Log Date: 3/16/97 Log Cast: Tand, Shenner, Jessalyn, Alora, Lando, Dr. Tantra (NPC run by Paul Nighman), Paul Nighman Log Intro: Paul Nighman has been wounded badly in a confrontation with a stranger Shenner vaguely remembers encountering on Etti IV -- and who clearly disturbs Jessalyn. Luke has healed Paul somewhat using the Force, but afterwards, when he tries to kiss Shenner on the bridge of the _Black Dragon_ and Shenner socks him, Paul trips hard into the command chair and rams his wounded side, causing internal bleeding within him. His condition has gotten progressively worse, and he has informed a concerned Shenner that he's gone out to get a bite to eat and stretch his legs... but to Shenner's dismay, that's been many hours ago. She has stayed up all night to search for him, to no avail.... ---------- Tand walks in from the Crew's Quarters on the ship Tand has arrived. Main Corridor--Black Dragon Charcoal colored panels line the walls head through this the main corridor of the ship. You pass various doors leading to other parts of the ship. The entry area to the aft, the escape pods to the port, the crew's quarters to starboaard Contents: Tand Obvious exits: Entry Area Escape Pods Crew's Quarters Bridge Tand wanders out of the quarters with a sleepy expression. With a wave he says to Shenner, "Hi there." Tand looks at you for a moment. Shenner comes bolting down the corridor, and comes to an abrupt halt at the sight of the stranger before her. "Hi," she says, tone wary and tense, eyes slightly narrowed. She bursts right past you into the crews' quarters, clearly agitated. [Shenner continues to search the ship thoroughly; to her growing frantic disappointment, however, there's no sign of Paul anywhere on the vessel. She decides to carry the search on out into the starport....] You head out of the ship. 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: Jessalyn STARFIGHTER: Subpro Wanderer Mk II -- The Recluse Shadow STARFIGHTER: CECO YT-1300 -- The Cat's Paw STARFIGHTER: Lambda Class Shuttle -- Crazy Diamond Artoo STARFIGHTER: Lambda Class Shuttle -- Crusader 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 comes bursting out of the _Dragon_, looking around in agitation. The kid is rumpled of both hair and clothig and looks suspiciously as if she hasn't slept. Jessalyn has just left the ramp of the _Dragon_, a heavy metal toolkit in one hand, and a determined expression on her pallid face. At the noise of footsteps behind her she turns to see Shenner, and frowns at her. "Shen?" Shenner charges up to you, a frantic kind of relief flooding her features. "Have you seen Paul?" the kid demands, her voice ragged. Jessalyn's brows furrow together. "I left him with you last night." Shenner shoves both hands through her hair, and stammers, "I-I ain't seen him, since last night, h-he said he was just goin' to stretch his legs, and get food, and I-I ain't seen him since then, Jess, I can't find him, I looked all over...!" Jessalyn reaches out to grasp your shoulder gently, looking worried but much calmer. "Hey, settle down now. We'll find him, okay? I'm sure he's all right." She bites her lip and glances out over the spaceport, peering at the large gathering of ships there. Shenner is practically babbling, as she bursts out, "He didn't _look_ okay when he left, he was moving weird, and, and his voice sounded funny, and he fell down, see? I-I-I think he hurt his side again, and it's all my fault and I've been lookin' for _hours_--" Her face contorts in anguish and exhaustion. Jessalyn pats your arm comfortingly, only half-listening as she lets her gaze cross over the area. "But.. I thought Luke healed him?" She frowns as she draws you with her toward the exit. "I dunno, I dunno... I-I-I just know he just fell down, 'cause I hit him, he ran into the chair and he hit his side and he didn't get up, Jess, he didn't get up, it's all my fault..." Jessalyn stops, turning her head to look down at you with sudden recognition. "You .. you hit him?" Shenner bobs her head ashamedly, not noticing your expression, as she blurts out, "I popped him in the jaw and he tripped over his stuff and ran into the chair, I didn't _mean_ to hurt him, he just, he just scared me, I didn't wanna hurt him, Jess!" Jessalyn reaches her free hand down to squeeze yours gently. "Shenner. Calm down. Look at me." Her eyes are clear and gentle as she gazes at you. The girl sucks in a long, ragged breath, and looks up at you miserably. Jessalyn releases your hand and brushes the fingertips over your forehead. "Being hysterical isn't going to help anything, Shen, dear. We'll find him. Maybe he just left something at the hotel, you think?" She smiles softly as she puts her arm around your shoulders and draws you to walk along with her out of the spaceport. Jessalyn crosses the Starport then exits the building. Jessalyn has left. You leave the Starport. Starport Road - Palanhi City This section of Starport Road is the heart of the business district of Palanhi City. Filled with businesses from every side of the commercial world makes this a very busy, and very hectic area. The road is protected by the structures that surround it, keeping the blowing sand to a minimum. People from all races hurry in and out of the Palanhi City Starport which lies directly to the East. A variety of businesses, including the expansive Cybot Galactica, stand to the North. Starport Road disappears to the West. Contents: Jessalyn SIGN Obvious exits: leads to Cybot Galactica - Palanhi City . leads to Starport Road - Palanhi City . leads to Palanhi City Starport - Palanhi City . Shenner breathes out unsteadily, "Uh uh! He, he had all his stuff..." Shenner stumbles after you on clearly exhausted legs, trying to run to keep up. Jessalyn tilts her head slightly, and shrugs. "It can't hurt to look. Maybe he went to check there for messages..." She continues along westward. Jessalyn strolls along Starport Road to the West. Jessalyn has left. [Jessa hauls Shenner off to the front entrance of the Grand Palanhi Hotel....] Shenner protests, "I checked here," in a faint mumble as you escort her into the lobby. You cross the square and enter the Grand Palanhi Hotel. 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: Alora Lando Obvious exits: Dining Room Staircase Casino Out Alora nods slightly, "Well I woouldn't know.. We lost touch when he left Corellia." Jessalyn strolls in from Palanhi Square. Jessalyn has arrived. Shenner, looking exhausted, pale, and hollow-eyed, is escorted into the lobby by Jessalyn; the girl scans the lobby with an almost desperate gaze. Jessalyn has one hand placed on Shenner's shoulder; the other one clutches a heavy metal box of some kind by a slim handle, as she walks into the lobby. She nudges Shenner towards the desk, murmuring quietly to her. Alora pulls a knee to her chest, "He used to try to help out Erik and I.. " she says softly. "But that was a long time ago, before everything.." Jessalyn looks at you for a moment. Lando nods slowly and smiles proudly once again, "Rob was a big help to us as well." Alora nods slightly, "I have heard as much.." she says, her voice flat, lacking emotion. Shenner mutters pleadingly at her companion, "I checked here already, he ain't gonna be here, I checked..." even as Jessalyn guides her towards the front desk. So far, the kid appears to have failed to notice anyone else out and about in the lobby. Jessalyn squeezes Shenner's shoulder as they approach the front desk, and reassures her, "This will only take a sec. Besides, you have any better ideas where to look?" She glances around for the concierge. Apparently on the verge of tears, Shenner scrubs fiercely at her eyes with the back of her hand, and snaps exhaustedly, "I looked _everywhere_... all over the city... I looked everywhere!" Lando continues beaming, "He's gotten me and Han out of a couple of jams." Jessalyn looks thoughtful as she glances back at her young friend. "Maybe he's with Luke?" "I dunno... I dunno, Jess..." Shenner's voice comes out of her ragged and hoarse, even as the concierge, lifting his dark eyebrows at the pair of redheads that have approached the desk, draws near to them. Alora chuckles softly, "Oh? I am not all that sure I want to hear this.." "May I help you?" the man at the desk inquires, dubiously, of Jessalyn. Lando laughs lightly and smiles, "Well, it's the only time you'll ever hear it because Tatooine will have to freeze over before I say it in front of him." Jessalyn tears her worried gaze from Shenner's face and nods to the concierge. "A friend of ours is missing, and we were wondering if he'd been in to check his messages or -- or anything!" She frowns, exasperated. Alora nods slightly, "Well after that little scene you saw do you think Robbie and I will talk much in the future?" Utterly dryly, the concierge says to Jessalyn, "Madame, it would be of utmost assistance if you provided a _name_." Jessalyn rakes her hand back through her hair, scowling at the young man. "Nighman." "His name's Paul Nighman!" Shenner snaps, just as Jessalyn replies at the same time. The concierge eyes the younger of the pair, rather more dubiously, and informs Shenner, "No one by the name of Paul Nighman has checked in, either for rooms or messages, at this desk. As I believe I informed you two hours ago when you checked here before, 'Master' Shenner." The 'master' is delivered with just a touch of scorn. Alora nods slightly, "Well after that little scene you saw do you think Robbie and I will talk much in the future?" Jessalyn turns from the desk without deigning to say anything else to the concierge. She pats Shenner's shoulder as her gaze drifts over the lobby, lights upon Lando and Alora, and she visibly tenses. Shenner makes a rude gesture at the concierge, who crinkles his nose distastefully at her and promptly strides off. Shenner mutters to Jessalyn, "Told you....!" Lando shrugs and grins slyly, "I'm only a businessman, not a jedi fortune teller." Alora chuckles softly. "How cute..." she says, picking up the sabacc deck, and going through it again. Jessalyn clears her throat slightly, and, oblivious to Shenner's mutterings next to her, she grabs the girl's arm and leads her along with her towards Lando. Shenner blinks as she's tugged, and then blinks again as she notices towards whom Jessalyn is tugging her. The kid hisses a startled protest to her companion. Lando laughs, "Cute? Well I suppose I have been called worse." Alora nods slightly, rand looks up to the two people approching her and Lando. "Well well well..." Jessalyn doesn't look yet again at the woman seated next to Lando; in fact, she pointedly ignores her. Summoning her loveliest smile, she nods to Lando, still not relinquishing her hold on Shenner's arm. "Pardon me for disturbing, Mr. Calrissian. We were just looking for Paul, and were wondering if you had seen him..?" Shenner's white, exhausted face goes whiter, and she lingers behind Jessalyn, not saying a word. Alora leans back in her seat, and smiles up to Jessalyn, "Hello Jessa, how are you?" Lando looks up at Jessalyn, smiling brightly. He stands to greet her he holds a hand to his chest, "Please, call me Lando." He shakes his head, "I haven't seen hide nor hair of the antiquarian since that night here." Jessalyn barely flickers a glance at Alora as she addresses her. "I'm well, Lady Alora." Returning her smile to Lando, she nods her bright red head gravely. "Lando, then, of course. Thank you for your help, anyway. We really should find him. He was recently injured rather badly." Alora rolls her eyes and looks over to Lando, "DO you do that with every woman you see?" Shenner pulls at Jessalyn's arm, and mutters at her, "C'mon, Jess, please? W-we gotta find him... please..." Lando smiles at Alora, "Not all. Only the breathtaking ones." He turns back to Jessalyn and asks, "Injured? When?" Jessalyn's complexion flushes only briefly at Lando's comment, and then she chuckles, shaking her head. "Yesterday. He was attacked, and Luke healed him, but --" She stops mid-sentence, turning her eyes back to Shenner, and then to Alora. "We better go." She turns Shen by the shoulders and begins to draw her away from the others. Alora looks up to Jessa, "Ahh always kind Luke.. Sounds like something he would do. How is Skywlaker Jessa?" Jessalyn stops, her back still slightly turned from Lando and Alora, and she seems to go rigid. "He's fine, of course." Her eyes flash with a hint of anger that is quickly controlled. "Why wouldn't he be?" Lando grabs Jessalyn's arm, "Hold on a second, I'll go with you." He turns back to Alora and smiles, bowing slightly, "Thank you for gracing me with your presence Lady Alora and I do hope you will excuse me, I must take my leave for the moment." Alora nods slightly, "No reason Jessa, "You do jump tp conclusions.." Alora nods over to Lando, and extends her hand. " With clear willingness -- in fact, with a clear desperation -- Shenner turns an instant before Jessalyn reaches for her and hastens with her towards the lobby doors... at least until Alora's comment stops her. The kid whirls back around and tugs anxiously at Jessalyn, pleading, "Jess, c'mon, _please_? _Please_?!" Alora says, "Perhaps we will talk again."" Jessalyn looks almost sadly down at her younger friend, nodding. "We're going, Shenner. Don't worry... she can't get to me again." She pats Shenner's hand gently and waits for Lando to join them, not repling to Alora's taunt. Lando takes Alora hand and bow his head to kiss it. He looks up flashing his best smile, "It would be my pleasure." Alora smiles and chuckles softly to Lando, "Ahh such a gentleman, how could I not want to see you again.." Jessalyn rolls her eyes expressively, tapping her foot as she waits for Lando. Lando cointiues smiling and turns away from Alora. He takes Jessalyn's and Shenners arms and utters softly, "C'mon, let's go." Shenner blinks, in exhaustion and startlement, as Lando's brown hand closes around her arm. "Leggo," she mumbles, but it doesn't have much strength in it, for the man is propelling her in the direction in which she intended to go anyway. Jessalyn breathes a sigh of relief as she and Shenner are led away from Alora and out of the hotel. Crossing the lavish lobby, you push open one of the etched glass doors and leave the cool confines of the Grand Palanhi Hotel. Palanhi City Square - Palanhi City Even though the Palanhi City Square is a barren area, it is the center of activity for this hot, dry desert capital. A one meter high wall circles the square, providing not only a barrier against some of the blowing sand, but also a place to sit and rest, which few do. People hurry about, scurrying off across the square, rushing to get out of the sun's blistering rays. A tall, wide, box-like object constructed of some type of transparent, reinforced steel, stands alone in the middle of the square. Pathways, half-covered with small piles of drifting sand lead off in all four directions. To the north lies North Road, one of two main passages into the city. Going east, one can reach the Palanhi City Starport as well as a variety of businesses that thrive off the traffic the Starport brings. To the west, Palanhi Road leads to the Palanhi Medical Center as well as Palanhi Security offices. To the south, stands the large and somewhat extravagant Grand Palanhi Hotel, one of the few oasis spots. Contents: SNT Computer Terminal 163 Obvious exits: leads to North Road - Palanhi City . leads to Palanhi Road - Palanhi City . leads to Starport Road - Palanhi City . leads to Grand Palanhi Hotel - Palanhi City . Jessalyn steps out into the hot, Palanhi sun, the blustering winds whipping at her almost immediately. Jessalyn has arrived. Lando steps out into the hot, Palanhi sun, the blustering winds whipping at him almost immediately. Lando has arrived. Jessalyn seems to almost whither as they leave the hotel, as if all her energy had been spent maintaining her placid expression inside there. She glances up at Lando wearily. "Do you.. have any ideas where we can look for him?" The moment she's back out onto the streets, Shenner looks around almost as random, as if trying to seize a proper direction out of the air. "Been _everywhere_," the kid mumbles despairingly. "Looked all night... I looked all night..." Lando leads you both out of the Hotel and releases his grip after a while. He shrugs at Jessalyn, "Well, if he's hurt the medical center is as good a place as any to look." Jessalyn blinks with surprise. "Medical center? Shen, did you check there?" Shenner does an actual double-take, her expression blanking. "I... I don't remember," she blurts, aghast, shaking her head as if trying to clear it. Jessalyn scratches her head. "Well, let's try there anyway, Shen." Lando grabs hold of your arms again and tugs lightly, "Ok then let's go." Jessalyn strolls across the square, to the West. Jessalyn has left. Shenner nods dumbly at Jessalyn and lets the older redhead lead her along. [And the threesome heads to the medical center....] You enter the Palanhi Medical Center. Medical Center - Palanhi City A small facility, the Palanhi Medical facility is lacking in many features of the larger, more populous planets. There is no multitude of doctors waiting each time an injured person enters. What does await those who enter here for treatment is a small staff of some of the best trained staff and droids in this part of the galaxy. A medical droid sits behind a small desk in the corner, visual sensors already surveying you. A single doorway lies just to the left. A pair of sliding doors lead back out to Palanhi Road. Obvious exits: Medical Room Out Jessalyn comes into the Medical Center from Palanhi Road. Jessalyn has arrived. Lando comes into the Medical Center from Palanhi Road. Lando has arrived. Shenner, in the wake of Lando Calrissian and Jessalyn Valios, stumbles into the place, looking around with a desperately tired gaze. The droid behind the desk registers your entry. "Please step forward and list your condition" Trying to keep tight hold of her composure, Jessalyn goes to the front desk, leading the others and nods to the medical droid there on duty. Lando releases his gentle grip on Jess and Shenner and strolls up to the main desk. He ignores the droid, waiting for an unautomated attendant. The medical droid looks up at Lando. "May I be of assistance" it asks. Once Lando releases her arm, Shenner stands there blinking for a moment, looking vaguely disoriented. Lando nods at the droid and waves a hand dismissively, "Yes, you can scurry along and go clean out the bacta tank or something." The droid stares at Lando. "Excuse me, this is reception. Are you here for treatment or for a patient?" Jessalyn glances at Lando, looking distressed, and shrugs. Addressing the droid, she speaks quietly, "We're looking for someone who may have been checked in here last night or today." "We're looking for Paul!" Shenner pipes up hoarsely. Then adds to herself in a crestfallen mumble, "Gotta find him... gotta... just gotta..." The droid turns to Jessalyn, then to a computer. "Name?" it inquires disspationately. Lando glares at the droid impatiently, "Look unless you can tell me where..." He trails off and turns back to Jess, "What was his name again?" Jessalyn places her palms flat on the desk. "Paul Nighman," she replies calmly, both to Lando and to the droid. Shenner begins to pace, ignoring the chairs in favor of trying to peer past the droid to the doorway that leads to the left of it. The droid turns to Lando and then to Jessalyn, and then back to the computer, entering in the name. It looks back up to Jessalyn. "There is no patient by that name here." Lando nods at Jess and turns back to the droid, glaring, "Go get me a sentient being to talk to." He barks out to the droid. Jessalyn hangs her head, looking defeated, and rubs her temples. "Thanks anyway," she mumbles, and turns her back to lean against the desk. Shenner stops pacing, and blurts, "He's not here?" Her face starts crumpling, and the kid looks as if she might burst into tears right here, although she does not actually do so. The droid turn back to Jessalyn, ignoring Lando. "However, " it adds helpfully, we do have a number of John Doe's who have been in since yesterday. Would you like me to list them?" The droid then turns to Lando. "I am sorry, but we are a small facility, and sentients are more essential in the Medical Room" Jessalyn lifts her head at this statement, looking hopeful. "Yes, please..." Lando looks at the droid and sighs, "List off their injuries. Jessalyn, Shenner you tell me if any of them sound familiar." Shenner blinkblinks, wobbling a little where she stands, and registering that perhaps the man they seek _is_ here. "Uhm... okay..." After typing for a few moments in the computer the droid looks back up to Jessalyn. "John Doe with concussion. John Doe with broken leg. John Doe with blaster burns. John Doe with internal bleeding. John Doe with poisoning." The droid pauses and looks at Jessalyn. "Do any of these fit the person's injuries?" Jessalyn leans forward, looking perplexed. "His stab wounds were healed," she murmurs thoughtfully, and peers back at Shenner. "But if he was hurt again, perhaps.." Her eyes widen. "Internal bleeding!" As the droid rattles off its roster, Shenner just blinks uncomprehendingly, but Jessalyn's words seem to rouse the kid somewhat. "What? He IS here? Is he here?" Lando ignores the droid and begins peering about the knooks and crannys of the facilities. The droid nods. "Will pull up his records and see if he is still here." There is a few moments before the droid looks back up to Jessalyn. "John Doe checked in here last night. Did not register, but forced his way into Medical room. Says here he collapsed upon entry. Internal bleeding injuries severe, but not yet fatal. Was placed in emergency care until bacta tank treatment was available this morning. Patient is still on the premises, condition stable to good, currently under sedation." Jessalyn looks relieved. "So he's had bacta treatment? Can we see him, to confirm it's really Paul?" She places her hand firmly on Shenner's arm, trying to give her a reassuring look. Shenner fumbles at Jessalyn's arm and blurts hoarsely, "This mean he's here?" The droid nods and points to a set of doors. "Please enter the Medical room and wait for an attendant to assist you. Thank you for coming to Palahni Medical Center." Lando finds a door and pushes it open. A gust of sterile air rushes in, "This way?" He asks to no one in particular. Shenner, almost before the droid is done speaking, whirls to charge into the room in question, just after Lando. You enter the Medical Room. Recovery - Medical Center - Palanhi City A quiet room lit only by a single fixture in the ceiling, the Medical room is a multi-purpose area. On the left side, an operating table made of solid, reinforced steel is capable of supporting even the largest patient. Several odd-looking machines and consoles line the far wall. A bacta tank is pressed against the left wall. A small medical droid scurries about from one side to the other, taking care of patients. Contents: Medical Droid Bacta Tank Obvious exits: Out Jessalyn comes into the Medical Room quietly. Jessalyn has arrived. Lando comes into the Medical Room quietly. Lando has arrived. A young brunette female, talking with a patient, turns at your entry and strides toward you with a serious and deliberate pace, her expression professional. "Yes, may I help you?" Lando wrinkles his nose and coughs a few times. he mumbles, "I really hate the smell of these places." "Paul?!" is the first word out of Shenner's mouth as the kid bursts into the room, studying it anxiously, and scanning the woman who approaches them. "We're lookin' for Paul, is Paul here?" The woman smiles at that, then turns to Shenner. "I'm sorry, I don't know who Paul is." Her tone is kind and soothing. "The droid _said_--" Shenner gasps out pleadingly, eyes going liquid. Jessalyn puts out a placating hand to Shenner and nods to the woman. "We're looking for the John Doe with internal injuries." She stands up from bending toward Shenner, her eyebrows lift with interest and amusement. "Oh," she comments with amusement, "THAT one. Yes, he's here." "In fact, we've been wondering if someone was ever going to show up to collect him. He's been quite a handful." Lando regains some composure and smiles warmly at the brunette. He extends a hand, "Hello there. I am Lando Calriassian. My associates and I were looking for a 'friend' of ours." Imploringly, Shenner blurts, "Where's he at?" Still hanging onto Jessalyn as if for support, the kid scans the room wildly. The doctor looks up at Lando and her smile widens as she coyly offers him her delicate hand. "A pleasure to meet you, I'm Dr. Tantra." She looks down at Shenner, her face friendly. "Don't worry honey, he's perfectly alright now, just follow me." Jessalyn looks relieved, but says nothing, hanging back to let Shenner follow the doctor. Shenner all but fuses herself to the doctor's side. Lando takes the good doctors and lowers his head to kiss it. He looks up, smiling brightly, "Your help is much appreciated Ms. Tantra?" She smiles at Lando's galantry and graciously removes her hand. "That's _Dr._ Tantra," she reminds him, her eyes sparkling with good humor. "Now, if you will all just follow me, please don't disturb any of the other patients." She begins to head across the room. Shenner hastily stumbles after the doctor. Jessalyn is still carrying the heavy toolkit, and she shifts its weight from one hand to the other as she follows less hurriedly behind the others. Dr. Tantra arrives at a bed and points to it. "Here he is, hold on one moment and I get a stimulant." She walks off toward some cabinets and begins to prepare a solution. Currently Paul is lying on one of the few medical beds in the room. He looks better than he did the previous day. He seems to be either asleep or unconcious. There are restraining straps around his wrists, upper torso, and legs. Lando grins slyly and retorts, "Dr. I would follow you into the Sarlac Pit of Tatooine." Stumbling to a halt, Shenner blinks first as she registers that the figure on the bed is indeed Paul Nighman, then again as she realizes he's been strapped down. "What'd you tie him UP for?!" she cries. Dr. Tantra grins over her shoulder. "I'll have to remember to take you up on that offer sometime," she retorts playfully, then turning her attention back to her syringe, tapping out the bubbles of air in it. Lando chuckles softly and looks down at Paul, "Trying to welch out on our agreement already?" He says with a smile. Jessalyn watches somewhat worriedly, though relieved that Paul looks in better shape than he did before. She lingers behind, watching quietly, and sets the toolkit down on the floor in front of her, folding her arms over her chest. Lando turns away from Paul, towards the doctor, smiling and awaiting her reply Striding back with the needle she stands next to Paul probing for a vein and then injecting the fluid into his arm. She removes the needle and places a bandage over the entry point and then leans forward, opening one of Paul's eyes and checks his pupil. She turns as a soft but insistent beeping goes off at another bed. She shakes her head and then turns to you all. "I have to check on another patient, but please stay here. He will be disoriented when he awakens, and it will be helpful if there are friendly faces around him when he does so." She starts to walk away, and then turns back. "I wouldn't take the restraints off just yet, as he may be a little difficult until he realizes that you are here." "But... but... why'd you TIE him up?!" Shenner whimpers, horrified. She looks confusedly between the patient and the doctor before realizing that the woman is moving off; only then does Shenner practically teleport to the side of the bed, and blurt raggedly, "Paul? Paul?!" Paul_Nighman's eyes open up, his gaze unfocused. He blinks rapidly several times as if tyring to clear them. Lando watches the doctor walk away until she reaches the other bed, then he turns back to Paul and repeats his question, grinning cordially, "Trying to welch out on our agreement already?" Jessalyn remains standing off to the side, watching Shenner whimper Paul's name, and some strange inner turmoil flashes in her own eyes for a moment. She remains quiet, shifting her shoulders. Shenner, looking suspiciously for a moment as though she might keel over right across Paul's chest, grabs at the edge of his bed to support herself. Eyes going more damp in her haggard face, the kid demands, "D-dammit, Paul, w-wake up!" At first Paul doesn't seem to notice your presence. His first reaction is to try to move, and when he finds that he can't, he jerks violently against the restraints yelling, "God -DAMN- it, I told you I'm fine, now takes these off before I gotta hurt somebody! He slams against the bed and looks around, "Shenner's gonna kill me if I don't get ..." then he sees Shenner staring at him and all the fight goes out of his body. He blinks twice as if he doesn't believe his sight. "Shenner?" Lando laughs out loud, "You have quite a bit of spunk for an antiquarian." Shenner, once Paul makes his rather abrupt return to consciousness, reels back a little, tears starting to leak down her cheeks. Paul_Nighman blinks and looks up at Lando, and then he notices is Jessalyn. "What is going on here, a convention? Where am I?" He struggles against the straps. "What the hell!" He lays back and lets out a deep sigh. "Will somebody -please- untie me?" Lando grins at Paul and turns, motioning to the doctor, "Sorry pal, not my call. That pretty little number over there is the one to make that desicion." Jessalyn glances at Lando, not really seeing him, and then at Shenner and Paul. She smiles faintly and finally moves to place her hand on the younger girl's nape in a comforting gesture. Paul_Nighman lies back and sighs. "It's okay, you can take them off, they aren't on for any good reason." Before he can say another word, Dr. Tantra's voice floats over to you. "On the contrary Mr. Doe, those were on for a very good reason." She returns to the bed giving Paul a friendly glare. "As I recall, the last time those were -not- on you tried to cuff me." Paul_Nighman glares at the good doctor. "Well you wouldn't let me go!" Shenner, looking distinctly as though somebody'd just clobbered her over the head, blinks between Paul and the doctor and back again. When she feels Jessalyn's gentle touch, the kid reels back towards her, still crying, soundlessly. Lando gazes at Paul, looking amused. He then turns back to the doctor, grinning playfully, "Kinky." Jessalyn gives a start at Shenner's sudden movement, and puts her arms around the girl, then turns an annoyed glare on Lando. "You're no help," she mutters. Dr. Tantra begins to remove Paul's straps. "Now be a good boy, won't you?" she admonishes him. Paul glares at Lando. "Ha ha." Dr. Tantra straightens and gives Paul a look. "Now, remember what we told you before. Take it nice and easy. No running around, no aerobics, no fighting, no getting stabbed with three inch knives, and no falling, right?" Paul_Nighman sits up giving the doctor a glare. "Yeah, yeah, I know." Lando gives Paul a lopsided grin Shenner bursts out all at once, "Why didn't you _TELL_ ME?!" at Paul, re-registering her presence in the room. Her voice, strident with tears and profound exhaustion, goes up several pitches above her normal tone. "I LOOKED ALL NIGHT! Why didn't you tell me?!" Paul_Nighman turns back to his companions and suddenly notices Shenner's face. A look of confusion and concern crosses his face. "Shenner?" He starts to get out of the bed, and then stops, realization crossing his face. He grimaces and with a sharp jerk pulls the blanket out of the bed's base. He ties it around his waist and growls at the departing doctor, "And can I have my clothes back?" Paul_Nighman looks at Shenner and jumps off the bed, kneeling in front of her. Lamely he replies, "Uh, I didn't want to upset you." Jessalyn raises a brow and backs away from Shenner, even as she closes her mouth to cut off any words she'd been about to say to her. Flushing a little, she turns her back to them, and gives Lando a curious look from the corner of her eye. "YOU DIDN'T WANT TO UPSET ME?!" the kid shrills, voice cracking. "I looked all night... I looked all night..." Shenner starts sobbing harder, wobbling from foot to foot where she stands. Jessalyn seems slightly amused, and she takes a step towards Lando, arms folded, and leans towards him to murmur quietly. Lando watches the doctor depart. He the turns and leans towards Jess as she steps closer. Lando stiffles a laugh and nods to Jessalyn. He utters quietly back to her. Paul_Nighman recoils slightly from the force of nature that Shenner has suddenly transformed into. He leans forward and grips her arms, gently, but firmly. "Look," he says, his tone serious, "I didn't want to upset you any further because you'd had a bad day. I knew something was wrong by last night, but I didn't know what or how serious it was ... I looked for Amylynn, or anybody to tell them what was going on, but there wasn't anyone around. I figured that I needed help immediately, so I came here ... and if it weren't for these jerks," he adds in a louder voice, "I would have been back hours ago." Dr. Tantra walks over and drops Paul's clothes on the bed. "It's so nice to be appreciated," she notes wryly. Jessalyn nods to Lando, and touches his arm gently. "Good idea." She turns her head towards the only seemingly coherent person in the room: Dr. Tantra. "We'll be waiting out in the other room, when these two have.. finished their.. reunion." She smirks and heads towards the door. The doctor looks up at everyone and sighs. "You sure you want him?" Shenner wails once more, "I looked for you! A-a-all night! I looked... hours..." She wobbles again, then leans hard to her left, about ten degrees. Paul stares at Shenner's face, his arms supporting her frame. The implications of her words sinking in. "All night? Haven't you slept?" He shakes his head in frustration. "Look I'm a big boy, I can take care of myself, you didn't have to do that. Why would you run yourself ragged like that?" On impulse he drags the kid torward him, giving her a hug. Lando starts off behind Jess and flashes a luminous smile to the good doctor over his shoulder, "Care to join us?" Jessalyn flashes a warning glare at Lando, shaking her head, and marches out the door. Jessalyn leaves the Medical Room quietly. Jessalyn has left. Shenner crumples against Paul, mumblesobbing, "Said you were comin' back... you said... I looked for hours...." Dr. Tantra gives Lando a smile with the slightest of seductive edges. "Why don't you and the lovely lady decide which of your bunch is the most mature, and then I'll be out in a minute to give that person his," she says gesturing to Paul, "medical notes?" She turns to leave and then flinging her hair over her shoulder she smiles back at Lando. "And I'm off in three hours." she adds lightly. Paul_Nighman hugs Shenner hard. "Oh sweetheart, I know, I know, and I thought that I would be, but I barely was able to make it here, and then when I got here they wanted me to do all this stupid paperwork, and then when I finally pushed my way in I," his voice breaks off in embarassment and he finishes on a much softer note, "kinda passed out ..." He pauses for a second. "Anyway," he continues in a more normal volume, "once they finally fixed me up, well they wouldn't let me go and then they were asking me all these stupid questions, and I told them that you were waiting, but they wouldn't let me go ... they even knocked me out." The corners of Lando's mouth turn upward sharply at the doctors words, forming a wide, self satisfied smile. He turns around quickly bowing galantly to the doctor, "I'll be here half an hour early." He says before walking towards the doors. Shenner buries her face against Paul's bare shoulder, her frame shuddering with her sobs. Lando leaves the Medical Room quietly. Lando has left. Paul_Nighman grumphs and holds Shenner, stroking her hair gently. "Shit. Jeez kid, don't cry ... there's nothing to -cry- about ... Look, I'm fine, and I'm gonna be fine, and I'm sorry, and I didn't do it on purpose or nothin'. He lets out a deep sigh and pulls Shenner into his lap, rocking her gently. "Okay, let it all out, that's right," he soothes gently. "Th-thought you were... g-gone... or... somebody gotcha, or you were d... d..." Paul_Nighman rocks Shenner fretfully, her words more drifting over him than really sinking in. "Or I was what?" The kid convulses with another gut-deep sob and mumbles the word "Dead" into your shoulder. Paul_Nighman jerks when her words penetrate his thoughts. He squeezes her tightly, his own eyes feeling damp. "Oh Shen, Gods I am -so- sorry!" "Looked all night... looked..." Shenner's voice is starting to slur, and grow softer; you can feel the youngster's trembling subside. In fact, one of her hands drops limply to her side. "Shenner? Shen?" Paul looks into the kids face. "Are you alright?" Cursing softly he stands up, picking Shenner up with him. Shen's eyes have dropped shut, and from the lines of exhaustion etched across her young face, it's a safe bet that she's just plummeted headlong into sleep. Paul frowns in frustration and then gently lays the girl onto the bed, resting her head against the pillow. "Here sweetie, just rest a sec and I'll get you home." He gives her a quick little kiss on the lips, and then straightens up and begins to fumble his clothes on. Shenner's mouth moves slightly at the brief kiss, but aside from that, she appears to be slumbering in earnest. Paul_Nighman stuggles his clothes on and then picks up the sleeping girl in his arms, tucking her head against his shoulder and heading out torward the waiting area. Paul_Nighman leaves the Medical Room quietly. Paul_Nighman has left. You open the door and leave the Medical Room. Medical Center - Palanhi City Contents: Paul_Nighman Lando Jessalyn Obvious exits: Medical Room Out Shenner is being carried in Paul's arms; she appears to be fast asleep. Jessalyn listens, slightly baffled as she takes in the information, and then nods vaguely to the doctor. "Ohh.. all right." Turning away from the doctor, she stuffs the paper into her pocket and looks at Lando, still frowning. "Now, how did I become responsible for Luke's strays, hmm?" She manages a chuckle before glancing back at Paul as he enters carrying Shenner. Lando grins at Jessalyn and watches Paul carry Shenner in, "I would offer to, but I have business to attend to." "Okay, I'm all set, shall we go?" The doctor gives Paul a stern look and begins to step forward as if she was going to admonish him. Paul looks at her and softly mutters, "Back off doc, I ain't putting her down." Dr. Tantra looks at him and nods, "Okay, but this is it. I want you resting and quiet from here on out." Paul nods mutely, and then belatedly says, "Hey, and doc? Thanksand sorry for all the trouble." Tantra gives him a smile. "Well, I'll think about accepting the apology, and you're welcome." She looks to Lando. "And I'll see you later." She raises one eyebrow and then strides from the room, her hips tilting slightly from side to side. Shenner, her head nestled against Paul's shoulder, sleeps hard. Lando grins smuggly and gazes at the doctor's form until she is out of view. Jessalyn sighs tiredly, and shakes her head at Paul. "Be careful this time, huh?" Paul_Nighman nods at Jessalyn gravely. "I don't have any desire to repeat this experience, let me tell you." Jessalyn rubs her eyes tiredly and shakes her head again. "Well, then, carry her back to the ship, someone -- preferably Lando, since he at least seems able-bodied." Paul_Nighman stands firmly, his eyes determined. "I'll carry her." Lando walks towards Paul and at his words shrugs and begins walking towards the exit, "I have to make reservations for later tonight anyway." Jessalyn glares at Paul, then rolls her eyes. "What is the freakin' deal with all the men on this planet? None of them will give up their damn pride for two seconds long enough to use their heads!" Paul_Nighman nods "Thanks Lando." He turns to look at Jessalyn. "The doctor said it was okay and Lando said he had other fish to fry, so what's it to you? This isn't about pride." he adds. The expression in Jessa's eyes shows that she is deeply troubled, and that it's not because of this specific situation. She turns away from Paul and Shenner, unable to look at them anymore, and hurries to catch up with Lando. "I just need to get out of here." Lando staggers his steps to let Jessalyn catch. Once she has, he resumes his normal pace. Paul_Nighman frowns at Jessalyn's expression and subsequent fleeing tactic. "Jessalyn? What is the matter with everybody?" He follows her. Cradled against Paul, her breathing deep and barely audible, Shenner shows no signs of rousing as she is carried out. You leave the Medical Center. Palanhi Road - Palanhi City A long, narrow desert road, Palanhi Road stretches from Palanhi City Square west toward the sand dunes. All but non-descript, this passage is home to a variety of businesses including the Palanhi Medical Center, which stands to the south. Palanhi Road continues to the west. Another road leads northeast, circling the Square, it links Palanhi Road to North Road. Obvious exits: leads to North Road - Palanhi City . leads to Palanhi Road - Palanhi City . leads to Medical Center - Palanhi City . leads to Palanhi City Square - Palanhi City . Jessalyn comes out of the Medical Center. Jessalyn has arrived. Paul_Nighman comes out of the Medical Center. Paul_Nighman has arrived. Lando comes out of the Medical Center. Lando has arrived. Paul_Nighman struggles to keep up with Lando and Jessalyn, but with his burden and his injury, his top pace isn't quite enough. [The three adults, and the unconscious girl Paul is carrying, eventually reach the starport....] You enter the Starport. Palanhi City Starport - Palanhi City (#19889RUXFJ) Contents: STARFIGHTER: Subpro Wanderer Mk II -- The Recluse Shadow STARFIGHTER: CECO YT-1300 -- The Cat's Paw STARFIGHTER: Lambda Class Shuttle -- Crazy Diamond Artoo STARFIGHTER: Lambda Class Shuttle -- Crusader 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 Lando comes into the Starport from Starport Road. Lando has arrived. Paul_Nighman comes into the Starport from Starport Road. Paul_Nighman has arrived. Jessalyn comes into the Starport from Starport Road. Jessalyn has arrived. Paul_Nighman frowns and does his best to catch up with Jessalyn. As he comes abreast of her he turns to look at her profile. "Jessalyn, what is going on?" Lando strides into the Spaceport. He takes a few steps in front of Jessalyn and turns to face her, looking a tad concerned, "Ok, we found Paul. You be careful when walking around this place ok? I don't like the looks of it. It's too quiet." Jessalyn looks up at Paul with wide green eyes, looking innocent, and then blinks at Lando. "I'll be all right, don't worry." She gives Paul a helpless glance, then stares at her boots. Paul_Nighman looks at Lando in all seriousness. "I covered her back yesterday ... I'm not up for another knife fight, but I'll be here, and so will my blaster." Jessalyn presses her lips tightly together, not looking up. "I'll be fine. I can take care of myself. Why do you and Luke have to treat me like such a baby?" She turns on her heel and marches over to the ramp. Lando smiles warmly at Jessalyn and winks playfully, "I'll stop worrying once your pretty face is light-years away from this place." He looks back at Paul, smiling a bit, "Well, you're in no condition to do it again. Try to stay inside the ship for the most part, get some rest." Paul_Nighman growls as Jessalyn disappears into the ship. "That woman is like a wet cat, always spitting." He turns to Lando and sighs. "I'll rest and do research, as promised, but if trouble comes, wound or no wound, I'll pitch in." Jessalyn pauses at the bottom of the ramp, gaping as she turns her head to look at the others. Her hand wraps around the post of the ramp and she sighs wearily, closing her eyes. Paul_Nighman ulps as he realizes that Jessalyn was still within earshot. "I mean, she's a great lady and all, but she just gets upset and I don't mean to upset her and, well, you know ..." he tries to cover. Lando looks over at Paul and stifle a small chuckle. He walks away shaking his head and ambles over towards Jessalyn. He touches her shoulder gently and asks, "Hey, can we talk?" Shenner makes a small fretful noise in Paul's arms, before resettling again, with an exhaled sigh. Jessalyn doesn't say anything, but waits patiently in the shadow of the ship for the others. Her pale expression is mostly hidden by the darkness and she wipes her sleeve across her eyes. Paul_Nighman looks down at Shenner and then gives Jessalyn a frustrated and apologetic look. He moves carefully up the ramp, giving his cramping muscles a break. "Sorry about that Jessalyn." He looks at Lando and then back to Jessalyn. "I'd really like to talk to you sometime, when it isn't inconvenient for you, uh, okay?" He looks fretful. Jessalyn shrugs. "Go put her down, Paul. You shouldn't be carrying her anyway, y'know. I'll be here when you're done." Jessalyn doesn't exactly seem thrilled at this last statement, and she glances across the spaceport searchingly. He looks back down at Shenner and gives Jessalyn a pained expression. "Yeah, I'm beginning to feel it now." He gives Lando a friendly nod, Jessalyn a eimploring look, and then ducks his head and enters the Black Dragon. Paul_Nighman has left. Paul_Nighman enters the Black Dragon. [Paul stumbles off with Shenner to the cargo bay....] You grab ahold of the access handles on the floor panel and lift it away, setting it carefully to the side. You lower yourself into the cargo bay. Cargo Bay--Black Dragon This is the main cargo bay. All ship's cargo is kept here. Contents: Paul_Nighman Obvious exits: Entry Area Shenner rouses slightly as you fumble her down the ladder, making indistinct mumbling noises. Paul carefully shifts Shenner over one shoulder with a slight groan. Carrying her firemans style he carefully desends the ladder. He carries her over to her bedding and settles her down in it. He plumps up her pillow and places it beneath her head, laying her back on it gently. His hand lightly caresses her cheek as he draws his hand away and reaches for her blanket. "Mrmmr?" Shen stirs again, vaguely, but does not open her eyes. "Shhhhh-hhhh," he soothes gently. "We're back on the Dragon, safe and sound." He pulls the blanket up and considers her clothes. Paul_Nighman pauses and turns, leaning over and gingerly removing Shenner's boots so as not to wake her. He considers the rest of her clothes and decides that they will be comfortable enough, and that it would be the better part of judgement if he didn't even think down that road. Shenner rolls her head along the pillow slightly towards you, dropping steadily back into slumber. On the way down, she might be heard to distinctly mutter, "Paul," her voice relaying immense relief, before it trails off into silence. Paul_Nighman feels an intense amount of love and affection wash over him when she says his name. "Damnit kid, now you're making me like you." He leans over and drops a small kiss on her lips again, then straightens up and considers what to do. Recalling Shenner's distress over his absence, he decides that the best thing to do is to give her instant reassurance upon waking up. He rises and digs out his stuff. He leaves most of it where it was, but brings over the bedding and one of his books. He makes his bed up next to Shenner's and settles himself down. He takes off his boots and removes his shirt ... he pauses at the pants and decides that this would also be the better part of judgement and leaves them on. He settles down on his uninjured left side, his back to Shenner and puts on his glasses. He begins to read through the text. Paul reads for a few minutes, then closes the book shut with a soft thud, after realizing that he had read the same sentence four times and still didn't retain it. Sighing, he removes his glasses and sits up. Shenner now down and resting, Paul cannot help but recall Jessalyn's expression, not to mention is now legendary blundering abilities when it concerns that woman. He sighs deeply and removes his glasses, placing them on his book. He stands up, checks once again on Shenner and rises to leave. Shenner rolls onto her side, clutching the pillow to her and burrowing down under the blanket. Paul_Nighman looks at you for a moment. Paul_Nighman walks Starboard into the Entry Area of the ship. Paul_Nighman has left. [End log.]