Paul growls at Shen, his expression pure mischief. After all, she got them into this mess, she can certainly get them out of it ... he hopes. Deion walks into the square from the east. Deion has arrived. Shenner looks momentarily half devilish adolescent, half smolder-eyed young woman, as she twines her arms around one of Paul's and proclaims, deadpan, "Vital research. Absolutely crucial." Darrien blinks, and looks around. "Is it a medical emergency? Or technological in some way? We have some of the best facilities in the galaxy if you need them..." Deion proceeds down well-lit paths, carrying a satchel contoured somewhat rectangular from its slightly bulky contents. Kuxli makes a knowing 'mhm', letting his gaze flicker towards Darrien... before realizing that Darrien wasn't at that month long part--- er, retreat. He corrects himself mentally, simply keeping quiet. It's more than the Corellian can manage, although he gives it a valiant try. There is a soft sputtering noise, which he manages to turn into a cough. "No, ah, no thank you, we have all the equipment we need right on us," which is an odd thing to say, since neither Shen nor Paul are carrying anything but themselves. Benjawa enters the square from the west. Benjawa has arrived. Benjawa walks to the south. Benjawa has left. Darrien frowns, and looks once again at Tynos, his face a picture of confusion. He turns back to the couple and says after a moment, "Well... if you need any help, I'd be happy to offer my services. I'm pretty handy sometimes." Green gaze lifting again to the man at her side, Shenner rather more obviously struggles to keep from bursting into giggles. "Ah, nah, that'll be quite alright...!" Darrien frowns again, obviously still not getting the joke. He leans over to whisper something to Kuxli, but his voice carries a little too far as he says, "Kuxli... what are they talking about?" Once again, the Corellian manages to hold himself together ... just barely. He turns away for a moment to hide the quick flush and grin and then looks up again, clearing his throat and plastering a charming smile on his lips. "Ah, what she said ...." but he shoots Shen a devilish look and adds, "but we'll keep you in mind if we need some help with, um, control measures." There is another small cough and smile. The hazel eyes practically scream barely restrained laughter. Kuxli waves a large paw to both Shen and Paul, not bother to hold in his laughter... who knows where the horansi's mind is. One ear turns though as Darrien speaks, letting his laughs fade away, he turns a little, enough to respond, "Uhm... well... no." Darrien says, "Well... in case you change your mind... my offices are not far from here, should you need some tools and a work bench to work on." Tynos glances between the four in confusion and then the corners of his eyes turn up and he lets out a chuckle, "Bryant, Darrien, I don't think you can help in their experiment." Solon_Halwinder enters the square from the west. Solon_Halwinder has arrived. Clearing his throat for the third time, Paul replies in all seriousness - kind of - "Very kind of you ... if we need a place to lay down, we'll consider dropping by." Winking at Shen, Paul looks over to Darrien and asks, if for no other reason than to derail this doomed train of conversation, "Ah, so what is it that you do?" _Now_ Shenner splutters, gaping up for a moment at her companion, before Darrien's further offer finally does her in, making her burst into a breathless peal of laughter. "No... ah... no, that's fine... c'mon, you!" This last is clearly to Paul, whose hands she seizes in both of his, and tugs. Solon_Halwinder walks in from the west, a metal crutch on his right side. he hobbles in, and looks around." Darrien looks over at Tynos a moment and mouths, "You know what their talking about?" then looks back at Paul. He says, "Oh... I own NovaCom electronics." Tynos smiles, "Ask your wife, maybe she'll explain it to you." Deion proceeds across a pedestrian overpass, crossing a street on a northward vector. Solon_Halwinder sees Deion, and nods, "Private." Kuxli stands amoungst the humans, the only one not talking at the moment... a large grin on the snout of the horansi. Darrien blinks, then raises his eyebrows. "Oh... sex... of course. How silly of me." Deion nods casually to Solon in passing. "Good evening." Tynos puts a hand over his mouth to cover his mouth, but a laugh escapes from it anyways. Solon_Halwinder spots Kuxli, and approaches him Shenner tugs on Paul's hands again, beginning to blush as enlightenment begins to dawn, and she focuses on her companion -- quite obviously, her date -- as the safest place to look. Well, mostly the safest place.... or at any rate, the handsomest. Looking impressed, the Corellian seems to remain a steady anchor to his spot, despite Shen's imploring tugs. "I've heard good things," he comments, but at Tynos's comment, he coughs and finally bursts into laughter. "Sorry, sorry, just a moment," and the laughter continues for a few more moments. "Sorry," he murmurs, wiping at the moisture in his eyes, "Just had to get that out of my system." Darrien smiles at seeing Paul's mirth, and chuckles a bit himself. Solon_Halwinder says, "You look increidbly familiar." Kuxli lets out a breath through his fangs as the knowledge is now public.... not seeming to notice Solon as he approaches. "Humans have to many hormones for their own good..." he mutters in jest, before turning to hear Solon speak to him. Deion makes his way to a news terminal, and keys in a command. Deion gives IGNews Terminal - Caspar some Galactic Standard Credits. Solon_Halwinder says, "You should see a Nikto, my good Horansi." The redheaded girl in black now seems torn between looking embarrassed and defiantly pretending she isn't. "You _better_ c'mon!" she challenges Paul, vacillating back towards adolescent again, her nose crinkled indignantly. Kuxli's ears fall back in confusion now, the conversation of the others now going unnoticed... "A what?" he asks, not catching on. Tynos turns to look at Solon. He studies him for a moment in confusion to his strange comment. Darrien glances at Shenner, then says to Paul, "Hmm... I wouldn't keep her waiting, friend. Maybe we'll run into each other another time." Solon_Halwinder says, "Horansi..where would I know you from?" Solon_Halwinder adds jokingly, "The Republic? As if I hadnt met enuf of them." Allowing Shen's insistent tugging to pull him along, he waves like a drowning man to the collective. "Ah, okay, see you later sometime!" he calls out, chuckling at Shen's determination. "Alright woman," he chides her, "I'm coming, I'm coming." There is another pause and then a cough. Tynos smiles at Shen and Paul, "Nice meeting you both." Kuxli eyes narrow for a moment... but just that, a moment. "Perhaps, I did serve in their army for a few months." his words long, drawn out as he tries to place the face before him. Darrien waves and look up at Kuxli, saying, "Nice couple." Shenner grins crookedly at the gathering, even as she turns and hurries off. [To be continued...]