Session export: [Envoy Corps] The Shame Corner: 001

“We’re just making a pit-stop, Remee. Chill your circuits.”

The R3 droid whirred angrily, citing at least several reasons why they should just keep going. Qyreia was less than convinced.

“Listen. I know the Hydian. I was on these lanes since before you were a factory-stock build. We’re fine.” She leveled the Katurno‘s docking port with the inlet designated by the station’s computer. “Besides, it’s overseen by the Brotherhood. What could go wrong?”

Whiir brtdeet boop drt.

“Okay, yes, that last part was sarcastic. But I’m hungry for something other than what I have in the pantry.”

A soft clunk and a gentle computer chime signalled docking was complete. Another successful landing for the YT-1300 that was the Zeltron’s pride and joy; her first personally-owned ship. Not that she really used it for what she would have back during her trading and smuggling days. Now it was like a hover-camper: roomy, with all the amenities of home, but mobile as frack. She still liked to do the occasional run to keep her handle out there among the rest of the trader population, and this trip was no exception. Quick, low-threat, and gets her out of the office.

Her stomach rumbled. Need something other than cheap noodles for the rest of the trip though. I will die with this metabolism.

She made the short walk from the cockpit to the airlock door and enjoyed the smells that came through when it opened. R3-M3 was at her heels, still whirring his complaints.

“You stay here and watch the ship, Rem.”

Wreeeoor brdeep doot drrtwhirr.

“One, I wasn’t asking. And two, I’m gonna go grocery shopping and maybe get a restaurant-grade meal. I don’t need an astromech, and you’d be bored to robo-tears.”

Brrt.

“Your disdain is noted. Now stay.”

Qyreia slipped through the door and casually let it shut behind her. Remee would be alright. Salty little droid, she chuckled to herself as she made her way to the area with the vendors. She was on a mission after all.

Voidbreaker II: Shuttle

The shuttle wasn’t anything special, but it helped Zig not have to pay maintenance or insurance of having her own ship. Much better to use other people’s, or in this case, House Qel-Dromas. It was a pretty fair trade, if she was being honest. Qel-Droma got her talents, and she got free rides. She also go to do one of her favorite past times: annoy her Captain.

She narrowed her eyes towards the Shistavanen’s direction.

“Hey Cap. Cap. Cap. Cappyyyyy,” Zig Kaliska asked as she–impatiently–drummed her fingers against the shuttle’s chair arm.

The aforementioned Captain was busy reading off of a datapad, one specifically thickened so when his grip tightened, it did not shatter. And in this case, his grip doth tighten.

“Yes, First Mate Kaliska?” he spoke past the stem of a pipe that was held delicately between sharp teeth. It was not lit, yet, as they were so close in the shuttle. But it had become a habit to chew on, replacing the cigars that would fall into pieces and get stuck in his teeth. This pipe was made of hard wood that could stand up to some gnawing, and didn’t taste like toxins when smoking from it.

“Are we there yet?” she asked, for perhaps the fourth time in as many minutes.

Silently, the massive wolf head of the Captain turned to face her. Past scared snout and sharp teeth, his golden eye glared at her no doubt scop-eating grin. The inner shuttle rumbled as he growled a response. “We. Are. Two. Minutes. From. Docking.”

He pulls the pipe from his lips and continues “Ask again and I will revoke this vacation and have the shuttled turned around.” With that, he turned back in his seat to face the datapad.

When others arrived, a Gozanti-class transport in civilian markings was moored at one of the Shame Corner’s docking facilities. Loader droids carried crates of commodities and trade items in and out of the freighter’s hold. Compared to what most people flew around, the cargo was boring; power conduits, air filters, preserved food, the kinds of things that made life possible on an asteroid station. A parade of loader droids moved between the Gozanti‘s hold and the Shame Corner’s storerooms, quiet and unobtrusive as could be.

The light freighter did, however, have a passenger. Erinyes had decided she needed to get out and tour more of the Brotherhood’s facilities, as much to avoid getting stuck in an office on Arx as anything else. Plus, the roving packs of altruists Marick had fashioned into the Envoy Corps made the Brotherhood look good, which made her job easier—and thus, some appreciation was in order.

Said appreciation came in the form of… well, the best term was probably “gourmet snacks”. Cases of jerky and fudge, salty and sweet treats in bags that crinkled when you opened them, fresh fruit (well, relatively fresh), and oodles of both non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks. It was all convenience-store fare when you got down to it—but, Erinyes mused as she pushed the repulsorcart down to the Shame Corner’s main drag, every spacer she’d ever met appreciated convenience-store fare. Especially when it was different convenience-store fare than they usually got to try.

Zig opened her mouth to offer a retort, but then, wisely, closed it. She pouted, but then occupied herself with her datapad.

I wonder what this place will be like?

She sent a quick message to Zuza to remind her where she had been. She then loked at almost everything else she could on her datapad, her feeds, the ships design. Anything to ignore thinking about the one thing that had thrown her for a loop.

She was back, and she’d eventually need to process and account for it.

Perhaps Doon was right. Patience was a virtue after all.

The engines of Luka’s Syck Fighter sputtered dark smoke as they approached the area designated for parking. Those attending it hurried out of the way before the craft landed with a loud screech of durasteel. With one final thunderous cough of exhaust, the engine fell silent.

The human pilot gave an apologetic wave before slumping back in their seat. A slow sigh escaped them as they looked over the many flashing lights on their dashboard. Kark… This would take a while to fix. Luka didn’t have the credits to afford a new ship. Hopefully this stop had the parts necessary to get them back on their way.

Bico’s two-toned bellow reverberated in the enclosed space. She was cramped, and not at all happy with the sulfurous smell wafting from the heart of the ship.

“Yeah, yeah, we’re getting out. But let me out first before you scare someone.” Luka flipped a few toggles to shut down the console before they pulled themselves out of the cockpit. With a pull of the override lever, the hatch fell open and they could breathe filtered air again.

A nexu’s head wedged past Luka and almost knocked the human over as the creature rushed out. The attendants that had approached to assist backed up at the sight of the creature. She appeared no threat at the moment however, and simply stretched and yawned with a mouth full of jagged teeth.

The pilot approached the nearest attendant, brushing back curls that fell in front of their eyes. “Uhh, hi. Might need a bit of coolant?” They offered up a smile and a breath of a laugh. “And… probably a few other things.”

“I’ve got to get a new one, Vi'Vickust. The Nightengale is good but it wont hold me for much longer.”

“I would feel much better with you having some sort of weaponry out there…”

“Exactly. So water the plants and I’ll be back in no time.”

“The-”

“Yes, the lillies need watered twice a day.”

“Roger.”

She smiled, bid farewell to her fiance, and hung up the holocall as her Star Cruiser pulled into the port. While she was also here to check in on Envoy business, she was mainly here to grab leads on a new ship that would fill her purpose. While she did see herself stuck in Dajorra a lot more these days than she did before her appointment, it was glaringly obvious that the tiny Civial Star Cruiser would not accomadate her for much longer. A quick message was sent to Ood to let him know she would be radio silent for a few hours, then she turned to her Envoy droid and patted it softly.

“Ready Tor?”

“Ready, Aedile.”

She really needed to let Alex tinker with the protocols on this droid.

Derry sat in a corner booth of the diner, a nearly full cup of caf growing cold on the table in front of him as he read over the latest Envoy Corps mission reports. He had been hard at working helping Marick fulfil his vision for the Corps, but there was still so much to do.

Letting out a sigh, he leaned back and loosened the top button of his shirt before looking over new intel and requests for Envoy aid. Kidnapped politicians, stolen data, something about a ship named Salvation, his eyes glossed over the datapad in his hands as his concentration began to wane. Remembering the caf in front of him, Derry lifted the cup to his lips and nearly spit the dark liquid out at a passing waitress. His mouth moved to complain to the staff about his cold drink when he noticed the time on the clock, realizing he had been sitting there for nearly an hour.

Reiden heard the soft chime of his ship alerting him. It also coincided with his droid, Blitz, gently nudging him. He opened his eyes and saw through the viewport that they were in approach to the station. His ship, guided by its droid brain, slowed slightly, angling itself toward the docking area. It found an empty berth and touched down gently.

He stretched slightly and pulled his hood back. He was always a little nervous about not having a pilot to handle the ship, but luckily the droid brain modification could handle most things. His usual pilot, his friend Orion, was down on the lower deck, sleeping. They’d had a long day previously in the bounty hunter’s home of Kiffex while on a job and needed to refuel and resupply. Luckily Reiden knew about this station and it was a relatively quick trip from Kiffex.

He stood and punched a button on the wall to open the hatch in the floor that revealed a ladder, sliding down it and hitting another button on the wall. The rear doors of his ship hissed open and the ramp extended. He strode out onto the station, Blitz following behind, and looked around.

“Well, let’s see what we can find here. What do you say?” The droid bobbed up and down, letting out a low whistle of agreement. He must have felt shy in the new environment. He simply shrugged to Blitz and made his way into the heart of the station.

The modernized X-70b Phantom Shimmer had landed elegantly, even if it seemed to be taking up twice the amount of space that they had reserved at the docks. Malachor’s ash and dust had mostly cleared off, but Tir'eivra insisted that it would be cleaned thoroughly.

“We’re here! Please, please pleeease let me stay with the ship.” Zag’s stressed voice begged and mewled with a high pitch as Alaisy’s long raven hair peeked into the cockpit.

“No, you are coming with us. I insist, Teon insists too.” Her voice was authoritative and proper as usual. She turned her head back at the Miraluka sitting on the couch, he seemed to be relaxed and more than ready to head out.

Her tail raised as she stepped into the Zygerrian’s safe space. “Do not make me get the leash and drag you out like a loth cat.” The tall Sith placed her hands on her hips and tapped her boot on the Wroshyyr hardwood. “You have to restock the liquor and the snacks. Must I remind you that we fought a shadow beast while you were binging Holoflix?”

“Fine, fine, don’t get your pretty black dress wrinkled. Lemme get my jacket, eesh.” Hidden under the bobbed haircut with bangs she rolled her emerald eyes.

Zag raised her hand just as Teon and Alaisy were ready to get out and walk down the ramp of the ship. “Hold up! Lemme try this thingumajig out.” With a long nail, the Zygerrian pressed a red button that extended the ramp. A push on the green one next to it merely seemed to light up the sides of it in crimson.

“What? Really? That is it? Lights?!” The tall woman in her long dress sneered, her full lips pouting.

“Minimum effort, maximum satisfaction.” Zag hopped on the ramp, her biker boots hovering above the red, glowing durasteel. “Gotta slide, dip out, with style.”

“Ridiculous.” Alaisy dragged her hand over her face before stepping on the repulsor ramp. She glowered with her arms crossed as it took the trio down. .

“Where next, Teon?” The Sith’s tail slid over the Miraluka’s back while her opera gloved hand pushed Zaagnika forward.

Beater absolutely squalled at Leena as she stepped down the ramp into the hangar bay, violet eyes darting across the other ships already present. “I don’t know, buddy.” She paused as her boot hit the durasteel decking, turning to look at the blastromech as it remained up on the Theta-class. “Maybe a couple of hours?”

A series of beeps, decreasing in intensity, flew from the droid as it slowly turned around and moved back into the shuttle. Leena sighed as she turned back to the bay, watching as Hekate pulled its hood up. She’d considered bringing both with her, but having a whole retinue wouldn’t be useful for staying off the radar, and Hekate would maneuver through the site easier with her. “Okay, in and out. We do what we’re here to do, and out before…” She let the statement hang, her eyes darting from side to side. It was a Brotherhood installation after all. Ears and eyes everywhere.

Hekate nodded at her. “You said that this was a Brotherhood trading post of sorts?” The voice came through strangely, the feminine voice coming across as a chorus instead of one single voice. Leena had long since stopped trying to fix it, having spent untold hours trying to isolate the issue before deciding that it must have been an unintended consequence of her other work. She nodded, hands idly checking her holsters as they stepped forward. “Do you think they may have crystals?”

“I thought that you wanted to harvest your own?” Leean asked as she drew out her code cylinder, spotting the port authority control ahead. A handful of personnel between the hangar and the tunnel that would lead to the central hub.

“I did.” Hekate processed for a moment. “And that would be ideal for my blade. Call me a traditionalist, if you like. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to have a look and see if any sing to me.”

“I suppose that’s fair.” Leena nodded at the port controller, offering her code cylinder, eyes watching the screen, her mind coiled in case something went wrong. The credentials were legitimate, but she still had limited trust in their systems. Well, more the people than the systems. Systems could be dealt with easier, redrawing the lines at will. But with people? Significantly less clean.

“Leena'shylow?” The man nodded at her, re-reading the credentials. “I don’t see a Clan endorsement…”

“Correct. Because there isn’t one.” She smiled at him. “Keep reading.” She shifted her weight briefly, looking at Hekate as a second admin worker leaned over to look.

“Here…” The first man whispered at his colleague. “Is that real?”

“I’ve never seen…” He whispered back, then cleared his voice, then spoke louder. “The code checks out. Welcome.” She dipped her head a degree, taking back her code cylinder before stepping past the control station, Hekate moving silently with her.

“What do you think that was about?” Hekate asked, tilting its head inquisitively.

Leena smiled, looking back to catch the two workers staring at her. They quickly adjusted, trying to play it off as they returned to their console. She chuckled at the anodized apprentice, the hallway opening up into the central hub in front of them. “I’d guess they don’t see too many of us these days.”

“Twi'lek? Or appren…” Leena stopped Hekate, a single finger against their vocal port. Recognition bloomed behind optical sensors, and it nodded.

“Nephilim.”

As the ship touched down in the port, Teon lifted his glass of Cassandran Brandy off the glass table lest it spill from the ship jostling when it landed. He finished what remained of the smooth liquor and stood, expanding his Sight again to find the kitchen.

“She’s right. I do insist,” he chimed while on his way to drop the glass off, figuring it was the least he could do for her inviting him aboard in the first place.

Returned just as Zag was mentioning trying some “thingumajig” out, he took his place at the towering Sith’s side while waiting for her companion to try whatever it was.

He tilted his head, briefly narrowing his attention to the energetic buzz that emanated from the repulsor lift when Zag pressed the button. “You two are adorable,” he chuckled.

Stepping out into the station proper, he opened himself up to the currents of the Force that roiled and churned within every living being present.

“Let’s see…”

It’d been about a year since he’d last visited The Shame Corner, so he hoped the layout was still roughly the same as what he remembered. He led Alaisy and Zag out of the central station and passed where he remembered a gift shop to be, continuing to the left until he found what he was looking for.

The smell of grilled meat and roasted caf confirmed that this was the right place.

“Ladies, welcome to The Golden Griddle,” he announced, extending his arms as if he was unveiling a prize. “This place has the best shoshak in the Galaxy.”

He could already feel his stomach rumbling at the thought of those delectable meat-filled pastries. Although they’d eaten all of the snacks present in the ship’s pantry, Teon required an actual meal. Killing Force spirits was no easy task, after all.

Once they were inside, Teon scanned the interior to find an empty booth and led them over to it, stepping past where an absolute unit of a person was sitting in a corner booth.

He stepped aside to let them choose where they were sitting first.

Erinyes schlepped her cart of treats through the general store, eventually bringing it alongside the counter. “Heya, I-Can’t-See-Your-Nametag,” she said to the clerk at the counter. “Got your delivery from the commissary here.”

<@244244163002892288>

“Nice to meet you, Avalon. I’ll have a look around and see what’s here.” She cracked open her flask. “You know, a lot of people have told me I should visit the ‘shame corner’ over the years, but I never thought it was an actual station. How’d this place get its name?”

Erinyes grinned. “That’s the best reason for a name. I’ve got a couple other stops to make, but I’ll swing by again later if you need a hand unloading anything.”

Zag raised her eyebrow. Not that anyone could see it, or even knew if she had any eyebrows at all, with her bangs covering them. “This looks mint!” Her silvery voice was filled with enthusiasm. Her rather large hands balled into fists that she flung into the air as she jumped into a corner booth. “I want… I want… everything!” A long-nailed index finger ran over the menu. Her pink nose wiggled until her emerald eyes looked up at the tall Sith. Her face went pale as if all of the blood was sucked right out of it.

Alaisy looked down at the booth with absolute scorn, as if her electric-blue eyes were going to set fire to the seats, the table, and the whole place with everything in it. “How in a sarlacc’s rear-end am I going to fit in there?” Even if she’d somehow crawl in between the table and seats, she’d have to somehow fold her legs, and boots, in such an inelegant way that it would look like a circus act. “Not going to happen. A shameful display.” Her tail twitched, flicking the long raven hair around as if there was a storm coming.

At first, Zag’s sudden change in mood caught Teon by surprise. What could have caused her to react like she’d seen a rancor? When he felt the heat of Alaisy’s anger radiating from her, he got his answer. His own frustration started to simmer beneath the surface, fueled by the negative feelings of his company, which prompted him to think quickly to propose a solution.

“How about this,” he began, “We can order our food an–”

Someone passing by made a good point, though he didn’t appreciate the tone.

“They must’ve added those recently. Let’s find one.”

Docking Bay

“Are we there-”

“Yes,” Doon Sulivar and Sofila Douve Armis replied in tandem.

“Oh, I know,” Zig said, holding up her datapad, which had already downloaded the full manifest log of anyone coming and going from the station.

The Aedile and Battleteam leader spared a glance at one another. With a small sigh, the duo gathered their things and set down the landing ramp that opened from the shuttle. Zig shuffled along behind them.

She wore a white halter top under her favorite nerf leather jacket with a high collar and a hood that had two convenient Zygerrian-shaped ear holes. She had a fair assortment of her usual odds and ends, but had been told not to bring any weapons. So she simple had her crush gauntlets on, which…could be argued were a weapon in certain situations. A pair of simple, skin-hugging dark leggings ran down her muscled thighs and disappeared down under her laced up boots.

“Hey Miss-Lady-Mam-Aedile-Sir,” Zig asked the Mirilan as they walked down the ramp and towards their destination. “How did you get them to clear all three of us getting ‘shore leave for this?”

Sofila laughed as she turned to face Zig, having her walk backwards down at the ramp. The Mirialan shrugged her shoulders with a wink of her eye and brought her finger to her lips.

“It’s a secreeeet. I won’t tell anyone if you won’t, Ziggy~” She grinned while adjusted her jacket. Okay! Time for the usual checks! Blaster? Check. Knife? Check. Datapad! Ch-

Not check!?

Sofila frantically patted around, where the kriff- oh no. Out of all things, it can’t be her datapad. Not with how constant her family check in on her and how constantly she just randomly text people with pictures that reminds her of her friends or family.

Or yes.

Then she patted her own ass.

“Ah-HA!” She got out her datapad from her back pocket.

“Check!”

<@160141735354171394>

The indifference of the waiter took Alaisy by surprise.

A Wookiee table? Take my shoes off?

It replaced any anger with confusion. One moment she felt like quipping back, but she figured it would likely escalate. And probably not in her favor. Her tail lowered. Tir'eivra realized she had been on a shorter fuse ever since Malachor. The whole point of this in-between stop was to avoid a fight, to simmer down. She was going to try.

Her eyes peered towards Teon, and then back to Zag. “Apologies, I would appreciate it if we could sit at one of those very specifically named tables, no?”

Could not have named the tables by any other species that is known for their immense stature. Like Shistavanen-table, or Epicanthix-table.

“Could’ve just taken off your shoes, geez Alaisy,” The Zygerrian quipped. Zag could see the Sith’s eyebrow twitch, but it was worth it. She hopped off and sat at one of the giant tables. Not exactly comfortable for her average-sized body, but at least more food would fit on the table.

“Ya two comin’?”

“No need to apologize,” replied Teon, waving his hand to dismiss her concerns. “You deserve to be accommodated just like everyone else here.”

He followed Zag over to the large tables and pulled a seat out for Alaisy before sitting in his own to her right. The seat was uncomfortably large, and he felt silly sitting in it, but the renewed rumbling in his stomach made him forget any concerns he had about the sizing issue.

Fetching two menus from the rack placed off to the side, he slid them across the table–one for Zag and one for Alaisy. “I’ve only ever eaten shoshak since I first ate here, but I’m sure they have plenty of other good things,” he explained, “Though, if you’re curious, shoshak is a dish made of spiced meats, onions, and vegetables fried in flower. Delicious.”

A few minutes passed, and once he was sure they’d had enough time to give the menus a proper perusal, Teon flagged one of the diner’s employees.

<@244244163002892288>

Zig pretended to not be paying attention to every motion the Aedile took, nodding along with her in agreeance. She almost, at one point, offered up her own datapad just to make sure Sofila didn’t end up sad that she left hers. Butt, it was a good place to stash a datapad, as long as you didn’t sit on it…

The Zygerrian blinked a few times to focus, then turned her attention back to her own datapad. She idly thumbed through the docking logs that the Envoy Corps database was tracking against. She saw a few familiar names, and a few non familiar ones. Neat.

Then she saw a specific name and nearly walked right into Dune’s towering frame from behind. She froze in place a bit.

Alaisy…?

She swalloed down a sudden lump in her throat and looked up quickly. “Er, sorry ‘Cap,” she apologized to the Shistavanen.

Derry ran his fingers through his hair brushing his bangs off of his forehead as he watched the commotion from the odd group at the other table. Raising his hand to catch the attention of a staff member he looked down at his cold beverage.

“Can I, uh, get another one?”

“Please, this one seems to have gotten a little cold for my taste.” He chuckled awkwardly.

“The work never stops. Thanks…” He read the name tag pinned to her uniform. “Flor, I appreciates it.”

After ensuring the station attendant that they would pay for their ships repairs once they were done, Luka set off to explore what the rest of the station had to offer. Bico plodded along beside her human, and her beady black eyes darted back and forth as she kept her vigilance. There were many unfamiliar scents, and any could be a potential danger. Luka placed a gentle hand upon the creature’s head, and a feeling of calm filled them both. A low purr rumbled in the nexu’s throat.

“It’s an Envoy stop,” Luka murmured to their companion. “It can’t be that bad.”

However, once they entered the main building, the nexu’s attention was drawn away from her master. There was one familiar scent among the strangers, and she made a straight line to them. Luka quickened their step behind Bico, but slowed once they noticed who had the creature’s attention.

“Oh hey, it’s the Steak Lady!” they said with a bright smile as they gave a wave in greeting. Then in an aside to their companion, they added, “Of course you’d want to say ‘hi’, you stomach with legs.”

Bico seemed unperturbed by the comment. The nexu’s tongue slid out over her teeth, drool at the corner of her maw. She sat expectantly near Erinyes, and looked up to her with pleading eyes.

<@645466919415054357>

Huh? Steak lady? Erinyes turned around, confused. It wasn’t the worst thing she’d ever been called, but it certainly came out of nowhere–

Oh!

“Well, hi there!” Erinyes waved to Luka, and reached down to skritch Bico’s head. “You’re very well-behaved today. Let’s see…” She scanned the cart for something the nexu might find appealing. No steaks in this cartload, unfortunately, but… maybe nerf jerky? There was a box of that, so Erinyes cracked it open and retrieved a package of it.

“How’ve you been, Luka?” She held the package of Jakk L'nkz up for them to inspect. “Can she eat this?”

“That does sound good, my metabolism has shot up since we were on that graveyard of a planet.” Alaisy held out her hand and it was shaking. The muscles in her body felt weak, just without the pleasant titillation from before. “I am going to ask for some extra spice.”

“Now we’re talkin’!” Zag sat up as straight as she could, her arms had to reach upwards to reach the table properly.

The Sith eyed the waiter suspiciously when he came by. She couldn’t remember ever seeing such a writing instrument before. Of course, Tir'eivra had used burnt charcoal before, or blood, or simply feathers. This seemed different. His strange, golden haircut was no less puzzling.

Shocking hairstyle. A true Ray of lightning this one.

“Ray, could we please have a bit of everything for my Zygerrian and Miralukan friends here? And some extra spicy shoshak for me.” She peered back at the two. “And some drinks, please. What would you recommend?” <@244244163002892288>

Leena maneuvered through the bustle of it all. There were a lot of people here. Hungry, tired, bored, all of the emotions that bloom over the course of a long trip. Hekate cast a sidelong glance at a miniature storefront, if it could even be called that. The smell of cheap insence wafted in the air past a glass case. Within, tiny statuettes stood by the dozens. Skeletons riding swoops with their skulls on fire, barely covered Twi'lek figures painted haphazardly and holding up cheap glass bowls, humanoid figures with insect wings and diaphonous gowns staring off into the distance. “What are these for?” Hekate shook their head, seemingly unable to break away.

Leena paused, taking a look. “Decoration, I guess.” She spied one of the twi'lek statuettes and audibly groaned at the pose. She drew back her focus, seeing into the shop itself. Racks of shirts with animals printed on them stood in front of a counter filled with cheap jewelry, the wall behind covered with weapons with entirely too many pokey bits to be even remotely useful.

“There’s no accounting for taste.” Hekate turned away. “What else do they have here?”

Leena shrugged, following. “Snacks, fuel, cheap clothes.” She turned sideways to let a Togorian pass with their young. “Everything, you know. Haircuts and Disco pants.”

“I imagine a bar?” Hekate asked as a Mirialan child with something that looked sticky all over their face looked up abruptly at their voice. They looked down, optical sensors dimming for a moment before shining brighter as the kid darted off. “They don’t allow kids in bars, do they?”

“That depends on the neighborhood, I guess.” Leena chuckled as she paused, looking past the stalls of merchants for the more permanent locations. Down one corridor, she spied a provisions store. Down the other, something that resembled a restaraunt. She was supposed to meet the contact in the cafe area. Maybe that was what it was, a cafe. She could use a cup of something hot. Or cold, at this point it didn’t matter much. “Come on, let’s go.”

They weaved their way through the place, the smell of sweet spice-roasted nuts thick in the air as they passed a vendor selling slippers made to look like fish. Her lekku twitched at the image as she supressed a giggle, moving to the opening of the room full of booths and tables, the clatter of flatware and ceramics the percussion to the sizzle and steam harmonies coming from the open windo into the kitchen at the back. The server looked up at her expectantly from her pad at the stand. “Two, please.”

“Check?” Doon took a slow draw from his pipe, having just ignited it as they entered the station. He exhaled two long plumes from his nose as he glances over at Sofila.

“We haven’t ordered anything yet.” His dry tone gave no hint that he was joking, but the single swish of his tail gave the two of them enough to gather his attempt at humor.

The wolf took another slow drag as zig bumped into him. It wasn’t entirely her fault, as the wolf had stopped to eye a bright sign by the entrance between the docking bay and the rest of the station.

Smoke in your ship, not our station.

What small movement there was in his tail stalled as he grumbled to himself in shistavenen. He used a claw and thumb to extinguish the lit pipe, then tucked it away while eyeing Zig.

“Looks like you’ve seen the ghost” He nodded towards her, sensing the awkward tenseness.

“Ghost? What ghosts. Nope, I left those in the Ethereal Realm, ha-ha,” Zig laughed nervously. “I’m fine, really.” She held her datapad behind her back, swaying slightly in place. The Zygerrian faught the urge to pull the hood of her jacket up.

“Huh?” Sofila looked to Doon in confusion. Then it clicked.

“Ooooh that’s a good one,” chuckled Sofila. When Zig acted weird, her eyebrow rose. She scooted closer to Zig and tucked her arm underneath Zig’s with a friendly smile.

“Right. All the ghost stayed at the Ethereal Realm.” Though she knew the truth. While it’s not as present as the Realm, she assumed people were still fighting with their own ghosts. Hers included.

“Stay close to me Zig, I got you!”

<@160141735354171394>

Zig hid a flush thanks to the already auburn color of her cheeks, but they did darken ever so slightly as a warmth went through her. “Right? Who could stop a squad like this?”

It was Doon’s turn to sour at mention of the ethereal realm. There was plenty there he’d rather have forgotten, most of which he wouldn’t. His lip twitched, curling into his neutral snarl as he turned from the other two. He soft growl permeated his words as he stepped inside, headed for the bar. “Not blaster, blade, nor boogeyman.”

“Too bad they can’t do anything about the guns we’re packing,” Zig added quickly, and then made a motion of flexing her arm.

Qyreia took her time meandering the hall from the docking point to the main rotunda. Being on a new station reminded her of all the time she once spent on places like this, either transient or resident: time spent working cantina bars or stopping for a top-off of fuel. She had a quiet appreciation for these kinds of places.

The appreciation was greater, though, when she arrived at the hub and beheld the food. “Oh hell yes.”

Restraint was a neccessity once she passed through the security checkpoint and into the colorful cacophony of aisles. Her rubmling stomach didn’t help matters, but she knew better than to go grocery shopping on an empty stomach. So while she glanced over chips and dehydrated noodles, she also partook in a little people watching. However subtle it may have been, the Brotherhood’s touch on the place was there. Force users and mercs alike had a tendency to stick out, and there were plenty of both milling around among the tables and food lines. After finishing her own mental list of goods to buy after lunch, Qyreia directed herself toward the bar. A little drink and some food would put her to rights.

She took an lonesome empty seat, focused on sating her hunger more than her surroundings as she pulled up the menu from the bartop and perused the wares.

“Kark yea!” Sofila too, showed off her arm guns.

<@160141735354171394>

“I don’t see why you had to be so hard on the kid. He was trying his best.”

Anders wasn’t typically the type to groan, but no matter how many times he said otherwise, Meshita would just…

Not.

Let.

It.

Go!

“For what I assume in the twentieth time on this journey, I have done nothing. Draca chose to stay behind and wallow in his self-pity. He will be a young man at the end of this month. He is not a child anymore.”

A fact that brought a surprising pang with it to Anders’ heart. Where had the time flown?

“You could’ve said, you know… anything except…” Meshita put on her best impression of Anders, raising her chin and adopting a snobby, aristocratic tone. “Very well, attack yourself until you are ready to see sense. Something, something dark side.”

Anders scoffed. “I do not sound like that.”

“Yeah. You kinda do,” Meshita quipped. “At least you left Buddy with him for some company. Why did you wanna come to a place called the Shame Corner anyways? Doesn’t seem like your kinda place. You have no shame.”

“Meshita…” Anders growled between his teeth.

“Oh, sorry. You have no shame, your highness.”

The Taldryan Vice-Chancellor released an audible sigh. “Whilst I appreciate the half-hearted compliment. As I said, it is Draca’s birthday at the end of the month. I wish to search for an adequate gift for him.”

Silence descended upon them for a few beats.

“That’s it?” Meshita asked. “No secret mission. No objectives to be completed…”

“Not this time, no.”

“Huh…” the Mandalorian leaned back into her seat. “Well THAT’S dull.”

“You are more than welcome to stay with the ship, if you prefer?” Anders smiled at her.

“Nah, might as well tag along and make sure you get something of actual decent quality,” Meshita toggled a few switches, bringing the ship down for a landing. “He’s a good kid. Deserves the best, really.”

“Yes…” Anders was happy to concede that point. “Yes, he does.”

“Ray, my man. I dun even know how ta fly without intoxication. Ya gotta understand, dat woman in black is more toxicity than alcohol can ever provide! Gimme sumthin’ witta kick!” Zag’s fangs showed as she grinned widely.

Metal claws seemed to be digging into the table. Alaisy had to redouble her effort not to choke the Zygerrian with the Force as darkness burned inside of her. Her second skin, in the form of a long dress, tightened around her neck. Tir'eivra denied Zaagnika a glance, knowing that it would be a more ominous sign if she ignored her.

Later, think creatively.

“I would prefer a Cassandran Brandy if you have it, or something of similar quality, please.” The smokiness in Alaisy’s voice made her sound calm when she really wasn’t. The tail twitched under the table. “What would you like Teon?” <@1056685516441006091>

Zag was certainly a character. Her temperament stood in fascinating contrast to the threatening persona of her Sith counterpart.

“I’ll have a Thermal Detonator,” he said to Ray, desiring something quite a bit stronger than the Cassandran Brandy that he and Alaisy had shared prior to their arrival at the station.

He returned his attention to the two of them. “How did you two meet? I get the sense that you balance each other out, in a way. So, I’m curious as to what led you two becoming friends.”

<@244244163002892288>

Just as Alaisy reached her boiling point, Zag started showing her pragmatic side. “The scary, shiny, black-clad Sith, well it’s a long story. She bailed me out on more- eh…” Her silvery voice paused as she counted her long fingers, first one hand, then the next, and eventually she ran out of fingers entirely. “-more occasions than I can count.” She hid her toothy smile under her bangs while looking submissively at Tir'eivra, the various golden metals on her pointy ears ringing.

“She is mine,” Alaisy stated possessively. It sounded harsh and oppressive—and it was—but it was also the slightest sign that Tir'eivra had put faith in someone other than herself. “Friends?” She scoffed. “No, an investment and a useful tool, because I know how to use it!” The Sith bit her lip with a fang, darting her gaze between Zag and Teon. “Apologies, I did not mean to raise my voice.”

The grey-furred Zygerrian inclined her head and adjusted the collar of her leather jacket. “See, she loves me!” Her emerald eyes lit up as she saw the Sith pinching the bridge of her nose. “To be faaaair, I hated home. And Alaisy is just what I needed, and, well, need, to stay breathin’. The Force-,” she cut off and wiggled her pink nose, “wants it or sumthin. Ya, not dat deep, I’m done splainin’!”

So, their relationship was a transactional one. The possessiveness of the Alaisy’s tone was troubling, though he supposed that made sense because she was a Sith. Always trying to force their will onto others, to control. He wondered if she’d ever considered the futility of it all, trying to control beings who were ultimately led by the turbulent currents of the Force and their own desire alike. A conversation for another time.

“Seems like more than a tool, to me,” he replied to Alaisy with a tone that suggested he knew more than he was letting on. Or perhaps he was just waiting to see what sort of reaction it’d provoke.

Zag’s last comment about the Force caught his interest but, he decided not to press the topic when the woman indicated that she didn’t want to discuss it further.

“Well, I think it’s good that you two have each other,” he remarked, tapping a finger against the table. “The value of companionship can’t be understated. Even for a Sith.”

With that last comment, he tilted his head in Alaisy’s direction.

“You can make it seem whatever you like, Teon.” His input had little effect. Even if Alaisy wanted to say more, she figured it would likely raise more questions.

Zag seemed quieter, or perhaps she was drooling at the anticipated food. She did not agree with the way the Force always seemed to pull her left and right, up and down, but in this…it was right. Whenever she wavered away from this path, it felt like swimming against the current. Somehow her flow was intertwined with that of the tall Sith, fighting fate just slammed her back every time she tried. And she was tired of trying, so very tired. Then she spoke up.

“Teon, my Miralukan friend, you realize dat the Galaxy despises us Zygerrians, right? Slavers, dat’s what we is. I choose dis life. At least dis overgrown Sith lady scares da Fanged God out of de localities. Steers me clear of dat bias, she catches my fallout. ‘Sides da Force is a bishwag.” The emerald-eyed woman place a cigarra between her lips and made a fingergun motion with her large hand as it lit up.

Alaisy radiated a deeper darkness as the chestnut-skinned man made his comment. “Any Sith worth their salt would know that attachment makes them vulnerable the moment their companionship is threatened.”

Tir'eivra’s face was flanked by her straight, long black hair. Her full lips formed into a smile as her aura shifted into a whirlwind of bliss. “That does not mean I withhold from passion, just do not expect me to care beyond my own needs.” Her tail mimicked the excitement as the prior irritated twitching transformed into a smooth side-to-side motion.

Leena smiled at the hostess, moving past her stand to find a booth. On the far side of the room, she could see a server wiping a booth down. Some quick calculations, and it worked out for her. Good views of the entrance, back to a wall. It would be the safest bet. She slipped sideways past the server carrying a tray of steaming plates. Idly wondering if the one with the golden hair was ‘Ray’ or ‘Flor’, Leena found her way to the seat, Hekate following in silence, sitting across from her.

“Who the hell eats hot oil?” Hekate shook their head a degree in confusion. “Is that some sort of local delicacy?”

Leena shrugged at the question, opening the laminated flimsiplast that served as a menu in the place. She scanned the list quickly, flipping the pages. Too many options, it was hard to decide what she wanted, when she didn’t have a taste for anything in particular, and there was no clear specialty. At least, as far as she could tell from the menu. Normally there was something that was very obviously athing that they were super proud of, and experience taught her that those were the things to try.

Leena craned her neck, trying to surreptitiously see what others had ordered, trying to sort it out for herself. A large table a few booths over had a woman in super shiny black that she recalled from somewhere before. She sat with some that were too short for the table in comparison, a Miralukan and a …her lip curled. Zygerrians. She had run-ins with those slavers before. She leaned back, letting her lekku cross in front of her shoulders, an idle hand reaching up to absent-mindedly stroke the left one.

Violet glowed brighter in Hekate’s optical sensors for a moment as they leaned forward. “Did they arrive?” They turned their head a degree, trying to see behind them without appearing too obvious.

“No.” Leena stammered for a moment. “It’s fine. I’m fine.” She steeled her focus, shifting in her seat to ensure she kept that table in her field of vision.

“Uh huh.”

He sounded incredulous; though, it wasn’t like she’d made any real effort to convince him.

When Zag began to speak, he listened to her words carefully. It was hard not to hear tales about the infamous Zygerrian empire. Likely the biggest single entity in the moral stain that was the Galactic slave trade, the species–as Zag noted–had earned a reputation as ruthless opportunists. But that didn’t make her responsible for their actions, nor did it make it any less foolish.

“But that’s exactly my point, Zag. And I’m sure there’s plenty you offer her, as well.”

Alaisy let out a drawn out sigh. All this talk was making her hungry and frustrated.

Zag was a bundle of nerves, she prattled when she shouldn’t have. “I know my way around a ship. And I guess I’m not bad if you need some good ol’ brute force.”

“What ‘bout you Teon? I’ve never met a Miraluka before, I think, not consciously anyway,” Umangi scratched her head shyly.

Doon gave them both a look before entering the bar. His golden gaze scanned the room, like always, the wolf expected some sort of trouble when on leave. Perhaps this would be different.

Hopefully.

He lead the two behind him to the bar, where he remained standing for the sake of the stools. He sets his paws down on the bar top, metal claws gently tapping the surface as he surveyed the selection behind the bar. “Have.. any reserve? Or specials?” He addressed whomever may be behind the counter before properly eyeing them

Zig glanced up at Sofila, unsure of the Aediles preferences, so she didn’t feel comfortable ordering for her. Zig knew she probably shouldn’t start off too strong either way.

“Whatever the House tap is, I’d have a beer,” Zig offered a friendly smile towards the barkeep.

“What would you like to know?” asked Teon, “I’m mostly an open book.”

He felt his stomach rumble again, which made him wonder how long it would take for their food to arrive.

Anders, of course, wanted to make a beeline straight for the shopping centre. Naturally, Meshita had other ideas. It was amazing to the High Inquisitor how an astute a pilot as Meshita was could be so easily distracted by the littlest things.

“Look! Food! Think it’s any good?” She asked.

“I do not know. Why do you not go try some and inform us all of their delicacies.”

“Hmmm. Nah. Pass. You’ll have to do better than that if you wanna see under this helmet, Anders.”

Oh well. Worth a try.

“Need I remind you that we are here searching for a gift for young Draca.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. I hears you the first time. No need to drive that stick further up your ass than it already is.”

A couple of nearby patrons coughed and spurted at the insult. Anders took a deep breath, shook his head, and kept walking.

Besides, that just begged the question of what to get Draca…

Zag’s eyebrow raised up, again nobody would see it. The pupils in her eyes dilated. “Like, why are ya here? With the Sith? How do you see things? Who are ya, really? An open book, like not a holo book? Are you a Jedi? Are you married? Do you have children? “

Alaisy peered at Ray, inclining her head at him. She scanned her glass with her datapad for germs and poison as he walked away from the table. <@244244163002892288>

“My kind'a place,” Zig commented with an impish grin as she read the tap’s name. She waited for the bartender to pass, zooming in with her datapad and taking a quick snapshot of the taps wooden icon and name. She quickly sent a message to Vez, with a set of emoji faces, who she figured would appreciate it.

She accepted the pint glass with both hands and bowed her head politely. “Thank you kindly…” she glanced towards the womans…top, as if looking for a nametag, but then realized there was no nametag. She then remembered, at the same time, not to keep staring to try and imagine where a nametag should be…

“Names Zigrah'sahe,” she said her full Zygerrian name with bit of an accent. “Or just Zig. How about you?”

A grumble came from Doon’s chest. Being profiled and avoided was one thing, but being profiled about what he drank in addition to the look he received rubbed him the wrong way.

“… I’ll take a strawberry and peach daiquiri. Frozen. Peach ring garnish. Don’t skimp on the umbrellas or straw.” He took a step back from the bar, arms crossing over his barrel chest as he glanced as Sofila, waiting to see what she’d order.

After thanking their server for bringing their food and drinks, Teon returned his attention to the Zygerrian. When he told her that he was an open book, he wasn’t expecting her to ask so many questions at once.

“She’s interesting,” he said with a gentle shrug, “Just going to see where this road takes me.”

He hadn’t really considered that question until now.

“As for how I see things, that would be very difficult to explain. But my species ‘sees’ with the Force. I’m not a Jedi nor a Sith, but a soldier. I have my own views about how the Force works and how we should relate to it.

No children. And I’m kind of married? Not really, though. It was a long night involving a lot of alcohol and a lot of mistakes.”

Zig tried not to giggle at the Captain’s drink request. There was nothing funny or amusing about it. Nope.

“How did you knooooow!? That is AMAZING! Top tier bartender skills! Kark yes, please, gimme your rawest riding whiskey you got.” Sofila had no idea she was addressing Doon…. originally.

<@160141735354171394> <@244244163002892288>

Zig nearly spit out the sip of Bad Decisions brew she took from the pint glass, but kept it together.

Zig didn’t swoon, but was unable to stop herself from talking back in response to the lady. “Hi Ira, I bet certain customers make you I-rate, eh?, eh” she blurted out and after realizin what she said sheepishly his her mouth behind her pint glass.

Zig raised a fist into the air triumphantly. “This place is awesome.” The Zygerrian then went pensive a bit, and nodded. “-irri is also angry, I believe,” she replied.

“My good friend Jax talks a lot about etymology, it’s endearing and some of it does get retained,” she smiled.

Doon’s eye narrowed slightly at the bartenders behavior. His arms remained over his chest as Sofila was served. His nose twinged at the scent of the drink, but he kept his eye on her. Something seemed off, but he couldn’t pin it. He leaned over towards Zig to mutter in Shistavanen growls “Your dumb charm is astounding some times.”

Doon lifted his bouquet of Colors off the bar, then eyed it as if he was appraising it’s quality. “It’ll Do.” He grumbled out in Shistavanen before glancing at the other two. There was no easy way for them to stay at the bar, not that he was going to attempt sitting on one of the stools anyway.

A single golden one glared back, over the barricade of umbrellas as he took a sip of one of the many straws. This time, he chose to use the red one.

Zig took another sip, and looked up at Doon, and fluttered her eyelashes in an overly exaggerated motion. “Aw, thanks Cappy” she replied in Shistavanen.

“Caf and a shoshak, please.” Hekate tapped the menu before setting it down, looking at Leena as she twisted her mouth in thought.

“Caf sounds good. And… a byblos square for me, thanks.” She handed her menu up as well.

“Oh, sorry.” Hekate handed the menu up quickly, optical sensors glowing at his bright blues. “However you normally do it up is great, I’m sure. Thanks.”

“Oh yes,” Luka said as they fished the appropriate credits out of a pocket in their robes. “As long as it’s meat, it’s down the hatch.” They exchanged the credits for the package and selected a large piece for their companion.

Bico’s black eyes focused on the piece of meat, but her attention shifted to a familiar scent at the bar just as Luka threw it. The jerky bounced off her wedged head and skittered across the floor. The nexu darted after the meat, and batted it back and forth between her paws before she chased it under an empty table.

“Oops! Well, I guess she’ll be fine there. Anyways~” Unperturbed, Luka turned their attention back to Erinyes. “I’ve been doing well! Been busy, but there’s no rest for the wicked. Should be less so until my ship is fixed. That reminds me…”

They took out their datapad and flipped through a few messages. “I should tell them it’ll be a moment until I get back. Not sure how long I’ll be stuck here.”

“That stings a little…” Hekate’s voice cleared for just a moment, sounding like one voice instead of their usual three before recovering. “But I’ll be fine.” Hekate looked at Leena, who was watching them with an eyebrow raised. “The insulation on my armor must need replaced.”

Leena nodded absentmindedly, pulling back her focus and trying to keep the Zygerrian and the entrance in view. Voltage seemed to tighten the vocabulator up. That didn’t make sense what with everything she had already done to try to sort that little glitch out. She waved a hand as if it would dismiss the idea from her own mind, then realized that the server was still there, then felt her cheeks and ears grow warm. “I…uhhh…didn’t mean that at you like a rude…”

“Sorry…” Hekate turned their head to see the lightning bolt embellished name tag. “…Ray.” Turning their head back to the twi'lek, she contined. “You’ve been off in your own world today. Are you sure you’re okay?”

A lekku twitched. “Probably just caf withdrawal, sorry.”

Derry nodded in acceptance. “No, I think I’m…” His stomach let out an audible growl. He really had been deep in his work. “On second thought, maybe I’ll take you up on that offer. Do you have anything fried?”

The newly repainted Verda'Kyr landed in it’s assigned hanger bay. The glistening white and red paint still almost smelled fresh as Vynn walked down the ramp. It still had a large dent on it’s side. Korvis forbade the technicians on Daemunn from repairing it. Vynn too would honor his wishes despite not knowing why.

The Kote Ky'ram was still a couple days away and Vynn needed to clear his mind. A trip away had been just what he wanted though it did little to clear his mind. Perhaps some salty snacks and retail therapy would help.

As he walked through the door to the Shame Corner it was the largest refueling station he had ever seen outside of a full on space station. Clothes and trinkets on one side. Rows and Rows of assorted snacks and foods on the other. It was like heaven in a spend all your credits here on impulse kind of way. And that was just what he intended to do.

Somewhere in the Dajorra system, a white haired pilot felt her ears were burning.

Reiden was surprised when he saw what the station held once he stepped beyond the docking area. Obviously he knew the size of the station, but he hadn’t been prepared for what greeted him. Vendors were everywhere, shops of all kinds. It was almost overwhelming at first. And yet, he couldn’t help but be drawn in by it all. He found himself perusing the wares, eyeing shirts he’d never consider wearing, let alone buying. The scent of various foods wafted through the air and filled his nostrils. That was what enticed him most, despite having eaten on his ship not too long ago. Perhaps a drink? What kinds would they even have here? Something told him that he wouldn’t be hurting when it came to choices. He took a moment to look around more closely at things and get his bearings, noting the layout - and there sure was a lot of stuff. He saw that there was a diner off to the left - which aligned with the direction from which the myriad aromas came - and a bar to the right.

I know if I eat, I’ll probably regret it later since I just had some food. Might as well check out the bar, see if they have anything good, he told himself. With a nod of satisfaction, he turned right and began to weave his way towards the bar.

Anders and Meshita observed the delicacies of the shopping corner. An assortment of products to please the eye of many patrons were on display from jams all other sorts of goods.

“How about this?” Meshita held up one of said jars of jam, pointing at it with her index finger.

Anders shook his head. “Absolutely not. I am looking for something useful for the boy.”

“Jams useful,” Meshita shrugged and out the jar down.

“Please do kindly explain how jam is even remotely useful,” Anders folded his arms across his chest.

Meshita pondered this for a moment. “It can make a great adhesive!”

The Taldryan Vice-Chancellor let out a very audible groan.

“What?” Meshita asked.

Zag looked inquisitively at Teon. “Teon, ya are a handsome man.” Her gray cheeks blushed slightly as she said it. “Even if ya dun see it yerself. But dis woman, she’s no road, she’s a dead end.” She said it with a cautious whisper, despite the Sith being right there. “Would just be a shame, I am no Jedi or Sith either. We have dat in common.”

Alaisy didn’t care that the Zygerrian was talking about her and even flirting with the Miraluka. It was kind of amusing. She let her tail playfully swing back and forth.

Oh Zag, you are going to draw that jinxed hand soon.

“So, what came first then, Teon? The alcohol, or the marriage?” The raven-haired woman interjected.

“Yeah!” Meshita then pointed at the Chiss beside her. “A better sense of humor for this grouch right here!”

“That is enough of that, Meshita, thank you very much,” Anders squinted at her comment. “I am searching for something adequate and useful for a young Zabrak who is just about to leave his teen years. What may you suggest, Miss…”

He gestured for the woman to reveal her name.

<@244244163002892288>

The increase in her voice’s pitch was subtle, but his ears picked it up all the same. Lips pulled into a confident smile as he considered the Zygerrian’s words. “Thank you for the warning,” he began, “We should explore what else we have in common sometime, Zag.”

He gestured for the two of them to try the food now that it’d been served. It was proper etiquette to eat last, so that’s what he intended to do.

“The alcohol came first. I’m not really the marrying type. Too much work to be done. I wouldn’t be a good spouse at this current point in my life,” he replied, moving to take a sip of his Thermal Detonator. It’d been named as much because the highly concentrated alcoholic beverage felt like inhaling liquid fire.

“Someone’s awfully curious,” he quipped. Flirting with both women was a task, but one that he was up for.

Seven Sins Bar, huh? An interesting name and oftentimes not inaccurate for such places, in my experience, Reiden thought as he read the sign by the entrance and stepped inside. He was immediately greeted by the familiar smell of beer and spirits, the sweeter aroma of various fruit juices and mixers. As far as bar smells went, this one wasn’t so bad. On the other hand, he had been to some downright awful places over the years due to lack of options at times, so it wasn’t exactly a high bar. But he could tell some amount of care went into maintaining the place.

Drawing closer to the bar, he noted the lack of many seating choices and that most appeared to be taken. He had hoped to sit, but that wouldn’t be much of a problem. He had been sitting since the short hop over from Kiffex, after all, so it was nice to stretch his legs a bit. His brow rose slightly at the sight of a Shistavanen at the bar who seemed to be with a Mirialan and a Zygerrian. Certainly an interesting group.

His eyes next perused the bottles on display on the shelf behind the bar. He was hoping to spot a familiar label, but none jumped out at him. Still, he could always just ask the bartender when he placed his order. He approached the bar, giving the trio a polite nod as he waited for the bartender to finish what she was doing before giving a small wave to get her attention. <@244244163002892288>

Zig idly balanced a a set of coasters from the bar into a little pyramid-like structure as she sipped her beer. It was bright and crisp and with a fair dose of hop, just the way she liked her…well, beer. She glanced around Sagitta and Doon’s massive form to notice someone she thought looked familar. She squinted a bit, but wasn’t sure if they were a random, or someone from within the Envoy Corps or connected to the Brotherhood.

“You guys want to bet how many coasters I can stack like this?”

Zag audibly gulped. She didn’t think it would work, or that Alaisy would be okay with it.

What the kark?!

Alaisy peered at the Zygerrian, her lips curling into a wicked smile. The brandy tasted extra fine with this much entertainment to witness. But she refrained from saying anything, lest she may ruin the moment.

The Zygerrian shifted on her seat. “Uhm, explore, ya, like, all the things.” Did she even order anything? The water was there. She forgot her appetite, well, the food one anyway. Her throat was suddenly dry. “Ya, the way you see with, I mean, without eyes, wait, do you have eyes? Oh no, I’m so sorry!”

Where is my cockpit now?

Erinyes laughed as she watched Bico go tearing off after the vittle. “Yeah, better that than her prowling into the diner’s kitchen.”

Then, at the mention of Luka’s ship: “Oh? Ran into trouble on the way here, did you?”

When Teon set his undivided attention on the flustered Zygerrian, she’d likely feel the “weight” of his Force sight as a tingly sensation on the back of her neck. That subtle feeling of being watched. He hadn’t expected her to react how she did, but it sure was amusing.

“Then, it’s a date,” he chuckled, “And no, I don’t have eyes. You don’t have to apologize. It’s a perfectly valid question. Do you have any more for me?”

He lifted his glass to his lips and briefly smiled against the brim before taking another swig. Not a bad way to spend his time off.

Wherever Jackson Nash walked, music followed him.

Literally.

Mostly due to the absolutely blaring volumes at which he listened to it. Even as he made his way through the station he had previously only read about in online posts, his earbuds ceaselessly surrounded him in noise. Noise to which he shamelessly grooved along to, shin high boots meeting the station flooring in time with the beat. His hands would have been tapping at his thighs, were they not busy carrying a tightly bound roll of posters and tape.

He was here with a purpose, which was fairly obvious to any who looked over at the green haired man. He stopped at every corner and intersection of walls, tilting his head this way and that to keep his hair from his eyes as he chose the best spot to plaster up a poster. Once satisfied he moved to the next spot, leaving behind a haphazard trail of dark posters that mixed a techno artistry with splatter designs overlaying a strange skull with a stage and crowd in the background. All aspects of the design would glow, should the station lights ever fail. As too would the date and times listed on the posters, incase someone were to come across one late at night.

He didn’t have any qualms with where he smacked a poster up, even slipping into the dinner to put two up on the windows into it. One facing inwards towards patrons, and another facing out to any looking in. He barely minded the booths he had to slip past to access the glass, his whole body constantly moving to the music as he worked.

Ow Zag bit her lip by accident. She was normally careful with those sharp fangs of hers, but a panic-infused chill ran over her spine like a millipede droid. Only her ears twitched when the Zygerrian turned her head around. A loud noise came from some headbobbing emerald-haired man. Strangely it soothed her nerves.

“Not dat ya can hear me anymore, Teon. But a date? Well, yer on!” Her smile broadened with a trickle of blood coming from her lip. “More questions? Oh, how many of dem eyepieces do ya have? I like dis one, bet ya have more!”

Alaisy sipped from her glass, her neatly curated eyebrow rising up. Zag was unexpectedly holding up.

The music

It was doubly entertaining to see the Zygerrian suddenly regain her confidence by means of a few well-placed beats. It brought the Sith back to a different time. One where she sang quite the opposite tune of what this toxic-haired person seemed to play out in a public space. The posters were interesting enough. A bit too positive and flashy for her liking. Something harrowing and tormenting missing from the images and the tunes. The poster glowed as the patron’s shadow was cast over it.

Interesting

Her electric-blue eyes turned back to Teon. He was goading Zag and seemed unrelenting. Neither of them knew what they were getting into. Tir'eivra steepled her clawed hands as her glass ran dry.

<@160141735354171394>

The woman’s red eyes caught him off-guard at first, but he was careful enough to try to not let it show. While perhaps an unusual sight, it wasn’t an unwelcome one or something he had a problem with. If anything, he was intrigued by them. They had an exotic quality, which only reminded him of the variety of life in the galaxy.

He offered the bartender a warm smile that came easily. “Hi there. I’d like a whiskey sour, if that’s not any trouble. Made with something Corellian, if you’ve any? Have to try to support the businesses from back home when I can, you know?”

“Thank you,” he said before taking a sip and nodding to her in appreciation. “Used to go all over. Had a…mentor of sorts, I suppose you could say, that would take me to different places and teach me some good life lessons, though some you have to learn the hard way. No visit this time, not that there’s much left to visit anyway. But there’s always a soft spot. Maybe I’ll head back again some day, though. No, I was on a job in the neighborhood with a friend and we needed to refuel, get some supplies. Had heard of this place before but never checked it out, so I figured it was worth the quick trip.”

Doon sipped from his drink, eyeing the Shistavanen that made a brief appearance before turning to Zig. He eyed the pyramid she had constructed. “Don’t think you could beat thirty.” He grumbled, also casting his gaze in the direction that Zig had towards the other man.

Anders inspected her wares. No. He was not enthused in the slightest.

“The young b-” He had to stop himself. Draca wasn’t a young boy anymore. He was a young man now. A growing, thriving, powerful young man. Anders never said it much, but Draca made him proud.

“The young man is a Jedi. As such, he requires something that may be of repeated use to him.”

“Basically, find something boring that can be used over and over again,” Meshita commented off-handedly before spotting a particular jar. “Oh. My. MANDA! No way! You have this!?”

The Mandalorian practically grabbed the jar and nearly shoved it in Vidente’s face.

“I have three,” he answered, doing his best to ignore the music that blared from the new arrival’s person. “A silk one for when I’m sleeping and the first one my parents gave me when I was a child.”

Although he didn’t need to wear one while he slept–unless he was sharing his bed with someone else–he still did so every night. He’d been wearing the veils for so long that it honestly felt unusual when he wasn’t wearing them. It felt like he was naked, in a way.

“Bet.” Zig’s grin went feral as the scavenger set out on her mission with a rare kind of tunnel focus. Her sandyellow eyes seemed to calculate vectors others could not see. She toyed with the very edges of physics itself, shifting the coasters in a specific way so that the weight distribution would allow her to build out, as well as up, supporting the growth from the base. Her fingers worked with the delicate care of a seamstress, the proficiency of a mechanic, and the grace of a painter.

Slowly, coaster by coaster, her masterpiece rose from the bar top into a architectural achievement of cardboard coasters.

She looked up at Doon, smugly, then turned to look at Ira behind the bar. When the woman grinned back at her, Zig finished the last sip of her beer and then slammed it down proudly on the table.

“Ira, anoth-”

It all came crumbling down in a rush. Carboard coasters collapsesd into themselves and folded into a messy pile that then spread out across the bar and towards the other patrons crowded in.

“Kraemat brevatin Aerris..” she swore in Zygerrian as she looked sheepishly over at Ira, then sunk down as the other patrons stared at her like she was a child that had stepped out line.

“He would be if sour puss here has anything to say about it,” again, Meshita took the opportunity to get her kicks in whilst she could.

“Meshita…” Anders growled under his breath.

“Look, just drop the tough guy act and tell her about him. No-one knows Draca better than you,” Meshita turned her head to the side. “As surprising as that is…”

Anders decided to ignore that comment. Why? Because she had a point.

This time.

“That boy is… special. Is he practical? Yes, he always has been Because that was the way I raised him, but he is more. So much more. His hearts beat for this galaxy in ways that make me glad he has two of them. He cares for people in ways many do not deserve, but he simply does it anyways. He has an intellect and wisdom far beyond his years. He loves reading. My word, there is no end to the amount of pages he has absorbed through his eyes. He likes a challenge. Podracing hologames are on thing, but he has grown from the timid boy I met on Iridonia all those years ago into the fine Jedi that he he has become today. He will stand for justice, protect the weak, fight the evil and do what he feels he must, even when he second guesses himself. Perhaps, most of all, he attempts to see the good in everyone, even if they might not necessarily warrant it.”

Anders paused for a moment. He, after all, was one of those people.

“So, Miss Vidente,” he forced on a small smile. “He wishes to be the change he wants to see in this galaxy. What would you recommend for someone like that?”

Nash didn’t quite notice the annoyed Shista beyond the initial grin he flashed her as he slipped by. He was mostly in his own world, only being drawn from it for a moment upon catching electric blue eyes watching him from the nearby table. The woman’s getup was interesting, and not entirely unlike a few people he knew. Before he could smile or hold a poster up, she had turned back to one of her friends.

Without a moment the think about whether he Should, the 6'2 Hapan stepped away from the posters and over to the table. Bright orange iris rings bounced from person to person, an obvious sign of cybernetically modified eyes. He flashed a wide smile to the table, while plucking an earbud from his ear so that he could actually converse with them.

“Hey! You guys having a good day?” His voice carried a pleasant tone and was quite smooth. “You wouldn’t happen to be fans of music, would you?” his hands appeared modified as well, small nodes in synthflesh were visible all the way up to his rolled up sleeve. As were matching tattoos on either arm, depicting skeletal fingers wrists and forearm bones as he finessed a pamphlet onto the table, keeping it away from anyone particular so as not to appear he was forcing it. It instead hung half off the table, depicting very similar imagery as the posters he was placing up. In a very stylized Cyberpunk Scratch font was the single word Pulse.

It seemed to stick to the theme, as the name shone in a similar glow to the posters.

“Only three? Ya should accessorize Teon!” Zag began counting the amount of designer sunglasses she had collected over the years, and it was probably too many to count. “I bet dat silk one is like a security blanket. I think dat is adorable.” Her emerald eyes seemed to be larger and the canary yellow rings twinkled as she said it.

Her stare was distracted by the green-haired guy sitting next to them all of a sudden. “The day has been fantastic cybernetic eye-man. Fans of music? Everybody listens to some kind of music? How can ya be a fan of music? Ya know the Sith here used to be a si-.” Alaisy shushed Zag.

“I can speak for myself.” With her eyebrows flattened, Tir'eivra glowered at the Zygerrian. Her glowing gaze turned to the Hapan male. “It has been a productive day.” The amount of cybernetics on the man was puzzling. Alaisy’s entire being rejected such alterations. It would be like silencing the song of her soul, piece by piece. “Music? Your kind? No. I sing and dance to a different tune. One of a more melancholic and gloomy nature.” Her voice was judgmental.

<@160141735354171394>

His fingertips gently drummed into the surface of the table as his eye shifted between the two speaking. The handsome smile never left his face, despite the tone Alaisy responded with. “Hey that’s alright, everyone’s got their own rythm to own.”

The orange rings gave her a once over again, obviously curious. A singer? Now that’s surprising. His fingers changed the beat he tapped, morphing a few times as if following his train of thought. “I bet… you’d like the Dreadful Ghosts if you haven’t heard of them already. Though with all that,” he gestured to her outfit “maybe you’re into something a little harder. Like Throat Rip or Lost Flowers. All three have some good stuff out. Haunting Melodies, shredded strings, tear through vocals, definitely pretty solid if you’re looking for recommendations.”

The last of his words sounded more like a question, politely asking if she might be interested in hearing more.

“But if you do your own thing, that’s nova too and I’d love to hear a sample if you’ve got something posted somewhere” he then took a moment to glance at the other two. Wanting to ensure them they were not forgotten with an inviting smile.

“Accessorize?” he asked, sounding somewhat puzzled by the notion. “They each serve their function. What accessories would you suggest I add to them?”

He didn’t say anything for a moment, like his words stew for a bit. Just when he was certain his feigned cluelessness was believable, he cracked a grin. “Just kidding. I’d need your help with any ‘accessorizing’, though.”

Teon decided to name his own favorite genre. “I enjoy Sruti. Sort of like Tattooine Blues in feel, these days. Created by Miralukan refugees late in the Imperial Era.”

“Not exactly. Ship’s been falling apart since I bought it. Saved the creds in the moment, but…” Luka shrugged. “Looks like I’ll be paying out until I give it an overhaul or get a new one.”

Their gaze drifted to the bar, and to the familiar Shistavanen that sat there. “Think I’ll be able to catch a ride if it falls through, though. I’m not worried. If anything, it’s forced shore leave.”

House calls. It was always kriffing house calls.

Ellisyn Kendis grumbled to herself as she trudged through the entrance of the Shame Corner, looking beyond disheveled. Normally, her hair was styled to look intentionally messy and wild, but today, it was just a mess. Sticks and leaves had made a home in her long wine locks. She had all but abandoned her ruined jacket, walking through the station in her slacks and vest while holding onto the sheathed blade of Soul, her beskar sword.

She wandered through the station, guided only by her grumbling stomach paired with her nose. She hadn’t eaten in over a day, and some greasy comfort food and hard cider sounded divine at the moment. She walked past a variety of touristic merchandise into what seemed to be a small bar-like area.

He laughed, taking another sip of his drink. “You know, there was a time I strongly considered it. Not so much mystery, I’m afraid. Lost my parents when I was young, my mentor found me when I needed help. Corellia will always be home, but just not much of a draw there anymore now, you know?” He said as he watched the Zygerrian build her tower and offered a sympathetic look when it came crashing down. He turned back and smiled, happy to leave the past where it belonged. “He’s back on the ship, sleeping. We were on Kiffex, his home, and spent some time with his family while we were there. He had a late night catching up with them while I crashed on the ship. Good people, though, practically treated me like one of their own.”

“Holy moley!” Sofila yelped as she can feel the burn through her nostrils and she hasn’t even had a sip yet! Okay. With a brave determination, she took the glass and took a sip. It burned her ears, all the way down her esophagus and her stomach. But it was warm too.

“Wow! This is great!” She was going to take her time with this. She watches Zig with amazement.

“Yea! Go Zig!” Sofila cheered her on and then Zig made a mistake of slamming the mug on the table and everything fell and Zig looked disheartened.

“Whoops! Come on, Zig, here’s the thing, we pick right back up and we try again! There is nothing wrong to keep going until you make it.” Sofila grinned at Zig.

“We don’t just lay there and give up. If you have a goal, you should go for it. So are you going to try again or admit defeat?”

<@189568236201705472>

Declan Roark stepped through the doors of the station and eyed the myriad of species and droids that served as the Shame Corner’s clientele. It was the usual mix of hunters, scammers, and ne’er-do-wells.

Roark’s contact sat at a booth with a wide view of the room and its entrances. The Twi'lek stood out even when she didn’t want to. Violet skin, violet eyes, and a left hand covered in exotic tattoos. There was no doubt this was Leena'shylow, known more casually as Leena.

Roark strode purposely through the crowd towards Leena’s table. His arsenal of Mandalorian weaponry dissuading anyone from engaging him in needless conversation.

Without a word Roark slid into the seat opposite of Leena. His helmet dipped slightly in a greeting. “It’s good to see you again.”

<@284848346672136192>

Zig met eyes with the bartender, hid a flush, and kept a sheepish look on her face as she dutifully went about, with help from those around her, to pick up the coasters that had spread out from the collapse.

“Of course. We’re not limited by technology, but by our ideas and our experimentation and how quickly we can try things, she quoted a researcher cited a veteran engineer and researcher at BlasTech. "And experimentation is an active science!”

She neatly organized the coasters and set them down on the counter.

“Fairest of all ‘keepers, Ira, may I please have another beer?” she leaned up against the bar as primly and professionally as possible.

Alaisy inclined her head at the cybernetic-eyed Hapan. “I may have heard of them, but never seen them perform though.” A clawed finger tapped her lip. “There is a satisfaction when the melancholic vocals kick in.” She noticed him scanning her. At least she was in a long, slit dress right now, it would give him a decent indication of how she looked like when she performed on stage. “ Any recommendations towards more haunting melodies are always welcome.”

Even a single proposal could be a font of inspiration for the Sith. She gestured towards Zag with a raised eyebrow. “Zaagnika, pick an example from your datapad and send it to the man over here.”

The Zygerrian puffed air through her lips, reluctantly reaching for her datapad as she was about to sink her teeth in the food. “Hwermhm, mhwister,” she mumbled, holding out the datapad.

“Charming, Zag.”

Zag’s bangs flowed up as she turned her head towards Teon. “Gold, add gold. Or, waddabout ya name? In gold!” She tried smiling while eating, but it wasn’t pretty.

Ow, he was kidding

“I cwan whmelp!” Her brows furrowed as food seemed to be in her mouth every time she had to speak.

<@160141735354171394>

“Always good to see you.” Leena watched Hekate squeak over in the booth as Declan slid in. The man always was a consummate professional. She remembered their first meeting all those years ago, the man training the first squad of Nephilim in combatatives. ‘Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everything you meet. It’s just business.’ It had served them all well, almost as much as some of the things he had shown them with a blaster.

She slowly took off her gloves, feeling the warmth from the caf in preparation for the data transfer. The intel that the mandalorian had wanted was… reasonably difficult for even her to get, but she was never one to shy away from a challenge. And encrypting it using Roark’s usual process was easy enough, compiling it down so that it could fit in the circuit board patterned ink that twitched under the first few layers of her skin, hidden between the swirls and runes of her arm before coming to a contact point in her palm.

She let the steaming mug go for a moment, eyes drifting to her palm before over to Hekate, who was similarly holding a mug in both hands, holding it up near enough its face that the steam was accumulating on its optical sensors.

“Caf’s pretty solid here.” Leena wondered if he had become one of those old school orthodox Mandalorians that wouldn’t remove their helmets ever. She was pretty sure that wasn’t the case, as it seemed like unnecessary limitations placed without any real benefit. But the way that the universe seemed to be going, you never could be entirely sure. There was even at least one of them on the Council these days. “Unless…” She left it unsaid.

The shuttle has arrived at the front of the Shame Corner. The doors of the spacecraft opened, the black furrball made his way down the ramp gazing with excitement at the building.

Archian followed him quickly, put paw at the Aksel’s head and directed his attention to movement of his paws. “Wait for me and Jori. We will go inside soon.” He spoke and gestured, while Chillaks exited through the doors, down to them finishing the fish. “We will quickly go, and buy some feed for our creatures in the camp…” He gestured and suddenly stopped half way. With wide eyes looked at the shuttle, made his steps to look inside, and with panic looked at both Jori and Aksel. “Fang! I forgot the Nerf at the Arx… He is probably freaking out there.” Red gestured quickly to child Shistavanen and Chillaks. “I need to fly back before something bad will happen.” He said while yawning Porg jumped off from the shuttle between Aksel and Jori, followed up by Bordok.

“Jori, take care of them while I’m gone.” Archian said while handing a small card to Aksel. “Here are some credits, buy some new parts or your droid if you find any. And… eat something.” He showed with paws. “Just not only fish.” He said to Jori, while gesturing his words to Aksel.

“I will be back soon.” He hugged black furball and jumped to the ship flying away…

Jori took Askel in his four arms, and followed the path to leave Bordok in the larger pets area. Porg wearing the mandalorian helmet was sneaking behind them, looking for not present here enemies.

“Well, this is as good a place as any to find a new ship, or at least a mechanic. The best ones usually hang around hole-in-the-wall spots like this.”

Her datapad beeped, and she looked at the screen, then sighed. “Sorry, I gotta deal with this. Hope you get your ship sorted out.”

Roark watched Leena’s hand grasp the caf mug as she talked. The remarkable artwork on her hand hid an even more impressive blend of art and science just below her skin. A simple conversation, a simple touch of a rather plain looking caf cup, and the transfer of sensitive data in a room full of people who were none the wiser.

It was Leena’s idea to embed a data node in the mug and Roark was genuinely impressed with her tradecraft. Spy stuff, gadgets, and a shady meeting. She slid the cup over to him. “Try it. It hits the spot.”

Roark popped the seals on his helmet and set it down on the table and over the mug. His other hand going to a second cup of caf.

“It smells quite delicious.”

Roark took a small drink of the caf. It was his preferred blend of bitter and dark.

“Now tell me, how is my friend Lord Ashen?”

“No no, I got this a'right? Ya watch!” Lulaire protested as the five-foot nothing female picked up a huge bag of feed. With a small satisfied grunt, she lounged it over her shoulder. Oh, Orbak’s balls. She has blind spots. Oh well. Nothing was going to happen from now to her family’s ship, right?

Carefully, the Firrerreo had started to make her way to her family’s ship.

Siv had found Anders pretty quickly.

While it had not been her goal to follow the Vice-Chancellor like some kind of creep, it’s ultimately what she ended up doing. She had meant to do this in a better way, to send a holo to Anders and ask for his help. While they had been on that Envoy mission together, the man had shown himself not only capable in battle, but wickedly smart, and.. he had a heart in there, somewhere, deep deep deep down. She remembered his words of affirmation. That she was more than she gave herself credit for.

If anyone could teach her how to protect the ones she loved it was him.

And while she trailed him, she only got more affirmation about his character. The Mandolorian that was with him made commentary regarding getting a gift for Draca (was it his birthday?) and Anders responded with inciteful and empathetic responses. He definitely had more depth than she gave him credit for, for sure. The Chiss medic tilted her head as the Taldryan member talked about Draca and how he tried to see the good in everyone.. She knew what that was like.

She tried to see the best in people too, even after they proved to her they weren’t worth it.

Like frying her with force lightning like she was some sort of insect.

… Granted she did make that whole scenerio worse for herself.

She picked up on Anders sensing her as she got too close and swore silently under her breath, dipping behind a display. While he could sense her, maybe he couldn’t see her just yet.

“Weird and terrifying, the usual.” Leena smiled at him, drawing her focus back for a moment. She hadn’t seen him since they returned from Taldryan space. He had withdrawn afterwards, taking the Spear to his homeworld or Tarthos, she forgot which. Either way, it freed her up to handle her own bits of business. Which, among other things, was here.

She watched him tap his fingers on the mug. She wondered how he would play it. Would he abscond with the cup whole, or did he have a more subtle way to clone the intel? Her trained eye didn’t pick out anything in his hand to pull the data itself, so perhaps not. Then again, the ceramics could ‘accidentally’ break, and the node retrieved that way… if he wanted the attention from the breaking of a dish was another question. He certainly had a plan. She was just curious how it would play out.

Leaning back in the booth, she seemed to relax a bit, a lekku slipping languidly over her shoulder to her back. “How about Rekan?” She thought back to the HK model he had purchased, her deft hand helping to tweak a few of the droid’s proclivities to his preferences.

Hekate turned their head slowly at the mention of the name. “Hopefully, he’s learned some decorum by now?” Leena’s eyebrow went up in question, then settled back down as she shook her head. Now was not the time.

Orion awoke to a soft whining sound. He didn’t even need to open his eyes to know what the problem was. His anooba, Koga, liked being able to roam, but wss often confined to his room when on the ship so as not to cause problems. Reiden’s shuttle, the Espada, just didn’t have a good space for the canine to roam about or lay down. There was a lounge, but it was on the smaller side. Not to mention that Koga sometimes got excited and was liable to bound around in whatever space he could. Confining him to the room was for the best, even if he wished he didn’t have to.

The Kiffar opened his eyes and gave Koga’s head a gentle pat, smiling. “I know, boy. I know. Let’s get you outta here, yeah?” The anooba stopped his whining and perked up, an appreciative rumble emanating from his chest. Orion stood and stretched, heading out of the room and towards the exit, Koga fast at his heels.

The pair stepped outside and Koga stretched out, panting happily before springing forward. Orion shook his head and sealed the ship, chasing after him.

“Get back here! Heel!” The anooba skidded to a halt but didn’t return, instead just sitting there, watching him.

You’re lucky you’re cute, he thought to himself as he made his way over, hooking a finger into Koga’s collar on the off chance he tried to run again. The two made their way to the check-in desk before venturing into the station proper.

An Inquisitor’s instincts were never wrong. Anders was about to give Vidente a mouthful of his strongly worded opinions when he saw the flicker of a shadow out of the corner of his eye. He turned his head, and sure enough, nothing was there.

At least, to the naked eye. His third eye, however, knew better.

Tapping into the Force, he felt a familiar presence, a presence he hadn’t felt since…

Was she sneaking up on him? It would certainly explain why she was hiding behind the display.

The dark side poured out if Anders and grasped around the display as a more devious idea came to mind.

Oh, yes. He was going to enjoy this.

He moved it a few feet over to the side, the jars of jam decorating it smashing on the ground surrounding the younger Chiss, drawing the attention of everyone to her.

Anders tossed a small satchel of credits onto the counter to pay for the damages he’d caused. He wasnt one for extravagent gestures, but this one was incredibly worth it. “Young Sivall, whatever you are doing, please do stop. You are embarrassing yourself.”

Meshita snorted, but returned to the jar. She wanted it. She needed it. SHE MUST HAVE IT!

She slammed the jar in front of Vidente, crossing her arms across her chest. “Alright, how much for this?”

<@244244163002892288>

Ellisyn cringed just a tad at the shrill whistle. A mix of sensitive ears and a growing migraine wasn’t the kind of cocktail she wanted to order. She took a quick breath and expelled an inaudible growl. “Yes, I am.” She trudged over to the bar, too tired and battered to even notice Sofila at the bar. “Just some hard cider to start, please.” She said. The poor woman was exhausted, but she still had her manners. When she sat down on the last remaining stool, a loose stick fell from her hair and onto the ground. She nonchalantly leaned her sword hilt up against the face of the bartop next to her legs

“Right!” Even though Sofila didn’t get all Zig said, she was glad she wasn’t discouraged but her eyebrow rose at seeing her organizing the coasters instead of trying the pyramid again.

“Yes, please! I would love anoth -” Sofila blinked at her. “R-raw rider? So! That’s the name of this whiskey? It’s so good! I’ll be sure to keep an eye out on Raw Riders on shelves!”

She noticed a presence beside her as she glanced over and gave her a huge friendly smile, happy to see a friend out of the blue!

“Hiya Elly!” Then she looked back to the bartender for the refill before directing her attention to Elly.

Freeze frame. Zoom in.

Buffering…

Sofila yelped loudly as she looked at Elly once again, “BY THE STARS! What happened to you? Are you okay? Whose arse do I need to kick!? Oh, you have to try this, it’s called Raw Rider.”

Zig watched in real time as her Aedile buffered in real life. It was quite the feat, and the Head of Voidbreaker Engineering hid a giggle behind her next sip of beer.

She was kind of glad either way for Sofila’s outgoing demeanor. Usually it was up to Zig to lead the mostly-introverted crew, so it was nice to lean back and just enjoy the company and listen.

Reiden hadn’t intended on sharing his story like that, but at least it wasn’t the full one. Still, the bartender - Ira, apparently - was kind enough, and something told him she’d heard the kind before, likely all types. He simply shrugged, almost imperceptibly and more to himself than anything, and smiled, placing some credits on the bartop. “You make a mean drink, Ira. Never knew what was here, but it’s worth coming back for. Sadly, good drinks are hard to come by at times.”

Ira was right, he thought to himself as he eyed the newcomer. He moved his stool over slightly to offer her more room. He was about to ask her how she was but thought better of it, and was luckily saved by the Mirialan speaking to her instead. Apparently they must know each other. Instead, he added some more credits to the bartop, nodding his head to the woman sitting beside him. “Ira, that cider’s on me.”

He couldn’t help but laugh at that, smiling behind his glass as he drank. “I appreciate it, might just take you up on that the next time I’m in the neighborhood.” He paused a beat and lowered his voice as well, “No need for that, just seems like she could use a break, is all.”

Elly was content to take her cider and begin to take a sip, casually responding to Sofila with a simple “Hey Sofila,” and was content to leave it there until she too began to buffer for a moment, broken out of her stupor by the sudden yelp and shout, forcing her to jump from her chair just a tad. She rubbed her temple. “I’m fine Sofila, I’m fine. Everyone’s already been beaten to a pulp. You don’t have to worry.” And then the poor lawyer thought about the drink, “… I really hope that’s the name of a cocktail and not something else.” A raw rider in a place like this sounded like a terrible idea. In her mildly panicked and surprised state, she didn’t even think to tell Reiden not to pay for her drink, her prideful nature taking a back seat for just a moment as she simply said, “Oh… Thanks” she said with a bit of awkwardness in her voice. She didn’t go to bars often enough for people to buy drinks for her so she wasn’t prepared in the slightest

“Hi, I’m Zig!” the Zygerrian greeted the new person.

“My name’s Ellisyn,” Elly said, offering a small and awkward wave. Without much hesitation, Elly took a moment to down a third of her cup in one fell swoop

Reiden shrugged, offering a smile. “It’s no trouble. We’ve all had days like that. But, hey, you seem to have made it out in one piece.”

Zig bowed her head in a show of respect. “Nice.”

She took her time with her own drink and started to idly twist some straws into a makeshift model of a loth cat or some kind of quadruped.

So far, Lulaire was doing pretty good. The golden skinned female was careful as her two toned hair was up in a ponytail. Good thing too or it would’ve been in the way. Someone was approaching so she quickly sidestepped to the left and-

The bag of feed hit the ground, the force was enough for the contents to spill over onto the ground. Lula chuckled gently. She did get a bit ahead of herself. Ah well. She can clean it up herself.

Bright orange hues glanced to the Kiffar and checked over him, to make sure he was not harmed.

“Sorry ‘bout that, I thought I be a'right to make it over to the family ship, but hooo boy, let me tell ya what, I sure was plum wrong. Wronger than an orbak laying down on grass and making us think some rain was a'comin’ and darn near fooled the entire family.”

Her tangerines eyes looked down and her smile became brighter.

“Well, ‘ello there another friend! May I?” She gestured to the anooba. She could get the broom and dustpan later. Or use telekinesis. She had not quite decided yet.

Elly couldn’t hold back the scoff/chuckle that escaped her lips. “I doubt that.”

Orion bit back a smart remark he was going to make. He may have been a little cranky that he hadn’t woken up sooner and it wasn’t fair to let that bleed through. Besides, accidents happen, after all. “It’s fine, don’t worry about it.” He nodded, “Of course, go right ahead. This is Koga, he’s a friendly one.” He gave Koga’s side a pat.

It was his turn to laugh, nodding. “Okay, you’re right. Maybe not exactly like that. But bad, rough, or off days? We all have those, in varying degrees of severity. Been put through the wringer plenty of times myself.” He held his hand up, “Look, I’ve got no motive here, just trying to do a solid for someone that could maybe use it, that’s it.”

Rekan, he almost laughed. The droid was as sensitive as its name sake.

“Rekan remains distinctly Raken.”

Roark smiled. Raken was a good friend to Sarin, Pravus, Ashen, and a host of others. BUT, the Spiderlord was sensitive when it came to how people responded to his presence.

“I believe he recently killed a group of interlopers who sought to discern his whereabouts.”

Standard Raken.

“Not a problem, dear,” Luka replied. “Don’t let me keep you. It was good to see you again.” They left Erinyes to her business and searched the area for their four-legged companion.

Bico was none too happy. She crouched under one of the tables, a low growl in the back of her throat. Her beady eyes watched the anooba with intent. A loud crash drew her out of her hiding place, and she scampered to Luka’s side. The quills along her spine stood on end and her twinned tail lashed back and forth.

“Easy, girl,” Luka crooned. They placed a hand atop Bico’s head to give her a gentle scritch. “I know. So loud. Want to go back to the ship?”

Bico laid down at her master’s feet, head on the floor. As good an answer as any. She wouldn’t leave their side.

“C'mon then.” Luka snapped their fingers and strode towards the bar. The nexu stood and plodded close behind them with a sideways glance to the anooba. There was a thought to go after the spilled food, but she kept close. For all she knew, there was danger all around.

“Hello, darling~ Hope I’m not interrupting anything.” Luka slid languidly into a seat at the bar beside Doon. Bico bumped her wedged head into the Shistavanen’s thigh before settling down on the floor behind Luka’s chair. The nexu kept her eyes on the strangers in the group, but she seemed a bit calmer than before.

<@160141735354171394>

Siv let out the tiniest squeak. Kist, he had noticed her. She had hoped, though it was a vain hope, that he hadn’t. If she hadn’t been so surprised it was possible that she could have saved some of the jars, but she would have needed at least some warning. Before answering Anders, the shorter Chiss stared with a frown at the shattered merchandise around her feet.

What a waste. He could have just yelled at her.

He got what he wanted though. The Chiss’s skin turned a few shades paler as she realized literally every patron in the shop was looking in her direction now as if she had moved the display herself. Kark. Karkarkark. The hair on the back of her neck prickled and she drew her lip between her teeth, trying to will her heart to stop hammering in her chest. Look away look away…

Breathe, Siva. With me. In– two, three. Out– two, three.

So breathe she did. She had this. She had to.

Back straight, eyes up, shoulders squared, even breathing. Push the panic down, it didn’t matter what they thought. She was doing this to protect her family, to protect her friends, to protect Alex.

“I would like to speak with you regarding something, Anders. Since you’ve angered the shopkeep, shall we talk outside?”

“That sounds about typical.” Leena had only met the namesake once, and that was back when she still worked under Coryn Vance. Not that Sith Lords were known for their conversation, but the man was particularly quiet, a trait that carried over into the droid. She half smiled, letting it reach her eyes. The contrast between the two droids amused her to some degree. “From what I’ve heard, anyway…”

“I’ll take that as a no, then?” Hekate’s optical sensors turned off slowly, then on again in an approximation of a blink.

“Anyway…” Lena shook her head at Hekate, laughing. “I’m sure that you’re not out here just for good caf, a clean ‘fresher, and our company.” She gauged his reaction before continuing. “I mean, I was looking for someone to help me locate a specific part…” She watched him smile before flagging down the server for a couple fresh mugs of caf.

Anders was almost amused at the bravado on display by the younger Chiss. What business did she possibly have with him? Revenge, was it? Her so called family had come to her defence regarding the use of Force Lightning that had struck her.

He barely had to look her over before his opinion of her dropped. He resisted the urge to shake his head. At least there was some kind of spine in there somewhere, albeit, weak and fragile. Anders was about ready to weave the intricate thread of his abilities through the shopkeepers mind, but this had piqued his curiosity.

“Very well. The customer service here is dreadful, anyways,” Anders placed his hands behind his back and straightened his posture. “Meshita, I will be a moment.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Go on. Get outta here.”

The Mandalorian waited until they were out of sight before she turned back to the shopkeeper.

“So now that tall, dark, and prickly is out of the way. This jar, how much you charging for it?”

<@244244163002892288>

Anders stopped in a more isolated spot, folding his arms across his chest.

“You have my attention for one minute. You can start by explaining why you were following me, and do not even think of stretching the truth,” Anders tapped the side of his head with his index finger. “I will know.”

“Ah, thank ya!” Lula squatted down and held out her hand but doesn’t look at Koga, instead, she was looking at Orion. Usually canines feel more at ease when they are not being watched while trying to sniff/check out something new.

“I am very sorry, if ya want, I’ll be happy to buy ya breakfast! The diner here ain’t so bad ya know, I mean not the best bantha steak in the galaxy but they other food they do have, it’s good. Pet friendly too if I remember right. I would’ve bought my Takka but she be on herding duty today.” Lula smiled, her canines revealing as she was giving scratches and pets to young Koga.

“I tell ya what, I bet I be have to give Takka a bath tonight, mmm?”

Orion gave Koga a nod, who then sniffed the offered hand, tail slowly wagging. He was clearly happy to meet someone new. He made a few gentle ruffs to her. “I think he likes you,” Orion said with a laugh. “Yep, a herding animal would do that, I imagine. Oh, man. Normally I’d take you up on an offer of food, but I think I’m still full from a big family dinner last night. Then there’s the fact that I don’t get home as often as I’d like, so of course it was a long night of catching up. Maybe settle for a cup of caf?”

Nash accepted the data pad, then held it up to his ear so he could listen to the song. His head slowly nodded along as the music played. His free hand tapped in time on the table. He eyed Alaisy once more, indeed imagining her preforming something like this on a stage. It suited her, at least the her that she chose to put out to the world.

He flipped the pad back down, and started typing on it as he spoke. “Yeah, Lost Flowers would suit you well. Glimmik, or more Heavy Isotope mixed with Dusk. There’s also Iced Heart in that mix, would recommend it.”

He finished typing and flashed a smile at Alaisy before handing the Data pad back to Zag. He then turned to the other man there and nodded. “I’ve heard of that, never gave it too much of listen though. Tattooine Blues requires a certain state of mind for me to enjoy. I do however find Miralukan music very interesting. They have complex structures that can sometimes be overwhelming, depending on the song or listener. Like trying to read a whole page of a book at once. But with your ears, you know?”

Maybe he didn’t.

Oops.

<@1056685516441006091>

Doon had busied himself with finishing the frozen drink he had ordered. Only stopping to curl his lips in a snarl as brain freeze kicked in for a minute or two. Luckily, Zig fumbled the tower, so his skewed expression was missed by most. Then, Sofila was off talking to someone else again. At least she knew them this time. Hopefully.

The wolf was quite happy staying tuned out for most of the conversations, only noting a few things here and there, and the return of the Shistavanen. He was curious about them, and how they ended up here. But those thought were temporarily waylaid when Luka slipped past him and onto a stool with their pet nudging him for attention.

Doon reached down, letting over Bico’s head as he turned to Luka. “No intrusions. Just.. taking a short leave from our duties.” He glances at the others at the bar, not too differently than how Bico had.

Alaisy eyed the datapad exchange and inclined her head at him when she saw his smile. She would look at the notes later, the next time they’d get up from the table. Zag simply stuffed it back under her leather jacket, eager to get back to the food.

<@1056685516441006091>

Teon nodded. He hadn’t heard the music of his people described in those specific terms, but it made sense. The Miraluka extended a hand to the diverse selection of food present at the table.

“Feel free to help yourself. There’s plenty of food to go around.”

Teon fetched a pack of sanitizing wipes from a pouch on his hip and took one before placing the rest on the table in case anyone else wanted one. Then, he started to eat, taking one of the shoshaks and biting into it.

<@188018248241905664>

“Look, I get it. He’s an asshat. He was out of line. You think what he’s doing here is bad? Try working for the guy. Like you said, it wasn’t me that broke some of your merchandise. I’m just a gods honest woman trying to make her way in the galaxy, just like you,” Meshita reached into her credit pouch. “Help a fellow girl out, yeah? It’s just the one jar and ill be out of your hair.”

Hearing the breaking of glass from behind him Vynn turned his head in the direction it came from. His hand was already holding one of his lightsabers before he even really thought about it. He expected to see a fight or children playing, instead he saw grown individuals acting like children. He shook his head slightly as he placed his light saber back in its place.

He perused his shopping buggy. Various snacks were piled in the bottom. Some salty and some sweet, all pre-packaged junk that looked like he was buying rations for a month. Poorly chosen rations but that was kind of the point of a place like this. Now to find something to drink for the rest of his trip and get back to Zsoldos. He had wasted enough time here and needed to get back to prepare himself.

“Thank you Teon.” Alaisy took one of the sanitizing wipes and cleaned her gloved hand with it. Then she shook her hand to make sure the soapiness evaporated. With the tip of her nails, she took one of the shoshaks to try it out. She immediately cleaned her hand again after having one of the spiced meats.

“Mhm, not bad. Excuse me for one moment.” She pulled her dress down as she rose up from her seat. She poked Zag with a prick of her nail. “Give it here.”

“Mhmwat?”

“Ugh, disgusting. The datapad, let me have it. And do not talk with your mouth full.” She snatched the datapad from the Zygerrian as she held it up.

Tir'eivra jotted down the locations of places where she has performed before; Port Deonor, Nar Shaddaa, Ol'val, Coruscant’s lower levels. Then she handed it to the Hapan.

<@160141735354171394>

Nash eyed the food, but accepted a wipe to clean his hands. They had been all over the public stations walls after all. His amber eye rings watched as Alaisy typed, fingers still drumming away over the pamphlet he had placed.

He accepted the pad again, then as he read through them, nodded with a grin on his face. He typed again, this time listing the places he had preformed. They were more numerous, but varied wildly in acclaim from dark alley basement gigs, to venues that seated thousands. Beneath the list, he also made sure to add his communication number and name. Jackson Nash

He handed the phone back, smiling as his mind spun with ideas. “Maybe you shoot me a message sometime? We can put our heads together, make you something truly haunting, eh?”

With that, he spun out of his chair to stand, knowing not to overstay his welcome. “Nice meeting all you, maybe I’ll see you again at a show?” He backed away as he spoke before spinning smoothly on a heel to make his way back to his posters. He slipped the earbud back in, music cranking up once more as he grooved out of the diner to continue his efforts

“I’m on shore leave as well, though not quite of my own planning,” Luka replied as they rested their head propped on an elbow. “Ship needs repairs. I might need a ride back to Selen…” They looked over Doon’s companions, not certain if they had met any of them in passing on board the Voidbreaker. It was likely that Luka had seen them, but whether they had spoken or if Luka would remember them was another matter. “…If it’s not out of your way.” They turned their soft brown eyes on Doon with a pleading pout.

Doon finished his drink, then set the glass and it’s cluster of umbrellas down next to Luka on the bar. He then shifted past him, leaning on the bar next to Luka and peering down at the obvious attempt of manipulation. “Selen. You want a free ride to Selen?” His grumbling voice was kept low so as not to interrupt the other conversations here.

“Mm, not sure. Seems a bit out of the way.” Luka, quite familiar with the wolf, could easily read his flat tone. The black Shistavanen was teasing. Playing into the game Luka had set up with a slow swish of his tail.

Luka raised a brow. So Doon wanted something in return. Luka let the unspoken request hang, and instead they inspected their fingernails. “I don’t mind tagging along for the scenic route. We could catch up. I don’t believe I’ve spoken to you since before we left for the Ethereal Realm. Been busy, busy.”

They drummed their fingers on the bar counter as they looked over to the others. “Maybe you could introduce me to your companions this time? Feels as though I know the ship better than I know its crew.”

And they would need a drink. Though they saved that thought for now. The owner seemed busy, and none too pleased.

A chuckle came from Doon as he eyed the others around. “Well, you should probably meet Sagitta at some point. You know Zig, surely. But yes, some catch up would be good. It has been a while.” His metal claw tips rap against the bartop, eyes watching the others while speaking quietly to Luka.

“When they aren’t busy themselves, I’ll introduce you.”

“Thank you!” Sofila grinned at Ira for refilling her glass.

Then she pouted at Elly before chuckling.

“Figures, of course you would already had everyone beaten into a pulp. Wait what do you mean that you hope it’s the name of the drink-”

Then it hit her.

She started laughing and coughing at the same time. She cleared her throat but ended up busted out laughing again.

“Weeeeellll I mean… -ahem-” With a playful smirk, she brought the glass to her lips and took a sip of the whiskey. Or Raw Rider. She’s not sure which now. Her eyes went to look for the whiskey and wanted to see the label. She then reach over and held out her hand to Reiden.

“Hiya there! I’m Sofila Sagitta Douve Armis, can call me Sofila, Sagitta, or Gitta!”

“Ah! A family dinner! How many? See, we have to shut down an entire barn to feed all of my family. We breed faster than-” She stopped herself and chuckled. “Not info I wager you want to hear from an ol’ stranger.” She gently stood and still gave a few scratches at the ears. She made sure she was being gentle with Koga.

“Oh! A caf! Yea, I reckon that ain’t a bad idea, consider I mighta be half asleep and all. Oh! Orbak’s balls! I forgot to say my name, I’m Lulaire, you can call me Lulu or Lula.”

“Don’t mention it,” responded Teon, “Although, I’m surprised that suit of yours doesn’t have some kind of self-cleaning function. Might be something to look into.” Although he had the option to implement similar technology into his own armor, he’d decided against it in favor of more practical options.

Hearing Alaisy’s reaction to Zag’s response made him chuckle, but he didn’t say anything.

He lifted a hand in a wave goodbye to the man. “Suit yourself.”

Then, he grabbed another shoshak and popped it into his mouth. The flavors of the spiced meats made him do a little dance in his seat. It was like there was a little piece of home here with him.

Elly offered Sofila a soft, knowing smirk in response to the mirialan’s own. She didn’t want to get too much into detail with all the strangers around her, so she left the story there for now.

Just like Sofila, the lawyer turned her attention to Reiden, waving off his defensive demeanor over her insinuation, “I know, don’t worry. But I do appreciate the drink. Your next is on me.” <@232396983854301187>

Zig tilted her head slightly as she listened. “A whole pallet? I’d be jelly, if I didn’t feel bad for that jam.”

Thank you, I’m here all night.

Derry took another bite of his meal, savouring the delicious morsels of greasy goodness and washing it down with a sip of thankfully hot caf. His datapad sat ignored off to the side, he didn’t like eating and working at the same time.

As his thoughts drifted, he could over hear to musical conversation from the other table. He didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but they were being quite loud.

Reiden turned to look at the Mirialan. That was quite a name she had. Then again, he’d heard longer before, especially if there were any titles that were included.

Well, no harm in meeting new people, I suppose.

He finished the last dregs of his drink and set the glass down. Grinning, he shook the offered hand. “My name’s Reiden. It’s nice to meet you, Sofila.” He glanced at the other woman and nodded, “Yeah, not a problem. You know, that seems like a pretty good deal then. Is that cider they got here any good?” <@301514304845381632>

The Kiffar grinned, sharing a laugh. “Yeah, you’re probably right. It was a big dinner more in the sense that there was lots of food than lots of people. But it was my parents and one set of grandparents, and my friend. We had some business to take care of there and I thought we could stop by my old home for a quick visit, good meal, and a warm bed. Beats the ship any day, in my opinion. He should be…somewhere on the station right now, actually.”

Koga leaned against the hand, tail happily swishing back and forth. The anooba liked meeting new people and the fact that this one had been carrying some kind of feed surely didn’t hurt things.

“I’m Orion, and you already know Koga here. That diner you mentioned, is it nearby? Never been here before myself and there’s just so much to see, gets a little overwhelming at first I guess.”

“Sounds good to me. In the meantime, I think I’ll have a drink.” They turned to address the Shista who was tossing Bites to Bico. “Another round for my friend, here. And I think I’d like one as well.” The fruity drink had looked quite appetizing.

Bico was very happy with the attention she was given. Her mouth was open wide for the thrown treats, and she hopped up to catch those thrown high. Luka smiled at the nexu and shook their head. “Gonna ruin your dinner,” they warned, though they were clearly ignored.

“So what have you been up to?” Luka asked as they turned their attention back to Doon. “Anything fun?”

“I want to join the Inquisitorious.”

The words slipped out before she was ready, mainly because she was scared that if she didn’t say them, she wouldn’t. Red eyes met red eyes and she didn’t back down, her face showing how serious she was. She knew that Anders would likely turn her down, that he would likely see her unfit for the job. He had gotten a chance to know the good her, the part of her bathed in the light side. He hadn’t had to see the her suffused with the dark, covered in blood that was not her own. He had seen her as the healer and not the assassin.

All the same she needed to try. She needed to not only come to terms with that part of herself, but to learn to weild it so that she could save her loved ones before they ever even got hurt.

“I didn’t mean to trail you, but I got in my own way in trying to approach you. I’ve overly cautious for good reason. I want to join the Inquisitorious, and you’re the best person I can think of to train me.”

“Perhaps I will, it has been a while.” Alaisy was going to need to practice a bit before giving this Nash a reply.

Her eyes went back to Teon. “The produced oils do the cleaning, it just takes some time to be reapplied. These wipes were for sensitive skin, right?” Seeing him do his little dance was adorable. <@1056685516441006091>

She wanted to be an Inquisitor!? The idea was absolutely laughable. It had certainly been a long time since Anders had heard anything even remotely as humorous as this. The younger Chiss’ lack of confidence in her words was enough to tickle Anders’ funny bones. He burst into laughter, but when Sivall’s face didn’t budge or show any kind of deceit, he forced himself to stop.

His eyes widened. “Wait, you are serious?”

“Awesome! Yoink!” Meshita happily paid for the jar. She wasn’t even going to pretend she didn’t have a sweet teeth and this jam was the sweetest around.

It was hers.

All.

Hers.

Wait, what was she here for again?

Oh yeah, a present for Draca.

“Erm…” she rubbed the back of her neck. “Don’t suppose you saw which way my boss went, did ya?” Meshita asked Vidente.

<@244244163002892288>

A soft frown, then, at Anders’ laughter. She felt the boil of anger somewhere deep in her, the beginning of a simmer of ‘how dare you underestimate me’. Now it was her time to cross her arms over her chest while she waited for his laughter to end. How was it that she could admire someone so much but also want to punch them in the kriffing face?

“Ktah, Anders, of course I’m serious. Do you think I’d go through all of this trouble to pull a prank on you?” Exasperation was clear in her voice– she was used to people handling her like she was fragile, but Anders had seen her fight, seen her in action. How was it that he could deny she at least had some sort of potential? How was it that he couldn’t see she was so carefully crafted in to a weapon at her core?

How dare he.

“I want to be an Inquisitor,” she repeated. Whether he believed her or thought her an actress worthy of the stages of coruscant, that was on him.

Brrt, the noise echoed slightly as an Omwati female stepped off a transport into the spaceport of The Shame Corner. The sound was quickly followed by a head tilt and several blinks of silverly reflective eyes. This was not– hm… A black tipped finger found its way in between Aibyss’s teeth as she surveyed the area around her. She had meant to head back towards Dajorra, but that’s obviously not where she had found herself. This was at least the seventh time now that she had found herself turned around since she had left Omwat. While it had never landed her in danger, per say, it had landed her in some interesting situations over the last two years.

Why was space so.. big? And confusing.

Up did not always mean up. East did not always mean east. She was used to traveling with directions in two dimentions, not three.

The Omwati woman spun on her heels, then bowed to the pilot of the ship she had ridden here on, shoving some sort of chip she was told carried the payment she needed for the trip here into the Epicanthix’s hand. She smiled brightly, brandishing her multiple sharp teeth, as a show of gratitude. While it was a well meaning gesture it seemed to have sparked some sort of prey response in the near-human in front of her. Unfortunate.

“Arrived, yes? Thank you. Safe trip, good speed. Not where one wanted to be, but will find other means.” Her words were thick with an accent that was not galactic in nature and seemed to struggle very heavily with Basic as she spoke.

One black eyebrow raised as the Epicanthix woman seemed to question the morality of leaving the Omwati here, but seemed to resolve that internal conflict and took off once more without inviting the avian lady back inside.

Aibyss watched the ship take off, plumage rustled in the turbulance caused by the thrusters. Her eyes closed for a moment, sending out a silent prayer.

May the Force be with you, stranger, and watch over you.

“Yes, they are,” answered Teon, “So, why did you choose to create this instead of using regular armor?”

He paused to take another sip of his Thermal Detonator, washing down his food while waiting for her reply.

“Initially, because of symbiosis, a little girl was the plant’s survival and the girl survived because of the plant.” Alaisy still carried her Imperial name, but she was no longer that girl. “The bond lasted until it became untenable.” She took a sip from her own drink. Not even her tail betrayed any emotion. “In the end, both identities perished, for one entity to emerge. I am that. And that is what this second skin is too. It is part of every cell in this body.”

“A much-simplified story.” Tir'eivra smiled out of courtesy.

“Cwool stowwy, innit?” Zag interjected with her mouth full. “I’ve swhot an’ swung at her before! It just bounced bwack or swucked it up. Lwike armorw. Or it healed right back up. Swo shpooky!” The Zygerrian kept going despite the sullen look on Tir'eivra’s face.

The Sith let out a long drawn-out sigh as she reached for another shoshak.

“Curious. The whole is greater than its original ‘parts’, then?”

Even the woman’s aura in the Force supported the notion. It was hard for him to tell where Alaisy ended and this “second skin” of hers began.

His attention shifted to Zag when she interjected. “You shot at her?” he repeated with a somewhat incredulous tone.

Tir'eivra inclined her head at Teon. She figured her explanation had somehow made her even less relatable.

Alaisy interrupted Zag before she could answer, motioning with a finger to her mouth that the Zygerrian’s mouth was, again, not empty. “I ordered Zag to, it was more painful than I had imagined it to be.” The Sith had a wicked smile on her face. “It mended nicely, and I had a battery to draw from.”

Zag suddenly had trouble swallowing her food as flashing images of a young man stared at her with sunken eyes and wrinkly, dehydrated skin. She looked away from the table and plinked a tear away as the trauma dissipated. It had been a Sith’s creative solution to a gambling debt that the Zygerrian had caused. A good friend was the sacrifice. Several gulps of water was what it took to get rid of the shaking of her hand and lump in her throat.

Anders expression changed from one of sheer amusement to downright neutrality. His lips creased across his face, his persona shifted as his arms folded behind his back and he straightened his posture. His eyes glared into her, narrowing ever so slightmy as he analysed her every movement and word.

Here, in this moment, he wasn’t Draca’s parental figure of Taldryan’s Vice Chancellor. He was High Inquisitor Anderson.

“And what, pray tell me, makes you a prospective candidate for the Inquisitorius?”

“Oh yeah! Thats a great idea! Thanks, new best buddy!”

Meshita gave Vidente a playful, but gentle punch on the arm.

“it’s not the worst I’ve ever had,” Elly answered. She brought her drink to her lips once again and took a slow sip. “Enough to calm the nerves at least.”

Sofila grasped his hand firmly and shook it. “Nice to meet cha, Reiden! Okay!” She knocked back the glass and set it down.

“I should go get a few things for home before I forget or I’ll have to order take out aaggaaaaiiin.” Cole was the one that can cook and he hasn’t moved in yet. So therefore, she’s been buying frozen dinners and made sure to take out the trash before he comes over.

She just doesn’t fantom cooking.

And the two times she had tried, she burnt the food because she got distracted.

“Be right back!” With that Sofila made her way to the store portion of Shame Corner.

<@301514304845381632>

“Wowie, you are one tough dude. See, I love animals and nature way too much, if I gotta live on a ship, I would go crazier than a sand-panther after its prey. Nah-uh. Noooooo sireeee, bob-o. Not for this farm gal.”

Lulaire turned to see if she can find someone that worked here to give her a broom and dustpan but it seemed that a droid had already started to clean up the feed.

“Uh. Alrighty-o then. I’ll be buying that feed again later. Dun mind payin’ again since it be my fault, now that diner.” She clasped her hands.

“Follow me,” she started to lead the pair to the diner.

“So, I see that you are packin’ quite a bit. Part of ya job or precaution?”

This karking… The more he talked, the more he breathed, the more she wanted to shove her fist down his throat. He was so.. so… so karking arrogant. Her gloved hands gripped at her sleeves as her anger threatened to boil over.

Deny. Not worth dirtying your clothes. Not worth the fracking bloodstains.

Deep breath, center. Right, not worth losing her cool over in the middle of a public area. Her hands relaxed from their deathgrip on her sleeves and her posture straightened to match Anders. She was determined, sure. She would do whatever it took to be able to protect her loved ones, to not see the blood of someone she cared staining her skin and clothes.

“I was an assassin before, Anders. I know how to kill, I just chose not to.”

He nodded, “Yeah, sometimes that’s just what you need. I certainly have my preferences for when I’d want a good drink and other things for when I just need something.” He gave Sofila a wave as she set off, then looked back. “So, if you don’t mind me asking, what happened?”

“I don’t mind sleeping outside, but it’s definitely not what I would choose most of the time, even though I do like being in nature. Nice and calming. The ship is usually only for when I can’t find a room somewhere or, in some cases, when the cost is too high. Other times it’s when there’s an early departure or needing to lay low.” Orion glanced at what he brought, his petar and vambraces. “It’s a bit of both, I guess. Bounty hunter by trade, so it can be necessary. But I also like being prepared just in case. You never know when something might come up or if you’ll need to defend yourself. Sometimes a punch just isn’t enough,” he said with a chuckle.

I had a battery to draw from.

Memories of their battle on Malachor appeared in his mind, particularly of how Alaisy had drained the wraith of its lifeforce. He suspected that this was what she meant by a battery, and that the person who’d become her meal was important to Zag. The poor woman’s mood plummeted following Alaisy’s words. Teon frowned.

“I’m sorry,” he muttered, more to Zag than to Alaisy.

“Well,” Elly sighed and took another sip, “I was doing a favor for an old acquaintance of mine. He had a friend who was in some trouble, needed some legal help and all that. So I went over to chat with them and long story short I got lost in the woods while fighting off a bunch of goons and an acklay.”

You could have fooled me.

The words entered his thoughts, but he kept them closed for now. Instead, he had other questions burning that he demanded be answered.

“And why, my dear assasin, would you stop killing? Who else knows about this? I must admit that I am rather surprised you wished to speak with me. There are those who would forbid our meeting. Do you know that?”

Reiden raised a brow at the story, nodding silently in approval. “Well, I have to give you credit for helping out a friend. No legal expertise on my end, but I try to be there for my friends when they need me, or otherwise point them to someone capable of helping out with whatever the issue might be. Surviving a fight with an acklay, though? Those things are nasty. An impressive feat.”

“Friend?” Elly turned her head to Reiden with a confused look. “Oh, no. He wasn’t my friend. He was the friend of an acquaintance.” She chuckled “I did it because I might need a favor in return someday.” She set her cup down “But that doesn’t matter. You’ve fought an acklay before too?”

With a soft clunk, Matcha expertly landed a ‘borrowed’ T-70 X-Wing starfighter in the hangar of The Shame Corner. The exact moment the landing gear touched durasteel, she began the process of shutting the ship down. She didn’t mind long trips; in fact, she adored them. But this trip, in particular, was a bit different in that she had a passenger.

The Mirialan woman had managed to convince her kinda boyfriend to leave his desk and go on a trip with her to do some sightseeing. Matcha, being the fantastic planner that she is, realized the commercial flight she had booked didn’t line up with their hotel reservations. So she did what any logical person would do and crammed both herself and a full-grown man into a one-seater starfighter. They were halfway through their trip back to Selen when Matcha decided she needed a moment to stretch her legs.

“We’re here!” She said with a smile, trying her best to keep her companion in good spirits. She climbed out of his lap and tried to exit the cockpit. What she failed to realize was that her legs had long fallen asleep, so she tumbled out from their cramped space and landed onto the cold ground with a thud. “Ow…” She groaned <@1056685516441006091>

He laughed at his mistake, “Ah, I see. Still, I can understand that motivation as well. It’s always helpful to have connections, especially ones that owe you favors.” He grinned at her, “Never fought one myself, but I admit to having a curiosity about it myself years ago. The how is a longer story, but I’ve spent time in Hutt Space over the years, even worked there. A friend I made on Nar Shaddaa - a co-worker, you could say - used to be enslaved and forced to be a pit fighter until his boss bought and freed him. He fought an acklay once. I didn’t believe him, so our boss shared a holo of the fight with me. Although a skilled fighter, I think the fact that he’s a Lasat helped as well. It was an incredible thing to see. I’m not sure I’d say he beat it - nobody did, truthfully - he got some good blows in and survived. At one point I spent some time fighting myself when I was in a bind and needed some credits, but never faced an acklay, just other people.”

“I’d avoid trying it if I were you,” Elly said, “Both the acklay fighting and the general pit fighting. Plenty of ways to make credits out in the galaxy without resorting to violence” and potentially the death of yourself or others, she thought to herself.

She took a moment to finally look the man over, noticing his red and blue armor. To say she wasn’t expecting someone to show up to a place like this fully kitted was an understatement. She felt awkward enough with her sword as it was. But she couldn’t judge. Maybe he was just getting done with something as well? “Unless that armor is for show, I’m assuming you’ve just finished up with something dangerous?”

Reiden gestured to Ira for another drink, taking a slow sip when it was placed in the bar in front of him. He decided not to go into too much detail, just in case. “I hope to avoid one, yeah. And you’re right, there are. Like I said, I was in a bind. Low on credits, no access to my usual funds. I needed quick credits and I was never much of a gambler. I was a decent fighter though, and my old boss could give me an in, so I saw an opportunity and took it.” He paused a moment, watching as a drop of condensation rolled down the side of his glass. “Luckily the fights where I was were not to the death. Dead fighters can’t earn any money. Defeated champions usually became rainers for newer fighters. Besides, I wouldn’t have killed the opponents anyway. Not my style. And if they killed me, they would have trouble on their hands. These days, though, I stick to helping with the law enforcement where I live, sort of a side hustle I guess, or I’m called in as a sort of specialist or consultant, I guess. Otherwise sort of intelligence and investigation, a little field work. I like keeping busy when I can.”

He glanced at his outfit, nodding slowly. “You could say that. My friend is a bounty hunter, I help him on occasion. He had a job on his homeworld and stopped by his parents’ place afterward for a visit and dinner. A quick there-and-back job turned into an overnight thing. I slept on the ship to give them some time to catch up after the meal.”

Elly just sat and listened to the man’s story, absentmindedly unbuttoning and then rebuttoning her vest up and down. So he was a fighter with connections to the criminal underworld but now works as a part-time lawman, full-time intelligent investigator, and moonlights as a bounty hunter?

“Quite the career lineup. Do you find time to sleep during all of that?” She asked with a smirk on her face, knowing full well her life was just as complicated. “Or do you live off of caffe?”

Zag sniffed. “It’s alright. It wouldn’t have lasted. I’ve made too many mistakes an’-” Her voice was still tinged with sadness and higher pitched than before. “And, thanks Teon.” Emerald eyes peered at the Miraluka, but her peripheral view distinctly avoided Alaisy.

The Sith shrugged her shoulders. “I speed up decisions and live with them.” Tir'eivra knew the answer was harsh and uncaring. But taking life by sipping away every last drop of their Force signature always left a permanent impression on her. Zag was better off, he would’ve hurt her more in the end. But seeing his youth melt away gave her a particular malicious pleasure. The only reason she didn’t mention that part was because nobody asked.

Jemel

Jemel stumbled out of the T-70’s cockpit shortly after Matcha had done the same, though he landed more gracefully than his Mirialan counterpart.

“Are you alright?” he leaned over to help her up, giving her a good once over to make sure she hadn’t injured herself in her fall. Once he was sure she was okay, he stretched his arms over his head to rid himself of any tension that had accumulated from sitting in such a cramped space for the entire trip.

He looked around at all the people who moved through the waystation while biting his lip. How Matcha had managed to talk him into coming here, Jemel still wasn’t entirely certain.

“Are you sure this place is worth checking out?” he asked, “I’d much rather be back at the office. Or checking on Mister Tenbriss Ya-Ir.”

“Thanks… I landed on my ass, I’ll be fine.” Matcha groaned and blushed, feeling like a bit of a fool as she was pulled to her feet. Almost immediately, her hands darted to one of Jemel’s, and she held on tight. The last thing she needed was for him to climb into the cockpit and just wait out here.

“This place is one of a kind, and I’ve never gotten to visit it.” She rubbed a thumb soothingly along the back of Jemel’s hand. “I know we’ve been doing a lot, and it’s been stressful, what with me kriffing up the timetable, so I totally get it if this is a bit too much for you. I just thought maybe we could find something silly for your desk while we were here? Something exceedingly cheesy.”

Reiden laughed, smiling. “I guess it does sound like a lot. They’re more contract based, in a way, rather than full-time. I get called in as the need arises, you could say. I do have free time where I’m not doing anything, but even then I often prefer to have something going on.” He offered a shrug and another grin, ”I get a little restless sometimes, what can I say? That’s where bounty hunting comes in. It’s more rare for me, but if I feel like changing things up a little or there’s nothing else going on and I’m feeling like there needs to be, that’s what I turn to sometimes. is a little more rare and mostly when I feel like I need to do something when nothing else is going on. Besides, that’s my friend’s thing and I try not to step on toes since it seems like I’m more inclined to join him than go off and do my own thing. I guess a little variety doesn’t hurt, you know?”

Another line crossed without Anders meaning to. Siv’s jaw set and her eyes hardened at the mention of ‘those that would forbid’ their meeting. She knew who he was talking about, she knew Ruka and Cora’s adversion to the Inquisitorious. She tried to rationalise with herself that he didn’t know, because he was karking missing during the hurricane, that Ruka was currently in a coma.

Her memory flashed to a tired Cora, sipping caf in their apartment, eyes with bags and looking like he had been run over. Leda trying her best to make eggs that Ruka had made all the time, the tense quietness. Her fault. Noga at the infirmary, taking his turn, reading to Ruka while she couldn’t even stand to walk into his room without feeling the breath leaving her lungs. Just the resounding feeling of it being all her fault, that she couldn’t heal him better, that she couldn’t help him hold back the storm, that she was weak.

She wasn’t used to being weak.

The softness normally in her expression slipped away, just for a moment. But it was back just as quickly as it had gone.

“I stopped killing because it wasn’t what I wanted in my life, it wasn’t the path I had chosen for myself. It was a path that had been chosen for me, without my consent, without my say so. Very few know about my past, but I also haven’t hidden it. I don’t need to. Nah'sasni like you look at me and see softness and automatically believe I can’t be anything else. If you were to tell a single soul about my past they would not believe you– but my hands have seen their fair share of blood, High Inquisitor Anderson.” She punctuated his name with empathesis, her tone serious.

She was getting real sick of him underestimating her.

“Contract based? I know all about that.” She chuckled. Her entire well-being and livelihood was dependent upon a contract she had with Lotus peeps. “But whatever keeps the lights on, I suppose. I just don’t know how some people only take contracts that have to do with killing and hurting people or just fighting.” She then sighed. “But I digress. Restlessness is an issue I deal with, too, nowadays. After moving to Selen, I’m just so… idle. It’s the reason I was okay with the damn house call. And look where that got me.”

Teon

The Miralukan sucked his teeth disapprovingly and did his best to shove down the unpleasant emotions he felt swirling amongst the table’s occupants with one, large swig of his Thermal Detonator. He needed another drink.

“With seemingly no regard for how it affects those around you?” he said in response to Alaisy’s comment, the unwavering tone doing well to convey his displeasure with her words.

He rose from his seat and extended a hand in gesture to Zag. The poor woman seemed like she could use a break from this conversation–from the Sith’s stifling energy. “Want to come with me to get another drink, Zag?”

Selen? He knew of the world, knew of its inhabitants. Similarly, he knew, or at least had heard, that the Brotherhood had ties to the station. Still, to so casually run into someone connected to it or one of the clans was not something he had expected today. Not that it was a bad thing. He didn’t know many people outside of his own clan.

“I’ve heard of Selen, but never been there. Supposed to be gorgeous, though. Always wanted to visit one day when I have the chance.” He took a sip of his drink and smiled. “So maybe things didn’t go as you would have hoped. That happens. But you survived, right? I’d say that’s worth quite a lot, wouldn’t you?”

“It’s okay,” Elly responded to Reiden’s comment on her new home world. “It’s a little too warm for my taste. I usually have to make my home ludicrously cold compared to the outside world.” After she finished, she quickly grabbed her drink to hide her smirk by taking a sip. Even if she had the sword with her, she had to do her best to keep up appearances.

“Barely survived, you mean,” She chuckled, pretending to take another nervous gulp. “It’s worth plenty, yeah. Gonna get me more than one favor from the idiot who sent me over. Or just one really big one.” Elly set her now empty glass on the counter and put enough credits on the bartop to cover another cider and whatever Reiden was drinking. “Where are you headed to after this?”

Between all the raven hair Alaisy’s brows pulled together. “Of course with regards to my environment. I presented a solution and acted. I am very well aware of all the ripples I send forth.” The Sith knew well when to step in and pull fate into her own hands. She capitalized on fear and conflict between others. Tir'eivra didn’t care about being liked or getting trapped in webs of relationships, she kept social life very simple for herself. In fact, burning bridges before they became weighted was one of her favorite things.

Time for me to go.

He seemed nice, this Teon. “I’ll have one, sumthin’ a little stronger than before?” Zag said with a more uplifted voice. She didn’t stand up just yet, feeling the suppressive aura of the black-clad woman pressing her down. Her large hand wanted to reach for the Miraluka, yet it shivered on the table instead. Her other hand lifted her bangs so she could look up.

“Wait,-” Alaisy raised herself up in a fluid serpent-like motion. “I will get them for you two. You stay and sit down.” The last words were more of an order than a kindness. “I insist, and the table is yours. Play nice now.” Tir'eivra’s voice suddenly had kindness in it, a very maleficent type. Her tail’s arcs swung suspiciously wide.

It was just a glance. A sliver of a chance and a peek into Sivall’s deeper thoughts and the feelings she was hiding from him.

Ruka was in a coma? Of course. Draca had told him what the Miralian had done during the blizzard and Anders had intended to send a gesture of gratitude. Circumstances surrounding Cloudhaven had gotten him distracted.

If there was one thing he managed to glimpse from the recesses of the younger Chiss’ mind, it was family. Names of people, they weren’t important, but what they meant to Sivall? That certainly was.

It was a weakness. They would not approve of her joining the Inquisitorius and would likely fight tooth and nail against any interaction she and Anders were to have.

And to drive that point home…

“My dear, if I may, I’d like to show you something with the Force.”

“Busy work. Heading the Voidbreaker has been interesting. Following the Ethereal realm and a job from Tali, paperwork has been my life.” He raised the new drink he was given to take another sip.

“Fun comes less often these days.” He growled softly, gnashing his teeth to avoid brain freeze again. He remained at Luka’s side but occasionally peered past them at the Shistavanen working. Perhaps he’d find time to speak to them some time.

Jemel

When she grabbed his hand just as he was formulating a plan to make a break for the X-Wing, the Clawdite-Falleen hybrid had to question if she actually possessed the Force, as well. A gentle sigh escaped his lips, a sign of his acquiescence to her whims. He’d try to make the best of this trip. The sooner they got what they needed, the sooner he’d be able to return to his work.

“I am fond of desk decor. Lead the way.”

“No rest for the wicked, as they say,” Luka replied with a smile. Though as Doon’s gaze kept drifting back to the Shistas behind the counter, that smile faded. They sipped at their drink in silence for a moment, deep in their thoughts.

“Well, I’ll let you have some fun, then,” they said, looking pointedly to the Shistas. “Just don’t forget about me when you head out.” They gave a pat on Doon’s arm, then stood with their drink. Bico followed after them as they went to a vacant table to nurse their drink and flip through their datapad.

“Oooh! I gotcha, so a bounty hunter! That do make sense to your sleeping arrangements. And I bet that Koga here helps ya find peeps huh?” Lulaire grinned as she entered into the cafe.

“I dun think I can imagine myself as a bounty hunter. Though that would be quite a sight!” Lulaire chuckled as she waited at the podium for them to be seated.

Reiden flashed a knowing grin, being all too familiar with that kind of situation. “Yeah, that sounds about right. Facing down an acklay? That’s like a first responder getting hazard pay. You can and absolutely should cash it in for another or a bigger favor when you need something. That’s just the way things work.” He took a small sip of his drink, mulling his thoughts. “Hmm…most likely just heading back home, to Seraph. Maybe take a breather and do…something fun, rather than more work. There are some people I haven’t caught up with in some time now. They’re still active duty so hopefully they’re available and not on call or anything. Unless I call in a favor and or something like that,” he said with a laugh. “I’ve been through a lot with some of them, different conflicts and all, but we usually enjoy getting together every now and then, as time and schedules allow.”

Orion nodded, “Yeah, he’s still pretty young, but he’s already helped me out a few times. He’s learning well. I helped someone out with a job involving animals and some smuggling. Koga’s parents were some of the ones I saved. The owner met up with me a bit afterwards, asked how I felt about animals and pets, and next thing I knew, I had a little pup to take care of. He’s been a good friend.”

He smiled at the staff members, “Yeah,sure, go right ahead! He likes the attention. “Either is fine with me. Whatever makes more sense for my friend here. That is, if it’s all right he stays with me?” He reached down to pat Koga’s head, giving him a scratch behind the ear that set the anooba’s tail wagging and foot thumping softly. <@244244163002892288>

Teon didn’t say anything in response. What was there to say? He knew there would be no convincing Alaisy that there were other, better methods to solve problems–methods that didn’t involve hurting people without good reason. But she was a Sith. They held themselves and their own interests in highest regard, often to the detriment of others. Childish.

He shifted his attention to Zag. Uncomfortable silence had settled in the space between them, and he’d have no more of it. “Are you alright?”

Koga gave what could only be described as the canine approximation of a smile as he sat there and wagged his tail more, panting happily, his eyes closing. A soft but resonant rumble came from deep within his chest.

Well, it looks like someone’s clearly enjoying all the extra attention, Orion thought to himself.

He nodded, “Of course! I wouldn’t think of doing otherwise. Gotta be responsible, right?”

The bounty hunter smiled, taking a menu from the hostess and making his way toward the nearest unoccupied booth to sit down. A quick perusal of the offerings and nothing really jumped out at him. He gave a soft whistle and Koga came padding over, looking a little disappointed that he was being drawn away from the people who were being so nice to him, huffing lightly as he laid down beneath the table, his snout sticking out slightly underneath its edge.

“I think I’ll just have a cup of caf for now, thanks.”

The T-85 X-wing Starfighter gracefully glided into the docking bay of Station 0H40-S0, its sleek frame cutting through the vast darkness of space. Nora Olen, clad in dark, form-fitting attire that matched the severity of her newfound purpose, stood in the cockpit with an air of quiet determination. Her emerald green eyes flickered with a mix of intensity and curiosity as the ship smoothly descended to the designated landing pad.

The moment the ship’s landing struts touched the durasteel surface, Nora powered down the X-wing’s systems and unstrapped herself from the pilot’s seat. The hydraulic hiss of the cockpit canopy opening revealed her striking figure, bathed in the artificial light of the station. With a confident stride, she descended the ramp, her long, flowing blue hair trailing behind her like a comet’s tail.

As Nora set foot on the station, her piercing gaze scanned the surroundings, taking in the eclectic mix of beings bustling through the central hub. The air was thick with a medley of scents, alien languages, and the low hum of conversations. Nora’s Zeltron empathic abilities tingled, registering the myriad of emotions swirling around her.

She navigated the bustling walkways with purpose, her presence drawing occasional glances from curious onlookers. The contrast between her dark, serious demeanor and the lively atmosphere of the station was stark. Nora moved past the various counters, briefly acknowledging the merchants peddling their wares, her eyes never betraying the turbulent thoughts within.

Approaching the bulletin board, Nora cast a brief, calculating glance at the dropboxes before opting to leave a discreet request for assistance from the Envoys. A silent acknowledgment of her presence in this transient corner of the galaxy.

Her path then led her to the bar area, where she took a moment to survey the diverse clientele. The muted conversations of traders, travelers, and mercenaries washed over her as she made her way to an unoccupied spot. Nora gracefully seated herself, her lean and athletic frame exuding an air of controlled power.

A server droid glided over, and Nora ordered a drink, her gaze fixed on the holographic menu. As she waited, her mind replayed the journey that had led her to this remote station—a journey fueled by betrayal, revelation, and a thirst for the dark side.

<@244244163002892288>

Zag peered at Teon, her hand stopped shaking but the chill running over her spine transformed into nausea. “I’m just a ball of nerves heh.” She had cared about the guy that the Sith had killed even if he double, triple crossed her and would’ve likely caused more damage. The real horror was seeing the way that Alaisy had taken pleasure in tearing the soul from his body. “I feel like I’m chased by his ghost sumtimes.”

The Zygerrian knew that fear around Tir'eivra had a way of manifesting and almost becoming corporeal sometimes. This made her own dread of the former croupier more palpable, especially during one of the Sith’s talk-to-the-dead rituals. “Everythin’ she takes stays with her, y'know? Especially the bad things.” Sometimes Alaisy’s heel-taps became synchronized with Zag’s heart palpitations. She always figured it was too much caf.

The black-clad woman even took extra steps to make sure the spirits of the dead did not come with her after battles. This trip here to the Shame Corner had been one of those stops. It made sense that everything bad coalesced here, this place was like a dumping ground for terrible vibes and ghosts. When Tir'eivra returned with two stiff drinks she seemed more gloomy than before. “I have paid the bill as well.” Before Zag could say anything the Sith had left.

Alaisy created some distance from the two, before peering around the diner for other faces that looked familiar.

“You got a good heart, saving them parents. Glad you got a great pup and friend out of it.” Lulaire smile and the energy shifted when they entered into the diner as the staff started to coo over the pup.

“Well, I’ll be. If I had known, I would’ve brought Takka. She woulda loved that kind of attention too.” It seemed like no one can choose booth or table.

“I suppose a booth would work.” That way, Koga can sit down by Orion on the booth if allowed instead of struggling with the chairs at the table. When they were taken to the booth at the diner, she thanked them at the menu and chuckled at hearing the huff.

“It ain’t the end of the world, young Koga. I wager ya will get more attention later.” When the server approach for the order, “Hiya, I be having a cuppa of caf too.”

<@244244163002892288>

Derry watched the new comers and the adorable anooba. He had a soft spot for pets, and usually it was reciprocated. Though there had been that one time…he chuckled to himself remembering the bite mark on his leg. After a moment he let the intrusive thoughts win and walked over to the other table, he always kept some dried nerf treats in his pocket for just such an occasion.

“Do you mind?” he asked the Kiffar at the table but nodded towards the anooba.

<@232396983854301187> <@216702440140046336>

Zig glanced around and realized she had a small opening. “I’m going to use the ‘fresher,” she announced, though she was only met with vague nods and a sly look from Ira that had the Zygerrian reminding herself that she was not on the market.

She made her way out of the bar area and started to idly wander around, taking stock of the shops. “Hm, wonder if Zuza would like anything from here.”

As she walked, her awareness had a sudden spike of familiarity. It had been…happening ever since she came back from the Ethereal Realm. Marick had said that what she was experiencing was a connection to the Force, but Zig couldn’t…throw boulders around with her mind or hand-wave people into following her instructions. Still, the Elder Arcanist had insisted she was now more aware of the Force, for better or worse.

But the spike of awareness, mixed with having read the log of which Envoys and Brotherhood personel had checked into the establishment…

Alaisy? I know she’s back, but, she wouldn’t be here, would she? It’s too…casual?

Her mind wandered as she nearly bumped into the doorway entrance to one of the shops selling keychains, trinkets and more. “Oh, right picking out something for Zuza.”

“It was the perfect combination of a good paying job and my love of animals. They deserved to have a nice home and good conditions rather than cooped up in a cage that was barely big enough to hold ‘em. It was a lot more up front work than I’m used to, more surveillance and whatnot. But it was worth it in the end to make sure they all got back to where they were supposed to be.”

“Just the caf for me, for now anyway,” Orion replied to the waitress. He reached down to give Koga’s head a pat. “And the two of us appreciate the water.”

Koga looked at the newcomer, tail slowly swishing back and forth.

Orion eyed the large Chiss and smiled, nodding. “Not at all, feel free. He loves meeting new people.”

<@244244163002892288> <@379840612788076544>

“Yes, just caf for now, I reckon if I sit down and eat, I would not be able to stop till I put myself in a food coma, ya know?” She joked but was also not joking. She had eaten earlier and any more, she would surely overeat and be sluggish for her work for the rest of the day.

“Yea, I know what cha mean. See, I do a farm with the rest of ma family, we breed mounts for a livin’ but we have a whole buncha of companion animals that we saved along the way. Ya know, if ya find yaself a mount or animal and unable to find them a home, do think of me will ya? I’ll take care of them, promise. In fact, ya can come on over to ma farm and take a gander yaself!”

Her orange hues glanced over to massive Chiss as he approached and wanted to pet Koga too.

“Well, I reckon if ya pick him up, he would look like a pup compared to ya.”

Derry smiled at the thought of cradling the anooba in his large arms.

“What’s his name?” He asked as he crouched down and extended his hand to allow the anooba to sniff his hand before scratching behind its ears.

“Who’s a good boy,” he spoke in an uncharacteristically high pitch tone, his eyes softening. “Is he allowed treats?”

“And what if they’re all busy?” Elly asked, swiveling in her seat to face Reiden, leaning sideways onto the bar top. “What will you do then? Have any hobbies you like to partake in?”

Orion grinned at the offer. “Yeah, I’ll keep that in mind! Just leave your contact info with me before you head out. It’s always nice to know where to send animals. There are so many places around these days, but I never know which ones to trust.” He turned back to the Chiss, watching Koga’s happy reaction. “His name is Koga. Sure, he can have a treat. He was pretty good while we were on the ship.”

<@379840612788076544>

If Zag wasn’t going to resupply her X70b Alaisy would just have to do it herself. At least she could spend the credits that the Zygerrian would’ve spent on snacks on some better-quality drinks instead, or perhaps something else. The Malachor-high had certainly ebbed away by now as a feeling of euphoria was replaced by a hunger that had little to do with food. Not to mention a pounding in her head.

Right, the shops.

Her heels clicked and clacked loudly as her long dress and loose hair flowed against the rhythm of her tail. Tir'eivra went by the stalls, checking out the goods, one thing at a time. She touched everything, noticing some gold jewelry that Zag could’ve earned had she been a little easier to handle.

Her loss.

She skimmed by a store selling liquor, but the sour smell turned her off. Finally, she reached some stalls selling a plethora of commodities. Most of it wasn’t even worth touching even if it amused the raven-haired woman to do so. There was something so utterly child-like about running ones fingers over all of the objects.

A particular color caught her eyes as she peered between the clattering articles.

Midnight blue.

Her claw had let go of a set of kitchen utensils, rattling the entire rack. Her eyes squinted between the swooping pans and pots in her peripheral vision. Blush-red skin and those typical Zygerrian long pointed ears.

Out of all places. Zig?

Zig hummed to herself as she ran her slightly clawed fingertips against a set of keychains. She settled on one that was the green outline of the famous Jedi: Yoda. The enamel was crude work, but she Scavaneger appreciated the heart behind it. She could tell this was hand-painted, not mass produced like many of them.

In block text, on the back of the keychain it said: Yoda best.

Zig snorted to herself. “Hehe, you-da, Yoda, who comes up with this stuff…” she picked up the keychain and moved to look at the other trinkets.

Her ears flicked as she heard a rattling. She froze like a wild creature caught in the headlights of a speeder. She felt a coldness, familiar yet terrifying.

She slowly turned her head, and had to immediately crane her neck up. Was she hallucinating? Some trick of the ‘Force’. She looked exactly how Zig remembred, exactly how she had ‘appeared’ to her as a deceptive shadow in the Ethereal Realm.

She swallowed down a sudden lump in her throat. “A..Alaisy?”

Reiden thought for a moment, giving a small laugh. “That’s a great point. Well, I like to keep active and stay on top of training, but sometimes it’s good to slow down and take it easy as well. Reading has always been a favorite of mine since I was a kid. It’s nice to sometimes just slip into another world, you know? Got into the habit of meditating years ago, so that’s another go-to for me. Walking or running helps to clear the head and can be relaxing. Maybe there’s somewhere I could volunteer, help out a bit. Honestly, a nice walk around the city sounds pretty good now though. Just take in the sights.”

With some considerable effort and sighing Alaisy avoided the many obstacles swinging around. Getting into the store was easier than getting out. Her tail twitched as she heard Zig’s voice between clattering trinkets.

The Sith’s long black hair flanked her intense electric-blue. “The Force has a sense of humor, making the galaxy appear so miniscule. Greetings, Zig.” Her eyes scanned the scavenger. Still the same Zygerrian, but her aura had changed considerably. “A fitting place for you. Not so much for myself.” She scraped her fingernails with one hand, as the other leaned on her hip.

Derry slipped his hand into his pocket and pulled out a few pieces of dried nerf, offering them in his open hand to Koga.

“Thats a great name you have there Koga, very strong!”

Koga’s tail thumped with excitement as he sniffed the treats, making a few soft yips before eating them. Orion smiled, “He’s been a good companion to have, even if the early days were a bit of a tough adjustment period for both of us. We got through it in the end, though. Well worth it.”

Zig stood in place and continued to not move a muscle. She just kind of stared at Alaisy, especially hearing her voice, a tumble of emotion, repressed and out in the open, captured, compressed, re-routed. Time advanced as if in stasis for the Zygerrian until finally, she blinked through her internal paralysis and got her social subroutines back up and running again.

She quickly turned, looked up to meet the Sith’s eyes, and nodded her head. “Oh, uh, yeah. Definitely wouldn’t have expected, um, you, here, in a place like this…too bright with the overhead halogens, they really should use LEDs, right, for softer less harsh light that can make more organic shadows…?” she rambled a bit nervously.

“You look…well. Are you here on business or…” her eyes lowered, perhaps on old reflex. After a few heartbeats, she flicked her golden eyes back up and clenched her fist at her side, nails digging into her palm slightly as she tried to steel herself.

Fly. Casual. Be. Cool

The Chiss medic tilted her head, blinking a few times when Anders posed his question. It was clear she held some reservations about his request, but she nodded all the same.

“Sure,” was her only response. Quick and curt. While Anders was a kist, she trusted him to not hurt her. She was sure if he wanted to, he would have tried already.

The Sith had not expected to see Zig again, certainly not so soon. Her eyelid twitched as the headache from earlier came back. Alaisy’s gloved hand reached up to grasp her forehead, but corrected it to make it look like she swept a strand of hair aside.

“I am here to leave a ghost behind. But it seems another has caught up with me in turn.” Alaisy’s tail swung by the rafter next to her, knocking off a mug. Her body stayed still as the hand smoothly transferred from her hip to catch the mug.

There were likely a million ways someone from the Brotherhood or the Shadow Clan had kept track of the Sith. Alaisy’s mind kept thinking up scenarios of why Zig was here now. “Did you plan this meeting Zig? If so, your speech could use a little tinkering.” Alaisy’s lips were not black unlike most times, they formed into a cautious smile.

Anders gently placed his fingertips on the side of Sivall’s head. He lowered his own and closed his eyes. Again, it was almost laughable how much he towered over her.

But then he poured it in, the memories of the meeting with Bril, Minnow, Ellisyn, Mikhail, Tahiri, Sofila and Cole. Anders showed her the whole scene as conversations flashed in Sivall’s mind, hostilities emerged, feelings escalated and… and…

Anders eyes twisted into crimson hued yellow.

He released his grip from her, lifted his head, and opened his eyes.

“It is admirable that you have those who would strongly come to your defence. I do not appreciate the hostility I was shown, but upon reflection, I at least understand it. However, what I do not appreciate is them taking out their emotional baggage on myself and especially Draca without hearing the full story. That is why I will not teach you. There are too many who would oppose your apprenticeship to me. Now, if that is all, I bid you good day, Sivall.”

“…planned?” Zig asked, and the…question seemed to slap her across face. Did Alaisy really think that Zig had spent all this time waiting around, twiddling her thumbs, just to find Alaisy again? Also who was she calling a ghost!? Zig had literally faced down a shadow ghost version of Alaisy, and the one in front of her definitely was the real one.

The flash of anger seemed to strengthen her confidence and resolve. “No, Alaisy,” she replied tightly. “I did not plan this. I am here with Doon, and our new Aedile.” she knew that Alaisy was familiar with the current Shistavanen captain, but wouldn’t likely know Sofila yet. “And I came to this shop to find something cute for my girlfriend,” she scrunched her nose a bit, eyebrows narrowing as she put an emphasis on the word. She was not a mouse anymore playing with a lioness. She was a tiger with her own stripes herself.

As she studied Alaisy’s face, and the way she had pressed a hand to her head, something then softened in Zig. The furrow in her brow unknit. She stared into Alaisy’s cold eyes, but not in a way she might have in the past with adoration. This was something with more focus and intent.

“You’re going through a withdrawal.” Zig’s entire demeanor seemed to change like she was assessing a droid that was having a malfunctioning part. The mechanic part of her seemed to overtake her emotional rawness in the moment. “I didn’t think it would be possible, with the gene splicing and other alchemical modifications, but something with the properties of your suit…or something with the air here? Did you bring your mask, or need a different kind of air suply?”

She made sure the keep her voice quiet and soft, respectful of privacy but not willing to keep quiet now that she saw it.

A hiss, a soft and quiet one, but a hiss none-the-less, left her lips. He was just looking for a reason, wasn’t he? Any reason to not teach her. Her jaw set harder and she backed a step away from Anders as the heat of anger rolled under her skin. Anger, indignation, frustration– the whole lot turned in her stomach. The urge to punch him in his symetrical face rose.

“Ch'ah k'ir nah tsan'ah vah sir ch'a ch'itvosihe'oti..” I didn’t take you for a coward, the words in Cheunh were tipped in venom and her white-hot anger. Was it a low blow, aiming for his pride? Absolutely. But if she couldn’t punch him in the face with her fists she was going to do it with her words.

“Don’t think I’ll give up, Anderson. This won’t be the last you heard of this.”

“It looks like he found a great home, and you such a good boy!!” He moved his hand to scratch under Koga’s chin. “Are you a good boy? Yes you are! Yes you are!!”

“Sounds great! I be sure to send ya the info before I hafta go and ya, it do be hard to find a place that be safe. Though, I warn ya, if ya send me a companion that is more inside than outside, they would likely to be adopted out but by people we trust. We work outside so much that we can’t give them the attention they woulda need inside, ya know?” Lulaire explained. They work from dawn to dusk. And then have to take care of a few things inside the house. A farmer’s life never stopped.

She grinned watching the Chiss while sipping her caf peacefully.

“So, ya got a name?”

<@379840612788076544>

Noted. That makes sense, though. Don’t know if that kind of thing will come up again, but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared.”

Koga’s leg began to thump along with his tail as he leaned against the hand, panting happily and giving soft woofs of approval.

Orion sipped his caf, glad his little friend was enjoying their trip to the station. He had been worried about taking him out and how he might behave when given some space to move about and explore, not to mention all the people that would be there and how he’d react to crowds. Luckily, he was pretty well behaved so far. The training and slowly introducing him to things was paying off, it seemed.

“You can call me Derry,” he said torn between continuing to pet Koga and shaking hands with the pair. He sighed softly and stood, extending his hand. “Good to meet you both.”

“I’m glad to hear the armor isn’t just for show, and you actually put in the effort to train and exercise. I’d rather exercise than meditate any day, though. I don’t understand how people can stand just sitting there and just… Exist.” But meditation and exercise? Those weren’t exciting things, and she wanted to learn interesting things about the stranger.

“You ever take a book along on your strolls? One of my favorite things was to find a nice secluded rooftop and take a seat on the edge. Could look out at the view and read and listen to the ambient sounds of the city all at once.”

A small smile crossed the lawyer’s face as she reminisced on the nights she’d work on cases while sitting in peace. She had wished to someday bring Sulla up with her to relax and enjoy the scenery with her, but that was never going to happen now.

He saw the conflict on the man’s face, smiling as reached out to shake his hand. “I’m Orion. It’s nice to meet you, Derry.”

After Orion and Derry shook hands, Lula reached out with her hand to Derry as well.

“Howdy do? I’m Lularie but can call me whateva.”

He smiled, his mind being taken away in a memory. “As a matter of fact, I have done that a couple times. I should probably do it more often, though. Found a nice park one day and just sat under a tree. Got some people watching in between chapters.” He raised a brow at her words, intrigued. “A rooftop, though? Can’t say I’ve ever done that myself, but I’ll have to give it a try now. That said, I do enjoy watching the city from them. It somehow makes me feel alive to have everything all around me like that.”

“With armor like that, I never would’ve taken you as the type to enjoy people-watching. It seems… mundane compared to all your paying jobs.”

She chuckled softly before reaching for a jacket pocket that wasn’t there, looking a little strange in the process. She had wanted to check on Sulla and Lektra, but it seemed she had lost her communicator in her previous scuffle. A worried, slightly panicked look crossed her face for but a moment before she tried to play it off

“You get to watch different vehicles when you’re on a building. What I tried to do sometimes was pick one that was downwind from a nice restaurant. Usually just ended up with me eating out, but it was nice.” she shrugged

He laughed, nodding, “Okay, that’s fair. I do like my share of excitement and activity, but taking it easy is nice too. Have to mix it up, you know?” He thought he saw her mood change but decided not to pry. He didn’t really know her and privacy was important. Instead, he smiled. “I’d probably have a similar problem if I did that. It’s sometimes hard to resist the smell of good food for too long. When I’m working, I have to do my best to ignore it. But there have been times when I haven’t been able to, then I have to rush to eat and scramble to get back on track.”

Derry smiled at the Kiffar and Firrerro, they were animal lovers which means that seemed like good people in his mind.

“I’ll call ya Lu if that’s fine by you, whateva seems like a bit of a strange name, even for Chiss.” He sly grin stretched across his face like he had just made the smartest joke. “It’s always good to make new friends.”

<@232396983854301187>

The curvy female snorted, almost spilling her caf.

“Well now, I dunno bout that. Got a polecat named Whateva but Eva for short,” she merrily quipped right back.

“Real pretty, charming too. Smarter than me I reckon. Love making new friends.”

Was she talking about herself or the polecat?

Who knows.

Orion blinked at the unexpected joke then a smile spread across his face. Hearing Lula continue with one of her own, he started to laugh, deep within his belly. “Well, I don’t know about the name, but I’d definitely agree about making new friends. A relative of mine would always say that a stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet.”

“Well consider us no longer strangers! And that must be one smart polecat to outshine you.” He suddenly remembered Koga at his feet and pulled out another treat. “So where are you three headed from here?”

<@216702440140046336>

He grinned as Koga gobbled up the treat. “Had a job back home on Kiffex, caught up with family while I was there. Friend and I were gonna head back to Seraph but realized we needed some fuel and supplies. We’d heard of this station before and figured we’d check it out. It's…well, it’s an interesting place. But friendly staff so far, some good caf. Not much more you can ask for when it comes to a place like this, I’d say.”

“A fan of food, you say? Have a particular…” Elly caught notice of the Tailring eyeing her down and tilted her head slightly. She had never seen a creature like that before, and why it was taking interest in her, she didn’t know. But she would soon.

“Sorry,” the woman excused herself for the sudden break of her sentence. “Do you have a particular genre of food you’re a fan of the most?”

Reiden followed her gaze to the diminutive…reptavian? He’d never seen that particular species before, but it held a certain charm. He filed the encounter away for later, making a mental note to find out more.

He turned back to the woman and smiled. “Given the, uh, nature of my youth, I was never really a picky eater, couldn’t afford to be. And my parents always tried to tell me not to waste food and try new things. I’ll try just about anything, although certain smells put me off, and I don’t like overly spicy things. But there’s something different about well-cooked meat. Honorable mentions to good pasta dishes and soups, too.”

“My family wasn’t well off by any means, but mom always managed to put food on the table.” Elly thought back to long nights waiting for her mom and aunt to come home after a bounty, staying awake in the cargo hold of their ship. She’d come back with something simple she picked up from a shop because heaven knows she wasn’t about to cook.

“But usually it was the same old same old. Ever since I moved out, though, I’ve been able to eat whatever I want, and nine times out of ten, it’s meat.” Her stomach grumbled loudly, and she sighed, her face slightly silver. All this talk about food had reminded her why she came to the station in the first place.

He leaned against the bar and took a sip of his drink. “I have nothing but respect and admiration for the parents in situations like that where they do all they can to provide for their families. It seems tough, but worth it. I know there was no better feeling after I left home than when I was able to scrape together enough for a decent meal instead of something cheap and easy.” He offered her a smile, “For what it’s worth, I hear they have pretty good food at this station. Although full disclosure, it was mostly from reading reviews when the ship was in hyperspace on the way here.”

“You read the reviews? I just told the pilot to drop me off somewhere that has a shower and food. And to be honest I expected a hotel or something, not a refueling station.” She chuckled softly before turning her head to Ira “Do you have anything to eat at the bar here or do I go somewhere else for that?” She asked, trying to be polite and not seem too silly <@244244163002892288>

He laughed, shaking his head slightly. “Okay, maybe ‘read’ is being a little generous. It was more like a skim, I admit.” He stroked his chin in thought. “Hmm, that’s interesting. If I had given that direction to someone, I would have expected more of a hotel type thing as well. I’ve honestly never been to or seen a refueling station like this before.”

Nothing planned? Good

Alaisy was rather pleased to hear she hadn’t been waited for. The caution in her smile dissipated and her tail resumed its smooth side-to-side flow.

Girlfriend?

The extra preparation and emphasis on the word was amusing, to say the least. The temptation to just boop that nose became almost too much. Her fist and jaw clenched in an I-want-to-squeeze-the-life-out-of-her kind of way. Then her hand distracted itself, resting on her hip.

A sense of pride and satisfaction passed through Tir'eivra as she realized how well life had treated Zig, standing strong in her own boots. The Sith’s first instinct would be to ask who this girl in Zig’s life was. Then her mind wandered into more dangerous territory, and her possessiveness attempted to take root.

Erase. No Attachments.

The glowing of her eyes dimmed as she blinked. Any feeling that built up in her now had to be dismissed. It would fester. Anger would replace it. Any emotion was crushed by imagining the abolition of life itself. Not a technique the Jedi would apply to reach their inner sanctuary. .

If she hadn’t, it would’ve undone everything the Zygerrian had worked for in Alaisy’s absence. “Indeed. It does appear there is no ghost here.” There was no trace of emotion left in her voice. Strangely her breath became cold, as if the temperature had suddenly plummeted. A fleeting, misty cloud appeared as she exhaled through her lips. For a Sith, imagining death was a very tangible thing, even that of mere feelings. But this was Magick she had used here.

It was the highest amount of respect Tir'eivra could’ve given the Scavenger. Tapping into the Force, using her channeling crystal to wipe out feelings or memories with imaginary quietus was taxing. Her crimson necklace had turned emerald. Twisting black smoke had formed outside of the set gem. Sole proof that it was a Nightsister technique that she had just used. If her usual gloom was bad before, now her aura was also absorbing heat from nearby sources.

It didn’t make her headache any better. She wrapped her arms around herself and her tail attempted to warm her up. Any oils under her second skin transferred sources of heat around in an attempt to beat back the cold.

“I will be fine Kaliska. Give it time.” The ancient spirit she had assimilated on Malachor gave her a high that peaked far above anything a drug would’ve given her. That meant it was reaching its valley soon. “You still have sharp eyes Zig, I think I will follow your advice and get my mask.” Increasing the concentration of oxygen would be the perfect solution. And it’d get rid of this awkward feeling of walking around exposed to this oppressing social interaction.

“Do not let that brilliant mind rot, Kaliska.”

Anders raised a brow and then a finger. “This will not be the last I will hear of this. Honestly, Sivall. If you are going to insult me and follow in your families footsteps in calling me a coward, then the very least you can do is demonstrate proper use of vocabulary. I believe we are done here.”

Anders turned to leave, bumping into Meshita after a few paces.

“Soooooo, what did she want?” The Mandalorian woman asked.

“Something utterly ridiculous,” Anders shook his head. “Youth these days is wasted on the young. They think the way to achieve their goals is to insult the people who can help them achieve it.”

“That sounds like something you should, you know, talk to someone about,” he suggested, trying his best to broach the subject in a way that didn’t offend her. “Like therapy. Talking to someone about the troubles of our past can do a lot of good. I likely would have lost my head a hundred times over if my vod hadn’t taught me the importance of working through your druk.”

He took a breath to steady himself. The feelings the Zygerrian woman was projecting were a lot.

“I understand that, in a way. About things sticking with her.” Hell, he could still feel the presences of people he killed decades ago, of comrades lost on the battlefield. “But we’re responsible for what we do with that, how we let it affect the people around us.”

When Alaisy turned with their drinks, he had intended to say something, but the woman hurried away. He figured it’d be better just to leave her be, for now.

“Well, looks like it’s just us, now.”

Lula smirked when Derry turned the tables against her as she took another sip.

Fair enough. She set the caf back down and scooted down at the booth, giving the Chiss some room.

“If ya wanna sit down, here ya go.” Derry asked a question and Orion responded first, her hand went under the table and started to give Koga some back scratches.

“Back to da farm. I’m here cause them animals are spoilt. They do get good feed and all that, but they prefer Shame Corner Pet Grain and Shame Corner Pet Feed so once a month, we come up here and stock on up. That grain and feed is the only way we can get the stubborn mounts to get in the barn. So we use it sporadically.” She glanced over to Orion, “I didn’t know it ya first time here. Its pretty niffy. I say yall should try Shame Corner Bites, I may get myself some before leaving.”

Derry nodded his thanks as he slid into the booth.

“It’s quite the place isn’t it? People from all walks of life here, you never know who you run into or meet.” He raised his hand to get Flor’s attention. “But you know what I appreciates about this place? The caf! That’s what I appreciates about it. A nice fresh cup of caf just hits in a way that the instant stuff on my ship just doesn’t. And Flor here makes a damn fine cup of caf!”

<@244244163002892288> <@232396983854301187>

“Exactly.” Matcha said, sounding just a tad triumphant. She gently tugged on his hand and began to walk into the shame corner proper with her lovely office boy at her side.

With her head on a swivel, Matcha analyzed her surroundings. She looked for the busier areas and also the quieter areas. Sadly, this was space, and there wasn’t an early morning or late night to avoid the rush of everyday people. There seemed to be a group of people already perusing the touristic merchandise, so Matcha led Jemel instead to some pastries. Who didn’t like pastries?

“I hope you enjoyed our trip at least a bit,” Matcha said on their way over

“Dat sounds scary, but I will give it a try Teon.” Her eyes lit up. Everything was always easier when talking. It was when it got quiet that it became problematic. “Who’s ya vod?”

Zag was already calming down after Alaisy had left, her voice was back to its silvery self, no longer high-pitched. And her drink seemed to numb the nerves. “I don’t know how ya or Alaisy do it. Killing I mean, I’m already a bag of nerves.”

“Ya okay with her leaving?” Zag felt slightly guilty for getting it to that point. But then knowing the Sith she probably just got bored.

Leena watched the man turn toward the Shistavanen. He seemed almost casual. Unbothered. But beneath that… She smiled. Some habits died harder than others. It was a practiced posture, the man ready to erupt in fabulous violence in a heartbeat if the situation evolved in such a way that it would be necessary. She was familiar, but not nearly as practiced as he was. Jealousy bloomed for a moment, then was shuffled away as she let her eyes glide off of them.

She drew her focus back, letting her eyes take in as much as she could as he spoke with the server. There were new senses dancing beyond her periphery, a flux of power that coiled beneath her skin ever since Kasiya. Familiar and yet foreign, like a spice from another planet. She hadn’t felt this way since she left the Nephilim, if what that whole shift could even be called leaving. She had wanted to ask the Lion about what had happened on that ship, but hadn’t found the time or really even the words as they had left Taldryan space. Maybe it would be worth reaching out to the spy with the wintry eye to see if she had been experiencing the same., since she was there too. It wasn’t like Leena knew her well, but she knew her a fair bit better than the Chancellor…

And now Declan was staring at her.

She shook her head as if it would shake the thought out, and focused on what was in front of her. “I’m sorry, what was that?”

<@284151800414863360>

Orion wasn’t quite sure how to respond after seeing some of the items on display. But the station seemed nice enough. He smiled, “Yeah, it’s something all right. Seems like a good place to come and rest when you’ve been on a ship for a while. The caf’s good too, yeah.” He took another sip of his, nodding. “Definitely better than what most people will have onboard a ship, that’s for sure. Staff seems pretty friendly, too.”

“Thank you Flor.” Derry smiled and raised his mug to the server. “Like I said, a damn fine cup of caf.”

Doon had slipped from the bar, leaving the others to their own business. He still clutched his half finished second drink while he approached the cleaning droid, and subsequent Shistavanen dragging it around. He spoke softly -as softly as one of his size and grumble could- in his natural tongue. “Excuse me. Could I bother you for a while?”

His scarred visage and single eye seemed to examine the droid warily, as if expecting it to fall apart and preparing to avoid it.

Zig did not, to the surprise of probably even herself, flush. She was interested in whatever it was that Alaisy was involved in. If only for the fact that Alaisy defied the laws of nature, mechanics, and physics that the modern galaxy understood to be scientific truths.

There was a rare moment of maturity and solemnity as she listened to Alaisy’s words. “Okay. I understand you prefer to do things on your own but…if you ever need a second set of eyes on a problem you’re running into-” she had a moment of panic at a fleeting memory, “-*metaphorical eyes!”

She smoothed out her jacket, hands stuffed into her pockets. “If you need help, you can just ask. You have my holo-number.”

With a nod, Zig moved over towards the counter to pay for the keychain she had found earlier for Zuza.

Doon noted her vocal preference and switched to basic to accommodate, speaking in his usual low grumble. “Wanted to ask you questions. If you had time.”

His curled flashed teeth in a smile, offering at least some semblance to ease her in conjunction with his general body language. He could tower over her should he want, but he instead kept a slight distance, clutching the bouquet of umbrellas in both paws. “You work here long?”

Zig blinked a few times. She had just faced down her fears and anxiety head on, with poise and maturity. In her hand, she gripped a cute trinket for her very cute girlfriend. She was a strong, independent Zygerrian and she would not be up-sold just because the attendant happened to have very pretty eyes.

“Sure, add those in,” she said anyway, silently cursing herself for falling for such a basic sales tactic. “You drive a hard bargain,” she finished as she accepted the checkout bag with the keychain carefully wrapped in foam.

“Thank you kindly,” she paused, “Avalon.”

Zig froze misstep. She did some quick mental math of her stipend for this “shore” leave.

Tinier tailrings?

Jemel

“It definitely could have been better,” he admitted with a light shrug of his shoulders, “But there are worse people to be pressed up against for long voyages.”

The Cladeen found Matcha’s gaze to give her a wink before looking forward again. He briefly scanned the people who passed them and the little knick knacks they carried.

“So, where to first?” he asked.

How kriffing dare.. Sivall stared daggers at Anders’ back in till he was out of sight, red pulsing at the edges of his vision. With the anger came tears, hot and heavy, pooling in her eyes. Her fellow Chiss was an absolute right bastard, but she had no other in with the Inquisitorious– no one in Arcona would help her, at least no one she knew of. Frustrated and angry, the tiny blue woman turned and kicked the nearest thing to her… Which happened to be a wall.

A string of Cheunh curses fell from her lips.

Failure. Failure failure failure.

Your family will die because you weren’t strong enough to protect them.

Her foot throbbed but she didn’t care. All she saw, all she could feel, was Ruka’s blood and ichor on her hands, angry tears rolling down her cheeks.

Teon

Teon’s lips pulled into a smile upon hearing Zag’s answer. “It certainly can be, but something tells me you have more than enough courage to handle it.

"My vod? That would be Wulfram Armis. He recently became the Proconsul of Clan Odan-Urr. Proud of the old man.” The Miralukan’s pride in the accomplishments of his friend and mentor rang clearly in his voice. It amused him a little, calling him Wulfram old when he wasn’t that much older than him–a fact that wasn’t at all obvious based on Teon’s appearance. Most people told him he only looked half his actual age, which made sense because he certainly didn’t feel like he was in his mid-forties.

Upon hearing her comment about killing, he pursed his lips while considering how best to respond. “I’d be lying if I said killing hasn’t become easy over the years. I’ve been a soldier since I was a child. But I take no pleasure in having to do it. Most don’t, but some kills stick with me. Can’t get them out of my head so I’ve had to learn how to adjust–as much as you can adjust to something like that. Messy stuff.”

Gloved digits encircled his glass so he could take another, noticeably protracted swig of the alcohol swirling within it. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to get heavy out of nowhere like that. As for Alaisy, I would have rather she stayed, but I can always catch up with her later.”

“…Are you okay with it?”

Laying on his back with his Nautolan and little Femi curled up against him, Bril stared at the baby pink ceiling of Minnie’s room, letting his thoughts lead him on an aimless trek while they slept. Without warning, the all-too familiar feeling of frustration and anger cut across his bond with his found sister like a vibroknife through paper.

Failure. Failure failure failure.

His brow furrowed at the sudden influx of negative emotions. They were so critical, so devoid of compassion. He considered reaching over to grab his datapad, but decided against it. Not only did he not want to wake his beloved or Femi (who was grumpier when woken up early? A toss up, surely), but he knew it’d be faster to just project his thoughts out through the Force.

“Lora. What’s going on?” he mentally intoned, “Focus on the sensation of my breath and breathe with me. I’m here. Steady breaths, okay? Inhale … and exhale.”

While Jori was tiding Boruk in the place where it could eat and drink, Aksel with excitement ran into the inside of the shop. With a bright spark in his eyes, was checking shelfs, and looking at the other customers. He shortly ran into Golden Griddle Dinner, and with tongue out of his snout was staring at all the delicious food. Porg was following him, trying to hide behind furniture and shadows.

The Sith inclined her head at the Scavenger. “I will not need more eyes at this time or in the near future,” a smile formed on her lips, dissipating almost as fast as it appeared. “Say hello to Zag if you run into her.” Her hair and long dress flowed as she turned on her heel, heading back to her ship. It almost seemed as if her tail waved at Zig, defiantly ignoring Alaisy’s will upon her own memory.

“Me? Courage?” Zag began laughing like a Nelvaan squirrel. She looked back at Teon, staring at the visor. “Ya is serious?”

Umangi could hear the pride in his voice as he spoke of his vod. “Waddaya think is old? Eighty? Ninety?” Zag clearly had a different idea about age and didn’t stand still at the fact that perhaps people who fight battles don’t make it that far.

“I’ve not killed with my eyes open hehe. Can’t stand seein’ dead bodies.” The Zyggerian played with her jacket’s collar and jewelry. “It messes with me, an’ da Force even more.”

She took a sip of her drink, tasted it, and then gulped the rest down. “‘tis okay. Just hope for anyone dat dey don’t run into her.”

“Waddaya want from her anyway Teon? I can tell ya it’s better to go around in a wide circle.”

“I’m good at reading people. Sometimes,” he said with a nod, only to crack a smile at his own comment.

“I mostly just say it to tease him, but he is getting up there. Early fifties. Probably never thought he’d live this long. I know I didn’t think that about myself.” Teon had a distinct matter-of-factness in the way he spoke about his own mortality. It was a sign that he, for better or worse, had made peace with the inevitability of his own death.

He counted himself lucky that he couldn’t see their faces even if he wanted to. The stories he’d heard from comrades over the years were enough to instill him with a feeling of gratitude that he didn’t have to count the twisted countenances of the recently slain amongst the ways in which his past kills haunted the halls of his dreamscape like vengeful spirits.

Teon shrugged his shoulders in response to her question. “I’m still trying to figure that out. Just letting the winds lead me where they will, for now.”

Leaning forward to find Zag’s hand, he reached out to place his own atop her own for a moment. “More importantly, I’ve gotta make sure you’re good. Seems like being with her takes a toll.”

He pulled his hand away and used it to raise his glass to his lips. “And I have to take you on a proper date, soon.”

A sly grin stretched across his features before he took another sip of his drink.

Aksel spotted Zygerrian and Miraluka sitting together. He came closer to the table, and by showing just his nose and eyes above the edge of the table, started to look at their lips, trying to catch a bit of conversation. Porg was following him, and stayed hidden under the table, protecting the perimeter. <@188018248241905664> <@1056685516441006091>

“Naaah, ya got it wrong dis time buddy!” Zag’s grin widened. “Ya ain’t seen me run from conflicts yet. Bet ya would still stand der makin’ a speech while I’d be gone.”

She sipped some water as she listened to him talk. “Fifties? Dat is not old, no way. Fifties are the new dirties.” Umangi’s toothy smile and terrible accent made pronunciation difficult.

“Figur it out quick den! All dat shiny hiny and shpooky-ness, wait-” She pinched the bridge of her pink nose. “Ya can’t even see half da appeal, what are ya thinking with dat banshee?”

Her head bobbed forward as Teon reached out for her hand. “uhh…Teon?” Zag’s eyes went wide. “Ya, but-”

As Teon pulled his hand away she let out a high-pitched shriek. “A wat?! Wat de Ashla an Bogdan!” Her heart pounded in her throat at this point as she nearly flung backward from her chair.

“Not while ya still flirtin’ with dat murder-noodle of a Sith!” Despite the absurdity, her gray cheeks were blushing a little. “Ya need a cold shower!”

Zag blinked rapidly as she saw a black-furred shape approaching them.

<@571544963607822336>

He shook his head, then gestured up to his face. “Customer service, not something I am suited for. Unless the service is scaring pups.”

Her ears intrigued him. He could tell she was Shistavanen, almost certainly. But he had no idea what tribe or pack she came from. “I have not seen many of us. Are you from Uvena? Or off world?”

By only showing his eyes and nose above the table Aksel made sounds similar to short laughter, when he saw Zag’s reaction. It was funny to watch adults who are not Shistavanen interacting. In the meantime the shadow of Jori was closing slowly to the inside of the Dinner.

“Yes. Those. Please.” Elly said. With every grumble of her stomach she could feel her already fragile filter breaking down and she did not need a repeat of the expo.

She then turned back to Reiden “Want anything? I’m buying.” <@232396983854301187>

While he had felt fine earlier, Reiden was suddenly finding that he was hungry now at the mention of food. He resigned himself to the fact that he would need to have some food sooner or later. He shrugged in acceptance, nodding. “Yeah, sure. Those pretzel bread sticks sound like they’d be good.”

This must’ve been at least the third time Ira had winked at the lawyer, and the Firrerreo was starting to question the situation. A faint silver blush appeared on her cheeks, and she decided to take her focus away from the bartender and focus more on the food in front of Reiden and herself. But not before offering a quick thank you to Ira. “Thanks…”

“I hope you know we’re sharing,” Elly said to the man, not hesitating to grab a wing for herself. <@232396983854301187>

Matcha blushed slightly before lightly slapping Jemel’s arm “Shush. Next time I’ll make sure it’s perfect, yeah?” She smiled up at the Cladeen, shying away a bit at his wink as butterflies welled up inside her. They had done so much and yet his gaze was enough to get a rise out of her.

“I was thinking sweets first and then maybe some caffe to keep me up?” She offered up a couple options, hoping to get at least some input from him

Reiden saw the wink and made note that neither of them had ordered wings, merely raising an amused eyebrow. Then Elly’s words brought him back to the moment and made him laugh as he tore off a piece from one of the bread sticks. “Sure, that’s fine with me. It’s the least I can do since you’re paying. It seems like I’m more hungry than I realized earlier anyway, so it all works out.” He gave Ira a wave of thanks before biting into the piece of bread.

Zag simply stared at them with utter confusion. She wasn’t without words often, but this was one of those moments. Then she shrank back into her chair, her expression hidden behind the straight bangs of her hair. The Zygerrian didn’t believe she had just told Teon to calm down. And now they were being checked up on by the staff.

Chocolate milk? A child was watching this? Oh no.

“Uhh, excuse me, it’s not mine or this old man’s here. B-but if ya wanna give the pup? sum hot coco, please.” Her mumbling was barely audible, only the high-pitched tone of her voice came through. Did she just call Teon old?

There we go, now I’ve messed it up. AAAAAAaaa

<@1056685516441006091> <@244244163002892288> <@571544963607822336>

Aksel caught some words - especially “pups” and “coco”. He confirmed with head still staring at them, while Jori came closer and with one of his muscular arms showed two small cards left by Archian with him. He passed one of them to Zygerrian which said: “My name is Aksel, I cannot hear you but I can read a little from your lips. Second card had a small sticker with “Credits” on it, but Jori held on to it.

“Ahh, but can da pup drink milk or chocolate, or both? Like, lactose-intolerance in da belly or sumthin’ or dat coco scrapin’ da stomach linin’.” Between the incoherent babbling, Zag peered at the cards. “Oh, just nod wit ya little head if ya want sum, err, Aksel.” She went with the pronunciation of ‘Aksuhl’ instead of ‘Axél’.

An insecure grin hid her embarrassment. “Ya can pay wit dat credit-card? Oh boy, what a strange place we live in.”

<@244244163002892288> <@1056685516441006091> <@571544963607822336>

“Sho…” Elly started her sentence before realizing she should swallow, which she promptly did, “So. We’ve covered hobbies and jobs. Is there anything else fun you like to share about yourself?”

At Zygerrian words Jori quickly showed with his own card to flip it over to her. At the back was written: “If you met Aksel without anyone with him (especially if Jori is not around), please contact Archian from Clan Arcona.” Chillaks started to move his head like nodding to himself, while Aksel started to check pictures at the kids menu.

“We covered food, too. Can’t forget that,” he smiled as he sipped his drink. He looked at it for a moment as he thought, giving it a lazy swirl. “Honestly, after finding out you survived an encounter with an acklay, most things I can think of just seem boring in comparison,” he laughed, turning to her once more. “Well, we’re at a bar. How about drinks? What kind do you usually like?”

Jori took the third card out, somewhere from between his fur. There was also something written on it, but it wasn’t the same person who wrote messages at the previous one. Chillaks passed it to Ray to read it.

“I am Jori, the Chillaks. I am big, but very fluffy. I love hugs and delicious raw fish. I am good at playing the drums. If you see me alone, please contact Tajga from Arcona. Kisses.“

Jori made a happy grumble noise.

“How could I ever forget about food,” Elly said with a soft giggle. She went in for another wing as she listened, her sharpened canines tearing through them with ease. She felt a pang of regret when he mentioned the Acklay, already sensing that something would come of it. She did her best to keep the fact that she was capable of defending herself a secret and assumed some random bar in some random refueling station would be a fine place to vent to a stranger. But here she was, getting along with someone.

Her thoughts halted her answer for a moment, her tired brain taking a moment to catch up with the situation. She swallowed “I’m a fan of cider. Whether it’s alcoholic, fizzy, flat, hot, warm, cold, I don’t mind. Yours?”

He grabbed a wing himself and took a bite, waiting until he had finished before speaking, using the time to think. “Cider’s good, yeah. I’ll try almost anything at least once to see what I think. Cocktails are fun to see what people come up with and having something neat is nice from time to time, sort of change things up a little. Anything but beer, I guess. Never did develop a taste for it.”

“Good thing too.” Elly agreed “Beer goes right to your gut. So does a lot of other alcohols as well but… Let’s just pretend only beer does it.” The lawyer smirked and grabbed a pretzel stick to try, dipping and chomping as one usually would. “Cider’s all I drink”

Reiden grinned, nodding, “That’s what I tell myself too. But, as they say, everything in moderation, you know?” He finished the wing and sipped his drink. “Truth be told, I usually try to stay sharp. Never know when something might happen and you need to act, and act quickly. But that doesn’t mean I don’t let my hair down every once in a while, as the saying goes. But, you know, a stop like this? Probably pretty safe, all things considered,” he said as he set his glass down.

“Sounds to me like you’re paranoid.” She chuckled “But I get it. I’ve only ever been drunk once. Took a lot to get there with how quick my body burns through stuff.”

She took a moment to finish her cider and then sighed “A place like this is the only time I can drink anyway. There is a zero alcohol policy in my household.”

Meshita was adamant on dragging Anders back into the open where they were clearly visible.

“OK, mister. Spill it. What does Draca like most? You know, besides all his Jedi kark.”

“Language, please,” Anders rolled his eyes. “You have an entire catalogue of words to use and you voluntarily choose to use the most vulgar of them.”

“Yeah.. ” Meshita shrugged. “So what karking stuff does Draca like?”

Anders sighed. Two things did come to mind, however. Podracing hologames and…

“Ice cream,” he finally answered.

He laughed, “I like to think of it as being cautious, but maybe there is a slight touch of paranoia in there. Although it’s not unfounded, I’ve been attacked in a bar before. Luckily it’s an outlier, but it’s still a lesson you only learn once.” He turned to look at her. “Are you trying to keep home and recreation spaces separate? I can respect that.”

“I suppose that’s part of it. But it’s for my daughters for the most part. I don’t want them to see me like that. It’s not fair to them.” She suddenly felt a little uneasy with the drink next to her and pushed it away, a small amount of guilt creeping inside her

Leena caught the man’s sideye at Hekate. She nodded subtly, then shifted her gaze to her companion. “Hey Hexy, can you give us a moment? Maybe go grab us some snacks for the jump?”

Hekate’s optical sensors dimmed for a moment, then brightened before it set the caf cup down. “Junk food run, got it.” It looked in the direction of the caf. “You think they can put this in a to-go cup?”

Leena shrugged. “I’m sure they have caf to go up at the fountain. Just get another one. I’ll drink this one.” She reached over, sliding the mug her way. Hekate turned, sliding across the bench to the edge and standing up to leave, their robes cascading down with the motion. “And Hexy?”

Hekate turned back to look at her. “Mmm?”

“Not just sweets this time, okay?” Leena smiled as they nodded and walked away. She leaned back in her seat, looking at the mug and muttering. “Like a kid let loose, she is.” She looked up at Declan as he stared at her through the steam from his caf. “It’s a long story.”

“Murder noodle,” he grinned at the amusing choice of words. “To be fair, you flirted first. Just following your lead, Zag.”

Then, Teon sensed a much smaller person creep up to their table, followed by another. Laughter followed shortly afterward. A child? The arrival of one of the hostesses and Zag’s response all but confirmed it.

“Hey,” he said playfully in response to her “old man” comment. Hopefully his tone would help ease the nervousness he felt radiating from her. “I’m still a spring chicken, you know.”

Based on her reactions and those of the staff member that followed, there seemed to be a conversation that was happening that he wasn’t aware of. Tilting his head, he lifted a hand to his mouth to clear his throat.

“Sorry. Mind filling me in?” he announced to no one in particular.

<@571544963607822336> <@244244163002892288>

Jori noticed Miraluka’s confusion and very gently got close, and with easy reach, put softly his large, fury paw at his shoulder. After a couple of seconds it was taken away. Aksel in the meantime made a very happy squeak to Teon, and pointed to a small extra milky cup of tea at the picture from kids menu.

Jemel

He smiled. “That sounds good to me. Let’s see…”

Jemel led them over to one of the people whom he guessed was a member of the staff.

“Excuse me,” he began, “Do you mind showing us where the confections are?”

<@244244163002892288>

Although Teon could tell that the child, Aksel, was pointing at something, he couldn’t tell what on the menu he wanted. He wondered if he could read lips. With only one way to found out, Teon faced him and began to speak.

“Sorry, kid. My species doesn’t see like most do. But, whatever you want, I’m sure these nice folks will take care of you. And don’t worry about using your credit chip.”

Teon gestured to Ray. “I’ll pay for whatever he wants.”

When the Chillaks placed one of its hands on his shoulder, Teon reacted with all the confusion one might have expected. Tilting his head, he lifted his hand in an awkward wave. “Howdy.”

<@571544963607822336> <@188018248241905664>

Nearby at a table, sat a light and dark brown colored Ewok in a white Admiral’s uniform. Some, if they had known a previous Ewok, would almost all but instantly recognize him. Others who had not, would have no inclination of who he is or might be. In front of him was a goblet with some kind of drink, and next to him sat a brown colored Kushiban that also had a similar cup.

The Kushiban reached forward and upward with its paws, taking hold of the goblet and took a sip before it sat it back down.

“I must say, Admiral, this trip has definitely been less irritating than I might have expected.” The Kushiban spoke as it leaned back in the chair, its tail draped down beside it.

“Indeed.” the Ewok spoke as he swirled the glass in front of him. “For the Lady Second’s personal bodyguard and head of the Summit Guard, you are different than I expected you to be as well.”

A chuckle left the Kushiban’s mouth. “I’ll take that as a compliment. I wont lie, I expected you to be a hard-ass.”

“Are you a subordinate of mine?” he responded with a sideways glance. The Kushiban shook its head negatively, to which the Ewok responded. “That is why I am not to you.”

He gave a contemplative grumble at her words, glancing away when she mentions spending time around pups. His ear flicks back against his head for a few seconds, giving him a moment to drink from one of the many curly straws.

“I am unable to stay long. Seeing more of us is.. fine. Not necessary. You are interesting to me, particularly. I do not recognize what tribe or pack you are from. It sounds like you may not either?“ Basic was becoming easier to speak for the wolf, after a few years of speaking nearly only it. Still, it’s jaggedness was hard to get out some times. Especially when he needed to speak for extended periods of time. He preferred shorter blunt sentences.

He smiled, nodding slowly. “That’s understandable. You have to set a good example for them, after all. I hear they can be pretty impressionable, especially when they’re young. I had to be careful around my nephews, always worried about what little things they might pick up on.” He laughed quietly, “They could be little troublemakers sometimes, but luckily I think things worked out fine.”

The wolf laughed, the rumbling noise accompanied by a shake of his head while he looked away. “Perhaps I am Rusty. Or distracted. A mixture of both.”

“You are unique, and have adorable ears. I’ve not seen their like before.” He seems to ease slightly, using his natural tongue. His ears return to a neutral position, and he peers into her eyes with his own, studying her.

Gift Shop

Zig Kaliska finally exited the gift shop carrying…two bags. She had just wanted a cute keychain for Zuza. But she had fallen into the brilliant saleswoman’s trap, and now had small gifts for…the majority of the Voidbreaker.

Her encounter with Alaisy still weighed on her thoughts, but not in an ominous manner as it had perhaps before. It did lead her to remember another friend she’d not been the greatest to. The one who…for better or worse, had introduced her to this world that she now found herself in.

She wiggled so that she could hold two bags on one hand, freeing her other hand to type on her comm.

“` To: Zaggy

Message: Hey. Sorry it’s been a while. Know you always preferr to not get others involved if you can. Just figured I’d remind you, if you ever need someone to talk to, you have my comm. Sorry I haven’t been the greatest friend, but I do still believe in you, and know you will figure out whatever it is you’re fighting through.

Long Live the Zig-Zag.

-Zig ”`

One of the staffers made their way over to the table and sat down a crate of bottles. “Here you are, twelve bottles as requested.”

“Thank you, payment info is on here. We’ll be back for more next month.” The Kushiban replied as they glanced over at them and nodded with a slide of a datapad across the table. The staffer smiled and with a slight bow, turned and walked off.

With a curious expression, the Kushiban pulled one of the bottles out and looked at it. “Whyren’s Reserve? This is what you drink? Never actually heard of it.”

“One of my favorites, actually.” The Ewok said as he climbed down from his chair. At that point, the Kushiban put the bottle back inside and pulled a set of shoulder straps from it’s bag before it wrapped them around the crate, climbed down, and pulled the crate onto it’s back. “Shall we explore some? Maybe find something you might like.”

“Sure.” the Kushiban said as the two began walking towards another part of the Shame Corner, near the coolers. “First time ever coming here, could be nice to take a souvenir back.”

“Did I?” Zag peered at Teon with confusion. “Must’ve been da drinks or da anxiety.”

So he didn’t look old, nor was slightly-lower-than-fifty considered old by Zag anyway. But it was still twice her age. Her eyes squinted at him, pretending to judge him. “Ya an ol’ coot, Teon, preying on da young birds.”

Then she saw her datapad flashing up. She held up a long nailed finger and began typing a response as nostalgic emotions flooded in.

“` Replying to: Zig

Message: Heya Zig! Been a long time. There’s dis old guy chatting me up rn. Please send help. Danger-noodle gone, coast clear. Diner. Hurry! Also, got snax on table.

May da Zig-Zag be with ya.

• SnagdaZag ”`

<@189568236201705472>

Zig frowned down at her bags as she read the message. Sofila and Doon were clearly not missing her. She hadn’t broken anything, and no one was pinging her about a repair or something needing her attention on the ship. There were no Mortis agents lurking, at least that she could see.

She read Zag’s message. She sighed.

Without responding, she made her way towards where the Diner was.

Luka sipped their drink at their table as they observed Doon. Though it was none of their business, curiosity caught this felinx. They observed the other Shista’s body language, ears back. It was not going well.

They closed their eyes and reached out with the Force, grasping for that connection. A delicate prod at the back of the mind.

‘Mustn’t dance with your words, darling. Tell her your intentions and offer a number. Let her get back to her work.’

They watched with more intent now, curious as to whether their friend would take their advice.

“I could show you ways I help manage my nerves when on missions, if you’d like,” he offered before reaching out to take a final swig of his drink. That’d be the last of his alcoholic indulgences today. The last thing he wanted was a repeat of the events leading up to his “marriage.”

Teon tensed upon hearing her next comment. That was, until he picked up on the humorous intent carried across the currents of the Force. What a relief. The last thing he wanted to do was offend her, especially in a manner such as that.

A nervous laugh escaped his lips, and he lifted a hand to rub the back of his neck. “Don’t say that too loud, will ya? One visit from the staff is enough, hah.”

Would be funny if she showed up.

Zag put her datapad back in her jacket. “Ya, maybe I will take ya up on dat Teon.” Her eyes blinked slowly.

“Eh, hehe. I dun think da staff will care.”

A chill ran up Doon’s spine, causing him to shudder. He stood still for a moment, jaw setting as he watched her eyes narrow.

“Yes.” A simple response rumbled from him as he resisted glancing back at Luka.

Zig ambled into the Diner, scanning about for a familiar face. She thought she spotted the back of one such face in a certain Zygerrian’s unique, pharaoh-like haircut. What caught her attention more than that, however, was the very small Shistavanen sitting next to them.

“Aksel?” Zig asked in basic befor remembering that the young child was deaf. She shifted her shopping bags, and wiggled out her datapad. Then typed out a quick message on her datapad and held it up towards them: “What are you doing here without your father, or Tajga?”

She was familiar with Archian’s family, as he was her former Aedile and still a valued member of the Voidbreaker crew.

She then shifted her eyes towards the table, studying a not-that-old-looking Miraluka sitting across from her old friend. “Howdy, Zag. Fancy runnin’ into you here.” She flashed her pointed teeth in a friendly grin.

Doon shook his drink gently as the droid was moved along. “Doon. And you?” His head tilted slightly as he searched the open area for the Jam, wondering what caused it.

“Like you wouldn’t believe, I swear they’re sponges.” she smiled softly, glad to have an excuse to think and talk about her kiddos.

“Sulla, my oldest, loves to play judge and pretend we’re in court. I bought her a gavel and everything.” If Elly hadn’t lost her datapad during her house call, she would undoubtedly be showing Reiden way too many pictures. “She says it’s so she can practice for when she’s a lawyer, just like Mama.”

“Kids are definitely sponges though. I caught one of my nephews copying me one day. Caught him making an expression out of the corner of my eye and was confused until I realized it was the same face I make when I’m concentrating on something. Of course, he said he didn’t know what I was talking about then quickly went to find his brother.” Reiden smiled as he listened to her, trying to imagine a child with a little gavel, laughing. “That sounds pretty adorable. I bet she loves it. I was that way when my father bought me a helmet and took me to the factory where he worked. I even sat at his desk and pretended I was working.” He pushed his finished drink aside. “How old is she?”

“Aha. Another caf fan? Say, have ya tried Death Watch Caf Co.? I recommend it but I also do not, I never had been more wired than my electric fence back at home I tell ya what.” Lularie shook her head at Orion as he mentioned about caf being weaker on ships, that made sense. Course it was also all in the brand you buy.

Living on ships.

Ha!

The thought scared her. Her eyebrow rose at Derry when she mentioned about him drinking them dry. Then her neck craned up.

Yea. Big as he was, he’ll be fine.

“Flor, hiya, what kind of sweets yall got? I got a bit of sweet tooth going on at the moment.” She already had bunch of meat this morning and there was more to come this evening, so why not have a bit something sweet?

<@232396983854301187> <@379840612788076544> <@244244163002892288>

“Yeah, you’re probably right.”

The arrival of another person caught Teon’s attention. He didn’t recognize neither their voice nor her presence, but she knew Zag. Notes of familiarity echoed through the air, carried by the Force itself.

Although he didn’t say anything, he did raise his empty glass in acknowledgment of the new arrival.

<@189568236201705472>

Zig looked the Miraluka over quickly, tapped her chin in thought, and then nodded.

She glanced sidelong at Zag lazily. “He seems nice.”

“Oh, hi Zig. I can’t believe ya are here!” Zag had a dumbfounded look on her face. “It’s been too long!” Her emerald eyes formed into a smile, and a toothy grin followed.

It worked, she’s really here!

“Nice? Teon? He’s okay, I may have lied about da emergency. Sowwi Zig. An’ sowwi Teon, hehe.” Her mouth twitched slightly, but she couldn’t get rid of the wide smile as her golden-flecked eyes darted between Zig and Teon.

<@1056685516441006091>

Teon blinked. “Zig … and Zag?”

Curious. What concerned him even more, was why she was apologizing. “There was an emergency? Where? I would have helped.”

He clearly wasn’t understanding what they meant.

<@189568236201705472>

Derry was flabbergasted by the sheer selection of available sweet foods but he thought better of it, having just completed a very filling mean. On the other hand…

“I’d take a slice of Pie please Flor. Surprise me with your favourite type!”

Zig blinked once, then sighed and placed her face firmly into the palm of her own hand. “Dirty karkin’ dangles, Zag,” Zig stated in Basic before switching to Zygerrian. “I was ready to bust out the whole ‘sorry I’m her wife and I need her help with the kids back at the ship’, or pretend to be your mechanic and drag you away to pay your docking fees,‘ or the tried-and-true 'we have to go to the refresher together, it’s a girl thing’, or any of the other tricks we’ve had to pull to get you out of a pinch before.”

“Zig’s a good friend Teon. I had ta be a bit more convincing ta make sure she got ‘ere. Ya know.” She held up a long nailed index finger.

Her shoulders raised into a shrug as she turned her head towards Zig, pivoting her head slightly. Then her silvery voice replied in Zygerrian. “Ya dun need ta do anythin’ Zig-fren. Try sum of da snax. Shoshak is delightful. Ever had any? Also, how ‘bout a big hug instead? Mhm?”

<@189568236201705472>

Zag sighed. But then grinned and scooted over to give her friend a big squish of a hug. “yeah I’ll try some.”

“Noted,” he replied, “Well, it’s nice to meet you, Zig. Help yourself to the food we have here. ”

<@189568236201705472>

Choice. So many damn choices. Too many choices. Matcha looked in every direction she was prompted to, seeing all the delicious treats and tasty options to snack on before they hit the road again. If they were known for their shame bites them, surely they had to get those. But the fudge is their best seller, so they had to try that too!

Matcha continued to talk herself in circles in her head for a half moment before finally looking up at Jemel and pouting, “I can’t decide what I want most… think we can fit all of it in the ship?” <@1056685516441006091>

“She’s five,” Elly smiled “Do you ever plan on having kids someday?”

The name made Orion immediately think of the Mandalorian faction he had heard about from the days of the Republic and Empire. Right after that, however, he recalled that it was in fact a coffee brand as well, likely taking the name from the faction, like so many other brands do with their names and names of their products. Sometimes a flashy name gets you more attention and more people buying whatever you’re selling.

He nodded, taking another sip. “Yeah, I’ve heard of it. Haven’t had it before myself, but I hear it’s pretty good. I should cave in and buy some the next time I see it.” He let out a quiet laugh. “I try to keep some decent caf on the ship, but it doesn’t happen often. Usually it’s a last minute thing whenever I remember supplies are low, so I need to get something quickly and just end up going for whatever lets me get a lot of it for a good deal.”

The Kiffar reached down and scratched Koga’s head, giving him a smile as the canine looked up. “You’ll remind me and make sure I don’t forget the next time we’re looking, won’t you, pal?” He heard Flor mention the various sweets and he made a mental note to grab some of the fudge and Shame Bites before they left the station to head home. It was always good to have some snacks on hand, just in case.

“That’s a good age. The twins are around that, maybe six now I think. Still haven’t met their younger brother yet, but hopefully soon.” Reiden thought back to the first time he met his little nephews, Artorias and Deus. Holding them in his arms. He hadn’t gotten to see them as often as he would have liked to, but it was always a fun time and he enjoyed getting to watch them discover new things. There was nothing quite like the wonder in their eyes.

I really should reach out to their mother and figure out a good time to get together again. I miss those two, and it’d be good to finally meet Sorin, he thought to himself.

He smiled, “I hope to, one day. I guess I’ve just been a little busy with various things going on and haven’t found the right person yet.”

“Trust me when I say, don’t rush into it.” Elly replied with a sad chuckle. She stared at the wings for a moment in thought before snapping out of it. “What’s stopping you from visiting the youngest? Sounds like you’re gonna have some free time coming up so what’s the hold up?”

“With something like that? I’d try to do anything but rush into it, if it could be helped,” he said with a laugh. “As for the visit, well, I stepped down from one position to focus more on other things that I felt were needing my attention. Even then, work has still kept me busy. Their mother had her own job change too, and a relocation as well. It’s a bit harder to find the time when you’re not just a quick speeder ride away, you know? But you’re right, I should have some time available. I should reach out when I get the chance.”

“Right.” He said mostly to himself than her as she stepped away. He backed off as well, turning to look back into the bar. Specifically at Luka, who he playfully rolled his eye for. He didn’t need help, did he?

He cleared his throat and glanced back out into the open room, seemingly debating on what he wanted to do.

As the Shistavanen turned around, a colorful figure danced past Him into the bar. Still carefully carrying posters in his arms, Jackson Nash made his entrance.

There were plenty of people around, all interesting. A few caught his eye, but he still had a goal in his mind. So he moved around the perimeter of the room, putting up a few posters. He made sure three of the four walls had one of his colorful glow in the dark advertisements for Pulse.

His path stopped near a table with a lone person in it. Nash turned to them after he was down, then nodded towards the bar. “Hey, they walk around for orders or should I go grab something?”

His head swiveled towards the shouting, and a disarming smile lit his face up. He slowly sauntered towards the bar as he spoke, hands raised in an innocent manner. “My sincerest apologies. They’re just decorative pieces, depicting a show of mine. Advertisements, in all honesty. This seemed the type of place that might enjoy good music. I took it upon my self to only offer it to any interested.”

He did a half bow, his bright hair bouncing over his face before he flicked his head upwards as he straightened. “Jackson Nash, entertainer, musician, philosopher” the last bit was added with a bright smile and particular glint in his eye as he tried to ease the tension. He was well aware of the potential amount of eyes on him from her shouting.

“Ban me?“ he gave her an offended look “For a few pieces of paper? Seems like an overreaction to me”

He finally reached the bar, drumming his fingers against the surface as he leaned forward. “Perhaps we could make an agreement, presuming you have the say over the station. Monetary compensation? Free show? What can I do for you?” He smiles sweetly towards her again, not willing to accept her attitude as the final say.

Aksel slowly started to write a letter on the paper. Guardian forgot friend Text was saying. I will have a milky tea He wrote again and smiled. Jori looked at Zig, and showed the card with “Credits” written on it. Also Chillaks tried to sit next to Aksel, but when he tried to put his body down, there was a warning sound of the breaking material. He swiftly lifted himself, moved sitting away, and sat at the floor next to Aksel. His waist was with the table line, so he could watch and smile at everyone with ease.

Luka had looked up from their datapad when they were addressed, seeming not at all surprised that a stranger would be speaking to them. Bico raised her head from under the table, but after noting that the man was no threat she laid back down. Luka looked Nash up and down with curiosity, brow raised. Before they could speak, the man was shouted at from across the bar. Alone once more, Luka went back to their drink, but kept an eye on the conversation.

“Oh dear, the boy is digging a fine hole, isn’t he?” Luka mused to Bico. The nexu yawned in response.

“Well, I do need another drink,” Luka thought aloud as they stood. “Keep my table, will you?” Not that Bico would leave, regardless. The nexu was full of snacks and sleepy.

Dark robes swirled about their feet as they made their way over to the bar. “Perhaps handing them out outside would be a good compromise? I would like one of the posters, myself. The bulletin would also be a good location. People tend not to glance at signs within establishments, anyways. How many times has the rules been overlooked?” Luka glanced to the store owner for confirmation.

“You should. It’s always good to make time for family,” Elly said before going in for another wing. After a few moments of comfortable silence, Elly noticed a colorful individual wandering into the bar and start to make a bit of a scene with his antics. She chuckled softly as she watched him try to talk his way out of his predicament. She was rather excited to see how Ira would deal with the rocker. But with the sudden appearance of a mediator, the chances of intrigue quickly became slim.

“Noo, no no. Not what I meant. Apologies.” They gave a small inclination of their head. They then turned back to Nash. “At any rate, I believe your posters are not welcome, compensation or otherwise. Now I will stop being a busybody and address what I came here for initially. Another drink?” They raised their empty glass. “And some of those Shame Bites. Bico was very fond of them.”

“Lemme know watcha think!” Zag snuck another shoshak in her mouth. This time she didn’t even bother chewing. “So, how’s laifu treating ya Zig?”

“Thankies for having her here Teon, hope ya dun mind.”

<@1056685516441006091>

“It’s been…a lot,” Zig said, fidgeting a bit with her nails. “Visited a parallel dimension with variant physics, faught some unholy monsters and abominations, also the crystal people. There was a ritual of some kind, cyborgs, I was Captain of a ship for a while, now just First Mate, but I found my home there, at least.”

She made a vague general gesture. “You know, the usual. How about you, how’s tricks?”

Nashes amber eyes went from one to the other then back again. His smile didn’t falter, but the mood behind it did. He gave a small nod towards Ira.

“Right. Sorry. I’ll see that they are taken down. Not everyone’s interested in cash, I apologize for assuming.” He spun away from the bar and started over to the posters he had stuck up.

“Wow, Zig, how are ya, still, well, yaself after all dat?” Zag moved her hand forward, putting it over Zig’s somewhat smaller hands. “Oh, eh, I’ve been pilotin’ Shimmer as of late. It’s an ol’ fashioned X70b. But she’s fast! I’ve been adding all sorta gadgets to it.” Her large emerald eyes peered at Zig, trying to feel out if she was okay. “I mostly see da cockpit when things are good in life, Zig. And I can’t complain.”

<@1056685516441006091>

“Sure! Unless you have a favorite you like to make. Always interested in trying something new.” They were glad the tension had lifted, and curious as well about what sort of music the man played. Bico was starting to snore from under their table, so they didn’t need to return just yet.

Reiden nodded, “I couldn’t agree more. Whether it’s the family you’re born into or one you’ve found, nothing is more important.” He grabbed a wing himself and sank back into his old habit of observing those around him as he ate it. The conversation taking place between the newcomer and Ira amused him. On one hand, he personally didn’t see the harm in putting up some posters, at least in principle. On the other hand, Ira had a great point. He never would have thought to put up anything without checking in first. But then, maybe that was just how his own mind worked. There were all types in the galaxy, as he well knew.

His slim hope of having any further entertainment was doused when the nexu’s owner tried to defuse the situation and placate the bartender. But then the two seemed to come to an agreement and the man walked off. Still, despite the lure of entertainment, he didn’t think he’d want to incur Ira’s namesake. Although he now had the new bartender as a point of interest. He pulled their food back a bit when her elbows came down onto the bar top, wanting to say something but thinking better of it. A brow rose slightly at the inquiry of Ira’s favorite drink.

This could be intriguing.

Zig’s eyes lit up all of a sudden. “You got a X-70B!? Zag, those were never mass-produced. They’re incredibly rare, even though the Brotherhood seems to have gotten their hand on the models and spun some up! They’re really reliable and sleek! It…fits you,” she quickly added, trying to stime her own excitment. “I get to fly Marick’s Sith Infiltrator from time to time for missions, but really, I don’t get into the cockpit much anymore…”

Zag inclined her head and gave Zig a very smug grin. Not that anyone could see her flattened eyebrows under her bangs. “Ya, dat’s right. Oh, oh! I’m sure ya can take it for a spin sum day! I’ll show ya all the gadgets!” Her silvery voice became higher pitched as she rambled on. “Did ya meet da Shiny Sith yet? It’s been ages since I saw ya two together. Can’t really say she said a word though, ya know how she is.” Zag’s eyes darted away from Zig for a moment.

“Even Teon here knows wat she is like, she was acting real strange. Maybe dat’s why Teon here got those strange ideas about flirting wit her.”

<@1056685516441006091>

“Y-yeah,” Zig replied. “We caught up a bit at the gift shop. Everything is good, though, with us, I think. You know how she is better than most though,” she shrugged a bit helplessly. “And yes, I’d love to go flying with you sometime.” She flashed a big, genuine smile.

Zag squinted at Zig. The stutter was like the old Zig, not the new and experienced one she saw here. “Ya I know her, and ya are still alive. Ya good Zig, ya did good.” Her smugness changed into a wicked toothy grin. “Ohhh like old times, ya gonn’ laugh when ya see da repulsor escalator ramp!”

“Always good to be able to pull quickly out of a sticky situation, HAH,” Zig blurted out, then immediately her ears flattened backward and she sank down into her chair a bit.

“It’s a very gentle pull, smooth like ice. Feels better dat way Zig.” She did the same as Zig, but lowered herself down the chair in a smooth motion, much like an escalator.

Aksel looked at both of them, and repeated their moves with Jori. Slowly back off at the chair, and hidden their snouts behind the edge of the table.

Jori couldn’t do it because of his size, so he took the menu card, and covered his jaw, showing only his eyes.

<@188018248241905664> <@189568236201705472>

“Ear…eye…whatever muffs Aksel!” she tried to turn her datapad app around to show the text version.

“Isn’t that cute?” Zag paused as she watched with slight confusion painted on her face. “But it’s wrong.” She realized that was not something fun for a child to witness.

Oh well

“Oooo, I do like the presentation,” Luka said with a broad smile as they watched the flame die down. They took a sip after, letting out a melodic hum as the taste spilled over their tongue. “Excellent~ What is it called?” They took another sip and wiggled happily in their seat.

They glanced toward the newcomer in the frilled dress. “And I love what you are wearing, dear. Cute.”

After reading what Zig wrote on the datapad, kid Shistavanen showed his eyes, then put both his paws to hide ears, followed by standing up at the chair, turning around and wagging his tail. Jori only scratched his head and grumbled happily. <@189568236201705472> <@188018248241905664> <@1056685516441006091>

“I don’t think your ship is designed for transmitting large amounts of cargo…” he admitted, though he didn’t sound too bothered by the idea of not having to cram a million sweets into a cockpit that would already be cramped with him in it. Teon perused the selection of items and pointed at one. The box was filled with about a dozen or so chocolates which, according to the ornate golden text, were filled with nuts of some kind.

“What about these? They look good.”

At some point after Zig’s arrival, Teon had gotten lost in thought, leaving the two Zygerrian women to speak amongst themselves while little Aksel and his companion Jori mimed the two of them.

<@571544963607822336> <@188018248241905664> <@189568236201705472>

Matcha smiled deviously. “The ship wasn’t designed for two people either, but we’re making it work.” She chuckled softly, poking his chest playfully. “But you’re right. We definitely only have room for us.” She pouted just a bit. Looking at all the fudge and other confectionaries had her mouth watering. She could’ve stood there for hours trying to decide just one to pick out. But thankfully, she had Jemel there to save the day by pointing out a lil box filled with chocolate pieces that were in turn filled with nuts.

“Sounds perfect,” she said before reaching out and grabbing the box and taking a mental note that her kinda boyfriend had a liking for nuts in his sweets. “Should we get some of those shame bites too? And maybe like… an actual meal too?”

Nash lips pursed for a brief moment before they pulled back into a polite smile. He spun on his heel towards the bar, artificial eyes on the new tender speaking to him.

“Less of a band, more of a solo thing. But I hire locals to help fill out the sound, you know?” He took a few swaying steps towards the bar as he spoke, not minding the opportunity to advertise. “I play Glimmick, Heavy Isotope, and some light Dusk Pop sprinkled in. Depends on the set really. But I like dabbling, so you can probably find most related genres on my list somewhere.”

Jemel blinked. “I’m not sure how I feel about them being called Shame Bites but … sure. Why not?”

The Clawdite-Falleen hybrid lifted his shoulders in a gentle shrug before moving over to the nearest stand that housed the snacks she’d mentioned. After fetching a box and returning to the Mirialan’s side, he gave her a gentle hip bump before moving over to one of the counters where the Echani from earlier stood.

“Excuse me,” he began, “We’d like to purchase these, please.”

He turned his head to regard Matcha again. “I’m not super hungry right now, but I could always nibble on whatever you order if you’re hungry.”

<@244244163002892288>

“Oh shucks.” Lula pondered for a while. They all sounded so good but even she knew that she couldn’t eat them all. She was totally getting the fudge and bites on the way out along another bag of the pet feed. Lulaire needed to make sure to have enough fudge and bites for her family as well.

Deery was on board and got himself a pie.

“Weellllll how bout cookie big as my head topped with ice cream and hot fudge? Add some surprises on there if ya don’t mind, like I dunno, caramel or sumthang.” Lula grinned.

<@244244163002892288> <@232396983854301187> <@379840612788076544>

Nash watched her sit on the bar with no shortness of amusement. It did mean he couldn’t lean on it like he had intended though, so instead he took a position slightly off to her side where no one was.

“Naomi? You should introduce me. Or at least send her my info. I’m always keeping an eye out for someone to help with gigs. Locals know how to add their personal spice to stuff. Like a good home made cookie, it’s never the same song when I travel.”

His fingers tapped the bar a few times next to her, as he studied her from below.

Koga’s tail wagged happily at the attention, sniffing at the waitress’s hand as he made happy little ruffs. Orion smiled as he looked from Koga to Flor, thinking for a bit. He felt his stomach rumble some at the mention of food again, though luckily not audibly. Surely a little food, or even some dessert, wouldn’t hurt? And he wasn’t at home anymore, where his mother would usually chide him for such a decision, even if she was more than happy to oblige in the request. It’s not like he wouldn’t work it off later anyway.

“I think I’ll have another cup of caf and a slice of pie, meiloorun, if you have it?” the Kiffar inquired.

Reiden had watched as Ira made the drink, impressed by the technique and how the layers came together. His brows rose when it was lit on fire, letting out a quiet laugh. That was part of what he liked about going to bars, the show of it all at times. Anyone can throw ingredients together and make a drink, but putting on a show seemed all too rare, unfortunately. He had to respect the people that put that kind of effort into their craft. It was almost an art form at times.

“That’s quite a drink, Ira. I may need to order one myself the next time I stop in, even if for nothing other than the show. Well done.”

“Triplets? Shistavanen? That is extremely interesting.” he leans onto the bar at her side, glancing in the direction that she indicated but saw nothing.

“so what about you? Interested in attending a show sometime?” He glanced back up at her, the earbuds having long been turned down, but still playing muffled noises

“Ah, pardon me, so sorry, excuse me, HELLO THERE.” Sofila grinned as she set down the bags by the stool.

“I got your girl something, hold on, let meeeeee” She started to dig through the bags.

“Aha!” The Mirialan proclaimed as she pulled out a stuffed version of the tailring.

“Think she’ll like it?” Sofila asked as she handed it over to Elly.

“Oh and, bartender? May I pretty please have more of that raw rider stuff?”

<@301514304845381632> <@232396983854301187> <@244244163002892288>

Reiden heard the voice and recognized it as belonging to the Mirialan woman he had met earlier. Out of curiosity, he glanced over to see what she had found and saw the stuffed tailring. The mascot that had perched on Ira was cute, but the child’s toy was even more so. It looked like it made for a great gift, for anyone, really. He thought back to his nephews and decided that he’d have to stop by one of the shops before he left.

He smiled at the gift. “Oh, that’s adorable. I’ll have to go and grab one as I head out.”

No, not just one, he mentally corrected himself. The boys would likely just end up fighting over it that way. Maybe two so that the twins don’t have to share. Or three. Then Soren can have one of his own as well, unless I find something else to get for him.

He thought it over for a moment, weighing his options. Surely by now Orion had woken up and would, hopefully, be able to fly. Worst case scenario, they’d rely on the Espada’s droid brain to bring them back home. He looked at the bar and took note of his empty glasses and gauged how he felt. Given his usual tolerance, he should be fine. Besides, the show was almost too good to pass up.

“You know what, yeah, I’ll take one. No sense putting it off until later, right?” he replied to the bartender, smiling.

Inar exhaled in frustration which resulted in her sounded like bamboo wind chimes. She was looking at the holopic of the man that had taken the artifact that her client wanted. A few minutes before they got there.

Few. Kriffin. Minutes.

Out of all gas stations in galaxy, she can only hope to find him here. Her ship wasn’t even finished landing as she can hear her husband hollering her name while she pushed the button and jumped off of the ramp. Blue-violet hues scanned the area and Lady Luck has granted her love to them tonight.

He was here.

Shouldered her rifle, she called out to him.

“I believe you have something my client wants that you found back at the ruins.” Her finger was on the trigger for the rifle she had shouldered as she waited for him to respond before she starts shooting at the docking lot.

<@726917162136109117>

Jeckt was halfway back to his ship, sipping on a drink he’d picked up on his visit when he heard the call out. He calmly took another sip and lazily turned around to face the speaker. Facing her, he quickly and subtly took in the area around him with a trained eye. The area wasn’t devoid of people, and a moment before had been buzzing with chatter, but now that sound was gone as onlookers stepped back and went silent.

Jecht took another sip of his drink before letting slip a small smile. “Well now, ain’t you heard of finders keepers?” He angled his body just slightly, better displaying the pistol holstered on his hip that he kept noticeably higher than most would wear one, but did not otherwise move his hands towards it.

<@216702440140046336>

“Cute. Credits talk louder, bud.”

She aimed and fired a single warning blaster shot at his drink as it broke and it’s contents spilled onto the ground and maybe his boots.

“The artifact. Now, please. Don’t keep a lady waiting.”

The shot rang out and tore through the container at the bottom, spilling its contents onto the floor. Jeckt let go of what was left of the melted mess and looked casually down at the spilled drink, but otherwise didn’t so much as react. He looked back up at the woman still aiming a rifle at him and he tilted his head slightly. He held both hands up slowly as a show of non hostilty, and then slowly lowered one into a pocket on his chest. From it, he drew a cigarette and lighter before quickly flipping the cigarette up and catching it in his mouth. He held his raised hand out, palm first to the woman and lit the cigarette quickly before lowering his outstretched hand. Taking a drag from the lit cigarette, he then spoke again, exaggerating his natural slight drawl.

“And here I thought maybe we could be friends. Have you ever considered just asking a fella nicely?”

He spoke with the same poise he had before, but one who knows what to look for might notice his demeanor had shifted slightly. He still didn’t make any aggressive movements for his weapon, but he stood more still now; more at the ready. His eyes focused on her intently, watching for any sign that might even hit at intent, and his body language shifted just enough that his hand was poised to draw and fire at the slightest hint of need.

“Oh! Hey, Sofila,” Elly said, slightly startled by the woman’s sudden appearance. By now, here and Reiden had torn through a good amount of the snacks they had acquired, but there was enough for Elly to offer once the time came. Elly waited for Sof to empty her bag, her eyes widening when she saw what the Mirialan had bought. “Oh, she’s going to love it!” The lawyer smiled and happily took the plush from her. “Thank you so much. She’s gonna be so happy.”

Elly chuckled once again when Sofila asked for a Raw Rider, finding the name of the drink to be rather humorous. She hid a smile behind her hand as she watched the two bartenders scuffle until it became a frown she was hiding.

She internally shrugged before turning her attention away from everything and back to Sofila. “Want a wing or pretzel? They’re a little cold but definitely still good.” <@216702440140046336> <@232396983854301187>

The exchange between the bartenders amused him. This had been a good stop to just relax and unwind, and, surprisingly, to meet some new people. Although the colorful staff alone made the trip worth it, the rest was a nice bonus. He’d make sure to stop in again the next time he wss in the area. Maybe then he’d be able to sample some of the other offerings the station had. A smile crossed his face as he heard the Mirialan make her drink request. Although he wasn’t sure, a part of him had been wondering if that was actually the name of the drink. He decided that ultimately it was better to leave it a mystery. Life needed more of that sometimes.

He nodded at Elly’s words and nudged the food over a bit. “Yeah, they’re really good. Please, help yourself if you want anything.” <@301514304845381632> <@301514304845381632>

He watched her work, clapping softly when she had finished. “A great show. You don’t seem to see much of that these days, it seems. Thank you, Ira.” He took a sip and smiled, placing some credits on the bar top. “A good flair with the building and a nice balance between the ingredients. Very well done.”

Noise, it was easy to follow the noise. The noise, however, lead her straight to the bar area. Aibyss now stood, lanky and dark, in the doorway to the bar, wide white eyes looking around. What was this place? Feathers rustled then settled– well, she should probably get out of the doorway, even if this was a new enviroment for her.

Everything was so different compared to her little tribe.

Drinking was an intimate thing, done only at celebrations and in small groups. Watching eachother so that the predators couldn’t get to you or your people while you were enebriated. How weird people were out here in the Large and Empty, drinking without any inkling of the million things that could go wrong.

Heads. Nash laughed at the warnings. “Of Course, wouldn’t want to upset you all even more”

To her question he gestured over his shoulder with a thumb towards one of the posters. “Locations are on there, dates and times as well. You’ve got a few spots to choose from, depending on how crowded you like things.”

His head tilted to the side as he looked over at Ira “Hey, maybe you could convince her to take the whole team out. Group bonding, yeah?” The near annoyingly positive smile flashed back up at her as he stepped back from the bar, slowly swaying to the music filling his ear

Metal clanged as yet another crate was unearthed from the small salvage pile stacked up against the garage. Foxen set it down on the hood of the broken down speeder nearby, half a meter from his bird sitting crosslegged on it. He paused to watch as crimson feathers rose and ticked in time to shuffling parts and clinking nuts and bolts.

Flyndt had stripped out of his coat vest, the handwoven dark turquoise article still neatly draped over a chair in the ship. Left in just the off white tunic who’s sleeves were tucked into his leather gloves, he had garnered upon it stains with brushes with oil and grime. Billowy, faded tan-pink pants were gathered at the lower calves by the straps of his sandals instead of the decorative leg wraps he normally sported, the fabric bunched beneath his folded legs. Foxen’s gaze travelled back up, noting the single scarf and thick intricate leather belt peaking over his lap, the dangling necklace with those Omwatese characters etched into it–

–A small warble escaping those pursed lips above. He’d mused momentarily, silently, to himself. To take a break from their search or to continue basking in that intense focus and mechanical genius at work?

Ugh.

He had promised. The Nautolan hybrid sighed, equally content and disappointed, and dug into the fresh source of tech, fobs, and gadgets.

“Tsk!” clicked Flyndt. He tossed a small hunk of durasteel and wires into a bucket below with a hefty thud. “None of these are similar. It needs to be–” some vague miming of shapes, a painted picture that the Omwati could understand. Another Mildly frustrated trill.“Why had to break it?”

A chuff brought the avian’s sunset gaze over to the hybrid’s crimson eyes and his toothy smirk. Black hands flashed coyly, ‘I would break it again, Ner Vercopa’– .

“Cease!”

A small scattering of nuts harmlessly peppered his sweat riddled skin and open shirt, leaving behind small dots of ruddy rust among his own oil slick marks. For that lightened expression and bemused lift of those lip corners? Worth it.

Finding nothing in the box he was searching, Foxen leaned against the speeder that shifted slightly under his weight and scanned the pile again. He stood after a moment and stacked both crates to carry over with him. ‘I’ll see what else is over there.’

Flyndt nodded and watched him go for a moment before laying back onto propped up elbows, his arms sore from exertion despite his energized state. Idly following the activity of the fuel station, his gaze flicked to a still lightly smoking Syck Fighter rolling by as its tugged into one of the workshop’s hangars. When the tail end of it past, a pale figure entering the establishment caught his eye.

He sat up abruptly.

Long white feathers. Darkened face and hands. The brown furred gown.

Something settled in his stomach, like a sense of familiarity he could not place but was eating him alive. With a burst of speed, Flyndt half-hopped, half-vaulted off the speeder and jogged to the corner of the garage. He managed some forethought and called over his shoulder, “Going in the Corner, be back!”

Then disappeared.

“Sure. Give me the artifact, please.” Her tone was dripping with sarcasm. As if he would’ve just hand it over if she asked nicely.

She shouldered her rifle again, aimed, and went right for the kneecap.

“I’m glad! I wanted to buy the whole shelf you know? For the kids at the orphanage, but apparently they had enough stuffed animals. I disagree. They need them! Such as fort nights, where we set up all the pillows and blankets and the tailrings can be good stuffed animals as creatures to protect the forts!” Sofila grinned as she glanced over the bartender and paid careful attention to the bottle.

Very.

Careful.

Attention.

“Oh yea! Also-” She turned her attention to Elly, forgetting that she was supposed to pay attention. Then her eyes widened.

“KARK.” Sofila cussed as she squinted at the bartender. “How did you do that so fa- oh thank you.” She grinned as she grabbed the glass of whiskey. She looked at the food that Elly offered.

“Nope! No, thank you, I think Cole is coming over tonight and we always cook up a good meal, you know, to help us to get ready for eeeeeeehhhh-” She trailed off as she coughed, her cheeks slightly browned. She waved her hand and shook her head.

<@301514304845381632> <@232396983854301187>

Elly smiled and watched the Mirialan woman passionately ramble on about plushies and forts, giggling softly as her sheer enthusiasm and brightness pushed away some of the not so fun thoughts.

“I didn’t know you helped out at an orphanage. That’s really kind of you.” With Sofila electing not to partake in some of the wings, Elly didn’t hesitate to take one of the last ones on the plate and chomp into it.

She raised a brow after Sof trailed off. “Now, Sofila, you can’t just leave a sentence half-finished like that. What are the two of you getting ready for?”

Sofila smirked as she brought the glass to her lips, “Well, when two people haven’t seen each other in a while, they aim to kark each other brains out.” She winked at Elly as she took a sip of the whiskey.

Now it was Elly’s turn to blush. She looked down to the wing in her hand and took another bite. She still wasn’t used to how brazen the woman could be. “Oh I know that all too well,” the Firrerreo admitted. “Suppose you wanna be nice and energized for a night like that.”

Sofila’s talk of the orphanage brought him back to his own childhood, what felt like an entire lifetime ago, if not more. It made him smile as the memories came back. Of his parents being all too happy to indulge in his requests to build any manner of fort he could think of. And then now, it was something he loved to do with Artorias and Deus. He was again reminded of the need to reach out to their mother again. It had been too long.

He smiled, “It’s always a worthy cause to help out like that.” He took a sip of his drink and then nearly spit it out at her next words, surprised by her how freely she used them.

There are all kinds in the galaxy, he reminded himself.

As the shot rang out, Jeckt twisted enough to not take a direct blow, but the heat of the shot grazing his leg still caused him to grimace slightly as he moved into action. With his trademark speed, he drew the blaster at his hip, firing a single shot at the woman’s dominant hand without raising the pistol from the height he’d drawn it.

She sensed it before she saw it, a heavy presence hanging around just outside of her peripheral. Feathers rustled again, hands twitching, waiting for a strike, ready to pretend to be prey before becoming a predator. The first strike would hurt but she could heal faster than most, probably a few broken ribs, like the brog'loss of her homelands would do to her damage wise. Her body relaxed, became fluid– it would help when the impact came…

But the big “thing” walked up to her instead and handsigned in Omwatese.

Greetings.

Brrt?

Her plumage settled, her head tilting to one side as the.. fish-like person pulled one of the moving picture tablets out and began to tap away at it’s glass surface. Aibyss took this time to study him, white pupils scanning his being to acertain if he was threat or friend. Head-tails said Nautolan, horns said mixture of something else. Sharp teeth, sharp nails. Body marred in scars and callouses– a fighter, a warrior? How did this fish-man know–

He showed her the screen and her eyes widened slightly, followed by a happy click somewhere deep and throatal. Written Omwatese! It was a different dilect but it was written Omwatese! She hadn’t seen her mothertongue written since she left Omwat two years prior.. But why wasn’t he talking? Why was he writting? Was it because he couldn’t speak omwatese? No.. no he had written in Basic. Deaf? Mute?

She returned the handsign greeting, then switched to basic handsigns.

O-M-W-A-T-E-S-E not bad, not many know. Greetings to you, F-O-X-E-N. Yes, we talk. Signs easier for you? Hope am not over reaching.

A soft smile, showing sharp teeth of her own.

Am A-I-B-Y-S-S, Aibyss, formerly of Omwat. How help?

The female Omwati seemed pleased by the returned signs, her eyes sparkling with a deep enjoyment. A quick nod, and then she was seated at a nearby table with Foxen in tow, melanistic fingers resting folded over eachother on the table as she waited for the mountain of fish-man to settle into his seat.

“Of Omwat? Not many make it off planet, not by choice. My heart aches for them. Him? She? In between?” Her mind was already spinning, the offer of food or drink seemingly forgotten for now. How long had it been since she had last seen a fellow Omwati? A year? It had to had roughly been about that, and even then they were a galactic Omwati, not one of her bretheren from the nested tribes of the wilds.

“They here? Would like to meet also. I have been traveling for some time, would be nice to see familiar face in this Sea of Big and Empty. ”

A soft hooo, her longer feathers seeming to deflate as the noise left her. The corners of her black lips tugged down softly. She wanted to go back home so badly, to touch the soft but chill soil of her homelands, to smell the pine in the crisp cold, to eat Limb'túg– a chilled type of blubber served raw –with her family once more. But she would likely never see the swathe of Omwat that the Yenzat called home again.

Hekate maneuvered through the aisles, their hood pushed back as their head swivelled back and forth, hunting for the prize. Vardanaian sweetrolls, packs of caramelized sugar-roast and candied greenbeet balanced precariously between an arm and their body as they turned. Optical sensors flared for a moment, the bright purple flashing as they took in what they were after.

Milknibs.

The noise that Hekate made was almost a gasp. They moved forward quickly, hand reaching out as if it was a lifeline. The fruit only grew in specific jungle worlds, the fat seed pods within roasted and mixed with sweeteners and cream to make a delicacy so rich that almost everyone who tasted it craved it forever more. It wasn’t that it was terrifyingly rare to find. Well, quality versions were hard to find. The synthetic stuff seemed to be everwhere, but once you had tried the real thing, the fake stuff just would not do.

Hekate tried to stack more slender packages atop the pile in their arm, carefully fighting against gravity and balance. “Should have gotten a basket.”

“Hah!” Nash laughed aloud, squeezing one eye shut while looking across the bar to Ira. “Haven’t even ordered a service yet.” He added, but did slip a hand in his pocket, running his cybernetic finger tips along a few loose cred chips.

It was funny. He was willing to pay to advertise, but that wasn’t welcome. He drew a few sticks, and gently tossed them onto the bar next to Acedia. “I’ll take some Battery Acid, keep the rest for the both of ya.”

Inar tried to sidestep but the hit at her hand was evident as there was a very loud noise from her that sounded very much like someone blew roughly into the tuba and it was off-key. Her other hand went to grab the weapon before it fully fell onto the ground while she held her injured one.

Maybe she had inhaled more than she could absorb. Her blue-violet hues glared at the man before her.

“Artifact. Hand. It. Over.” She shouldered the rifle on her other hand, it looked awkward and weird, but hey, she figured if she could get a shot in…

The Mirialan grinned at Elly’s blush. At least she turns into a cool color! The green Mirialans? It’s ruddy karkin’ brown. Then the male next to Elly look like he almsot spat out his drink.

“You alright? Too much information? I can tone it down! Maybe. Well. I’ll try!” Sofila couldn’t promise anything. Then she nodded at Elly.

“You guessed right. And besides, you don’t have to be that nice and energized. Just clean. As for energy… I don’t know! Some days I’m really tired but there’s something about him that makes me ready to do anything. Even orbit jumping. I don’t get it. It’s so weird. Usually anyone else? Pfft. I would go back to sleep and tell them to kriff off.”

Sofila’s brows furrowed in confusion for a moment. What was it about Cole that made her feel so alive? Active? Ah well.

<@232396983854301187>

Elly’s lips pulled into a tight, mildly awkward smile. “I’m glad you’ve got him in your life, Sofila.” She set aside the half-finished wing she was holding and then decided to call it quits for food there, having lost her appetite. She cleared her throat and tried to move the conversation on.

Elly drummed her fingers along the bartop. Should she even bother telling Sof about Sulla? It had been weeks, and by now, Sulla had stopped asking, so was there even a point to it other than to make herself feel bad about never getting the chance to ask? With a soft and imperceptible sigh, Elly began, “Sulla was wondering when she’d get to see you again.”

Reiden found himself at a loss for words. What could be said anyway? Who was he to tell someone else, somebody he didn’t even know and had just met, how to act, especially if it was just part of their being? Instead, he offered a small smile and a shake of his head.

People should be free to be themselves, especially if they’re not harming anyone. It’s not my place to say otherwise.

He turned back to his drink and gave the two some privacy, not wanting to interrupt anything that seemed personal. He sipped at his drink, trying to see if he could pick up on the flavors in it since he hadn’t seen the labels on the bottles and their shapes weren’t distinctive enough to stand out in his mind for what he had seen in bars previously. Despite being layered, the flavors did mix together some. This would be an interesting challenge.

With a jolt, the Dead Parrot dropped out of hyperspace.

Woop Whoop Whoop

Inside the cockpit a proximity alarm went off as an ship suddenly appeared in their view. ”Kark!!” Wenet exclaimed as she grabbed the helm and steered away from it. ”I need to work on that” she chuckled. It seemed that they had dropped out of hyperspace a bit too late and therefore too close to their destination. Station 0H40-S0 popped into view and immediately she received an incoming message.

*beep beep “This is 0H40-S0 station control, please identify yourself” A voice said over the comms. “Station Control, this is D34D-P4R-R07, asking permission to dock” Wenet replied and slowed down as she waited for a response which came quite fast. “D34D-P4R-R07, permission granted, sending coordinates now.” “Thank you Control”

A couple of minutes later, the Dead Parrot’s engines cooled down and Wenet switched everything off. She hopped off her seat and made her way to the back. ”Baka?.. you coming?” she called out, mot really knowing where the young Houk was. ”Baka!?” she called out again. She could hear him now, he popped out of the cargo hold. ”you know you’re not supposed to be in there” Wenet said shaking her head, ”I gave you a real bed to sleep in the crew quarters. Use it… anyways, are you coming?”

The young Houk responded joyfully but the Kushiban didn’t understand him. “Where’s that droid? Hrubý… Hrubý?” A small polyhedral shaped droid appeared ”I’m here.. I was charging.. Baka says he is happy to go outside with you. He promises to behave..” the droid translated. ”good, no causing trouble this time” Wenet smiled and walked to the hatch.

With a pop and a Chiss the hatch opened and the Kushiban, the Houk and the droid entered the Shame Corner.

”Stay close Baka” Wenet said as they left the docking bay and began to make their way down the tunnels. ”Yes mother” Hrubý translated when Baka replied. Slightly embarrassed Wenet glanced at them, ”Please don’t call me that… it’s weird” she said when she noticed a couple of strangers looking at the small group pass by. ”What should Baka call you, mother?” the rude droid translated. ”Just Wenet will do” She replied but then noticed the disappointment on the young Houk’s face. ”Just when we are outside ok? When we are alone you can call me..” she lowered her voice as she added ”Mother.” Baka smiled and nodded..

”ok.. this way.. we should be able to find somewhere to buy you a snack” Wenet said as she looked up at the signs. Baka made a series of excited noises, Hrubý didn’t have to translate for Wenet to understand he was looking forward to it. Baka loved to eat, hence why he was often found in the cargo hold because he knew where Wenet stored all the good stuff.

”If you need to use the refreshner, just tell me ok?” Wenet said. The parenting stuff was still new to her. She never imagined she would be taking care of a child and definitely not one of entirely different species.

Sofila entire demeanor changed. Her expression was of remorse and grief. She… didn’t feel safe to be with others or to stay at a place for long. Anger was bond to arrive sooner or later. After what happened before the blizzard… and during… Sofila shifted uncomfortably. It was her fault.

Not now.

“I’m-” She started, trying to think of how to explain. Her brows furrowed slightly as she shook her head.

“I’m not safe to be with others right now.” Sofila exhaled as she picked up the glass and downed it in one go. She exhaled at the burn going down. There was even a few close calls with Cole and it made her nervous. Maybe she asked him to move in with her too soon.

She was not safe with others.

“Not until the Envoy missions are done. Not until He’s been taken down.”

The bustling life of station 0H40-S0 was not unusual but that did not dissuade dark brown eyes from scanning every waistline, pocket, or boot within proximity for weapons. The galaxy had proven to be a ruthless place despite even the most peaceful settings. Her posture remained rigid, her boots clicking on the hard floor as she stopped before the bulletin, her eyes running over the text. A quiet chuff left her lips with no change in expression, merely the stoic stony one Emere Galo perpetually wore.

Pacing past the glowing sign of The Shame Corner, the pleasant scent of fudge and cooked food wafted into her nostrils. Her stomach growled. Her gaze panned the area, the neon sign Seven Sins taunting her sobriety, the shopping areas sparking a few ideas for her little pain, and the Golden Griddle Diner ready to fuel her up before her remaining journey home.

Starting with shopping she panned the isles in search of something Morra might appreciate. A souvenir of a map seemed papery. A key chain? Mundane. The loyalist searched her memory for something her progeny would like and she remembered “dragons are really cool”. With that in mind the woman clad in wander’s garb roamed up and down each isle until her goal was achieved.

After a couple of minutes following the main walkway, the group of three reached the central hub. At the sight of the place the young Houk suddenly stops causing a Rodian who had been walking behind him to crash into him.

Immediately they grab Baka by his collar and begin to swear in their native language. Baka apologises in Houkese which Hrubý immediately translates but the Rodian still doesn’t let go. ”Hey!” Wenet calls out, ”Hey! Let go of him. He said he was sorry” the Kushiban says but the Rodian now starts to complain at her.

”I said.. let him go!” Wenet raised her voice and gave him a look that showed she wasn’t going to ask twice. She might have also used a little bit of the Force to come across more intimidating. It worked, the Rodian let go of Baka and decided to walk away after shoving the young Houk aside.

”You ok?” Wenet asked. ”Baka ok.. Baka ok because of you” Hrubý translated. ”come, I think we can buy something nice over there” Wenet pointed to food lines to fe left..

Jeckt fired once before adjusting his stance as he watched his aggressors reaction. His smile and casual nature were gone now, though he also lacked the intensity one might expect to see. He watched her keenly, at the ready though didn’t immediately press his assault. She attempted to shoulder the rifle once more, then spoke. A few words in though, he wordlessly fired another shot, this time simply at the rifle she was still attempting to point at him.

Rows and rows of benches and tables, face after face, they all blended together as Flyndt paced the restaurant, hunting for a glimpse of long white feathers. Patrons startled and stared awkwardly after his fleeting, scanning glances. Eventually, he was met with the far wall and a door leading back outside. It was evident the woman was not here in this section. That left the other direction(and well, the refreshers but birb thought not of them).

As he doubled back, he wondered if perhaps this was all a wistful ruse, an imagined entity after months of hoping to find other Omwatis. The questions were endless, loud and deafening. One of the Han'duwil taken? No, he would have remembered them, he was certain. Were they from the order? Did Inid Low get their message? He would have expected to here from her directly or through Heeks but that seems foolish to expect. She was busy and, by the suns, had plenty reason to be crossed with him.

A heavy sigh and a tutted click.

Flyndt pushed aside those querying thoughts and the bundles more they opened, and focused on finding his target. Reaching into the Force only showed every single soul within the building with a few shining bright in their signature. But there was one he knew for sure and unmistakably so.

Foxen.

He cooed in surprise as he spotted that aura up ahead in the bar area, feathers lifting in curiosity. It was followed quickly by a clearing of his throat. He should meet up with him and explain why he came inside, two pairs of eyes better than one. Rounding the entrance into the bar area and a quick scan, he spotted Foxen – and the Omwati. .

The distance between closed in a heartbeat, Flyndt halting beside their table and examining the stranger with a look that barely conveyed his befuddled recognition. He noted the exposed ink sprawled across her chest, tickling a deep memory but nothing rising to clarity. Eventually he realized he was staring and shoved himself into the booth with Foxen.

“Who are you?” came the blunt, to the point question.

Aibyss nodded to Foxen’s question, making a big gesture with her hands, blackened fingers spreading wide.

“Yes, space. Galaxy. Big and Empty. Lots of things out here, yes? But so much space. Infinite space. Takes lifetimes to cross without technology. Is big out here, but empty, relatively. Doesn’t look that way from Omwat. Should be a lot out here yes? But also no.”

She knew she likely didn’t have to explain, the fish-man was likely born out here. He knew what Space was like, knew how space travel worked. But it was still so… alien to her. Two years was not enough time to adjust to not being able to just… walk places.

Another notice, a ping at the end of her conscious. Another person entering the circle of her awarness– but this one was different, familiar. One of her own. She settled as she realized that the person approaching must be Foxen’s Other. Her long white feathers, which had started to rise a little, began to relax once more as silver-white eyes landed on the Omwati in question.

He was staring. While it wasn’t unusual for her to be stared at, she was quite starling, why was he staring at her like he could drill a hole through her?

One eyebrow cocked up, Aibyss’s head turning inquisitively to the side.

Recognition stirred at the back of her mind, that birth mark…

Eyes followed the male Omwati as he settled into a seat next to the fish-man and asked her who she was. Her head tilted to the opposite direction as she assessed him, searching through her memory of where she had seen that birthmark before. Ah! Gaile’s little brother! Images of a tiny fledgling stirred in her, pictures of soft brown down feathers and an inquisitive gaze, wanting to know– to learn, to be.

A wide smile filled Aibyss’s features and her entire body relaxed.

“Flyndt. Is good to see you. Been too long. Sorry for distance, the Yenzat fell under sickness. Had to take care of them. Do you not remember? Am Aibyss–” She made the specific hand gesture for her name, hands swooping to loosely interlock fingers. “Have not seen you for many moons. Not since you still had down. How is Gaile?”

Luka steadily sipped their drink as they took in the gathering crowd. There were a few interesting figures added to the mix. As Luka drifted in focus, cross-talk overlapped thoughts, flickering images. An easy space for them to get lost in. By the time half of their rainbow concoction was finished and the colors began to muddy together, they found themself staring just a bit too long at the large Nautolan.

Luka shook themselves before they sat bolt upright. How long had they been there? They checked the clock on the wall, and only afterwards did they notice a streak of blaster fire. From the looks of it, the repairs would take quite a bit longer.

Someone else’s problem. They were off the clock.

They put some creds on the counter. Had they already paid? A tip, then. The place was pay-what-you-will after all.

They felt a familiar furred head bump against his leg. The nexu yawned loudly and stretched before she sat with an intent stare at Luka.

“Right, probably shouldn’t sleep at the bar.” The nexu chuffed as though in answer before she set off back to their claimed table. Luka pulled their body up and gave a small gesture of thanks to the Shista behind the counter before they made their way. Bico curled up beneath their feet, her beady black eyes alert and focused on the other patrons.

Before they drifted, a quick message on their datapad. First to Yeo by accident, then to Doon:

Don't forget about me when you leave

They figured they should have clarified the accidental message to Yeoni, but the screen darkened shortly after. Low energy. Of course. Luka returned the device to their pack before they laid their head down on their arms. Just a short rest. They wouldn’t even close their eyes.

They stared snoring in seconds.

Elly continued to drum her fingers along the bartop as she thought of what to say. A person’s demeanor doesn’t change as drastically as Sofila’s just did without a reason. The Firrerreo frowned and sighed. Now wasn’t the time or place for the sort of conversation she wanted to have with the Mirialan.

“I’ll tell her you’re busy then,” she said with a frown. She didn’t believe for a second that simply taking down Scimitar would fix anything, but if that’s what Sofila believed then that’s what she believed.

‘Flyndt.’

His striped crimson crest flared a few centimeters up from his crown, the structure of which echoed the pale golden orange plumage of a former Han'duwil’s Ayanā Peidion, their head soothsayer. The woman knew his name and recognized him as well. There was little trepidation to believe her and her clarity, not when his own recollection finally spilled from the cracks of his past. Of years ago, when the Yenzat and Han'duwil would gather in the winter. A treatied union. He had almost forgotten about it, removed as he had been post joining the Hyōbao Vilissës, the Ghosts of Omwat.

“Aibyss,” echoed the younger avian humanoid with a small nod. His sunset hues tracked and noted the gesture or attempted to despite his still reeling mind. They knew each other. Not known know but still –

‘How is Gaile?’

Flyndt stilled and his gaze averted. He shifted, drawing a leg up on his seat and resting an arm over his knee. A warm pressure spread over his lower back, almost drawing his deep breath in through it. Glancing to Foxen, he caught the simple sign and exhaled. His gloved left hand returned the O.K. where it dangled off his leg, and then he looked back to Aibyss.

“I do not know. Have not seen him for several years, since he left Omwat…” Inked lips pursed as Flyndt paused. Another sigh. “I heard the Yenzat were ill, from the mouths of some Linwirrons. Heard their shaman, hoo, you, were fighting it and voicing for aid. Inspired me to go look for him and the others.”

<@264959101384130560>

Orion reached down to scratch Koga’s head as he saw the Shistavanen approaching again, giving him one of the Shame Bites. He smiled warmly at her. “Thank you, Flor. That looks delicious.”

Koga gave a soft huff of being mollified by the attention and snack. Orion would have to make a note of that and remind him that it wouldn’t always be people fawning over him. He made sure to show the anooba affection and let him know he was appreciated, especially while he was still young. But the plan was still to train him and have him help out with tracking down quarries. Then again, he supposed it didn’t hurt too much that he got some extra attention on this trip. It helped to get him used to being around people a little more.

Blitz had separated from Reiden when he entered the bar. It didn’t seem like much place for a droid. Besides, the curious droid was drawn to the various wares the station, apparently known as the Shame Corner, had on offer. His optics took in whatever he found. There was clothing, accessories, toys, pillows, blankets, snacks. Almost anything imaginable. Everywhere he looked, there was more to discover. And he stored it all in his memory banks as he hovered along quietly.

He was careful to avoid the patrons milling about; there was no need to cause a commotion, especially when Reiden was otherwise occupied and Orion was…somewhere. The drone let out a long, low beep, impressed by the variety of things the station had. He took particular note of the toys, knowing that Reiden thought of his nephews often. He would remind him of that before they left the station.

But the droid also had an ulterior motive. Reiden always liked to keep himself informed regarding the places he visited, even if after the fact. So his curiosity served the dual purpose of information gathering. As his sensors took in the details, he was also mapping out the station, carefully cataloging what was located where, the positions of any possible exits or noticeable security features and employees of all types that were visible. The Brotherhood had ties to the Shame Corner, but having extra information was often beneficial. Satisfied with what he had found, Blitz wobbled in the air almost as if he were nodding, and headed back to the docking berths where the Espada had landed to upload the data. He also sent a notification to Reiden’s datapad about the toys he had seen, hoping he would see it before they left.

Inar moved out of the way.

“Listen here you apespit-” Then she felt a pair of strong hands grasped her hips before she was yanked back, turned around, her rifle taken away, and thrown over the shoulder. A massive hulk-sized Feeorin gave Jeckt a sheepish smile and little finger wave he could while his other hand was holding Inar’s weapon.

“Sorry ‘bout that, she uh-”

“PUT ME DOWN-”

“Gets very focused and-”

“I SWEAR TO THE STARS AND SUNS IF YOU DO NOT-” He applied pressure on his arm grip around her body causing her to focus on breathing and unable to yell anymore.

“Passionate about finding what she needs to find and forgets her manners. This was not the place to fight someone over a relic. Sorry about that. You have a good day now.” He turned around and started to head to a ship and muttered some words to Inar in Feeorin language.

“Aw, look at this! This be lookin’ sweeter than ripe Meiloonrun fruit on a hot sweaty summer day!” Lularie was practically excited to see the extra toppings they did for this. It looked like the perfect combination.

“This do be bigger than my head! Ha!” She grabbed her datapad and took a pic. Once she placed her datapad on the table, she then she gently nudged Derry with her elbow and then nodded at Orion.

“Think you two gents can help this poor ol’ gal chow this down?” Lulaire offered as she took a bit and let out a pleasing ‘mmmm’.

<@379840612788076544> <@232396983854301187>

Jeckt watched in utter bewilderment at the scene unfolding in front of him. He looked around at the bystanders watching this exchange go down, locked eyes with one, and made the universal motion of “You seeing this?”. He twirled his pistol as a bit of showmanship for anyone still watching before holstering it in a single smooth motion.

“Consider it forgotten.” He called out, increasing his volume as they moved further out of range. “Always a pleasure to meet a lady.”

He blinked and shook his head before turning back towards his ship. He took a few steps toward it, stopped, and spun back around. Maybe he’d get that drink after all.

Sofila gave Elly a small and sad smile. She hated hearing that as a kid. Sulla may not like it. But it was for the best. She was not safe. Much less around a child who can’t defend themselves.

“Okay. Thank you, Elly. I’ve already destroyed enough relationships.” She thanked the bartender and left credits and tips. With a shake of her head, she got up from the stool and started to stretch. Her hands reached to the ceiling as there was a certain pop.

“Ah! That feels better!” Her warm smile returned to her face as she started to pick up her bags one by one, “We should get going! Well, I don’t know about Doon and Zig, but I should get going. Got some stuff to do for work meaning more paperwork and figure out how to cook dinner. Or order it. Not quite sure.” Sofila laughed softy.

The shouting from Inar had increasingly got loud but it was all in Feeorin.

Which ended with her yelling in basic, “I’LL SHOW HIM A LADY-” before the ramp closed.

Somehow the Ilohan ended up in the section with snow globes. Though stoic, she was not a robot. Seeing a few small replicas of cities and planets amused her. She shook the one that was in the form of an island. It reminded her of home.

Setting the ceramic based item back on the shelve, Emere’s gaze lifted to the source of the voice offering assistance. She had a feeling she was being stalked. Her gut never failed her.

With no discernible change in her emotion, or an admission of being lost in the store, she asked, “Got any toy dragons?”

Inar huff which sounded like a defeated trumpet sound when she saw the ramp has closed entirely. Her blue-violet hues stared at the ramp before she felt her husband shifted and then placed her on the chair as she glared at him.

“FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND CREDITS-”

“No yelling.” He said sternly. Inar hullepi moved in fluidity like a windchime under a breeze. She remembered his words before they got married. So she stopped yelling and-

“Five hundred thousand credits-” Inar whispered angrily-

“Still yelling.” Her hullepi moved more aggressive as if a tornado had started to move the windchimes around. She watched his bright yellow eyes glanced down and saw her injured hand. He tsked as he turned around to leave. Inar watched him leave and then slowly got up from the chair- she stopped when she heard snapping sounds and glanced to the doorframe to see her husband standing there and pointed at the chair.

“Stay,” Waln said before headed back to the other room. Inar let out a grumble of harmonious bass sounds before she sat back down.

“Five hundred thousand credits, we need to go back to get it!”

“Manners.”

“Seriously?! Who cares!”

“Reputation.” He came back with a packet of bacta and bandages.

“Right! The clients would know that I would be willing to do anything to get the relic-”

“And if the client didn’t want you to be this loud? What if the clients want you to be low key?” He pointed out as he knelt down to one leg and held out his hand for hers. Inar shook her head. Waln glared at her with piercing yellow hues before he gestured to his hand again. A disappointed bass windchime emerged from the hybrid as she gave him her hand. She flinched when the bacta was layered on her burnt hand.

“…..Five hundred thousand credits though,” murmured Inar as Waln ignored her.

Orion smelled the pie and grinned. “Nothing better than a fresh slice of pie. Meiloorun was always one of my favorites, too.” He tried a bite of his pie and the smile only grew. Hearing the woman’s words, he glanced at the cookie she had ordered and his eyes went wide. He had assumed the waitress, Flor, had been joking about how big they were. Apparently she wasn’t.

He couldn’t help but let out a laugh. “I’ll tell you what, if I’ve still got some room left over after this delicious pie, I’ll help you out.” His gaze turned to his anooba and he gave Koga another Shame Bite. “Of course, I can’t forget you, now can I?”