Log Date: 3/8/97 Log Cast: Paul Nighman, Shenner, Jessalyn, Luke, Amylynn Log Intro: On Palanhi, the accidental revelation by Luke that he's known Shenner's true gender all this time has had quite the explosive effect on the young bard -- as well as her employer, Grathix. And in the meantime, the crew of the good ship _Black Dragon_ has to their surprise discovered that their intended rescue-ee -- Han Solo -- has in fact already been rescued, and has been brought to Palanhi by an Imperial medic who sprang him out of imprisonment; Shenner has attempted to make herself useful by fetching for Amylynn an antibiotic for Solo, which she's requested to keep him from having to lose his wounded foot. And to further complicate Shenner's life, she's discovered that Alora has arrived on the planet. It's enough to make the kid want to curl up and hide, but she manages instead to make herself touch bases with her boss. Grathix to her relief has made himself settle down after the discovery of her real gender, and treats her with the same wry courtesy he always has -- and the same humor. Much to Shenner's annoyance, Grathix has inquired whether Han Solo is as good-looking and charming as his reputation claims, and whether Shenner herself has succumbed to this alleged charm. She has shrugged off _that_ subject -- a tender one, given Shenner's still-shaky ability to deal with her gender being revealed -- and has agreed to relay to Solo Grathix's message that he wishes to talk with him. In the meantime, Grathix has offered her the key to his hotel room, and Shenner's spent the night there, alone, with the door locked. And when she gets up the next morning.... ---------- Crossing the expansive balcony, you grasp the gold railing and slowly descend the white marble steps to the main lobby. Grand Palanhi Hotel - Palanhi City Recently totally renovated, the Grand Palanhi Hotel has been restored to its original magnificence and elegant charm. Three hand-carved gold pillars, set equal distance apart across the middle of the expansive lobby, extend from the white marble floor to the high, coffered ceiling. Large casement windows span most of the front wall. Thick red velvet draperies cover the windows, blocking out the Palanhi sun's hot rays, allowing the lobby to be remarkably cool and comfortable. Red velvet upholstered chairs and couches are arranged in small and medium-sized groupings in various areas around the room. A deep red strip of carpet leads from the gold-framed entrance to the white marble registration desk. Six multi-tiered crystal chandeliers, suspended from the ceiling by gold chains, tinkle harmoniously at the slightest breeze. But even all of this is dwarfed by the elegance of the gold-railed, white marble spiral staircase that extends upward along the left wall to the second floor balcony. On the right, two pair of double gold doors stand open; one leads to the Hotel dining room, the other to the Casino. Contents: Paul_Nighman Obvious exits: Dining Room Staircase Casino Out Shenner comes trotting down the stairs, looking about warily, as if not quite at ease in this hotel's lavish setting. Paul_Nighman Stretches and yawns, looking groggily at his wrist for the time. His eyes widen at the lateness of the hour, and he sits up, running his hands through his hair, not completely aware of his surroundings yet. Paul_Nighman 's books falls to the floor with a loud thud. Paul_Nighman bends down distractly to pick it up, examining it for any damage. He pats it gently, as if it were alive, and sets it next to him on the chair. The kid coming down the stairs angles towards the front desk of the lobby, frowning intently to herself. But the jolt of the book make the youngster's head turn, and Shenner pauses, warily. Paul_Nighman notices that his glasses are missing, and leans down to retrieve those as well. Paul_Nighman grumbles to himself, as the frame has become bent. He carefully begins to manipulate the thin metal, reshaping it to it's previous form. Were she in anyone's line of sight, Shenner might be seen to go decidedly pale. The girl grabs at the railing of the stairs, and, looking slowly more frantic, hastily checks her route -- can she get to the front desk without being spotted? Shenner bolts, as noiselessly as she can manage, towards the front desk; that is accomplished, but the clerk on duty gives the rumpled youngster a raised eyebrow and a drawled, "May I help you, young master?" Paul_Nighman wipes the lenses, looks through them, and puts them away. He then picks up his book and places it back into his satchel. Swinging the bag strap over his shoulder, he stands up and stretches. Shenner grimaces and leans over to hiss to the clerk, "Look... I was up in room" -- and she names a number, producing the key as she does so -- "just, look, tell me if I got any messages, please? Or if you got any messages for a Shenner at all?" Paul_Nighman looking at his watch, Paul decides to head back up for a change of clothes, his eyes idly glancing around the room. The clerk looks Shenner up and down disdainfully, but does check his terminal, and informs Shenner, "Yes, we have a message for you -- Shenner, did you say? From a Jessalyn Valios." Paul_Nighman notices a scruffy looking kid at the desk, and muses that he must have looked almost as bedraggled yesterday. Shenner nods, looking vaguely relieved, and tells the clerk anxiously, "Well, can I see it?" The clerk studies the youngster again. "Can you produce some identification?" Paul_Nighman he frowns slightly as he over hears the name Jessalyn, focusing on the kid more closely. However, he only as a profile that is slightly turned away at the moment. Paul_Nighman eyeing the kid curiously, Paul heads toward the staircase, half an ear cocked, just in case ... Shenner scowls, and barks out, "Fine, _fine_," while trying to keep her voice down. The kid ferrets through her pockets, and finally comes up with a battered slip -- her busking permit from Etti IV -- and demands, "Will this do? The clerk casts a supercilious glance at the offered identification, and replies airily, "Very well, Master... Shenner. Your message." And the clerk turns the terminal around so that Shenner might read it. Paul_Nighman becomes convinced that there is something oddly familiar about the kid, but doesn't recall seeing him with Jessalyn. He stalls on his way to the stairs, glancing at pieces of furniture, moldings, etc. Shenner scans the screen quickly, whirls without bothering to thank the clerk -- and can't help but cast a nervous, wide-eyed glance to where the sleeping man had been just a moment before. Shen's green gaze makes a circuit of the room, allowing a glimpse of her thin young face, before the youngster abruptly charges off. Paul_Nighman gets a look at the kids face before he whirls away, and now seems quite confident that he has seen him before, but can't place where. As Shen turns away a flute-sheath dangling off her shoulder might be spotted, and Shenner clutches this with one slim hand as she hastens on scruffily booted feet out of the hotel. [Hoping to get to the starport as quickly as she can before the man she thinks she recognized in the lobby of the hotel spots her, Shenner hastens off down the road, heading east....] You cross the square to the East. Starport Road - Palanhi City Nestled between the two busiest sections of Palanhi City, this portion of Starport Road is like a world apart. Peaceful and tranquil, this area is home to the Palanhi City Security Offices. Occasionally, one can see one of Palanhi City's finest escort a perpetrator into the low, tan building that lies to the South. An unusual sight, two empty buildings, stands to the North. Starport Road continues to the East. The vast Palanhi City Square lies beyond a barrier to the West. Circling the square, a passageway leads to the Northwest, connecting with North Road. Contents: Jessalyn Obvious exits: leads to The Academy - Palanhi City . leads to North Road - Palanhi City . leads to Starport Road - Palanhi City . leads to Palanhi City Square - Palanhi City . leads to Palanhi Security - Palanhi City . Shenner comes sprinting down the street, clutching her flute where its sheath is slung over her shoulder, and looking stricken as she goes. Paul_Nighman strolls in from Palanhi Square. Paul_Nighman has arrived. Paul_Nighman recognizes Jessalyn first and waves broadly to her! Paul_Nighman looks at you for a moment. Shenner(#9664PenAc) To most if not all passing glances, this individual could be summed up as 'young male human', and certainly the walk, stance, and mannerisms seem like those a brash young man would have. The short, spiky cap of dark red hair, with a brief little comma of a forelock over the left side of the brow, is masculine in look, as is the lean, angular build and tallish height. But if this is indeed a human male, it is one with uncommonly delicate features, dominated by large, luminous, and sharply intelligent green eyes... and a closer regard may well reveal to the observer that this human's voice is a shade _too_ high to truly be a young man's tenor -- in fact, it sounds more like a young woman's contralto. This human is clad in blandly unobtrusive garb, the kind you might expect any common laborer or traveller to have on: a simple white tunic with a turned-up collar; a heavy, padded vest of dark grey, with multiple pockets; breeches of a slate-blue hue, tucked into scuffed but serviceable calf-high boots of a neutral tan suede. Over all of this is worn an overlarge brown flight jacket, big enough that it tends to obscure the utility belt at her waist -- and the blaster holster. Jessalyn is strolling down the street, looking quite thoughtful, when she catches Paul's wave and returns it, smiling slightly. Shenner, unaware now that she's been followed out of the hotel, hollers out, "Jess? Hey, Jess!" Paul_Nighman says, "Halloo! Jessa! How are things?! He runs toward you, smiling." Shenner then skids to a halt -- _now_ realizing she's been followed. Jessalyn blinks as the two figures call her name and stops in her tracks, not knowing whom to address first. Finally she lets her gaze rest on Shenner. "Hey!" Paul_Nighman is oblivious to Shenner, eyes only for Jess, he passes the kid and stops short of grabbing Jessa in a hug, but he obviously wants to Shenner doesn't exactly go _pale_, really -- the shade she turns is more green than white. But her eyes go huge in her face, and she freezes on the walkway at the side of the road, as Nighman passes her. Paul_Nighman smiles broadly at Jessalyn. "I stayed in the lobby all night .. just in case .. Paul_Nighman ducks his head. "Well, actually, I fell asleep by accident, but my intentions were good. A second elapses. Then two. Shenner turns from green _to_ white, then, a pale, tense, angry white. And without warning, she's charging at Paul, a fist beginning to swing towards his jaw in a vicious arc. "You.... _BASTARD_!" Paul_Nighman swings around in surprise Jessalyn seems a little startled as Paul comes up to her so boldly, then even -more- startled at Shenner's outburst. "Shen!" Paul_Nighman is flattened by an unexpected punch coming up from under his chin. He loses his balance and falls backward Paul_Nighman blinks and gasps, the wind having been knocked out of him from the impact on the ground. He gets to his hands and knees, gasping for air Quivering visibly with what can only be rage, Shenner stands over the fallen man, fist still lifted, as she rails at him, "YOU BLOODY BASTARD!" Paul_Nighman leans backward, still trying to calm his erratic breathing, and rubbing his jaw, which has begun to throb Paul_Nighman 's eyes take in the kid with a mixture of confusion, anger, and a hint of admeration ... then ... Paul_Nighman 's eyes widen as he takes in the familiar features, the angry stance, the fierce eyes. His aching jaw drops open and then begins to close and open, like a fish. Softly he mumbles, "Oh my God ... Jessalyn hisses between her teeth, "Shenner Veery! Stop this!" She lurches forward and grabs the girl by the shoulders from behind. "What is wrong with you?" Shenner shrieks, "Let me GO! Let me go, Jess! The bastard left me on Tatooine and I'm gonna take it out of his hide! LEMMEGO!" Paul_Nighman looks at Jess and then Shen and begins to scramble backward. His face is flush with embarrasment Paul_Nighman says, "Hey, hey! Hold on! Wait up, I can explain ... _really_!" Paul_Nighman he looks around in distress and then focuses on Shen's face. "Holy shit, it is you ... how did you ever, I ... when did you, are you okay, I mean, I never meant to, you gotta believe me ... oh god, and a boy at that! He groans and rolls his eyes at the memory Jessalyn is stronger than she looks, and she keeps a tight hold on Shenner's arms, brows furrowing in confusion. "Shenner! Listen to me!" She glances over at Paul. "This isn't the way!" Paul_Nighman says, "Look, I tried, he shakes his head at the implication of _that_ statement ... I mean , I went looking for you, to aplogize, to explain, I uh, really, I wasn't hitting on _you_ ..." Paul_Nighman , finally standing again, rubs his jaw. "Man, you _still_ pack one hell of a wallop! "Let me GO, Jess, let me go!" Shenner rages, trying to wrestle free, and at Paul's words she fumes, "_I'm not a boy, you stinking heap of bantha dung!_" Paul_Nighman looks back and forth between Jess and Shen, obviously upset and embarrassed and confused. He looks at Shen, "I am _so_ sorry .... and then blinks when he hears that ... Paul_Nighman says, "What?" Jessalyn digs her fingers deeper into Shenner's arms, straining to hold her back. She looks between the two, baffled. Shenner snarls, "You _forgot_? You forgot after claiming you 'saw through my little game'? After calling me a 'bitch'? AFTER KISSING ME?! YOU BASTARD! LEMMEGO JESS LEMMEGO!" Paul_Nighman looks like he's just been socked in the jaw again. His eyes are reeling with thoughts and implications Shenner's voice turns hoarse and ragged, and the kid now might well be on the verge of tears. Paul_Nighman jumps back a step and yells "I didn't FORGET! You don't FORGET something like that ... EVER! I just, and he pauses in embarrasment ... I just didn't recognize you off the bat... Jessalyn slowly turns the girl around to face her, giving her an intense look. "It's all right, Shen. Stop it." Her grip is still firm on her arms. Paul_Nighman sighs. Something seems to snap inside of him. His eyes become sad and his shoulders slump. "Look, I'll have you know that I have never forgotten what I did to you, and will carry the shame of my actions to my death. He walks to Shenner and offers the other side of his face. "Here, you more than deserve another blow Paul_Nighman braces himself Shenner is still trembling violently, but her eyes have started turning heated, liquid -- tears. The kid lets out another incoherent snarl as Paul steps nearer, and tries once more to break free from Jessalyn's hold... Paul_Nighman holds his position, staring at the ground, with his jaw extended Paul_Nighman says, "Jessa, let her go, she has the perfect right to beat the tar out of me" Jessalyn shakes her head, whether intended for Shenner or Paul is unclear. She sighs quietly but only loosens her grip slightly. "This isn't the way," she repeats again in a softer voice. "I think we've just had a misunderstanding here.." Paul_Nighman fixes his eyes on the dirt, watching small dust storms blow about his feet. He can't look Jessalyn in the eyes, and he certainly can't face Shenner. He remains still and quiet, his body braced for the impact "Misunderstanding, hell!" Shenner growls, shakily. "The bastard stranded me..." But her voice is starting to lose some of its rage. Paul_Nighman tenses in response, but he makes no excuses Jessalyn mutters to herself, rolling her eyes. "Where the hell is Luke, he should be dealing with you two." She sighs tiredly and draws Shenner closer against her. "You're safe now, Shen, and that's all that matters." She gives Paul a questioning look. Shenner, quite abruptly, buries her face against Jessalyn's shoulder. The kid doesn't make much in the way of noise, but it's quite apparent that she's crying in fury. Jessalyn strokes the back of Shenner's head, and finally turns a withering gaze on Paul, one delicate brow lifted. Paul_Nighman looks up at the sound. His eyes narrow, with a flash of pain. He rubs his forehead, and looks into Jessa's eyes. He offers no excuse, asks for no understanding. "I am sorry Jessa. Please tell her that again. It doesn't mean a bloody fucking thing, but I am. I, just ... he obviously doesn't know what to say. His eyes are anguished and defeated. He turns away and walks off, with no particular direction. He turns back for a moment, "And I guess I owe you another apology as well Jessa, and then he heads off again Paul_Nighman his shoulders slumped, his gait uneven and dragging, he looks like a man who has just had a world of burdens dumped on his shoulder. He wipes at his face several times, smearing the tears that are begining to form with an angry gestrue Jessalyn gapes at Paul as he departs, and she looks down at Shener, frowning. "Now tell me what the hell that was all about?" "I don't wanna talk about it," Shenner mumbles, grumpily. Paul_Nighman stops in front of the academy and tries to open the doors, which remain closed and locked. He shakes them several times and curses them, kicking. Then, resignedly, he walks around to the other side of the building and sets himself down, leaning against the sun warmed wall, his arms across his knees, and allows his head to slump against his arms Paul_Nighman rocks his head back and forth against his forearms. In a very soft voice he mumbles over and over again "Alx was right, Alx was right, Alx was right ..." Jessalyn sighs and finally lets her hands drop to her side. She casts one look over at Paul, then shrugs her shoulders. "Fine, thats just fine. I'm going back to the ship, Shenner." The girl flashes Jessalyn a sudden look of alarm, then, raising her head. Shenner doesn't actually say it, but the 'Don't leave me?!' in her expression is palpably clear. Paul_Nighman sits up straight, seemingly coming to a decision. He stands up and walks over to the metal computer terminal in the center of the square. Paul_Nighman strolls westward, toward Palanhi City Square. Paul_Nighman has left. Jessalyn rakes a hand back through her hair, scowling. The events of the past few weeks weigh heavily inher eyes as she looks back at Shenner. Her expression is clear -- what can I do?-- Shenner abruptly and awkwardly hugs the older woman, shaking again. Paul_Nighman strolls in from Palanhi Square. Paul_Nighman has arrived. Paul_Nighman is frowning at himself. He walks toward the starport, giving Shenner and Jessalyn a wide berth. He seems a man determined. Shenner, awkwardly hugging Jessalyn, doesn't see the man stride off. Jessalyn pats Shenner's shoulder helplessly, not knowing what to say to her. "You can come with me, little one." Paul_Nighman strolls along Starport Road to the East. Paul_Nighman has left. Shenner mumbles, snifflingly, "I ain't got anywhere to go..." Jessalyn sighs, tilting back her head and stroking the fiery lock of hair back from her friend's forehead. "Shen, of course you have somewhere to go. You can always come with us." Jessalyn looks at you for a moment. Warily, the kid looks up at you, and asks, "Will... they let me?" Jessalyn's answering smile is warm, and she gives you a gentle squeeze. "Of course. You should know that by now." Shenner says meekly, "Luke thinks I'm terrified of him, I've barely said anything to the Princess..." Jessalyn chuckles, brushing her fingertips across your cheek lightly. "Luke thinks I'm terrified of him, too. But he won't even let me leave his sight." She shakes her head again. "We all think that you're one brave kid, Shenner. And I think we're all pretty good judges of character." Shenner swallows, and says gruffly, "If I'm so karkin' brave... h-how come I feel so awful right now?" She addresses this mostly to your boots. "Because you're human," Jessa says softly, not without compassion. Shenner issues a low snort, but says only, "Can... we just go back to the ship maybe? Grathix.... wanted to talk to Luke and y'all better... get Solo to a medbay or somethin'..." Jessalyn frowns slightly, but her face is mostly hidden as she pulls you to her for another hug. "Of course. Let's go back, together." Shenner hugs you hard, and then, quietly, accompanies you back to the port. [And off they head to the port...] You enter the Starport. Palanhi City Starport - Palanhi City (#19889RUXFJ) A wide expanse of concrete surrounds the main terminal of the Palanhi City Starport. Several service droids are in almost constant motion, their task keeping this section of the terminal clean. Errand droids scurry in and out of the area, either bringing in or taking out the bevy of goods that arrive and leave here on a daily basis. Surrounded by a small steel-mesh fence, a large control tower rises up to the North. To the south, shuttles are being moved in and out of a number of hangars. Nearby, loading ramps lead up to several shuttles. An exit stands to the West. Contents: Paul_Nighman Artoo STARFIGHTER: Lambda Class Shuttle -- Crusader STARFIGHTER: CECO YT-1300 -- The Cat's Paw STARFIGHTER: X-Wing -- Skywalker STARFIGHTER: CECO YT-1300 -- Black Dragon Palahni Bounty Hunter Terminal STARFIGHTER: CECO YT-1300 -- Silver Lotus STARFIGHTER: X-wing -- Dark 1 MailBox CAPITAL: Corellian Gunship -- Spectra Obvious exits: West Paul_Nighman is looking around the Starport, asking droids and the occasional carbon life form if there are any ships taking passengers leaving _immediately_ to _very soon_. To carry over all the noise, his voice is pitched quite loudly. As most of the responses are to the negative, his voice seems to increase in volume as well as anger. Jessalyn comes into the Starport from Starport Road. Jessalyn has arrived. Paul_Nighman see Shenner enter and stops shouting at a particular droid in mid sentence, his finger still pointing at the plaintatively beeping unit. His hand drops limply to his side. He tries to look away, but can't seem to keep his eyes off her. He stares, trying to see if she is alright or not. Paul_Nighman looks at you for a moment. The young redhead can be seen accompanying Jessalyn into the wide terminal, walking almost meekly beside her. Shen's pale, tense-looking still, but her earlier anger appears to have wilted out of her. Paul_Nighman takes a few steps in her direction, and then stops, certain that his presence will _not_ be welcome, no matter what he might have to say. Paul_Nighman 's eyes follow her intently, his concern evident in his expression, his tightly controlled anger evident in his stance Jessalyn supports the younger girl gently against her, leading her back to the Black Dragon. She notices Paul and gives him a warning, if sympathetic, glance. Paul_Nighman nods mutely, twitching from side to side with impatience and frustration Shenner is mostly watching her feet as Jessalyn leads her along. Paul_Nighman turns as a droid asks him a question. Loudy he says, "What? No, that is _not_ going to be leaving soon enough. I need something like, today. Isn't there anything? Jessalyn finally reaches the ramp of the Black Dragon. She pauses there, arm around Shenner's shoulder, and looks down at her questioningly. Shenner, as Nighman's voice carries across the port to her, tenses up, still not lifting her gaze. Paul_Nighman shakes his head at the droid. "No, you don't understand, this place and I, well lets just say we don't agree with one another. The droid chirps. "Is it a question of money? Paul pulls out a handfull. "I can pay for passage, no problem! Artoo swivels his dome around and bleeps as he turns on. Shenner murmurs, very tinily, to Jessalyn, "Can... we go on the ship, please?" Shen's hand tightens on the flute sheath slung along her shoulder. Paul_Nighman turns and looks at Shen "Jessa?" he calls out hopefully Paul_Nighman begins to walk toward them, purposefully, with a grim expression on his face. Jessalyn sighs, shaking her head as she looks back down at her young friend. "It's up to you," she answers softly. "I... I don't wanna..." The kid looks up, as Paul calls again. Then, blushing furiously, she turns and hastens up the _Dragon's_ ramp. [Shenner bursts into the ship, anxious to get away from Nighman, and leaving Jessalyn outside....] You walk into the Rear Corridor of the ship Rear Corridor - Black Dragon You gaze into the Entry Area for the YT-1300 Black Dragon. This is a nexus to the various areas of the ship. The Cargo Bay to the port, Engineering to the aft, and the Main Corridor to the fore. Contents: Luke Obvious exits: Airlock Cargo Bay Engine Room Main Corridor Luke is sitting in the corridor, his hood up and head bowed. His back is against a wall. He might be asleep. Shenner comes hastily in through the airlock, panting, and wrestling with tears. Shenner scrubs a hand across her eyes and mutters at herself furiously, "Why...? Ah, kark..." Luke sits motionless, his features hidden. Only two well tanned hands resting upon his knees. Shenner looks up, blinking, and gives a start at the other figure visible in the passageway. She considers, then speaks up anxiously, "Uh... Luke?" Only the Jedi's breathing, deep and controlled can be heard. His cowled head moves nearly imperceptibly. The girl's voice and footsteps weren't needed to herald her; her mind is broadcasting her arrival more than loudly enough, for one looking through the Force. Shenner's thoughts are snarled with fright and frustation -- but not directed at the silent one in the passageway. When she sees Luke, that perception immediately, subtly recolors her emotions, adding in a measure of shyness, wrestling with an attempt to calm herself down. Jessalyn walks in from the Airlock of the ship Jessalyn has arrived. Ever so slowly the man's tanned hands rise to draw his cowl back, for an instant you might think the face being revealed would be some hideous monstrosity, or demon. It is clear once the cowl slips off, it is only the calm face of a young man with tousled blonde hair and baby blue eyes. "Shenner." his lips draw into a smile as he nestles back into the bulkhead and pats the floor next to him. "Come sit down. You look like you need the rest." Shenner has halted unsurely, not knowing whether Luke was aware or awake, but when he rouses, she offers him a weak smile and pads to him. Jessalyn follows shortly behind Shenner, seemingly intent on saying something to her. She stops as she sees Luke and just watches quietly. Shenner gingerly sits, slipping the green suede flute-sheath off her shoulder. "You know.." Luke says, turning and watching her sit down next to him, "Fear has a way of clutching onto you. It's difficult to think clearly when that happens." he says to her in a quiet voice, his eyes speaking tomes of understanding. Jessalyn blinks her deepset green eyes slowly and leans one shoulder against the bulkhead, far enough away not to interfere but close enough to listen. And she does so with a certain fascination. Jessalyn's arrival is not unmarked by the girl; Shen flicks a green gaze back towards her, but the woman's stance perhaps assures Shenner that she's doing the right thing here. The kid lets out a breath, fidgets with the laces at the end of her flute-sheath, and admits, "Yeah... it's... been a lot like that for me lately." Luke lets out a faint and consoling breath, peering at her. His voice now warm and comforting, "It's.. hard isn't it.." it sounds like a statement of fact, or possibly a question. Shenner still mostly looks down at the laces she's fiddling with, as she says gruffly, "Yeah..." But then she does sneak a look up at the young man questioning her, perhaps surprised at the way this conversation has started, but if she is, she doesn't try to divert him from it. "And you feel like there is no where to turn.. and you have no true friends.. you feel alone.." Luke says quietly, still watching her reaction. As Jessa listens to Luke talking to the younger girl, she seems extremely thoughtful, brows drawn together. She doesn't say anything but her gaze fixes unerringly on Luke's face. Shenner chews at her lower lip, and can be seen to blush, but also to nod, sheepishly. Luke turns away from her, settling into the bulkhead, now noticing Jessa. He continues speaking to Shenner though, "Sometimes when -we- feel that way it's just good to talk about it." he says, brushing at some sand on his knee, "It's good to have people to talk to about that right?" turning to her again, "Friends I mean.. people you can trust?" Jessalyn tears her eyes away from Luke andlooks down at the toes of her boots, shifting her shoulders where she stands leaning against the bulkead. Shenner looks up, shyly, at Luke. "Yeah," she agrees again, huskily. Amylynn walks in from the Main Corridor of the ship. Amylynn has arrived. Amylynn pokes her head out of the hallway. Shenner can be seen sitting on the floor near Luke; the kid is looking shyly and somewhat troubledly at the young Jedi. "It just pains me to see you so afraid." Luke adds in a near whisper. He is still leaning against the wall he is sitting up against, next to Shenner. Amylynn a flood of relife fills Amylynn face and she smiles. Jessalyn stands a ways down the corridor, listening but not looking at the other two who are seated on the floor. Shenner blurts, to Luke, "It's... see, it's not like... " She scowls at herself and her failure to bring up the words. "It's just that y'all've been havin' more important stuff to do, see?" Amylynn steps lightly toward the group, and smiles at Luke and looks with soft questioning eyes to the others. Distracted by Amylynn's emergence, Shenner looks up, blinking. Jessalyn tenses imperceptibly as Amylynn approaches them. Her returning smile is faint, and she looks around, casting about for some excuse to depart the ship. Luke smiles, "Do you feel like you aren't important?" he eyes Shenner carefully. Amylynn looks to Shenner "Unimportant, hardly, Shenner got the anti-biodics for Han. He'll live cause of that medicine. Shenner abruptly blushes. Luke answers Amylynn, though he doesn't look up. His concentration on Shenner, "Right. You are important. Look, you've already saved both mine and Han's life in the space of a week.. and before you protest, just be quiet and come to terms with that." he grins, "You can't run forever you know." Jessalyn looks at you for a moment. Shenner says, voice small, "Well, y'all were... kinda busy, and she said Solo needed the medicine..." Amylynn looks To Shenner then to Luke "Hans Blood purity is up to 95 percent. He's gonna be just fine thanks To Shenner. But i still wanna get him to a Bacta tank soon. Jessalyn glances at each of the three other people in the corridor, a mixture of concern and discomfort in her eyes. She finally edges her way past the others, her face red, and mumbles, "Excuse me," as she goes towards the crew's quarters. Shenner glances up at Amylynn, and then offers to Luke, "I, uh, tried to tell you last night, about..." She trails off, then, as Jessalyn leaves. Luke stands, offering a hand to Shenner, "About what?" he looks over at Amylynn as Shenner does, then ponders to himself at Jessalyn leaving. Jessalyn walks Fore to the Main Corridor of the ship. Jessalyn has left. Amylynn taps her rifle in thought and smiles. "Well I got the medicine, We only got one vile, I cam heal him in a month with it and careful patching. But I feel better if we get him to a real medical center soon." Shenner takes Luke's hand and gets to her feet, while answering, "About the medicine... and... well, that y'all can go now, see? But you were talking to Alora" -- a flash of fear from the kid? -- "and then I had to talk to Grathix, and then I saw..." Shen trails off, unsettled. Luke frowns slightly, still holding her hand as he turns to her, "What.. what did you see?" Shenner's gaze drops, and she blushes again. But she also mumbles, "Somebody I'm... pretty mad at, and... on top of everything else, I just... " She doesn't need to finish. Clearly, whatever happened was the proverbial straw on the bantha's back. "It's ok.. you don't have to tell me about it." Luke answers comfortingly. Shenner shrugs a little, looking off in some random direction, but she does say sheepishly, "Well... like you said, sometimes it helps to talk, and..." Shenner looks at you, then, and says softly, "You... do scare me, but... I trust you." Luke smiles looking down at her, "Thank you. I'm glad you trust me." he tosses a glance down the hallway, wondering again at Jessalyn's departure. Shenner pauses, looking nervous. "Do you... wanna go talk to her? I can wait..." "I'm sure she's alright. I'm still worried about her after yesterday." Luke says distantly, then turns, "You didn't tell me your boss tried to hurt you." Shenner blinks, then says in genuine surprise, "What?" Luke nods, "Well Jess told me he.." he pauses, lowering his voice somewhat, "..he tried to hurt her, I just assumed since you were with her that.." Shenner abruptly flushes scarlet. "Oh," she mumbles. "Well... um.... he... kinda found us... when we were drunk..." She looks down again, clearly ashamed of herself. Shenner goes on, "I think he was... mad that Jess let me get blitzed." Luke doesn't know whether to laugh or not. He decides on a jedi-ish scowl, "You really shouldn't do that." he says, trying to hide his amusement. Jessalyn walks in from the Main Corridor of the ship. Jessalyn has arrived. Shenner and Luke, standing now, can be seen still conversing in the passageway. Shenner, still inspecting her boot toes, mumbles, "Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time..." Jessalyn takes a deep breath as she starts down the corridor, and offers a seemingly pleasant and friendly smile to the others. "I'm gonna go get some fresh air." Luke catches Jess out of the corner of his eye, "Oh.. just don't wander too far ok?" Shenner looks up at Jessalyn's voice, and smiles tentatively to her. Jessalyn nods without looking back at him. "I won't." Jessalyn walks into the Airlock of the ship Jessalyn has left. Luke frowns at her back as she leaves offering, "Um.. well are you still afraid of this Grathix?" Shenner smirks faintly, leaning back against the wall, now. "I... dunno. He knows I'm a girl, now. We... talked." At that, though, the kid's tone changes and she looks back up at you. "He wanted to know what I wanted to do, now... and... he asked me about Solo. He told me something else." Luke steps over leaning against the wall as well, "What did he say? I'm not sure I entirely trust this fellow.." Jessalyn walks in from the Airlock of the ship Jessalyn has arrived. Shenner says gravely to Luke, straightforwardly now, "He said he wants to see Solo because... somebody apparently thinks Solo owes them something and he wants to make a deal to get them off his back." Jessalyn re-enters the corridor, slightly flushed, sweat on her brow. A smile fades from her face as she stops near Shenner and Luke and listens to the girl's words. Luke runs a hand through his hair, "Well I've known Han for a long time now.. he probably owes a lot of people something." he says with a touch of amusement. "Other than that..." Shenner looks at Luke as he speaks, then finishes, "... just mostly wanted to know why I didn't tell him about... me." A snort. "And wished me good luck and wants to talk about my wages." Luke raises both eyebrows, "Will you go back with him to uh.." he considers his words carefully, "..work?" At that, a hopeful little light kindles in Shenner's face. "Jess wants me to come with her... will... can I..." Jessalyn slowly walks towards the two, her footsteps echoing in the empty hallway. She looks at Shenner with a touch of concern, interested in her response to Luke's question. You say, "I mean... do you have _room_? Is there anything I can do?" Luke seems slightly shocked, "Shenner, you're free to come with us. Actually I'm glad Jessalyn asked you." he turns to give Jessa a look before turning his attention to you, "The New Republic was founded on efforts of street bards and waifs. Of course you can come with us." Jessalyn smiles slightly at the turn of the conversation, and her eyes light up at Luke as he looks back at her before addressing Shenner again. "Of course!" she bursts in. "We want you to come with us, Shen." Unmistakably, Shenner's face starts brightening, and she blurts, "I just, I just wanna help, see?" Luke smiles, "Of course you do Shenner. And you have helped." he leans toward her as he says, "I for one will be personally honored to take you back with us." he turns the smile on Jessa, watching for her reaction. Jessalyn's answering smile is brilliant, lighting up even her forest green eyes. "You heard him, Shen. If Luke Skywalker is honored to take you back with us, then...who is a better judge of character?" She gives Luke a wink. Elation bursts out in a nova across Shenner's face, carried by an enormous lopsided grin. "I _can_ come? I can....! I..." Shen trails off, then, as if realizing she's babbling, but she's still grinning ear to ear. Luke smiles silently at Shen, looking from her to Jessalyn. Jessalyn looks as if she wants to scoop the girl up into a fierce hug, but she only smiles and reaches to give her shoulder an affectionate squeeze. Shenner asks anxiously, "The Princess won't mind? And, um, the other lady?" "Not at all." Luke smiles, perhaps at the affectionate squeeze Jess gave her. Jessalyn finally draws in a breath to speak something that has been on her lips since she arrived. "Shenner... don't you think there's something else that you should get cleared up, while you have the chance?" Shenner blinks, startled, and looks to Jessalyn bemusedly. "Wha?" Jessalyn raises a delicate eyebrow as her gaze drifts back towards the exit. "Your friend out there?" Shenner squeaks, "He's still--" Jessalyn's hand is firm but comforting on Shenner's shoulder. "I think he's sincere, Shen. He wants to apologize." The girl blinks at Jessalyn, and her elated expression swiftly crumples, aghast. "I..." Jessalyn gaze is steady and firm, but also sympathetic. "It's up to you, of course. No one will force you to talk to him. But he's one very unhappy man right now, because of his guilt." She sighs quietly. "You could help him. Show him that you're above holding a grudge." "I guess...." Shenner sucks in a breath, frowning out towards the airlock. "I guess I should..." Jessalyn looks relieved, and she folds her arms over her chest. "I knew you coud do it, hon. Now go on, we'll be right here." Luke sighs, silently, nodding to Shenner. Shenner glances at you both, awkwardly, then nods and turns to creep out of the ship. [Out into the starport....] You head out of the ship. Palanhi City Starport - Palanhi City (#19889RUXFJ) Contents: Paul_Nighman Artoo STARFIGHTER: Lambda Class Shuttle -- Crusader STARFIGHTER: CECO YT-1300 -- The Cat's Paw STARFIGHTER: X-Wing -- Skywalker STARFIGHTER: CECO YT-1300 -- Black Dragon Palahni Bounty Hunter Terminal STARFIGHTER: CECO YT-1300 -- Silver Lotus STARFIGHTER: X-wing -- Dark 1 MailBox CAPITAL: Corellian Gunship -- Spectra Obvious exits: West Shenner climbs out of the MDF Black Dragon. Shenner climbs cautiously down the landing ramp of the _Dragon_, and peers out into the port before emerging fully from the ship. Paul_Nighman looks up at the noise, having just started to drift off to sleep. He snaps up and whacks his head against the hull The girl reaches the bottom of the ramp, and turns around sharply at that -whack- against the hull. Paul_Nighman winces and rubs his head ruefully. He carefully takes off his glasses and rubs his eyes, putting them away. He begins to put away the book and looks up, expecting to see Jess ... when he sees Shenner, he stops dead. Paul_Nighman says, "Errr-rr, hello" Shenner stands there tensely, but without her earlier fury. She considers for a moment, then says quietly, "Jess said you were still out here." Paul_Nighman nods and finishes gathering his possessions together. "Yes, I wanted to talk to someone, preferably you, but if you were not willing to see me, then someone else that is close to you. There are things that need to be explained, things I want you to know. I don't expect anything from you like understanding or caring or forgiveness, but I thought you should know the reasons for our, uh, misunderstanding. He rises slowly. "Is there someplace you'd prefer to go to to talk? The girl takes all that in, staring grimly at you; all she says at last is, "Here's fine. I ain't goin' too far away from the ship if I can help it." Paul_Nighman considers her for a moment. "Do you want to stand, or would you prefer me in the groveling position? Shenner, already standing, simply eyes the Corellian evenly. "Just tell me why you left me there," she says, voice taut. Paul_Nighman grimaces and rubs his bruised jawline. "It's not that simple. I guess if I had to give you a short answer, it would be, one, I could not find you, and I did look. Two, I convinced myself that you would not want to see me again, let alone board my ship. Three, I didn't think I could bear to have you on the ship after what I had done." He stares at the ground for a moment. "I had a shipment that was late, you were nowhere to be found, and those other arguements became most convincing over time. Insufficiently good reason, I know, but that is the short version. The girl's face remains neutral, as you tell her this, as she takes in the sound of your voice. "And the long version?" Paul_Nighman absently brushes away a swatch of hair that the wind blows over his eyes. "For this, I need to sit. He hunkers down, looking up at Shenner for only a moment, but then averts his eyes, staring at the ground. "Maybe you recall that when you first came on board I was, well, a fairly decent guy? Maybe not. Doesn't matter. What I know you knew, or at least sensed, was that as we neared Tatooine, I became more and more, uh, seclusive and irritable. He idly reaches down with a finger and traces the sand by his feet. "I was coming up on an anniversary, a very personally painful one. When he landed on Tatooine, well, that was the day. As you might recall, I stormed out that night, leaving you in charge of The Bolt. I didn't tell you where I was going, told you it was none of your business. He grimaces at that. "Well, I guess it is now. He looks up at Shenner, his eyes stony. I went out, found myself a sleazoid bar, and drank myself sick ... mind, body, and spirit." His eyes drop to the ground again. "Well, I wasn't planning on coming back that night, but there wasn't anyplace available that I wanted to stay at .... there were plenty of invitations, he adds, his meaning clear, but that wasn't something I was in the mood for that night ... He sighs heavily. "So, I came home, figuring all would be quiet and I would just go to my room and collapse. When I got there, I found you playing around in the cockpit. I know this sounds like a lie, but I forgot about you ... forgot you were on board. I so rarely have passengers. Anyway, when you turned around, you were lit up by the navigation panels ... and your features, your eyes ... Paul drags in an unsteady breath. "You looked, well enchanting, and I didn't see you at all, I saw someone else, a woman ... that I once .... He swallows hard, obviously not wanting to continue. "A woman that I once loved," me growls in a rush of air. "Anyway, this woman and I, we had hard times ... she is the reason I have this little "anniversary" ... anyway, in my stupor I thought..." As you speak, Shenner continues to watch you, not speaking. Her expression begins to change, though, as your explanation goes on; something of the harshness leaves it. Paul_Nighman says, "I thought that you were her, and I was so angry, and I've been so angry at her for so long, and yet I still love her ... and hate her ... His voice is close to breaking. Paul takes a deep breath to steady himself. "Anyhow, he finishes brusquesly, I thought you were her, come to fool me again, and that's why I rushed you." As you finish, Shenner is silent for several long moments. When she finally speaks, it is with a much smaller voice: "Okay..." Paul_Nighman looks up into Shenners eyes to try and guage her thoughts. He slowly rises and extends a hand. "Okay? Truce? Or would you still prefer a whack on the other side of my head ... he smiles slightly but genuinely. "Then I could have a matching set of scars. His tone is ever so slightly teasing. The girl watches you uneasily as you get up, and eyes that extended hand, clearly weighing your sincerity. It is not a particularly trusting gaze she gives you, but she does allow, "Alright... truce." Her hand lifts to take yours. Slender though hers is, she's got a firm grip. Paul_Nighman nods, his eyes echoing his relief. "Thank you. That is very generous of you. He shakes her hand back with equal firmness. "Now, he says, "I'm sure you probably don't want to keep bumping into me over and over again, and since you are the second red head to cause me to lose my breath, no wait," he adds thoughtfully, "the third, then I think it would be best if I left. As soon as a passenger ship makes itself available, I will take it to wherever and be out of your hair. I don't think this planet and I agree with one another." Shenner, her hand released, studies you a long moment more, then finally says, "If you see a redheaded lady named Alora... stay away from her. She's dangerous." The kid glances into the ship, then back. Paul_Nighman says, "Too late" "Oh..." The kid frowns. Then pauses, and adds, "Tell... tell Alx I kinda missed him, maybe?" Paul_Nighman smiles widely. "He kept telling me over and over again that I was being an asshole when I left Tatooine and that I had to go back ... in fact he almost took over the ship once. He smiles at the memory. "I think he missed you alot .. you were the first person who didn't insult him every other minute." Paul_Nighman says, "Course, it probably helped that he didn't insult you first ..." Shenner smirks faintly, glancing away. "Yeah. Prob'ly. Ain't really... used to anything else." Paul_Nighman says, "Well, I never let anyone else into the cockpit, so you're his first friend after me." That makes the girl blink, staring at you longly. Paul_Nighman flushes at the sudden rush of emotion that clogs his throat. He clears his throat, realizing that he doesn't want to stop talking, but is unsure of what to say. "Uh, could I maybe buy you some dinner or something ....? Paul_Nighman figets slightly as he realizes the implications of his previous statement Paul_Nighman he senses your hesitation ... "It is the very least that I could do, to celebrate our truce. Shenner doesn't smile, but she doesn't quite glower, either. She says at last, "I... ain't sure if we got time, Paul. Luke and the others... we gotta go soon." Paul_Nighman nods, his face showing a flicker of disappointment before he manages to mask it. "Right!" he booms a little loudly. "Well, then I better get going and see if I can't catch a flight to someplace where I'm a little more welcome. He smiles at you wanly. "I'm really glad that we finally met up again, although I'm sorry if it was traumatic for you ... now and then. He picks up his bag and slings it over his shoulder. He points a finger at you, "And you have one hell of a right cross, let me tell you!" He smiles and turns to leave. "Safe journey to you and your friends. If you would be so kind as to do me a favor, please let Jessalyn know that if she can spare the time, I'd love to say goodbye to her before she goes?" Shenner flicks you a vague, wan grin... and just nods, slowly. "I'll do that... and... thanks, for gettin' me off Belsavis, anyway..." Paul_Nighman says, "Hey, my pleasure .. and up till our little incident, it really was. He says this with a slight tone of astonishment, as if he had only just realized the truth of his words." Paul_Nighman waves goodbye as he strolls out the gateway Paul_Nighman crosses the Starport then exits the building. Paul_Nighman has left. [End log.]