Log Date: 9/25/98 Log Cast: Rekkie Sheldon (NPC), Tethra (NPC), Karm (NPC), Shenneret Veery, Tarlin, Luke Skywalker, Jonathan Webb, Venus DarkStar, Jali, Aa'leet (NPC), Loren (NPC), Ariani (NPC), Cassie, Mineyur Starlance, Aldog, Kaein, Maelle, Aerilaya, Kamar, Jairen, Zane, Bochek, Paul Nighman Log Intro: Much to Shenner's profound relief, her accidental stumbling across what almost became her second Jedi battle in the fountain square outside the Sandbar turned out to involve the one Jedi she knows that she has been most anxious to see: Luke Skywalker. Managing to catch Luke's attention in the midst of his almost-fight with a Sarian Shen does not know -- but who, she's realized, must surely be the other Dark Jedi about whom she has been warned by Jessalyn Valios -- the young musician has confessed to Luke that Sinjon Teague had urged her to seek him out. And, further, has admitted something of the problems that have been plaguing her ever since the disastrous expedition to Mandalore. Luke has promised Shenner his aid, but he has begun it with the odd request that she go home and try to bring all of the fears she has been wrestling to the forefront of her mind for as long as she can bear them. Trusting Skywalker implicitly, Shen has tried to do as he asked, though it's resulted in a long and mostly sleepless night for her, with two scant hours of rest riddled with dreams she cannot remember. It's been a deeply disturbing experience for Shenner -- though oddly cathartic in a way, letting her at least begin to face many of her inner fears even if she hasn't yet decided what she can do about them. Now, a night later, she's striving to keep herself alert enough to keep up performing with Rekkie and the rest of the Sandbar's musicians, while anxiously wondering whether Luke will make another appearance to advise her further.... [Song Credits: The songs sung here are from the album _Happy Together_ by the a capella group The Nylons; in order, the songs are, "Crazy in Love", "Open Your Heart", and "A Touch of your Hand".] ---------- The Sandbar's six musicians must be taking turns singing lead parts tonight. Rekkie Sheldon's first number done, the next one is in the hands of the horn players Tethra and Karm, their deep and rolling voices striking a gravelly, rich kind of harmony as they and their compatriots segue into the new melody line. Among them, Shenner focuses on keeping up her communion with her guitar, her presence in the group a bit subdued for once, but less edgy, more peaceful. Tarlin sips some coffee at the bar as he reads a datapad Luke steps unobtrusively into the tavern, pauses near the door for a second then moves casually toward the bar. Leaning there, he has a word or two with the barkeep who brings him a tall glass of amber liquid. He turns to prop his elbows on the bar, sip his drink quietly and listen to the band. His focus seems to be on the young guitar player. Webb arches one eyebrow slightly at the sudden change in V's demeanor, and looks over to her and begins to explain, in the tone of voice that some might use to describe a vaguely interesting story about a walk in the park, "Well, let's see... started with HALO jump from a dropship at about 0200. Free fell a few kilometres, got a good chute and landed about 3 kilometres out to sea. Swam to shore, got dashes up against the rocks a bit. Scaled a cliff. My platoon engaged an infantry company in mock combat for about two days, playing cat and mouse through rough terrain the whole way, infiltrated their HQ compound, planted simulated charges, and got simulated kills on everyone in their unit over the rank of Sergeant." He pauses and flashes Venus a bit of a smile before he asks, "How was your day hon?" Morning comes early, dawn's right on time Dream, oh dream of me, darlin' For you'll forever be mine Morning is breakin', the stars are fading to blue May we never awaken, if there's a dream comin' true... Tethra's rumbling bass is carrying the lower half of the lead, and Karm is steady on contralto. Their voices, and those of the other four in the band, carry easily through the bar, piped around by the miniature microphones on collars round their necks. This tune's still fairly low-key, but then, the night's young; Rekkie and her five fellow musicians are still getting started. Venus smiles, nodding at each fact, not truly impressed by the story. Not only has she heard of worse, she has been in worse. She chuckles at the parts that would be funny or ironic to those akin to the military, and smiles faintly. "Glad you weren't hurt too badly, Jonathan." Friends again? Perhaps. For now. She answers the last part. "Well, let's see. Negotiated with the Imperials, saved us from disintegration. Drafted diplomatic letters to the NR. Spoke with her Highness President Rodo, regarding the budgeting of the faction. Oh, and someone punched me in my arm while stealing my bracelet." Tarlin puts his data pad away as he takes one last sip of his coffee while he stands. Looking toward luke for a second with an odd look of hate he turns and walks out the door murming something about hating civs. Tarlin walks out of the Sandbar and the door closes automatically. Tarlin has left. Lingering over his ale, Luke Skywalker closes his eyes for a moment as the band cranks out gentle atmosphere. They open quickly, then narrow as an amused expression takes over his face. He meanders through the tables toward the front where he finds a small solitary table. He eases into a chair there and nurses his drink. Jali enters the Sandbar. Jali has arrived. Webb's grin flashes again, and he emits another quiet chuckle and a sigh as he says to Venus in a tone of mock disappointment, "Sounds like we both had slow days." Just for good measure, he dabs a little more of whatever alcohol Ariani gave him onto the wound on the left side of his face, letting a bit of a wince show, and emitting a quiet hiss from between his teeth as the alcohol burns at the wound. Hmm... well, at least it won't get infected. Venus walks out of the Sandbar and the door closes automatically. Venus has left. The current fairly mellow number seems to suit the redheaded guitar player. Shenner's husky low voice comes in on backup vocals, her guitar lays down supporting chords, and for once she isn't even glaring daggers at the Corellian drummer. Said drummer peers over at her every so often, but as the song winds down to its easygoing close, Loren keeps any opinions he's got of the girl's ragged and rumpled appearance to herself. It doesn't, at any rate, appear to be affecting her ability to make music. From his place at a small table near the stage, Luke reaches into a jacket pocket and pulls out a small rolled up piece of paper. He carefully unravels it's yellowed edges and smooths it gently on the table top. Glancing furtively toward the guitar player, he frowns at the scrawled words on the scroll through bangs long overdue for a trim. Jali, easily mistaken for your average everyday cloaked figure who would just as soon not draw attention to herself, steps into the Sandbar. As she quickly scans the small crowd, she is grateful to have the hood to hide most her face and the expressions that flash across it at some of the recognized people. She strolls quietly towards Ariani at the bar to place her order. Webb sighs quietly to himself at the departure of Venus, his eyes lingering upon the door for a couple of minutes even after V's departure. Finally he looks back to the two glasses in front of him... one containing citrus tea, and one containing something as clear as water, but emanating alcoholic fumes that are enough to make one's eyes water. Now that he's finished tending to the long ragged scrape upon the side of his face, he pushes away the glass of whatever the alchohol is, and begins to quietly sip his tea. The six musicians draw out the final line of the song, hitting a strong major chord with their massed voices, from black-skinned Tethra's bass clear up to the crystalline soprano of the Twi'lek Aa'leet. Regulars seated around the stage toss out their appreciative applause, into which lead singer Rekkie grins. "Thank you," she can be heard to call. But Rekkie doesn't waste much time on polite social noises, even to her audience. Loren taps out four fast-paced beats on his snare drum, and with that, the band immediately launches into its next song, five of them chorusing "Open your heart, your mind, your soul, open your heart..." And this time, it's Shenner who seems to have the lead, as she punctuates the others' harmony with a high held note of her own. Cassie enters the Sandbar. Cassie has arrived. Luke seems distracted by the sudden tempo change, squinting toward the stage while one hand instinctively covers the paper he had been studying. Relaxed, he crosses a booted leg over his knee and suffices with simply listening to the song. His eyes however rarely leave the red headed guitar player as if he is studying her every move. He cradles his glass in one hand, held near his hip. As Jali's figure reaches the bar, it could be noticed she has slight limp that seems to favor her right leg, but it doesn't slow her progress enough for her to stop. Reaching the bar, she speaks a quiet word to Ariani at the bar while waiting for the drink to be fixed. While waiting, she never once turns around to look at the rest of the occupants of the establishment, more focused on minding her own business. And twelve measures in, Shenner begins to sing, her voice fairly strong, fairly clear, but carrying with it a rasping edge that isn't usually there. Nor is she belting out the lyrics with her usual volume, but there's focus and power there, regardless. You wake up in the morning, look in the mirror Who can that girl be? Your skin's as thin as paper, tough as leather With every trick you've got up your sleeve Lookin' in the mirror, you see a stranger Someone you don't recognize You're gettin' nearer to the danger Of believin' in your own disguise! The Jedi's right eye narrows marginally at the lyric as it is sung. He smiles almost imperceptibly and downs a good portion of his ale. Mineyur enters the Sandbar. Mineyur has arrived. Mineyur enters the bar whistling, and winks at Ariani. "I'll have some water, lady. As if I haven't had enough already. Aldog enters the Sandbar. Aldog has arrived. Cassie sits down at the table. Aldog looks around then settles into the main part of the bar On the chorus, Loren, Rekkie, and Aa'leet all come in backing up Shenner's voice, while Karm and Tethra are occupied with their horns on the underlying melody. Shenner's voice stays in the middle of her range, while the others bracket her on the upper and lower ends of the register: Just a face... in the crowd You're lookin' for love, scared o' learnin' how Just a face... in the crowd Oh, can't you see, you'll never be free? The plasteel door of the establishment swings open quietly and a young male horansi steps through it, closing the door quickly behind him. His nostrils flare, taking in the scents and the pupils of his golden eyes adjust to the light of the room. Stepping away from the door he moves through the establishment, to the far side of it where there are less people and he takes his seat at a small table near one of the blue tinted window. The cub seems kind of troubled, as relfected by his quick conversation with the waiter, which some could interperate as the waiter being blown off, and the waiter walks away shaking his head after only giving the horansi a small glass of water. Aldog walks out of the Sandbar and the door closes automatically. Aldog has left. Webb sits upon the bar stool, looking pretty worked over, but generally in good spirits. Bumps, bruises, scrapes and whatever other unpleasantness he's accumulated recently don't seem to weigh much on his mind. In fact, there's a hint of a smile upon his lips, and a bit of a distant look is beginning to set in, as if his mind is drifting elsewhere. His gaze is roughly focussed upon the Shenner as he listens to the song presently being sung. Another quiet sigh, and mutters some quiet remark... something about formidable women. He shakes his head and takes another sip of his tea. As Ariani returns with Jali's drink, Jali can be seen to say something else which holds Ariani's attention for a moment longer before Jali is offered a faint nod and smile before turning to serve the next customer. A moment later, Ariani returns to Jali with a piece of paper and a pen before returning back to business. Jali takes a sip of her crystal clear beverage before beginning to scribble quietly on the paper as though writing a quiet note. And once more the band comes in with the bridging words: "Open your heart, your mind, your soul, open your heart..." They chorus out that line twice, while the young redhead, laying down a simple rhythm that demonstrates that even while she's singing, she hasn't forgotten the instrument she holds in her hands. Then, she comes in on the next verse. Back when you were young, didja love someone? Was it a heartbreak hit-and-run? Did he leave you empty-handed, alone and stranded Pickin' up the pieces one by one? So you go with an air of a devil-may-care You swear you'll never cry again Your little masquerade, it's just a game you play You're playin' but you'll never win Though his back is to the band, kaein picks up on shenners voice quiclky, his right ear perking up and turning to the side to listen to the music being played. Kaein has been noted not to like human music that much in the past but he seems to be enjoying this song, even though his back remains to the band, his long tail is swaying back and forth almost with the rythym of the song. Luke is oblivious to any activity around him. From the back, his silhouette is motionless, attention fixated upon the singer. Occasionally the glass comes up to his mouth or the hand resting upon the tattered piece of paper moves minimally. He nods at least once during the song, perhaps in response to something sung, but for the most part, his blue eyes remain solidly entrenched upon the giver of those lyrics, as if silently encouraging her. Considering the number of people that travel in and out of the bar, one more entering shouldn't make much of a difference. Just as the door begins to close, it opens once again, Cassie swiftly darting inside, only to pause as her sapphire orbs adjust to the dim lighting. With her fingers looped in the pockets of her slacks, shoulders slouched, and hair a halo of golden curls that sweep down, framing her face, the blonde shifts her gaze, peering through the haze and sentients, before idly slipping into the nearest table that is unoccupied. The chair idly scrapes over the floor, though only those around her might hear, before her frame is seated, waiting for a waiter or waitress to deem her important enough to visit . . . which will likely take awhile . . ah well. Mineyur snorts. "Lousy song if you ask me. I coud sing better with walnut shoved in my throat." The smug young soldier all but ignores the toehrs in the bar, wacthing them from the corners of his eyes, plotting their individual deaths in his foul mind. And once more, through the chorus. As she sings, ears familiar with the redheaded girl's voice may well be able to detect she's just not quite up to her usual par tonight, at least not vocally. Her voice roughens noticeably on her higher notes, though her hands stay steady enough on her guitar; her gaze is clear, her expression reflecting a likely heartfelt emotion backing up the words. Across the stage, though, Rekkie flashes the girl a sidelong glance, picking up on the subtle vocal faltering -- though Rekkie Sheldon is a professional, and her own portion of the song doesn't waver in the slightest. The Jedi turns his head slightly, giving Mineyur a brief stern expression before turning back to the band. Or he could have just been looking around with no motive. After all, he is too far to have actually -heard- that comment. Regardless, the look is given and gone in a split second. His face takes on the amused and intent expression from before. After a moment, Jali stops writing on the paper, looks it over for a couple of seconds as though rereading what she has written, then slowly and carefully folds the paper and tears it in two pieces along the newly-made fold. She seems to have no interest in the music or the band, and if she had been asked, would have said just that. Music never did anything for her in this life, and this falls into the same category in her mind, nothing against the band of course, it's just her perception in life. Her mind on her work, she looks at the pieces of paper, divided evenly with a precision that few would even care to match, before smiling softly to herself and turning to lift the glass to her lips for another sip. The golden eyes of the young horansi dart over toward mineyur at the sound of the comment, looking him over quickly before shaking his head and deciding the arrogant human isn't worth the fur inbetween his toes he turns back to absently listening to the band and occasionaly sipping from the small glass that sits infront of him. Into the bridge, then. While the band continues to put out the underlying multi-layered chorus of "open your heart, your mind, your soul...", Shen adlibs her way through a descant over the top of it all, but doesn't press her range, not tonight. Perhaps this is noticed by her compatriots on the stage, too, for the Corellian drummer peers at her over the top of his cymbals. Webb casts a glance down the bar to Mineyur. The look he gives his recruit speaks volumes - a hint of a frown, a shake of his head. Sorry kid... you'll earn no respect that way. Not from Webb. It's a hell of a lot harder to do what Shen's doing, then to sit there and hurl insults like you're doing. Gotta grow up sometime, you know? And, at last, a sharp, precisely timed finish. Just a measure or so shy of the end, the instruments kick out, leaving six voices to peal out the final call to "open your heart" ringingly into the resulting silence. And Rekkie Sheldon glances sidelong again, muttering something off her mike to the rest of the musicians. Looks are exchanged; the Twi'lek maiden blinks her big dewy dark eyes. And Shenner can be seen to frown in bemusement. But she also sets down her guitar... and while she and Rekkie abruptly leave the stage, the remaining four musicians kick into another up-tempo number to cover their departure. With a slight wrinkle to her nose, Cassie sulks down in her chair more. Her head tilts ever so slightly to one side, azure gems offer the band and singer a curious once over.. for the song is lovely, performed well, . . original, but dang .. why does it hit /home/ so hard. *Grumble* *mumble*... Shrinking down more in her chair, until her back comes to an odd angle to the table, Cassie's hands plant on the table, idly tapping her nails softly against the surface. Her lips form a slight pout, eyelashes lowering so her pupils can barely be seen, peaking out from beneath them. Only to /finally/ gain the attention of a passing waiter, a few word are exchanged, and a few minutes later, a glass of some amber colored liquid is placed before Cassie. Mineyur slams the bar with his fist. "Is that it? That was nothing! A wookie could sing better than that." Turning to Cassie, with little care, he tosses, "Whats your problem? Jealous?" Eh? Why is it, a gal can't come into a bar anymore, just to get a drink, without being harrassed? Politics these days. Ignoring the sound, considering Cassie's quite safely several meters away, the blonde just idly continues to tap her fingers against the surface of the table, thoughts a million miles away, and not at all centered upon any particular thing.. Okay maybe /one/ particular /person/ but he isn't here.. As Jali lowers the glass of clear liquid from her mouth, she turns around, and seems to peer out from under the edge of the hood with soft milky-blue eyes. Her eyes alight on a couple individuals in particular if one had been looking closely into the hood. While the band was playing, she made no move to leave her place at the bar, but now that the red-haired individual has finished, she adjusts her weight and prepares to move, believing now that what other may think as the better quality music having ended for the moment. Hearing Mineyur and seeing the blonde who is directed the question, a frown appears under Jali's hood, and she reaches up slender hands to slightly push back the hood of her cloak, revealing her face just a little more, but allowing her to see who is involved all the better. The notes can wait, as she watches carefully. And a mild fire could be seen to burn behind her eyes if one looked close enough. THen end of shenners voice also bring the end of the horansi intrest in the music. His right ear drops flat aginst his head again, both ears fluttering breifly, like as if to ward off a fly. Upon hearing the obnoxious human going off again he turns his body toward him, his gold eyes flashing in the light and a growl eminating from his throat "WHy dont you mind your won busniess you little peice of nerf refuse?" Maelle enters the Sandbar. Maelle has arrived. Luke stands and sheds the yellow-tan jacket, placing it in one motion on the back of his chair, seemingly much happier with the simple black t-shirt which reveals arms more athletic than should be proper for such a short wiry frame. He smiles at the girl, clapping quietly as she exits the stage. Wordlessly he sits back down, resting an elbow on the table and running a black clad finger along his temple, his attention wavering from the red-headed guitar player and the loud voice behind him. Shenner smiles tiredly out into the audience, apparently not noticing anyone in particular, not yet -- for down off the side of the stage, then, Shenner is deftly guided by the band's lead singer. Rekkie gets her out of the line of sight to the stage before cornering her by a side wall, pinning her with a steady hazel 'okay, spill it, kid' stare. Shenner might be seen to wince a bit... but after Rekkie mutters sternly to her, pointing to the bar, or perhaps the door. The redheaded girl also nods resignedly. To this, Rekkie flashes her a lopsided smile of approval and claps her on the shoulder, before turning to rejoin the others on the stage. Mineyur chuckles to himself, and says something smar under his breath. He smiles, an unpleasant twinkle in his eyes, and calls again, "Don't mind her...she is getting all weepy. Must be she had too much to drink...or maybe she finally got someone who did the right thing and popped her," he says, folding hsi arms over his chest. Now, alone and off the stage, Shen sags a bit against the wall beside her, wrestling with apparent fatigue. She scrubs the back of her hand across her eyes, and peers sheepishly over her shoulder; Rekkie catches her gaze as she steps up on the stage, and the older musician's glance is encouraging. But Rekkie has a job to do, and in moments, she's back to making music with the rest of the group. Left to do as the band's leader has bidden her, the redhead straightens, pushing off from the wall. Jali eyes Mineyur with a reserved look on her face, not wishing to draw attention to herself, but listening to him and noting his looks and features quickly and sharply. Her thoughts rummage through her list of options to deal with this man in hindsight. She knows Cassie, and if it weren't for a mask to hide her emotions from her face, along with the hood to hide the rest that might appear, she'd show a certain rage against the man who so mildly throws insults at the girl who seems to have done nothing more than come in to try to enjoy a pleasant evening. She makes her decision. A little help and she'll be able to forge this man's discharge papers, alter this man's records and standing with the Caspar government. Even associate him with the terrorist group that seems to have just faintly appeared again. Ah yes. Jali doesn't take kindly to those who pick on her friends. And her thoughts on this, twisted by something she isn't aware of consciously, she has momentarily forgotten the two small pieces of paper in her hand. Still ignoring the lowest dredge of the galaxy possible, considering Cassie's not about to be drawn into a debate with a lower life form, or even lower /herself/ to reply to such an obviously slurred statement. The blonde straightens her back, one hand moving through her hair, pushing the strands to one side, allowing the golden locks to cascade around her shoulders. Her lips tug into a steady and unreadable line, as emotionless as the expression upon her fair complexion. Maybe she blinks, once, before her hand lifts upwards, slipping around the glass to lift it up to her lips, taking a slight sip .. ah .. which turns out to be quite a large one, as half the liquid is drained before the glass once again lowers to the table with a *thunk*, the liquid inside sloshing around afterwards. Shenner starts making her way, then, through the tables that stand between her and the bar, deliberately choosing a route that keeps her out of most patrons' view of the stage and the musicians still performing upon it. This, however, is the only conscious volition the girl exercises upon her feet. Wrestling down another yawn, she rubs just one eye this time, and then shoves that same hand through her russet hair as she goes. a small fire burns in kaeins eyes as he listens to the snotty human. THe horansi was not in a good mood when he came in here and the commentary by the snot nosed brat is not making it any better, especiall since the cub considers shen a good friend. the felinoid seems to be trying to restrain himself, to stick to his morals..but the extremely quick deterioatin last week of the life on caspar which took him months to build is causing him to question his own ethics, wether to just accept the dark nature of the univers and live side by side with it, acting on his own whims, and disregarding the lives as others as no more than cattle to be exploited for his own gain... Kaein takes a long drink from the glass before him, draining it, and tkes a deep breath....wrestling with the demoans within himself Aerilaya enters the bar, she sees Mineyur and walks over to him smilling. "so you finally got out?" Luke breaks his concentration and turns to peer at the tall Casparian and the Horansi. He frowns slightly with an expression that could read, -why tonight..- Nevertheless he tilts his head at the two calmly and stands as if he feels it his duty to ensure no one is dragged out of here with massive head injuries. He walks patiently over to both of them, unobtrusively placing himself between the two. He cautiously guages both of their intentions with merely a glance.. especially the Casparian. "C'mon, let me get you something." He nods toward the barkeep. An observer would wonder why this five foot nothing human was trying to calm down two sentients which blatantly dwarf him. He peers bluely up at the tall Casparian with a reassuring gaze. Kamar walks out of the Sandbar and the door closes automatically. Kamar has left. Ariani does, indeed, peer over at the blond young man in black, but she's willing enough to go along with him playing peacemaker -- especially if it keeps Mineyur in line. But Ariani also notices the arrival of Shenner at the bar, as the girl beelines to an unoccupied stool down on one end and slumps down upon it. "Be right with you," she informs Skywalker, before slipping down Shenwards and muttering at the girl, "Hey, kid, wake up there..." Mineyur chuckls, and seeing Aerilaya his demeanor softens. His manner bright he says, "Why Dr. Crites, I am happy to see you. It was so sweet of you to stay with me like you did. I am feeling much better now...ket me get you a drink." Luke's gaze lowers, obviously the chance of a brawl wasn't as high as he thought. He nods once again to the barkeep to inform her that the man's drink is on his tab, then glances at the Horansi before moving back down along the bar to where Shenner is. He orders another ale to replace the one sitting half consumed at his small table. Aerilaya slides into the seat beside Mine and smiles at him, "Well I guess you could." smiles again, "Don't stop your conversation just because I entered." Webb finishes his tea, then slides off of his barstool and starts to walk over towards Shenner. Hmm. That limp he showed earlier upon coming into the bar is still there. He still looks like something that should be burried. And, even though Min has arrived, he's /still/ in a damn good mood. From the pocket of his jacket he withdraws a small datacartridge, the type that can be read upon any datapad and a variety of other electronics. His grin widens for a moment as he holds up the datacartridge. Yes, Shen is definitely going to want to wake up long enough to see this. It just might make her day. Shenner looks up, blinking owlishly at Ariani, to whom she utters a trifle rotely, "I'm awake, I'm awake..." The voices nearby -- it's not that large a bar, after all -- make her look around, though. She starts to frown, hearing Mineyur's tones over there, but the frown dies before it's fully born, once she spies Luke and Webb both approaching her. Ariani drawls under her breath, "Uh huh, right, dreaming on your feet, kiddo." She gets Skywalker's ale for him, while keeping an eye in Mineyur's direction, as well as that of the woman who's joined him. Kaein looks at luke, and dosent give him a second glance not even showing a sign that he knows who luke skywalker is. The cub turns back to his table quietly, and looks down into his glass, seeing only ice cubes the cub sighs, picking one up with the claws on his fore finger and thumb and placing it between his top and bottom incisior. his lower jaw moves back and forth a bit, as if testing how far the ice cube can go with out sliding off his fangs. He does this for a few moments, seemingly entertained, possible hinting at the youth which hides behind the troubled extoriter of this felinoid. As quickly as the game started it ends with a crunch as the cub bites down on the cube sending ice fragments onto the table and floor around him. He seems to have cooled off as maneyur has found other entertainement, but can be seen occasionaly flasing his golden eyes in the direction of the snotty human. One eyebrow quirks upwards, as Cassie's eyes peer out of the corner at the man that moves to 'intervene', then sits back down. Course, by the time her blue gems move past his frame, and to the others near the bar, she's slowly standing. Feelings of guilt wash over her form, far be it for her to enjoy a night out, nooooo, better to go fix a droid, and leave the relaxation to the 'other' guys. What the hell did she do in the first place anyway? Thought about .. ah .. hmm. With a sigh, which echoes out of her lips, Cassie places a few credits on the table, and quietly makes her way through the crowd heading out. As she does, her head once again bows, lips pursed into a line, upper teeth chewing it around into a tether, while her waves of sunshine spill around her shoulders. Cassie walks out of the Sandbar and the door closes automatically. Cassie has left. Jali noting Luke's arrival to the conflict seems a little more at ease, although she doesn't trust the sandy haired individual for some reason. Putting the matter out of her mind, she follows Luke. She had been meaning to talk to both Webb and Luke, but not at the same time. Carrying her clear drink in her hand, she follows quietly with a faint limp that favors her right leg, but seems hesitant to intrude on Shen's sudden collection of company. Mineyur smiles, looking at Aerilaya. "Well, I have been looking for you, Dr. It seems," he says teasingly, "I have this headache," he looks towards Shenner and Webb, "that just doesn't seem to go away. Perhaps you could be of assistance.." Shenner blinks, six or seven times. Without her requesting it, a cup of tea courtesy of Ariani materializes at her elbow, smelling of chamomile and mint -- strange thing to be found in a bar, but hey, Ariani has her resources. The musician flashes a crooked smile at Ariani, before taking up the tea. To her caffeine-overloaded senses it smells positively heavenly, and she starts gulping down small sips of it while peering over the cup at Luke, Webb... and now Jali, too. "Uh... hi?" she mutters. Aerilaya looks in the direction Mine is looking. She sees webb and frowns, "Well lets see. THe best I can do is give you a little medication to stop it." she smiles at him softly. Triangle like ears perk as the cub spots shenner away from the band. Another ice cube is blanaced on the incisors of the horansi as he looks at the gathering around her with a slight curiousity. He waches for a few moments ruffles his whiskers, and turns back to the table, glancing out the window occasionaly. It seems he dosnt feel like crashing the party and will just catch up with his frined later..... Luke is just reaching for the newly acquired ale that Ariani has proffered and is interrupted by the appearance of two other beings. He looks as if he is about to say something to Shenner, then stops. The glass takes the place of words as he waits to see what they want from Shenner. Webb glances at the other two who have gathered around Shen, first Luke, then a glance at Jali, the latter of which is accompanied by a /slight/ smirk and a nod of his head. The somewhat battered looking Marine shrugs his shoulders slightly and asks of the Jedi in a calm, even tone, "Not intruding, am I sir?" Aerilaya turns softly and sees Skywalker. She smiles and looks at Mine. Well you gonna buy me the drink?" she asks teasingly. Luke swallows a little too fast so he can answer and just about chokes on the ale. "Not at all." he croaks, then glances at Shenner for approval. Mineyur chuckles, and takes the glass a bit abruptly from Ariani, offering it to Aeri as he hands the bartender some money. Converged upon, Shen sits there with her tea, aware of little tremors in her frame as the chamomile dukes it out with the caffeine in her system. For a moment, her gaze lingers on Luke, and there's an expression there that isn't often seen in the young redhead's visage: shyness. Then she plasters on a lopsided smile and says to both the Jedi and the marine, "Uh, well, maybe you boys better take numbers or somethin'? Or hell, just talk, I been put off duty tonight..." Jali smiles at Shenner slightly before looking at Luke and Webb, "My apologies for interrupting. Beautiful song, miss." It's a lie, but Jali is trying to be polite, and likely, only the sandy haired individual would hear the lie for all it really is, both lie and an attempt to be polite about it all. Luke blinks, "I could.. come back later." he offers as he gestures between the two, "If this is private." He straightens as if he's about to step away. Webb nods, and holds out the data cartridge to offer to Shenner, "I um... came across some information you might find interesting," He looks as if he's almost about to break out in laughter as passes over the tape. Well, maybe just a chuckle, but all he really shows is that grin. Still, he looks rather amused. The label upon the datacartridge contains a date/time code, plus the somewhat cryptic text of, "SICKENER - M. STARLANCE." Another grin is flashed at Jali Kaein stands from his seat, looks around for a minute before beginign slowly toward the exit, passing by shenner and her crowd, giving her a a comical look that says 'well looks whos popular now!' THAT IS ACCOMPINIED BY A FREINDLY GRIN (sorry caps lock) as he moves past, heading for the door Webb nods, and holds out the data cartridge to offer to Shenner, "I um... came across some information you might find interesting," He looks as if he's almost about to break out in laughter as passes over the tape. Well, maybe just a chuckle, but all he really shows is that grin. Still, he looks rather amused. The label upon the datacartridge contains a date/time code, plus the somewhat cryptic text of, "SICKENER - M. STARLANCE." Another grin is flashed at Jali's comment, and a shrug of his shoulders as he chips in his own two bits on the night's show, "You did good up there, Shen." At that he turns away, commenting to Luke, "Your turn." Shen blinks bemusedly several times more between Luke and Webb, several thoughts passing through her mind, till she manages to blurt, "Ah, hells, Luke, it's a bar, it ain't exactly secluded..." And to Webb: "Wha... oh..." She blinks drowsily at the cartridge, accepting it, and then plasters on a crooked smile meant for both Webb's compliment and Jali's. "I sound like compacted trash tonight," she mutters, but there's appreciation in her face. Mineyur gapes in horror, and stands, fuming. "Webb!" he screams. "What have you there?" Jali interrupts softly, moving to try to check Luke's eye as much as Shen's, "Actually, sir . I won't be long... just a second..." glancing apologetically at Shen, hoping she won't mind the interruption. "I... was hoping for a favor, if you could..." her voice trailing off slightly. Luke is sipping his beer and waiting for his -turn-, nodding patiently to everyone who says something to him, when suddenly he blurts to himself in a hoarse whisper, "The scroll." He spills a little liquid from his glass as he moves past the three beings to his former table where he retrieves the item. Sighing slightly, he rolls it up and places it back into his jacket pocket. Kaein decides to linger for a few moments at hearing mineyur get angry again. He turns a few feet away from the door adn stops, a amused grin on his face and he seems to be thinking 'now he gets a taste of his own medicine' If she thinks she has any claim on Luke's attention, Shenner certainly isn't showing it. If anything, she still eyes the blond Jedi with noticeable shyness, and doesn't look the slightest bit impatient either at Jali's glance her way or at Luke's brief return to his table. Jali is a bit surprised by the outburst of action from Luke. Men... she starts to think, then the thought seems to be a little odd on her mind. She supposes she'll just stand there and wait for him to come back, fingering one of the pieces of paper lightly. Luke also retrieves his jacket, grabbing it by the collar and returning to his place at the bar. He nods toward Jali distractedly, "Uh.." he blinks, "Favor. Sure." In a heartbeat he manages to glance over at Mineyur and back to his jacket as if wondering what to do with it. He tosses his head, clearing blonde bangs from his eyes and speaking decidedly -less- distractedly, "Sure. What do you need?" Webb casts a glance back at Shenner giving her another friendly grin, then turns to face Mineyur, the grin metamorphosising into one that borders on downright demonic for a moment before he asks calmly, "Beg your pardon, Recruit?" Jairen steps into the bar, hands resting lightly on his sword hilt as he looks around, arching his brow slightly at the rather full room. Standing there for a moment more than usual as he takes in the scene, he finally heads for the bar proper, nodding to the few people he knows and who notice him. Kaein walks out of the Sandbar and the door closes automatically. Kaein has left. Mineyur shakes his head. "I thought...on that cartridge.." he immediately asserts himself into the group, and demands, "Let me see that, SIR, I know I didn't see what I thought I saw." With a data cartridge in one hand and her tea in the other, Shenner grins somewhat bemusedly up at Webb, and then the grin slides off her exhausted face as the sergeant turns to face the recruit. Shen then peers at the cartridge rather more intently. Jali offers a faint smile to Luke before quieting her voice some, "It... well... involves Ms. Valios. She was looking ... well..." She extends her arm outwards, offering one of the two pieces of paper, folded in two, to Luke, "That should explain it to her." At the interruption from Mineyur, the thoughts of falsifying papers start up again slowly. The man really has no manners! she thinks. Jairen reaches the bar, nodding to the tender and ordering his usual chilled wine, tossing the money onto the table before receiving the drink this time. Luke takes the paper from Jali, while looking at Mineyur over her shoulder. He unfolds it with one hand and squints at it. Webb speaks in a calm, almost soothing sort of tone, yet with a certain amount of raw menace for a moment, "What? Calm yourself, recruit. It's a private message to my friend there. That's all." Another amused smirk crosses the Marine's scraped, bruised, and weary looking face. After reading it quickly, Luke nods to the woman with a gentle gaze, "I'll make sure she gets it." Rather than turning away or busying himself with other conversation immediately, he tilts his head, still staring at her. "Does she know you?" he adds curiously. Jairen watches the room from his place leaning against the bar until his eyes fall on Luke. Something seems to catch his eye as he watches the man carefully, like somone trying to remember something. The name 'Valios' murmured not far from her makes Shenner blink a few times at Jali, but the girl doesn't interrupt Jali and Luke; instead, she slips the data cartridge into one of her pockets, and then tiredly gulps down the rest of her tea. Mineyur scowls. "I could have swore I saw on that thing..." he glares at Webb for a moment then smiles, "Of course, Sir, absolutely. Forgive me, I am out of line. You are right. I am just going to go over to the bar now. Please, I am sorry if I have offended you in any way." Mineyur does just that, but he doesn't remove his eyes from Webb for one moment. In fact, he only eventually does to stare at Shenner, clinching a fist. Jali shakes her head at Luke, "I'm afraid not by name, although she did meet me once on the street. I'm not sure why she was following me in the first place, but..." she eyes the note in Luke's hands, suggesting by the glance that that is likely the same matter. Shenner doesn't appear to notice Mineyur's stare; she's happened to spy Jairen, to whom she starts to smile halfheartedly. But she only starts the smile. Her brows draw together and her eyes close, and she leans her head over into one hand, frowning in either exhaustion or perhaps a bit of pain. A headache, perhaps. Jairen's eyes glance over at the tall man who just reached the bar recently for a short moment, then, noticing Shenner, half nods, half bows to her from his spot. He then goes back to watching Luke. Luke frowns slightly, nodding as Jali speaks. His attention goes back to the note which he promptly thrusts into the jacket pocket along with the other rolled paper. He peers at her again, mouthing words very quietly that get drowned out by the music. His eyes narrow their calm regard toward her. Jali's eyes narrow a little in thought, not having expected the words she heard, but she replies back just softly enough to be heard by Luke as her eyes widen back to normal. Jairen continues to watch the sandy haired human and his companion from a distance, now sipping his drink that's arrived, left hand still resting lightly on the hilt of the intricate blade at his side. Webb just nods his head to Mineyur and just chuckles, "That's /Master Sergeant/ to you, recruit." Of course, Min has only once adressed Webb by the proper title, and that was under extreme duress. The Marine doesn't seem too horrbily concerned about his oft insolent recruit, however. Min will learn real humility... eventually. Shen's face eases after a few moments. She frowns vaguely, rubbing a hand across her eyes, and then waves down Ariani, drawing her near to mumble, "Gimme another cup of this stuff, will ya, 'Ani?" The bartender peers at the girl, but willingly nods, moving to do as she asks while Shen slumps there on her stool. Sandy brows knit over Luke's concerned blue eyes. He grabs her by the arm, pulling her a few feet closer to the band, with hopes of drowning out his next question. He says something to her in low whispered tones, his head inclined toward her with some seriousness. Mineyur sniffs and nods to Webb. He walks to him, smiles taps on something strapped to his boot...a knife...and leaves the bar. Mineyur walks out of the Sandbar and the door closes automatically. Mineyur has left. Zane enters the Sandbar. Zane has arrived. Despite the drowning out of the words, looks and expressions can't be drowned out with noise, especially the look of understanding on Jali's face at Luke's words and the terror that fills her eyes for a brief moment before she collects herself again and replies back, directing her words towards instead of away from the stage so they won't carry. Zane looks at you for a moment. Webb snorts slightly at the realisation that Min might have just threatened him, and shakes his head. Slow learner this one is, but damned if that isn't going to be fun. Of course, If Mineyur were to so much as lay a finger upon the Master Sergeant, he could suffer all kinds of bad implications, not the least of which would be a variety of interesting charges. Of course, Webb is just such a nice guy that he just might be able to prevent Min from doing any such thing. Rekkie and the rest of the musicians on the stage have been keeping up a credible river of sound in the background of the conversation tonight, even without their guitar player. Shenner occasionally glances tiredly at the band, but every so often, she also sneaks odd looks in Luke's direction, half-plaintive, half-hopeful. Provided a second cup of tea by Ariani, the girl then turns her attention to it, inhaling the scented steam off the top of the cup with weary thankfulness. Luke inhales a deep breath, frowning even harder at the girl. He closes his eyes while letting out the sigh and speaking softly to her. Jairen finally actually sits down on a stool... or rather, perches on it, neither foot touching the ground, feet pulled up against the pole of the stool, body leaning forward slightly in perfect balance. It looks altogether particularly odd, but he doesn't seem to notice the looks he draws from nearby patrons and he seems rather comfortable. He still watches Skywalker carefully from across the room. Zane steps into the bar with a fleeting motion, a light and quiet step. Bringing himself to adjust to the roooms surroundings, he looks around slowly combing his hair with his hand, ruffling it up a bit. Finished looking around, he starts to move, a movement in no particular direction. Jali looks back at Luke with a look of concern in her eyes, and almost acceptance for what he says, but she seems to be arguing and occasionally a word of two may be heard over the band from her by those nearby. 'Gain.' 'visibly seen.' 'paid..price.' Luke scowls, "You're going to get yourself killed thinking like that." he says to her just as the band switches tunes. Jairen still watches Luke, so far as yet unnoticed by the man. However, he now is starting to let his eyes roam around the room again a little more freely. Zane turns his attention briefly to the two people conversing, but ignores them, turning his attention to the bar and finding a seat on it. Sliding onto a stool, he sits comfortably upon it, and looks for the bartender to come nearby. He yawns suddenly, and brings a hand around to scratch the back of his short green hair. Leaning onto the bar after his stretch, he looks intently around. Aerilaya walks out of the Sandbar and the door closes automatically. Aerilaya has left. With the second cup of mint and chamomile tea in her, Shenner appears to have relaxed noticeably, but into that odd limbo somewhere between wakefulness and weariness, losing that edge to her expression that spoke simultaneously of exhaustion and being too wired to do anything about it. While Ariani moves to handle Zane's presence at the bar, Shenner turns to listen to the musicians, her fingers tapping out an absent rhythm to go along with the music. Jali's eyes look back with a sympathy, but not for who she looks at but for herself as she retorts softly but mildly sour, most her words but the last lost being drowned out for all but Luke. "kill me anyway!" Webb rubs his eyes for a moment, then starts out of the Sandbar, still showing a slight limp. Gods, it's been a long day. Webb walks out of the Sandbar and the door closes automatically. Webb has left. The Jedi shakes his head firmly, "Not if I have anything to say about it. Listen.." he continues talking as the rest of his words are drowned out by a rousing horn combo. Zane looks at you for a moment. Jairen winces slightly as the horns start up, half closing his eyes in what seems to be some sort of... pain? However it only lasts for a moment. Jali shakes her head slowly and gently at Luke, and her next reply seems much calmer compared to her last couple comments. Her eyes take on a slight pleading look, almost begging for a sympathy, for understanding. Shenner might have been ordered off the stage by Rekkie, but this doesn't stop the redheaded girl from avidly watching the band nevertheless. One hand strays up to fiddle with the pendant of brass and silver that she wears around her neck. But once again, she peeks at the blond Jedi in black even as Karm and Tethra surge through their solo, and once again, Shenner's expression reflects a kind of anxious, awkward hope. Zane taps his fingers on the bar as the bartender arrives. Speaking to her in a semi-friendly way, he says, "Hey there, can you get me a Aralian Splash? Thanks." He looks around after talking, and tries to observe what is happening around the bar. Zane gives Ariani some Standard Galactic Credits. Ariani works with grace as she makes a aralian_Splash and serves it to Zane. Zane takes a drink from his aralian_Splash. Now the oddly dressed swordsman turns to look at the band instead of the Jedi, finishing off his wine and placing the empty glass on the counter, refusing a refil. At her end of the bar, Shen is still watching those musicians: blond Rekkie returning to her lead vocals, Aa'leet's sweet ethereal soprano on countermelody, Loren with intent blue eyes pounding away on his drums. Every so often, Loren might be noted to peer off in the direction of the bar, though at what or at whom the young Corellian drummer is peering can't be gauged from that distance. Luke leans against a nearby table and looks downcast as he replies to Jali. Jairen steps off the stool and turns to head through the room, making his way towards the exit. Zane takes a sip from his aralian_Splash. Jairen walks out of the Sandbar and the door closes automatically. Jairen has left. "Hsst, Shen." This is from Ariani, the bartender, taking a moment to check on the girl when she gets a free moment in between her customers. As Shen turns around on her stool, eyebrows raised, the older woman murmurs to her, "You still on this planet, kid? Why don't you go home and crash, huh?" Shenner considers, and then slowly shakes her head. "Nah... Rekkie told me to, but... nah," Shenner mumbles back. "I gotta wait. I... it's important..." Jali looks into Luke's eyes and replies, her initial words catching just right, "Jessalyn was right. You are different." The rest of her words seem to be washed out by the band however, but her face reflects a look of confusion. "Well, if you say so," advises Ariani in big-sisterly tones to Shen, "but don't stay up too much longer. She told me about last night. You want anything?" Shenner blinks at the bartender, startled, but all she says in reply is a rough and husky, "Uh.... just... bread, maybe?" Ariani cracks her a grin. "Sure thing, kid. Be right back." And off she goes. Luke answers in a confident whisper to Jali's question. Jali looks back at Luke as though she's heard this, likely from Luke. This time, it doesn't seem like a foreign concept. Just one that she still isn't comfortable to except yet. And her reply seems almost hesitant. It doesn't take too long before Ariani sets a small basket of heated rolls before the redheaded guitar player. She reaches over to pat the girl's shoulder, leaving Shen to pick up one of the rolls and idly munch at it. What kind of bread it is Shenner doesn't even register; the motions of chewing and swallowing are automatic, done because she needs something in her belly rather than out of any real desire to eat. Her attention creeps off away from Luke as he continues his intent conversation with Jali, and her gaze goes distant. Zane rests back in his seat, and taking a considerable gulp from his drink. Wiping his chin, he gently sets the glass back, and reaches his eyes around, looking for nothing in particular, best termed, "enjoying the view". Up on the stage, the band begins a new number, slower and flowing. This one's got fairly involved backup vocals, with Tethra laying down the initial sung syllables, followed by Karm, Aa'leet, and Loren, until Rekkie comes in on the lead: How do I tell I'm not dreamin'? When do I know that it's true? I can't believe that I've fallen I hear your voice callin' Should I run back to you? Shenner's gaze settles somewhere into space, the music seizing her, turning her expression palpably wistful. As four voices breathe out a harmonious "aaaaah" and Rekkie's warm voice slides into the second half of the verse, Shen mouths the words absently along with her: Who is the face in the mirror? Where is the girl I once knew? Why is the heartache not healin'? I can't shake this feelin' When I'm thinkin' of you... Mineyur enters the Sandbar. Mineyur has arrived. Mineyur storms into the bar and to the bar, where he lays his head on the bar, silently. And Rekkie's voice soars up onto her higher range, while the band's other four members back her steadily up: Why do I think I'm in love (with the touch of your hand) Why do I think I'm in love (with the touch of your hand) I lose all control with the touch of your hand (ooooooh) It's a feelin' I can't understand With the touch of your hand.... Shenner, alone at the bar, silently mouths the words along with the lead singer, her gaze absent, clearly seeing something or perhaps someone else. Jali raises her brows at Luke before making a quiet comment. Aerilaya enters the Sandbar. Aerilaya has arrived. Aerilaya enters the bar and walks over to a secluded booth. She has a tear sticken face but doesn't say anything. She slides into the booth and sighs. Luke places both hands on the table he is half sitting on and answers Jali. Loren's drumbeats syncopate a short burst of sound as the chorused voices settle down into their backup rhythms, and Rekkie glides into the second verse: How did you find my emotions? You made it hard to be strong Now it's too late to refuse you I don't want to lose you I've been waiting so long... None of the voices in the band are a particular brandy-rich, velvet-and-gravel baritone, but this doesn't stop Shenner from being caught up in the memory of that voice anyway. Her face reflecting vivid recollection, eyes going closed, she's carried away with the song. Mineyur is still at the bar, head to the wood, as he listens to the music without making snide remarks. Jali seems to emite a slight sigh that could be described as relief, very faint but still there, but she still seems hesitant in any reply she offers Luke. Aerilaya Looks up and sees mine, she whistles at him triing to get his attention, Mineyur just looks up for a moment, looks at her, and sighs. He makes his way over to were she is and settles there. Luke folds his arms, answering Jali. And into the next chorus, Shenner still on her stool at the bar participating in the song in spirit if not in actuality. The harmony's full-bodied and complicated in direct contrast to the simple words, and keeping clear of Rekkie's sole vocals so that her soprano rings out strikingly against the tapestry of chorded voices behind her as the group continues into the bridge. (Don't you let go) This is just the beginning (Don't you let go) There are so many things that I wanted to say (Don't you let go) I've just got to know If it's wrong, let me know where I stand With the touch of your hand... A faint smile washes over the Jedi's features. He nods to an unanswered question, replying to Jali in quiet tones. Shenner's forgotten the bread that Ariani brought her. But Ariani hasn't. The bartender swipes the basket, reheats its contents, and brings it back to leave by the girl, contents newly steaming. But Ariani is loathe to alert her to its presence, watching the girl's oddly rapt expression, and has to settle for just leaving the basket and hoping that Shen will eventually notice it. Still, though, while the five musicians sing their way through the latter half of the song, the redheaded guitar player's noticing of bread hot or otherwise doesn't appear too likely. Aerilaya motions for mine to follow her to one of the more secluded booths so they can talk. Jali sighs, her face showing her uncertainty of what to think. She shakes her head in confusion, the black hood remaining on her head still but revealing her face. Mineyur follows closely behind Aerilaya, his face darkened. Mineyur dissapears among the patrons. Luke chooses his words carefully, arms folded, in reply to Jali. The look on Jali's face shows frustration and confusion, and as she replies to Luke, her arms spread, gesturing around her, possibly to the people in the establishment, but possibly to the building itself or maybe outside it too. Mineyur sits beside Areilaa. The song finally ends; Shen still has not noticed the bread, her hand gripping the silver chain of her pendant, her expression entirely elsewhere, strained, dark-eyed with memory and perhaps even a little frightened. Her eyes close, and her brows wing down over them in tight dark red lines. Jali's eyes stare with bewilderment at Luke, "Why aren't you explaining things so they make sense?!? I'm not stupid, but this makes no sense to me." Luke doesn't flinch at the outburst, patiently explaining to her as asked. Huffing at Luke's reply, Jali doesn't seem in the least bit happy with the answer, although it makes a little sense to her. Not enough for her to not reply an answer that those around can hear, "That sounds more like an excuse than a reason." Her words continue on, but quieter. Luke understands the logic in her response. He answers placidly during a quiet portion of the song, "To some, our way seems as foolishness and weakness. I know it's difficult to understand Jali." he gently prods, "Can't you see that if I did as you requested, you'd have more trouble on your hands than.. him. If I somehow coerced or attacked or.." he gestures lightly with one hand before staring at her, "..you wouldn't want the outcome if I did that." Some darkness there, hidden behind his words yet reflected in his eyes. The weight of his meaning thickens the air in the room. Jali recognizes the darkness in the eyes, having seen it before several times in others, and she suppresses the fear that wells up inside her, taking several gulps of air to calm herself before replying as the song seems to pick back up again. "Hsst.... Shen. Hey, Shen." Ariani again, now jostling the girl's shoulder a little, enough to get the redhead to start and blink blankly at her. "Kid, you _sure_ don't look like you're still with us. Why don't you go home?" "No," Shenner mutters back, brow furrowed a little crossly, a bit like a child determined to stay up late no matter how often a parent's trying to get her to crawl off to bed. "I gotta wait..." "Well, you look like hells, kid," Ariani says bluntly. "You okay?" "I... just got a little headache, is all..." mumbles Shenner at the older woman. Softly, Jali's voice carries faintly in the lull of a song, "I hope so." She glances around at the fewer number of people here before turning back, "I... I better get going. Please get the message to Ms Valios when you can." She offers a smile, "I'd really appreciate it." She doesn't move to leave yet, the faintest look of worry still trailing the corners of her facial expressions. Mineyur smiles. "Of course, then. Webb had me crawl on my gace though 200 meters of human and animal entrails and guts, filled with maggots-a few of which he ate while grinning down at me- and through a few humand bodies." Mineyur says, "Thats all." Luke nods carefully, "I will, and.. maybe you should consider leaving this system." He shrugs marginally, adding, "Until everything blows over. Just be careful." Ariani peers intently at Shenner, then strides off into the kitchen not far from the bar; when she comes back, she's got a small glass of water and a couple of aspirin, which she presses into the girl's hand. "Here, kid. Who you waiting on?" By way of reply to that, Shen glances shyly over her shoulder at the black-shirted figure of Skywalker, and nods her head in his direction for Ariani's benefit. The bartender hrffs. "Another... friend of yours, kid?" The question seems to give Shen pause. "I... know him," she admits honestly enough. Tarlin enters the Sandbar. Tarlin has arrived. Mineyur says, "Thank you." Tarlin walks in with a data pad in hand stoping only for a second to see who is in the room before he goes to the bar and orders coffee. Jali nods to Luke, "I'll consider the... suggestion and offer." She glances back to the bar where Shen is and offers an apologetic smile towards her before turning back to Luke, "I'm really sorry to have kept you. Thanks again." And she turns to walk towards the door, her drink left unfinished and forgotten on the bar. "You seem to know a lot of interesting people, Shen," drawls Ariani. "Take that aspirin." Tarlin's arrival duly noted, the bartender then turns off to get the fellow his coffee, while Shenner gulps down the aspirin and the water. Jali walks out of the Sandbar and the door closes automatically. Jali has left. Kaley makes her way into the crowded area. As she works her way through the masses, she spots an empty seat at the bar. Running a hand through her sandy brown hair, she sits on the stool and orders a drink, juice as usual. While she waits on her order she looks around from her out of the way spot to see if anything interesting might be happening. Luke watches Jali leave, pondering their conversation for a few seconds before standing up and walking over to Shenner, "You look tired." he says with infinite ability to state the obvious under any circumstance. Dropping his jacket onto a nearby stool he turns to face her, noticing simultaneously that his ale has gone warm. He makes a face at it. The band is on stage -- well, five of them, at any rate, currently playing a low-key background number. The sixth member of the band is at the bar. Looking rather bedraggled and drawn of face, Shenner blinkblinks as Luke joins her, shyness wrestling with the weariness etched into her features. "I, uh... been havin' a long day," she says huskily to the young man, one corner of her mouth curling halfheartedly upward. Ariani must be a Jedi because she seems to know exactly when to freshen a patrons drink. Swapping Luke's warm ale for a fresh one, she smiles and goes about her business without a word uttered to him. Luke doesn't seem to notice. He snorts softly at Shenners remark, grinning, "I have no doubt about that." eyeing her sideways as he tastes the new beverage. "You've.. thought about things.. what we talked about?" he asks cautiously. Shenner bobs her head slowly to Luke, and then a bit more steadily, one hand on her necklace, the other scrubbing once more across her eyes. "I tried to do like you asked... yeah..." Luke murmurs indirectly to Shenner, "You might have a lot more of that to do.. remember what I said about being afraid." He turns to look at her, tone gentle, "I meant that. It wasn't to get you to do something you didn't want. There is a reason I asked you to confront it." Tarlin leans back in his seat and look around the room for a moment. Seeing Mineyur his gaze seems to fix on him before he returns his attention to his data pad and coffee. The redheaded musician nods uneasily to Luke, understanding in her eyes, despite her looking like Tatooine warmed over. "Yeah," Shenner mumbles, "I know... at least... I _think_ I know..." To anybody else, she might have sounded more confident. To this particular young man, she makes the truer admission, though her voice drops sheepishly when she does so. Luke hesitates on the rim of his glass, swallowing a gulp of ale noisily. "Are you ready to go farther, or would you like some more time with that?" he asks warily. Shenner wraps one arm around herself, while the other keeps its hand occupied with that necklace. In low tones she admits to the young Jedi, "I... think I can handle goin' on." _I hope..._ she adds to herself. "'Less I'm just not doin' somethin' right, 'cause I'm _still_ not rememberin' stuff..." And she frowns. "Well you don't have to remember everything right away." Luke answers quickly. "But you did face your fears over certain things?" he again asks the question in a wary tone, guaging her response carefully. Shenner's eyes close, though she still sits with her slender frame turned in Luke's direction, listening. Raggedly, she nods. "Rekkie said I musta slept for... two hours, maybe," she mutters. Luke murmurs, "Maybe you should get some sleep." He frowns into his beer, "Shenner I'm going to be honest with you. I don't feel comfortable that you are fully ready for delving into it. I tried this once before, a long time ago and I was over-confident and reckless. I ended up hurting someone because of it." He blinks at the redhead, notices her body position and mannerisms, "You're afraid. It doesn't take a Jedi to notice that. I think you've overcome some of that fear.. but not because you confronted it, but because well... maybe you don't want to disappoint me. Am I assuming wrong?" He sounds thoroughly concerned for her well being during this. Venus enters the Sandbar. Venus has arrived. Webb enters the Sandbar. Webb has arrived. Tarlin sits at the bar with his data pad and a cup of coffee. Venus enters the Sandbar, a look of extreme fatigue plaguing her face. This is her second visit to the bar today, probably not a /good/ thing. She speaks quietly to Ariani, "Tea please." and heads for a quiet spot out of the way of traffic. Shenner opens her eyes, blinking a few times at Luke as she takes in his murmured words. She looks steadily at him, and despite the exhaustion that's carved hollows into her cheeks and around her eyes, her gaze is strangely clear. "I know what things've been scarin' me," she murmurs hoarsely to him. She frowns, an oddly rational frown considering that she looks like she hasn't slept in two days. "I thought of that already. I mean..." And she abruptly blushes, her gaze dropping to her necklace, while she mutters something only loud enough for Luke to hear. Shenner mutters to Luke, "... to... okay... I..." You whisper "Wanting you to... think okay of me, I guess..." to Luke. Webb steps into the Sandbar once again... Well, his last visit was a good while ago, and he looks as if he's gotten a bit of rest. The hint of a limp he exhibited earlier is much fainter now. He seems to bounce back quickly. He stands near the door, looking about the bar as if searching for someone. Venus examines the room, filled with people and conversation. She watches Luke Skywalker with interest, smiling slightly at the member of the grand trio. Spotting a few familiar faces, she inclines her head in appreciation of their presence and continues towards an unobtrusive corner. Mineyur comes out of the crowd. Mineyur smiles at Venus. "Hello again," he smiles. Luke sets his glass down and reaches a hand out to hers, "I didn't realize." he says weakly, blinking once or twice, "Shenner. You know you don't have to worry about that. You know how I feel about you and all my friends. But this is what I mean.. I can't help you until you let go of some of that." his voice trailing off into a whisper. "Some of that anxiousness.. that fear you seem to cling to as if it's part of your personality." He smiles a warm, small smile, "Fear is not part of who you are." In some sort of daze caused my exhaustion, Venus turns towards a voice that is vaguely familiar with less enthusiasm than usual. Seeing Mineyur, she smiles politely and greets him. "Good evening, sir. We did not exchange names last time? I am Venus DarkStar here." Mineyur nods, extending a hand, "Mineyur Starlance," he nods. Venus smiles again, enigmatically, and studies Mineyur with curiousity making some sort of judgment about him. She accepts his hand with hers, shaking it firmly and responds again, politely. "It is very nice to meet you, Mr. Starlance." She points to her tea. "I am having tea, is there something I can get you?" Webb's steely grey eyes scan back and forth, peering over the rims of his sunglasses. Why the heck is he wearing those things this late anyways? Maybe he forgot he had them on or something. A faint smile is on his lips. For a moment his eyes settle upon Venus, and then Min... Hmm... no more smile. Then his gaze begins scanning again. Shenner, her hand taken in Luke's gloved one, blinks and lifts a startled and subtly brightening gaze to his; she's still blushing, too. For a moment or two, she smiles crookedly, before she swallows and murmurs, "Well, I can tell ya right now, pal, I-I know what's scarin' the kark outta me, and... some of it I know what to do about, and some of it not..." Luke responds eagerly, "Tell me.." still in nearly whispered tones. Mineyur smiles, and nods. "As a matter of fact, my dear, I am most pleased with tea myself. I would very much like that, my Lady. If my humble prescence does not intrude surely," he bows. Tarlin glances over his shoulder at Webb for a second before turning back to his work. One hand still on her pendant, one held in the Jedi's, Shenner continues her lowly murmured conversation with him. Her gaze drops down slightly, away from Skywalker's countenance and more in the vicinity of his shoulder, as she speaks to him in husky tones, her own face uncharacteristically open and vulnerable. Shenner mutters to Luke, "... well... for... I... if... losin'... I... can't happen... And... I... remember... kept havin'... on Calamari... I... remember... don't... what I... night,... says... hollerin'...." You whisper "Okay, well... for starters. I... can't help wonderin' if I was losin' it on Mandalore, see...? And... if I was losin' it then, if it can't happen again. And... I dunno how come I don't remember stuff. And... I kept havin' nightmares on Calamari and I couldn't remember 'em, and I don't remember what I dreamed about last night, but Rekkie says I was hollerin'. And..." to Luke. Webb glances at Tarlin and nods to the man... one of his former pupils, now an officer flying with the Marine air wings. He gives a reasonably friendly nod. The man was after all one of his better students, especially as far as pilot's go when they learn their basic land warfare proficiencies. Then Webb's gaze casts back to V and Min. He emits a small sigh and starts through the crowd, picking his way through the tables in a zig-zagging pattern... almost reminds one of a shark circling. Venus nods to Mineyur, her smile changing from polite to enigmatic, before she signals to Ariani for another tea with a gesture of her hand. Focusing again on the gentleman before her, Venus continues the conversation. "Are you new to Caspar, sir?" Though Venus is making polite small talk, her words are simply time buyers so she may scrutinize and judge the newcomer more carefully. Shenner pauses, visibly unnerved, her right hand's grasp growing white-knuckled on the necklace chain, while her left trembles in Skywalker's hold. If her face and frame are any judge, she hasn't relayed quite everything of what he's asked her to tell. Luke simply listens with concern without interrupting Shenner as she speaks, his expression and posture purposefully framed in such a way to cause her to relax and draw more information out. He nods slowly as he listens. And finally, hoarsely, that further information Luke seeks breaks out of the girl in four short whispered words, as full as her expression of implications and meanings. Luke senses, "Shenner mumbles, "And... Paul left me."" Mineyur smiles and chuckles a little, "My Lady, far from it. I have spent my life here." He gazes into Venus' eyes, smiling as charmingly as he can. Luke holds in a breath, finally nodding to her. "I.. know." He pauses again, considering whether he should continue with that subject or not. He speaks quietly to her. You sense: Luke murmurs gently, "I wondered if that would be a hindrance or somehow.. partly to blame for your memory loss." He manages a faint reassuring smile, "Did you wanna talk about that?" Venus regards Mineyur with skepticism as she offers him the tea Ariani placed within her reach at the bar. She walks over to the table she had intended to sit in before, not necessarily inviting company but implying that she is open to conversation. She smiles vaguely at the crowd and sips her tea. Venus sits down at the table. Mineyur sits down at the table. Shenner's green eyes turn suspiciously liquid, though she doesn't manage to meet Luke's blue regard, and thus, she perhaps also misses the slight reassuring smile he directs to her. She mumbles something in plaintive tones to him, her head lowered dejectedly. Mineyur follows Venus to the table, and sits down slowly, so as she has the chance to aprove. He smiles and nods, "Thank you, my Lady, your generousity is most appreciated." Yup. He's sucking up like nobody's business. You whisper, "I... y'see... I... remember we found the body, and... and I lost it, Luke, I-I-I told him not to touch the body, and... and... then it's all black, till I woke up on Calamari... and... he was gone. He was gone..." to Luke. Luke whispers, "What body?" Venus arches a brow, her smile almost a smirk as she looks incredulously at Mineyur and his performance. She does not disapprove of him sitting down witha haughty attitude, but she does not welcome his presence with a bright smile, either. Conversation, however, is welcome especially after tonight. She regards her guest with a polite nod of the head and more small talk. Webb's path takes him past Tarlin. To the pilot the Ranger murmurs, "Evening sir." He passes right by with no more than a word, now making a bee-line towards the table at which Min and Venus are seated. Ariani's eyes follow Webb's approach as she prepares drinks. Something about her gaze suggests that no good shall come from what she is witnessing. Webb calmly steps up to the table, and touches Venus lightly upon the shoulder to get her attention. Shenner's features crinkle up in apparent strain, her earlier look of a headache returning. Ariani stops her business long enough to eye Shen in deep concern, but the bartender is prevented from stepping to the musician by a customer's call for brandy. Mineyur smiles, and nods a "Thank you". "Tell me, my dear and beautiful Lady, how has the evening been treating you I wonder?" Tarlin Nods to Webb as he walks by with out looking up from his data pad Shenner's features crinkle up in apparent strain, as she vacillates between answers to the Jedi's softly murmured question. Finally, she mumbles out a reply to him. To this, Venus's smile changes from enigmtic to real. A familiar face, especially that of Jonathan Webb, is welcome after such a horrible day. "Oh hi, Jon. How are you?" Venus responds to Mineyur with an arched brow, looking around the table to find someone, "Is there someone else at the table? You mentioned a beautiful lady?" She chuckles and drinks her tea. Her jokes can't always be winners. Luke senses, "Shenner blurts uneasily, "It was in the crypt. I remember that, we were still in the crypt. And we went up stairs, and..." She swallows hard, looking vaguely nauseous. "... and there was a body. And... I-I-I don't remember anything else there except I _begged_ Paul not to touch it...!" Only the vague sense of Luke's calm voice carries throughout the bar as he speaks with Shenner now. Only tones come across without words. Deep reassuring tones, confident in their intentions. You sense: Luke responds slowly, "Shenner, relax you don't have to tell me all of this now. Whatever happened back there has already happened. It can't harm you now." He quirks his head to peer at you while sending forth a wave of reassurance. Shenner pulls in a long, shaky breath, her features losing some of their strain, and she nods her comprehension to her companion. Webb smiles warmly to Venus and murmurs to her, "Doing quite wonderful... you look as if Madam President found more work for you." His eyes cast a glance across to Min calmly, as if studying the man, before he greets the man with a flat but reasonably polite sounding, "Recruit..." Luke senses, "Shenner breathes out, "Right... get a grip, street rat..." This last, clearly, is more to herself than Luke." Mineyur smiles. "I should leave." He stands up and walks over to the bar. Mineyur stands up from the table. Mineyur sits down at the bar. Venus dashes Webb a stern look. "You always know how to make a woman feel beautiful, Jonathan." She takes a lingering cup of her tea. Better if her mouth is engaged in things other than conversation. She regards Mineyur, "Is my company that offensive, sir?" Tarlin looks at the recruit as he sits at the bar. Pushing his cup forward he orders more coffee while he places the data pad into a pocket. Mineyur looks back, "Sorry, my Lady. But my prescence doesn't seem to be wanted there at the moment. Perhaps some other time." Mineyur nods to Tarlin, and looks him over. Webb's warm smile returns. His hand hasn't left V's shoulder yet. Instead it's lingered there, perhaps having detected a bit of fatigue. He chuckles quietly and leans over to murmur something softly in Venus's ear. Tarlin nods to the recruit with a look as hard as a storm trooper gone nuts. Venus looks at Mineyur with a slight frown, perhaps judging his etiquette now, and shakes her head slightly. /Not/ a good impression. She softens slightly, however, at whatever Jonathan Webb mutters to her and then pushes his hand off her shoulder, playfully. Luke closes his eyes briefly and nods his head. He stretches forth his senses toward her, gently touching on her mind. After opening his eyes he smiles a little, "Ok.. we're on the right track, but you're tired. Do yourself and me a big favor and rest. I'll meet you back here later and we'll continue ok? And this time, sleep soundly." The last phrase sounds oddly out of place and strangely firm and commanding compared to the previous. But gently commanding in an ironic way. He smiles briefly before slipping his hand out of hers, retrieving his jacket and moving purposefully to the door. Luke walks out of the Sandbar and the door closes automatically. Luke has left. Webb smiles slightly at Venus's playful brushing away of his hand, and gently closes his hand about hers as it's being brushed away from her shoulder. At Skywalker's parting words, Shenner reels a little on her stool, the hand the Jedi had released fumbling to catch on the edge of the bar. For a fleeting instant, she winces, before sleepiness floods across her countenance. She looks up... but Luke is gone, leaving the girl to blink bemusedly about her. Venus's face hardens at Jonathan's display of affection, not quite sure if she should be happy or offended by his gesture. She takes her hand back, slowly, and lets her normal serious demeanor reside. She dashes a glance at Mineyur and a small smile, hoping she hasn't offended him and stares at her table. Webb doesn't even arch an eyebrow, having grown somewhat... accustomed to V's umm... lack of predictability. His hand opens as Venus withdraws hers, easily allowing it to slip away. He leans down again to whisper something to Venus. "Shen...?" It's Ariani, back again, now that the strange fair-haired friend of Shenner's has left her company. The bartender looks the girl critically up and down, and then pointedly orders her, "Okay, kid, get home with you. I didn't think it was possible, but you look even more wiped, now." Shenner blinkblinks, looking just a trifle disoriented, as she slips off the stool. "Yeah," she says after a moment. "I gotta go sleep... tell Rekkie I'm goin' back to her place, will ya...? I... gotta go sleep..." Mineyur does smile at Venus, disapoitment in his eyes, as he looks at Webb, as though to say, This is the worst thing you've done yet. He starts toward the door. "You do that," is Ariani's stern advice, and the woman keeps a sharp eye on Shenner as the exhausted musician goes stumbling out the door, fighting down a jaw-cracking yawn as she goes. You leave The Sandbar, entering the fresh air of Fountain Square. Fountain Square - Plaxton City The huge buildings in the background threaten to take over this small patch of green that is the center of Plaxton City. A stone fountain -still in place from another time- sits in the center of the square. It depicts a young woman looking into the sky. water flares around her and bursts into a star pattern ten feet above her head. The inscription at the base of the fountain is written in the aging language of a more romantic time. 'Farewell, for all journeyers that leave this place shall always return to call it home.' Wandering the square throughout the day are Caspar Marines; some off-duty and enjoying their downtime while on-duty commandos in full armor and uniform keep watch over the area. Despite the commandos' aggresive appearance, they are viewed with admiration and respect from most of the citizens, some of them even joking and talking with families. The night sky above is cloudy with patches of clear spots allowing you to see the sky behind them. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Paul_Nighman => Bochek => IGNews Terminal - Caspar => Mail Terminal: Caspar -=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=- ndbar leads to The Sandbar. outh leads to South Mergansar Ave. - Plaxton City. ast leads to East Blake St. - Plaxton City. orth leads to North Mergansar Ave. - Plaxton City. est leads to West Blake St. - Plaxton City. Bochek frowns, "That's too bad. I was looking forward to hearing the end of your song. Ozzle you say, huh? I will keep that name in mind in my travels." He laughs, "We've been talking this whole time, and I never caught your name." Extending his hand, he says, "I'm Bochek, and you are?" _Sleep soundly..._ Luke Skywalker's softly murmured words resonating across her brain, Shenner stumbles out of the Sandbar, looking asleep on her feet, and barely conscious of her route once she hits the open night air. Offering his hand to the Rodian, Paul introduces, "Nighman, Paul Nighman." Mineyur leaves the SandBar. Mineyur has arrived. Mineyur wallks out of the bar and sits thoughtfully at the fountains. Bochek firmly grasps the hand. "Good to meet you Paul." He stops looking into the fountain, and takes a seat next to Paul. "So you say you are leaving soon? Where does a fellow like yourself go?" Shenner's green gaze swings glassily around the square, from the Sandbar and then northward. It passes unseeingly over the figure of Paul Nighman... or perhaps not entirely unseeingly, for a distinct wistful softening of her features might be noticed upon Shen's young face. But it doesn't seem to halt her course towards Mergansar Avenue, a course that doesn't waver despite the strange dreaminess in her eyes. Soon, she's vanishing northward along the street. [End log.]