Log Date:
	2/4/97

Log Cast (in order of appearance):
	D'etta, Xerxes, Shenner, Shikh, Chantinelle (off-camera),
Silversand, Kuxli

Log Intro:
	On the streets of Etti IV's capital city, the young thief and bard 
Shenner has been possessed by ever-increasing tenseness and paranoia. The two 
beings who have been the friendliest to her, Kuxli and Shikh, have turned
out to have disturbing connections to the target of the job for which
Shenner has been hired -- Simone Drake. And Drake herself, Shenner has
discovered, is the Prex of the CSA, not only in charge of the entire planet
on which Shenner has been staying, but the section of the galaxy through
which it hurtles. On top of all this, Shikh has turned out to be a Corellian,
and with the memory of the trouble caused her by the _first_ Corellian
she'd ever met, Shenner has reacted to this handsome young man with more
than a little panic. That she has succeeded in convincing him -- at least
for now -- that she is a boy has provided her very little comfort, set
against the larger looming tapestry of worries eating at her head.
	Shenner knows only one cure for the knotted tension in her gut:
action and motion. Loathe to remain huddling in her closet of a room at
the transients' hostel, she lets her restlessness drive her into the city
even as she wrestles to keep herself blending in with its thronging
crowds....

----------
D'etta comes through the District from the direction of the spaceport.
D'etta has arrived.

D'etta
D'etta is a reasonably tall woman, she stands at about 5'8". She is human and 
  has a soft skinned, petite figure. She has baby blue eyes and freckles over 
  most of her glowing face. She has long red hair that flows down to her beck 
  and stops around her waist. Her figure, although standing at 5'8" seems 
  rather petite. She is slim and softly rounded breasts and legs that creep 
  out of her outfit slightly. She is currently wearing a tunic which is maroon 
  in color and longsleeved with tight matching pants. Over her tunic is a 
  robe, grey in color, sleeveless and floor-length. This outfit does not hide 
  any of her features. You can see some cleavage around the neckline and her 
  pants fit her tight to show off her cute buttocks. As you look at her, she 
  looks back you and smiles.

D'etta nods, "Hello Shenner"

Xerxes strides in from the East, making his way through the crowds, and 
  taking a seat on a nearby bench.

D'etta heads through crowds and into the Government District to the southeast.
D'etta has left.
D'etta comes along the road to the southeast.
D'etta has arrived.

Shenner comes up the avenue from the south, a battered carisak of some sort 
  slung off one shoulder, a slim sheath of leather with a braided cord off the 
  other. The redheaded kid strides broadly, perhaps in imitation of the older 
  sentients in view... and perhaps simply because the kid might be like that.

D'etta looks at you for a moment.
D'etta moves through the District into the Spaceport to the west.
D'etta has left.

Shenner can be heard to be humming, in a low tenorish voice, a snippet of 
  something catchy that the band that plays at the Dance Dome frequently belts 
  out for that establishment's crowds. It is, in fact, more or less in the 
  direction of the Dome that the redhead is striding.

Xerxes rises from his bench. After a slight stretch of his arms, he begins 
  making his way through the crowds.
Xerxes heads through crowds and into the Government District to the southeast.
Xerxes has left.

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

	Shenner had been considering a morning's lurk at the Dome -- or, if
she got lucky and found the other three she'd been gambling at mah jongg
with, seeing if she could scarf up a few extra credits that way. But en
route to the Dome, she heard someone unfamiliar call her name. After the
discovery that Grathix had brought her to Etti IV to do a still-unspecified
job on Simone Drake, none other than the Prex of the Corporate Sector
Authority, Shenner had gotten up this morning finding herself still quite
unnerved... and now, unwilling to meet unprepared with a stranger, Shenner
pretended to miss the hail, and diverted her course off to the Memorial
Park instead. But after she'd settled in for some busking....

----------
Grathix enters the park area, holding D'etta's hand, leading her.

The park, as generally IS the case, is peaceful, patrolled by the Espos and 
  visited by passersby. There's a redheaded young human out on one of the 
  benches, playing a flute; beside the kid is a silken cloth on which glints a 
  single coin, tarnished and brassy.

Grathix walks beside D'etta, leading her around the park.

D'etta follows Grathix, looking around the park.

Grathix takes d'etta to the bed or roses at the right corner of the park

The redheaded flute player casts a green glance around the park's pathways, 
  occasionally noting passersby -- and who might be likely to draw near and 
  listen, or, better still, offer coinage. The pair that enters the park hand 
  in hand gets another glance, but the kid keeps playing, apparently 
  unbothered.

D'etta smiles as she looks at the roses, "Beautiful"

Grathix stops before the bed of roses, leans over and plucks one off. He 
  begins prying the thorns off from the stem.

D'etta looks over at Shenner then back at Grathix.

Grathix, having finished this taks, hands the rose to D'etta. "For you, though 
  it can not compare to your beauty."

D'etta blushes slightly, "Uhm.. Thank you..." She takes the rose in her hand 
  and smells it, "Smells beautiful"

The flute player slides through a melody mostly composed of triplets, rippling 
  up and down a major scale, and running for several measures before segueing 
  into variants on the same theme in eighth notes. Once or twice the kid 
  misses a note, but not often.

D'etta leans over to Grathix, whispering, "The flute player is rather good, 
  don't yo think?"

Grathix glances at D'etta, "Flute player?" he stops to listen and only know 
  does he note the musical interlude being played off at a distance.

D'etta smiles.

Grathix smiles at D'etta, "would you care to listen to the music a little 
  closer?"

D'etta shrugs, "Sure"

Grathix takes you hand anew and leads yuo towards the sound of the music.

The approach of the couple makes the musician's green gaze flick around, 
  casually. Evidently possessing enough showmanship to not miss a beast, the 
  redhead continues the current liquid melody being played, now that attention 
  has been gotten -- but the green regard stays on the two listeners as they 
  draw nearer.

D'etta smiles, listening close to Grathix.

Grathix approaches the flute player with D'etta beside him. He stops in front 
  of the player and chuckles as he sees who the flute player is.
Grathix turns to D'etta and whispers something to her.

Shenner glances up guilelessly across the mouthhole of the flute in those 
  lean, pale hands, and says without moving the instrument, "Choice of a song 
  for a credit, travellers?"

D'etta looks to Grathix.

Grathix grins and says, "Sure Shenner...do you know the one "Stranded on Tat 
  with Jawas all around?" "

D'etta giggles softly at Grathix.

Shenner lowers the flute, and says blandly, "Truly, good sir, but it just 
  doesn't work on the flute. I'd have to sing it unaccompanied."

D'etta says, "Uhmm............."

Grathix looks at D'etta and says, "That's perfectly alright." He approaches the 
  flute player and takes out a few crdits and places them on her cloth. He 
  whispers to her.
Grathix whispers, "This is someone I'd like you to meet."
Grathix says to the redhaired, green eyes flute player, "Would you mind if we 
  sat next to you and heard you play? Anything will do."

D'etta smiles once again, looking at Grathix.

Grathix puts Shenner cloth off to a side and sits next to him. He motions 
  D'etta to sit beside him as well. He says to Shenner, "This is D'etta. She 
  works for me. She'll be on planet helping us out. I'd like you to show her 
  around, if its not too much to ask."
Grathix leans back, as if enjoying the music.

D'etta smiles, sitting next to Grathix, "Nice to meet you"

Grathix says to D'etta, indicating with his head to Shenner, "This is Shenner 
  a 'friend' of mine from Tatooine. He prety much kows his way around here 
  blindfolded." He turns to the playing Shenner and says, "Or am I worng?"

As the pair sits down, Shenner says blandly, well enough to carry to anybody 
  in earshot, "I never turn away a paying audience, pal." Then, more softly, 
  the kid says, glancing from Grathix to D'etta and back again, "I know a few 
  choice things about this town, yeah."

D'etta whispers something to Grathix.

Grathix grins and says to Shenner, "Excellent. I knew I wasn't wrong abot you."
Grathix turns to look at D'etta and whisper.

Shenner resumes playing, the very picture of a street musician entertaining a 
  pair of listeners, though the redhead's gaze lingers on the two.

Grathix stands and takes D'etta's hand and kisses it softly. "I leave you in 
  good hands, D'etta." He turns to Shenner and says, "Take care of her."
Grathix stands and proceeds to make his way towards the residential area.

D'etta smiles, "Bye Grathix"

Grathix leaves the park to the west.
Grathix has left.

D'etta sits and listens..

Shenner keeps playing for a time, evidently quite comfortable with the 
  dark-hued flute. The kid's green eyes, curious and sharp, but casual of 
  gaze, stay with the remaining listener as Grathix heads off; at last, 
  trailing off into silence, the redhead lowers the flute and stretches 'his' 
  hands, saying mildly, "So. What planet did Grath haul you here from?"

D'etta smiles, "From Tatooine"

"That a fact..." The redhead looks you up and down, and drawls lazily while 
  glancing over the flute, "Musta been a better corner of that sandball than 
  the one he found me in."

D'etta giggles softly with no comment.
D'etta looks around casually at all the roses and flowers..

The redheaded flute player quirks a brow, casually inspects the flute, and 
  after a moment fishes into a vest pocket to come up with a small stoppered 
  vial. This the kid opens, to dab out a few droplets of the contents onto the 
  flute's surface; a faint orange-and-cinnamon scent wafts into the air, as 
  Shenner rubs the oil into the flute. "Okaaaay, so. He do you like he did me, 
  hand you credits, toss you out into the street, and go, 'Have fun, kid?'"

D'etta shakes her head, "No, I don't think he's like that.."

"Yeah?" Shenner's voice holds utterly guileless interest. "Whatcha think he's 
  like?"

D'etta scratches her head, "I dunno.. He seems to know his business and do it 
  well, I have only worked for him for a couple days.."

Shenner lifts dark eyebrows. "Few days, huh? What're you doin' with him?"

D'etta shrugs, "Many paperwork, cuz he doesn't want to do it.. I am also a 
  travelling companion for various trips and stuff...

Shenner squints into the flute's outermost fingerhole, dabs some oil there, 
  and studies the young woman; the redhead keeps one dark eyebrow up, green 
  eyes considering, but at last Shenner seems to reach some kind of decision. 
  Slightly less blandly, Shen ahs. "So... were you his business on Tatooine? 
  He said something about having to go back..."

D'etta nods quietly, "Something like that"

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

	_So,_ thought Shenner darkly, while conversing with the young and
suspiciously innocent-looking D'etta, _Grathix has a habit of picking up
waifs on Tatooine, does he?_
	The young woman seemed far too flimsy an excuse for Grathix to have
gone all the way back to Tatooine -- and, in the black mood that had
lingered with Shenner ever since finding out about the rank of the woman
Simone Drake, the young thief found herself considering all sorts of
dire possibilities that might surround this new associated of Grathix's.
Especially after she remembered that the man had specifically mentioned
bringing in certain attractive female associates, and had warned Shenner
to keep 'his' hormones under control. _I suppose if I really were a boy,
or were inclined towards my own gender, I might have a problem..._
	Before that thought could stray towards the Corellian, Shikh --
or men in general -- Shenner mercilessly squashed it, and returned
attention to covertly scoping out D'etta, and at last talked the other
woman into going off and seeing to living arrangements and general
settling in to the city. Not inclined to spend time with her quite yet,
Shenner mouthed some promise about meeting later that she didn't really
pay attention to, and settled back to busk with a vengeance....

----------
Shikh comes into the park from the west.
Shikh has arrived.
Shikh strolls up from the resedential district, hands clasped behind his 
  back. His eyes scan side to side across the path, viewing each tree, and 
  every blade of grass.

The street musician, the redheaded kid Shenner, is out again, playing flute on 
  what appears to be a favored bench, and working a course through what sounds 
  like it ought to be a complicated melody yet is giving the kid a bit of 
  trouble to try to work through.

Shikh relaxes as he enters the range of Shen's flute. He slows to a stop, 
  closes his eyes and turns his head toward the correct bench. Opening his 
  eyes, he grins and walks rather quickly over. Not wanting to interrupt, he 
  nods and sits on the end of the bench, watching people go by, some taking 
  notice of Shen's music, others ignoring the young urchin.

The redheaded 'lad' glances up, spotting the brief shadow falling across the 
  light from Etti IV's primary... and connecting it with the young Corellian. 
  Shenner gives a brief head-bob by way of greeting, though the green eyes 
  consider Shikh a moment or two as the kid keeps playing.

Shikh's face twists into an undirected smile occasionally as Shen's music 
  takesa dramatic turn, or just falls into a pleasing rhthym.

Shenner finally finishes, looks up again, and drawls lazily, "Yo."

Shikh smiles and looks over to Shenner, giving a conspiratorial wink, "So 
  whatcha been up to today, huh?"

Shenner smiles narrowly, lowering the flute, and casually inspecting it. The 
  kid runs a slender fingertip around the mouthhole and a fingerhole or two, 
  then pulls out a little vial from one of 'his' vest pockets; the vial is 
  opened, and Shenner dabs a few drops of the contents onto the flute's 
  surface. An orange-and-cinnamon smell wafts into the air, while Shenner rubs 
  the oil in, and as the kid does all this, Shen casually replies, "Busking, 
  mostly, before I head back to the hostel and work on my guitar."

Shikh nods, "In that case, good luck, I guess..." he smiles and starts to get 
  up, his hand pushing off the back of the bench. "I'll catch you later, I'm 
  sure..."

"I'm sure," the kid drawls, almost languidly, still working on oiling the 
  flute. "Luck on that job hunt...."

Shikh nods, talking over his shoulder as he heads away, "Yeah, thanks... looks 
  like I may have a few leads..." he murmurs, then paces toward his home just 
  beyond the park's borders.
Shikh disappears up the lane
Shikh leaves the park to the west.
Shikh has left.

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

	_Him again,_ Shenner told herself uneasily, after Shikh departed.
Even more unsettled at the idea of running into Shikh than she was by the
idea of spending time in the company of Grathix's new and therefore
disconcerting associate, the young thief gave herself two more steady
hours of flute playing and practice in the park before feeling steady
enough to brave the city streets again.
	She thinks of hitting the Dance Dome again, and for at least a
brief time does so -- taking a bit of time to exchange what pleasantries
she can manage when greeted by Chantinelle, all the while wondering whether
any suspicious coincidences lay in meeting _that_ person so often,
as well. But Shenner's restlessness wasn't soothed, and eventually,
she hit the streets again....

----------
You leave the free-flying party and enter the Port District.
Port District - Capital City <ETTI IV>(#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:
D'etta
Grathix
Obvious exits:
 <E> leads to Residential Avenue - Capital City <ETTI IV>.
 <NE> leads to Business District - Capital City <ETTI IV>.
 <SE> leads to Government District - Capital City <ETTI IV>.
 <FFDD> leads to Free-Flight Dance Dome - Capital City <ETTI IV>.
 <ACE> leads to Authority Currency Exchange - Capital City <ETTI IV>.
 <W> leads to Spaceport Center - Capital City <ETTI IV>.

D'etta smiles, "Hey, Its me, D'etta"

Grathix finally catches a glimpse of D'etta. He smiles and wlks over to her. 
  "now how could I miss you like that."

D'etta shrugs, "dunno"

Shenner emerges from the Dome, brow crinkled in thought, and scanning the 
  streets as 'he' looks for a path away from the place.

Grathix strides on up to D'etta and says, "So, how's Etti treating you?"

<SKILL> Shenner rolls a 14 for her PERCEPTION skill. An Average roll!

D'etta shrugs, "Folks seem okay, nobody really talks alot.. kinda lonely, but 
  I worked on some of the peperwork you game me last week"

<SKILL> D'etta rolls a 14 for her PERCEPTION skill. An Average roll!

As the redheaded musician comes away from the Dome, Shenner lopes along the 
  street, flicking glances through the passing crowds.

Grathix nods and asks, "What did you think of Shenner?"

<SKILL> Shenner rolls a 15 for her PERCEPTION skill. An Average roll!

D'etta nods quietly, "He's okay"

<SKILL> Shenner rolls a 17 for her SNEAK skill. A Good roll!

Grathix smiles, "I know he doesn't look like much, but he has a lot of 
  potential in him."

"Why, Grath, big guy," drawls the musician's tenorish voice as the redhead 
  seemingly materializes out of nowhere, "my ears're burnin'!"

D'etta giggles as she eventually notices Shenner.

Grathix glances about and notices the rehaired thief.
Grathix chuckles and shakes his head, "You se what I mean, D'etta?"

D'etta nods giggling, "Uh huh.."

Grathix looks at Shenner and tells 'him', "I told you I'd be back."

Shenner, now right behind and between you both, says blandly, "Glad to see it. 
  Fast, too."

Grathix grins, "When I need to be."

D'etta smiles.

Grathix says, "How about we all get together in the Free-Flight and talk, 
  instead of being in everyone's way here."

D'etta shrugs, "Doesn't matter to me"

Shenner goes on blithely, in a tone perhaps at odds with the sharp glint in 
  the kid's green eyes, "After all, that was a juicy proposition you gave me, 
  and I'd hate to see it undealt with..." There's slight emphasis on those 
  last two words. But the musician merely gestures expansively back the way 
  'he' had come, and grins crookedly. "After you, pal."

Grathix motions to D'etta, "please, this way..." indicating the direction to 
  the free-flight.

D'etta nods and follows.

You enter the Free-Flight Dance Dome, ready for an enjoyable time.
Free-Flight Dance Dome - Capital City <ETTI IV>
    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.)
Obvious exits:
 <OUT> leads to Port District - Capital City <ETTI IV>.

D'etta comes in from the street.
D'etta has arrived.

Grathix comes in from the street.
Grathix has arrived.

D'etta looks around.

Grathix walks in after D'etta, steps in front of her and leads her over to a 
  table

Sauntering long-leggedly into the Dome as if 'he' owns it, Shenner calmly 
  follows the other two into the maze of tables and booths and beings at them, 
  all the while studying Grathix intently.

D'etta smiles.

Grathix moves through the crowd and joins you at your table.

D'etta moves through the crowd and joins you at your table.

You move through the crowd and sit at a large table.
LARGE
This large table has a good view of the dance floor and the surrounding 
  patrons of the joint. Large and round, it's covered with a few different 
  varieties of dried liquid substances, of various ages.
Occupied:
Chantinelle 
D'etta 
Grathix

D'etta says, "Poor Chanti, prolly had too much booze."

At your table, Grathix glances at Shenner and asks, "So, what's this about our 
  deal?"

At your table, Shenner folds 'his' lean frame into a chair, and smiles 
  close-mouthedly and sharp-eyedly at the other two, before beginning 
  cheerfully, buffing 'his' fingernails along the front of 'his' vest, "Just 
  startin' to get a trifle curious, big guy. I mean... been here a couple 
  weeks now, and from where I sit, a kid can't help but wonder what's going 
  on." Slight emphasis again, on those last three words. "I can only do so 
  much singin' and buskin' and drinkin', yah know."

At your table, D'etta takes notes.

At your table, Shenner at D'etta's comment flicks a look from that young woman 
  to the individual who's apparently dozed off not far away, but otherwise 
  doesn't bat an eyelash, still smiling benignly.

At your table, Grathix grins, "what, that lifestyle doesn't appeal to you?"

At your table, D'etta giggles softly as she gets out a pad of paper.

At your table, Shenner keeps that thin, lopsided smirk-smile in place. "Oh, I 
  love it -- or I might, if the populace liked music a little more. I mean, it 
  takes a real foot-stomper to get these folks dancin', tense as they are, 
  everybody from peon street rats like me clear up to Prex Drake herself." The 
  kid casually stretches, rolling that dark red head from side to side for a 
  moment as though to crack 'his' neck, but shoots another intent look at 
  Grathix while finishing, "Probably all due to all those battle ships in 
  orbit, I'm sure."

At your table, Grathix smiles, "Probably, but I'm sure pres drake would enjoy 
  a good music session, along with everyone else."

At your table, D'etta makes some notes.

At your table, Grathix leans back in his seat and asks, "So the Prez is 
  worried, you say?"

At your table, Shenner smiles rather more broadly, but the smile does not 
  extend to the musician's green eyes. "Planning on arranging me an audition? 
  I'm flattered. I'd think a street bard who barely scrapes together credits 
  for a midday meal wouldn't exactly be to a galactic leader's musical 
  tastes." As Grathix speaks his question, the kid goes on without faltering, 
  "And her guards and her canine'd make it quite the daunting performance."

At your table, D'etta makes some more notes.

Silversand has connected.

At your table, Grathix looks at Shenner and says, "Are you saying your not up 
  to it? would be a performance of a lifetime."

At your table, D'etta adds, "Yes, and think of how many credits you'd get 
  too.."

At your table, Shenner looks right back at Grathix and replies, "I'll _sing_ 
  for anybody." An ever so slightly noticeable emphasis on that verb, now. 
  "But a gutter-spawn like me don't know squat about how to play for a Prex. 
  Suppose you tell me what kind of song would be appropriate." Shenner gives 
  D'etta a sidelong glance, then adds blandly, "I know a l'il more about 
  musicians than Prexes, though. I do know paid musicians generally know 
  what's on the program _before_ the concert."

At your table, Grathix nods, "It won't be any different this time either."

At your table, D'etta nods at Grathix' comment and makes some more notes.

At your table, Shenner crooks both dark eyebrows, the expression guileless, 
  patient. "Sooooooo," the kid prompts. "Enlighten me."

Silversand exits and heads into the Port District.
Silversand has left.

At your table, Grathix grins, "you surprise me, Shenner. I'd imagined you 
  already would have figure it out."

At your table, D'etta giggles softly wile making some notes.

At your table, Grathix says, "Surely, you have started putting bits and pieces 
  of the puzzle and can make out what the finally product will be."

At your table, Shenner gives another mirthless, broad smile. "Well, I tell 
  yah, Grath, pal, I applied my poor provinicial street-spawn brain, and seems 
  to me there'd be a coupla options for such an.... audition. I could probably 
  sing the one about the captive Rebel hero, but I'm sure _that_ wouldn't go 
  over too well. I could waltz in and waltz out again, after stealing their 
  hearts and their credits with some of my charming folk music...." Something 
  in the redhead's eyes hardens a little, as Shenner finishes smoothly, "Or, 
  if I really wanted to _knock 'er dead_, I s'pose I could whip up a love song 
  'specially for her. Lotta options to choose from, doncha think?"

At your table, Grathix nods, "There most certinly are. And which would you 
  prefer?"

At your table, Shenner rallies without batting an eyelash, "You're the one 
  handin' out the pay chits. But as long as you're askin'" -- the dark red 
  head inclines almost graciously -- "even us street bards don't like to 
  alienate our audiences. We like to be able to coax 'em back for more." 
  Shenner's green eyes stay on Grathix, now.

At your table, D'etta writes some notes.

At your table, Grathix listens to Shenner's comment. He remains silent for a 
  moment before replying.

At your table, Grathix says, "One thing I learned from running 
  mandalMotors...never alienate a high paying customer unless you have another 
  one on the wings."

D'etta giggles softly as she looks over her notes.

At your table, Shenner drawls, gaze still fixed on the big male, "This mean 
  you want me to sing the Prex a farewell?" The question comes out pitched 
  lowly, softly, to carry no farther than the edges of the table.

At your table, Grathix nods, "Yes, in a manner of speaking. A soft lullaby 
  just to ease her on her little voyage. Though I doubt she'd like you to sing 
  for her on her return"

D'etta stops and looks at Grathix, then at Shenner.

Shikh comes in from the street.
Shikh has arrived.
Shikh walks unobtruisively into the DanceDome and takesa seat by himslef at a 
  table on the border of th dance floor

At your table, D'etta goes back to her notepad.

At your table, Grathix says, "Now then, Shenner, what exactly are you looking 
  for?"

At your table, Shenner replies, all trace of smile or smirk leaving that slim 
  pale face, "Just some assurance that my audience will... continue to be able 
  to enjoy music. Even if not from me." The redhead's face and gaze are now 
  levelly serious, as 'he' continues, "And a bit of enlightenment about when 
  the audition is -- after all, I might have to rehearse."

At your table, Grathix nods, "Of course, wouldnt have it any other way. But I 
  still need to make all of the preparations. Once that is done, I will give 
  you ample time to perfect your song."

At your table, D'etta makes some notes and turns the pages.

At your table, Shenner considers this, then once more gives a lopsided, 
  left-sided half-grin. "Well. You know where to find me, pal." The kid rises 
  from 'his' chair, then adds, dryly, "Found the guitar."

At your table, Grathix ngrins, "yes, the best bass guitar in the galqxy.'

At your table, D'etta looks up at Shenner and smiles.

At your table, Shenner smirks, lightly. "Bass, huh? Thought it felt a little 
  heavy. Guess I'll have to work out to be able to hold the thing for more 
  than a song or two." The green eyes remain guarded, as Shenner finishes, 
  "And I think I'll go practice."
At your table, Shenner, with that, moves off from the table.

At your table, Grathix smiles, "Just be carefull with it. Might have a few 
  surprises in it."

You stand and leave the large table.
Shenner glances at 'his' table companions, as 'he' gets up, striding away from 
  the place 'he'd' been sitting. The redheaded musician is wearing a carefully 
  neutral expression, and, once alone, begins weaving a route towards the exit.

Shikh raises a brow and nods at Shenner as 'he' passes, being at the table 
  nearest the door that still has a view of the dancers. He sips a drink 
  lazily and grins setting it back down.

Catching Shikh's eye, Shenner bobs that dark head distractedly, still on 
  course for the way out as 'he' passes the young Corellian's table.

Kuxli comes in from the street.
Kuxli has arrived.

Shikh waits for Shenner to pass out through the Dance Dome entrance, then 
  gives the table a quuick glance and stands, hurriedly tracking the youth.

Shenner moves straight for the way out, flute-sheath bopping lightly against 
  'his' shoulder. En route, if the redheaded kid notices the entrance of 
  Kuxli, Shen gives no sign; in a few more long-legged strides, the musician 
  is out the door.

You leave the free-flying party and enter the Port District.
Port District - Capital City <ETTI IV>(#1118RLXtFJN)
Obvious exits:
 <E> leads to Residential Avenue - Capital City <ETTI IV>.
 <NE> leads to Business District - Capital City <ETTI IV>.
 <SE> leads to Government District - Capital City <ETTI IV>.
 <FFDD> leads to Free-Flight Dance Dome - Capital City <ETTI IV>.
 <ACE> leads to Authority Currency Exchange - Capital City <ETTI IV>.
 <W> leads to Spaceport Center - Capital City <ETTI IV>.

Shikh comes out of the Free-Flight Dance Dome.
Shikh has arrived.
Shikh hurries up behind Shen, "Wait up..." He gris, "How'd the guitar go?"

Shenner, once out on the streets, flicks a green glance in a direction or two, 
  before picking a course... or at least starting to. At the sound of Shikh's 
  voice, the kid starts, glancing around. "Wh... what?"

Shikh pulls up even with the kid, "Earlier... you said you were going to 
  practice your guitar... How'd it go?"

"Oh.... " Shen considers, then smirks, self-deprecatingly. "I can make it 
  sound like I pinched it, but that's about it. Can't play it in public yet. I 
  reek."

Shikh chuckles and gestures in the direction Shen had started to go. He starts 
  to walk, then thumbs back over his shoulder, "So who were your friends back 
  there?"

Shenner falls into step readily enough, but glances mostly at the track 'his' 
  booted feet take rather than anywhere else. "Not friends," the musician 
  murmurs. "This guy and his secretary, or somethin'. Wants me for a... music 
  job. Or so he says."

Shikh nods slowly, "Oh... gotcha. You gonna do it?" He asks curiously.

Without looking up, Shenner keeps pace, and answers grimly, "I dunno yet."

Shikh makes a muffled grunt noise, "Up to you... you're the artist..." He 
  smiles, "You missed Kuxli on the way in... I did too actually... didn't want 
  to lose you on the street."
Shikh walks briskly beside Shenner, "Where we headed?" he asks curiouly.

Again looking vaguely startled, Shenner glances back at the shape of the Dome, 
  receding in the distance, before finally looking with a gaze that might well 
  be described as wary at the other young human. "I was going to go back to my 
  room at the hostel and crash," the kid says, neutrally.

Shikh raises his brows, "Feeling ok, Shen? You're acting... well, wierd, 
  today." He frowns out of concern.

Silversand comes along the road to the southeast.
Silversand has arrived.
Silversand looks at you for a moment.

Shikh is walking beside Shenner, talking quietly

D'etta comes out of the Free-Flight Dance Dome.
D'etta has arrived.

Shikh is walking beside Shenner, talking quietly

Silversand looks over at D'etta as she exits the dance dome, nodding to her.

D'etta nods back as she exits..

Moving along off down the avenue from the Dome, Shenner murmurs in an 
  undertone to Shikh, "Just ponderin' the meanin' of life, pal. I'm okay. 
  Nothin' to get your afterburners in a roar over."

D'etta moves through the District into the Spaceport to the west.
D'etta has left.

Shikh nods, "Alright..." He halts and shrugs, "Guess I'll find you later, in 
  better spirits maybe..." He smiles, "Rest well, kid."

Kuxli comes out of the Free-Flight Dance Dome.
Kuxli has arrived.

Shenner rolls one shoulder in a shrug, smiles in a way that suggests either 
  depression, lack of enthusiasm, or both. "I'll give it that ol' college try. 
  And ignore that I've never been to college." For some reason, the lopsided 
  smirk looks more like a shield than an expression on the redhead's face, at 
  least for a moment; in that same moment, Shenner might be observed to look 
  younger and perhaps more delicate than the musician is wont to behave. 
  "Later, pal."

Kuxli pads out from the dance dome, glancing around almost nervously, his gaze 
  hanging on the espo's before he starts to head for the starport.

Shikh cocks his head in concern, "Sure thing, Shen..." he turns and walks 
  away, only to turn back a moment later. "And... be careful, alright?" 
  Without waiting for an answer, he trods off heavily, tucking his hands into 
  his pockets.

Shenner, with that, vanishes into the streets.

----------
Postlude:

	Heading towards the transients' hostel in which she'd been rooming
for the past several days, Shenner nearly had a coronary when a large,
furry shape intercepted here -- then, upon realizing that the shape in
question belonged to Kuxli, Shenner calmed down somewhat. But the Horansi
looked nervous and glanced from side to side as though afraid he were being 
watched; the sight of _that_ set off all of Shenner's mental alarms again.
When Kuxli beckoned her to the nearest unobtrusive spot he could find,
his feline features cast in sheepish apology, he murmured in his growling
voice that he had to leave the planet.
	For a moment, all Shenner could think was, _What?_ And that, in
fact, was what she replied aloud, blankly.
	Kuxli repeated his statement, almost imploringly, and Shenner
found herself torn. The knowledge of Kuxli's connection with Simone Drake
frightened her badly. But here and now, seeing a creature much bigger
and stronger than she -- despite his obvious youth -- be so palpably 
skittish, Shenner's uneasiness started shifting within her. All at once,
Kuxli struck her far less as a source of potential trouble for _her_
than a target of trouble himself.
	Nor, when Shenner impulsively demanded it of him, did Kuxli deny
that he was in peril. It was all too obvious that he desperately wished
to flee, so Shenner let him -- but not before yielding, before she
could even realize she had it, to an impulse to hug the felinoid and
tell him to watch out for himself.
	She didn't watch him go, so she didn't see what path he took to
vanish into the night, though she knew he had to eventually wind up at the
spaceport. Paranoid as Kuxli seemed -- and as she felt -- she couldn't
help but wonder which of them was in more trouble as she took a roundabout
route to the hostel, all the while feeling very, very much alone.

[End log.]