Log Date: 4/15, 4/16/97 Log Cast: Paul Nighman, Shenner, Jeralic, Burrachacca, Kryan, Steyl, David Swift, Jan Impenda, Henshaw, Dane Noth, Cirah, Shaboth, Vox Log Intro: On Tatooine to find and meet with Grathix about the search for artifacts on Mandalore, Shenner and Paul Nighman have also discovered from Luke Skywalker that Grathix is rumored to have connections to a shady group called the V'ez-tcha... and that Grathix might well have the missing Han Solo. Troubled by this, Paul, Shenner, and Luke have made plans to meet Grathix as a united front, and to find out what they can without giving too much away. In the meantime, Shenner has been wrestling with her feelings for Paul. Confused by his turnaround on Calamari, yet thrilled that he's wanted her with him on this journey, Shenner has hung back from any further reminders to him of her impulsive declaration of love. It hasn't helped that thus far she's seemed rather useless to have on such a journey as this... especially when a jaunt out into Mos Eisley reminds Shenner that she knows no language but Basic. Anxious to prove to Paul that she won't disappoint his decision to make her his assistant, she's begun diligently studying the basic points of first aid he's taught her -- and fretted at him about feeling 'stupid'. To her delight and wonder, Paul's sought to bolster her spirits by buying her new clothes and her own medikit... and has further thrilled her with a purchase of his own, a simple battered hat that neverthless reminds Shenner -- and her hormones -- that her friend is _quite_ good-looking.... ---------- The hat has fallen completely over Paul's face during the night, and as he awakens the next morning, it startles him somewhat. He shakes his head and the hat slides off to one side and he glances around before recalling where he is. He sits up slowly and then stretches, yawning widely and checking his chrono curiously. Over near her gear, her back turned to Paul, Shenner might be found parked cross-legged on the seat she'd slept on, tugging a brief little garment that looks like a sport bra into place. As it's tugged, it covers a stretch of pinkish indentations across her shoulderblades that look for all the world like what you might get on your face if you sleep with your head buried in a pillow.... except that this is her back. Jeralic pulls out his comlink as it goes off, starting to talk into it Paul catches a flash of Shen's back and then looks over at Jeralic. "Morning," he offers as a general comment to all. He slowly rises then, stretching more intently. Jeralic nods, still talking into his comlink Shenner glances up over her shoulder, warily, then hastily reaches for the first of the shirts she's tugged out of her gear... the purple one, it happens. The girl tugs it on over her head, then peers down at it, critically. Paul cracks his head to one side and then the other, having slept on it oddly during the night. He looks back at Shen as she scrambles to put on the shirt. "Let's see how it fits," he murmurs. Shenner turns around where she's sitting, smiling a little, ruefully. She's got on the black pants Paul bought as well as the purple shirt, and she stands up, still peering down at herself as if trying to figure out whose body she's just clothed. Pursing his lips for a moment, Paul steps forward and grabs her by the waist, cinching the shirt there and then nods approvingly. "Needs a belt," he notes, "but we can pick that up during breakfast. Otherwise, looks good." Shenner oofs a little, and mutters gruffly, "Don't think this, uh, purple clashes with my hair?" "Nope," he mutters idly, stepping back, "and it goes great with your eyes ... but if you'd prefer a different color, you can always exchange it." Shenner's brow crinkles at the concept, then she grins crookedly. "Just tryin' to get used to the color, I guess, I mean, for somethin' I just _wear_." Paul laughs a little at that. "Well, I figured you bought that silk shirt, which is colorful ... you can add this to your bardly repetoire of clothing if you like." Shenner turns a suspicion shade of pink, not meeting Paul's gaze now. "Uh, yeah," she replies, intelligently. "The silk." With a shrug Paul replies, "Well, this isn't silk ... not as fancy, but it's another option I suppose ... would you rather exchange it for something else? Something silk?" Shenner at that looks up and shakes her head vehemently, her expression utterly earnest as she pipes, "This is great!" Perhaps she realizes she's sounding strange, then, for she tempers it with a bit of a lopsided grin. "Really." "Well, alright then," he murmurs affably. "Do you want to get something to eat? Do the town, so to speak?" His expression is slightly sarcastic in terms of Mos Eisley being a town worth doing, but his offer of food seems genuine. Shenner looks up at Paul, and grins at him, askew. "I'll wear this out if you wear the hat," she tells him. Quirking a puzzled brow, Paul leans over and scoops up the hat settling it on his head with one hand, rocking it back and forth for a second to get it on just right. "That good, huh?" he teases her, "or is it that bad?" He again crans his neck about to try to find some reflective surface in the room, but to no avail. "I like it," Shenner pronounces firmly. She gives her tall friend a broad grin by way of punctuation of that statement, then moves over to tug on her boots. After a moment's thought she slips her many-pocketed vest on over the purple shirt, before turning back to Paul. "I'm ready!" Paul nods and heads for the exit. "Okay, let's go." He hits the panel to open the door and then seeing that there is no one around to spot them, steps out quickly, waiting for Shen before closing the door again. Shenner hastens out after Paul, moving as quietly as she can. Paul_Nighman has left. [Shenner and Paul head out through Docking Bay 94, and south through Customs and along Main Street, to...] You continue on your way south. Dockside Cafe -Mos Eisley- This side street winds between Docking Bay 92 to the west, and the back of the Jawa Traders complex to the east. Tucked in amongst several personal dwelings lies the Dockside Cafe. It is a small covered bar with 12 or so stools along its length. The place is quite crowded despite it's location. Spacers from a thousand worlds gather here to trade tales of fame a fortune. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Paul_Nighman => Burrachacca -=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=- orth leads to Main Street -Mos Eisley-. ast leads to Jawa Traders -Mos Eisley-. est leads to Docking Bay 92 -Mos Eisley-. Paul_Nighman disapears behind the Cafe. Burrachacca growls and says, "rrg reeow:)", in Wookiee. Burrachacca looks at you for a moment. Burrachacca looks at Paul and says, "ahghghgh awwwwwrrrrrrhhhhh ahrck mmmrrrruuugh krahghrowj mmrroooa grrraahhh?", in Wookiee. Burrachacca nods at the other...man Paul looks up at the Wookie, catching a few words here and there, but not all of it. "I'm sorry, what am I doing here?" Burrachacca Before you stands a huge Wookiee, probably 7'6". He is very well built and looks menacing and determined. He has black fur with a few brown streaks, and wears an ammo bandolier with a belt pouch around his torso. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => 36T Blaster Carbine -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => WristComp Burrachacca nods Shenner trails to a halt just behind Paul, and blinks up at the Wookiee; the small human's green eyes widen. Paul looks at Shen and then smiling offers, "Ah, getting some breakfast I think," and he flags down a harried looking waiter, who crossly slaps down two menu's and then leaves. Burrachacca looks at the two beings and says, "auoorgh ahhhh awroooohh oooorrrr?", in Wookiee. Burrachacca says, "mmmrrrruuugh frowh eat...just ahhhhhh rrrrwwaa", in Wookiee. Shenner grins weakly. "Breakfast," comes an agreement from this one, and a bob of the short-haired head. Paul smiles at that and gestures to the table, "Please do." He smiles politely. Burrachacca takes a seat at the table next to the Dockside Cafe. Burrachacca comes out from the table at the Dockside Cafe. Burrachacca disapears behind the Cafe. Burrachacca grins baring his teeth and says, "ruuahhhh rrrhl mmrroooa auoorgh..", in Wookiee. Burrachacca looks at Paul and says, "ruuahhhh ahghghgh oooorrrr reeow rahrahraff ahghghgh?", in Wookiee. Paul peers idly through the menu and then looks back up to the Wookie, "Yeah, well, I don't like a lot of noise and jostling," he offers aimably. He ofers a hand to the wookie. "Paul Nighman, and I'm in shipping and transportation," he adds in answer to the Wookie's question. Burrachacca nods and shakes the hand, perhaps a little vigorously and says, "auoorgh... mmmrrrruuugh krahghrowj", in Wookiee. Shenner, looking _utterly_ at a loss, glances between the man and the Wookiee, and settles gingerly into a seat. Burrachacca looks at the other person and says, "oooooo", in Wookiee. You slip into the corner. CORNER This corner is tucked just behind the cafe. It is hiden in shadow from the suns and from the surrounding streets. A good place to hide and have discusions of the secret and private kind. Being that it is well out of the way from the casual passer-by. Occupied: Paul_Nighman Burrachacca Burrachacca looks back at Paul and says, "brhnnnh arrrrgggh ahhhhhh rrrrwwaa hrowrowhr", in Wookiee. Paul chuckles at that and turns to Shenner. "Yeah, it can be a fun job at times ... this is my companion, Shen," he offers. He then looks to Shen and says, "This is Burracacca, and he just said hello to you." Burrachacca shakes his head and says, "rawrr", in Wookiee. Shenner half-smiles, and offers sheepishly, "Hiya." Burrachacca nods and grins at Shen Burrachacca looks back at Paul and says, "rahgh oooooo mrrowr aaaaaa rahgh, rowf?", in Wookiee. Paul nods and in an aplogetic voice says, "Burrachacca, sorry." He smiles at the Wookie and tilts his head. "Normally, yes, but it is currently on loan and I'm slumming. What do you do?" Burrachacca nods and says, "auoorgh mmmrrrruuugh ahghghgh oooorrrr ooaaaaaa.", in Wookiee. Burrachacca says, "vrawgh rahr ooooaugh oooooo mrrowr rahr brhnnnh rawrr mrrowr''", in Wookiee. Burrachacca says, "rahrahraff awroooohh... awwwwwrrrrrrhhhhh?", in Wookiee. Paul chuckles at that. "Well, around here, being a mercenary anything seems to be a common trade, but being a Wookie gives you something of an edge on the market, I'm sure." Burrachacca says, "rrrhl hhhrrrrroog.. grrraahhh grrowr rrrhl mmrroooa ooaaaaaa ruuahhhh krahghrowj rrg reeow mmmrrrruuugh", in Wookiee. The young redhead Shenner, still looking rather at a loss, peers over the menu on the table. For Shen's benefit Burrachacca tightens one paw into a fist and smacks the other paw to show what he does.. "Who did I loan it to?" Paul asks, a little confused, not parsing everything said. "A friend." He then peers at the Wookie again, "What an impressive a Wookie as yourself having trouble finding work ... things slow, huh?" Burrachacca says, "grah rrowr.", in Wookiee. Shenner quirks an eyebrow at the Wookiee's gesture. Not _quite_ sure what it means, she just half-grins and nods, hesitantly. Burrachacca says, "arrrrgggh ahhhhhh aaaaaa rahgh:)", in Wookiee. Paul tsks thoughtfully and turns to Shen. "Our friend here is a mercenary, but work is slow." Burrachacca urf urfs.. Burrachacca nods and says, "mrrowr rahr hrowrowhr grrrrow vrawgh rahr hrowrowhr...", in Wookiee. Burrachacca says, "ahhhhhh aaaaaa ooooaugh arrrrgggh rawr rahr rrowr oooooo:)", in Wookiee. Paul just blinks at that last comment. "I'm sorry, I'm afraid my Wookie is a little rusty. You're looking to get off Tatooine in order to find more work elsewhere?" The kid nods tentatively, fidgeting with one corner of her vest. "That's rough," she says in honest sympathy, if confused, too. Burrachacca nods and says, "ahhhh, ahghghgh", in Wookiee. Burrachacca thinks for a moment... Burrachacca says, "hhhrrrrroog ooaaaaaa mmmrrrruuugh ahghghgh oooorrrr ooaaaaaa..", in Wookiee. Burrachacca motions to his carbine... Burrachacca says, "ooooaugh rowf ahhhhhh rahr ooooaugh arrrrgggh ahhhhhh..", in Wookiee. Paul grins and mumurs, "I have got to hit the books I think." to himself. Paul notices the look and smiles. "I see, so you're broke, or you still have enough to keep you going for awhile?" Burrachacca says, "mrrowr aaaaaa rrowr rowf", in Wookiee. Burrachacca says, "aaaaaa ooooaugh", in Wookiee. Burrachacca says, "oooooo ahhhhhh mmmrrog rrowr rowf mrrowr?", in Wookiee. Burrachacca says, "mmmrrog brhnnnh?", in Wookiee. Paul shrugs and chuckles. "Well, I'm piecing it together bit by bit ... what's broken?" he asks curiously. Burrachacca says, "arrrrgggh ahhhhhh rrrrwwaa rahgh rawrr ahhhhhh rrrrwwaa rrowr arrrrgggh grrr", in Wookiee. Burrachacca urf urfs... and says, "grrrrow grrr", in Wookiee. Paul nods sympathetically. "That's rough." Burrachacca sighs and says, "rrrrwwaa..", in Wookiee. Picking at something randomly on the menu, Paul turns to Shen. "You know what you want?" He then turns back to the Wookie. "I did loan out my ship, but I don't do that normally ... this was a special case this time." Burrachacca says, "vrawgh rahr rahgh arrrrgggh grrr aaaaaa?", in Wookiee. Kryan comes west from Docking Bay 92. Kryan has arrived. You say, "Just a sandwich, I guess...." Paul nods, hoping that he understood the Wookie correctly. "I do have my own ship, _The Quasar Bolt_." Kryan strolls out of the hangar bay, glancing over at those seated in the cantia as she passes. Kryan Mops of black tendrils cover the top of Kryan's head, the portions from her earlobes down having been shaved smooth. Coffee eyed and mahogany skinned, she appears to be a human female in the early stages of maturity. Perhaps 22 or 24 or so. Her build is common, rising to 5'8" and being filled out where one would expect a female of her race and age. Shapely, and a bit overly thin as her neck and fingers hint at a lower than ideal weight. Her outfit is sparse. Dusty collected castoffs. Trousers. A tunic, and a patched jacket. Boots over her feet, scuffed and worn. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Protective Vest Burrachacca nods and says, "ooaaaaaa", in Wookiee. Kryan looks at you for a moment. Paul signals over a waiter and waits patiently till he comes over with a grouchy expression. Paul_Nighman says, "favre' reutt dura dri trill j'ur con cho kun tjo con dri, kun?", in Bocce. Burrachacca daydreams of joining a crew and heading for the stars... Kryan sighs, waves a bit at the heat of the day, then shifts her course over to the scant shadings of the Dockside Cefe. Kryan takes a seat at the Dockside Cafe bar. Paul, having ordered, looks back at Shen. "Anything to drink?" Burrachacca looks at Kryan and then back to Paul as he continues.. Paul turns back curiously to the Wookie. "So, what are you going to do now? Do you have friends in town that can put you up for awhile?" Burrachacca tilts his head from side to side and says, "rahgh...", in Wookiee. Burrachacca says, "brhnnnh rowf", in Wookiee. Shenner tells Paul, "Whatever kinda juice they got is fine..." but doesn't say much as he speaks with the Wookiee. Paul smiles at that and nods with a certain amount of sympathy. "That's too bad ... sorry I can't help you out, but I don't currently need anyone to be beaten into a pulp." He then smirks a little. "But if that changes, I'll let you know." Shenner simply sits there, one skinny hand fidgeting with the dainty shell pendant at 'his' neck. Burrachacca grins baring his teeth and says, "ahhhhhh...", in Wookiee. Burrachacca eyes up Shen with curiosness... Paul looks at Shen and nods. "Okay," and then he touches her arm. "I'm ignoring you, huh?" He looks up at the Wookie, "Sorry, didn't make that last one out." Steyl comes north from Main Street. Steyl has arrived. Steyl glances around. Steyl looks at you for a moment. Shenner grins, tinily. "Don't mind me none," she mutters sheepishly. Kryan glances over at Shenner's glass, then ponders the offerings again. Finallys saying. "Whatever he..is having." Burrachacca grins as he see Steyl and says, "krahghrowj!!", in Wookiee. Steyl smirks at Burrachacca. "how's it goin Buddy?" Burrachacca urf urfs and says, "ahghghgh awwwwwrrrrrrhhhhh ahrck, rahrahraff frowh mmrroooa ooaaaaaa?", in Wookiee. Paul is distracted by the newcomer and then looks up to find the waiter gone. "Figures." He turns back to take in the Wookie and his friend. Steyl says, "I'm pretty good.......anything happening out here?", in Basic. David_Swift comes north from Main Street. David_Swift has arrived. Burrachacca shakes his head and says, "arrrrgggh mrrowr mmmrrog rahgh oooooo grrr rahr..", in Wookiee. David_Swift takes a seat at the Dockside Cafe bar. It would seem that the redheaded youngster is having a fruit juice, as that is what is provided to Kryan's request. The redhead actually receives a serving of juice _after_ Kryan does, as the waiter receives the woman first. Steyl shrugs and wanders toward Burrachacca. Steyl A tall young man with chiseled features. His short dark hair hangs loosely over his brow, almost obscuring his brown eyes. He wears a white tunic tucked into a pair of brown slacks. A pair of calf high black leather boots meet the slacks. Over the tunic a black jacket is left unbuttoned. On his hands are a pair of leather fingerless gloves that appear to be well worn. On his left cheek is a long pink scar. Around his waist a utility belt hangs loosely with a brown holster buckled to it and also buckled to his right thigh with a blasterin it. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => SBP-200 Blaster Pistol -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => WristComp Jan_Impenda comes north from Main Street. Jan_Impenda has arrived. David_Swift motions for the bartender. David_Swift David Stands ruffly around 6' with a mild build. He wears a White long sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Around his waist is a small belt with an Empty blaster holster. Inside the holster is a small radio. He also wears some white cacky shorts and at his feet sandles. His black hair is combed back into a small pony tail and his eyes are coved up by sunglasses not alowing you to there color(Blue). He seems to have a calm look about him. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => 36T Blaster Carbine -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Duffel bag Burrachacca introduces Paul to Steyl and says, "rrrhl mmrroooa ooaaaaaa ahhhh, ahghghgh oooorrrr grrraahhh rahrahraff frowh hhhrrrrroog:)", in Wookiee. Jan_Impenda Jan Impenda is a tall slim Twi'lek. He wears a darlk blue robe with a black vest on over it. Every now and then his lekku twitch and move slowly about. He has needle sharp teeth which are very obvious as he smile often. His red tinged eyes soak everything up in a glance. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => M44 Blaster Pistol Jan_Impenda heads north to Main Street. Jan_Impenda has left. Steyl nods at Paul. "pleased to meet you...." Paul offers a nod to the young man. "Same here." The Person behind the counter walks over to David "What can I get ya" Burrachacca nearly forgets Shen and says, "grrrrow, mrrowr mmmrrog, brhnnnh' rowf", in Wookiee. Steyl smirks and nods. Burrachacca looks around, woofles and says, "rrrrwwaa' rrowr...", in Wookiee. Steyl looks at you for a moment. David_Swift turns to the Bartneder "Hoth Mineral Water" Kryan shrugs to David as she takes a testing sip of the juice. Paul chuckles giving the Wookie a grin. "You should be my manners or something," he notes with humor. He grins at Shenner then. "Sorry sweetheart, I'm getting lax I guess in my old age." The bartender nods and quickly makes the drink for David. Burrachacca looks at the man at the bar and then back to Steyl Steyl leans against the bar. "so what are you guys doing here on Tatooine?" Shenner, juice acquired, settles in to drink it. At the same table as Paul and the Wookiee, she holds the glass in one hand, fiddling with her pendant reflexively with the other; Steyl's arrival is noted by the redhead's green eyes, but Shenner offers no commentary till Paul looks back to her. What she says is simply, "You ain't old,"delivered with a teasing smirk. Peering up at Steyl, Paul replies, "Just slacking for the moment." Steyl glances over at Burrachacca with a smirk and an approving nod. Paul smiles as a waiter appears, placing a plate in front of him and Shen. He picks up a sandwich type object and tries a bite, his expression a little pleased and surprised that it doesn't taste horrid. "So Steyl, are you in the same buisness as Burrachacca here?" Burrachacca woofles with content and sits back, placing his arms behind his head, relaxing... Steyl says, "pretty much......I'm a pilot.......", in Basic. Steyl smiles with confidence. "A _good_ pilot. Paul barks out a laugh and gives the Wookie a sideway glance. "Hey, you didn't tell me that was what you did." Shenner simply eats, green gaze flicking from face to face near 'his' table. Burrachacca urf urfs to himself.. Steyl grins toothily. "well, Burrachacca here is the brawn of the crew......" Burrachacca woofles quietly and says, "aaaaaa..", in Wookiee. Paul leans back and eyes the two of them, then chuckles again to the Wookie, "And you said you didn't have any friends .... I think you were pulling a sob story on me Burrachacca," but his expression indicates that he doesn't mind if it's true. Burrachacca tilts his head, side to side...and grins Steyl smirks. Paul's gaze rises again to take in Steyl. "So, do you have a ship, or are you freelance like your friend here?" Burrachacca looks back to Paul and says, "ahrck rahrahraff frowh awwwwwrrrrrrhhhhh auoorgh?", in Wookiee. Paul looks back to the Wookie, frowning again as his noun server crashes. "I'm sorry, is my ship what?" Steyl glances at Paul. "I'm looking to get a ship.......right now, I'm looking for any work I can get" Burrachacca says, "brhnnnh grrrrow grrr rahr?", in Wookiee. Henshaw comes north from Main Street. Henshaw has arrived. Paul quirks an eyebrow. "Yeah, seems like everyone is desperate for work these days." He frowns in frustration as he still can't understand what the Wookie is asking him. "Sorry Burrachacca, I'm just not getting it ... are you wonderinf if my ship is here? Fast? Available?" Burrachacca looks up at the new arrival Steyl smirks at Paul. "if it's here." Henshaw Henshaw appears to be a human, in his mid 30s, but you can never tell. His hieght reaches 5'6 at best, his weight balancing out at about 150 terran pounds you guess. His eyes, a steady blue eyes seem to capture your soul for a moment, before releasing it. His hair is dark black, looking like it hasnt' been combed in a few days. On his forehead, just above his left eye, you see a scar from the past. He wears a simple, green tunic, with a raised collar. Over the shirt, he wears a dark brown-yellow spacers jacket. The front of the jacket has a zipper, which is currently only part way zipped. Around his waist, he wears a black belt, with a silver buckle. On his left hip, rides a blaster pistol. He has a set of black trousers that cover his legs as well. A set of black, well worn, used combta boots cover his feet. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => XiX Blaster Pistol => Slaver Stun Pistol Henshaw looks around slowly, looking slightly nervous. Paul looks up to Steyl and smirks. "Thanks, my Wookie is a little rusty these days." His eyes sidle back to the Wookie and he replies, "No, remember? It's on loan ... in fact, I don't have a clue where the Bolt is at the moment." Burrachacca looks to Steyl and says, "rahr' rahgh", in Wookiee. Burrachacca nods slowly...he remembers what Paul told him.. Shenner just sits and eats, watching Paul from across the table the two have claimed, trying to follow the conversation from the one understandable side. Steyl glances at Burrachacca and smirks. Burrachacca looks at Steyl and says, "rahrahraff awroooohh oooorrrr grrraahhh rahrahraff krahghrowj awwwwwrrrrrrhhhhh reeow mmmrrrruuugh rrrhl...", in Wookiee. Burrachacca says, "brhnnnh rowf mrrowr grah", in Wookiee. Steyl smirks. "I know, they're xpensive.....hopefully we'll get hired soon and get some more money to buy a freighter. Paul cocks his head to one side. "I saw an ad for a ship in the market place ... not too steep a price, and a decent ship, an Incom I think." Burrachacca nods and says, "oooorrrr..", in Wookiee. Burrachacca looks at Paul and says, "mmmrrog ooooaugh rowf?", in Wookiee. Steyl nods at Paul. "yeah....I've been ytalking with the guy....he's not around too often though....that's the problem." Burrachacca snorts and says, "rahrahraff..:)", in Wookiee. Paul watches the interactions with a grin. "Yeah, they're even willing to do a downpayment and monthly installments ... so you could use the ship to help pay it off," he notes helpfully. Steyl nods at Paul. "if we can find him...." Burrachacca looks up..he didnt know that... Henshaw looks around more more time, and slips out Henshaw heads north to Main Street. Henshaw has left. Dane_Noth arives ffrom the east. Dane_Noth has arrived. Paul_Nighman shrugs and replies, "Yeah, that is the trick, isn't it?" Steyl nods. Burrachacca looks at the new arrival quickly.. Steyl says, "In the meantime, I'm hoping to find someone to hire me on as a short term mechanic.", in Basic. Dane_Noth walks in and glances around briefly before turning and heading back out. Dane_Noth Standing 6'4" this man appears in his mid to late forties, his deep grey eyes those of a man who has seen more. He wears his hair in a short on the sides military cut, slightly spikey. His features are rugged and slightly pointed, giving him a hardened look. His body is altheticly muscular yet lean, over it he wears a tight fitting white shirt with black military cut jacket. His lower body is clad in a pair of black pants that bear a thin double dark green stripe along each side, over which he wears a low slung gunfighter rig. His feet are clad in polished black jack boots which stop just above the calf. His eyes scan the area almost constantly, his movements precise and graceful. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => 36T Blaster Carbine -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Armored case Dane_Noth heads north to Main Street. Dane_Noth has left. Paul watches the latest arrival closely, his eyes narrowing as he suspects that maybe, just maybe the man is Mandalorian. Burrachacca looks back to Steyl Burrachacca says, "rrrhl awwwwwrrrrrrhhhhh", in Wookiee. Steyl glances at Burrachacca. "yeah....." Burrachacca says, "rrrhl rrg reeow ruuahhhh krahghrowj mmrroooa, ooaaaaaa ahhhh frowh awwwwwrrrrrrhhhhh ahrck grrowr krahghrowj..", in Wookiee. "Good luck to you ... both," Paul replies, finishing off his sandwich. Steyl nods to Burrachacca. Burrachacca looks to Paul and says, "oooooo", in Wookiee. Steyl nods and flashes a grin at Paul. Paul gives the Wookie a grin. "You're welcome." Steyl says, "remember if you need a mechanic....I'm the guy to find", in Basic. Burrachacca looks at Steyl and says, "mmrroooa ahrck grrowr ahghghgh?", in Wookiee. Cirah comes north from Main Street. Cirah has arrived. Steyl glances at Cirah. Steyl says, "now you meet another member of the group.", in Basic. Cirah A young lady standing roughly 5'4" tall. She has long light brown hair hanging to her waist. Her brown eyes seem to sparkle with an inner light. her lips seem a touch on the pouty side. She is dressed in a simple flight suit with a cloak drawn over her shoulders, both of midnight blue. On her feet are a pair of grey boots. Her hands are left uncovered. Steyl waves Cirah over. Cirah go walks over to steyl Burrachacca looks up at the newcomer.. Paul looks up to the young woman and smiles a charming Corellian smile. "Well, the gangs all here then," he mumurs with a chuckle. Steyl says, "Cirah, this is Burrachacca.", in Basic. Cirah walks over to steyl Burrachacca looks at Paul chuckling and says, "ahrck", in Wookiee. Burrachacca stands up and bows low for Cirah Burrachacca says, "awroooohh oooorrrr ooaaaaaa ruuahhhh frowh rrg:)", in Wookiee. Steyl points at Paul. "that's paul and his lady friend is Shen. Steyl glances at Cirah. "burrachacca said he's pleased to meet you." Shenner, ever so slightly, shifts stance and expression where she -- 'he'? -- she sits across from Paul, dark eyebrows drawing together over green eyes. The young redhead looks up at this gathering crowd with a gaze turned wary and impassive, before returning to finish off the last of the sandwich. That done, both of Shenner's hands take turns fidgeting with the ocarina pendant around her neck. "I ain't no lady," she finally puts in, sounding somehow put out. Burrachacca looks at Steyl and nods Paul offers Cirah a wink and a grin. "Nice to meet you ...?" Steyl blinks and turns to Shen. "I'm sorry....." Cirah says, "HI nice to meet you all", in Basic. Burrachacca urf urfs and says, "grrr rahr hrowrowhr rawrr rawr grah hrowrowhr:)", in Wookiee. Steyl grins. "he said nice to meet you too Burrachacca heads back out to the street. Paul looks over to Shenner, a little puzzled by her put out tone and then whispers something in the kid's ear. Burrachacca looks towards Paul and says, "oooooo mrrowr grah brhnnnh", in Wookiee. Paul_Nighman whispers, "Hey, you okay, shall we scram?"" Paul looks back to the Wookie. "Nice to meet you too," he offers with a smile. Burrachacca nods and grins Steyl tries to conceal a grin. Shenner doesn't quite meet Paul's gaze. "M'okay," comes a low mutter. Burrachacca steps a little closer to Steyl and stands by his side.. Paul nods and then looks at the little group. He waves a hand and the surly waiter returns and slaps down the check before bustling off again. Paul picks up the check and peruses it before pulling out a few credits and laying them down on the slip of paper. Turning back to Shenner he asks, "All done?" Shenner mumbles, "Yeah," still not quite looking at Paul. Cirah says, "well i must go it was nice meeting you all", in Basic. Cirah heads west through the blast doors to Docking Bay 92 Cirah has left. David_Swift looks at you for a moment. Steyl says, "I should be going to........I have business to attend to", in Basic. Paul rises and offers Shen a hand. "Well, let's go then." Steyl glances at the Wookiee. "I'll see you later big guy...." Steyl wanders toward the door. "Um.... yeah, sure..." Shenner stands, folding her smaller, slimmer hand into Paul's big one, still not looking at him, or at least not up at his face. Burrachacca nods and says, "hrowrowhr grrrrow mrrowr:)", in Wookiee. Steyl waves as he leaves. Steyl heads west through the blast doors to Docking Bay 92 Steyl has left. Paul_Nighman heads back out to the street. Burrachacca looks around.. You head back to the street. Burrachacca looks at Paul and says, "rahgh' grrrrow?", in Wookiee. Paul gives Burrachacca a wave. "Good luck Burrachacca, see you around maybe, you shyster you." He offers his hand to Shen, giving the Wookie one last grin before turning to look at the kid. Burrachacca woofles and waves a little Shenner, hand slipping a little more tightly around Paul's, lingers by him in what is evidently unease. She half-smiles at the big Wookiee, but says nothing. Paul_Nighman heads north to Main Street. Paul_Nighman has left. You continue on your way. Main Street -Mos Eisley- The streets are lined with small buildings and shops. There is always lots of traffic here, with beings passing from the hotels to the spacepots and back. like all sections of Mos Eisley, the atmosphere is that of a beaten sand covered enviornment. Spaceport Speeders sits on the northern end of the block, while the hotel complex towers over you from the west. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Paul_Nighman => Shaboth -=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=- orth leads to Spaceport Customs Station 1. ast leads to Main Street -Mos Eisley-. outh leads to Dockside Cafe -Mos Eisley-. est leads to Hotel Complex -Mos Eisley-. leads to Spaceport Speeders -Mos Eisley-. Shaboth heads east down Main Street. Shaboth has left. "Anywhere else you want to go?" Paul asks the kid at his side curiously. Dane_Noth comes into view from the north. Dane_Noth has arrived. Dane_Noth walks by on his way to the hotel complex. Paul's gaze is caught by the man again, and he frowns slightly, as he tries to get a better look, but says nothing. Vox comes west from the Hotel Complex. Vox has arrived. If the grip Shenner has on Paul's hand is any indication, the youngster is quite bothered by _something_; in answer to her companion's question, she just shrugs and mutters, "Nah.... not really...." Dane_Noth stops and fixes his gaze on Paul, eyes narrowing some as he makes his way towards him. Paul glances down at their joined hands and nods, "Okay then, we can just head back to the ship ..." but his voice dies off as the man turns and heads straight for them. Dane_Noth stosp near the two, looking straight at Paul he speaks, "Have a problem friend?" Burrachacca comes south from the Dockside Cafe. Burrachacca has arrived. Paul looks at the man a little curiously and shrugs, "No, just thought you looked familiar, that's all," he answers casually. Burrachacca heads west to the Hotel Complex. Burrachacca has left. Burrachacca comes west from the Hotel Complex. Burrachacca has arrived. Burrachacca heads east down Main Street. Burrachacca has left. At the sudden stop of the stranger, Shenner straightens, stiffens, and her grip on Paul's hand goes tighter. She says nothing, simply glances warily between the two men. Dane_Noth looks at you for a moment. Dane_Noth nods slightly, his tone one of warning, 'It's best not to stare at people on this hole." Paul gives the man a sage nod, his eyes reflecting that he indeed knows this to be true. "Agreed, everyone here looks like somebody, and none of them want to be identified for the most part," he replies in a deceptively soft tone. "My mistake," he offers graciously. Shenner just... waits, tensely, and at last nudges her companion. "Let's go..." She doesn't _say_ 'please', but her tone implies it. Paul looks at Shenner and then giving the man a gracious slight bow says, "If you'll excuse us?" his tone implying both in terms of leaving, and if any offense was taken. Dane_Noth nods and turns on his heel, heading towards the hotel. Dane_Noth glances backward occasionally at the two, just in case.. Dane_Noth heads west to the Hotel Complex. Dane_Noth has left. Paul watches the man leave, his head cocking to one side curiously before he gives Shen's hand a squeeze and turns to head back to the docking bay. "Okay, let's go." Shenner, as if launched out of a starport, bursts into a stride back to the bay in question. [Shenner practically runs back to Docking Bay 94, with Paul in her wake...] The blast doors slide open as you enter Docking Bay 94. Docking Bay 94 Docking Bay 94 is no more than a run-down, beaten patch of steel gouged out of the rocky soil. Ship parts, tools, fuel tanks, and droids lay scattered about the massive spaceport. Despite the high steel carbon scored wall that surrounds the bay, sand still blows in covering anything that remains stationary for too long. Stairs lead up into the city, while an entrance ramp provides access for larger vehicles. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Shaboth => Gar'thriln => Blix => STARFIGHTER: Ghtroc Class 720 Freighter -- Chui Ieusi => Sevrus => STARFIGHTER: Ghtroc Class 720 Freighter -- Caesar's Ghost => STARFIGHTER: Ghtroc Class 720 Freighter -- Bizet => STARFIGHTER: Sienar Lambda Class Shuttle -- Darklighter => STARFIGHTER: Yacht Lady Luck => STARFIGHTER: Incom T-65B X-wing -- Skywalker -=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=- ast leads to Spaceport Customs Station 1. Paul_Nighman comes east from Spaceport Customs Station 1 Paul_Nighman has arrived. Paul trails after the running kid, his expression puzzled, his pace relaxed. Shenner weaves through the docking bay, taking the most circuitous route possible to one of the ships. Shenner enters in a code and enters STARFIGHTER: Sienar Lambda Class Shuttle -- Darklighter Cargo Area -- Darklighter This area serves as Cargo Area and makeshift passenger lounge of the Darklighter. Several acceleration couches are built into the walls, along with a number of equipment lockers. The Darklighter was designed for many purposes, including use as an Assault Transport, a Troop Carrier, Cargo Hauler, and Diplomatic Shuttle. This room is a testimony to the versatility of the Lambda Class Shuttle in all of these areas. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Jeralic => Cargo Computer: Darklighter -=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=- leads to Docking Bay 94. ore leads to Cockpit -- Darklighter. Shenner enters Cargo Area -- Darklighter Paul_Nighman has arrived. Paul_Nighman enters Cargo Area -- Darklighter Shenner quickly boards the vessel, and only once safely inside does the youngster collapse heavily onto her drafted couch. Paul slips into the ship subtly, with a casual glance back to confirm that no one saw him. He then walks over to Shen with a frown. "You okay?" he akss again, "I thought you were going to freak or something for a moment there." Jeralic looks up from the panel he's working at. "You two okay?" "I... I just don't... like Mos Eisley, okay?" Shenner mutters gruffly, not meeting Paul's regard. Paul nods brusquely. "Yeah, no worries, just met a few strange people, but who doesn't on this planet." Paul frowns at her statement, recalling that it is all his fault that she has that opinion. He sits down next to her heavily, a guilty look coming over his face. "I'm sorry," he offers lamely. Jeralic cuckles. "I hate this planet." Shenner mumbles without looking up, "Don't worry 'bout it...." With a soft sigh, Paul lays a hand on her knee. "Why don't you just tell me where to find Grathix and then you can stay with the ship when I go to meet up with Luke," he offers uncertainly, not sure how to deal with this delicate issue. At that, though, the kid shakes her head vehemently. "I said I wanna help," she declares, albeit with a rough edge to her voice. She risks looking up at Paul, and he can see definite resolve in her expression, trying to mask.... something. Paul regards her expression soberly. "And I'll let you help," he replies softly, "but there's no reason for you to go out there if you don't need to ... and don't want to." His face twists up again in an expression of guilt again. "Shen ... is there something I should know?" He frowns and shakes his head, "... I mean, it's okay, I would understand," and then realizing that he is not making a whole lot of sense, he says the one thing that is pressing heaviest on his mind. ... I'm ... I'm sorry ... "It's okay!" the girl insists swiftly, _now_ looking up at Paul. "Look, don't worry, okay, it's just me bein' an idiot kid, see?" Paul frowns. "Knock it off, you are not an idiot kid, alright?" Although the words are gruff, the tone is gentle. Shenner's gaze drops -- but below Paul's face is his open collar, and she jerks her gaze away from _that_ with noticeable speed. "Karkin' dandy assistant I make if I can't understand a smeggin' thing half the beings in this town say," she mutters, starting to blush. "Some of us ain't ever been to school, pal!" Sitting still for awhile, Paul does reflect on their disparate backgrounds. He always wondered when that would become an issue, and it looks like it is now. Funny thing is, he always thought that it would be his issue, not Shenner's. "Well, Wookiee is a very difficult language to understand .... and I've just got a natural ability with languages ... they come to me easily." I then looks at her tenderly and touches her shoulder, "I don't need a translator, I need an assistant ... and someone to watch my back in a pinch," he murmurs, his mind also wondering just how much of her protective gaze will be necessary because he is fretting over -her- back instead of just his own. Shenner lifts her gaze a little, but not all the way back up to Paul's face; she swallows at the touch to her shoulder, and mutters, "You just.... know so much, see? I-I feel... stupid." She scowls. "Don't know nothin' anymore, it seems like, who I am, what I want...." There's no easy solution to this one, and no easy answer. Carefully, Paul lets his hand rest more firmly on her shoulder. "I don't want you to feel stupid Shen ... just cause I know things doesn't mean that I am smarter or anything, it just means that I, well, know things. It doesn't prove that I'm more intelligent than anyone else, it just shows what my background and opportunities have allowed me to have." His hand increases it's pressure slightly. "I knew what I wanted early on in life, and that made my choices for me .... when you know what you want, then you'll make choices too ... cause it's hard to go somewhere if you don't have a general sense of direction yet." The hand on Shenner's shoulder might be able to feel that the girl has gone tense, and she hesitates before finally saying bleakly in reply, "I... guess that's my problem." She scowls again, then, oddly, her expression falters just a touch, cracking slightly, as she admits, "I-I... used to want stuff... when I was little, but made myself stop." "What did you want ... and why did you stop?" Shenner looks down at her hands, watching them fidget, the left on the ocarina, the right in her lap. "Wanted... I dunno, I wanted... to be a famous singer, or... to go off and join the Rebellion...." Her face grows more plaintive as she adds, very tinily, "Parents." Shenner finally scowls again and mutters, "Wanted a lot of stuff I couldn't have." She shrugs, tightly. Paul lets the hand drift from her shoulder to her back, rubbing in soothing circles. "Parents is a factor beyond your control," he murmurs with understanding and empathy, "but why give up on the other things ... do you still want them now, or do you want something different?" Shenner swallows again. Hard. And stays tense of frame, actually shaking a little now. Green gaze riveted on the far wall, she opens her mouth, closes it, and at last manages to hoarsely mumble, "Ain't... much different now than when I was ten, pal..." Paul shakes his head at her words, his hand registering her shaking form. "Things are very different now ... you're on your own, independent, playing guitar and busking ... you've grown from a little girl into a young woman, and you're far far away from Belsavis ... things are very different now, and you shouldn't be surprised if you are too ... that's only natural." His hand continues to sweep her back in wide circles. "I...." She is evidently fighting it, but that steady rubbing is just as evidently trickling through whatever shield she's trying to put around herself. Shenner's head drops a bit before she catches herself and hastily lifts it again to finish, ".... dunno myself anymore." Paul senses that something is about to break, finally let go, and when she barricades herself again, he frowns in frustration, thinking that if he could just get her to admit what was troubling her, then they would have something to work with. "Is that a bad thing ... I'm sure it's scary, but maybe this is your chance to make some choices?" His hand rises up to squeeze the back of her neck soothingly, trying to rub out the strain of her tensed muscles. Shenner's eyes shudder closed as the massage moves to her neck, and she winces -- perhaps at a knot there under her hairline. Or perhaps at whatever it is that motivates her to mumble, "Tried that..." Paul works on the knot gently and murmurs softly, "Okay, but it didn't work out, or it wasn't what you wanted?" he asks curiously. "Yes... no.... I mean..." Shenner appears to be losing control over her voice, as her head lolls slightly backwards against the hand behind it. His hand eases, not moving from her neck, but it stops rubbing. Paul begins to get a funny feeling that there has been an undercurrent to this conversation that he didn't notice before ... or maybe he's just imagining it? Either way, he seems to think that they have reached that point where Shen is going to crack and say what's really on her mind. Uncertainly, Paul rumbles, "Shen?" The girl croaks out, not opening her eyes, "Yeah?" Paul leans a little closer, looking at her face minutely, "What -do- you mean?" he asks, responding to her earlier broken phrase. Her eyelids lift open, revealing a deeply nervous green gaze. Finding Paul squarely in her line of sight, her eyes go a little wider, her expression a little more... unveiled, perhaps. She stares up transfixed at the man, and hears herself say without consciously willing it to happen, "I want to be with you." Paul's eyes widen a bit at that, as if that was not what he was expecting her to say. He recovers from his surprise quickly. "You are with me," he breathes softly, stating the obvious. "I know, and I-I-I like that, and..." She trails off, still staring, voice small, eyes huge. The fingers on your nape stroke absently, as if unable to not toy with your hair. Paul gives Shen a tiny smile, just the very corners of his mouth curling in contentment. "I like it too, " he murmurs, recalling the lessons and the music fondly, "and ...?" he probes a little further. Shenner again as though from a distance listens to herself breathe out, "I don't wanna screw it up...." Feeling the activity of those fingers there behind her neck, Shenner stops breathing for a moment, her eyes involuntarily dipping closed and then opening again. Paul nods, "Okay, no screw ups," he agrees, having not the faintest clue how to avoid those at all. "Can I help?" "Keep doin' th---" Shen's eyes then go horrified at her own words, and she cuts herself off, turning crimson. Paul's eyes grow curious, and despite himself, he continues his exploration of her neck. "This? You want this?" he asks softly. Part of his mind warns him to lay off now, and part sits back and watches curiously. Now that the physical need is less of an issue, it feels more confident of remaining in control. "Besides," it reminds him, "if you back away from her now, you'll only hurt her feelings and make her feel stupid again." It is a lame rationale, but Paul foolishly heeds it. Shakily, slowly, Shenner gives you just one nod, looking embarrassedly somewhere in the vicinity of your right shoulder. Paul continues to caress Shen's neck, his fingers trailing up and down. He watches her reactions. "Okay, so this is a start. What else?" he rumbles in a rich tenor. The girl's head lolls a bit back towards your hand; she does not answer you, at least not vocally. Perhaps the lessening of the knot there at the top of her spine, and a subtle lessening of tension in her features, is answer enough for the moment? You can see her momentarily draw breath to speak, but no sound emerges from her. Gratified at least by the easing of her frame, Paul continues to stroke Shen's neck, but doesn't push any further, letting her set the pace for whatever it is that is going on here. Shenner finally murmurs, voice still quite small and restrained, "Will... you do my shoulders, please?" Paul nods soundlessly, and he turns himself toward Shen and also turns her so she is facing away from him. He places his hands on her shoulders just stroking back and forth across them for the moment. "Hard, medium, or soft?" he queries. Shen pauses, head bowed now, showing the back of that neck you'd just been rubbing. She keeps her head bowed as she mumbles bemusedly, "Uh... medium, I guess?" Paul's hands start at the top of her neck, pressing firmly there and working their way down along her spine till they reach her shoulders. They then part company, each one working along the length of her shoulders and halfway down her upper arms before starting all over again. When he hits a knot, he pauses there, sometimes letting both hands work on it until it eases, and then moves on again. Shenner slumps forward a little under those ministrations; her shoulders, like her neck, are tight and tense, and it takes some time to work the snarls out of the small muscles under her skin. Every so often she spasmodically twitches, and once, she hisses, sharply, at a knot almost exactly centered under her left shoulder. Paul places his left hand on Shenner's upper chest and moving closer, works the muscule under her left shoulder with his right hand, using the left as support and something to push against so Shen can completely relax. He works the muscle carefully, not pushing it too hard, but working is slowly and methodically, increasing the pressure fraction by fraction till he feels the blockage beginning to dissolve under his fingers. "Breathe," he murmurs in her ear, "It's important to take deep breaths." Breathing. A good plan, in general, though with that warm voice rasping in her ear, it's difficult to implement it. Shenner sucks in what breath she can, and it's erratically paced. Feeling the knot ease, Paul shifts behind her again, his hand growing softer as her muscles begin to release their tension. His breath lightly caresses the back of her neck unintentionally as he watches his hands and her body's reactions, to determine where to massage next. Shenner remains bowed over, increasingly lower as her shoulders and neck make her droop. "Mrmmm." Paul chuckles lowly at her little noise and he begins to move is hands down along the length of her spine and the adjoining muscles. The girl certainly issues no objections, though further down the only tension in her back seems to come from the simple fact that she's hunched over. Shenner, at one point, manages to mumble, "Is this part of my salary, too?" Paul chuckles and his hands stop rubbing and start scratching her back through the shirt. "Well, I hadn't planned on that, but I suppose I could always dock your pay for my time as your personal masseuse," he teases. Shenner splutters once, very softly, at some thought or other, before she tells you, "I'd pay for this, yeah..." Paul's hands keep tracing patterns on the back of Shen's shirt. "So, how do you feel? Better?" "Mmmm..." Shenner reaches out with both hands and pushes herself up, slowly, till she can turn slightly around to look up at you. Her expression is still shy, but rather more relaxed, now, as she murmurs, "Thanks... uhm, I could do you, maybe? I-I mean, if you ever need it..." Paul smiles at that and looks at her consideringly. "Yeah, sure ... that sounds great to me," he replies warmly, his hands just resting lightly on her spine now. Shenner smiles briefly but broadly, her gaze flashing from Paul's face to his right shoulder and back again. Paul catches her glance and smiles. "Shall I sit on the floor? It would probably be easier for you." "Uhm..." Shen looks at you, then at the floor, then grins crookedly. "Uhm, sure...." Slipping to the floor, Paul yanks the hat and casually tosses it over to his acceleration couch. He settles himself between Shenner's legs, leaning against the back of the couch they've been sitting on obligingly. Shenner sits up a bit, and stares down at the top of Paul's head and the breadth of his shoulders for a moment before she brings her hands to touch his neck, tentatively. "What, uh, what do I do?" Craning his head backward, Paul leans back against one of her thighs. "Just wing it," he replies. "I can't really teach you anything about massage when I'm the subject ... and I'm not really that tense or anything, so you won't be able to hurt me or anything," he offers reassuringly. Suddenly grateful that her face is not in a good position to be viewed now, Shenner blushes, then makes herself consider how Paul's long fingers had handled the backrub he'd given her, not sure she can consider it objectively. But she tries it anyway, at last lightly pressing her fingertips against Paul's neck and slowly moving them, trying to discover where muscles lie and what fingers need to do to them. Paul sits passively, feeling the hesitant and artless touch of Shen's fingers on the back of his neck. After slow minutes of exploration, as though the girl were trying to glean basic tenets of human anatomy by osmosis from your skin to her fingers, Shenner starts carefully kneading at the muscles she's discovered around the base of your neck. It's immediately clear that Shen has good strong fingers -- not surprising, considering how much she does with them on her guitar and flutes and now the ocarina -- and that she's at least begun to grasp the idea of how to apply them here. Paul lets his head drop a bit, enjoying the play of her fingers against him, he lets out a soft sigh of contentment to let her know that she's doing just fine. It is with a nervous, shy kind of delight that Shenner eventually moves from Paul's neck to his shoulders. There, her hands linger for some time, as though she's pondering very hard again what to do here -- while inwardly, at least, she feels yet another surge of gratitude that Paul isn't looking up at her. Finally her hands start up again there, this time as she tries to knead the muscles there by using the palms of her hands as well as her fingers. Paul concentrates on breathing and relaxing and enjoying the hands on his shoulders that have no reason to be there other than the fact that they want to be. He smiles to himself. Shenner's hands continue their inexpert attempt at Paul's shoulders. She is not quite sure when her mind completes the shift from utter panic to "this really isn't so scary -- I like it!" But once it does, she finds herself smiling again, marvelling at her own activity. She doesn't speak, but at least for her, the silence has become companiable... and at last, her hands trail to a halt, simply lingering lightly, letting her consider the feel of his shirt against her palms. Paul feels her hands slowly come to a stop and absently reaching up with this own, he lays them on top of hers companionably and tilts his head backward into her lap to look up into her face with an affectionate smile gracing his lips. Shenner looks back down at Paul, an answering smile winging tentatively out across her features, brightening them again.... and giving her a look not at all unlike the radiant one she'd worn playing the ocarina before. Looking up into her wide green eyes, Paul just stays there for the moment, his hands tracing little patterns over her knuckles. Then he blinks and lets out a small puff of air and begins to lurch forward to sit back upright again. "I, uh, guess we'd better get back to business?" Shen asks, brightly. She watches her companion get up, and makes no move to stop him... but her gaze remains on him, warm, shining. Paul turns around to look at Shen, cocking one eyebrow at her. "Business? Which business?" he queries her curiously. Shenner shrugs a little, grinning sheepishly. "I dunno. Do we need to get Luke, go find Grath, or somethin'?" Paul considers seriously Shen for a moment, replaying the previous nights conversation in his mind. He checks his chrono and notes that it is nearly early afternoon and then moves to stand up. "You're right. Okay, well I think that we should abandon ship so we don't have an obvious tie to the New Republic ... find someplace on this dust ball to set up camp ..." He frowns thoughtfully, his hand brushing idly back and forth across his mouth as he considers their various options. Shenner's face subtly shifts expression, more towards her usual brisk straightforward self, though a touch of soft brightness lingers somewhere behind her eyes. "Well, if you say so.... d'you wanna try to get a room in the hotel I met Grath in before, or think that's too obvious?" Paul continues his thoughtful gesture. "I don't know ... that might be a little obvious, yes ... but then again, if you're with me, he would probably expect you to pick the same hotel, no?" Biting his lip and walks over and begins to rapidly pack up the rest of his belongings. "Why don't we see what is available ... if there are any rooms to be had and where they are first." [And as the two agree to do this, we end the log. To be continued....]