Log Date:
	2/17/97, 2/18/97

Log Cast:
	Shenner, Grathix

Log Intro:
	Shenner has been continuing her tense and worried existence on the
streets of Etti IV, her busking time curtailed somewhat by the growing
worry that she'll bump into Shikh -- and have no idea what to say to him
-- as well as general paranoia about strangers who might take too great
an interest in her. But unknown to Shenner, her employer, Grathix, has
been in fact working on the mysterious 'arrangements' he'd spoken of to
her days ago. And, furthermore, he's noticed the kid's nervousness....

----------
'Creeping' is probably the best verb to describe the way the skinny redheaded 
  musician Shenner comes along the street, as the kid keeps as close to the 
  walls of buildings as possible, keeping to as unobtrusive a pace as possible 
  as well.

Grathix nod as the small wookiee says something. He pats it on its shoulder 
  and walks away from it.
Grathix starts to make his way back towards the Spaceport Center

<SKILL> Shenner rolls a 9 for her PERCEPTION skill. A Poor roll!

Shenner puts on a little speed, coming hastily along the street, and 
  muttering, "'Scuse me," in passing. The kid very nearly brushes into the big 
  male bound back towards the spaceport.

Something strange about Grathix as he walks. He seems to be missing something, 
  something you can't quite place...

Grathix
Before you stands the figure of a 6'2" being. He wears a light brown, 
  long-sleeved shirt tucked neatly into a loose fitting pair of black pants. 
  On his feet, he wears a pair of well-kept and polished black boots. His 
  attire is one of precision and neatness. His hair is combed back; his long, 
  flowing black hair braided in the back. The braid rests on his right 
  shoulder, reaching down towards his abdomen. He is dark skinned. His skin 
  appears tough, as if conditioned by harsh climates. He is a handsome 
  individual. His clothing does little to hide the well-toned and built 
  physique that lays underneath. He has a pair of reptilian-looking crimson 
  eyes that casually peruse his environment, each eye moving indepently from 
  the other, as he takes in the sights before him. He walks and stands with 
  the grace, calmness and confidence of someone who is always in complete 
  control of any situation. He speaks with a pleasant, deep tone, rich with 
  sincerity and with a slight edge of authority. On his left hand, he holds a 
  large black case which he carries with ease. In his right hand, he holds a 
  black leather duster neatly folded and drapped over his forearm.

<SKILL> Grathix rolls a 13 for his PERCEPTION skill. An Average roll!

Shenner staggers, and lets out an involuntary yelp at the sight of who 'he' 
  almost bumped into.

Grathix spots a kid almost scurring into him. After the briefest of hestation, 
  he recognizes the red-haired 'bard'.
Grathix says, "Whoa...just where do you think you're going in sucha blind 
  hurry" as he places a hand upon the youth's shoulder.

Shenner halts, then frowns, and mutters, "Just... " The kid shrugs, as if 
  trying for an indifferent look. "Library."

Grathix grins, "You definitely have the look of the studious type down pat."
Grathix says, "here, let me walk with you to the 'library'"

Shenner grumbles, "I gotta lesson holo, okay?" The kid thrusts hands into 
  'his' vest pockets, but doesn't shove you off as you fall into step next to 
  'him'.

Grathix glances about the place, noting in particular the positions of the 
  Espos, as he walks. "So, how's Etti been treating you lately?"

Shenner keeps a stubborn, dark gaze on the street ahead, picking out the least 
  obvious routes to take. The kid's mouth twists once at the question, then 
  Shenner gives another ostensibly indifferent shrug.

Grathix doesn't see the shrug as he contnues to walk, most of his attention on 
  the people around within immediate ear shot.
Grathix says, "Don't get used to it, kid. Just met it people who might help 
  speed things up a bit for us." in Basic.

Shenner glowers in general at the pavement, keeping on a steady course for... 
  yes, it would actually seem Shenner's bound for the local library on the 
  fringe of the residental district. But at your next words, 'he' glances 
  sidelong at you, smirking. "'Might?'"

Grathix nods to a passer by and replies to the youth. "yes might...perhaps the 
  library and its quiet and unobtrussive atmosphere would be a suitable place 
  to discuss the question of 'possibilities'."

"Yeah. Whatever." The kid's voice is extremely low, and neutral of tone. But 
  Shenner doesn't tell you to go away, either, as the kid finally reaches the 
  steps of the library, taking them two at a time on nimble young legs.

Grathix follows the youth up the steps, not even bothering to match the nimble 
  young steps. On the contrary, Grathix slows his ascent up the steps to allow 
  the youth to reach the entrance first.

Once into the building in question, Shenner ducks past the front desk, 
  producing from a pocket and leaving in a slot marked 'return' a small 
  holodisk.

Grathix enters the building purposely a few mintues after the youth. He stops 
  near the front desk and inquires as to private viewing/reading booths. The 
  librarian/receptionist indicates the appropriate location. After paying the 
  appropriate deposit, the receptionist hands Grathix a keycard and indicates 
  the corresponing room.

Having wandered off into the section of the library where the instructional 
  holos are filed, Shenner peers up and around a shelf as Grathix enters the 
  place. The kid frowns, but gives the man time to get settled before 
  surreptitiously approaching the room.

Grathix slides the keycard and opens the room. He leaves the door open as he 
  steps away from the room and walks toward a nearby shelf. He superficially 
  glances over the material present on this shelf and grabs something and 
  looks over it intently.
Grathix peruses the item in his hands, apparently completely engosed by it, as 
  he makes his way back towards the room. He enters the room and takes a seat 
  in one of the 4 chairs present, leaving the door open.

Shenner slips into the room after Grathix, warily. Only when 'he' has drawn 
  near does the kid mutter, "Well?"

Grathix doesn't look up and says, "Close the door."

Shenner does, still wary of eye.

Grathix sets the item down and looks at the youth and says, "Now then, its 
  time I talked frankly about why I brought you here."

Shenner's eyebrows go up, and an actual look of surprise crosses the kid's 
  face before Shenner commandeers a chair. But the surprise is quickly 
  stifled, replaced anew by wary, tense neutrality. "Okay."

Grathix looks straight into the youths green eyes and says, "I want you to 
  kill someone. I want you to kill Prex Simone Drake. And tis is how you're 
  going to do it..." he trails off allowing himself time to measure the 
  youth's initial rsponse.

Shenner's head jerks up, 'his' eyes widen, and color drains completely out of 
  'his' face. "_What_?"

Grathix watches the youth's reaction but remins calm in his seat.
Grathix produces a timepiece from his pants pocket. He looks at it and says, 
  "What part didn't you understand?"

Shenner rises, tautly, from the seat 'he' had just commandeered, and hisses, 
  eyes turning hot, "_Kill_, that's what part! Dammit, Grathix, I'm a thief, 
  not an assassin!"

Grathix grins slyly, "That's why I hired you in the first place."

Shenner snaps back immediately, "I _steal_. I _don't_ kill. I got most of your 
  money left, you can have it back, kark this, I ain't killin' nobody!"

Grathix says, "Hold on a second...hear me out before you decide to 'quit'." in 
  Basic.
Grathix stands from his seat and moves toward the youth, standing in front of 
  the closed door.

Shenner whirls, pale mouth compressing into a tight line, as 'his' escape 
  route is blocked off. "I ain't a killer!" the redhead repeats obstinately.

Grathix says, "You won't be...I just need you to appear as if you are."
Grathix says, "Now why don't you just take a seat again and I'll talk you 
  through what I have planned..."

Shenner blinks, then glowers, suspiciously. "What kind of Bantha dung are you 
  trying to feed me? First you say you want me to kill her, and now you say 
  not?"

Grathix grins, "Don't get me wrong, you will kill Simone Drake, just not -the- 
  Simone Drake."

Exasperatedly, the kid bursts out, "What the kark are you talking about?"

Grathix adds, "And you'll kill me as well before its all said and done."

Shenner's eyes go round, and 'he' stares at you as if wondering whether you've 
  gone quite mad. Finally, the kid manages an intelligent, "Huh?"

Grathix laughs, "Take a seat, kid...let me tell you about your performance of 
  a lifetime." Grathix pulls up a chair and slides it over to the youth.

Shenner, clearly rather thunderstruck, sinks bonelessly into the chair. The 
  kid's green eyes are still wide.

Grathix drags a chair over to where he stands and sits facing the youth. He 
  says, "You remember about that ex-smuggler turned General the CSA has jailed 
  here?"

Shenner's brow furrows. "A Corellian." The word comes out of the kid in a 
  growl, along with narrowed eyes. "So what?"

Grathix says, "Prex Drake has to die in order for me to get him."

Shenner blinks rapidly, then scrubs the back of 'his' hand across his eyes, 
  before peering baffledly at you. "Wait... Grath... this is about that... 
  that Solo guy?"

Grathix nods, "yes...figured it out all by yourself, did ya?"

Shenner says warily, "I been hearin' things. How the hells is kil... 
  _pretendin'_ to kill Drake, _and_ you, gonna get Solo?"

Grathix offers a wry smile.
Grathix says, "Anyhow, the Prex of the CSA is a valuable commodity, one I'm 
  not willing to squander away, just because of some stupid contract...but I 
  do need to have her appear to die in order to fulfill my end of the bargain. 
  And as for my a;eged death, that'll come almost towards the end of it all."

The young thiefling now looks well and thoroughly baffled, but the sharp glint 
  in those green eyes speaks of a mind racing quickly to absorb all this. "And 
  how exactly am I supposed to fake killing somebody?"

Grathix grins, "You're going to blow yourself, her, and anybody else she 
  brings along up up."

Shenner suddenly straightens a little. "The guitar," the kid says, 
  enlightenment crossing those thin features. "You got something in the 
  guitar."

Grathix chuckles, "you do catch on fast'

Shenner says dryly, eyes still narrowed, "So the guitar's gonna explode? What 
  am I gonna do, hit a Simone lookalike over the head with it?"

Grathix smiles, "Something like that. Actually, you'll be trying to use it to 
  escape from this, once the concert you are going to hold is over...." 
  Grathix pulls out a blue print of a hover limo..."Top of the line security, 
  made by my company of course. You'll use the explosive in the guitar to try 
  to blast out of the limo, only have you and your 'freinds' blown to cosmic 
  ash."

Shenner blinkblinkblinks. "Concert?" the kid echoes, startled. "_What_ 
  concert?"

Grathix's mouth flows into a wide grin and says, "Didn't I tell you, you're 
  going to hold a concert in the Free Flight, to commemorate your 'launch' to 
  fame. You're to be the Star Attraction, an attraction that will include the 
  Prex Drake and her dignitaries in the audience. "

Shenner blinks. Then blinks again, three or four times. And finally finishes 
  off with a gape. "Uh, Grath," the kid croaks, "maybe it escaped your notice, 
  but places like the Dome don't make a habit of letting street rats take over 
  their stages!"

Grathix grins, "You did once, remember?

Shenner snorts, shaking 'his' close-cropped head in befuddlement. "The band 
  was bein' nice! Big karkin' deal!"

Grathix says, "Besides, you won't be a 'street rat', you'll be billed as the 
  "Musical Sensation of the Decade". But don't you worry about getting 
  yourself promoted. leave that to my freind's very capable hands."

A very strange expression crosses Shenner's face, part palpable longing, and 
  part blatant fear. "Grathix... I... I can barely play the guitar!"

Grathix says, "I saw you play. You can get by playing a few riffs here and 
  there. The rest of the band will cover for you. BUt as far as the singing 
  goes, that'll be all up to you."

Shenner swallows hard, eyeing you warily, still, though shaken now. "So... 
  lemme get this straight. You want me to sing in the Dome... and then pretend 
  to blow me, you, and the Prex sky-high with whatever you've got stashed in 
  the guitar?"

Grathix says, "yourself, the Prex, and whoever else she brings along to ride 
  with you. Me, I'll be waiting in the ship, getting our escape ready. Now 
  that's where the NR might come in handy.""

Shenner shoves a skinny hand through short red hair. "What makes you think the 
  Prex is gonna wanna take me anywhere, and how the heck am I only supposed to 
  pretend to blow her up if she's in the car with me, and how am I gonna only 
  'pretend' to blow _me_ up, and what the kark has this got to do with Solo?!" 
  The questions tumble out of Shenner in an anxious rush, now.

Grathix says, "Like I said, I get Solo once the Prex is dead. That was the 
  arrangement. As for the pretending part, see the internal camera's of the 
  limo's will be transmitting to CSA security, no doubt. They'll make sure of 
  it. So you will have to set off an explosive in order for the camera's to 
  transmit. but the limo that explodes won't be yours."
Grathix says, "There will be so many limo's out that night, they won't know 
  one from the other."

Shenner frowns, and demands, "So who's gonna be fooled?"

Grathix looks at the youth with a confused expression, "Are you asking to 
  know who hired me?"

Shenner slumps back, shoving both hands through 'his' hair again, and says 
  wearily, "If The Prex an' me are in a car, and I set off a bomb, and some 
  other car blows up, how's that gonna fool anybody?"

Grathix says, "The trick is in making the security camera's blieve that the 
  blown up vehicle is the one you and the Prex were in. The details to that 
  have already been arranged."
Grathix says, "See the Espos squads and guards I can have controlled, the 
  camera's I cannot."

Shenner takes all that in, chewing a bit at 'his' lower lip, which makes the 
  kid seem rather notably younger... except for the sharp glitter in those 
  green eyes. "What makes you think the Prex is gonna wanna get in a car with 
  me anyway?"

Grathix says, "She's not going to ask you to. But I will, just so that she 
  might 'critique' your performance."

"Kinda depends on her sayin' yes, then." Shenner eyes you thoughtfully, 
  perhaps wondering what a vice-president of a motor company might be doing 
  asking a planetary leader to let any stranger, even a singer, into her 
  personal transport. "But that's all I gotta do? Get in the car, twiddle 
  something on the guitar, and some car someplace else'll blow up?"

Grathix nods, "Basically, yes...and the car that will blow up will be right 
  beside you, so you'd better not be too close tot he door." He manages a 
  slight grin as he finishes off his comment.

Shenner's brow crinkles. "And this is supposed to convince... somebody I 
  probably don't wanna know about that Drake's dead? And probably me, too?"

Grathix nods, "yes, for n the process you'll fry the internal security 
  camera's in the car and we'll switch the vehicle transponder numbers so that 
  by all inidcations, it'll be your car tht blows up. In addition, they'll 
  find remains to match your and Drake's profile."
Grathix says, "And during the confusion, we'll just drive the car up into the 
  waiting freighter and take off."

Shenner absorbs all this, too. And says finally, cannily, "And then Drake's 
  gonna hafta tell you where Solo is, if she wants you to let her go." It's 
  not a question.

Grathix says, "Yes, if the person who hired us tries to double deal, that is 
  but one option."

Shenner chews at 'his' lip again, nodding once, expression deeply musing. And 
  perhaps a trifle troubled.

Grathix looks upon the youth and asks, "So you tell me, what's our next move?"

Shenner finally asks, tone casual but slightly at odds with that green regard, 
  "We gonna try to give Solo back to the Rebels?"

Grathix, expresionless, looks into the youth's eyes and says, "Would you be 
  more comfortable doing this if we were?"

No doubt about it, something's troubling the thiefling. Shenner shrugs, 
  though, still with an apparently casual air, or at least an air that's 
  probably _meant_ to be casual. "Been hearin' things. He's supposed to be 
  some kinda hero or somethin', helped blow up the Death Stars. I dunno." 
  Shenner looks off across the shelves of holodisks and hardcopy books. "Just 
  curious, 'sall."

Grathix chuckles, "He's Corellian, you know...you almost sound like you 
  wouldn't mind admiring him, being a war hero and all."

Shenner scowls, arms crossing along that thin chest, and grumbles in reply, 
  "Bantha dung. Ain't my business if the Rebels wanna go makin' heroes outta 
  Corellians, I just wanna know what we're doin' with him if we get him, okay?"

Grathix grins, "Sure, alright..." Grathix stops his joking and says, "but once 
  we get Solo, that'll be the extent of your involvement in all this and with 
  me. "

Shenner shifts where 'he' sits, glancing at you sideways, suspiciously. Only 
  when the kid realizes that you're back to business does Shenner allow, 
  gruffly, "Okay."

Grathix says, "But the next move is yours, Shenner, mi bukie..."
Grathix stands from his chair and slides it out of the way, leaving a free 
  unobstructed path to the door again.

The redheaded kid quirks a brow at what you call 'him', then smirks, 
  lopsidedly. "Guess if you expect me t' sing, pal, I better be practicin'." 
  Shenner considers, then the smirk widens a bit. "People gotta wanna hear me. 
  I'll hafta start singin' when I'm buskin'."

Grathix smiles genuinely, "Good, you do that. Just don't sell yourself off to 
  some other would be manager. I have a contract for you"

Shenner stands, then grins, honestly grins. "Don't worry, pal, I ain't 
  exactly swimmin' in offers anyway. What say I go vanish now and find 
  somebody to serenade." THe kid heads for the door.... but pauses there, 
  glancing back at you, the grin fading a bit as Shen's previous slightly 
  troubled look returns. Perhaps trying again for a casual tone, yet winding 
  up sounding strangely earnest, the thiefling asks, "If we get him... give 
  him back to the Rebels, 'kay, Grath?"
Shenner, with that, is gone.

[End log.]