"The Past's Cold Shadow" Log Date: 2/25, 2/27, 3/3/00 Log Cast: Rhea, Dane Noth, Shenner, Ariani (NPC emitted by Shenner), the Womprats (NPCs emitted by Shenner), Webb Log Intro: It's been a very long time since Shenneret Veery went to Mandalore in the company of a Corellian xenoarchaeologist -- and journeyed through that planet's fierce terrain at the side of Paul Nighman and a trio of Mandalorian warriors, only to encounter something that not only dealt a death blow to a portion of her memory... but also caused Paul to abandon Shenner once their adventure came to its disastrous conclusion. Since then, Shen has wrestled with the damage to her heart and head that that expedition wrought within her, and at last has come to about as much peace as she's likely to get. A number of things have brought her to this: the assistance of friends, both of a Jedi persuasion and not. The attentions of men who might have cared for her if she'd permitted them to do so. The comparatively prosaic but nevertheless uplifting acquistions of a steady job and a decent education. A home to call her own, and a war in which she's fought to defend it. And most of all the love of Jonathan Webb. The young singer has pretty much convinced herself that that chapter of her life has ended -- despite the fact that Paul himself has shown up on Caspar to teach one of her classes at the University. And despite the fact that part of her still loves Paul, enough that she still wears the brass and silver pendant he'd once given to her. She has not brought herself to try to delve into the past with Paul, grudgingly content to keep him at arm's length, in the role of professor rather than that of lover. She has heard absolutely nothing in the intervening years since her time on Mandalore from the warriors with whom she and Paul had journeyed -- Dane Noth and Kairne. Little does Shen know, however, that at least one of them still remembers her -- and that there may be more to what she's forgotten than she's been at all comfortable with letting herself consider... ---------- You enter the Sandbar. The Sandbar A large, comfortable room creates the main part of Plaxton City's infamous Sandbar, survivor of no less than three rounds of destruction, once more back on its feet. Refurbished to much the same state it had enjoyed prior to the invasion of Caspar at Imperial hands, the place boasts dark wood panelling on its walls, and myriad booths and tables of occasionally battered but sturdy lighter wood, and a number of both old and brand new holoposters hung here and there on the walls. Several deep blue glass windows allow light in from outside, while keeping the ambient light level fairly low. The marble bar that survived the recent war still remains, more battered than before, but once again serving as the domain of Ariani; the loft, too, has been restored, providing yet more seating and an excellent view of the low stage towards the back of the room, where the local band called the Womprats play each night. ----For help with tables, type "PLACE HELP" ----For help with drinks, type "BAR HELP" ----For a closer look at the room's details, type "DETAIL LIST" -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Dane_Noth => Rhea => The Womprats(#5983p) => Emma => Ariani -=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=- leads to Fountain Square - Plaxton City. The girl seems to notice the Rodian -- and recognizes him from last night when she was drunkenly expounding about her adventures in Jabba's old lair. Rhea smiles a bit sheepish as the armored man convinces the alien to venture elsewhere with just a look. "I worked for Jarra. She had me infiltrate Jabba's Palace once. Not an easy time, to be sure." Dane_Noth nods once, "Also not a very safe endeavor." he notices the newly arrived Shenner and straightens up, 'Ah at last." Four of the five Womprats have been belting out a set with their usual vigor and spark tonight, filling the bar with rhythm and melody -- but it's not until the final set of the evening is shortly due to be commencing that the group's lead singer at last arrives in the bar. It's been a long day for Shen Veery... but after a week of hard exams and a finally completed paper, she's ready to cap off the night with a few hours of hard singing, and if she's lucky, some hard drinking to boot and a dose of Lieutenant Webb for the crowning grace. For now, though, she's happy to simply get warm, and her husky tenorish voice can be heard to waft over from the door as she strips herself of her outer winter gear: "Yo, 'Ani! I'm here! Howsabout something to warm my throat up, huh?" The young woman notices the change in Dane's stare, and looks over her shoulder to see what it is he's looking at. Ah. The girl in the picture. Rhea says nothing, but takes another sip of brandy and looks between the barkeep and the new arrival with quiet interest. Shenner(#3773POACF) This is a human female perhaps somewhere in her early twenties. She stands at about 5'6" in height, with a lean, fit musculature adding substance to an otherwise frail-seeming build. Her skin is the pale hue of most of the galaxy's human races, with a scattering of small freckles adding detail to her fine-boned features. Her hair is a rich dark russet; red-brown brows and lashes set off her large and luminous green eyes, and she looks out at everything she encounters with a keenly intelligent intensity. Those eyes, along with a walk, stance, accent, and mannerisms seemingly more suited for a brash street tough than a slender young woman, 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. She is clad entirely in black from head to foot: a billowy, long-sleeved silken shirt tied off at her waist, unbuttoned enough to reveal the top of the form-fitting, sleeveless jumpsuit she's wearing beneath it. The jumpsuit's neckline cuts a straight line just below her collarbone, before running down uninterrupted along the rest of her body to calf-high suede boots. Even the thongs that hold the braid of her hair swept back from her face are black, terimnating in three clear glass beads and a pair of small black feathers. All that relieves the stark black garb is a glint of silver at her breast, some sort of pendant dangling around her neck. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => XiX Blaster Pistol => 6576 Galactic Standard Credits The Mandalorian waits to see if the young woman actually recognizes him..he continues to stand near the bar, letting the young singer initiate any contact. Dane_Noth Before you is something from the history of the galaxy itself, a warrior of Mandalore. Wearing the signature armor of that people its dark green armored plates seem to be flawless and unscarred testifying to its durability in combat it seems to still retain all of its deadly weaponry. Upon each dark green shoulder plate rests a symbol..one a skull with downturned horns over a white rectangle, the other the symbol of Mandalore itself. Upon each arm is a bracer of a deep yellow color sporting various weapons and equipment. The knees are also armored with deep yellow plates, on the side of each a small rectangle with twin depressions. Under it all is a grey suit made from ballistic cloth, sealed at the wrists, ankles and neck. Around the waist is a utility belt of black hide and a low slung quickdraw holster with heavy blaster pistol resting inside. Fitted to the back of this warrior is a jet pack in similar condition to the rest of the armor, a missle like projection rises from the top of it. A dark green cape is worn just under the pack, short and slung to one side of his six foot four frame. The warrior's head is protected by a dark green and grey helmet with T-shaped black visor rimmed in the same deep yellow color that acents the rest of the armor. Along the right side of the helmet is a short sight of some kind that is connected to a moveable linkage. To the left side is a series of small painted on silver rectangles positioned vertically. The warrior moves with a natural grace, his body alert for danger. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => DL-44 Heavy Blaster Pistol => Rodian Dagger => DL-44 Heavy Blaster Pistol => Mandalorian Battle Armor Rhea This young human female is of average height and build, slender bones lending a lankiness to her rugged frame. Her hair is thick and long, the color of chestnut and copper, braided into a rope that hangs near to her waist. An amused glint seems to constantly light her blue-gray eyes, which are set into a porcelain face accented with a small, heart-shaped mouth. She is dressed in a roughly woven, slate green tunic that is belted at her slender waist, and black leggings that cling to her well-muscled legs. A quick-draw blaster holster rides along one hip. For wintry weather, she wears a long, thick wool parka, the same color as her slate tunic, with a cowl that pulls up to protect her hair from any falling snow or otherwise frosty precipitation. Thick snow boots also cover her feet, keeping them toasty and dry, and allowing her to walk more easily when things get slippery. Even as the bartender calls back a greeting to Shen and turns to get the girl some hot tea together, the young singer stops dead just as she's about to come round the bar's corner and claim herself a stool. Mandalorian armor, after all, isn't exactly inconspicuous in a fairly civilized environment like Plaxton City. For a moment, too, she might be seen to go pale -- though it's a trifle hard to tell that in the relatively dim light of the Sandbar, and especially with her delicately sculpted face already pale in sharp contrast to her black attire. Then, she lets out a sharp gust of breath and abruptly steps closer, asking in a tone just shy of wary, "Dane...? Dane Noth?" Dane_Noth chuckles, the metallic sound of his voice making it more ominous than intended, "Who do you think? Kairne?" he slowly offers a gloved hand to the young woman standing in front of him, "I'm glad to see you well Shenner. It's been too long." Silently, Rhea is relieved to discover that the man in Mandalorian armor really seems to be an acquaintance of the girl, and not out to collect a bounty of some sort. She sips her drink, but turns back to the bar, not knowing either of them and feeling it would be improper to openly eavesdrop. Still.. it's hard not to hear... "Wasn't expecting to ever see either of you again, to be honest, but well." Shenner half-smiles, thrusting forth a slender hand to take and shake the gloved one offered. Her grip has changed; it's harder and surer now than Dane might remember. She's just a touch taller and leaner as well, her form more sculpted now. Over her offered hand, her gaze lingers strangely upon the Mandalorian, almost as if she's seeing him for the first time despite the familiarity she's obviously displayed to him. "I'm well enough -- you?" Noth shakes the woman's hand, his grip even with her own as not to insult, "Well I suppose..back from a time at home." he notices the odd gaze, "You've changed much..all for the good it appears." he continues to look into her eyes, trying to finish his analysis of the young woman before him, "I heard that you might be on this planet so I decided to try and track you down." The handshake breaks, and Shen turns to claim her tea as Ariani comes over. If the bartender is surprised to see the singer shaking hands with a man in Mandalorian armor, she gives no sign of it -- but then, Ariani's grown familiar over the last couple of years with Shen Veery's odd assortment of friends. "You paid for your drinks yet, Dane? You and" -- and Shenner's gaze flashes past him to take in the woman with whom he'd been conversing -- "your friend here?" Dane_Noth shakes his head , "No..I'm not drinking.." he also glances to the woman, "She's not with me. But I'll pick up her drink." he reaches for a few credits, hand placing them on the bartop. He nods to the bar tender and slides them forward, "So..do you have time to talk or are you about to go on?" "No need for that," Rhea mumbles around a mouthful of brandy, pushing the credits back toward him. "I'm not with him," she informs Shenner sweetly, once she's swallowed the drink. "Interesting friends you have there, for a kid like you." The warrior shrugs and scoops the credits back up, returning them to a pocket. He waits with anticicpation to see what Shen's response will be..how much has the young woman he knew changed. Ariani lingers only long enough to see that the patrons are arguing over who's paying what; her only comment is a "holler for me when you work it out, huh?" And then she carols out to a spacer desperately waving for her from a seat in the corner at the other end of the bar, "I'm comin', I'm comin', keep your shirt on!" Shenner, in the meantime, smirks a little even as she settles down to blow steam off the top of her tea. Her gaze flashes up to the stage where Karm is currently singing lead; the big black woman's smoky contralto is laying down a fiery pool of melody into the room, and Shen grins briefly in appreciation. "I gotta warm up first before I can join 'em anyway," she says then to Dane, and to Rhea she drawls, "I stock up on 'em. I send in the tops off my boxes of breakfast food." Dane_Noth chuckles to himself quietly, still the same old Shenner in some respects...a good thing, he thinks ..glancing at Rhea he waits for her response..the woman also showing a similar attitude which should make this all very interesting. Rhea laughs mildly but appreciatively at the girl's humor, finding it refreshing after the blank visage of the armor-clad Mandalorian. "Do you?" she muses, turning her brandy snifter around in her hands. "I've met nothing but odd types since I got here. What else do you have in your collection?" To Dane, she offers an almost flirtatious wink. -Almost-. No telling what he looks like beneath that mask. "Two galactic heads of state, a Princess, two former Rebel heroes, and four Jedi," Shenner replies without batting an eye. It doesn't sound like bragging, at least not in the straightforward way she announces it; she might be simply commenting upon the temperature. But then again, she might also be an outrageous liar. As she curls a hand around her tea mug and lifts it up, though, her attention returns to Dane, and she adds, "And another Mandalorian to go with him. Kairne _is_ still alive... isn't he?" And for a fraction of an instant, Shen's gaze turns slightly strange again. Dane_Noth nods slowly in response to Shenner's question.."Alive..yes..although I don't call his usual state of over contemplation living." he stares at Shen again, noticing the stange look..his mind starts to play over the many tribulations the young woman had to face on Mandalore, as well as imaging the ones she's no doubtedly had to face since they last met..discretion being the better part of judgement he decides to hold off his question for more private location, "Yes..Kairne still exsists." Rhea is used to braggarts, but not usually from someone so young and unself-conscious as this girl seems to be. Her blue-gray eyes widen slightly as she studies Shenner a bit more carefully. "Ahh... Well, glad I asked," she mumbles to no one in particular, feeling a need to polish off her brandy as quick as possible, and upending the glass. The singer grins that lopsided grin of hers towards Rhea, though now, it doesn't quite reach her eyes. To Dane, she says in the meantime, "Well, that's somethin', anyway. I know I'm not exactly Dutiful Letter-Writing Girl, but you boys didn't exactly leave me a forwardin' address. So. Came to Caspar just lookin' for me, or do ya have other business?" Dane_Noth says, "Bussiness ." he responds and leaves it at that..confidentiality ingrained into his psyche by this time, "But seeing you again is a definite bonus to coming to this..planet..and I use that term loosely." he sticks a gloved hand into his thigh pouch momentarily and produces a black data card, "Here." he extends it to Shenner, "You can contact me on these frequencies.."" Finishing off her drink, Rhea pushes the glass away and fishes around in her pockets for the proper amount of credits to pay her bill. Leaving the script notes on the bar, she plucks her parka from the back of her stool and drapes it over an arm in preparation for her departure. "Nice to meet you both. Rhea Zuri, by the way," she says to the both of them. Perhaps another day she'll be able to discover the truthfulness, or even the extent, of this girl's claim to known fame. Dane_Noth inclines his head towards the departing woman, "Dane Noth.." he glances towards the doorway..glad that he doesn't have to return to the wintery conditions of the outdoors as of yet. "Shen Veery," the singer replies laconically -- apparently indifferent to, or deliberately ignoring, the fact that her name is posted along with that of the rest of the Womprats on one of the ad posters prominently displayed on the wall. "See ya 'round." Rhea Zuri paid a farewell, the young redhead then returns her attention to Noth, accepting his datacard -- though she makes a face at his opinion of the world. "Hey, watch it," she razzes lightly, "I live here." Dane_Noth chuckles, his hands moving up in front of him in mock defense, "Not my idea of a plesant world.." he shrugs, "But better than some.." Rhea walks out of the Sandbar and the door closes automatically. Rhea has left. If Shen thinks of a particular blasted wasteland of a world with an inhospitable jungle in the middle of it, complete with mutant monsters and a ruin haunted by a Sith ghost in its heart... well, Shen gives no sign of it. She merely smiles narrowly, drinks down the rest of her tea, and drawls, "After a year on Tatooine I got real fond of planets with weather. Hey, it's wet here, and it's cold and frosty during the winter, but hey, I like plentiful water. So. Plannin' on stickin' around? I gotta get up there." And she tosses a nod up towards the stage, where the black woman who'd been singing before has slid into a horn duo with the even bigger black man who is her brother. Webb enters the Sandbar. Webb has arrived. Dane_Noth nods and glances towards the stage, "for a while. I do have bussiness here but it can wait for now." he motions towards the dark booth in the corner, "I'll be over there..that way I don't cause too much of a commotion." The warrior tuns and heads for the booth, "Besides how I can I miss your performance..I have yet to hear it and I've been told it's worth every cred." To this, the girl who'd once trekked through the Mandalorian jungles at this old warrior's side -- the girl to whom Dane Noth had once removed his helmet, and who had reminded the man of his lost daughter -- smiles that one-sided little smile of hers once again. "Well, if I've got a rep to uphold... don't wander off too far, then." And with that, she tosses the warrior a salute with a credible resemblance to something actually military in delivery. Pushing up off her stool, Shen then lopes up to the stage, rousing several cheers from patrons intoxicated and sober as she passes. She's timed it well -- the band's just finished their current number, and almost without blinking, much less missing a beat, the Womprats segue into "Kessel Run" now that their lead singer has Arrived. Dane_Noth moves to sit at the darkened booth, his gaze falling on Webb briefly as he takes hs seat. He sits back and attempts to relax as much as the battle armor allows so that he can enjoy the music. He takes a brief moment to remember the young woman practicing her instrument in the passenger section of Paul's ship all that time ago...it's been too long since he's seen either beings. Dane_Noth dissapears among the patrons. Webb's arrival has all of its usual flash and fanfare... that is, very little, if any. He just slips in and glides straight through towards the bar. His demeanor is exceptionally calm, maybe what one could call distant, as opposed to the raucousness of many of the patrons. He moves like he knows this place pretty well, and knows exactly where he wants to go. He sweeps the room with a gaze, letting it linger in the direction of the stage, and the source of the music, before he slides up onto one of the barstools and calls quietly to the bartender to get her attention, "'Ani..." Make no mistake, Shenneret Veery has acquired practice and polish to go on top of the determination with which she had once practiced on board the _Hawk's Wing_. With four musicians backing her up on drum and keyboard and horns, and with her own hands seizing up a big twelve-stringed guitar, it seems this young woman has most assuredly found her element. Rhythm, volume, and driving melody and harmony, all hurled gleefully together into the pounding anthem to smuggler ships that is the song "Kessel Run", give a perfect venue for this young woman to unleash music she was never able to before when singing alone. Somewhere along the line, too, she has learned physical grace. She doesn't just stand there on the stage with her big guitar -- she brandishes it, like a sword. She dances light-footedly across the front of the little stage as she growls out her lyrics. Sometimes she bangs on the side with the flat of her hand, keeping time with the pace being laid down behind her by the black-haired Corellian boy on the drums. And most of all, she _plays_, chords full of fire and life. Dane listens intently to the tune being played by the woman, knowing full well that the way a song is played lends much to the personality of it's creator. Despite his preoccupation with the arts of war he still manages to find enjoyment in the song, the old warrior having learned appreciation for many alien things since his departure for Mandalore so many cycles ago. He continues to remain focused on the song for sometime but finally lets his gaze wander the room again..always cautious perhaps to a fault. Ariani's expression is initially faint surprise, for she hadn't really noticed that Webb was skulking about. Now he's sitting there, looking like he's been there since the dawn of time, gaze locked on that russet-haired, firey spirited singer who is filling the bar with her song. The barkeep's startled expression fades into a thin, vaguely amused smirk, as she pushes a beverage Webb's way without much in terms of further communication, which would seem to meet with Webb's approval. There are subtle hints about him that he's not exactly just another face... the gloves that he's wearing, for instance, are made in a manner to allow easy use of a firearm... the index finger even peels back to allow a delicate touch upon the trigger when required. If Shenner's songs are any indication, the core facets of her personality are still there -- though deepened with a bit of time and maturity. She sings of fast ships, and she sings of war: songs from the days of the Rebellion, and more than one song made popular during the days when the Empire had tried to occupy this planet, not very long ago at all. She sings songs with just a touch of the supernatural to them, tales of brushes against power greater than the understanding of most sentients -- like "Faerie Queen", a young woman's challenge to the Queen of the Night, who's tried to steal her lover away, and which features Karm singing the part of the Queen as well as both women whipping out fiddles for the number (and since when did Shenner know how to play the fiddle?). And she sings of love -- though very few of the love songs she delivers are tender ballads. Love as sung about by Shenner is a hard-edged, raw emotion that if anything brings out far more of a growl into her singing voice than anything else. Only when her emerald gaze sweeps round her audience and alights upon that sandy-haired soldier who's come in to watch her does she fire off a broad grin -- oh, aye, it's obvious enough to any who're looking that Webb and Shen know one another, and then some. The Mandalorian's watchful eyes notice the look given to Webb, he smiles slightly in fond memory of the last time he saw his wife give him such a look. Fiddling with his gauntlet slightly he continues to enjoy the music with a bit of melancholy creeping into the normally stoic warrior's mind. Yes, that would explain Webb's apparent intent fascination, now wouldn't it... though it certainly would've been difficult to label his behaviour with such terms as 'ogling'. Instead, it seemed as if the songs, and indeed the sight of the singer were imparting upon him a certain serenity. And then there's Shen's smile, which seems to be just the recipe for driving away the weariness that hung heavily on Webb's expression. He's actually smiling too, without even thinking about it. The process is so unconcious, that it doesn't even dawn upon him that it's occurred, until he notices Ariani watching him. At said revelation, Webb arches an eyebrow and turns his head to peer at the barkeep, and asks lightly, "Something amusing?" Perhaps it's due to Webb's presence in the room -- and perhaps Dane's presence has stirred her up more than she'd like to admit, bringing back memories of what happened to her on Mandalore... and with whom. Whatever drives her, though, remains behind Shenner's eyes while she belts out every word she sings in a sharp, edgy near-tenor. Each motion she makes is executed with a barely constrained restless energy. That same energy courses out across the bar, coaxing people out of their seats and into the Sandbar's comparatively tiny dancing area just before the stage. And Ariani, in the meantime, drawls back to the young Lieutenant straightfacedly, "Hmm? Oh, no, nothin' at all. Just glad to see a patron enjoying the show." Uh huh. Right. And if you buy that, she's got a Star Destroyer to sell ya, too. Dane, for the most part, continues to listen to the band. Occasionally his visored gaze passes across the room to see if any new faces appear, or old ones are up to anything new. Despite his slightly melancoly feelings his trained mind seems to be unable to allow itself to pause in it's usual alertness. "Uh huh," answers Webb dryly, keeping his voice deliberately low, so as to not irritate those around him who are probably trying to listen to the music. A lopsided smirk flashes upon his face as he turns to look back towards Shenner's eyes. Webb apparently isn't in the market for Star Destroyers, it would seem. And thus, the evening progresses. More than once as she sings, Shenner's emerald stare slashes across Webb's steely blue-gray one, challenging it to soften, challenging it to shine. Patrons dance, sometimes sing along... and periodically go staggering out the door in search of fresh albeit frigid air, or when their credits for the evening run out and insure that their flow of intoxicants ceases as well. The Womprats, accustomed to hours of hard singing, keep one another going by periodically trading off into solos and duets and trios. And at last, Shenner with her hands free of her guitar for once gives a small gesture to her compatriots, signaling the beginning of a far gentler piece than she is usually wont to play. Karm once again takes up her fiddle, Aa'leet plays the under-melody on her keyboard, and after four measures of intricately interwoven notes the young singer begins her signature closing song. Love me one more time Make this night last forever For on the morrow, we leave for Mandalore... Dane chuckles quietly to himself as he hears the lyrics of the song..a love song with Mandalore in it...who would have thought it. He glances over at the younger man sitting at the bar to see his reaction to the song. His look is brief however, his gaze soon returning to the young woman crooning on the stage. Webb has heard Shen sing these lyrics before many a time. He's even priveleged with a bit of knowledge as to what inspired it. Pondering this, and listening to Shen sing it, is the sort of thing that's usually sufficient to allow him to slip into a sort of a trance-like state. He sips his beverage, which is by all appearances, of a less than alcoholic variety, and gazes at Shen, occasionally offering her a faint, secretive smile when he knows that she's looking his way. 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... Shenner sings on the very bottom of her range, her voice taking on an uncharacteristic silken smoothness. Her compatriots come in on the tail end of each verse in many-layered harmony, adding a surprising depth to the otherwise simple words. And as the redheaded bard reaches the bridge of the song, she takes up a silver flute that may well look familiar to Dane's eyes, gliding into a crystalline solo on top of Karm's violin. Dane quietly listens to the song, impressed with the vocal range Shenner displays..it seems indeed she has changed..her skills as well as her temperment having matured significantly. He sits back, mind drifiting back to the time that he and his friends spent on Mandalore...the sight of the flute a focus for such memories. The flute's sweet starlight voice scales up the heights of its range, melding with the violin in a delicate interplay of chords. Many of the customers who'd been dancing earlier have mellowed out by now, one or two couples of young people swaying in one another's arms, and a small knot of four young Sarians slurrily humming along with the melody line. Finally, Shen lowers the flute, and the five voices of the musicians rise up again in full harmony, embellishing the end of each line: 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... Then the voices of Karm, Tethra, Aa'leet, and Loren fall away, along with the instruments, to leave Shenner to sing the final line alone: Come the morrow, we leave... for Mandalore...! Ariani quietly refills Webb's beverage. Webb hasn't asked her to, but he would've, and Ariani knows it. All the better that Webb won't have to draw his attention away from its current focus. Webb, for the record, has never been to Mandalore, but time and time again he's had to venture off to worlds that are probably just as ideal in terms of vacation locales... places that will give the careless generally translates into nasty lessons. So to Webb, this song has its own special meaning. Tomorrow, any number of things could happen, from some brushfire crisis, to complete galactic turmoil that would make the present scuffle between the New Republic and the Empire look like a playground disagreement. Then he'd get the call. When Shenner's voice completes that final line, Webb is probably one of the first to break the silence that follows with applause. It's not exactly raucous, but it has its own sort of enthusiasm. Then he's on his feet, moving up slowly towards the stage. Dane claps quietly from the darkened booth after the song's end. He notices the motion coming from the bar and watches the younger man head towards the stage. Not wanting to interupt the young couple's moment he simply stays seated in the shadows. "Thank you, everybody, and good night!" Shenner's benediction to the bar at large is much what she says every night -- and the Sandbar's regulars begin to go their own ways, content that things have gone again as they've grown to prefer. Shen and her fellow musicians take their bows, make their own farewells to each other, and then go about the business of breaking down their instruments for the night. As Webb draws near the stage Shenner catches sight of him, and as she slips her flute into its black suede bag she flashes him a smile. "Jon!" Dane can easily see her jump lightly down off the stage to greet the young soldier; less easy to overhear, perhaps, might be the murmur Shenner directs into Webb's ear. "Jon, there's somebody here tonight I want ya to meet..." Webb is quick to draw Shenner into an embrace, close enough to obscure Shenner's words to any of the lip-readers among the crowd. One of Webb's eyebrows arches faintly for an instant as Shenner whispers into Webb's ear, and he turns his head to peer about the bar curiously. "Oh?" In the darkened corner Dane does indeed listen. The Mandalorian's super sensitive sensor array easily picking up the words and filtering out the background noise. He only listens for a moment though, not wanting to pry to heavily. It takes Shenner a few moments to find where Dane has situated himself, but once she does, the young singer gestures towards the man in Mandalorian armor. Turning Webb in that direction and tugging lightly at his arm to point him towards Dane's corner, she brings the Ranger over and calls out softly as she does so, "Yo, Dane? Somebody I'd like ya to meet, as long as you're around..." Dane taking this as his cue, Dane stands and slips from the booth, his armor clad form now visible again. His gaze rests on Webb, unreadible behind the Mandalorian battlehelmet, "Of course.." he replies as he clears the table completely. Apparently, this sort of thing happens alot... no, not the whole bit with meeting individuals clad in Mandalorian body armor, but rather the practice of Shenner generally guiding Webb about by the arm. "Uh, hi..." interjects Webb as he looks Dane right in the visor, silently contemplating the sort of first impressions that he would make if he were to come down here for a beverage while still wearing his powersuit. "Jon, this is Dane Noth," Shenner says, gesturing to the seated warrior. A bit of the same strange gaze with which she'd earlier regarded Dane comes back into her eyes, though her voice is entirely friendly. Then she goes on, "Dane -- Lieutenant Jonathan Webb of the CDU's Marine forces." Dane extends his hand to Webb slowly, "Nice to meet you." he offers, helmet inclining slightly. His gaze does however travel to Shen as she gives him that look again..his mind trying to fathom what exactly she's doing. Webb drawls back in a deadpan tone, "Likewise," as he reaches out to grasp the Mandalorian's outstretched gauntlet to give him a quick handshake. By now, the vague strangeness of this event seems to have worn off... to Webb, at least. "I knew Dane on Mandalore," Shenner says; there's just the barest hint of a pause before the name of the planet. "He's come to Caspar on some private business, but looked me up." Her mouth quirks up into what -- to both of these men, who have had more than enough time to know her well -- might be read as an ever so slightly nervous smile. "Dane, Jon and I, well, he's my boyfriend." Dane nods, "I had assumed as much." he says, "It's good to see you're happy." he withdraws his hand, arms coming to fold across his chest, "Is something wrong Shenner? You seem nervous.." His gaze focuses on her now..awaiting a response. Shenner can detect a tone of concern in Dane's voice despite the filtering of the helmet. Webb shares the expression of a faintly nervous smile, probably without knowing it. Perhaps it's something in Shen's tone that does it... In Webb's shoes, one might almost get the idea that this experience is almost akin to being introduced to the in-laws. Nervous? Who? Her? Shenner glances from Webb to Dane and back again, and then finally admits in a voice small enough to carry no further than the pair of soldiers, "Well. Hafta admit, Dane, I had no idea you were still alive. But like I said, I'm glad to see ya anyway. And wanted you two to meet... soooo..." It's official. She doesn't exactly scuff her foot along the floor, but she does trail off, and there's a hint of sheepishness in those green eyes of hers now. Dane chuckles , "Well..I'm not that easy to get rid of. " he motions to the stage where the band still packs thier instruments, changing the subject as well in an attempt to lighten the mood, "I enjoyed your performance Shenner...very moving music." He glances at Webb, hoping this meets with his approval as well as both beings seem a bit nervous. Webb looks over the armored suit that Dane is wearing, his gaze gravitating towards the various markings and crests... not that Webb is especially up to date on such Mandalorian insignia. Still, it's a bit of a reflex action... after all, the uniformity of design of a suit of battle armor tends to hide much in terms of identity. Keeping track of such seemingly trivial details as crests and numerical markings tends to be the only reliable way to keep track of who is behind which suit. "Uh, yeah," agrees Webb as he turns to look back to Shen, "You were on fire tonight." That brings a bigger, albeit still quirky, grin to Shenner's mouth. "We were in the groove tonight," she agrees readily, before turning to call off a reply to a bellowed query from the young Corellian drummer. "Yeah, yeah, you did good tonight, Lor! Play the solo that way next time, okay?" Loren winks one blue eye at her, then leaps lithely off the stage and strides off across the bar to intercept Ariani's little sister. These leaves Shenner to turn and look at you both once more, saying, "Right about now I usually head home... but, well, Dane, if you wanna catch up on old times... 'Ani won't mind if I hang out here a bit. Or you can come to my place if you like." The Mandalorian nods, "I have the time Shenner." he glances around the bar for a few moments, "I think your place would be better.. I wouldn't want anyone getting the wrong idea about your friend here. Being seen with me can be dangerous these days." he gestures to the door, "In fact I can meet you at your place if you give me the address." Now, one thing that Webb is growing used to nowadays, is Shenner's collection of eclectic aquaintances. So, Webb barely gives so much as blink when Dane mentions that he can be dangerous company to be seem with. Granted, it's a curious statement to make, but these are fairly turbulent times, and there's a lot of people out there who could make that claim, and it seems as if they all wind up in Plaxton City eventually... "Sure," Shen tells Dane, rattling off the address of her apartment in the residential sector. Again, for a fleeting instant, she gets that twinge of nervousness in her eyes; then, however, she turns to Webb and squeezes his arm. Nervousness segues to a touch of hope as she asks him, "You comin' with, Jon?" Dane turns to head out, "I'll meet you there.." he intones and slips off into the Casparian night, the wintery wind whipping at his cape. Webb's arm slips about Shenner's as he watches the Mandalorian retreat into the night, "Have I ever told you, hon..." he pauses and turns to look at her, "...that you keep the most interesting company?" This, coming from a guy who hangs around with what the supposed vanguard of Caspian culture generally think of as a bunch of bloodthirsty, dangerous, maggot-eating, cut-throats and savages. Anyhow, this would seem to pass as affirmative. A small chuckle drops forth from Shen, at this. She slings her arms around the Ranger, hugging him close for a moment and murmuring huskily in reply, "Yeah, well... I wasn't entirely sure my company was going to ever get _this_ interesting again. Let's go, huh? And... thanks." [And soon...] It doesn't take long to get to Minutes Road from the center of town -- and fortunately, Plaxton City's public transport systems are long accustomed to the place's frigid weather. Soon enough, Shenner and Webb have reached her small apartment, punching in the familiar access code to the front door. Shen hasn't said much in the short interim, but as she opens up the door she murmurs to the Lieutenant, "Sorry if I'm a touch freaked tonight, Jon... I... well. I'm glad you're here, huh?" Dane steps out of a nearby shadow...expecting blasters to be shoved in his face he keeps his hands in a neutral position in an attempt at avoiding getting shot. Having spent the last week or so making extensive use of the transit system finding the apartment wasn't too hard..especially for someone who occasionally partakes in the locating of other beings for hard credits. Webb leans into the apartment once the door opens, just checking to make certain that there aren't any odd surprises waiting inside. When he's reasonably satisfied that things are safe, he grasps Shenner's hand and guides her inside, then turns to slide his arms about her waist. "Weird night, huh?" he asks... as if there can be any doubt. Dane's footfalls alert her to the Mandalorian's approach before the apartment door closes. Still standing there with the door mostly open, she punches the control to keep it that way. "C'mon in," she calls past the Ranger to the older warrior. She doesn't bother to answer Webb's question -- at least not verbally. But there's that bemused quirk to her lips nevertheless. "Both of ya. Want somethin' hot to drink?" Dane steps in, pausing just inside the door, his head panning as he looks around the apartment's interior "Please.." he says. He takes a moment to knock the snow and slush from his boots while standing in the entry way. It's a simple enough place, almost spartan -- but livened here and there by touches of color, like the afghan on the couch in shades of blue and green. There's a big battered guitar case in one corner, and books and data discs scattered across the living room. Propped against a stand of shelves that holds a collection of holodiscs, along with a holodisc player, is a sheathed sword. "Make yourself comfy, Dane," Shen invites gruffly, even as she unwraps herself from her winter gear, tosses it upon one of the unoccupied chairs, and pads back towards the open kitchenette area towards the back of the room. "You guys want tea or some shakla, or what?" The Mandalorian reaches behind his head and taps the release code for his helmet. With a hiss the seals disengage, releasing a bit of atmosphere into the room. With both hands he carefully lifts the helmet from his head and tucks it under his left arm. Underneath the helmet Dane appears fairly much unchanged to Shenner..Late 40's early 50's, short military cut blonde hair with a light touch of grey. His eyes too are grey and bear the look of what soldiers know as the 1000 yard stare..The eyes of a man that has probably seen too much. His features are still cut and rugged looking. Along the right side of his face is a tattoo, a bright blue dracoform with golden eyes. it travels down his neck as well and disappears into the envirosuit of his armor. Dane smiles and shrugs, "Anything is good with me." Webb answers Shen's faintly bemused expression with a faintly amused expression of his own, albeit only momentarily. He takes a moment to shuck off his own winter gear. "Tea... please," answers Webb in response to Shenner's offer of warm beverages. Webb, for one, seems quite familiar with, and indeed at home in these surroundings. Now, Webb might not admit it, but there was at least a faint touch of curiousity with regards to what was actually beneath that helmet. To Webb's credit, he manages not to stare, or even to seem overly surprised that the face beneath is akin that of a certain number of his fellow Marines. Dane's emergence from his helmet catches Shen's gaze -- and the tattoo upon his countenance in particular, for she can't remember for a moment or two whether she's seen it before. Then she catches herself, shaking her head as if to clear it. _Get it together, street rat,_ she chides herself. And with a rather more composed expression, she goes about heating up some water, fetching the tea, pouring it into cups. "So, well, it's been... two years, right? Business as usual pretty much since then for you or what, Dane?" The Mandalorian smiles at Shen, head shaking slightly, "Well not exactly..I've spent most of it with my family if you can believe that." he runs the tips of his gloved fingers along the tattooed side of his face, "I had some skills to pass on and such. Saw some old friends." he moves to take a seat, seting the helmet in his lap, "It was a nice break from the norm. " He glances at Webb briefly before continuing, probably an attempt to judge the man's reaction to him "I see my former comrades are up to thier usual less than legal pursuits as well." "That what you meant about being a dangerous person to be seen with," interjects Webb in an utterly casual tone as he moves past into the kitchen to stand nearby Shenner. Yeah, he's faintly curious, but it doesn't seem as if he's passed judgement on that statement quite yet. Dane nods to Webb, "Yes.." he says bluntly, "Most beings see a set of this armor and assume it's either Boba Fett or one of the memebers of the V'ez Tcha..Unfortunately neither have a very good reputation. " he offers a slight shrug as well, "I can live with that, despite my dislike for it, but many people would jump to conclusions if they saw me associating with someone in your position. " It doesn't take long, either, for Shenner to put together three mugs of tea and bring them over to the coffee table before the couch. One mug she passes to Dane, one is set aside for Webb, and part of the space on the couch is kept for the young Ranger as well. "Well. Dunno what anybody else from Mandalore's been up to around here lately; the interesting stunts have been being pulled by the Empire and a few Sith types, but that's pretty much usual every time they set foot here at the same time Sith and Jedi are in the same place." Shen, to this, smiles faintly. "You're pretty dangerous, old friend, but Jon's right -- I got a pretty wide range of dangerous friends." Webb appears to be somewhat preoccupied with the apparent lackluster health of one of Shenner's potted plants. He prods suspiciously at the soil for a moment, before taking the plant to the sink, and turning on the water to a trickle to allow it to replenish the moisture of the pot's soil. He looks up slowly at the mention of the kinds of judgements that being seen in Dane's company could bring. Bluntly, Webb interjects, "So it's just an issue of the suit..." The Mandalorian nods, "Yes..I suppose it is. Only because that is how my people are seen in this galaxy. Very few beings remember us as anything but this armor. Unfortunately the actions of those who wear it determine how people view any Mandalorian." he sips his drink thoughtfully, "I know what you are most likely thinking..why wear it? Simply put it is part of a Mandalorian's cultural identity..part of a Mandalorian warrior's birthright if you will. " Dane waits a moment to let his words sink in, remembering a conversation similar to this but a few days ago, "Part of the danger is also due to Fett..he has made this armor his trademark..and therefore many of his less intelligent enemies automatically assume I am him..or for that matter any Mandaloiran is him." Shenner has, of course, heard of Boba Fett; it's difficult to have lived in Mos Eisley for a year without that particular illustrious personage coming to one's attention. She listens to the old warrior's words, eyes dark -- for while she's heard of Boba Fett, there are other Mandalorians who struck her far closer to home and who were, to her, far more dangerous. Her only response is therefore a dry "Well, not being much in the way for having a heritage, I can't exactly rain on that particular parade. But don't worry, Dane; I kinda doubt anybody's gonna come gunning me down 'cause I was talking to you. If somebody tries, well..." And for a moment, she grins faintly. "Last time somebody tried to go after me because of who I know, Jon here and our friend Jair convinced 'em it was a seriously bad idea. We'll be okay." Webb turns off the water and returns the potted plant to its rightful place upon the counter. He's still listening to the conversation that is going on around him, and looks up as Shenner mentions his name. One might almost detect something resembling a blush upon his features, but Webb is quick to regain his composure. As he trudges over, he mutters, "Yeah, I could see how that could get tricky. Especially seeing as there's a lot of uniforms around here that the locals aren't necessarily fond of." Dane sips his drink thoughtfully , "I'm just concerned...some beings in this galaxy have nothing resembling common sense." he glances between the two for a moment, "But if you say you have things well in hand I'll believe you." he shrugs slightly, "Anyways I doubt many people here would make trouble for someone so popular with the local military." To this, Shenner flashes Webb a broad crooked grin. "He's handy that way. And well hey..." She shrugs a bit, lightly. "I'm kinda honorary military anyhow." Webb slides up next to Shenner and touches her lightly upon the shoulder, "Honourary is hardly the word for it. You trained with the Marines and fought with the Marines. You have a service record and you wore our uniform. Makes you one of us..." Webb's gaze focusses sidelong upon Shenner's face for several seconds as one corner of his lips pulls upwards slightly. Turning back to Dane, Webb mutters, "On some level, your reservations are justified, sir. There's a good chunk of the local population that barely acknowledges that there's a galaxy out there. We get blamed a lot for the war... generally assumed to be trouble. It's a society of good, peace-loving folk, after all." Dane nods, knowing well may societies sentiments whne it comes to warriors and soldiers. His eyes focus on Shenner proudly, "So you're a marine now?" he grins, "I always knew you had it in you." he takes another drink from his cup and indicates Shenner, now speaking to Webb, "She even worries some Mandalorians..not that they would admit it to anyone." he chuckles to himself. "Hah!" That's Shenner's only reply, along with a distinct grimace, to the notion of her having disconcerted anyone from Mandalore. But the look she shoots Webb as he comes to her is undeniably soft despite her sardonic amusement; that latter sentiment has to limit itself to her voice as she drawls, "Enh, well, I trained with the Marines when we had that spat with the Empire a little while back. This one made a Private out of me, but I don't think anybody's gonna make much of it unless we have another little spat around here." "I'd believe it," drawls Webb in response to Dane's remark about Shenner's character, after a whole tenth of a second of hesitation. Yeah, there's even something in his voice that sounds like just a touch of pride with regards to that fact too. "Anyhow, she might be living the civilian life now, but tradition holds that there's no such thing as an 'ex' Marine." Dane chuckles, "So tell me what happened with the war here? I was off in the Minos Cluster when I heard about it." Again the young singer grins at Webb, but most of her attention is upon their guest. Her green gaze sweeps Dane from head to foot, and once more she makes a face. "Didn't look to me like any of your people thought I was all that worrisome, but hey. As for the war, well--" And Shen blows out a breath, settling back further in her seat. "The Empire had some people here. Short form of the story is, some of 'em got grabby and torked off at some of our people, and the next thing _I_ knew at any rate was that they were barricading the system, and then they were landing ground troops and slaughtering civilians." As she relays this, her expression goes rather grimmer, adding a depth and a maturity to her features that she hadn't shown in the old warrior's presence when he'd known her before. "They chased most of the local population into Trinumvira Base, but we finally launched a counteroffensive that took the system and the planet back." "That's the short version. There's a few more pieces to the story," interjects Webb, "The full version includes a power struggle in Central Command, a mad clone, and several corrupt and/or short-sighted senators... all to the detriment of the soldier on the line. The victory, such as it was, was attained largely through a rebellion in the Imperial New Order... several Imperial worlds joined our cause. We managed to salvage something of the situation... turned the so-called occupation into something of a running battle." Webb sighs and picks up his mug of tea and lifts it to his lips, "Needless to say, we survived. Hell, we bled the Imps pretty bad, even. Then the Navy finally gets its gear in order, sends a fleet back, fights a token battle, declares victory, and collects a lot of medals. At that point, we sue for peace... our side is negotiated by a guy who thinks that Palpatine was misunderstood... we invite the Imps back in, and turn our backs on Selene, and every other ally we found. Now we're back to business as usual, shipping resources to the Imperial war machine, and everyone thinks that we're all living happily ever after." Dane shakes his head slightly, "Well..I'm surprised your former allies haven't tried to get a bit of revenge.." he sits back in his seat slightly, "I'm surprised most of your miltary didn't leave. I've never known a soldier that liked turning on thier allies..especially when it meant making peace with the Imperials." He pauses a moment to reflect, "In fact most planets usually come to regret such things. The Imperials usually find a way to impact the economy of the planet or put pawns within the government. Palpatine did something along those lines to my people...look where we are today." Shenner takes the time to shuck off her boots, tucking her feet under herself as she does so, and listening to the two men all the while. Her only commentary on the whole issue of relations with the Empire is "Well, if I'da had my real druthers on the matter I'da settled smack dab in the middle of the NR, but Miz Laarken offered me a job. So this is home now, and I'm stayin', even if the higher-ups tend to be screwed up." Then she smiles, just a trifle darkly, decidedly cynically. "'Sides, don't the higher-ups tend to be screwed up practically on every planet?" Webb is silent for a moment, before he murmurs, "With us taken off of the firing line, the Empire moved against the worlds that rebelled and joined our cause, and moved hard. We don't have allies anymore... and next time, we shall be on our own. Don't get me wrong... not everyone is passive about it. Some of our civies might be content in the thought that we won a lily white victory... but others..." Webb pauses to take a sip of his beverage, and his gaze becomes ever more distant, "There are places in our realm where one had best not declare Imperial sympathies too loudly, for the locals still possess the training and the weapons that we brought them during the war. Local establishment calls 'em Zealots... hell, they called them that years back too, and sent Marines to put them down. Now, they make some of our best recruits..." Webb flashes a faint, almost hopeful smile, "Regardless of everything that's happened, there's still people and values here worth standing up for. Might be foolish in pragmatic terms... but," Webb's voice trails off, "Words from a Gunnery Sergeant I once knew, 'One day, the Union may fall, just like the Old Republic before it... But never the Marines.'" The older warrior nods grimly...he glances at Shen to see her reaction to Webb's statement as he begins to speak, "I hope that your former allies don't decide to come here to enact a little retribution. I doubt the Imperials will be so quick to throw in thier aid. " his voice trails off momentarily, "In any occurence I wish your people fortune and courage because you will need both." Shenner knows how to handle a gun. And she knows how to conduct first aid in a crisis situation, how to get refugees to a place of safety, and how to conduct herself like a Marine. She does, in fact, smile crookedly at Webb's words upon the constancy of soldiers. But in matters truly military, she'll defer to Jon -- and does so now, offering nothing further in elaboration though her eyes are dark with her understanding of what he's had to say. It's entirely typically Shen of her, though, to speak up with just a touch of irony, "Ain't that the truth. I'd like to keep it old history, but old history has a way of comin' back and bitin' ya on the backside." This time the casual sarcasm lasts for only a fraction of an instant, and doesn't touch her eyes at all as she swings a thoughtful, pensive stare back upon Dane Noth. "And speakin' of which... Dane, I... need to ask you something." Dane focuses back to Shen, not sure if he really wants to know what she wants..they don't share too much history together so he makes an assumption, "Mandalore?" he asks bluntly, "Or something about Paul?" Webb's speech on war seems to be over, for the moment at least. For now, his gaze seems focusses upon the contents of his mug, as if the swirling motion of the bits of tea leaf in the bottom of the mug hold the answer to some intriguing riddle, thus leaving Shenner free to find a few answers of her own. Shenner doesn't bat an eye at the forthrightness of that answer. "Both, kind of," she answers, equally blunt, her voice edged with just a touch of a hoarse rasp. "There's a little matter of... a bit of information I'm lacking, and I ain't in a position to ask Paul about it anymore. But you're here, so..." Momentarily pausing, the singer sucks in a breath to try to steady herself. And then she simply says it, uncompromisingly blunt as blaster fire. "I need to know what happened on Mandalore. At the end of it. I don't remember." Dane inhales briefly, his eyes taking a rather far off look to them, "Well to be honest Shenner...I don't reaqlly know." he idly sips his tea, "When we all became seperated Kairne and I also wondered what had happened..I remember you acting strangely..more than once." he fixes his gaze on the younger woman, "It was almost like you were another person at times but Kairne and I just assumed it was the pressure on you..your worry for Paul and his wounds, the traps we had to endure." Another drink and his tea is gone, he slowly sets the cup on the table, "we both thought it was because you were young and in love. Maybe you drove what happened after our seperation from your mind?" She didn't really _want_ to resurrect these old memories, but for two years now Shenner has been living with this hole in her mind... and even when she's forced herself not to think about it the simple fact that she doesn't know what happened on that gods-forsaken expedition has still periodically chafed her horribly. It does so now. Restless, frowning, she reaches for the necklace hanging at her throat and begins to fidget with it. "Coupla Jedi I know," she says gruffly, "told me the Force was involved." The Mandalorian's head nods once, "I figured as much...that place stunk of the Force.." he speaks now as an expert of kinds on the Force, not as a Jedi or a scholar but as one who had to see it's effects first hand, "During the war, in certain places you could feel it's touch..even those of us who had no real connection to it. I fought and killed a lot of Jedi but they never caused dread the way that place did...only once or twice before had I ever felt such forboding..such malice." The man's words drop in volume as he remembers the past, things better left forgotten and a part of that distant history, "Back in the war we had one of our leader's learn the skills of the Jedi...Whenever you were in a room with him it felt as if you were being smothered...choked by his mere presence. My brother Vynn had many confrontations with this mand and he spoke of powers to control the mind, to cast energy from his hands..the ability to cause dispair in the hearts of enemies. If your jedi tell you the Force was involved...I would believe them." Webb finally looks up from his tea. Actually, it happens at about the time that Dane Noth mentions having fought and killed force users. He doesn't comment upon the subject... not yet, at least. But between the account of Shenner's plight, and the accounts of the feelings associated with having gone up against the Force, Webb certainly seems acutely interested in the conversation. As she listens to Dane, Shenner's expression and stance shift, ever so slightly, bringing out a glimpse of a Shen-that-was -- a younger, more vulnerable girl, whose only link to the Shen-of-now is that pivotal dark time on Noth's homeworld... and her haunted emerald eyes. She is silent for several seconds when the warrior is done, and when she speaks at last, it's with a hoarse, stark voice. "I s'pose... blaming it on the Force is a little more easy to swallow than 'I went temporarily nuts'. But I remember... voices in my head. Bein' drop-dead karkin' scared. I remember the traps. And I remember we found a body..." There, she stops, and there she smiles, but there's no humor in it. "Everything's black till I wake up on Calamari, and well, that was that." Dane lets Shen's words sink in, he too remembers the odd chamber where ancient artifacts were kept along with the body but he has seen many a body in his lifetime. What's one more, "Well..maybe you have the ability to sense the Force..maybe it picked up something it couldn't handle and just shutdown." It's very tempting to ask just how the Mandalorians would have went about such a task as taking out a force user. Certainly it's a predicament that has crossed Webb's path on more than one occasion. Admittedly, he's even had some degree of success at it. Still, there's one mystery in the process of being solved here already. Between curiousity about tactics of wars past, and concern for Shenner, the latter wins out, as if it could be any other way. His free hand slides over to find Shenner's as she speaks, and bestows upon it a gentle squeeze. Shenner's attention is still focused upon Dane as Jon takes her hand -- but now, her brain simply stops at his suggestion. And refuses to go any further. All she can manage by way of reply is to ask blankly, "What...?" Dane repeats himself, knowing that such a statement must be disconcerting to the young woman but still saying it.." Yes...you may have the ability of the Jedi..it may not be great or powerful but it may still be there. I' don't have any way to test it but you may ask one of your Jedi friends. and if you do have it who's to say that you didn't get overloaded...maybe it's just like overloading a radsensor, too much energy and it just shorts out, needing to be taken to a lower concetration zone and reset." Webb's eyebrows arch by a significant margin, and his gaze turns to focus upon Shenner for significantly longer than a moment. After all, the suggestion that one's girlfriend might be in touch with such strange powers... even though Webb has certainly had the experiences to establish that such things are not a myth, it's still one of those topics that's cause for much thought, "Uh. Maybe we'd better get you to see Mr. Teague..." Her russet brows knitting together in deep consternation, Shenner is initially aware only of a surge of profound uneasiness at the possibility put before her. "No... no, it can't be," she blurts then, shaking her head back and forth. "Sinjon was all over my head on Calamari... he'da noticed, surely he'da noticed somethin' if... I mean..." Finally, her gaze flashes back to Dane as she concludes almost desperately, "No karkin' way!" Dane shrugs, "Jedi aren't perfect..I suggest you go look for Skywalker. He's probably your best bet in getting help. " he picks his helmet up and sets it in his lap, "I can and try and contact Lando Calrissian..we've done bussiness before and he may have an idea where to locate Skywalker." Webb does seem to be regaining some of his composure, though Shen is still fixed quite neatly in his inquisitive gaze. This sort of thing isn't exactly his greatest area of expertise, so he's not exactly all that surprised that his first suggestion was less than perfect. To Dane's next words, though, Shenner abruptly laughs -- albeit weakly. "I wouldn't have a problem findin' Luke," she mumbles. "Hell, I've seen him a lot more lately than I've seen Lando..." Then, just as abruptly, she rubs the back of her hand across her face, still seeming profoundly unsettled. "I... oh, karkin' damn, that might explain... but I-I'm not sure I wanna know..." Dane shrugs, not really knowing Shenner's connection to Luke all that well, "Well if that's so I suggest you speak with him. I think it's the only way you'll get any answers from this all. " he glances at Webb briefly before continuing, "That is unless you really don't care to know for sure...which isn't like you.' he adds. Webb emits a faint hrm sound, but remains otherwise silent as he listens to the conversation going on around him. Finally, when it reaches a lull, he interjects, breaking the momentary silence, "Y'know Shen, I'll admit that in some ways, I am still getting to know you, but I think he's right. One of these days, you're going to want to know." "Oh karkin' hells..." Shenner breathes this out raggedly, and at last simply just sinks over sideways where she sits. From that vantage point she peers up uncertainly at the two men, one her lover, one a man who might in another time and place become a father to her. "Jon... I just got my life in order, finally... you really want me to go off and ask Luke, 'So, is the Force with me, or what?' What happens if he says yes?" Dane watches Shenner quietly for a bit, "Well.." he speaks up, "I suppose I can go with you if you want..or take you there I have a ship that can haul more than just myself now. My bussiness here is on hold for the time being and I wouldn't mind seeing what Republic space has to offer." Webb peers down at Shenner. Good point... once the answer is known, then what? This is what he contemplates as he studies her, before he finally inquires, holding his tone calm, "No one says that the universe is gonna end if you don't do it tomorrow, or the day after that hon. I'm not gonna push you... because if you're not ready..." he trails off, "Besides, I think that one of these days you're just going to want to." For several long moments, Shenner is silent, her only motion to roll over on her back where she's curled up on the couch, frowning pensively up at the ceiling. Arms that are still slender though now more muscular than they used to be -- when she was a skinny street thief tagging along with a xenoarchaeologist and a trio of Mandalorians on an artifact hunt -- curl around her chest. "I gotta think about this," she rasps at last. Dane takes this as his cue and gently eases the helmet of his battle armor back onto his head, locking it down and restoring it's environmental protection. "Your young friend here is right Shenner..take your time. If you become a Jedi I doubt things will ever be the same for you." he stands and offers a gloved hand to the young Casparian officer, "A pleasure to meet you mister Webb but I should be going..Shenner has much to think over." Young... there's something that Webb doesn't get called all that often. It gives him reason to quirk an eyebrow faintly, though for just an instant. Webb rises to his feet too now, and reaches out to grasp Dane's gloved hand, as he ponders just what to say about the surreal experience of meeting a Mandalorian warrior who's probably double his own age. Clearing his throat, he settles for, "Been an honour and a priveledge. I'll uh... let you out, sir." Shenner is not so thunderstruck that she's forgotten her manners. Seeming to shake herself all over, the singer rolls off the couch and up to her feet in a swift fluid motion that _also_ speaks of the time she's put in with the local armed forces -- as well as the time she's put in with that sword in its sheath in the corner. "I'm glad to have gotten to see you again," she tells Dane then. "We've... got access to a ship, Jon and me. If we need to find Luke, we can. But... I ain't got too many friends, and I'd like to keep in touch with the ones I've got." "Dane" the man says as he releases Webb's hand, "Take good care of Shenner..she means a lot to me." he looks back to the young woman rolling off the couch, the concern on his now disguised face revealing his true worry for the former street urchin, "If you need anything Shenner let me know. I'll be around here for a while it seems and you have the comm frequencys to reach me on the card I gave you at the bar. " he makes for the door, opening it but pausing, "Next time I'll tell you about how I found my daughter too..I didn't want to give you too much excitement in one day." he chuckles and slips out the door. "Aye sir," Webb answers quickly, and quite reflexively at that, before he corrects, "Uh, Dane." His expression turns momentarily sheepish at having to correct himself in that manner, "She means a lot to me too." [End log.]