Log Date: 7/9, 7/10/98 Log Cast: Howie Darklighter, Shenneret Veery, Jindra Langri, Lando Calrissian, Leia Organa-Solo Log Intro: There have been a lot more military personnel on Calamari as of late, and their presence has been able to distract Shenner somewhat out of her self-imposed quiet isolation. Commodore Tarroc D'agor has provided her with some friendly conversation, and the increased numbers of techs and pilots and officers in Coral City mean new ears for Shenner's busking, too. She can hardly complain about this, though the songs she's finding herself driven to write to give her new audiences have started dredging up uncertainties and worries that she'd lost sight of during her apparent illness -- and is only just now beginning to remember exist. Foremost among them is mounting worry over Paul Nighman, and a growing ambivalence in how she feels about him and his prolonged absence out of her life. It's leading her to try to finish off a song she'd started trying to write after Paul had originally abandoned her on Tatooine, and before they'd met again on Palanhi. A song about Corellian men.... ---------- Howie arrives from North Coral Avenue. Howie has arrived. Howie looks at you for a moment. Walking down the Avenue, the Commander is taking a slow stroll through the Floating City, hands clasped lightly behind his back as he walks. His head seems to be moving about continuously, glancing at the different structures around here. Not far away from the fountain in the center of the square, a slender young redhead has claimed one of the benches -- and despite her size, has claimed the entire bench for herself, for she's surrounded by a sizeable guitar case at her feet, the guitar itself propped up on the bench beside her, and a tote bag on her other side. She's got a datapad in her lap and is typing furiously away at it, her green eyes narrowed in intense concentration, a small stylus propped between her teeth. His gaze traveling slowly around the area, the Commander finally sees you and your guitar, along with the fountain. He arches a brow slightly, amused and interested by the instrument as he takes a few slow steps towards you and your instrument, observing the instrument carefully. The guitar seems practically too big for the girl to hold -- but it's obviously well-used, or at least well-travelled, for the wood-and-red-plastic casing has taken some battering. A casual glance across the instrument indicates power circuitry built in. And all at once, the redhead mutters in triumph, "Hah!" She tosses the datapad and stylus aside onto the tote bag, seizes the guitar, and starts strumming at its strings, one eye on the datapad. Perhaps she's teaching herself a song. A small smile appears on the Commander's face, after seeing your quick actions. He silently makes an assumption that the datapad contains some sort of script as you start strumming, standing in place, silently, listening. "So lock your doors inside to stay... Corellian men, keep outta her way... 'cause there's none can stop her gun, they say, or the flight of the Smuggler's Lady..." The girl's singing low, just under her breath, pluck-strumming out a hard-edged little melody on that big guitar of hers. Due to his distance from you, he only picks up a few words, causing him to chuckle quietly, shaking his head in amusement about Corellian men, being a Corellian himself. He continues to remain silent, listening attentively, interested in the little melody and music being played. "You cannot run, you cannot hide... the galaxy just ain't that wide..." The redhead trails off a moment, still strumming, and muttering a husky "damn" over her melody line. Think. Thinkthinkthink. Hah! A large, feral grin blossoms out across her features then, and she finishes off with "And there ain't no refuge in your pride if you meet with the Smuggler's Lady...!" Two more chords and she seems to be done, seizing up the datapad again and peck-typing away at its tiny keyboard. Seeing that you are done, atleast this portion of the music, he takes a step forward, clapping gently before commenting, still smiling slightly, "That was a nice song, ma'am... haven't heard music like that in a /long/ time." The red head snaps up. Green eyes blink as they swing their gaze round to the source of the voice, and the musician stares a few moments, seemingly caught between surprise and a sardonic kind of amusement. Maybe it's at the 'ma'am.' "Thanks," she answers back readily. "I'm still workin' on that one." Howie Standing before you is a man who stands about six foot tall and in his mid 20's. He has deep brown hair and clear, sea colored green eyes. His youthful looks seems to show innocence to the ravaging war going on, but on the other hand, the way he acts shows the opposite. His voice and the way he speaks seem to be the same as an person who has been well educated. If you listen closely, you might hear a touch of Corellian accent to his voice. Currently, he is in his New Republic Navy uniform. It is a deep blue, smooth, uniform. It has a row of silver buttons running down the middle and red trims. The texture of the uniform is made of a cutton like material (But it isn't cotton since we don't have lambs in SW). The rank pips on the right breast pocket of the uniform indicates that the wearer is a Lieutenant of the New Republic Navy. Above the rank pips and pocket opening is a silver platinum rectangular object that identifies him as Lieutenant Commander Darklighter, the letters gold inscriptions. On his right shoulder is a patch with a black background, a new Mon Calamari Cruiser in the middle of the patch and in the background is a small exploding star destroyer. Gold lettering at the top of the patch indicates that the ship is the NRSC Deliverance. On his left shoulder is a patch with also a black background and two missiles crossing each other making a "X". The missile tips are red and the missile body is white. Above the missiles are the words, curved a little into a slight domed shape, Gunnery Operations. He is also wearing a pair of deep blue pants, matching the uniform. The pants also include three pockets, one at each side and a rear pocket. The belt above the pockets is pure black and with a gold buckle. On the right side, above the right hip is a blaster holster. In the blaster holster is a blaster pistol, shined and polished, in perfect working condition. However, the blaster seems to not have been used as of yet. 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 Howie nods slowly, slightly as he continues to gaze at the instrument, "Well, sounds like it's coming along rather well, your song that is." He grows silent for a few seconds, before asking, "Does it have a name?" Jindra arrives from North Coral Avenue. Jindra has arrived. The green-eyed girl flicks a gaze up and down the stranger who's stopped before her, taking in the details of his appearance, though she gives no obvious reaction to them. "I ain't sure yet. Either 'Smuggler's Lady' or 'Corellian's Bane'." She smiles narrowly. "If you mean the guitar" -- and her red head bobs sideways -- "he ain't got a name yet." Howie is currently standing by the fountain, a few feet away from the bench Shenner is sitting at. "I was refering to the song... didn't know people give their guitars names." He chuckles again, stuffing a hand into a pocket, then continues, "Both names sounds rather... interesting." "Any good song needs an interesting name to hook an audience," the redheaded musician on the bench drawls, one corner of her mouth still curled up. She's lowered the datapad down to her lap, one hand still propping it up, the other drifting over to proprietarily pat the guitar at her side. Jindra enters the city square from the north, carefully walking down the slope toward the fountain. She looks up at the two symblic figures of the fountain and then slowly her gaze falls on the pair talking at the base of it. She slows her pace, recognizing the man and realizing he is carrying on a conversation with a stranger. Nodding in agreement, the Commander replies, "Yes, I agree... use to listen to music when I was young but been too busy, stuck on starships that fly around in space." He sighs, before adding, "And the latter name attracts me a bit more, since I'm a Corellian myself." The redheaded girl's expression doesn't _obviously_ alter. But as the man before her identifies his homeworld, her crooked smile ever so subtly tautens, and her eyes grow ever so slightly veiled. "That a fact?" she inquires, her tone bland. "I'll keep the feedback in mind, pal. Thanks." Jindra alters her course, slightly, no longer heading right for the Fountain where Howie stands. She comes to a halt, pedestrians streaming past her. She glances eastward toward the Market District, her eyes narrowing to peer through the crowd. She snarls her nose slightly and turns her head back to the square. Howie grins and nods, "Yeah, well, in my opinion that is. That title would attract many Corellians... so would the song but the music will interest just about everyone, well, sentients that is." Letting out a subtle sigh, Jindra lets her eyes light on Howie. She begins to make her way through the street, her gaze drifting from Howie to the woman with whom he is speaking. Jindra looks at you for a moment. "That's the idea, pal," says the musician, face and tone both bland as bland can be. She reaches for the guitar and sets it into her lap again; thusly placed, the instrument even more markedly seems overlarge for her thin hands. But this doesn't seem to be a problem, as she plucks out a few random, soft notes. Her gaze stays on the man, though. Howie nods yet again and was about to say something when his comlink chirps, "Commander, we finished checking up on the systems and fuel gauges, awaiting further orders." Sighing at these interuptions, the Commander clicks on the comlink and replies, "Good, do them again. Darklighter out." He snaps it off and grumbles something about vrelts and Ensigns. Turning his gaze back to Shenner, he asks, after seeing the size of the guitar compared to her, "Isn't that guitar a bit... large?" "Hadn't noticed," the girl answers, deadpan. "Why?" "Well..." He replies, a little confused, "Isn't it harder to play if the instrument doesn't fit you well?" Rolling her shoulders in a shrug, the redhead eyes her questioner consideringly; the question seems to set off something in her expression, somehow, for the bland mask that's fallen across her face lessens just a trifle. "Yeah," she affirms, "but this is the only guitar I got, so hey." "I guess you have a point there," He answers passively, "Guess you have to make due with what you have, almost like life during the Rebellion. Is music your main occupation, Ma'am... if you don't mind me asking...?" He asks quietly, letting the cool night's breeze blow over him. Her nose crinkles up again -- it's definitely that 'ma'am' getting to her, from the look on that thin pale face. "Yeah. That and workin' on getting into school. What do _you_ do?" she sallies back, and she adds gruffly, "Don't bother with the 'ma'am', it fits street rats like me about as well as ballet slippers fit a Wookiee." Howie nods as he apologizes, "I'm sorry, Miss. Didn't mean to offend you, I usually address all the ladies Ma'am, until told otherwise." He pauses, before giving you question a reply, "Well, I'm the Chief Gunnery Officer of the cruiser that is orbit right now, been a gunner all my life, with the Rebellion, now turned Republic." Green eyes narrow; it would seem that the girl with the guitar likes 'miss' and 'lady' only slightly better than 'ma'am.' She doesn't comment on either, though, and instead merely gives a curt nod, saying, "Yeah, knew you were NR. Got used to seeing the uniforms around here." And she keeps the guitar in her lap, its bulk shielding off practically all of her slim torso as she plucks softly at its strings. Howie nods as he glances down at his uniform, "Yeah, uniforms are a bother but I guess I was too lazy to change to street clothes, left that back on the ship." He shrugs before asking, "So, what do you think about the war and stuff?" _That_ seems to startle her. The redheaded guitar player just stares a few moments more at the uniformed young man; perhaps no one has ever asked her the question, for she certainly looks as if it's a new question to her. After a moment, though, she tosses off another shrug. "I don't like Imperials," she says bluntly, but her tone is just a bit at odds with her gaze as she drops it down to her guitar, "and the NR types I know're okay. Other'n' that, I figure if you people wanna shoot at each other, there ain't too precious much a street rat's gonna be able to do about it." Howie nods, hearing the same response when he asked other civilians the same question, "Well, we didn't join NR just to shoot at the Imps. We have to shoot at them cause they initiate it, we're here to defend the innocent people, to keep them safe from the power hungry Imperials." Jindra strolls toward the fountain and comes to a stop only a few meters from Howie. She looks from him back to the woman with the guitar. She is not sure what they have been talking about, but she seems intrigued as a tiny smile crosses her face. She looks back to Howie now and finally speaks. "Hello Commander," she simply greets and nods politely to the unknown woman. "Hope I am not interrupting....." "Hey, hey pal, you don't have to give me the recruitment speech," the musician begins, lifting a hand off her guitar, frowning. "I ain't sayin'--" She breaks off, though, as Jindra approaches. Green eyes narrowing again, Shen nods back in a wary version of politeness. "I'm no..." He breaks off as well, as Jindra arrives. He slowly pulls his hands out of his pockets, placing them behind his back again as he smiles at Jindra, "Evening Doctor... you weren't interupting, Miss..." He pauses, remembering that he forgot to ask for a name, "Erm, we were discussing some topics..." He turns back to Shenner, "I apologize for not introducing myself earlier, I'm Commander Darklighter." "Shenneret Veery," says the redheaded guitarist, as she flicks her gaze between the two before her. Jindra grins as she listens to Howie. "Ah..." she simply murmurs but she soon turns toward the woman again and arches a brow. She waits too for the lady to give her name and then replies, "Well, I am Jindra Langri." She turns to Howie and smirks, "Are you upsetting the civilians Commander?" "Pleasure of meeting you, Miss Veery." The Commander replies, before turning back to Jindra, "Upsetting, Doctor? No... well, I hope I'm not, just conversing..." He turns back to Shenner, asking just to make sure, "Miss Veery, if I'm disturbing you, I apologize... I can depart right now." Wearing an unmistakable 'who's upset?' expression, Shenner says coolly, "Commander, if I didn't wanna be disturbed, I wouldn't be parked out here with my guitar. Don't worry about it." As Jindra is identified as 'Doctor', though, the girl's green gaze flicks to the woman for a moment, and lingers there, a strange flicker of interest in her regard. Strolling liesurely, Lando enters from the North. Brown eyes move coolly about the area, and a small little cat-caught-the-mouse smile covers his lips. As his steps bring him closer to the little crowd of people conversing quietly among themselves, he can't help but recognize the young musician with the dark red hair. On the off chance that he might find some decent fellowship or perhaps hear a well played tune, he risks the appearance of being forward and approaches Shenner and her company. Jindra Jindra is a young, twenty-nine year old human female. Her hair is light brown with sparkling highlights which seem to catch each ray of sunlight. The natural, soft curls surround her shoulders. She keeps her locks swept to one side, framing her gentle face. Her frequent smile makes her deep blue eyes sparkle and dance. She wears a long, smock-like jacket that matches her eyes. The sleeve bears the the medic insignia that is her profession. For comfort she wears the jacket open over a white, scoop necked shirt. Her pants are the same blue of the jacket and meet her boots at calf height. Around her neck hangs a silver necklace with a small pendant dangling from its center. If one were to look closely at the swingng pendant, an inscription reads " To my dearest daughter." The necklace disappears beneath the curls to the nape of her neck where it is secured with protective care into a silver clasp. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Medpack Jindra cannot help but to smile at the woman's answer. Indeed if she wanted to be left alone she could find a less public place. She nods her head slightly and flashes a grin to Howie before looking back to Shenner. Jindra's eyes narrow just a little, noting the curious look she is getting from the young woman. Nodding with a silent sight of relief, the Commander breaks a small smile, glancing at the two ladies, "Yeah, I guess you're right." He slowly runs a hand through his hair, enjoying the cool night's breeze as the conversation carries on. He lets the silence linger a little bit longer, seeing that both ladies started some sort of staring contest, maybe silent messages being communicated without him knowing. "Uh... do you two know each other?" He asks, wondering if they've seen one another from different places before. Shen's stare is a frank one, but as if she seems to realize that such staring is rude, she catches herself and snaps her gaze just slightly away. For a fraction of an instant the young guitar player looks uneasy, but she covers it well, saying airily, "Well, hiya. And nah, I don't know her, I just... need a word with a doctor and haven't been able to find one." She delivers this steadily, as if merely commenting on the weather. And she's distracted by the approaching figure of Lando Calrissian -- to whom her gaze immediately snaps the moment the man enters her line of sight. It's obvious that the girl knows _him_, at any rate. Lando meets Shenner's green eyed gaze with a smile and a slight tilting of his head. His attention remains fixed on the young musician the final few steps of his approach, then flicker over to her two companions, taking each in with a quick, measured glance. He says, turning his eyes back upon Shenner, his eyebrows raising slightly, "I'm not interrupting anything, am I?" The question, though initially directed toward Shenner, switches to the entire group as his eyes move to each of the other individuals in turn. Jindra's interest is markedly sparked by the woman's words, even if they are masked in casual conversation. "A word? " she repeats, not waiting for confirmation. "I would be happy speak with you Ms Veery....anytime..." Her words trail off as she notices the woman's gaze turning toward an approaching man. As the man speaks to Shenner, first, Jindra takes a moment to study the newcomer and offer a friendly smile. _Well, -this- is a switch,_ Shen thinks to herself, but the momentary startlement at having no less than three people converge on her at once is just as swiftly covered as her previous unease. "No," she answers Calrissian, bobbing her head once by way of greeting, her hands still poised on the guitar she's got in her lap, "these folks just stopped to chat, is all." "A word? Uh... I can leave you two alone, its alright. I'm just taking a short stroll around the city, enjoying the sights." The Commander replies, ready to turn away and head on but sees Calrissian. He smiles as he listens to Shenner's response, before offering a respectful nod to the ex-General. "Evening General Calrissian." He greets, obviously he knows who the man is, but he doubts its the same vice versa. If the retired general and mostly honest businessman is surprised to be recognized by the officer, then he hides it perfectly as he turns his gaze toward him. "Evening," he says smoothly in his baritone. To the two ladies, he continues, his smile broad and charming, "It is a lovely evening, isn't it?" Jindra's attention reverts quickly back to the General, after hearing his name called. She actually blinks a couple of times, looking the man over with renewed interest and respect. She smiles at his words and glances up at the sky. "Indeed it is General, " she says. Her eyes lower finally, falling back on Shenner now and then to Lando. "I am Major Jindra Langri sir, " she finally says, feeling the need to make an introduction. Shenner plasters on another lopsided smile, but it doesn't quite reach her eyes, and she seems about as intent at keeping that smile in place as she does the big guitar she's holding. She continues to coax soft notes out of the strings, her gaze flicking from face to face, before coming to rest once more on Lando. "It's alright," she replies gruffly. Howie continues to smile, surprised to actually see the General this close instead of holos or rumors. He remains silent however, not asking or retelling any stories of past battles, as he doesn't want to drop to the same level as the annoying Ensigns. "I'm Commander Darklighter... pleased to meet you." He then glances at the trio around him, remaining silent. Lando gives both Howie and Jindra an equal and level gaze, smiling as he says, "It's a pleasure meeting both of you." Thoughtlessly, he adjusts the sleeves of his shirt at each cuff as he turns once more back to Shenner, giving her guitar a quick glance as he says, "Were you going to play something tonight, or have I come into the square too late?" Shen holds that one-sided smile of hers in place, as well as her gaze on Calrissian. Her stare turns speculative, then, and she sits up a bit on the bench she'd claimed as her own. "I can," she answers evenly. "If y'all wanna hear something." Jindra grins down at the woman and visibly relaxes a bit. Jindra, obviously thinks hearing some music is a good idea. She looks toward Howie and says with a broad smile, "Wouldn't you like to hear something Commander?' Turning his head towards Shenner, then to Jindra, Howie nods slightly, "Well... I guess that would be nice. Its been a long time since I picked a song so I won't try this time... thats what happens when you get stuck on a ship." He glances at the trio again, sliding his hands back into his pockets. "Well, okay then," says the guitar player. She strums out a few chords once more, this time louder, and shifting keys into something bright-sounding. Her small one-sided smile actually broadens a little, and she glances at her audience each in turn, saying dryly, "This'll be the second time I've done this one for an NR audience, and the first time was one. You'll hafta tell me what you think." With that, she begins to play, a broadly rolling melody in four-four time, something taking its tempo and timbre from sea chanties. And two measures in, Shenner pulls in a breath and begins to sing: 'Twas long ago and far away (How I wish I'd joined the Rebels now!) The Emperor said, let work begin On the deadliest vessel that's ever been (Gods damn them all!) I was told we'd just show up and the Rebels would fall, they never would fight But I'll tell you! I'm a broken wreck after what I been through The last of Grand Moff Tarkin's Crew Lando looks genuinely pleased, clapping lightly in time with the music. Though it's a different battle with a death star that the musician sings of, he can't help but think of the rough and tumble battle with the monstrosity he was fortunate to live through. With the memory of the battle comes the memory of the celebration afterwards... and with that in his mind, he gives those around him an appreciative glance. Howie remains silent as Shenner sings, listening quietly and taking in the music and the lyric. Some of the similar memories of the second Death Star battle flares back into mind, remembering the terror that was spiking throughout the ship he was in, an old blockade runner as the crew sees the laser coming out. But it worked out for them at the end, since he's still here. Something shifts in Shenner's demeanor as she belts out this song for her listeners; all hints of wariness and reserve have vanished from her, as if she's focused all her energies on her voice. And while her voice isn't the purest in the galaxy, rough-timbred and husky, her pitch is neverthless flawless, and her expression is suitably deadpan as she continues: Oh, Grand Moff Tarkin looked around (How I wish I'd joined the Rebels now!) For thousands of loyal troopers who Would come and be the Death Star's crew (Gods damn them all!) I was told we'd just show up and the Rebels would fall, they never would fight But I'll tell you I'm a broken wreck after what I been through The last of Grand Moff Tarkin's crew Jindra leans against the edge of the fountain base. Her head bobs a couple of times in time with the music. She smiles at the last line and mention of the Grand Moff. She lowers her eyes momentarily, thinking about her own situation at the time. She, unlike the men around her was not there for the battle, but she has seen the damage sustained in such battles...in terms of human lives and the battle to save them. And there are more verses, one commenting on the mighty battle station's size ("it wasn't no ship, it was a planet in drag!"), one bemoaning a particularly uncomfortable plight of the crew ("there were so many miles of passageways / that to find the lavatory took two whole days!"), and one lamenting the ill-preparedness of the troops ("but before our training crew began / that Princess stole our one deck plan!"), before the inevitable arrival at the Battle of Yavin, and the hapless individual from whom the song derives its point of view being set adrift as his ship is damaged in the fighting. Throughout, Shen keeps her deadpan expression, her voice rolling through the lyrics, the guitar singing under her slender fingers. Leia's pace from the southern section of the city is marked with thoughtfulness and likely a hint of fatigue, so it is curiously devoid of the purposeful briskness that is a hallmark of her movements. To the collection about the fountain she smiles absently and, indeed, would have continued along on her journey were it not for the dapper gambler. Course diverted, the princess approaches Lando as if wary of interrupting a relaxing vignette. With the final verse, though, the redheaded singer's expression assumes a resigned air, as she warbles out: The war for me is over now (How I wish I'd joined the Rebels now!) The Rebels locked me safe away -- And the prison ship landed on Hoth today (gods damn them all!) I was told we'd just show up and the Rebels would fall, they never would fight But I'll tell you.... And Shen dramatically holds out that line, as well as the next: I'm a broken wreck after what I been through.... As the song rolled along, anyone the happened to gaze at the cloaked, dark-skinned gambler would see contentment and genuine happiness at the perfect delivery of the original song. At it's conclusion, he applauds, openly pleased with Shenner's performance. As he brings his hands down, he catches site of the Princess out of the corner of his eye, and turns to her, saying, "Ah, good evening, Leia!" Howie smiles slightly, as the song continues along with its originality. The verses has definately captured this officer as he enjoys the piece, remaining silent throughout the entire song, holding the applause till the very end, "That was excellent, Ms. Veery... I enjoyed it." Shen pulls a final slowed ripple of chords out of her guitar, and then drops back into her previous rolling tempo to conclude, "... the last o' Grand Moff Tarkin's Cr--" Funny, the girl seems enough of a bard that you'd think an addition to the audience wouldn't throw her. But she sees Lando turn, and she hears Calrissian's hail, and she's prevented from properly concluding her song. Instead, she chokes off the last word as she catches sight of the approaching Princess. She gapes, and then blinks rapidly, jerking her gaze to the not particularly safer personage of Commander Darklighter, to whom she blurts, "Uh... thanks, thanks..." Jindra claps her hands together as well, genuinely impressed by the music. "Very, very good, " she says with sincerity. Her attention is quickly turned toward the woman Lando has now greeted. She straightens from her leaning position on the fountain and watches the woman near, but not before flashing a quick glance toward Howie. "I wouldn't be so bold as to brand the evening good," Leia counters dryly as she draws to a halt at Lando's side. Aware -- and acutely so -- that her presence has brought Shenner's performance to a halt, she calls reassuringly to the younger female, "Don't stop on my account. I was simply passing through. We don't here enough music as it is. Please, continue." Turning around as well, seeing the attention diverted away, to somewhere else, the Commander seems to have missed Lando's initial call to the Princess, probably too enwrapped in the music. Once seeing the Princess there, he smiles and nods respectfully to her, "Evening Princess." Shen manages a wan smile to Jindra at the doctor's approval, and then flicks a distinctly nervous glance back to Princess Leia. "I was about done with that one anyway, Your Highness," she answers readily enough, but it's done in a sheepish mutter, and there's a suspicious pinkening starting to creep across her cheeks. It's official. The musician's intimidated, no doubt about it. Lando's eyes narrow momentarilly at Leia's initial words. He searches her face, his mind racing to match the expression there with the emotions and thoughts that would bring them forth. Not any sort of Jedi technique, but the practice of any professional gambler, reading his opponents. Coming to some sort of conclusion in his mind, he leaves any questions in his mind unasked as he turns to look back at Shenner and the officers. He notes the slight crimsoning on the musician's cheeks, and says, smoothly, "It was well played, Miss Veery. Well played indeed." Matching the formality of his words, he bows to the young musician. Jindra looks back to Shenner as Lando addresses her. Jindra smiles, thinking who would not be a bit nervous in the company that has gathered around her ...and focusing on her actually. Jindra turns to look toward Leia, acknowleding her with a friendly, yet formal nod of her head. Shenner seems to regain a few crumbs of composure at Lando's praise; her smile steadies, but there's still something distinctly shy about the girl's expression in the presence of Leia Organa Solo. _Okay,_ she thinks wildly, _this is -not- the time to sing 'Captain Han and the Gundark'..._ Leia turns her chestnut gaze on the others, greeting them in turn and by name. Shenner receives the last of her glances and perchance the most lingering. "It's a pleasure to see you all and to hear you, Shenner, once again, but my schedule's pressing so I should move along presently. If, that is, I can coax another tune from you?" This request is naturally presented to Shenner, amity and interest in the girl palpable in Leia's demeanor. "Um... sure, ma'am," Shenner mumbles. "You wanna hear something fast or something slow?" "You did such a fine job selecting already, why don't you pick another for us?" Lando suggests merrily, though his eyes occasionally shift over the Alderaanian princess at his side. Leia nods her agreement with Lando and her encouragement to Shenner. "Well said, Lando," she murmurs approvingly. Howie remains silent as everyone else speaks, listening but not adding to the conversation. He only nods in agreement with Lando, agreeing with him that it is fine if Shenner picked another song herself, his own taste in music not as diverse than everyone else here. Jindra cannot help but to watch Lando and Leia for a moment, trying desperately not to look too awe stricken, but instead more humbled and respectful. She snaps out of her thoughts for now and looks to Shenner, "That original song was very good, Ms Veery, " she adds quietly, preparing for another tune. The girl peers at her listeners, then, trying to put on a gruffer expression, Shenner nods her red head to them all. She ducks her gaze down to the only safe thing in her vicinity -- the guitar in her lap -- and she fiddles with the frets for a few moments. Then she murmurs, "I wrote this one four or five months ago." That's all she says, as she begins to strum out a melody line in a plaintive minor key. And then she begins to sing, her voice beginning in a low register: Love me one more time Make this night last forever But come the morrow We leave for Mandalore... The guitar is muted now, its notes soberly and sweetly plucked out, Shenner's own sung ones ranging up and down to add complexity to the simple lyrics. She lifts up her head again, but her gaze has turned veiled. I may survive And my heart will always fly with yours But come the morrow We leave for Mandalore And if I die, just remember I love you And you'll always be mine Let us warm up this cold night together Come the morrow, we leave for Mandalore The tune is different, and so is Lando's reaction to it. With the previous, more bouncy and jovial tune, he became rapt up in the rhythm and melody in a way that inspired clapping and moving in time with the music. This sweeter, more haunting melody enrapts the gambler perhaps more deeply as the chords echo in his ear. Between verses, Lando gives Leia another glance, a slight hint of worry in his eyes. Jindra turns her head, watching Shenner from the corner of her eye. She listens closely to the song, her smile fading now at the more somber words. SHe loses herself in the music, paying little attention to those around her. This new melody of Shenner's has a bridge without lyrics, and the girl leans over her guitar, moving into measures that demonstrate that when she wants to, she can do far more than just rhythm chords with that big instrument of hers. The guitar sings forth with a descant to the main melody line, and Shen watches her hands rather than her audience, something wistful lurking somewhere in the set of her features. Leia, as an aside to Lando, remarks discreetly, "Don't frown, Lando; things are fine. Really." Finally, smoothly and seamlessly, the girl's voice slides back into the song, almost dancing up and down her range: Until tomorrow Let me love you forever For come the morrow We leave for Mandalore And if I die, just remember I love you And you'll always be mine Let us warm up this cold night together Come the morrow, we leave for Mandalore Come the morrow, we leave.... For Mand-a-lore.... And then, her head bowing, Shenner and her guitar trail off into silence. Leia applauds quietly yet enthusiastically, approval for the music easily discerned in her dark irises. To that applause she adds, "Well done, well done." Remaining silent, showing no real emotions on the outside, the Commander seems to let the song sink in, this on a different subject now. It seems to play some unique effects as he listens, as the song slowly ends. He wakes himself up from the daze and applauds as well, smiling slightly, "Yes, this was excellent as well, you are a very talented young lady..." Shenner looks up again, an awkward smile quirking her thin mouth. She peers round with just barely concealed sheepishness at her listeners, letting her gaze linger in polite gratitude on each of them for their attention. But there's something anxious about her expression, too, and abruptly, the girl shifts her guitar aside, rising to her feet. "Thank you, Your Highness.... um.... before you go, I'm sorry, I-I gotta ask...." Leia, in the process of removing herself from Lando's immediate presence, pauses to give Shenner an appraising glance. "Hmmm?" Jindra slows her own appluading and watches Shenner as she rises. She does not interrupt, quite curious about what the musician is going to ask of Leia. "I saw the IGNews holocast," the musician blurts. The change in her demeanor, the almost desperate worry flickering in her gaze, emphasizes Shen's youth. But she keeps her voice as steady as she can as she goes on, "Your brother... Jedi Skywalker... is he okay?" Jindra's eyes widen for a split second at the question. Her brow furrows into a worried expression of her own. Her eyes dart over to Howie, to Lando and then back to the Princess. It wouldn't have taken a Jedi to know what Shenner was going to ask, and knowing what Lando knows helps. He starts to open his mouth to intercept the question, if only to save Leia and Shenner any pain at this moment, but is too slow as the young crimson-haired woman gets her questions off quickly. Sighing, Lando closes his mouth, and his shoulders drop slightly as he looks toward Leia for her answer. Credit Leia's well-honed skills as a politician and diplomat, thank her foster father and tutors for drilling her with lessons on maintaining an impassive demeanor in the most difficult of circumstances. Her upbringing and its education salvage the situation for her, and with reasonable clarity and confidence she is able to answer, "He's home with us now, Shenner, yes. Thank you for your concern, but everything will be fine." Clutching her guitar's neck in one slender hand, Shen gazes liquidly at the Princess, her features crinkling in consternation. At last, she drops her green stare to the vicinity of her own feet, and mumbles, "I won't bother him or anything...." The green gaze comes back up, partway, as she finishes, "Just... tell him I hope he's gonna be alright, ma'am? Please?" Lando gives Leia a side-long glance, his face blank, before he gives Shenner a friendly smile and says, quietly, "We both will." He then glances over at the two silent officers, wondering silently about their thoughts. "I'll do so, yes," Leia assures Shenner, conjuring a smile to bolster her words and their intent. "I should be seeing him soon, in fact. Lando, if your schedule allows, come by our apartment later?" To the others she concludes, "Major Langri, Commander Darklighter, it's a pleasure to see you both." With a final, meaningful gaze at Calrissian, the princess picks up her previous path and heads northward, pace brisker than earlier observed. Nodding again, The Commander bids the Princess farewell, as he replies, "It was an honor to see you, Your Highness, take care." He glances towards Lando, wondering if he's leaving as well, with the Princess or staying. Leia heads northward up Coral Avenue. Leia has left. Shenner turns, then, all at once. The girl drops into a crouch by her guitar case on the pavement, flicking it open and settling the instrument within. It's not hard to guess that the youngster is troubled, though she's now trying to wear a stoic look. Lando watches Leia leave, the hint of worry still in his eyes as she walks off. He draws in a deep breath, letting it out slowly through his nostrils before he turns to regard Shenner, Jindra, and Howie. He says, slowly, "Well, friends, I supposed I'd best move on to the Rusty Urchin if I'm to give it my patronage before they close." His eyes move from person to person, not exactly inviting them to join him in a drink, but not closing the possibility to any of them, either. With that, he begins moving off, as casually as he'd entered the square. Howie nods to Lando as well, see that he's departing the other way, "Good Night General, it was an honor to meet you as well." He watches Lando leave for a few seconds before turning back to Shenner, seeing that she's troubled, "Miss Veery, are you alright?" Lando strolls southward on Coral Avenue. Lando has left. Jindra turns to see Leia depart. Her eyes drift back to Lando and then to Shenner. A confused look crosses her face as she watches the woman putting up the guitar. As Lando makes his goodbyes, "A great pleasure to meet you sir, " she says with sincerity. "Have a good evening." The guitar case is clacked shut, and as she turns to her tote bag to make sure her datapad and discs are safely stuffed within, Shen glances over at Lando long enough to acknowledge his departure, though she makes no sign of interest in following the man. To Commander Darklighter, she puts on a not particularly convincing smile, and replies promptly without looking at him, "I'm fine, pal, no problem." Jindra now focuses her full attention...and concern to Shenner. "It seems that the Princess did have...good news, " she says lowly, almost as if this was a question, waiting for Shenner to confirm. Howie frowns slightly, obviously not believing the young girl but doesn't press on, since it isn't his business to do so. He nods, "Well.. take care then, and your playing was fantastic tonight, Ms. Veery. Hopefully, I might get the pleasure of hearing more some other time." He pauses, nodding slightly at Jindra's comment, but doesn't add any of his own. Shen glances at Darklighter long enough to smile wanly, but most of her attention is on Major Langri. As she zips her tote bag closed, the girl says swiftly, "Well, sure, I mean, Luk--er, Jedi Skywalker, the Imperials ain't got him anymore." Jindra watches Shenner pack up her instrument. "Well, " she begins, " I know I am glad to hear that," she offers, glancing at Howie. She seems not sure what to say next, without prying. "Are you sure you are allright?" Howie nods again, to affirm Jindra's comment as he continues to observe Shenner, taking in her expression, reactions, and actions. He remains silent however, unskilled in this area, not wanting to say anything that may be considered offensive or wrong. The redheaded musician pauses in the act of slinging her tote bag's strap over her shoulder, and she considers Jindra, with a wariness akin to a wild creature eying an unfamiliar source of food. Instead of answering the Major's question, she asks instead, "Do you hafta go anywhere? Like I said, I -- could use a word with a doctor." Jindra nods her head and smiles warmly at Shenner, "Of course we can talk, " she says. "I have no where to be at this moment." She looks about the square and adds, "Where would you like to speak?" Howie watches the two ladies converse, deciding to move off now as they are going to speak about something else. He nods to both, "Well, I'm going to head off now, see the rest of the city. I was nice hearing the songs, Ms. Veery, and pleasure of seeing you again, Doctor. Good night to you both, and take care." Shenner peers over uncomfortably at the Corellian officer, but manages a gruff nod to him. She lifts up one hand to fiddle with the necklace dangling at her throat. Jindra turns to face Howie, "Good night Commander, "she says, looking at him for a moment. "I will see you later." With that, she looks back to Shenner and then glances around the square. Howie strolls southward on Coral Avenue. Howie has left. [To be continued in log jindra-talk.txt...]