Log Date:
	3/10/97

Log Cast:
	Jessalyn, Shenner, Leia, Amylynn, Paul Nighman, Crimthan, Alora

Log Intro:
	Now that the antibiotic Shenner has fetched him has had time to
do its job, the recovering Han Solo is becoming a more notable presence
amongst the cobbled-together crew of the _Black Dragon_... and Shenner,
warily recalling Grathix's teasing about the man having a reputation as
a charmer and ladies' man, has taken an immediate dislike to him, finding
what she perceives as his irritable attitude and sarcasm all too
unsurprising. Her dislike is compounded when, upon hollering for Shenner
to bring Grathix into the ship, Solo greets them with a rifle and
seems ready to shoot them both until Grathix persuades him to let Shenner
leave them in private.
	Convinced that Solo's put in his vote about how welcome she is on
the _Dragon_, and refusing to be anywhere near him if she can help it,
Shenner spends the night sleeping in the cargo bay, and it's there that
Jessalyn finds the girl the next morning....

[NOTE: The lyrics to "Corellian's Bane" are written by Shenner's typist,
 and sung to the tune of "Black Jack's Lady" from Heather Alexander's
 album _Life's Flame_; "Wind in the Pipes" is from Meg Davis's tape
 _Captain Jack and the Mermaid_.]

----------
Jessalyn walks in from the Entry Area of the ship.
Jessalyn has arrived.

Cargo Bay--Black Dragon
This is the main cargo bay. All ship's cargo is kept here.
Contents:
Jessalyn
Obvious exits:
Entry Area <Starboard>  

At some point, Shenner must have fetched her guitar from the _Cat's Paw_, for 
  she is parked on its case, which lies on the deck; the guitar itself is 
  clutched in Shenner's lap, and she's playing it furiously, setting down a 
  biting little rhythm as if flogging the air with her notes.

With a grating sound, the floor panel to the cargo bay has been lifted away, 
  and a pale face framed with dark red hair peers down into it. Jessalyn 
  raises a brow at the intensity of the song that wafts upwards to her, an 
  expression of amusement and concern crossing her face.

Shenner can be heard to be growl-singing under her breath:
        To journey into Rebel space
        Her credits and her trust she'll place
        In a dashing grin and a beautiful face
        And a ride aboard the _Corell's Flame_...

Jessa slowly lowers herself down to the deck, boots hitting the metal plates 
  with a thud, and she stands in front of Shenner, riveted to the tune. She 
  shoves an errant lock of hair from her eyes and gazes at her with a mixture 
  of worry and fascination, but does nothing to interrupt.

        But while they're stopped on Tatooine
        He gets more drunk than she ever has seen
        Tries to blast in where no man has been
        That's the way of a Corellian swain!
        With her blaster's butt to the side of his head
        He's crumpled, dazed, into his bed
        Into Mos Eisley's streets she's fled--

Shenner cuts off, at the clunk of your shoes on the deck, and looks up.

With folded arms, Jessa merely looks down at you, brows raised, saying nothing.

Shenner's brows tighten, and she says grumpily, "What, was I playin' too 
  loud?" The kid looks rumpled, as though she's slept in her clothes -- and, 
  in fact, there's a pillow and a blanket behind the guitar case.

Jessalyn simply shakes her head. "No, not at all. Please, continue." She leans 
  against the wall, smiling slowly.

Shenner slowly starts turning red, though. She strikes another chord, then 
  mutters, looking down at the floor, "That's all I got, so far."

Jessalyn nods slowly. "I see." She bites her lip and takes a tentative step 
  towards you. "Shen... what's wrong?"

The kid's face is still full of fury, though it eases, somewhat, as you 
  approach her -- turning slightly towards embarrassment. "You sure I'm gonna 
  be welcome on this ship, Jess?" she mutters.

Jessalyn gapes, clearly stunned, and crouches next to you. "Shenner -- of 
  course! Don't you remember what Luke and I said?"

"Yeah... but you and Luke're only two of the people here," Shenner tells you, 
  not meeting your gaze.

Jessalyn presses her lips tightly together, and the words that seem to flash 
  across her eyes -- "But only Luke matters" -- go unspoken. "It's General 
  Solo isn't it? He's upset you somehow..."

Shenner's face tightens. "Let's just say I got the message about which 
  redheads are welcome on this boat when he pointed a gods-damned rifle at 
  me." She strikes another angry chord.

Jessalyn sits back on her heels, hands resting on her thighs. After a moment 
  she shakes her head. "Shenner, you just have to realize that he's been 
  through a lot... he probably did it without even thinking." She pauses, lips 
  twisting as she ponders. "Look, I'll talk to him okay? I'll explain to him 
  why you're with us, and why you're so important to us. And if he won't 
  listen to me, I know he'll listen to Luke."

Shenner snorts. "Bantha dung. I left the ship to get Grath, he hollered out 
  for me to bring him in, I did, and there he was with a rifle. Sure as hells 
  looks like he thought about it to me!"

Jessalyn raises a brow. "Shenner, he brought the rifle because he doesn't 
  trust Grathix-- and to tell you the truth, neither do I!"

"_Grath_ doesn't tell me to shut up and sit down 'like a good girl,'" Shenner 
  grumbles, still looking down, and plucking sharp, short notes on her 
  guitar's strings.

Jessalyn sighs wearily, looking defeated. "Grath didn't even now you -were- a 
  girl." She frowns and pushes herself to her feet, brushing her hands over 
  her trousers. "If you'd rather go with him, then fine. Shen, I'm not going 
  to try to stop you." Jessa walks to the access ladder and grabs the rungs, 
  starting to climb it to the upper corridor.

The kid is silent for a moment or two, before she finally says, in a much 
  smaller voice, "I didn't say that."

Jessalyn pauses, still clinging to the ladder. She doesn't say anything, but 
  her head hangs, hair falling in her face.

Shenner doesn't look up; her angry expression has shifted more towards 
  miserable, and more than a little confused.

Jessalyn sighs with a mixture of confusion and irritation, and drops back down 
  onto the floor with another thud of her boots. Slipping her hands into her 
  pockets, she frowns. "Wanna talk about it?" she mumbles.

Shenner peeks up at you, still appearing fretful; she plucks another note or 
  two, and begins, "I... I'm just... real mixed up, see, Jess?"

Jessalyn purses her lips thoughtfully. "Bout what, huh?"

"Well..." Shenner blushes, abruptly, and mutters in the direction of her 
  guitar's fretboard, "... everybody... knows I'm a girl, now..."

Jessalyn's stifles a smile, trying to keep her expression neutral. "Yes... 
  it's awful isn't it?"

Shenner grimaces, and says mournfully, "Yes!"

Jessalyn frowns deeply. "Shenner... listen to me. You can't hide from what you 
  are anymore than any else of us can. Come on." She stalks closer to you and 
  grabs your arm, hauling you off your feet.

Shenner yelps. "Wha? Jess, what're you--"

Jessalyn doesn't look back at you as she walks to the ladder, fingers clenched 
  around your arm rather severely. "Get up there. Now! You're not hiding down 
  here any longer!" She gives you a shove towards the ladder.

Shenner loses her hold on her guitar as you shove her up the ladder.

[Jessalyn tugs Shenner off towards the crews' quarters....]

You quickly cross to fore, heading into the main corridor of the ship.
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
Obvious exits:
Entry Area <Aft>  Escape Pods <Port>  Crew's Quarters <Starboard>  Bridge 
  <Fore>  

Jessalyn walks in from the Entry Area of the ship.
Jessalyn has arrived.

Shenner, hauled along behind you, protests loudly, "Jess?! Jess, what're you 
  doin'?"

Jessalyn turns on her heel and nearly bumps into you. "Crew's quarter's," she 
  says, and the look in her eyes, you may now notice, is not merely stern, but 
  also mischievous.

"What? No way!" Shenner yelps, trying to wrest free of your hold. "I ain't got 
  no reason to go in there!"

Jessalyn raises a brow. "Shen?"

Leia walks in from the Bridge of the ship.
Leia has arrived.

Shenner wails at Jessalyn, "I _don't_ wanna go in there!"

Leia looks at you for a moment.
Leia slips into the area from the Bridge, heading over towards the Crew's 
  Quarters. She glances over to the two redheads as she makes her way along 
  the corridor.

Shenner digs in her heels in the deck. Or would, if the deck were made of 
  anything yielding. And tries hard to pull free of Jessalyn's arm.

Jessalyn folds her arms over her chest, a stern and steady gaze on her young 
  new charge. "Shenner, you are not a child. Stop acting like one."

"What's me goin' in there got to do with bein' childish?!" Shenner yelps.

Leia eyes the two carefully a moment, watching the exchange with a quiet 
  glance before slipping on into the crew's quarters.

Jessalyn sighs, suddenly growing quiet in order to add emphasis to the high 
  volume of the girl's voice. "Your behavior, that's what."

Leia walks into the Crew's Quaters on the ship
Leia has left.

Shenner scowls. And hollers, "Who elected you my mother?!"

Jessalyn narrows her eyes at Shenner. She watches Leia walk into the crew's 
  quarters and pauses before making her reply. "Your mother? You think that's 
  what I'm trying to be, Shen?"

Shenner's face flushes red along her cheekbones. "You sure sound like you're 
  tryin' to be my mother!"

Jessalyn slowly circles around the younger girl, fingers clenching with anger. 
  "Well, you won't let me be your -friend-! And you sure as hell -need- a 
  mother!"

"I been fine for the last eight years without one!" Shenner blazes, spinning 
  to keep you in sight.

Amylynn walks in from the Entry Area of the ship.
Amylynn has arrived.
Amylynn walks into the Crew's Quaters on the ship
Amylynn has left.

Jessalyn points a monitory finger at her. "Oh? Is that so? You've been fine, 
  huh? That's why you've been living on the streets, masquerading as a boy, 
  and taking whatever odd jobs you can find just to survive? Yeah, Shenner, 
  you're doing just fine! You don't need us! You don't need -me-?" She stops, 
  blinking back angry tears.

Shenner hollers, "I don't need bein' told I'm a karkin' CHILD!"
Shenner stands with fists clenched now, her expression and stance decidedly 
  tantrum-like.

Jessalyn is shaking with rage, and has to force herself from slapping the 
  girl. "We've done nothing but care for you and help you!" She chokes up a 
  bit, then turns away, heading down the corridor.

"Oh yeah, real friendly bunch y'all are! What help have any of you given me? I 
  know where I'm not wanted, when I get a _rifle_ in my face!" Shenner shouts.
Shenner, with that, stomps off towards the rear of the ship.

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

	Infuriated, able to feel her face and eyes burning with hot anger,
Shenner burst out of the _Dragon_. Without looking to either side, she bolted
straight for the path westward into the city. Aware only that if she went to
the hotel, someone from Luke's ship might find her, she charged on westward,
until she reached the less savory parts of the city. Still she hurried
blindly on, walking for what seemed like hours, until at last she found refuge
in an abandoned structure.
	There, with the adrenaline surge that carried her out of the ship
subsiding, and darkness cloaking her from any prying eyes, the girl gave
herself over to crying her eyes out.... 

----------
Jessalyn enters the building from Palanhi Road.
Jessalyn has arrived.

Rundown Building - Palanhi City <Palanhi>
A small, windowless building, totally empty. It seems to have been abandoned a 
  long time ago.
Contents:
Jessalyn
Obvious exits:
Out <O>  

A crunch of boots on a gritty floor and the soft, echoing sound of flustered 
  breathing is the only thing that heralds Jessalyn's entrance into the dark, 
  rundown building.

Darkness, and silence, in this place; musty air, too. And, somewhere off in 
  the shadows, the sound of somebody crying, in short, choked sobs.

Jessalyn pauses at the sound of the sobs, and catches her breath. She moves 
  forward slowly, and calls out quietly, "Shenner...?"

The sobs halt, as if someone's just caught their breath. Then, a ragged 
  tenorish voice hollers out hoarsely, "G'way!"

Jessalyn stops a few meters away from the huddled figure, watching her 
  quietly. Finally she murmurs, "I will, if you want. But I thought you might 
  like some company... to get away from this place..."

"What, you wanna travel with a child?" Shenner barks out sardonically, but the 
  bite in her words is blurred by an obviously tear-choked throat.

"No..." comes the soft reply. "With you."

Shenner trails off into another strangled little sniffle. "Y-you didn't sound 
  like you wanted me around..."

Jessalyn rubs her forehead tiredly, closing her eyes. "I'm sorry for losing my 
  temper," she says, somewhat grudgingly, then stops, at a loss.

There's a pause, before Shenner finally says tinily, "Okay. I'm... sorry I 
  hollered."

Jessalyn gasps a little as her comlink goes off. She doesn't pick it up, 
  though, and goes to crouch next to you. "I do care about you, Shenner." She 
  places a gentle hand on your shoulder.

"You don't hardly know me much," Shen mumbles, by way of protest. She doesn't 
  shove you off, though.

Jessalyn smiles gently, still rubbing your shoulder. "I know you better than 
  you think."

Shenner is quiet for a beat or two, before she sniffles hard, and buries her 
  face against you.

"Shhh..." Jessalyn rocks you gently and strokes your hair. "It's okay."

Shenner mumbles into your neck, "What'm I gonna do?"

Jessalyn doesn't say anything, but she picks up her comlink off her belt and 
  thumbs it off before putting her arms back around you. "We'll go somewhere. 
  We'll think of something."

Shenner looks up at you, or at least, her voice grows slightly louder and you 
  can feel her head lift. "They'll... *sniffle* prob'ly look for us at the 
  hotel..."

Jessalyn tightens her arms around you briefly. "I know." She sighs, and her 
  head turns as if she is looking around, or thinking. "Would your.. your 
  friend Paul help us?"

"My fr--" The kid squeaks this out, startled. "I--"

Jessalyn strokes your hair gently, and shushes you. "Shh. If you're 
  uncomfortable with that idea I'll think of something else."

Shenner says lowly, "I... dunno if he's... my friend."

Jessalyn sighs resignedly. "Well.. it's up to you. But it wouldn't hurt to as 
  him, huh?"

Shenner then adds, "He... he was okay... before we, uh... got to Tatooine, I-I 
  guess." This is delivered in grudging admission.

Jessalyn's body shakes slightly as she chuckles. "Yeah...?"

Shenner gives another small sniffle. "He, uh... taught me stuff, about his 
  ship."

Jessalyn brushes the lock of hair from your forehead. "That was nice of him," 
  she says quietly, stifling another chuckle.

Shenner shrugs a little; from the sound of her, perhaps her composure is 
  beginning to return. "Uh... yeah. D'you... wanna talk to him?"

Jessalyn gives you a quick squeeze before rising to her feet again. "Sure, 
  let's see if we can find him..."

Shenner lets you pull her to her feet, though she expresses no real eagerness 
  about this idea.

Jessalyn takes your hand gently in hers and smiles as she heads out of the 
  building.

[Jessalyn leads the still somewhat upset younger woman off through the
 streets, heading back to the nicer sections of town, and aiming for the
 hotel...]

You cross the square and enter the Grand Palanhi Hotel.
Grand Palanhi Hotel - Palanhi City <Palanhi>
  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 <D>  Staircase <S>  Casino <C>  Out <O>  

Jessalyn strolls in from Palanhi Square.
Jessalyn has arrived.

A pair of strained-looking redheads -- Jessalyn and Shenner -- make their way 
  into the lobby, the younger of the pair led by the older.

Jessalyn enters the lobby with Shenner's hands clasped in hers, and gazes 
  around the large room, frowning.

Paul_Nighman looks up at their entrance, smiles, and waves at them. He looks 
  quite content with himself and the world with a glass in his hand, sipping 
  idly.

Jessalyn hesitates, looking like she wants to approach Paul, but glances down 
  to her younger companion for a reaction.

Shenner's expression is a tense one, and she's slightly pale, but she is also 
  composed. The kid nods, mutely.

Crimthan strolls in from Palanhi Square.
Crimthan has arrived.

Paul_Nighman is completely oblivious to their hesitation. He is a little under 
  the influence and feeling fine. "Jessa!" he yelps, and waves again.

Crimthan steps into the hotel two expos on either side of him, and smiles 
  broadly to the room.

Jessalyn grasps Shenner's hand harder and leads her over to the couch where 
  Paul is sitting.

Paul_Nighman smiles at you both broadly. "Ladies, what a lovely surprise ... 
  really, please have a seat!

Shenner follows after her companion, grim of eye, turning her attention to the 
  Corellian. "Ain't no lady," she mutters gruffly.

Crimthan snickers and goes to the bar, sitting himself down and motioning for 
  the espos to stand aside.

Still pulling Shenner by the hand, Jessa goes to sit next to Paul, looking 
  urgent and worried. "We have a proposition.. or a favor.. to ask of you," 
  she says in quiet tones.

Paul_Nighman grins at Shenner and pats the couch. "Well, I will leave the 
  definitions up to you then." He then looks at Jessa and realizes something 
  is wrong. His face becomes more serious. "What is it?

Crimthan orders a Corellian ale and sits at the bar sipping it idly.

Shenner settles gingerly down on Jessalyn's far side, and slouches, paying 
  attention to her boots.

Paul_Nighman eyes both of you carefully. "Is there something wrong? Are you in 
  trouble or something?" He looks genuinely concerned.

Jessalyn takes a deep breath, glancing at her younger friend. She finally 
  turns her gaze back to Paul. "We.. need to get offworld," she replies 
  succinctly.

One of the espos spies the young girl sitting with the couple and begins to 
  stare slightly. He whispers something under his breath to the other standing 
  near him.

Shenner glances back at Jess, and just nods, shortly, not speaking.

Paul_Nighman sighs heavily, his eyes dropping to the floor. "Under any other 
  circumstances I would be more than delighted to help you ... I've been 
  wanting off this planet for quite sometime myself." He neglects to note that 
  it has been the presence of certain red heads that has made him feel that 
  way. "Unfortunately I am temporarily stranded, The Bolt has been lent to a 
  friend of mine. I'm truly sorry."
Paul_Nighman then looks at you sharply. "Wait a sec, I thought you were with 
  the Black Dragon?

Shenner puts in, roughly, "We're... reconsiderin' our options."

Jessalyn looks uncomfortable, and looks down at her hands. "We.. we were. 
  But.. something has come up, and ... well.." She chews on her bottom lip and 
  nods at Shenner's input.

Paul_Nighman eyes you both very thoughtfully. "Well, there is the possibility 
  that I may have a ride out of here on a different job, but I don't know 
  about that right now ... I could find out tho'" His voice is pitched low so 
  only Jessalyn and Shenner can hear.
Paul_Nighman says, "So, what has made your current situation change?"

Shenner shifts uncomfortably, and mutters, "We just ain't... welcome, and the 
  _Dragon_ don't need us."

Jessalyn puts a hand on Shenner's shoulder. "Things are a bit uncomfortable 
  for us there," she says softly. "You... might know why, Paul."

Paul_Nighman 's eyes widen in surprise. His gaze fixes on Jessalyn especially. 
  "I find that rather hard to believe, but if you say it is so, I will take 
  your word for it."
Paul_Nighman turns to them both, fixes their eyes with his. "What can I do for 
  you?

Crimthan sits in a high backed red chair (instead)
Crimthan taps vigorously at the keys on his pad.

Jessalyn gives Shenner's shoulder a squeeze. "We just need a place to stay, 
  where we won't be found, preferably. And a way to get off Palanhi."

The Espos stand near the entryway conversing in hush tones.

Crimthan coughs, and sets the datapad down, removing spectacles.

Paul_Nighman tries to smile reassuringly. His brow knits in thought. "Well, 
  for the moment I have a room that you are more than welcome to stay in. It 
  has a king sized bed, so sleeping won't be a problem. I can look into my 
  potential "job" and see how soon I can start." He smiles a little more 
  brightly at both Shen and Jessa. "Perhaps I will be allowed to bring along 
  two assistants?"

Jessalyn exchanges a glance with Shenner and then shakes her head. "I'm afraid 
  the hotel is not an acceptable place. It would be the first place he'd come 
  looking for us."

Paul_Nighman frowns. "Jessa, you and I talked about this, well, this sort of 
  thing a lot the other night. Why don't I see if I can make some sense of 
  this situation, no?"
Paul_Nighman looks around, "But here is not a private place to talk, shall we 
  get a booth in the dining room?

Jessalyn tenses slightly, her eyes suddenly going stern. "There's nothing 
  private to discuss, Paul."

Alora strolls in from Palanhi Square.
Alora has arrived.

Paul_Nighman blinks. "I meant no offense, but there are a lot of people here 
  right now, and some of them," he adds soto voice ,"seem a little attentive 
  to us."

Crimthan looks around the hotel as if memorizing the features of the place for 
  later, he picks up the pad, tapping a few more things into it, then returns 
  to his surveyance.

Paul_Nighman jerks when he sees Alora

Alora walks into the hotel foyer, and heads right over to the front desk.

Paul_Nighman nods to himself. To Shenner and Jessalyn he whispers, "Now it is 
  definitely too crowded for my liking ..."

Jessalyn sits on the couch next to Shenner and Paul, looking worried. "I'm not 
  concerned about anyone here..." Her voice trails off as she notices Alora 
  passing by to the front desk.

The Espos near the door glance momentarily at the woman upon entry, but look 
  away just as quickly.

Shenner remains tense and quiet, where she sits slouched by Jessalyn and Paul; 
  the kid's green eyes flick around the room. Then, slowly, she rises. "Let's 
  get outta here." _Not_ looking at Alora, Shenner abruptly strides out of the 
  lobby, heading for the street.

Alora sighs softly, as she takes the paper from the conscierge, "This is all?" 
  she asks, sounding annoyed.

[Shenner bursts out of the hotel -- but notices after a few seconds of
 pacing the walkway outside that Jessalyn and Paul are _not_ following her.
 Her worry increasing, the kid returns to see what's keeping them....]

Shenner appears at the lobby doors, but only just, peering in warily.

Paul_Nighman looks at you for a moment.

Jessalyn holds onto Paul's hand with one hand and her other reaches down 
  slowly to take her comlink. She speaks into it hurriedly, then gives Alora a 
  pleasant nod. "I'm well."

Paul_Nighman watches Alora carefully, focused on her every move. He stays 
  quite still.

Alora chuckles softly, "Are you warning someone about me? Oh.. I wonder if I 
  should be touched."

One of the Espos looks like he's going to grab the young girl, but the other 
  swats him away murmuring something about waiting for the vp.

Jessalyn tenses and shakes her head. "No, I was merely responding to a call," 
  she murmurs.

Crimthan pushes himself out of the plush chair, straightening out his suit 
  (though it seems to need no straightening) and sliding his datapad into his 
  pocket, glancing about the room inconspicuously.

Alora chuckles softly, "Am I supposed to believe that? Just tell me you aren't 
  calling your precious Skywalker.. I have had my fill of him."

Paul_Nighman looks around the room, taking in the activity and the odds. He 
  notes Shenner, and squeezes Jessa's hand slightly, tugging it toward the 
  door, in hopes she will see her too.

Shenner simply scowls at the pair of Espos, and flicks Paul and Jessalyn an 
  anxious look.

Paul_Nighman turns to Jessalyn, his eyes going soft and romantic. "Aren't we 
  going to be late darling?"

At Alora's last statement, Jessalyn's eyes flash with anger and she pulls her 
  hand free of Paul's. "You're not the only one, Lady Alora."

Alora arches a slender brow. "You have had you're fill of that farm boy too, 
  then why do you hang about him so?"

Jessalyn ignores Paul. "I'm trying my best not to," she mutters, eyes not 
  leaving Alora for an instant.

Alora walks slowly over to Jessa, making no hostile moves. "So.. you don't 
  want to me about him.. why?"

One of the espos nearly pounces the young girl before being restrained by the 
  other.

Paul_Nighman looks over to see the guard almost grab Shenner.

Crimthan falls in almost naturally behind Alora, well behind, but in a line to 
  assist if need be.

Shenner whirls, at the motion of the Espo, and snarls, "_Back off_, pal!"

Paul_Nighman leaves Jessa's side, moving swiftly to Shen, his hand on his 
  blaster

Alora looks over to Shenner at her outburst, and then looks to the Espo, "Is 
  there a problem?"

Jessalyn takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself. "Because, I'm sick of 
  being around Jedi Knights and princesses -- let's face it, a silly girl like 
  me just doesn't fit in."

The offending espo looks over the others shoulders at the taunt and barely 
  holds back his rage.

Paul_Nighman reaches Shenner's side and stares threateningly at the Espo.

Shenner says tightly to the Espo with the grabby hands, "You got a problem, 
  buddy?"

Alora shakes her head and sighs, then turns back to Jessa, "Well if you are so 
  sick of Skywalker and his sister... what will you do now?"

Crimthan stays a short distance from the proceedings observing everything. He 
  notices the movement of the espos and sets them aright with a firm and 
  dispassionate glance, "I think he will have no problem anymore young lady, 
  will you Vornhald?"

Paul_Nighman growls in his most protective voice. "Hey, what do you think you 
  are doing, messing with my daughter?

The Espo looks quite abashed at having to be addressed and snaps to attention.

Jessalyn is so furious she barely notices the events going on behind her near 
  the doorway. Her eyes bore into Alora's. "I'll think of something. I managed 
  quite well before I ever met them."

Shenner flicks Paul a brief startled glance, before hastily masking it.

Alora nods slightly, "Hmms yes.." she says chuckling softly to herself. "You 
  remind me.. of me." she says with a wry grin.

Paul_Nighman turns to Shenner and puts his hand on her arm. "Did he hurt you 
  honey?

Alora says, "You and Shenner both do as a matter of fact."

Jessalyn blinks quickly, then chuckles. "Beyond the red hair and green eyes, 
  Lady Alora? I'm touched." A struggle shows on her face, but her anger 
  quickly wins out.

Shenner says grumpily, "I'm okay, Dad," to Paul.

Vornhald growls at the belated redress of Paul, but stands motionless under 
  Crimthan's watch, "Better," Crimthan addresses them turning to Paul and 
  Shenner, "I trust you have done nothing either in the past or present that 
  caused such an outburst young lady." He stands nearly half way between those 
  at the door and the confrontation happening behind him.

Alora nods as she takes a few steps closer to Jessa, 'Yes beyond the physical 
  resemblence, there are many things in common.. " she says, a sly smile 
  forming on her lips. "Why are you trying to hide your anger, Jessalyn?"

Paul_Nighman smiles at Shen broadly and puts his arm around her shoulder. "My 
  daughter is very excitable, and there was some fellow who hassled her 
  earlier today." His voice brooks no opposition "Let's go fetch your Aunt, 
  shall we?, he says to Shenner

Shenner flicks a narrow glance at the stranger who has approached her and 
  Paul, then says curtly, "I ain't done nothin' _he_" -- and she eyes the Espo 
  -- "has any reason to get riled over. Yeah, Dad, let's get Aunt Jess."

Crimthan sighs, "Oh I doubt very seriously that is what happened is it 
  Vornhald?" The Espo shakes his head vigorously."

Jessalyn takes a step back from the woman, looking confused. "I -- I shouldn't 
  be mad at him..." Her brows draw together.

Paul_Nighman turns Shen around and walks with her back to Jessalyn

Alora shakes her head and laughs. "Why shouldn't you be?Why can't you be angry 
  Because _he_ says so?"

Paul_Nighman waves heartily, "Jessalyn, come on, we're gonna be late sis!"

Shenner, as she and Paul rejoin Jessalyn, interjects herself into the latter's 
  conversation with, "Aunt Jess!"

Crimthan shakes his head as an Espo makes to grab his weapon.
Crimthan says, "She is not under our protection anymore, if ever she was."

Jessalyn rakes a hand back through her hair, biting her lip. "No..." She sees 
  Paul out of the corner of her eye, but her gaze grows distant as she looks 
  back at Alora. "I know why I'm angry at him, and I know.. I have no right to 
  be..."

Paul_Nighman squeezes Shen's shoulder is support, smiling down at her. "Jessa, 
  let's go," he yells.

Crimthan approaches the two, turning around to watch the events as they 
  conspire.

Alora looks up and over to Paul, glaring at him for a moment, and then looks 
  back to Jessa, "Jessalyn, he refuses to see the light. Why not embrace all 
  your emotions? Why not grow with them? Use them? Everything can be 
  constructive.."
Alora says, "Who says you have no right to be? Him? The Republic? Are _they_ 
  going to tell you how to feel and when? VERYONE gets angry Jessalyn.."

Jessalyn's face flushes at one of the phrases that leaves Alora's mouth. 
  "Embrace...? No, I can't do that.. he would hate me..." She chokes, shaking 
  her head and rubbing her forehead in confusion.

Paul_Nighman says, "Jessa, love, we've got places to be, people we promised 
  we'd be with, remember?" He says, as they draw nearer. There is an emphasis 
  placed on _remember_."

Shenner frowns past Jessalyn at Alora, then reaches for her shoulder and tugs 
  at her lightly. "Aunt Jess. C'mon, Aunt Jess, we're gonna miss 'em."

Alora shakes her head. "Maybe at first, but maybe _you_ can be the one.. the 
  one who can show him that anger can be constuctive. One can grow through 
  anger and pain.. "

Paul_Nighman smiles at Jessa. "Remember? he says softly

Alora says, "Maybe you can be the one to save him."

Jessalyn turns her head and looks at Paul as if through a great distance, then 
  she licks her lips to look at Alora. "Save .. him...?"

Crimthan folds his hands in front of him and looks intently at the woman 
  trying to convince the other, a misty sort of awe in his eyes before he 
  suddenly jerks his head away shivering a little, and motioning for the Espos 
  to wait for him outside.

Paul_Nighman says, "Remember what we talked about the other night?" He eyes 
  Jessa gently. "Did I go through all that for nothing? Did you even listen?"

Shenner frowns again, then glances very briefly at Paul -- a sort of 'you with 
  me on this?' look -- and reaches more firmly for Jessalyn, this time for her 
  upper right arm. "I think Aunt Jess's had a little too much of that brandy 
  tonight, Dad."

Alora nods, "Save him from himself. He never completed his training with his 
  old Master. He does not know the final lessons. He does not know how he can 
  grow through his pain, his fears and anger to a higher level of 
  understanding.."

The Espos step outside upon orders.

Jessalyn jerks her arm away from Shenner, glaring, and takes a step towards 
  Alora. "If I did that....." Her eyes glitter. "If he joined us.. could I.. 
  would he..." She stops, biting her lip.

Paul_Nighman frowns at Alora, takes Jessa by the arm and says to Alora, 
  "Please excuse us, but we are quite late," and pulls Jessa away. His voice 
  is polite but firm.

Crimthan looks somewhat bedazzled by Alora, which seems odd on his grim face.

Shenner reaches again for Jessalyn, undeterred, and says firmly, "We gotta 
  make our plans for tomorrow, Aunt Jess! C'mon!"

Paul_Nighman begins to slowly but surely draw Jessa away from Alora's 
  presence, his face set as if expected some serious pain.

Alora nods slightly, "Yes, Jessalyn, you could be with him.. in all ways. For 
  all time. You could make him more powerful then even he has imagined, you 
  could make sure nothing could harm him again."

Paul_Nighman keeps dragging Jessa away from Alora, his other hand on Shenner's 
  shoulder.

Jessalyn struggles against Paul, breathing unevenly as she stares at Alora. 
  "Nothing...?"

Alora nods to Jessa, smiling sincerely to her, "Nothing.. "

Paul_Nighman turns to Jessa and in his most persuasive voice says, "Jessa, 
  Please ...

Alora looks over to Paul, her eyes narrowing to slits.

Jessalyn swallows hard, and tears start to leak out of her bright green eyes. 
  "But would he want me to?" she chokes, completley obliviously to Paul.

Shenner determinedly helps Paul try to haul Jessalyn off, all the way saying 
  in carefully bright tones, "Aunt Jess, c'mon, now, you better go sleep it 
  off..."

Crimthan approaches the group, then stops just outside the circle that has 
  formed around the two women.

Alora says, "To save him, save his sister.. He would thank you, and love you 
  for all time."

Paul_Nighman says, "Please Jessalyn."
Paul_Nighman glares at Alora, but says nothing.
Paul_Nighman stares at Alora directly and says, "You can't have her ...

Alora looks over to Paul, "Release her.. it is her choice."

Jessalyn digs her heels into the carpet, but is being slowly dragged away. "He 
  would love me?" she breathes.

Alora nods to Jessa, "Yes.. for all time."

Shenner flicks Alora a decidedly anxious look, before focusing more attention 
  on tugging harder on Jessalyn, to whom she leans closer and whispers...

Alora starts to walk towards Jessa, "He will always want to be at your side 
  Jessalyn."

You whisper, "Please! Jess, please, you said you wanted to stay with me, 
  remember? _Please_!" to Jessalyn.

Paul_Nighman sets his feet forward, grabs Jessaln's arm in a tight grip and 
  literally begins to drag her across the room, his face determined and ready 
  for trouble, his hand on his blaster.

Jessalyn starts to shake as Paul and Shenner pull her away, her gaze riveted 
  on Alora.

Crimthan steps toward the young woman and the man, eyeing her, "I think I do 
  recall one of your ilk before young lady?"
Crimthan makes no offensive moves merely hovers nearby.

Paul_Nighman pushes right past Crimthan with nary a glance, bringing both Shen 
  and Jessalyn in tow with him

Alora offers Jessa her hand, "Come with me.. I will teach you things you 
  haven't even begun to fathom."

Paul_Nighman reaches half way through the lobby with his entourage.

Jessalyn's arms are too occupied by her two rescuers to reach out to Alora's 
  offered hand, and she closes her eyes, shaking her head as if she were 
  trying to regain her senses.

Crimthan watches the three barrel past, turning a questioning glance to Alora.

Alora continues to walk towards Jessa, her hand outstreched. "Come with me, to 
  save your love.. to save him for all time."

Paul_Nighman pulls harder, "Hang in there Jessa, we're almost outthe door, 
  dont listen to her lies, They are just lies I tell you! His voice is intense

With Jessalyn tugged betwixt them, Shenner helps Paul tug the clearly 
  distraught woman towards the lobby doors. "He don't need no savin', Aunt 
  Jess, _c'mon_!"

The Espos against orders step into the doorway, considering their options as 
  the three come racing toward the pair.

Paul_Nighman nods in agreement with Shen. "If anything, he'll probably save 
  everyone else around here.

Alora says, "Save him from Sabbath Jessalyn.. you know that he almost lost to 
  the New Dark Lord.. You can save him from death at Sabbath's hand.""

Paul_Nighman lays his hand on his blaster and glares meaningfully.

Jessalyn squeezes her eyes shut, cheeks flushed and streaked with tears. She 
  moves with less reluctance with Shenner and Paul towards the door.

Paul_Nighman crosses the lobby toward the etched glass front doors.
Paul_Nighman has left.

Jessalyn crosses the lobby toward the etched glass front doors.
Jessalyn has left.

Shenner tugs Jessalyn hastily out, pushing past the two Espos.

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 <Palanhi>
Contents:
Jessalyn
Paul_Nighman
SNT Computer Terminal 163
Obvious exits:
 <N> leads to North Road - Palanhi City <Palanhi>.
  <W> leads to Palanhi Road - Palanhi City <Palanhi>.
   <E> leads to Starport Road - Palanhi City <Palanhi>.
    <S> leads to Grand Palanhi Hotel - Palanhi City <Palanhi>.

Paul_Nighman says, "Let's keep moving ladies."

Shenner curses, the moment she hits open air, "Damn karkin' straight, Jess, we 
  _gotta_ go back to the Dragon, c'mon...!"

Paul_Nighman moves at a brisk pace, almost a run, pulling along both Shen and 
  Jessa.

Jessalyn's knees are wobbly and she leans against Paul wearily. "What.. what 
  was that?"

Shenner helps Jessalyn along, supporting her one side while Paul takes the 
  other.

Paul supports Jessa tenderly. "She was messing with your mind, playing on your 
  weakness, and for all I know, using the Force against you."

Jessalyn looks perplexed, and turns her watery eyes to look at Paul. "Why.. 
  why would she want me?"

[The threesome hurries onward and eastward, with Shenner and Paul hauling the
 exhausted and teary Jessalyn between them.]

You enter the Starport.
Palanhi City Starport - Palanhi City <Palanhi>(#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 <O>  

Jessalyn comes into the Starport from Starport Road.
Jessalyn has arrived.

Paul_Nighman says, "Okay ladies, where to now?"

Shenner, as the starport is finally reached, swallows hard as she finds the 
  place calm-looking. "C'mon, Paul, we gotta get her into the _Dragon_, 'cause 
  as long as Alora's out there it's the only safe place we got." The kid's 
  expression is grim.

Jessalyn's knees give out and she falls to them on the tarmac, sobbing.

Paul_Nighman nods. "Lead on girl, and wwe shall follow
Paul_Nighman grabs her up quickly, carrying her in his arms, resting her head 
  on his shoulders

Shenner mutters, "Ah, hells... Jess... c'mon..." She tugs, letting out a 
  grunt, then lets Paul scoop Jess up, relievedly. The kid then breaks into a 
  sprint, waving at Artoo Detoo.

STARFIGHTER: CECO YT-1300 -- Black Dragon
You enter the ship.
Airlock - Black Dragon
This is the airlock/entry area of the Black Dragon.
Obvious exits:
Airlock <Out>  Entry Area <In>  

Jessalyn has arrived.

Paul_Nighman has arrived.
Paul_Nighman holds Jessa tenderly, his lips against her brow, mumuring soft 
  nothings and endearments and comforting words. His eyes are pained.

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.
Obvious exits:
Airlock <Starboard>  Cargo Bay <Port>  Engine Room <Aft>  Main Corridor <Fore> 
   
Paul_Nighman walks in from the Airlock of the ship
Paul_Nighman has arrived.

Jessalyn walks in from the Airlock of the ship
Jessalyn has arrived.

Paul_Nighman turns to Shenner. "Is there someplace that I can lay her down? 
  Not that I need to but ..."

As she leads Paul and the carried Jessalyn into the vessel, Shenner hollers 
  out hoarsely, "Luke? Princess Leia?!" And to Paul, she nods, urgently, 
  "Yeah, c'mon -- LUKE?! Princess?!"

Paul_Nighman follows Shen.

Jessalyn leans her head weakly against Paul's neck, breathing raggedly and 
  sobbing.

Leia enters from the fore corridor, and her eyes come to rest on the near 
  party, widened as she asks in alarmed tones, "What happened? Jessalyn?"

Paul_Nighman strokes her back gently, holding her to him tightly. "Cry it all 
  out, hold me as hard as you need to ..
Paul_Nighman turns to Leia, but keeps his hold on Jessa
Paul_Nighman says, "Alora, need I say more?"

Shenner gestures her two companions sharply inside, and then, as Leia arrives, 
  the kid looks up, features melting with relief. "Your Highness...!" Shenner 
  rushes to the woman, and explains in an anxious rush, "It's all my fault... 
  I-I left, and Jessalyn came after me, and we were gonna talk to Paul, but 
  then Alora showed up and she started tryin' somethin'...!"

Paul_Nighman nods in agreement. "She definitely manipulated her with words, 
  and I wouldn't be surprised if she tried other more devious abilities. His 
  eyes are grim and angry

Jessalyn clutches at Paul's shoulders, her eyes focused on something distant 
  and unseen. She gulps and shakes her head as if in denial.

Paul_Nighman turns to Jessa's face, leaning his head against her brow. "It's 
  alright. I'll protect you any way I can ...

Leia sighs worriedly and moves to Paul's, and therefore Jessalyn's side and 
  places a hand on the woman's shoulder, "Jessalyn? Jessalyn, talk to me.. 
  what's going on.." Her voice holds quiet tones which hold a seriousness of 
  the situation within them.

Shenner falls silent as she yields the situation to the Princess, taking a 
  step back, and biting her lip. "My fault," she mumbles.

Jessalyn's head turns back and forth, brows furrowed in mental pain. "Don't 
  lie to me... don't... it hurts.. it's not true...."

Paul_Nighman gives Shenner a sharp look, obviously wanting to contradict her, 
  but is busy with Jessalyn.
Paul_Nighman says, "That's right, as he rocks her, "it _isn't_ true. Dont you 
  believe her!"

Jessalyn clenches her fingers around Paul's collar and stares at him, eyes 
  suddenly opening wide. She turns her head and looks at the princess with a 
  frightened expression.

Paul_Nighman turns to Leia with pleading eyes. "Can you help her? I don't 
  think that seeing Luke right now would be the best thing for her."

Shenner mumbles abashedly, "Had to bring her back here. Ain't safe in the 
  city."

Paul_Nighman notes Jessa's eyes, their distant expression. "Can Alora be
  talking to her now?! he growls fiercely!

Leia frowns slightly and gets a very determined expression, "Jessalyn, Alora 
  is not like Luke.. she's been turned to the Dark Side, you can't listen to 
  her, she can't be believed. She's like Sabbath, she'll do and say what she 
  can to get you to follow with her.. you have to be strong, Jessa, all right?"

Paul_Nighman stares Jessa in the eyes, willing her to see him, to recognize 
  him. "Jessa? Jessa? Jessalyn?!!"

Jessalyn turns disbelieving eyes on Leia. "Why would ... she want -me- to 
  follow her?"

Paul_Nighman sighs in relief

Shenner fumbles behind her to make sure a wall is there, and then sags against 
  it, relieved, as Jessalyn seems to rouse.

Leia reaches out and places a hand on Paul while she speaks to Jessa, 
  "Jessalyn, she has her own twisted reasons for all that she does, you have 
  to resist her and not become a part of them. You can be strong, Jessalyn, 
  and resist her. Don't let her trick you into doing what she wants."

Jessalyn gulps, and slowly nods her head, looking somewhat relieved as she 
  rubs her eyes with the heel of her palm. "How did she know...?"

Leia keeps steady eye contact with Jessalyn and moves the hand to Jessalyn's 
  arm again, squeezing it gently, "The jedi who have fallen to the Dark Side 
  are twisted, Jessa, they do whatever they can to get what they want, but if 
  you're strong, then they can't persuade you with their evil ways."

Paul_Nighman shifts slightly to better support Jessalyn and relieve an ache 
  that is beginning to develop in his arms.

Jessalyn looks at Paul with a gentle expression and says, "Please, put me down 
  now..."

Shenner watches Jessalyn, her own eyes dark and anxious, her expression 
  simultaneously ashamed and somewhat comforted by the woman's recovery.

Paul_Nighman looks for a nice soft spot to place her. "There is no way I'm 
  putting you down unless you are sitting or lying down, got it?" His voice is 
  firm on this point

Shenner says meekly, "She should lay down in the crews' quarters."

Jessalyn nods vaguely to Paul's statement, then her expression crumples again 
  and she shakes her head.

Leia watches Jessa quietly, giving Paul a slight nod, "She'll be okay now.. 
  but maybe we should head to the Crew's Quarters like Shenner said.."

Paul_Nighman gives Jessa a pained look and turns to Leia nodding. "Just lead 
  the way," he intones gravely.

[Paul carries Jessalyn as Leia leads, off to...]

You quickly cross to fore, heading into the main corridor of the ship.
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
Obvious exits:
Entry Area <Aft>  Escape Pods <Port>  Crew's Quarters <Starboard>  Bridge 
  <Fore>  

Shenner lingers behind the adults, as Jessalyn is gently shepherded along.

Paul_Nighman looks around for someplace to put Jessa down. "Where do you want 
  her? He asks gently.

Leia leads the way over towards the door to the crew's quarters, looking back 
  at Paul and Jessa every so often, "Right in here.."

Paul_Nighman follows Leia with a nod

Shenner presses herself against the wall, letting the others pass her.

Leia passes into the crew's quarters.

[And some long minutes later....]

Paul_Nighman walks in from the Crew's Quarters on the ship
Paul_Nighman has arrived.
Paul_Nighman turns to Shenner as he enters the hallway. He hunkers down next 
  to her. "You okay?"

Shenner has plopped down cross-legged on the floor, her elbows on her knees, 
  and her hands propping up her head. As she senses your arrival, though, she 
  looks up, and says miserably, "This is all my fault...!"

Paul_Nighman looks at you in surprise. "It is? Well, isn't that interesting. 
  And all this time I thought it was that bitch Alora." He looks at you 
  seriously then. "Why on Corellia would you think this was _your_ fault?"

Shenner's gaze lowers, and she says ashamedly, "She spent all night lookin' 
  for me, 'cause I ran outta the ship. Jess's right, I was actin' like a child 
  and I put her in danger...!"

Paul_Nighman frowns at that. "But when I saw you, you were together. She's 
  been out of the ship before ... and I'm sure that if you hadn't run out, she 
  probably still would have left the ship at some point." He gently tips 
  Shenner's face so that she looks at him. His expression is warm and caring. 
  "In fact, you may just have saved her. Can you imagine what might have 
  happened if she had bumped into Alora alone? With no one to help her?"

"I... ain't sure I wanna even think about that," Shenner says, voice very 
  small.

Paul_Nighman nods in agreement. "I don't either." He recalls slightly that 
  Shenner had a flute that she was very fond of, and that she seemed to play 
  when she was blue. "So, what ever became of that flute of yours?" His smile 
  is warm and inviting.

Shenner half-shrugs, and mutters, "Tatooine kinda... dried out my first flute, 
  but I gotta 'nother one... and a guitar, too..." She looks up, distractedly. 
  "I think I left 'em in the cargo bay."

Paul_Nighman smiles as he stands up, offering his hand to Shen. "A guitar? 
  Really? Can I see it?"

Shenner studies the man who got her off Belsavis, her gaze shy, before she 
  fleetingly nods, and points away off down the corridor. "Stay here... in 
  case the Princess needs us, or Jess... I-I'll be right back." And with that, 
  the kid hurries off. A few minutes elapse, in which the sound of an access 
  panel being opened up can be heard; then comes the clunk of the panel 
  closing again, and Shenner's returning footsteps. The girl comes into view 
  with a green leather flute-sheath slung over one shoulder, and carrying a 
  big guitar under the opposite arm.

Paul_Nighman examines the guitar under her arm and gestures at it. "May I?" he 
  asks politely.

Shenner bobs her cropped head a time or two, hefting the instrument carefully 
  around. It's clearly designed to be played both with and without power; it's 
  got a little amplication system built into it, and a number of extra dials 
  of indeterminate function, as well. Most of the thing is crafted from wood, 
  with a darker wood providing the inset for the dials.

Paul_Nighman takes the instrument carefully, examining it throughly. "This is 
  nice, very nice." He checks the strings, bringing two of them into slightly 
  better tune, and strums a chord. He gingerly sits down with the guitar and 
  begins to idly play a piece of music. He finger picks for the most part, and 
  is very good. The melody is light and feels somewhat classical in style. He 
  pauses to pat the ground next to him. "Sit with me?" he asks, as if by 
  saying yes she will be doing him a great honor.

"Grath -- uh, Grathix -- bought it for me," the kid murmurs, as she sinks 
  gingerly down to the deck beside you.

Paul_Nighman 's eyebrows shoot up at that, and his fingers jangle the strings, 
  but he covers quickly. "Really? That was mighty generous of him. Is he a 
  close friend of yours?" His voice is light and innocent, not betraying any 
  of the questions buzzing around in his mind.

"Not really," Shenner says lowly. "He found me on Tatooine, and hired me to 
  help him find--" And she cuts off, though, lifting her gaze to eye you, 
  uncertain, perhaps of whether she should continue.

Paul_Nighman nods absently, as if he were not concerned about the rest of the 
  answer. "Yeah, I really owe you big time for that one. Talk about being at 
  fault." He gives a strange cross between a grimace and and a smile. "It 
  looks like he wants to hire me too," he adds in an offhand manner. "What is 
  he like as an employer." His tone remains light and conversational. His 
  hands being to play a different melody, a sweet soothing ballad sounding 
  piece.

Shenner exhales, shakily, clearly still unsettled but trying to wrestle her 
  way through it. "He's... been okay. Got a piss-poor sense of humor" -- the 
  kid smirks -- "but he's been okay."

Paul_Nighman chuckles at that, his laugh warm and gravelly. His eyes crinkle 
  in humor. He then looks down at the guitar and stops playing. "Here, I've 
  been hogging your instrument - now it's your turn." He respectfully offers 
  you the guitar, and he smiles warmly into your eyes, taking in your features 
  as he passes you the guitar.

The kid has begun to change in the year since you've seen her; features which 
  could be dismissed simply as possessing an unformed childlike boyishness 
  have begun to gain a certain delicacy, particularly about her jawline and 
  cheekbones. Green eyes that you last saw full of shock and fright as the kid 
  fled your ship -- and which now meet your gaze with a measure of trepidation 
  -- are fringed in lashes too long and thick to be labelled masculine. Even
  her voice is slightly different, not really changed in pitch, but having
  gained a huskiness it didn't have twelve months ago. That voice asks you now, 
  "What, you want me to play for you?"

Paul_Nighman pauses for a beat, his mind distracted by her face, her voice, 
  and more importantly, her question. "What is it that you like?" His voice 
  drops slightly in pitch, and has gained a softer growly quality to it, like 
  a fine brandy. His eyes gaze at you levelly, almost as if daring you to take 
  up his subtle challenge. He shifts his torso ever so slightly closer to 
  Shen, his shirt stretching back to reveal an expanse of collarbone and a 
  tanned, muscular chest. He smiles, and it looks dangerous. "To play, that 
  is," he adds, almost as an afterthought. His eyes never leave Shenner's, the 
  green sunbursts around his pupils clearly visible from this close up.

Shenner takes in a soft, startled breath, and jerks her gaze away from you as 
  she hastily settles the guitar into her lap. "Well... mind... I only been 
  learnin' how to play the last few weeks. So I'm still pretty new at it." Her 
  voice shakes a little, and she tries to cover it by sounding gruffer.

Paul_Nighman nods slowly. He remains exactly where he is, his eyes never 
  leaving Shenner's. "Well, you should do whatever you want to do," replies, 
  his voice soft and suggestive. "I'm here for you, so whatever you are most 
  comfortable with is fine with me." He tilts his head slightly to one side, a 
  swath of hair falling down over his right brow and over his forehead. He 
  gazes at you steadily, but his breathing seems a little accelerated, as his 
  chest moves subtly with each drawn breath. "I'm sure anything that you do 
  will please me."

With her face under such scrutiny, it is easy to see Shenner beginning to 
  blush, her features beginning to tense up. But it's a regard Shenner 
  pointedly avoids, now, as she strums a scale's worth of chords on the 
  guitar, using it to distract herself, and paying exquisite attention to 
  where she's putting her fingers on the fretboard. "Okay... well... don't 
  expect nothin' too fancy outta me, yet," Shenner tells you. And with that, 
  she strums again, before beginning a simple melody in two-four time. A few 
  measures of this, before Shenner begins to sing...

        Welcome to a moon-filled night of strange and wondrous tales
        Of ancient kings, and mystic rings, and ships with painted sails
        Of how I came to be here, and where I wish to go
        And all my deepest secrets which you will come to know...

Shenner keeps the volume of the song down, perhaps mindful of disturbing 
  anyone asleep in the crews' quarters -- especially Jessalyn. Her voice stays 
  low, too, pitched to a lower register, but clear nonetheless.

        Settle back and dream a while, and come along with me
        We will walk the ancient forests and sail the deepest seas
        Oh let your heart go rambling, there's much we have to see
        From what we are this moment, to what we hope to be...

Paul_Nighman remains close to Shen, unwilling to give up his ground. His eyes 
  remain intensely upon her, but his lips smile at her obvious attempts to 
  wrest control back in this situation. He knows that if he is patient, she 
  will make the mistake of looking up into his face. He keeps his eyes 
  fiercely upon her, trying to draw her in. He cocks his head some more as he 
  also listens intently to the music and her words. His interest and 
  appreciation are more than evident. The words catch at him, appealling to 
  the romantic in him. His smile reflects his delight in her voice and the 
  lyrics. He finds that he cannot help but lean forward even closer. His hands 
  drop to the ground on either side of Shenner's knees, not interfering with 
  her playing, but bringing him that much closer. The shirt strains against 
  his torso. He looks like a man enraptured.
Paul_Nighman sighs, and the lock of hair falls further over his forehead, 
  slipping over one eye, so that he must look through it to see her.

Shenner draws the song off into silence, letting out a breath and saying a 
  trifle unsteadily, "That's all there is... it's supposed to be a round, 
  see..." The girl notices you shifting positions, and does look up, then, 
  nervous, gasping faintly.

Paul_Nighman smiles gently at Shenner, seeing her confusion and fear all 
  mingled with attraction. His expression gentles and he lets the intensity 
  drain from his eyes. He reaches up slowly with one hand to trace her jaw 
  line and then leans forward, but raises himself up at the last moment to 
  place a gentle and tender kiss upon her forehead before seating himself back 
  down and sitting back again, giving her her personal space. "That was quite 
  beautiful," he says, but his eyes hint that he found more than the music 
  delightful. "You played very well and your voice has some wonderful 
  potential." He smiles again, trying hard to pull his hormones into check. 
  "Did you write the piece yourself?" he asks lightly. Then his smile 
  brightens and he adds. "You know, I'm so glad that we aren't enemies any 
  more ... maybe, if I'm lucky, even friends?"

Shenner startles, again, as you touch her face and lean in to kiss her -- but 
  before she can react, you've already brushed that kiss across her brow, and 
  she can't do more than scramble suddenly to her feet, shaken, blurting out, 
  "Learned it from a l-lesson holo."

Paul_Nighman nods carefully and stands slowly, so as not to startle her any 
  further. "What say you and I go in and check on Jessa? I'm sure that your 
  music would be pleasant and soothing to her." He does his best to be as 
  non-threatening and soothing to Shenner as possible.

Shenner suddenly shakes her head, clutching the guitar to her, and blurting, 
  "I'd, uh, I'd just wake everybody up, I bet Luke and Amylynn a-and Winter 
  need their rest, too... uhm... you should ask Princess Leia i-if you can 
  sleep on the ship tonight, so Alora won't getcha... I-I bet she's mad..."

Paul_Nighman nods. "Alright, if you think that's best. Where are you going to 
  sleep?" Realizing it is a delicate question he phrases it in the most 
  innocent is-there-enough-room-for-you kind of way.

"I'm... uhm... I swiped a pillow... and a blanket, I-I don't wanna be in 
  anybody's way... uhm..." And with that, looking flustered, Shenner skitters 
  off down the passageway.

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

	As she hastily lowered herself down into the dubious refuge of the
_Dragon_'s cargo hold, Shenner waited until she had the access panel
securely in place and had made it to the corner of the hold in which she'd
plopped her filched blanket and pillow before she collapsed there,
shaking, and shaken. And for all that the Imperial Jedi Alora had been
the impetus for the evening's turmoil, it wasn't Alora that caused the
girl's mind to boil, now.
	One disturbing Corellian was enough. Shenner scowled at herself,
remembering the inexplicable clench in her gut she'd had during the
previous day's encounters with Han Solo -- _charming, huh? Ladies' man?
Bantha dung!_ -- which, for all that they'd infuriated her, she couldn't
keep from replaying over and over again in her head. But _two_
Corellians....
	Paul Nighman had been the _last_ person she'd expected to run into
on Palanhi. And the sight of him had been enough to bring to a head within
her the last several days' worth of frustrated confusion that had been
threatening to rip her head apart.
	Shenner had spent the last year of her life sustained by fury at
Paul. After sixteen years' worth of mistrust of men, beginning to trust
and almost even like Paul had been difficult enough; having him turn around
and betray that trust by leaving her on Tatooine had been more than enough
argument for her to focus every ounce of her anger on the man.
	Now, though, with seeing him again -- and his apparently heartfelt
apology -- Shenner couldn't help but wonder exactly what it'd been that
had angered her so: his abandonment of her on Tatooine, or the way he'd
kissed her on his ship....

[End log.]