"A Cryptic Prediction" Log Date: 1/28/00 Log Cast: Luke, Shenner, Jasmine, Poguala, Ariani (NPC emitted by Shenner), Webb, the Womprats (NPCs emitted by Shenner), Tarrin Log Intro: A drinking contest on Coruscant with her Jedi friend Luke Skywalker and the NR Representative Poguala Dawntreader has led to a highly unusual item coming into Shenner's possession: a collection of five violet gems. From her beloved Jonathan Webb, the young musician has gleaned the suspicion that said gems are intended to be weapons components of some kind--a guess that has been confirmed by Luke himself via holocube, as the Jedi has told the astonished Shenner that the gems are in fact intended as components for a lightsaber. Aghast that such things have been given into _her_ possession, for surely there must have been some mistake, Shenner resolves to try to contact Luke or Poguala or both to see if she can return the gems in the hope of Luke being able to put them into the hands of a more appropriate recipient. But as it happens, she'll get a chance to ask them about this in person, for both Skywalker and Dawntreader have come to Caspar.... ---------- 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" -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Jasmine => Poguala => Luke => The Womprats(#5983p) => Emma => Ariani -=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=- leads to Fountain Square - Plaxton City. The Jedi Master laughs allowed. The comment is so true he can't help it. "You've got me there," he confesses, placing his hand over his heart as if he was struck. It's been a comparatively quiet night in the Sandbar -- but then again, it's cold out. Really cold. Snow and ice on the streets and such. Four of the five musicians who regularly work the Sandbar have shown up tonight, true to their paychecks albeit requiring rather more warm-up time than usual. The music's been primarily instrumental tonight, with Karm and Tethra on their horns improvising solos off one another, with Aa'leet's keyboards laying down a mellow undertone. This has kept up pretty much until about halfway through the evening, when the Womprats' redheaded lead singer finally stumbles in from the cold outside. Shenner is primarily distinguishable by a thick blue parka, complete with fur-lined hood, and a scarf of green and gray stripes that must be a good two meters long twined several times around her neck and dangling down off her shoulders. "Shakla!" comes a breathless gasp from the depths of the hood, as soon as this snow-encrusted figure gets within vocal range of the bar. Jasmine places her bulky trenchcoat aside in a neat pile. She glances over at the bar, debating what to order to warm her up. As a tender walks up to her, she asks for a large cup of hot chocolate. The tender nods and disappears for a while, and Jasmine is left to look around the bar for atmosphere. Poguala is laughing when Shenner arrives. She points at Luke, making a soft 'pow' noise with her lips puckered. "Was that an inadvertent swift kick? I had intended to merely offer a quiet jab." Almost snickering under her hand, Poguala seems casual, for once, something that one almost /never/ sees. Upon hearing Shenner, and seeing jasmine, she waves politely to each, still unable to stop laughing. The easiness of Poguala's manner is not lost on him, but Luke is soon distracted not only by the entrance of Jasmine, who he remembers from on board the Deliverance, but Shenner, the intrepid young bard who had brought so much laughter and chaos into his life at one point. He grins broadly, simply waving a hand in her direction. "Your jabs are pretty good," he says offhand to Poguala, nodding gravely. Emma, off to fetch Jasmine's hot chocolate, is rather occupied at the moment -- and this leaves Ariani behind the bar to greet the redheaded singer as Shenner starts shedding outer garments, along with the battered leather satchel _and_ the sheathed sword that had been previously slung off each of her shoulders. "'Bout time you showed up, kiddo," Ariani can be heard to call, even as Shenner shiveringly divests herself of coat and assorted belongings. "Yeah, yeah, well, I've been havin' _quite_ the interesting day," the singer answers, making a face at Ariani. "Stick a couple extra shots of brandy in that shakla, 'Ani, I'm gonna need it." As her head emerges from her parka, red braid escaping from captivity within and the silver clasp that holds it glinting in the dim light, Shenner catches sight of Poguala and her wave. And then Luke and _his_. Double-taking, and then triple-taking, she adds to the auburn-haired bartender, "Bring it over there, will ya?" And wanders over, stomping snow off her boots and onto the floor. "I'll be karkin' damned, Luke. Small galaxy. You got business on Caspar or just here to try to get _me_ drunk? Representative Dawntreader, hiya..." "Hello," Poguala answers in her perfect tenor. She smiles. "I am surprised at your fortitude and that of your fellow musicians, I for the life of me did not expect anyone to be out and about in this cold." "Only us idiots, right, Shen?" Luke teases, rising to give her a friendly hug about the shoulders. "I promise I'm not following you around. Certainly I didn't expect to see you again so soon." "Well, I _do_ work here, ya know, pal, even on nights when idiots are the only ones outside," Shenner teases. Nearly of a height with Luke though rather slenderer, the singer grins and slings an arm quite easily around his shoulders now that her own are free of parka and possessions. "Idiots and those of us who sing for our suppers. Or our classes, anyway. 'Sides, jammin' here is more fun than watching vids alone at my place. I, um..." She takes a step backwards, then, green eyes peering curiously at the Jedi. "So, you, didn't come for the..." And the leaf-hued gaze flicks sideways to Poguala, including her in the latter half of the question, "... gems?" Jasmine blinks, looking over at Poguala and Luke with obvious surprise. She thought she was on the other side of the galaxy and was not expecting to see people she knew. She waves to them from her spot, too far to say an audible greeting. Poguala hitches in expression and poise. "Gems?" she repeats, her voice significantly lower, as well as carrying that Alderaani accent of hers. She is taken abacak, surprised at teh mention of such things, then she snaps her fingers and ohs! She laughs. "No, I should hate to be accused of being a nomad with a circular route! Of course not!" She looks to Luke, noting Shenner's obvious concern, and asks a question silently, eyes darkening as they bleed in their inhuman way from the outside edge. Jasmien serves as enough of a distraction to wave. Webb enters the Sandbar. Webb has arrived. Jasmine receives her hot chocolate, and gladly begins to drink the warm liquid to introduce something warm into her still frozen body. She watches the far table as the unknown woman talks with those she is familiar with, but decides to stay put for now and warm up. Offering Poguala a confused expression, Luke shrugs and turns his attention to Shenner, giving her shoulder a squeeze. "Take them back? What are you talking about, Shen?" he asks as he eases back into his chair and gestures for the girl to join them. Up on the stage, Tethra happens to glance up from where he's in the midst of a low, soulful melody line on his horn, noticing Shenner's arrival; the big black-skinned man's distraction lets the others notice their lead singer as well, and Shenner tosses all four of them a 'keep it up, guys, I'll be with you shortly' nod, grinning momentarily at Loren's look of obvious curiosity at the individuals she's greeting. Then Shenner nods her thanks at Luke, settling down with the grace of a young person in excellent health -- and the unconscious slouch that's always been very much _Shen_. First she squints at Poguala, trying to figure out if the woman actually _remembers_ the gift she'd so extravagantly bestowed... then she squints at Luke. And then she says gruffly, "Well, uh, Luke -- after what you said on the holocube, I kinda sorta thought, I might best give 'em back, y'know?" The look that develops on Poguala's normally placid face is one of sheer horror. From Shen's concern, and talk of Luke and holocubes, she realizes the particular importance of the gift -- and the manner in which it may have been misinterpreted. She exhale sdeeply, masking the fearof her fauz-pas, and waits for Luke to answer. It is no accident that Poguala moves her hands deliberately into her lap, and looks vaguely between Shenner and Luke, showing interest without revealing any particular emotion over it. "I don't think that's a good idea," Luke frowns, glancing between Poguala and Shenner. Though he hasn't had a chance to discuss the matter with either of them, he knows Poguala well enough that she wouldn't give extravagant gifts away lightly, and would probably be insulted if the receiver tried to return them. Shenner's heart is in the right place, though, so he smiles kindly to her. "They were a gift, Shen. Right, Pogs?" Jasmine sighs slightly, listening to the band play as she drinks her hot chocolate. She starts to wonder where Donivan disappeared to, and when they would be continuing on to this place he keeps telling her about. Not that this is that bad of a planet, she is just sick of being cold. She sniffles slightly as her nose has defrosted, wiggling it to check for feeling. True to form, Webb's arrival hasn't yet conjured up much in terms of fanfare. One might almost suspect that he derives a certain form of quiet enjoyment from his ability to arrive without attracting any attention that he doesn't specifically chose to attract. As if to demonstrate this fact to any onlooker who might find him interesting enough to watch for more than 15 seconds, he glides his way through the crowds towards the one whose attention he might specifically be seeking, sliding up behind Shenner, before communicating his presence to her by lightly placing a hand upon her shoulder. Ariani sends that shakla over, then, courtesy of her little sister Emma -- who the bartender swiftly beckons back onto duty, leaving Shenner the opportunity to talk with her friends in as much privacy as anyone can get in a crowded bar. Shenner chews for a moment on the right corner of her lower lip, glancing back and forth between Luke and Poguala, and finally leaning forward to blurt, "I mean, it ain't like I'm ungrateful or anything -- they're really pretty, Representative, I gotta say -- but I was just thinkin', it ain't exactly like I can _do_ anything with 'em. Luke bein', well, Luke, I figured he could probably find somebody who could--" But right about then, Jonathan Webb's hand upon her shoulder makes her start visibly. She swivels her head around and up, a startled and then warm, sheepish grin quirking across her face. "Jon!" There is a distance between Poguala and her conversants now, she looking somewhere /past/ Shenner, then /past/ Luke, in contemplation...and in her own world. Still, she speaks to Shenner's assertions, as well as Luke's prompting, her voice floating and lilting not in her Alderaani tenor...but in a softer, more exotic speech, no doubt derived from her Daavrixian heritage. So regal, yet so humble: "It is said in my culture that a gift is always intended to be given in the right spirit, and if it is, the thing will follow its path to the hands of whom it belongs. You....will know to whom to give it, when the time comes." Poguala's eyes have entirely glassed over. The Daavrixian phrase puts it much more eloquently than Luke was able, and he leans his elbows on the table, glancing at Poguala, then at Webb, whom he offers a friendly nod of greeting. Jasmine looks back at the now crowded table, seeing the newest arrival. Seems that Poguala is quite the magnet for people, something Jasmine is going to need to work on. She sips her hot chocolate now, it has gotten to about halfway full now. Webb flashes Shenner a momentary, lopsided grin as he peers down at her. Catching a glimpse of Poguala's expression, Webb's faintly impish grin fades as he assumes a somewhat more serious posture, and nods to Shenner's companions, "Uh. Evening." Delighted though she is to see the Lieutenant, still Shenner can't help but have her attention recaptured by Poguala as the woman intones her cryptic... observation? Remark? Prediction? All three words flash through Shen's mind, and she peers over at the bigger female in consternation. Then she seems to settle something within, summoning up another crooked albeit rueful grin. "Okay, well, if you say so," she says then into the wake of Poguala's last few words, while curling a hand into Webb's nearer one. "And, well... thanks." Apparently this decides the matter for her for the time being, for the next thing she says to both Luke and Poguala is a rather brighter, "So are y'all gonna be on Caspar long?" "You are welcome." Poguala rises. Smoothing down the front of her white dress, she inclines her head to everyone and no one. "If you will excuse me," she murmurs as she steps away from the table, "I must retire. I see that I have grown very tired." She fails to mention 'suddenly tired'. "I will be about Caspar for perhalps another day. It is my hope that I will be present for a full set of your band's, Shenner? I wish you well in it. Good evening to you, Mister Webb....and Master Luke." The last is given a small smile. "We'll be doing a full set tomorrow night," Shenner blurts, trying to get out the words in time before the diplomat takes her leave. "See ya 'round... Luke, you goin', too?" "I need to get going, too," Luke affirms quickly, rising from his chair and retrieving the jacket he had set aside. "I'll be around for a few days, Shen. I promise I'll come see you before I go." He smiles fondly at her, then gives Poguala a nod, sliding his arms into the jacket. "Maybe I'll even make the show tomorrow." Jasmine frowns, watching the two get up to leave. She shouldn't be so shy, could have had an interesting time with that group. She sighs loudly, and turns her attention back to the band playing. Shenner can't quite conceal a surge of disappointment that Luke's taking his leave so quickly -- but then, it passes swiftly, in the quicksilver flow of this young redhead's temperament, giving way to a grin and the promise of, "Well, if you both show up we'll make it extra special, and I'll get Ariani to give you a few free drinks, okay?" The beautiful black fur coat and suede boots Poguala was wearing when she arrived are given to her by a server. She half-turns as she puts it on, to wink to Shenner. :Of course," she murmurs. A flip of her arms, and the swing coat floats onto her shoulders, brushing the floor. She slips to the door, taking her time to get her boots on, and once done, is out of the establishment, as elegant as can be. Always elegant, no matter what. Poguala walks out of the Sandbar and the door closes automatically. Poguala has left. "I'm not sure any of us need free drinks, considering what happened last time," Luke teases the girl as he watches Poguala depart from the establishment. Then he shrugs absently, gives her a quick hug, and offers his hand to Webb in a friendly shake. "I'll see you soon. Take care!" he calls over his shoulder, heading out into the cold once more. Webb arches an eyebrow faintly as he notes that now that he has arrived, everyone seems to be departing. "Guess this means that it's time for me to take you home, eh?" murmurs Webb to Shenner as he raises a hand to give a slight wave to Poguala, then to Luke. Luke is one of two men in the galaxy Shenner is comfortable hugging; Webb, however, is the other. After Shen stands up to give Luke a farewell squeeze, she turns around to give a greeting one to the rangy Marine, grinning lopsidedly up at him. "I could point out," she murmurs to him, "that I _did_ just get here myself. But business is kinda slow tonight..." She tosses a nod up at the stage, where Aa'leet and Loren have bowed out of the quiet instrumentals the other Womprats are putting through the bar tonight. Tarrin slowly enter the establishment and moves towards the bar, nodding to those he passes. Webb's lopsided grin reappears for a moment as he slides his arms about Shenner's waist. "Indeed," he murmurs as he gazes down into her eyes. The real art to persuasion, it seems, is to be effective with as few words as possible. This would be a fine example of said statement, for at the moment, Webb seems to think that no further words are necessary to be persuasive. Somehow, Ariani doesn't look entirely surprised, even as she quietly rolls her eyes from her position over by the bar. But then -- this is what the Sandbar gets for its lead singer's erratic schedule. Nor can Ariani look entirely displeased, not with the way Shenner and Webb are grinning at one another. Oblivous to the bartender's big-sisterly scrutiny her way, not to mention the occasional knowing glances she's getting from her fellow musicians, Shen smirks lightly up at the Lieutenant. And pretends to waffle on the matter: "Weeeell-ll..." Jasmine grumps, she is one to reflect the weather, normally cheery and warm, but now seems to be pouting. This unexpected cold planet she was drug onto is not turning out to be all that great in the winter. Perhaps when it is warmer she will return. She only wonders where Donivan is, and watches Luke and Poguala leave her here. Tarrin moves slowly to the bar taking a seat before looking out at everyone.. Webb's grin begins to take on certain rather mischeivous qualities at Shenner's feigned indecisiveness. Seconds pass before he murmurs to her, "C'mon," and takes hold of one of her hands, and starts to slip towards the door with her in tow. [End log.]