Log Date: 3/4/97 Log Cast: Grathix, Shenner, Luke, Jessalyn, Leia Log Intro: Much to Shenner's admittedly nervous but no less sincere for that relief, her boss has finally caught up with her on the _Alderaan_, and has in short order won her agreement to accompany him to Palanhi to look for Luke Skywalker -- and hopefully to aid in the effort to find Han Solo. Grathix pushes the _Cat's Paw_ to its limits to get through hyperspace and get to their destination, hoping that Skywalker hasn't yet left, but the trip is long enough that he makes Shenner go off for some rest. But eventually, they arrive.... ---------- Grathix strolls in from the cockpit, stretching a little. Ship Entryway - The Cat's Paw(#10346RhFJN) As you enter the ship, you notice the state of disarray it appears too be in. But upon closer inspection, you realize that everything laying around has a distinct purpose. Various tools and equipment sit in seeming the last place they were used in remeberence to the user of what he or she was doing last. A large computer interface consle lines against one wall, humming and beeping occasionally. The faint odor of human and non-human bodies and of cargos long gone seem to indicate that this is definitely a working ship and not a pleasure cruiser. A passageway leads forward and a closed hatch appears to lead to the rear. A small alcove shows a ladder leading up and down. Contents: Grathix Obvious exits: Entry Ramp Ladder Down Ladder Up Aft Hatchway Fore Corridor Shenner comes yawningly out of the aft hatchway, blinking, eyes large and owlish. "Are we there?" the kid pipes. Grathix sees you yawning then yawns as well. He thens says, "Sleep well?" Shenner chuckles, rolling 'his' neck to crack it, and answers, "No, but it's okay. Why the kark didn't you wake me, boss? I wanted to see us land!" Grathix says, "What's there to see? Besides, even a 'brave' lad like yourself needs to get some good sleep in." Grathix grins slightly then looks Shenner over. Grathix looks at you for a moment. Shenner snorts, disgruntledly. "You ain't gonna let me live that down, are yah? So are we there? What's the plan?" The kid's green gaze flies to the landing ramp as though 'he' is considering charging right out of the vessel. Grathix says, "The plan is as follows...you're to wash up, making your appearance nice and presentable, while I go down and scope out the port..." Shenner looks down at 'himself' and 'his' crinkled clothes, and 'his' slender nose crinkles. "Well, this's all I got to wear, you're gonna hafta cope, but I'll wash up, alright, alright... then what?" Grathix says, "Then we find Skywalker, if he's here." Grathix says, "Plus, I might need to get a hold of a heavy duty power cell, just in case." Grathix says, "You go wash up...I'll come back to get you." Shenner bobs 'his' head, and then flicks a thoughtful glance off to where 'his' gear has been stowed. "Can I carry my blaster here?" Grathix winks at you before heading down the lowering entry ramp., "let me find out...this is my first time on Palahni." Shenner smirks, and nods, then hastens off to get more or less presentable. Grathix walks down the lowering entry ramp of the Cat's Paw. Hydraulics hissing, the ramp slowly closes behind. Grathix has left. [Not too much later....] Grathix has arrived. Grathix comes up the entrance ramp. Grathix comes up the ramp, the expression on his face very casual and calm. Shenner emerges shortly thereafter from the closet of a washroom the ship's got, and blinks curiously. "What's the word, boss?" The kid's hair is damp, 'his' face clean now. Grathix says, "Thw word about weapons...I still don't know, didn't get a chance to talk to a local official to be certain, I did speak to a rather rogue looking human though. He said he didn't know and didn't carry one, but the bulk by his side indicated toehrwise. So until we find out for sure, conceal it if you do take it with you. Security here is a bit more relaxed compared to Etti, that's for sure." Grathix says, "As for Skywalker, there are a couple of X-wing fighters in the port. So, its a good indication that he is still be here." Grathix adds, "That is of course, if one of those X-wings belng to him. The young thiefling nods briskly, heading to the locker 'he' had stowed his few belongings in. The ancient, light blaster the kid's had ever since Tatooine is still there, and Shenner draws it out, thoughtfully, before looking back to you with alert and anxious eyes. "You gonna contact him?" Grathix says, "I thought about that on our way over here...and i think that is probably the best course of action, seeing how he probably knows more about Solo's whereabouts than we do at the moment." Shenner ferrets in the locker till 'he' comes up with the battered holster that goes with it; at this, Shenner squints critically, before slinging it on around 'his' thin waist, under the big oversized vest. "What're we gonna tell him?" Grathix walks over to you, places a hand on your shoulder and says with a huge grin across his face, "Basically, that we want to introduce Solo to his long lost son." Grathix chuckles as he sees your expression "what, you don't think you could play the role of a Correlian's son?" Shenner gapes, green eyes as round as coins. "But... but... he ain't my dad!" Grathix laughs and slaps you hard against your back. "Course not. Who would believe a lame story like tht. Was just trying to ruffle your feathers." Shenner splutters, weakly, "Tryin' to gimme a heart attack?" The kid's still starting at you, and looks rather thunderstruck. Grathix's laughter dies down to a simply grin. He says, "Come on Shenner, Palahni awaits and so does Skywalker. lets not keep either waiting." He begins walking towards the hatch his arm once more at your shoulder pushing you forward. Shenner stumbles, still trying to regain 'his' composure, and mutters plaintively at you, "Don't yank my chain like that, pal!' But 'he' does go. You trigger the entry ramp. Hissing, the hydraulics lower the ramp and you walk down the ramp and out of the Cat's Paw. The ramp closes slowly behind you, hissing loudly. Palanhi City Starport - Palanhi City (#19889RUXFJ) A wide expanse of concrete surrounds the main terminal of the Palanhi City Starport. Several service droids are in almost constant motion, their task keeping this section of the terminal clean. Errand droids scurry in and out of the area, either bringing in or taking out the bevy of goods that arrive and leave here on a daily basis. Surrounded by a small steel-mesh fence, a large control tower rises up to the North. To the south, shuttles are being moved in and out of a number of hangars. Nearby, loading ramps lead up to several shuttles. An exit stands to the West. Contents: STARFIGHTER: CECO YT-1300 -- The Cat's Paw STARFIGHTER: X-Wing -- Skywalker STARFIGHTER: CECO YT-1300 -- Black Dragon Palahni Bounty Hunter Terminal STARFIGHTER: CECO YT-1300 -- Silver Lotus STARFIGHTER: X-wing -- Dark 1 MailBox CAPITAL: Corellian Gunship -- Spectra Obvious exits: West The boarding ramp of the Freighter "The Cat's Paw" lowers, hydraulics hissing. Shenner walks out, and the ramp closes slowly behind. [And just after Shenner has emerged, into a sandstorm....] Luke has arrived. Luke climbs out of the MDF Black Dragon. Artoo has arrived. Artoo climbs out of the MDF Black Dragon. Jessalyn has arrived. Jessalyn climbs out of the MDF Black Dragon. Luke comes down the ramp, tossing his cloak around him to ward off a sandstorm that has just kicked up. He holds one end of his flapping cowl as he struggles to push his arm into the cloak. Artoo bleats sadly at the sand clittering into him and wobbles down the ramp. Luke has just stepped off the ramp as a sandstorm kicks up. The wind ferociously kicking into him. He makes his way squinting towards his X-Wing. Jessalyn descends the ramp of the freighter and glances around the spaceport, her hands shoved down into her pockets and her hair bright and wild around her face. She squints into the wind and watches Luke silently, standing at the bottom of the ramp. Artoo bleeps cautiously, swiveling his dome around as he rolls to a stop at the end of the plank. Artoo A white astromech with blue panels. Jessalyn Rainforest green eyes return your gaze, set in a face with pale features and wide cheekbones; worry and fatigue showing in those green eyes. There is a bandage over her brow, and the left side of her face is slightly bruised and swollen. Her hair is a shining dark red that falls in unruly silken waves that are clipped behind her neck. Jessa is dressed in her plain tech uniform, a beige jumpsuit with a high collar and plenty of pockets, with the insignia on her chest indicating her rank of Major. Around her waist is a black leather utility belt. Her hair is held back from her face and clipped behind her head, though stray curling locks continue to fall into her eyes. There is a standard issue blaster holstered to her right thigh, and the fit of the coverall and the shiny black boots on her legs emphasize her narrow waist and the long-legged rhythm of her strides. Luke A human male. Short and slight of build, more agile than powerful. Mildly athletic. His tousled, sandy blonde hair is of medium length and frames a tan face with the beginnings of creases around his clear blue eyes. A faint scar runs along the corner of his mouth with a similiar one near his nose. His chin is gently cleft. He looks quite young, yet his demeanor is purposeful, confident, deliberately calm and belies his age. He seems to be empty of selfishness or ego, with quiet movements and a distant voice which can at times be laden with surprising intensity. He wears a long dark cloak comprised of thick soft material and gleaming knee high boots. The cowl of his cloak is down and draped over his shoulders and back, making his face clearly visible. He wears gleaming knee high boots which can also be seen at the hem of his robes. No weapons are visible on his person. Jessalyn glances down at Artoo with a small smile and pats his domed top absently before looking back over towards the X-wing. His form vague through the tan swirl, Luke turns and hesitates as he looks at Jessalyn. "I've just got to grab a few things." comes his voice, wafting on the howling wind. Artoo warbles. Jessalyn shields her eyes with her hand and nods tersely. "Let me know if I can help," she calls out to him, her body a tense blurred line through the swirling sand. Off across the spaceport, at one of the ships that has just docked, a skinny young figure comes loping down the landing ramp -- only to run smack dab into the wind. "Holy..." The yelp is carried off by the weather. A faint nod, or perhaps just him averting his eyes from the blast of wind and dirt come from the Jedi. His form is barely discernable now as it makes its way up the ladder to the X-Wing. A faint whirr comes from the direction of the small starfighter, followed by a muted clunk. Movement can be detected on top of its sleek, sand blasted outline. "Grath, why the kark.." comes a wind-dampened holler from that other ship. The landing ramp rings out as the figure darts back into the vessel, emerging again with a wrap of cloth about its face. Jessalyn crouches down for a moment in front of the Artoo unit, appearing to inspect something behind a section of blue paneling as she murmurs quietly to the little droid. Then she rises, shielding her face with her hands, and trots over towards the X-wing to stand at the bottom of the ladder, one hand wrapped around the rungs. "Toss something down to me," she offers helpfully up to the young Jedi. Luke pops his head out of the cockpit, "Uh.." it disappears quickly only to re-appear a moment later, "Here.. grab the powercells." A slim case becomes visible as he hands it down to you. The slim figure from the other ship, squinting into the churn of breeze and sand, starts making a careful track out into the port. Jessalyn steps one booted foot up a rung of the ladder as she reaches up to take the powercells, cursing as a blast of wind sends sand into her eyes. "Go back inside." Luke's voice is soft, blending with the shimmering sound of the hull being pelted with miniscule particles. He pulls himself up to sit on the edge of the canopy before dropping a heavy pack down to the ground. He quickly follows, after jabbing the close stud to the cockpit. Moving with care, Shenner edges closer to one of the ships docked here, squinting at it. No, that ain't it.... scowling through 'his' headcloth, the youngtster moves on, aiming for the next ship along the way. Bright head bent, Jessa nods once and holds the powercells close to her chest and rushes through the whirling sand back to the Black Dragon, one hand rubbing at her aching eyes. Luke heaves the laden pack one armed and kicks sand up as he makes his way, leaning forward slightly into the wind, back to the freighter. He pauses for a fraction of a second, turning his head to the side. The figure of Shenner coalesces slowly into view as the kid staggers through the wind, staring intently at each vessel to see if any of them look familiar. Jessalyn pauses next to Artoo, her hair whipping painfully around her face as she tries to rub the sand out of her eyes. Not accustomed to being in sandstorms, she soon discovers this has only a negative effect and she groans with pain as the grains dig into her eyes, her vision completely blurred. "Shenner?" Luke's voice seems somewhat surprised. He squints through the haze at the shadowy slim figure making toward him. Shenner's head jerks up at the call. "Luke?" comes the piping tenorish response, slightly unsure. A soft rolling laughter comes from the direction of Luke. "What are -you- doing here?" Jessalyn tries to peer into the wind and she backs a few paces up the ramp to find shelter from sand. She strains to hear the voices, still blinking watering eyes against the painful grains of sand boring into them. Shenner turns, trying to get 'his' bearings in the gusts whipping past 'him'. "Dammit," comes an oath, before Shenner zeroes in on where the Jedi is and staggers up closer. "Grathix brought me!" The Jedi's confusion is apparent even through the swirling haze, "Huh? Grath.. hurry, get inside where we can talk." he doesn't motion, but simply heads in the direction of the freighter. Shenner doesn't argue and hastens after Luke, as quickly as 'he' can manage. Jessalyn frowns to herself and turns as Luke starts back towards the ship, hurrying up the ramp into the safety of the ship. Jessalyn has left. Jessalyn enters the Black Dragon. "Artoo, stay out here." Luke instructs as his foot touches the boarding ramp. The little droid, bleats wistfully and stays near the end of the ramp. A thin black antennae clicking out of his dome to rotate with a faint electronic warble. Luke turns halfway to call to Shenner, "Well hurry up before you're buried." you can almost see him smile through the brown wind. [Into the ship, through its airlock, and then...] You walk into the Rear Corridor of the ship Rear Corridor - Black Dragon You gaze into the Entry Area for the YT-1300 Black Dragon. This is a nexus to the various areas of the ship. The Cargo Bay to the port, Engineering to the aft, and the Main Corridor to the fore. Contents: Luke Jessalyn Obvious exits: Airlock Cargo Bay Engine Room Main Corridor Jessalyn has dropped her burden onto the deck and is pawing feverishly at her eyes, back turned away from the airlock. Shenner, listing slightly as if still trying to regain personal stability after exposure to that wind, comes stumbling into the ship in Luke's wake. "Thought *cough* I'd left sand on Tatooine," the youngster grumbles. Luke comes in, shaking sand out of his hair. Strangely, he doesn't seem to be annoyed at the sand at all. The pack he was carrying thuds onto the metal subfloor. "Look who I ran into." he observes to Jess. He turns slowly to look at Shenner. Jessalyn turns, blinking red-rimmed eyes, and peers. "Shenner?!" Shenner peers out from under the headcloth 'he's' wearing, tentatively, and offers a lopsided smile. "Uh, hi?" Jessalyn swears again at the stabbing pain in her eyes and rubs them harder. "What the hell are you doing here?" "You shouldn't rub them." Luke says, turning to Jessalyn as he drops his cloak, "Here let me.." he starts to say. "Looking for you," the kid answers without batting an eyelash, but not going on, as Luke turns to the woman. A flicker of concern crosses Shenner's face. Jessalyn flinches as Luke turns to her, and her attention still remains on the young figure who has followed him onto the ship. "Shen, you were supposed to be back on the Alderaan..." Shenner's mouth quirks. "Well, uh, that's kinda what they're sayin' about you back there, yah know?" The kid shoves back the headcloth, exposing 'his' short hair, and 'his' face; the green eyes flick to Luke, then. "Grathix wants to talk to you, Luke. About Solo." "..look." Luke finishes his sentence, his hands moving up toward her head then hesitating at the flinch. "Um.. unless you don't want me to." he offers. Shenner pauses again, dark brows lowering over 'his' eyes, as 'he' watches the two. Luke turns, brows furrowed at Shenner, "Grathix? What's he want?" Luke asks. Jessalyn backs away from Luke, hands balled into fists and rubbing at her eyes as he turns towards Shenner. Shenner supplies promptly, "He still wants Solo and says he wants to talk to you. Y'all got him back yet?" Luke darts his gaze toward Jess, then back to Shenner. "He wants? Uh.. I mean, what does Grathix want with him and no we don't have him yet." Shenner blinks. "Oh..." The kid looks plainly startled at this news, thinking hard for a moment. Then, Shenner answers Luke, "Well... he ain't tellin' me, 'cept he said it wasn't anything bad. I guess it's personal." Leia slips into the corridor quietly, her gaze slowly falling about the area. Shenner adds, glancing over 'his' shoulder towards the entrance into the ship, "He's securin' the _Paw_, you want me to go get him?" Luke nods to the youth, "I see." his mouth opening slightly to form an o. "W.. well are you alright? I mean, with your boss and all?" Jessalyn stands near Luke, swearing softly to herself as she tries desperately to claw the sand out of her eyes, listening only half-intently to the conversation around her. Luke answers Shenner, "You can get him in a moment sure. I'm curious as to what he has to say." Shenner's head turns back to Luke, and the youngster smirks a bit, looking unaccountably embarrassed for the briefest of instants. "Other'n' Grath workin' out his piss-poor sense of humor, yeah, I'm fine..." Luke smiles faintly toward the kid then turning to Jess, angling his head to the side and peering at her, "I could get something for your eyes.." he mentions. Leia lets her gaze settle lightly on Luke and Jessalyn, lingering on Jessa with a bit of concern. Her expression reflecting the intense pain in her eyes, Jessa turns her head to Luke and nods helplessly, gulping. "Okay," she says in a weak voice. Luke stoops to right the dropped pack and digs in a side pocket. "Here." he says while standing, "This will flush the sand out." a slim tube held in one hand as he un-does the cap. Shenner, silent now, looks between the others unsurely -- and takes a step backwards when 'he' registers the presence of Leia in the room, now. Jessalyn reaches blindly for whatever it is Luke is handing to her, her eyes blinking feverishly and tears pouring down her cheeks. Luke doesn't hand it to her, but instead places a hand on hers, "Stand still." he squeezes a dollop of the clear stuff onto a thumb and brings it up toward her. "Jess.. you're moving." he chides gently again. Jessalyn blows out a frustrated breath and tries to stand still, her fingers wrapping tightly around Luke's. "I'm being still!" she snaps, her nerves fraying from the raw pain in her eyes. Leia frowns with worry as she watches Jessalyn, speaking in hushed tones to not distract him, "Luke, what happened?" Leia Her appearance is chillingly remarkable. Deep brown eyes set in a smooth oval face the complexion of a china doll. She is small in stature, yet something tells you her frame doesn't hold back her command of any situation she happens to be in. Calm, fluid motions denote her regal lineage and sophisticated heritage. She is striking and beautiful, with long dark hair the color of oiled mink framing perfectly proportioned features. When she speaks, it is usually soft in tone, but with the surprising ability to turn forceful and self-assured. Her movements are subtle and laden with purpose. Wearing a long flowing robe, pristine in it's whiteness, she seems actually.. vivid. Luke smears the goop over both eyes, "Shhh.. just give it a few moments, then wash it out with water and you'll be as happy as a jawa in a junkyard." he says with obvious sarcasm. The redheaded teenager eyes the three adults, ponders, then puts in, "Uh... how long do these storms last, anyway?" Luke turns over his shoulder, "Oh Hi Leia. Nothing just a little sand is all." The tension seems to leave Jessa's face somewhat as the ointment is applied to her eyes and she nods mutely. "Thanks," she mumbles, and starts to turn away from him. Luke puts the cap back on smiling. He turns to Shenner as if answering a question, "Yeah sure, go get Grathix whenever you want." A flash of -- yes, definitely concern -- flicks across the kid's eyes. "You won't leave without us?" Leia nods slightly to Luke, speaking in a lightly chastizing tone and with a smile, "Not everybody lived up to their ears in sand like you did.. a little sand can be quite a lot to deal with if you're not used to it." She turns her gaze to Shenner and glances back to Luke with a brow raised just slightly. Luke blinks, "Well we are leaving soon.. depends on how long you take to get him I guess." he muses once again. Jessalyn tries to chuckle, but ends up just sniffling some as she runs her hand along the wall to make her way blindly towards the crew's quarters. Shenner, under the Princess's glance, can be seen to blush, and heard to mumble shyly, "Ma'am..." But at Luke's words the kid pipes, "I'll go get him right now, we're just parked across the port?" Luke smiles to Leia, "I keep forgetting that." he looks at the ground before turning to drop down and replace the ointment tube into its pocket on his pack. "Ok Shenner, we aren't leaving immediately." Jessalyn risks a blurry glance over her shoulder at the others, frowning slightly, before she pushes the panel and the door to the crew's quarters swishes open. Palpable relief tinges the youngster's expression. Perhaps quite involuntarily, Shen grins broadly, ear to ear, before nodding that dark red head and whirling to scurry out through the airlock, rewrapping the headcloth as 'he' goes. Jessalyn walks Fore to the Main Corridor of the ship. Jessalyn has left. [Her mood improving, Shenner scurries back out to find her boss....] You head out of the ship. Palanhi City Starport - Palanhi City (#19889RUXFJ) Contents: Artoo STARFIGHTER: CECO YT-1300 -- The Cat's Paw STARFIGHTER: X-Wing -- Skywalker STARFIGHTER: CECO YT-1300 -- Black Dragon Palahni Bounty Hunter Terminal STARFIGHTER: CECO YT-1300 -- Silver Lotus STARFIGHTER: X-wing -- Dark 1 MailBox CAPITAL: Corellian Gunship -- Spectra Obvious exits: West Shenner climbs out of the MDF Black Dragon. Artoo bleeps. Shenner staggers down the entry ramp, pausing to judge the level of the wind, then grins crookedly at the droid. "Bleep to you too," the youngster tells him amiably, before pelting off back towards the _Cat's Paw_. [End log.]