Log Date:
	2/23/97

Log Cast:
	Shikh, Shenner, ESPO Major Jerden (NPC run by Simone Drake), Alora

Log Intro:
	Shenner has been busking with a vengeance as of late, with guitar
and flute and voice, and applying all the new knowledge she's been drinking
in from every lesson holo she can get her hands on -- and inventing some
musical tricks of her own as she begins to develop a style she likes.
It's been surprisingly effective, for Shenner's daily take has increased
substantially. But it's already gotten her notice from an Imperial officer
who has thus far refused to take "no" for an answer to his offers to hire
her -- and Shenner's take has been noticed, as well, by the local
authorities....

----------
You leave the free-flying party and enter the Port District.
Port District - Capital City <ETTI IV>(#1118RLXtFJN)
    Though the buildings in this sprawling area of the city are low permacite 
  structures, the general feeling of the Port District is one of foreboding 
  menace not clearly defined. Despite this, many visitors of many races mingle 
  here, taking in the plethora of shops, bars and nooks dotted densely 
  throughout this place. Nothing seems to be spared style, expense, or gross 
  display of wealth here as the scions of the business world (or criminal 
  world) flaunt the products of their various efforts.
    Several Espo troopers stand out like statues among the sea of people 
  passing through. They watch everything that goes on around them with a tight 
  grip on their blasters, ready for anything.
 The Espo police presence here is normal.
    (OOC: Type '+lhelp' for local help.)
Obvious exits:
 <E> leads to Residential Avenue - Capital City <ETTI IV>.
 <NE> leads to Business District - Capital City <ETTI IV>.
 <SE> leads to Government District - Capital City <ETTI IV>.
 <FFDD> leads to Free-Flight Dance Dome - Capital City <ETTI IV>.
 <ACE> leads to Authority Currency Exchange - Capital City <ETTI IV>.
 <W> leads to Spaceport Center - Capital City <ETTI IV>.

Shikh comes out of the Free-Flight Dance Dome.
Shikh has arrived.

ESPO Major Jerden comes into the District from the east.
ESPO Major Jerden has arrived.
ESPO Major Jerden walks along in a brisk, sweeping path, patrolling the city.

Not too far away from a particular little half-seedy outdoor cafe where a 
  particular young redhead has of late been known to gather with other 
  musicians for evening jamming, that same redhead has claimed a street corner 
  with 'his' bass guitar and flute, and is busking briskly to see what credits 
  might be gleaned from the passersby. Perhaps to the satisfaction of the 
  owners of the cafe and the other shops and eateries in the immediate area, 
  the music the kid's putting out is easy on the ears... and more than a few 
  beings who happen to catch the sound of it linger nearby, pausing to listen, 
  and in some cases, even buying food and other wares.

ESPO Major Jerden
A seasoned ESPO Etti IV Police Officer stands before you. He wears the navy 
  blue jumpsuit comman among the force. The cap atop his head, and the two 
  yellow stripes, one falling from each shoulder signify that he is a MAJOR. 
  He wears polished black boots, and a black belt. The man is close to 2.5 m 
  and is extremely muscular. He has dark nearly orange skin as he originated 
  from the harsh mines of Densaw. A carbine blaster-pistol hangs at his side.

Shikh steps out of the Dome and into musical bliss. His sallow expression 
  turns up into a grin and he leans just outside the door to the popular 
  hangout, eyes searching for a 'particular young redhead'.

Shenner's instrument of choice tonight is the guitar, and for once, rather 
  than parking crosslegged on the pavement, the kid is up and standing, guitar 
  held off the shoulders, as 'he' sings to the knot of listeners paying 
  attention on the walkway nearby. Some of them are clearly pleased, a few 
  others skeptical, and one being who perhaps doesn't appreciate human music 
  is downright wincing; to these latter sentients, Shenner's particularly 
  playing, eyes glittering wryly as the kid works on pouring charm into 'his' 
  expression and power and strength into the song.

Shikh catches sight of the Major and his eyes track the official efficiently. 
  He crosses his arms over his chest, glancing momentarily down to his pistols 
  before looking back up to the ESPO figure moving through the crowds.

ESPO Major Jerden continues to walk along the streets, his eyes scanning about 
  the crowds of people for any disruptive beings. He notices the crowd and the 
  singing individual across the way, and continues his rounds while keeping an 
  eye on the area, his patrol moving him in that general direction.

If it's a disruption Shenner's causing, it's one that eventually appears to 
  sway 'his' listeners, for the more enthused members of this little audience 
  readily dish out credits to the redhead as the song whirls its way to a 
  final close. One of the skeptics appears won over, too, and adds to the open 
  guitar case... and the one being who'd been wincing before is still wincing, 
  but it slinks up anyway and grudgingly drops a coin into the musician's 
  case. Shenner grins expansively, bows, and issues wry, smooth thanks to the 
  impromptu audience, before settling down into another melody.

Alora has arrived.

Shikh notices the Major converging with the fringes of the crowd and heads 
  that way also, convinced, in his own mind at least, that only one person 
  could be responsible for drawing such a crowd.

Alora walks in from the government district, reading a data pad as she walks.

"Thank you, gentlebeings," Shenner says merrily, strumming through a few 
  chords on the guitar, before striking up the introductory measures to what 
  would, if the redhead were accompanied by other musicians, probably be quite 
  the foot-stomper of a dance reel. As the skeptics in 'his' knot of listeners 
  hurry off, and the enthused ones remain, the redhead begins to sing, voice 
  carrying clear and husky along the avenue.

The Espo Major moves along his patrol route until he reaches roughly ten 
  meters distance from the individual singing, and there he remains for a 
  while, observing and assesing the situation.

Alora seems to continue on her way, but looks up at the singer after a moment, 
  and smirks softly.

As the ESPO slows to a halt, Shikh does likewise, turning his attention to a 
  storefront maybe another 10 meters back from where the Major stands. He 
  clears his throat roughly, resettling his belt about his hips.

Shenner, singing with rather more confidence than 'he' is playing -- perhaps 
  to cover up the fact that 'he' isn't more than an adequate guitar player at 
  best -- appears to have most of that green-eyed attention on the listeners 
  nearby. Certainly, that ESPO doesn't get noticed -- but then again, there 
  are ESPOs everywhere, and so far this one hasn't done anything noteworthy 
  for the musician, yet.

Alora turns, to look fully at the stage. She turns off the padd for a moment, 
  crossing her arms over her chest as she stands and listens.

ESPO Major Jerden just glances at the singer for a while, his eyes shifting to 
  monitor the surrounding people who tend to gather or pass close to where the 
  redhead stands.

Shenner's stage is simply a street corner, but it's one gathering a 
  respectable little crowd. It comes and goes, as every so often people hurry 
  on their way, and when a break _in_ that little crowd occurs, it might be 
  noticed that the kid's open guitar case is lined with a layer of coins and 
  credit notes.

Alora steps up closer to the performer slowly, but makes her way towards the 
  front of the crowd.

ESPO Major Jerden takes a few steps forward to closer inspect the guitarist, 
  and the case which seems to be dually attracting some form of attention.

Glenn has connected.

Shenner, turning as 'he' sings and strums, spots the red-haired woman drawing 
  near -- and for the briefest of instants, the kid's expression flickers with 
  something like nervousness. But the song doesn't falter, as the kid makes 
  'his' way through its bridge.

Alora nods slightly towards Shenner as 'he' performs as she stops a row back.

Shikh looks over at the pulsing crowd that grows then shrinks around the 
  talented vocalist. He sees the ESPO Major moving a bit closer and turns in 
  that direction, crossing his arms over his broad chest, openly watching the 
  scene from afar.

Glenn moves through the District into the Spaceport to the west.
Glenn has left.
Glenn comes through the District from the direction of the spaceport.
Glenn has arrived.
Glenn moves east onto a wide avenue.
Glenn has left.

Shenner finally finishes, to a flurry of clapping -- and in the case of a 
  couple of the beings in the knot, other forms of expression of approval -- 
  and the clink of several more coins into the guitar case. Shenner takes a 
  moment to survey the scene... and only then, does the kid note that ESPO 
  much closer than 'he' is used to having them. Perhaps deeming a break called 
  for, Shenner bows to everyone, and as the crowd begins to flow off, the kid 
  crouches by the case to start organizing the take within it.

ESPO Major Jerden takes a few steps forward and addresses the performer, "Do 
  you have a permit to be doing that.." He motions to the guitar, "For money?"

Alora chuchkles as she looks to the Espo, and steps closer to him.

Shikh wanders up the avenue, moving along the storefronts until he is within 
  earshot of the Major and Shenner. He takes a deep breath as if her were 
  merely settling in for some more window shopping, occasionally eyeing the 
  pair out of the corner of his eye.

Shenner looks up, and rises, slowly. "Yeah," the redhead says to the major. "I 
  got my permit right here..." A skinny hand pats a vest pocket.

ESPO Major Jerden raises a brow, "Could I see that permit?" He crosses his 
  arms and stands, waiting.

Shenner bobs 'his' dark red head, face getting a trifle nervous, now. But the 
  kid readily reaches into the pocket in question and produces a somewhat 
  battered hardcopy certificate. "Here yah go, sir..."

Shikh sidles up behind the ESPO, still wandering along the fronts, peering 
  into windows. As the ESPO takes hold of the certificate, Shikh peeks around 
  the taller man's shoulder, trying to get a glimpse of the document, as well 
  as the jittery busker.

ESPO Major Jerden looks over the battered piece of paper and looks back up to 
  the performer, "This is for playing music in a public place, unless you're 
  disrupting commerce. Not for making money. For that, you'll need a business 
  permit."

Shenner blinks. "But... that's what busking is _for_, sir, songs in exchange 
  for credits.... I explained this when I got the permit."

Alora walks over towards the Major, "I am sure, that this can be settled here 
  and now, don't you sir?"

Shikh shifts his glance to the woman, raising a heavy brow appraisingly. He 
  remains silent for now, crossing his arms over his chest again.

ESPO Major Jerden glances at the performer and prepares to explain further, 
  but turns to the newly approaching woman and quirks a brow slightly, "How do 
  you figure that, ma'am?"

Alora smiles and chuckles, "Through diplomacy, rationale, and.. well what do 
  +your+ think it would take?"

ESPO Major Jerden raises a brow quizzically, "I'm not sure I follow your 
  meaning, ma'am."

Shenner takes a step backward, eyes turning wary as the woman apparently 
  decides to intervene. "I been payin' the permit fee," the kid puts in, 
  trying to sound persuasive.

Shikh turns to look out over the street, leaning against the wall so he can 
  view Shen beyond the ESPO's thick arm. He shoots a grin toward the youngster 
  before returning his gaze to the negotiating woman.

Alora chuckles softly, as she lowers her hand to her purse. "How much?"

Shenner's gaze does catch the lurking figure of Shikh, and perhaps he might 
  spot a flash of alarm in Shenner's thin face before the kid returns full 
  attention to this exchange between the Espo and the redhaired woman. A 
  perfectly guileless smile spreads across the kid's face, tinged with just a 
  hint of nervousness, as any respectable musician might have. A kind of 'I'm 
  sure this'll all be worked out, Officer' expression.

The Espo's gaze flickers about the surrounding area cautiously before replying 
  in low tones, "Business permits run a bit more than 'busking' permits.."

Alora chuckles softly, and steps closer to the Espo. "I am sure I have it..'

Shenner chimes in blandly, "I'd be happy to go upgrade the permit, sir!" A 
  brief wary flicker of a glance to the woman; clearly, the kid isn't sure why 
  this unexpected savior is stepping in.

Shikh clears his throat, and speaks up, "Ma'am, I don't think that will be 
  necessary..." He glances to the ESPO, waiting for him to look around.

ESPO Major Jerden flickers his gaze back to Shikh and states, "What do you 
  want?"

Shikh raises a brow, "May I speak to you a moment, Officer? I really don't 
  think you need to part this fine woman from her money, and I doubt there's 
  really a serious problem here..." He shakes his head easily and motions a 
  bit away from Shen and Alora, "Just a moment?"

Alora smiles and chuckles, seeming to be utterly ammused by the enitre 
  situation.

ESPO Major Jerden scowls and turns to glance at the woman and performer once 
  before facing Shikh, "Fine. One moment, and a short one at that."

Shenner repeats, trying her best for an ingratiating tone, "I don't want to be 
  any trouble, officer, I'll go to the permit office first thing tomorrow 
  morning, I swear!" The kid trails off, though, as the officer steps aside 
  with Shikh.

Alora turns and looks down to Shenner, 'Well.. we meet again it seems."

Shikh takes a few steps apart from Shen and Alora, to bring the Officer out of 
  their earshot before turning to face him, placing a strong hand on the 
  taller officer's shoulder and speaking hushedly with him.

Shenner looks up at the woman, and smiles neutrally. "Looks like..."

Alora shakes her head, "You don't like or trust me yet..pity."

Shenner says just as blandly as she'd been addressing the Officer, "Should I, 
  lady?"

Shikh rolls his eyes animatedly and then shakes his head, digging his wallet 
  from his jens pocket. His eyes convey a question he's asked the officer to 
  anyone watching.

Alora sighs softly and shrugs. "It is up to you.. too bad though. I _could_ 
  get you out of this.. this _charming_ place."

ESPO Major Jerden scowls and speaks in quiet, but irritated tones to the man.

Shenner brightly replies, "But, ma'am, I'm just gettin' my audiences to know 
  me here!"

Shikh clears his throat and speaks assuringly, removing his hand from the 
  officer's shoulder. He shrugs a bit and lifts his hands out to the sides 
  fractionally, "How much?"

Alora chuckles softly,"Oh? And how much are you making here?"

ESPO Major Jerden grumbles something low to the man, rattling off some number.

Shikh shakes his head, exhaling jadedly as he hands over a /large/ amount of 
  credits to the Major, "And I expect the necessary paperwork will appear 
  filled out in full, correct?" His eyes quickly rove the area for any other 
  Espo's about.

Shenner says cheerfully, "Got twenty credits so far today, and my manager's 
  workin' on gettin' me a gig."

Alora chuckles softly, "My dear, sweet child.. I could have you swimming in 
  credits."

ESPO Major Jerden nods shortly, and casts a sidewards glance to the woman and 
  performer before heading off on the rest of his patrol, quickly pocketing 
  the money and losing himself off in the crowd.
ESPO Major Jerden moves east onto a wide avenue.
ESPO Major Jerden has left.

Shenner keeps that smile in place, but her green eyes are still wary. "I got a 
  manager," she says amiably enough. "Already contracted with him."

Shikh sighs heavily, watching the corrupt official draw off, then heads back 
  over to the pair, nodding to the red-headed beauty, "Looks like he was 
  dead-set on taking someone's creds..." He shrugs, then tousles Shen's short 
  hair, "Got yerself into another fine mess, huh, kid?"

Shenner blinks a bit and looks up at Shikh, a trifle uneasily, but still 
  smiling.

Alora shakes her head. "This has nothing to . "He could stay, if you wish.."

Shikh chuckles and looks to the woman, hanging his thumbs in his pockets.
Shikh raises his brows, "'m I interrupting?"

Alora shakes her head. "No at all.. I was merely trying to talk the young star 
  into coming with me away from this rock..

Shikh looks back to Shen, "That so? What's keepin' you then, Shen?"

Shenner says steadily, "I got me a boss already, pal." She's still smiling, 
  but still wary-eyed. "Ain't gonna skip out on him."

Shikh says, "You'd do galaxy's better anyplace away from the tyrants and 
  skinflints on this ball of cred chits.""

Alora says, "And how much does he pay you?"

"Enough," replies the redhead promptly. "I ain't got any complaints yet."

Alora chuckles, "Enough? Enough to keep you in a ramshack of a hotel, enough 
  to what? barely feed and clothe you? My dear, you could have enough credits 
  with me to live a life of luxury."

Shikh raises a brow and looks between Alora and Shen, taking a half-step back. 
  He crosses his arms over his chest, face screwed up in an expression of 
  confusion.

"That's quite the offer, lady," says the kid. "What, I sing that good?"

Alora smiles and chuckles. "Well that,and you might have other skills Iam 
  interested in..if what I sense is true."

Shenner says cheerfully, "I play a mean flute, too."

Alora chuckles softly, "Yet another unseen advantage.

Shikh looks about blankly ans brushes his pretty fingers back through his 
  hair, sweeping stray locks over his ear. He moistens his lip with his 
  tongue, glancing back over his shoulder through the cafe window hungrily.

Shenner goes on, glancing at Shikh, "Besides... I wouldn't wanna run out on my 
  friend here, either. I promised he'd get to see me sing at the Dome."

Alora chuckles softly. "I.. think I could arrange that. You could say.. I have 
  some pull here."

Shikh's prettyboy grin returns and he looks back to the conversation at hand 
  that he's been pulled back into by Shen's comment. He shrugs, eyes bright 
  with satisfaction

Shenner replies readily, "Well, lady, you wanna work it out with my boss, I'm 
  sure he'd be happy to talk out the details, or somethin'. When he gets back."

Alora nods, "And where is he at the moment?"

Shenner keeps 'his' expression amiably bland. "Gone offworld for business, but 
  he'll be back in a few more days."

Alora nods, "And what is his name?

"Grathix Stur'ttrakath," answers the kid, holding an ostensibly casual pose 
  along with that carefully cheerful expression.

Alora nods slightly, "I will have to talk with him it seems.

You say, "Feel free... he handles all the business, lady, me, I just sing."

Shikh considers the two quietly.

Shenner continues to smile, engagingly, but with a tinge of wariness to that 
  green gaze.

Alora nods slightly to the pair of you, "Well when he comes back, have him 
  contact me.." she says, handing Shenner a data card.

Shenner lifts a hand to take it, the very picture of guilelessness. "I'll do 
  that. Tell your friends to come listen to me!"
Shenner adds smoothly, "Learnin' new songs every week."

Alora chuckles softly. "Of course." she says with a nod, still laughing at 
  some private joke.

Alora pages: the data chip has the Imperial Embassy comlink iff, and her name. 
  Lady Alora Antieres.

Shikh tucks his hands into his pockets and rocks back and forth on his heels a 
  bit, looking up at teh sky, waiting out the end of Alora and Shen's 
  conversation.

Shenner flicks a look down at the card -- and her eyes might be seen to widen, 
  her face to pale just a bit. But the chit is pocketed away, along with the 
  kid's busking permit, and the kid smiles all the wider as if to cover up any 
  momentary uneasiness. "You're too kind. Now, if you'll excuse me, ma'am, I 
  think I better go get my meal for the night, since people've been generous 
  to my little music-makin', tonight..."

Alora smiles and nods, "Of course.. " she says, as she walks down towards the 
  port.

Shenner watches the woman go; only when she's sure Alora is safely out of 
  range does the redhead relax a bit, kneeling shakily to start cleaning 
  credits out of the guitar case.

Shikh watches Alora clear out, then lowers his gaze to Shen, "Friend of yours?"

Alora moves through the District into the Spaceport to the west.
Alora has left.

Shenner lifts her gaze to doublecheck that Alora is gone, then lifts it the 
  rest of the way to Shikh. The redhead shakes 'his' head, tensely.

Shikh nods slowly, "Then why's she so interested in ya, Shen? Want me to get 
  her off yer back?"
Shikh shifts uncomfortably, "Don't like her payin' so much attention to ya..."

Shenner shovels the loose coins and credits into various little pockets in the 
  vest, then flicks the guitar case closed. Straightening up with it, the kid 
  says warily, "The card she gave me says she's an Imperial." Shen's brow 
  crinkles, and 'he' finishes in a low, worried whisper, "The Imps keep 
  lookin' at me, Shikh...."

Shikh narrows his eyes, "Oh?" He looks about warily, "Let's go someplace, 
  huh?" He nods toward the cafe in front of which Shen was playing, "A bite to 
  eat?"

Shenner nodnods, uneasily. Instruments gathered, the kid moves to follow you.

Shikh leads Shen into the cafe, staving off the help as he guides himself to a 
  table of his choosing. He ull out the char or Shen, "Hop up, kid... try to keep 
  the order slim tonight though... had to pay off that Espo myself..." He 
  grimaces a bit, hand reflexively checking his back pocket for his wallet.

Shenner offers, "I _do_ got my take for today, pal..."

Shikh rubs his hand wearily over the stubble growing in on his chin, "Naw, 
  don't do that... I'll get it, really." He tucks Shen's chair up to the 
  table, then takes his own opposite 'him'.

Shenner's brow crinkles, but 'he' nods readily enough. "Okay... just get the 
  stew, then, I guess?"

Shikh shakes his head, eyes looking away distractedly as he rests his chin on 
  his hand, "Nah, whatever you want, kid... the usual drill... I'll cover ya." 
  He glumly takes a swallow of his water, swishing it around for a moment 
  before swallowing hard.

Shenner begins, "Okay...." Then turns to flag down the server at the food 
  counter, and signaling for a couple of bowls of the stew anyway. And cider. 
  Only then does Shen turn back to study 'his' companion, and ask, "Um... you 
  okay?"

Shikh looks back and nods, his prettyboy grin returning again, "Course, 
  nothing wrong... never..." He chuckles and swirls his water a bit, eyeing 
  the budding musician sitting across from him.

Shenner's brow crinkles, and 'he' leans forward over the table to murmur, "I 
  look like you, remember? Means you don't sling Bantha dung any better 'n' I 
  do, big bro."

Shikh shakes his head, "Nothin' I can put my finger on really, Shen... wish I 
  could, actually, then I could be rid of it, buy..." he shrugs, "Nothing."

Shenner's face stays crinkled in slight worry, as the server heads on over 
  with the stew and the cider. "Well... if you don't wanna talk about it," 
  Shen murmurs, uncertainly. The kid settles down to spoon at stew.

Shikh shrugs, pulling his stew closer, "Snot that, honestly... Just I don't 
  know, 'skind of a feeling I've got, that's all, just blah, ya know?"

Shenner nods slowly, downing a bit of cider, then saying, "Well, um.... should 
  I talk or shut up, or what?"

Shikh looks up and smiles, "Sure, talk away... just not in muc o a talkin' 
  mood myself, tonight. Never said I wasn't willing to listen though..."

Shenner grins crookedly. "Okay, well, um. I been makin' a lot more credits 
  since I started haulin' the guitar around... and I been studyin' music in 
  the lesson holos. Been fun, really."

Shikh nods, trying his stew. "Yeah? I was never much for enjoying instruction, 
  but I guess if it's bringin in the credits..." he grins, spoon in hand.
Shikh looks at you for a moment.

Shenner goes on to chatter at you, about learning elementary music theory. 
  "What notes go where, and all that... and what they're called, I mean, I 
  could make the notes before but now I know what to call 'em. And stuff like 
  that. Helps me figure out how to write down stuff I got in my head, too...."

Shikh nods in fascination, watching Shen banter on about 'his' love in life, 
  music.

The redhead finishes off the stew and a good bit of 'his' cider, while telling 
  you all about learning about quarter notes and half notes and treble clefs 
  and bass, staves and time signatures and other details of music.

Shikh listens intently, nodding occasionally, draining his cider as well, 
  though he barely touches his stew.

Shenner cuts off in the middle of chattering something about minor keys, and 
  peers at you again. "You okay yet?" 'he' asks hopefully.

Shikh shakes his head, "Nah, not feelin' too well, kid... think I'm gonna call 
  it a night. You'll get home okay, right?" He slides some hastily produced 
  credits out onto the table, eyes fixed on Shen as he slips his wallet away.

Shenner's eyes turn uncertain, as the redhead nods slowly. "Yeah, no 
  problem... you take care, okay?"

Shikh nods slowly, standing up, "Yeah, sure. I'll be fine, count on it..." he 
  grins again, pushing in his chair, "You too... watch out for Imps and Espos, 
  huh? Specially that Major whats'isface..."

Shenner promises, "I will, pal." 'He' grins back, a bit heartened by your 
  expression.

Shikh nods and sidles past Shen, working his way out, impatiently waiting for 
  a delivering waiter to clear the walkway before him. He yawns and disappears 
  into the night.
Shikh moves east onto a wide avenue.
Shikh has left.

[End log.]