Log Date: 9/22/98 Log Cast: Jessalyn Valios, Rekkie Sheldon (NPC), Loren Jarnes (NPC), Shenneret Veery, Ariani (NPC), Tethra (NPC), Aa'leet (NPC), Karm (NPC), Maelle, Jairen, Morganna, Stalh, Canon, Hunter, Sita, Benjawa, Tracer, Mineyur, Grimnar, Venus, Webb Log Intro: Between mysterious apparent Dark Jedi wounding Princesses in the city square, obnoxious young men trying to court her attentions, recurring headaches and a resurgence of her nightmares, and a fleeting encounter with none other than an intoxicated Paul Nighman, Shenner hasn't been a happy young bard. Her only solace as of late has been the pursuit of her studies as she strives to get into the University of Caspar, and she has spent every ounce of free time she has at her disposal ardently absorbing every scrap of knowledge relevant to her chosen course of study -- xenomusicology -- that she can get her hands on. Her only problem, however, is that choosing the Sandbar as the locale for her studies tends to plant her in the way of individuals who seem determined to notice her, even when in the middle of rehearsing.... ---------- The Sandbar A large circular room creates the main part of Caspar's infamous SandBar. Dark wood paneled walls adorned with all sorts of paraphanalia set the relaxed athmosphere of the bar. Photographs and holovids are pinned randomly around, seemingly with no order at all. Posters from years past hang proudly, displaying obscure bits of Plaxton's recent history. Several windows made from a deep blue glass allow light in from outside, while still keeping the appearance of the bar rather dark. Along one curved wall a marble bar stands proudly, where Ariani busies herself making drinks and cleaning occational spots of the bar. There is an abundant amount of seating in here. You notice quite a few booths and tables, as well as a loft which protrudes out over the bar. A popular local band plays smooth jazz in the background. ----For help with tables, type "PLACE HELP" ----For help with drinks, type "BAR HELP" -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Jessalyn => Ariani => Emma -=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=- leads to Fountain Square - Plaxton City. Jessalyn enters the Sandbar. Jessalyn has arrived. "Okay, everybody, let's run through it..." The voice is that of Rekkie Sheldon, lead singer of the band which regularly performs at the Sandbar. All six members are currently up on stage, but at this hour, it's obvious that they're rehearsing rather than actually formally on stage. "Loren, you ready? Shen, you know your part?" The young Corellian drummer grins and nods, poised at his drumset, and the redheaded young woman who is the newest member of the group just nods brusquely, ignoring the wink from the drummer. "Let's do it," she says gruffly to the tall blonde woman in charge of the group. A flicker of light from the doorway precedes the entrance of another red-haired woman, whose features and hair are obscured by the hood of her tunic. She is breathless, and wipes rain from her sleeves as she sidles her way towards the bar. Her posture is rigid, and she moves almost robotically as she places two parcels she was carrying onto the countertop and finds a stool. Ariani, behind the bar and frequently glancing stageward with a slight grin, turns to approach the new customer with a cordial greeting, ready to take her order. Meanwhile, Rekkie counts off, and the band, none of whom save the drummer are at their instruments at the moment, begins laying down a smooth, achingly pure six-part harmony. From the rumbling bass of black-skinned Tethra clear up through the piercing soprano of the white-skinned Twi'lek Aa'leet, the sung chord resonates through the room. Shenner holds the middle of the note along with Loren and Karm, adding an earthiness and a grit to the chord. Folding her arms upon the bar, Jessalyn bends her hooded head for a moment, still trying to catch her breath. She pulls back the hood and wraps her fingers around the two silver and blue foil-wrapped parcels in front of her. Her hair is shorn close, dark red in comparison to her pale features. She glances absently over her shoulder as the band begins to play, unable to keep from being affected by the sustained chord. Once the chord is in place and holding, Rekkie and Aa'leet begin in on a two-part harmony, sustained by the held 'ooohs' from the voices further down the register: You know I love you... I'll always love you Even though the tears are falling From my eyes I still remember, baby, when our love... And then Rekkie peremptorialy cuts everyone off, gesturing at Shenner with one golden-tanned hand. "No, I don't think so. Kid, you wanna take the lead on this? I think we might want your voice more on it." A small frown quirks Jessalyn's lips, and she turns more fully on her stool, ignoring the 'tender behind her at the counter. She rubs at her forehead, and watches the group curiously. Whatever had her spooked before is gradually forgotten, and her leaf green eyes linger over each member of the group. Rekkie: a tall blonde human woman, tanned and golden, blue-eyed. Aa'leet, the Twi'lek, dainty enough of build that there hardly seems any substance at all to her snow-white frame, her face dominated by enormous liquid dark eyes. Karm and Tethra, dark as Aa'leet is white. And that grinning young man at the drums who _has_ to be Corellian from his casually rugged good-looking appearance.... And Shenner, grim-eyed and determined of expression, nodding shortly to Rekkie's question, taking up the singing of the opening lyrics as the band starts again. ...I still remember, baby, when our love Was so strong So go on... Loren begins to tap off beats on his drums, the tempo picking up. The band choruses, "Go ahead and kiss her" and then each voice scales its way up through repetitions of "Goodbye" until Loren lays down a strong riff to break into the first verse. Shenner begins to sing in earnest, growling out the words with a sardonic edge: She doesn't love you The way that I love you Oh, 'cause if she did, she wouldn't Go and break your heart... Jessalyn looks at you for a moment. Shenner(#3773POACF) This is a young human female, of about 5'6" in height, but of a delicate enough build that there barely seems to be any substance to her. Her skin is moon-pale, her already fine-boned features made pronounced by an utter lack of extraneous flesh anywhere on her face. In stark contrast with her white complexion, her hair blazes a dark red; her green eyes, large, luminous, and darkly limned by red-brown brows and lashes, look out at everything she encounters with a intelligent, haunted intensity. Those eyes, incongruous with her ethereal frame, and taken along with a walk, stance, accent, and mannerisms seemingly more suited for a brash young street tough, exemplify the contradiction that anyone who observes this girl long enough can soon discover: that for all her fragile appearance, this is no delicate flower. Rather, this young human is one that burns. Her hair is currently bound up to sweep back from her face in a braid that drops to just below her shoulders, interwoven and tied off with strips of green suede; from one of these strips dangles three clear glass beads and a small brown feather. She is clad in an overlarge gray-green shirt, tied off at the waist, and open at her collar and throat to reveal a water-blue, lighter silken shirt beneath, along with the glint of a silver pendant on a chain. Her pants are a utilitarian brown, old, but of a still thick and sturdy cloth, tucked into equally utilitarian scuffed beige boots. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => 6472 Standard Galactic Credits It isn't Shenner's face that rings in Jessalyn's memory. It's that voice. And her frown abruptly dissolves into an approving smile. She leans back and folds her hands in her lap, her attention fully focused on the young lead singer of the group. She's only flirtin', baby, but my love Is so strong So go on ("go ahead and kiss her," choruses the band) Go on and kiss her Goodbye... Na na na na, hey hey hey, goodbye... As Shenner belts out the song, the drummer pounding down the time and providing the only accompaniment to the six voices, the woman behind the bar grins at Jessalyn. "Good, ain't they?" she remarks amiably, wiping out a glass. "Ever since we got that new kid in we've been drawing in more customers every night." "Is that so?" Jessalyn murmurs offhand as she glances over her shoulder to the tender. "I can see why. How long has she been here?" She grins broadly and relaxes, tapping her fingers on her thighs in time to the music. The six voices trade parts back and forth across the song, and throughout it all, the young redhead practically snarls her lyrics, especially when the drummer insists on trying to 'serenade' her by turning and gazing guilelessly at her as he warbles his own part out. "Coupla weeks," is Ariani's reply, as she leans against her side of the bar. "Miz Laarken brought her in from Calamari. Rekkie and the others scooped her up for now. Sings like she's got a grudge against every man in the galaxy -- damn near punched Loren first time he tried to flirt with her -- but she keeps doing stuff like, well, that." And Ariani gestures cheerfully up at the grim-eyed young woman hurling forth her song. Raising her brows, Jessalyn smirks to herself. For some reason the thought of Shenner socking it to a flirtatious man makes her think things really haven't changed at all, and she tilts her head as she considers the girl's changed appearance. Definitely a girl this time, that's for sure. Jessa chuckles, and says to Ariani, "What's the house drink?" To that, Ariani cheerfully proclaims, "Oh, that'd be Avy's Special. Though we get a lot of requests for Corellian Suicides -- especially when Loren's ogling Shen like that up there." The bartender tosses a nod up at the band again, as the group lays down sharply accented bursts of "na na nas", as if they were musically strafing the non-existent audience. She also rattles off the rest of the list, concluding, "Anything sound good?" Jessalyn chews on her fingernail for a moment, stifling a giggle. The music and the sight of her old friend have certainly lightened her mood. "Avy's special, absolutely," she smiles. "You know the singer's name?" "Shen Veery," says Ariani, nodding steadily and turning to whip up the requested drink. And the song begins pounding through towards a close, all six members of the group continuing with varying harmonies on "na na na na, hey hey hey, goodbye" -- with the redheaded singer scowling in the direction of the blue-eyed young man behind the drums, and the drummer grinning devilishly back. Jessalyn smiles with satisfaction and turns away from the band, realizing that Shenner isn't going to recognize her, anyway, and gazes over the counter at Ariani. "Ahhh," she murmurs, watching the woman fix the drink. "She's quite talented." Shenner, perhaps, hasn't yet _noticed_ the woman at the bar. At any rate, as the song winds its way towards a close, she abruptly cuts off her own singing, making half the band blink and trail off, as she snarls at Loren, "Would you _stop_ that?!" "Stop what?" asks the drummer in perfect innocence. "_That!_" growls the girl. This prompts Rekkie to eye them both and step over, a hand held out to each of them, palm out. "Hey, kids, settle down. Shen, no ripping the heads off your fellow band members, okay? Not unless you feel like playing Loren's drums _and_ your guitar tonight, huh?" "There they go again," drawls Ariani lazily; apparently, this is something of a ritual. Handing over the drink to Jessalyn, she goes on blithely, "Yeah. Singing, putting her nose into books as big as she is, and snarling at Corellians seem to be Shen's biggest talents." Maelle enters the Sandbar. Maelle has arrived. Up on the stage, behind his drums, Loren murmurs impishly, "She adores me. She just won't admit it." This prompts Shenner to utter a pungent oath, and Rekkie to glare at _both_ of them. "Take five, people," the lead singer orders, waving everybody off the stage. "Shen, get yourself something to ease that throat of yours, okay? Loren, I want a Word with you." There's an unmistakable capital on that 'Word', and Tethra, Karm and Aa'leet all exchange 'wuh oh' glances as the drummer creeps off with the band's leader. Most of that sounds fmailiar, and Jessalyn smiles into her drink as she sips from it. "She doesn't seem to want the attention," she chuckles, stating the obvious in a flat tone. "Who was the woman who brought her here?" Maelle pauses at the cusp of the entryway, she looks for a moment and sighs, walks back out after only a moment, her hands on her hips. Maelle walks out of the Sandbar and the door closes automatically. Maelle has left. "Avy Laarken, owns this place," says Ariani to Jessalyn. Then she sees another couple of customers coming into the place, and appends, "'Scuse me, will ya? Be right back." In the meantime, glowering at everyone and everybody, Shenner at Rekkie's command slinks down off the stage, jamming her thumbs into her side pockets and pointedly ignoring the young Corellian hauled off for a Word with his band leader. The girl heads for the bar. Jessalyn cradles her glass in her hands and watches Shenner's approach to the bar. Suddenly speechless, she merely grins even wider and shifts on her stool, her cheeks flushed now from the potent drink. Growling a few more pungent oaths under her breath about Corellians who can't keep their eyes to themselves, Shenner stalks up to the bar, commandeers a stool three hops down from Jessalyn, and glowers around for Ariani. She sees the bartender occupied down the way with a couple of businessmen placing their orders... and this puts Jessalyn into her line of sight. Jessalyn The composure of the young woman before you is somewhat tense, her cheeks even paler than usual, though she tries to soften the expression with a gentle smile. Her flaming dark red hair has been shorn so that it frames her face in a haphazard fashion, even brighter than usual in contrast to her ashen cheeks. Spots of angry red color mark her face and hands, and on closer inspection appear to be burns. Her pale, leaf green eyes are coherent and calm, though something in them gleams, and, along with her mussed, face-framing hair, makes her look almost like a mischievous sprite. She is wearing a hooded tunic, made from a very delicate and fine white fabric. It is sashed at her waist, and trimmed with blue embroidery of an alien design. The sleeves are full and fall loose around her slender wrists. From the hollow of her throat shines a rough-hewn greenish blue stone, set into a glistening silver chain. A blaster is holstered to one thigh, and there is a long, cylindrical silver object, with a hand grip and a small disc extending from the body, clipped to her belt. A pair of tight, dark blue pants are tucked into knee-high black leather boots, both complementing the best pair of legs in ten parsecs. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Lightsaber => Medpack => 22T4 Hold-Out Blaster => Vibro-Knife Jessalyn's smile softens, and she inclines her head slightly, aware of the differences between them both since they last met. "You were really great," she says inadequately. "I hope I get to see the whole show later." Shenner goes still, a frown of consternation beginning to crease her brow -- a rather gentler expression than the incandescent glare she'd been aiming at the drummer, but still. She blinks, four or five times, and then blurts, "Jessalyn." It's rather simply stated, but this is in direct contrast to her expression. Consternation is replaced with amazement, as Shen's eyes get progresively wider, her mouth falling open. A light chuckle leaves Jessalyn's throat. "You recognized me," she says wryly, brushing back a wisp of hair from her brow. She tilts her head, and in the next moment she opens up her arms to the girl. Maelle enters the Sandbar. Maelle has arrived. Maelle walks out of the Sandbar and the door closes automatically. Maelle has left. Shen rises, amazement still blazing in her young face. But one corner of her mouth turns up as she takes in those opened arms, and although her approach is awkward, it happens. She crosses the distance between her and the older woman, to take the offered hug and return it. Down on the other end of the bar, her two new customers served, Ariani blinks down at Jessalyn and Shen. _Well,_ the bartender thinks to herself, _this friend seems to go over better than the _last_ one of Shen's that walked in here..._ She doesn't bother the two women, keeping a discreet distance for now and chatting with the businessmen. Jessalyn folds Shenner in her arms and pulls her into the embrace, surprised to find herself shaking. She strokes the girl's hair and squeezes her, beginning to laugh a little. "It really is you. Look at you... you're beautiful." Shenner's only reply to the compliment is a snort, enough to show that she heard it, even as she returns the hug with a firm one of her own, pulling back then to grin crookedly, eyes full, at the older woman. "I'll be gods-damned, I.. I knew there were NR people in this system, but I didn't think you'd be here," she mumbles, her voice a touch raspy. Jessalyn lets Shenner pull away, but keeps her hands on her shoulders, smiling down at her. "I certainly didn't expect to see you, either," she murmurs affectionately. "If I'd known I would have come to find you before now. What have you been up to, girl?" "Uh, well, singin'..... tryin' to get into school..." Shenner's gaze dips for a moment, making her look almost shy. She looks Jessalyn all over, taking in the details of her appearance, and she observes intelligently, "You, uh, you look different....!" Jessalyn laughs, pride welling up, and she brushes back Shenner's hair lightly with her fingertips. "And not for the better, I'm sure," she muses. "Trying to get into school? That's wonderful, Shen. You've come so far...." Jessa's voice trails off, and she catches her breath. Shenner can be seen to blush. She mumbles, "I'm gonna be a xenomusicologist." She's proclaimed as much to most of the people she's met as of late. Most of the people, though, get the defiant and challenging version of this statement. Jessalyn gets the almost shy version, perhaps because of the praise in the older woman's face. Green eyes beaming, Jessalyn squeezes Shenner's shoulder, and impulsively pulls her against her for another hug. "You'll be the best at whatever you do," she says with complete confidence. Breathing out a deep sigh, she releases her grip and smiles down at Shenner again. "How have you been?" That question seems to throw the younger redhead for a slight loop. For a fraction of a second, she pauses, her expression turning towards the uncertain; then she plasters on a crooked, resigned sort of grin and offers, "I been gettin' by." She readily hugs Jessalyn again, but then she claims the nearest stool to sit down again, her hand lifting up to fidget with the necklace round her throat. "You?' Jessalyn follows Shenner's lead and returns to her stool. "Well, things have certainly been eventful," she says quietly. She pauses, her head bending thoughtfully. "I wouldn't even know where to start." Off by the stage, Karm, Tethra, and Aa'leet, peering over and seeing Shenner apparently deep in conversation with someone she knows, exchange a few curious looks at one another. Their leader still out of sight with the miscreant Loren in tow, the three members of the band remaining opt to go claim a table and grab themselves a bite to eat before the show starts up later in the evening. Shen, in the meantime, murmurs very quietly, "You're, uh, like... a Jedi now, huh?" Her voice doesn't go any farther than her and Jessalyn, pitched as low as it is. Jessalyn glances up from beneath her lashes at Shenner, and nods her head very slowly. "Yeah," she murmurs ruefully, the corners of her lips curving upward. "I guess I am. Or so everyone keeps telling me." She plucks at her sleeve almost nervously, suddenly finding intense interest in the silken fabric. Jairen enters the Sandbar. Jairen has arrived. "I'll be gods-damned," says Shen again, gruffly. Her hand keeps fiddling with that necklace. An awkwardness has returned to her expression, though there's also curiosity glinting in her eyes. "Are you, uh... okay with that?" She peers at Jessalyn anxiously, gaze lingering on the reddened portions of her skin. Jairen looks at you for a moment. Jairen strides into the room, hands resting lightly on his sword hilt as he looks around from the doorway, not in any particular hurry to go anywhere in particular. Two redheaded women, one of them a recent addition to the band that performs most every night at the Sandbar, are in quiet conversation at the bar; off at one of the tables, three of the remaining band members, are putting together an impromptu meal. Most of the rest of the bar is scatteringly populated, though the bartender turns to Jairen promptly as he comes in to greet him and ask his order. Discovering her forgotten drink left behind on the bar, Jessalyn grabs it and takes a long swallow, glad that the ice has melted enough to soften its potency. "Well," she begins slowly, "sometimes I'm okay with it. Other times I feel like just a big fraud." She smiles, though, when she says it, though sadness tinges her eyes. Jairen nods to the tender as he strides up to the bar. "Chilled wine, please." he states. His voice is oddly accented and very melodic, as if he were singing and speaking somehow at the same time. He nods to the two women already at the bar as he sits down. "M'ladies." Shenner smiles lopsidedly to Jessalyn, though something of the openness leaves her expression as someone else comes into earshot. She lifts a green gaze up to Jairen, and nods gruffly at him, while Ariani moves to get the fellow his order. Jairen Jairen stands about 5'7" tall and has long, sliverish colored hair that comes down to about the middle of his back and is usually worn in a pony tail with a silver clasp. His body, though small, is obviously almost completely muscle. He moves gracefully, almost seeming to glide over the ground, leaving hardly any trace at all as he steps. His eyes are a piercing blue color. They are more almond shaped than perfectly round and seem to have a slight slant to them. The tips of his ears also seem to have a slight point to them, but that could be just a trick of the light. He wears rather simple fair, a dark green tunic with a brown leather vest designed to stop knives and such. His brown trousers are made of some sort of leather-ish material, and he wears soft black leather kneeboots that fold down at the top. On his left hip is an intracate blade in a scabbard suspended in a baldric. The rapier-like weapon has a swept basket hilt that is ornately carved with scences from what seem to be some sort of story or fairy tale. The blade, when seen, also has ornate engravings in some odd language. On his other hip is strapped a sharp vibro-dagger, perhaps about eight inches long. It is rather plain and unadorned. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Protective Vest => Sword => Vibro-Knife "But Luke is proud of me," Jessa adds with a shrug, swirling the ice around in her glass. She glances over at the man who's approached the bar and smiles a friendly greeting. "Evening. Still raining out there?" Jairen looks over his shoulder at the door, then back at Jessa. "A little. Such things do not really bother me much." Shenner, at the mention of Luke, tucks her lower lip under her teeth for a moment, while Jessalyn's attention distracts to the stranger. "How's... _he_ doin'?" the younger redhead asks the older, not bothering to elaborate on who she means, though there's obvious concern in her green gaze. Jairen smiles again at the two women and takes the drink the tender offers him with a nod of thanks, paying for it promptly. Setting her glass onto the bar, Jessalyn pauses for a moment before answering, a complexity of emotions showing across her face. "He's doing well," is the answer she finally settles on. "Surprisingly well, considering everything." Her lips thin for just a moment, and she shrugs her shoulders as she glances away. "I'm... uh.... I'm glad," Shenner offers earnestly, the silver-and-brass pendant making a reflexive way in and around her slender fingers. And she smiles lopsidedly again, perhaps trying to think of what to say next. Jessalyn's eyes light on the necklace around Shenner's throat. It doesn't look familiar, but it's been a while, so she can't be sure. She folds her hands across her lap and tries to look and sound reassuring. "Don't worry about Luke. He's the last person we should worry about." She hesitates, looking like she wants to say more, but instead retrieves her drink once again. The necklace is a little thing, a pendant barely bigger than a ring, silver and brass, looking ornate on casual inspection. Shenner seems unaware that she's fiddling with it, even as she bobs her russet head. "I'm glad about that... uh..." She trails off awkwardly again. "I, uh... are _you_ okay? You look... kinda fried." Her gaze returns to those reddened portions of skin, and a distinctly uneasy expression creeps into her face. "I'm fine," Jessalyn assures her, reaching forward to touch her shoulder. "I promise. No permanent damage. And the hair will grow back." She chuckles sourly and brushes at her shorn locks. "I've just gotta learn how to stay out of trouble a little better. This thing seems to turn me into a target." Her expression grows more somber as she pats the lightsaber at her waist. "Did..." Shenner glances uneasily in a few directions, as if fearing being overheard, before she leans closer to Jessalyn. She admits, palpable discomfort and perhaps even fear in her low, husky voice, "I... saw what happened to Princess Leia... did... that guy getcha?" Jessa's eyes close briefly, and she shakes her head. "No," she answers succinctly. "It was someone else." Shenner goes still, very still, and pale to boot. Morganna enters the Sandbar. Morganna has arrived. At length, Jessalyn glances over at Shenner seated next to her at the bar, and watches her expression worriedly. "It's all right," she repeats. "There's... two of 'em?" Shenner mumbles to Jessalyn, barely audibly. Stepping into the dry bar from the wet square is a cloaked figure. The cloaked figure could be just about anyone if it wasn't for that glowing blue eye. As she walks towards the bar, flanked by two similarly dressed aides, Morganna pulls the hookd down to reveal her scarred face. A few of the patrons mutter as Morganna walks past, dripping water onto the floor. Jessalyn nods her head numbly. "That I know of," she replies, leaning forward and resting her elbows on her knees. "But you shouldn't be frightened, Shenner. You're safe. I promise you that." Stalh enters the Sandbar. Stalh has arrived. Maelle enters the Sandbar. Maelle has arrived. She sits at a table, chatting amiably with her aides, it looks like Morganna has finally gotten her favourite ones to be working with her. The aides keep a close eye on everything and everyone around, but the trio seem comfortable as the chat over hot Caf. Maelle peers into the darkness, trying to discern a path through the crowds. She grits her teeth and plunges into the crowds trying to find a decent place to sit. Maelle dissapears among the patrons. He enters, the cold Casparian wind blowing cruelly into this place of warm food and times. He lets the door linger open for a moment, the result, the candles on some of the more secluded tables flicker with dying grace. With a look of grimness, the man surveys the room, finding someone, but making no apparent move towards the person, he remains however standing in the doorway, the overcast and darkening of the outside skies illuminating him is an eery glow. Maelle walks out of the Sandbar and the door closes automatically. Maelle has left. Shenner, sitting at the bar, is apparently in deep conversation with an older woman in a cloak, the two of them talking in very low tones. In the meantime, as the evening crowd continues to make its way into the establishment, the band begins to gather onstage. Rekkie Sheldon, finally abandoning the lecture she'd been giving to her drummer, starts a course towards the bar and the young singer talking there. A cold breseze passes right towards Morganna's table and she shivers before stating in annoyance at the being that is holding the door open. Surprisingly, Morganna ignores the band, and the new arrival, continuing to talk quietly with her aides, a scheming evil gleam in her eye. Aa'leet, the Twi'lek keyboard player, is already on stage and warming up her instrument; an extremely chagrined looking young Corellian creeps up to take his place at his drumset, trying to avoid the baleful glare of his lead singer, and Aa'leet might be seen to turn a sympathetic liquid dark gaze upon her fellow musician. Tethra and Karm don't take long to join the others, but Rekkie goes straight to Shen, interrupting the conversation she's having with the other woman. Shen can be seen to blink and look up, and after a few moments, Shenner nods grudgingly and follows Rekkie to the stage, leaving her companion at the bar to quietly fade into the background. Slowly, quietly does a leather gloved hand raise to the wooden panelling that surrounds the inside wall adjacent to the wall. _knock_..._knock_..._knock_ The tapping is loud, yet melodical, but it too betrays a sense of saddenning, perhaps even reckoning. His eyes remain firmly afixed on the Imperial Ambassador, and perhaps, it could be stated that knocking could be a silent message, or ... an insidious muted threat. His slow, deliberate blinks create another level to the man's apparent mystique on this occassion, but one thing is for certain, he appears to share the warmth of the planet outside. The knocking.. even with the Music Morganna notices it. Her eyes rest on the man sending her the signal, and she fixes him with a cool, even gaze, she mutters something to one of her aides and shakes her head. Slowly, she finishes off her Caf, gathers her rain cloak and fastens it about her again, the now dry fablic billowing behind her as she and her aides head towards the door. Morganna's eyes firmly fixed on Stalh with a defensive, animal like gaze. The musicians gather up on the stage, with Shenner peering over warily at the young Corellian, who gives her a sheepish, tiny sort of smile. Rekkie gives both of the two younger musicians a stern 'you kids be good' sort of expression, and it's probable that the muttered words she directs at both of them are in a similar vein, though no one except the rest of the band is within earshot. With that, though, the six musicians get down to business, starting up the first of the evening's set of numbers, something fairly low-key but adding in instruments in progressive layers until the melody is rich and complex. The knocking ceases and the gloved leather hand returns to the side of the diplomat, occasionally touching a small U-shaped object that presses firmly against the side of his jacket. The movement on the stage captures his attention undivedly for a few crucial moments as he recognises another person he knows, but yet despises. 'Why is this world full of people I hate?' His nods reassuringly to himself in a vain attempt to regain his thoughts and task at hand. "No witnesses." he mutters to himself, though it may be argued that more than just Stalh heard. With a predatory glance he returns his gaze back to the approaching disfigured woman. Moving slowly, deliberately so, Morganna approaches Stalh with a demeanour that is probably intended to annoy the man. Her blue eye flashes and she draws the hood over her face, speaking softly as she nears Stalh, "Yes?" is all she asks, eyes fixed on him coldly. Up on the stage, Shenner warms into the music the band is playing, or at least in so much as her communion with her big guitar indicates. Her expression has settled in grim and determined, but she holds her own while Rekkie sings her lead vocals, and the rest of the band provides her solid backup. As she approaches, the eyes of the diplomat look unnervingly onto those of the Ambassador. His demonic green-black eyes glaring with an emotion that even a blind person could see if disgust. His eyebrows flare up in a moment of extreme rage, although he himself remains silent. It appears that not even the burning rage in his eyes can melt his frozen heart and blackened soul. Continuing to stare, he mutters lowly, "Traitor." Canon walks out of the Sandbar and the door closes automatically. Canon has left. Morganna narrows her organic eye and she growls, motioning to the door, her voice is just as low, and thanks to the hood, her face is concealed to all but Stalh, who is directly ahead of her, she backs down a touch, "I am not a traitor.." she hisss, "Let's go.." His hand enters his pocket, gripping the U-Shaped device firmly as he turns to leave as well. "I've been waiting for this for a long time, -Ambassador-..." he says evenly, his voice trailing off as he accepts the silent offer that could possibly end this for once and for all. Without a final glance back at the Brat that thinks she is a musician, he walks out smiling...At last, he is "Finally in true surroundings..." he mutters with a wry smile creasing his face. Whether that means the whether or something entirely can not be gathered, but sinister it truly is. Well, if the Brat thinks she's a musician, her five compatriots on stage do, as well. The band continues to play, stopping their first number at last to the applause of the crowd that's gathered around the stage, and shortly thereafter they begin the next -- a duet, this time, led by the two dark-skinned horn players. The ambassador Tenses, visibly. Those that know Morganna know that she doesn't spook esily, but there's something about Stalh's voice that sends a shiver through her spine. She bows her head down and rubs the back of her head, as though wondering what the hell she's done. Slowly, she steps out into the rain, soemthing about her gait suggests that she'd be ready to run if she had to. Morganna walks out of the Sandbar and the door closes automatically. Morganna has left. Stalh walks out of the Sandbar and the door closes automatically. Stalh has left. Hunter enters the Sandbar. Hunter has arrived. Up on the stage, a group of six musicians holds forth in song: a leggy blonde woman singing the lead; a slender Twi'lek female with white skin and enormous dark eyes and fingers that dance agilely over her keyboard; a pair of black-skinned humans, enough alike in appearance to be brother and sister, on a pair of horns; a young Corellian pounding away on his drums; and a redheaded, green-eyed young woman with a grim and determined expression that contradicts the upbeat number the group is putting forth. Shenner plays with dogged steadiness, though the only sign of her mood is in her face; there's no sign of it in the music that fills the bar. [And shortly...] Sita enters the Sandbar. Sita has arrived. Sita stops at the door to shake all the rain from her fur, smelling like musty wet wookiee. Up on the stage, the six musicians of the Sandbar are holding forth in song; at the moment, the young redheaded guitar player, Shenner, has taken the lead, singing out something raw-edged and driving, in the Corellian language. This is apparently pleasing the drummer immensely, for as the young man plays, he's watching the redhead, and grinning ear to ear. Sita blinks at the different sort of music then she heard the last time, but makes her way through to claim an empty table near the stage to listen. Different, perhaps, but this particular group of musicians seems quite comfortable with tossing around varying styles of music. The five humans and the one Twi'lek keep up the number, horns, keyboards, drums and guitars laying down a wave of sound, Shenner's voice rising higher and growing rougher-edged. She's pouring emotion into the song, and although it's emotion with teeth, she holds a true tone on every syllable she sings. Sita :'s foot starts tapping anyway, even if its not what she's used to. She turns her attention to each musician in turn. Six of them. The boy at the drums is young and handsome as humans reckon such things, with tousled dark hair and vividly blue eyes; he sings a voice that can't quite decide whether it's tenor or baritone, in between pounding out the rhythms on his drums. Playing horns is a pair of dark-skinned humans, one male and one female, looking enough alike that they may well be twins. A white-skinned Twi'lek female, dainty of build, sends agile fingers dancing all over her keyboard and sings in an achingly sweet soprano; soprano, too, is the tall blonde woman with a tan who brandishes one of the guitars. And then there's the redheaded, green-eyed girl with the other guitar, hitting the closing high note, and bringing the entire song thundering to its close. Sita wouldn't know a cute human if it bit her... But she does enjoy the music and applauds with the rest of the crowd. As one, the musicians bow, the boy behind the drums getting up to join his compatriots in doing just that as they receive their applause. Shenner flicks a slight grin into the crowd, inclining her head and yielding the center of the stage back to the tall blonde human. "Thanks, all you beings, thanks again," says the blonde, the sound system carrying her voice clearly out through the room. "For those of you who might have just wandered in, this is the Sandbar, and we'll be your band tonight. Let me introduce us..." Sita orders something to drink, and then sits there with her head tilted to one side, all set to listen. "Loren!" This is the drummer, who bows extravagantly, leers as a few very young and very impressionable females in the audience squeal happily. "Karm and Tethra!" The horn players flash white grins in their dark faces, graciously including their heads. "Aa'leet!" The Twi'lek at the keyboards drops a graceful little half-curtsey. "And our newest member -- Shenner!" The girl with the guitar gets several whistles and claps, and at last the blonde woman grins and finishes, "And oh yeah, I'm Rekkie. Y'all ready for us to keep going?" Sita adds her comments and applause to the rest, getting a few startled looks at the growls from those that hadn't noticed the Wookiee sitting near them. With all due approval from its listening audience, the band led by the blonde Rekkie launches into its next number. This one is yet another musical departure, a slow and flowing sort of number with strangely dissonant overtones lurking here and there, brought in by the keyboard and the horns. And it's Aa'leet who takes the lead vocals this time, singing in her own language. Sita closes her eyes, and doesn't mind that she only catches a word or two of the language, the music makes up for the lack of understanding. The song is one with a bitter bite to it, if the lyrics and the expression of the Twi'lek singer are to be judged. But she sings with that same consummate sweetness, slowly transforming the song through key changes and modulations, moving it from -- or so perhaps the astute listener might discern -- dejection up towards hope. The horns lay down a smooth and liquid accompaniment, and Shenner and Rekkie on their guitars a multi-layered foundation of plucked chords beneath. Sita misses the expression with her eyes closed, but that sense cut off helps her pay more attention to the sounds themselves. And eventually, this song finishes too, on Aa'leet holding a high, sweet note backed up with the lower voices of the rest of the band; their instruments hold forth with a swell of notes, adding dimension to the wall of harmony, until it at last fades off into silence. Sita holds her breath a moment, even after the note has faded, and then applauds, claws clicking. Benjawa enters the Sandbar. Benjawa has arrived. Tracer enters the Sandbar. Tracer has arrived. Benjawa walks in and glances about the bar looking for a good place to sit. "Thank you," says Aa'leet into the applause, once it dies down enough for her sweet high voice to be heard over the audience. Rekkie turns, then, taps off a count, and before the echoes of that last chord have entirely faded, the band is immediately off into a blistering rendition of "Kessel Run" -- and Rekkie's on the lead, tearing into the song that's a wry celebration of smugglers everywhere. Benjawa then motions to a booth in the back of the bar and says over the music,"What about back there?" Tracer accompanies Benjawa, smiling as she looks around, taking in the band on the stage. Tracer nods. "That's fine!" she shouts back. Benjawa dissapears among the patrons. Sita sighs regretfully, but gets to her feet and winds her way back towards the door. Tracer dissapears among the patrons. Mineyur enters the Sandbar. Mineyur has arrived. Mineyur says, "Nothin wench." While Rekkie's belting out the lyrics, the horns, the drums, and Shenner's guitar lay down a streak of fiery music as fast-paced and agile as a YT-1300 dancing its way through the black holes of Kessel space with Imperial stormtroopers on her heels. And all six musicians come in on the chorus, adding the masses power of their voices to the racing melody. Mineyur makes his way to the bar, in an altogther bad mood. Or is this news? Sita passes by Mineyur headed the opposite direction. Benjawa gives Ariani some Standard Galactic Credits. Sita walks out of the Sandbar and the door closes automatically. Sita has left. Ariani turns to the bottles, takes a glass, and makes a Satori for Tracer, complements of Benjawa. She brings it over with a smile. Ariani works with grace as she makes a Elfin_Sweet_Tea and serves it to Benjawa. Half the smugglers in the galaxy are still trying to finish the Kessel Run in less than eleven parsecs. These six singers seem hell-bent on doing more or less the same with their rendition of this song, but are just as interested in coherent power to their stream of sound as they are in the driving tempo. Higher and higher Rekkie's voice goes, carried along by the background vocals, and for once, Shenner's grim expression eases into something like pleasure. Perhaps the redheaded guitar player likes this number. And at last, with a final wry verse dropping a hint abut a Corellian pilot and a Wookiee partner that really leaves little doubt in the minds of the audience as to who exactly the song "Kessel Run" is about, the band hammers its way to a close. The voices and instruments strike a hard accent and then blast off down into silence, like a freighter vanishing into the blackness of space. There is a faight sound of applause comming from the dark Booth in the back of the bar. It's obvious that someone there enjoyed the song even though you can't see them. In the midst of the applause, the grinning band members bow and incline their heads, and the lead singer swings her hazel gaze around the room, calling out her thank-yous. As she does, Shenner sets her guitar down, reaching to take up a flute instead, blowing some air through the instrument to warm it up. The next number start in, something a little lower-key, both in tempo and in general flavor of song. It's a love song, with Rekkie taking the lead, and Tethra coming in with echoing lines in his rumbling bass in response to each of hers. Mineyur walks out of the Sandbar and the door closes automatically. Mineyur has left. Grimnar enters the Sandbar. Grimnar has arrived. Grimnar looks at you for a moment. Grimnar walks out of the Sandbar and the door closes automatically. Grimnar has left. Tracer shakes her head, smiling. "Not my style, but then, did you think it would be yours?" Venus enters the Sandbar. Venus has arrived. Mineyur enters the Sandbar. Mineyur has arrived. Mineyur arrives with Venus and curls his nose up at Ariani. Tracer chuckles, and looks at her chrono as well. With a smile that now seems eternally warm, she shake her head. "I won't tell. I promise. You should know after the other night that I can keep a secret, Lieutenant." She manages to find enough energy to wink at Ben. Webb enters the Sandbar. Webb has arrived. Venus enters with her usual mirth, excited for the drink she desperately needs. Ariani fixes it immediately, some potent looking concoction which Venus heads for with a determined pace. Webb bursts into the Sandbar, bringing in a spray of rain from outside with him. The door swings shut behind him, leaving him standing there with water running off his rainjacket. Ah, good to see /someone/ who enjoys this wonderful rainy, cool, grey, dreary, weather, isn't it? Webb looks at you for a moment. Venus accepts Ariani's drink with a warm smile and leaves a far too generous tip for the drink. She lets the alcohol run down her thraot, but spots Webb mid sip, letting her lips curl into a smile in the drink. The band finishes off its current number, and finally, Rekkie steps up to address the crowd, "And that's it for us, now, folks. We'll be back in a bit." They get their waves of applause, and after bows and smiles, the musicians on the stage break up from one joined group into six individuals, several tired, most of them grinning even so. And one red-haired green-eyed young woman who peers anxiously out into the bar for a moment, and frowns bemusedly to herself as she turns to set down her guitar. Benjawa laughs and says,"Oh I don't plan on it"He gives yo slight wink and then heads to the door. He keeps his eyes at the floor not really seeing anyone else. Benjawa comes out of the crowd. Benjawa walks out of the Sandbar and the door closes automatically. Benjawa has left. Venus walks out of the Sandbar and the door closes automatically. Venus has left. Tracer comes out of the crowd. Shenner can be seen to mutter something to Rekkie, and then the guitar player slips down off the stage, setting herself a course through the tables and glancing uncertainly at a few of the empty ones. As she draws nearer to the bar, she peers off into far corners, a look of disappointment crossing her features. Tracer emerges from the booth where Benjawa just left from. She crosses into the bar looking after where the tall Sarian has just gone out into the rain storm. She moves reluctanly towards the door and the wet weather outside, pulling her leather jacket over her shoulders. As Webb approaches the bar, Ariani begins to prepare what she already knows will be the Marine's choice of beverages (hot tea, with citrus apparently), and motions in the direction of the passing Venus, just in case Webb hadn't yet noted the presence of the Prime Minister as she weaves her way through the crowd towards the door. He looks as if some attempt were made on his part to say hi, but at the speed V slipped past him he probably wasn't heard. He sighs quietly and casts his glance back down the bar. Mineyur nods to Webb and and even offers a smile..yes, a smile..as he sits next to him at the bar. "Good day Sir," he nods. Webb's eyes are still focussed upon the door which Venus just disappeared out of, even as he slides into one of the barstools. Though some might mistake his expression for the sort of daze brought about by just having accidentally winged oneself with one's own stunner, he does have the presence of mind to mutter to Mineyur, "/Don't/ call me /sir/," Though after he says it a bit of a grin does spread across the Master Sergeant's face. He's still staring at that door. Hmm... maybe stunning would be an improvement. Tracer shuffles closer to the door, but as the sensors pick up her form and the door opens, she shudders at the downpour outside, and steps back in, allowing the doors to close again. She turns around and surveys the bar, as if she had just come in. As well she may have as she didn't really notice much around her before now. Mineyur breathes in deeply, and nods, moving away from the dazed sergeant and takes a closer to seat to watch the band...maybe that wil help him sort out his ill mood. Noting Shenner, he keeps himself concealed as best he can in a cloud of smoke. Shenner has crept up to the bar, waved down Ariani, and has started exchanging low murmurs with the woman. Something about a friend of the girl's, perhaps, having gone on her way, a situation which seems to make Shenner's expression fall. Ariani gives her a sympathetic sort of smile and pours her up a cider, and the redheaded guitar player settles down onto a stool, her expression pensive, one hand fiddling with the silver and brass pendant about her neck. The sound of a mug of his favorite hot tea being set upon the bar before him snaps Webb out of his little trance, either that or it was the sound of Ariani's stern yet amused voice calling out, "Caspar to Jonathan Webb..." and waving a hand in front of his eyes before heading off to serve Shenner. The annoying Cadet's attempt at a smoke screen doesn't keep Tracer from noticing him. Deciding between the lesser of two evils...Mineyur or the rain...she makes a hasty turn, pulls her leather jacket over her head with a creak and heads out the door. Tracer walks out of the Sandbar and the door closes automatically. Tracer has left. Mineyur glances at Shenner and Webb, and doesn't really want to so much as say a word to either..maybe if he just says, "So, Shen....nice music..needs some improvement though." That last part with kjust a little humour., Shenner starts from where she's sitting, lifts her head at the sound of someone calling her name, and then swings her gaze around in Mineyur's direction. Her features harden somewhat, and she looks the young man up and down before drawling coolly at him, "You're a music critic, in addition to being a soldier?" Webb's lips curl up into a smirk, and with a quiet sigh he mutters something about wishing he's gotten here sooner. He takes a small sip of his tea, and turns upon his barstool to observe the exchange between Shenner and Mineyur. Mineyur laughs, sincerely actually, as his mood alomst seems benevolent..almost..."Well, no, I am a lousey person to lecture on music, never so much as stepped an inch towards any thing musical in my life, but ah well. And I suppose you are doing well in your studies then?" Cider paused in the one hand, her necklace paused and glittering between the fingers of the other, Shenner considers Mineyur warily. But answers readily enough, "They're going." She doesn't exactly elaborate on _where_ her studies might be going, but at least the young man still has her attention. In the meantime, her green gaze has flicked down the way and marked the presence of Webb, to whom she flicks a momentary half-smile. Webb drums his fingers upon the bar, tapping out a faintly martial tune (one that he's heard before somewhere, yet probably doesn't remember where, though an attentive Shenner would probably recognize it). Webb's mouth curls up into a similar half-smile, and greets her with a raising of his cup, in a somewhat toast-like gesture before he takes a long sip of his drink. Mineyur finally resigns himself to the bar, and smiles to Shenner. He sees too much of her in him, they could be twins. "I see. Well, that is fair enough." As opposed to speaking firther and upsetting theyoung woman, he turns a new tactic, and says nothing at all, though his prescence near her is all the more emphasized by his silence, ad his strange smile. Shenner's general response to the tactic of silence from Mineyur is another wary look -- that seems to be popular with her. She drops the necklace though, the pendant sliding down under her silken inner shirt, and tosses back a portion of her drink before calling over to Webb, "Don't you _ever_ dry off, pal?" Webb's expression spreads into a grin over the top of his mug and he shrugs his shoulders somewhat in response to Shen's question, "I thought that was what I was in the process of doing?" Technically, that is true. His gaze shifts from Shen over to Mineyur for a moment, regarding the recruit's silence with some curiousity, before he looks back to Shen again. Mineyur chuckles to himself lightly, and again acts in such a way to confuse Shenner. With a slight smirk, he takes a sip of a canteen of /water/ from his pocket and heturns to her and says simply, in total sincerity, "Tell me, Shen, if I kisses you right now, what would you do?" He eyes her with amusement, anticipating either a cool and unconcerned calm or the deep anger which he can spark in her. Shen has started to reply to Webb, but at Mineyur's question, she turns her gaze back on him. Her face goes cold, and without the slightest hint of hesitatin, she replies bluntly, "I'd kick you right in the jewels, buddy, so don't even think about thinking about it." Ariani, who has turned to fetch a couple of clean glasses into which to pour drinks, can be heard to laugh out loud. "She'll do it, too," the woman calls over. "Shoulda seen what she almost did to Loren." Webb sighs quietly and shakes his head a little at Mineyur's remark, and asks of Shen and Ariani, "Is he always that smooth?" An amused smirk crosses his face for a moment, before he mutters a quiet remark along the lines of 'poor self preservation instincts'. Mineyur smiles, having planned his strategy perfectly, and stands, saying, "Well, to be totally honest, Shen, the thought had crossed my mind..you are an attractive lady, after all.." he continues to the door, opening it, letting the icy drops cascade over him, as turns back, calling, "But you see, I have determined to get out of the cold, and it seems to me that the rain outside is a great deal warmer and will bring me much more pleasure than your lips can ever aspire to," he smirks again. Before she can respond he is out the door, and it closes behind him. Mineyur walks out of the Sandbar and the door closes automatically. Mineyur has left. Shenner drains the rest of her cider from its mug, slaps said mug down onto the bartop with enough force to suggest that she'd have been quite happy breaking the mug over the top of Mineyur's head, and sits there turning quietly livid. Webb picks up his drink and moves down a few barstools, taking up the spot just (thankfully) vacated by Mineyur. He lets out a quiet sigh and shakes his head a little, muttering quietly, just loud enough for you and him to hear, "And we have to make a soldier out of that nerf's hind end." Webb then flashes one of those 'but what can one do about it' smirks. "Of all the nerve," Ariani grumbles, shooting a knife-edged glare out the door in Mineyur's wake. She peers over at Shenner and Webb, then, trusting _this_ soldier at least to behave himself and keep the young musician from committing murder, heads off to attend to another customer. Shenner, in the meantime, counts to ten, in Basic. She does it again in Corellian, and then in Horansi. She lifts her right hand up to fidget once more with the necklace she wears, drawing it out of hiding and clenching it in a white-knuckled grasp. "Well," she finally snarls, though her gaze is directed elsewhere than Webb, "he clearly can't be Corellian, at least. Corellians have a little more charm." Webb hmmmmmmms quietly, before he makes some offhand and incredibly too cheerful-sounding remark, "Then again, maybe with a little special training... and a few runs through The Sickener..." A somewhat /dark/ smirk spreads across Webb's face, possibly indicating that Webb isn't above singling out occasional recruits who just seem to have certain 'personality problems' and giving them a few special downright unsavoury memories of training at Trinumvira base (Ariani is in fact already fully aware of this, having heard stories first hand from certain recruits. Rumor has it one recruit earned that honour after ummm... giving unwanted amounts of attention to the Master Sergeant's girlfriend, namely the Prime Minister Venus Darkstar). "See if you can train him to keep his gods-damned smart remarks to himself," Shenner growls blackly, getting to her feet. "'Cause if he even so much as lays a hand on me again, I swear I'm gonna kick his ass halfway to Tatooine." Webb shrugs his shoulders and finishes off the last of his tea, "More time efficient for me to just amputate his hands and tongue if that's /all/ I wanted him to learn." The look Shen gives Webb might be appreciative if it weren't so bloodthirstily feral. She smiles, narrowly and unamiably, but the smile fades down back to what seems to be a more normal expression for her: gruff, edgy, distracted. "Yeah well." She abruptly calls over to Ariani, "Hey, 'Ani..." "Yeah kid...?" "If... my friend, y'know, the one I was talkin' to before, comes back before I get in tomorrow -- tell her to wait up for me, will ya?" "Sure thing, Shen." And with that, Shen turns to go, but pauses long enough to consider Webb. "Thanks," she says, short and rough and cryptic, and with that, she stalks off out into the night. [End log.]