Windy turns a violent shade of crimson when Luke openly starts vocalising how good looking Angel is. He can do little but stand there with a mortified look on his face as Luke talks about guys dying for her. He wants to put in that he'd be more than happy to wind up dead defending her, but his vocal muscles seem to have stopped working.

At length the conversation seems to have turned away from the topic, and he seems to feel it safe to venture a comment. Then Angel gives that girly squeal and he is once more blushing and unable to speak. He personally hopes Angel does not cover her lovely features with some grimy goggles or rags, but he certainly is not going to try to tell her so.

He keeps his head down as he follows the others out of the ship.

The domed central building of the Darklighter estate stands fifty meters away. A stack of canisters are piled to the left of the entrance, and a dewback is tethered in an enclosure off to the right. About them moisture vaporators tower, with a pair of patch-in unit droids beeping and chittering a their base as they perform their duties.

Bonk the bonkers?  Look in the mirror, Mittens.

Luke keeps his self-assured smirk from all the praise for his piloting skills, once again trying to hide the fact that he's super nervous about what he imagines to be his future job interview with Angel's folks.

"Thanks."

To Biggs he answers with a knowing smirk, "Local girls know exactly how to avoid those kinds of problems.  And sometimes run into them anyway.  If it helps, I'll change what I said to, 'too good looking for an off-worlder.'"

Luke shakes his head at Mittens' idea for how to deal with a gang of overly flirty gang of thugs.  "That is not how they'll react.  Best thing to do is say something like, 'Please.  We don't want any trouble with you or Master Jabba.'  Implying you belong to a Hutt is about the only thing that'll get thugs to back down 'round here.

"And thanks for being willing to tone down the public appearance, Angel.  I'm sure it'll go a long way to lessening the risk."

Luke rolls his eyes at Deak's celebration, but if he were honest with himself he'd remember just how happy he was the first time he got the privilege of taking the controls for a bit.  He hops into the speeder and powers it on to off-load it.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:55, Tue 15 Jan 2019.

Mits is ever so pleased that Angel was her adorable self when hug-spun.  When Angel suggests the matching outfits, Mits' ears and tail perk up!

"Yes!  Love the idea!  I hope we can get the matching outfits for good.  What great souvenirs they'd make!"

She takes note of how Luke handles praise.  Between that and his conflict-avoidance advice...  Maybe he's just a natural-born "peace, not passion" Jedi, and that's why he hasn't gone Darkside yet.  Great.  Chances are this newbie will surpass me in a matter of days then Master will be all, "Why can't you be more like Luke?"  "Well maybe because I wasn't born with the Jedi Code hard-wired into my DNA!"

Mits arm-arounds Angel with a big smile as the group heads for the central building, pumping her fist to Deak's chanting.  She squints even with her hood up to shade her eyes.

"Man those suns are murder on my eyes.  I'm great for night vision, but blinding desert notsomuch."

Angel answers Biggs' word of caution with, "I'll leave it to you guys as to how we can cover up without winding up mistaken as sand people."

She glances at Luke. "Heh... I like the humble, scared property of Jabba approach. If I get flirted with by a brute, I'll have to try that."

Angel looks in Deak's direction when he fixed his gaze on her and Mittens. She gives him an endearing smile. Angel returns the arm-around to Mittens, then follows Biggs out of the ship and towards his home. As she exits, she shades her eyes with her free arm, also squinting a bit.

Although Luke's reactions and mannerisms are not lost on Angel, he doesn't quite have the emotional impact on her that he has on Mittens. After all, Angel doesn't feel like she has to prove her zen to some zen master.

.....well OK, so she DOES feel a little like that towards her parents, but it isn't the same as with a jedi where you are given the impression that if you give someone a dirty look, your heart pumps oil into your veins and turns you into a mass-murdering, machete-wielding malevolent marionette whose strings are pulled by the dark side of the force.

Deak continues to chant as they exit the ship adding three claps between each chant.

"Epic!" *clap* *clap* *clap* "Epic!" *clap* *clap* *clap* "Epic!" *clap* *clap* *clap*

He sends Luke a sly glance as he continues to chant, and the girls get the distinct impression that he may be dragging on the chanting just to irritate the farmboy.

Biggs seems to also sense that this might be Deak's motive, since he turns to give the boy a stern glance.

"All right, Deak, I think you've made your point."

Then to Luke he gives a nod of approval.

"Good idea. Dropping Jabba's name is a good way to get out of trouble in these parts. Even if people suspect you are bluffing they rarely want to find out."

He chuckles at how serious Angel seems to be taking his words.

"Joking, Angel. Don't worry, as long as you follow my example when it comes to sand people disguises I doubt anyone will actually think you are one."

He then gives a modest smile as he turns to the girls.

"Well, this is it. The Darklighter Estate. It's got nothing on Coruscant, I know, but it's home. Come, I'll introduce you to my father."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:15, Tue 15 Jan 2019.

"Yeah, dropping 'The Jab' around here can definitely work magic," Windy agrees as he follows Luke's speeder down the loading ramp.

He seems pleased to be able to get off the ship, and not at all bothered by the sun.

"If this is 'blinding desert'," he says to Mittens, "Then trust me you don't want to be wandering the Dune Sea at midday."

Even as preoccupied as Luke is with his obsession, the chanting is annoying.  Somewhat surprised he didn't get an objection from Mits for his suggestion, he figures he'll press his luck a tad further and adds to Biggs' objection, "Yeah, think you can reign in your apprentice, What-her-face?  Don't want to wear out our welcome before we've even walked in the door."

Not that he expects Huff to tell the group to scram for anything less than bringing up taxes, but hopefully this'll make the point well enough.  ...But he wasn't joking about the disguise.  Last thing he needs is to have to explain to Angel's parents why simple precautions weren't taken to prevent cutthroats from taking an interest in her.

"'Dune Sea,'" Mits echoes with a sound of awe in her voice, "Comparisons to Coruscant aside, you've got some awesome sounding stuff on this world!  'The Darklighter Estate' included.  Thanks again for your hospitality!"

She turns an impish look to Deak then answers Luke, "Far be it from me to douse the happiness of another.  Though you do have a point that Legendary Heroes do tend to act more mature."

(( At some point before leaving the ship, Mits was sure to relay the location of the Darklighters' estate to her dad, et al.))
This message was last edited by the player at 02:04, Fri 18 Jan 2019.

Angel says, "Somehow, I get the impression that Deak knows better than to annoy either of the Darklighters."

Angel glances at Mittens and says, "I know, right? Darklighter... Skywalker... what's up with the cool names?"

Angel gives a bright smile to Biggs and his charismatic commentary. Plus she is excited to meet Mr Huff. "Before you do, Biggs... I should have asked... what is his favorite topic?"

She follows Biggs to meet his father either way.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:02, Fri 18 Jan 2019.

Deak shoots Biggs a resentful look, but it seems that Angel's assessment is quite correct regarding his desire to annoy either of the Darklighters. He obediently ceases his is chanting. His resentment seems to fade as Mittens reminds him how mature heroes should act, and he instantly braces his shoulders and strides in what he feels is a hero-like manner.

"Mr Darklighter, sir," he practices as he walks, one eyebrow raised narcissisticly, "Picon the Great. Pleased to make your acquaintance."

"You've already met him, Deak," Windy says, rolling his eyes at his friend's antics, "But yeah," he adds to Mittens, "I guess the stuff does sound cool around here. Cooler than it is, unfortunately. Oh, 'The Darklighter Estate' excluded, of course," he adds hastily with an apologetic glance at Biggs, "I bet you girls have loads of cool names for stuff on Coruscant."

Biggs grins at Angel and Mittens' compliments of his home and his name. He's also rather fond of his name, truth be told, and Luke's is definitely cool as well.

He does give a chuckle at Deak's performance, and then grins as Windy apologises.

"You're all good, Windy. This place has been a good home, but I myself am keen to get away from this world when I get the chance."

He then turns to Angel.

"Favorite topic? Honestly? Moisture vaporators," he rolls his eyes apologetically, "Though if you know anything about doing business in general he's usually pretty happy discussing it. But he's pretty easy going, so long as you don't bring up Jabba or the Empire."

Even as Biggs finishes explaining an elderly man appears from the entrance to the building before them. His face is weathered and wrinkled from the sun, and his shaggy hair and beard are grey. But his eyes are keen, and he has a wiry strength to his walk and bearing. He wears a simple brown tunic and loose fitting pants, and durable leather boots.

He raises an eyebrow as he notes the group, before chuckling with a grin.

"I see you brought friends," he says, "And some new ones, by the looks of it."

"Father," Biggs grins, stepping forward to clasp him in a brief, firm hug. He then steps back to gesture at the girls.

"This is Mittens, and Angel. We ran into them out in the desert. They were being attacked by sand people and Luke and Tank and I helped scare them off."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:04, Fri 18 Jan 2019.

Luke is once again stunned that anything relating to Tatooine, much less his own name, could impress off-worlders, much less rich people from the Core.  That Mits managed to simultaneously swat his request and fulfill it is also baffling.  Windy's already voicing part of what Luke's thinking but just bringing up the cool names of Coruscant's points of interest has Luke gazing to the horizon again, thinking about some day actually getting to be there rather than just dream.

He nods to Biggs' introduction and adds, "That nice starship is theirs.  We managed to get her flying again.  Tank's on his way here too because it was getting pretty late..."

Luke stops himself from saying anything out loud about Tank's obvious feelings for Angel.

"...and because Fixer was being especially mean today, the kids escaped with us."

Mits gives Deak an approving thumbs-up, then asides to Windy, "Oh I dunno.  Most of the interesting-sounding places on Coruscant are for the bombastic elite.  The Senate building is off-limits.  The Great Western Sea costs an arm and a leg to visit.  The University isn't open to the public either.  The other interesting places will just poison you if you dare breathe the air.  The Underworld, The Works, and so on."

Mits then smiles brightly upon meeting Huff, every bit as masculine as she imagined.  Moreso, in fact.  Owning that many buildings and droids was a clear indicator of sizable sums of wealth, but this guy dresses like a humble farmer.  She steps forward with her usual bouncy, tail-waggy eagerness to offer a firm handshake.

"Very nice to meet the dad of one of the most heroic men this side of the Galaxy!  You shoulda seen 'em!  I've thanked 'em over and over for their selfless kindness, but now I'd like to thank you for your generous hospitality!  Our parents should be coming soon, and I'm sure they'll be just as happy to meet the man that welcomed us in after we were separated from them."

Angel also gave an approval of her own to Deak. An impressed smile and a nod.

Concerning the interesting places of Coruscant, Angel says, "Names are great and all, but what makes something isn't a cool name. Take Fixer for instance. He has a cool name too. Darklighter and Skywalker, on the other hand, are cool people with cool names. Same applies to places. My home is just the Bard Manor, but it has my parents in it."

When Angel first sees Huff, she raises an eyebrow and her eyes widen slightly. Sure, she expected a manly man, but she didn't expect Clint Eastwood meets Chuck Norris. But she calms herself inwardly, reminding herself appearances are just that.

Angel waits for Mitts' hand to be shook before offering her own. In a calm, but genuine tone of voice, Angel says, "Very nice to meet you, sir. Thanks for your hospitality." The ship has accommodations, but she won't mention that unless she has to. She'd feel more comfortable in a house than in a ship.

Huff shakes each of the girl's hands with a firm, calloused hand and a warm smile.

"Well, I'm glad my son was around to save the day," he says with fatherly pride, "And of course you are all welcome at our humble home."

At Luke's explanation regarding Fixer being mean he nods grimly.

"I don't know why you lads insist on associating with that-" he breaks off, remembering that ladies are present, and assumes his smile once more, "Of course the kids are welcome. I see that Deak is still being..." he glances at the comedic expression still on Deak's face, trying to find an appropriate adjective, "Well... Deak."

He follows Luke's gaze to the ship.

"I confess I'm a little intrigued at your choice of ship," he says to the girls with a quizzical expression, "It has more the appearance of a smuggler's vessel than that of a pair of charming core ladies."

Deak, who had not been aware of Huff's attention on him quickly ceases the funny expression, reddening slightly and taking a step behind Mittens.

"What does he mean that I'm 'being Deak'?" he whispers to her, frowning, "Of course I'm being Deak..."

"Wow! The Great Western Sea. What's that?" Windy asks from Mittens other side, before continuing, "The Underworld, The Works, The Senate Building! All sounds waaaaay cooler than Tatooine!"

He grins wryly at Angel's compliments once again to people's names.

"Meanwhile I'm stuck with 'Windom Marstrap'," he shakes his head darkly.

"It wasn't just me who saved the day," Biggs corrects his father gently with an apologetic look at Luke, "As Luke said, he and Tank were there too, and the girls can handle themselves pretty well."

"You'll have to tell us all about Coruscant once we're inside," he adds to the girls, ushering them into the building, "It does sound like an amazing planet."

Finally he follows his father's gaze to the ship.

"That ship is another interesting story," he chuckles, "I'm sure the girls would be more than happy to tell you all about their adventures after a bit of food and drink."

Luke looks a little embarrassed but smiles to be included in the "most heroic cool people with cool names this side of The Galaxy" boasts.  He won't deny that more self-interested people would have let the girls fend for themselves rather than risk getting involved in what was probably escaped slaves.  Or worse.  But even for all the deserved distaste for the man, even Fixer wouldn't have just left them stranded.  That's why us lads insist on associating with that blankedy-blank.

"She's a beauty," Luke answers about the ship with admiration in his voice, "Flies smoother than butter on a hot day."

Once again Windy and Biggs are saying what Luke's thinking, so he's glad he doesn't have to add anything.

"Mits is just bristling with happy!  Flanked by cuteness and grizzled manliness and humility with opportunity to brag about travels!"

She manages to cut herself off before blurting out, "Almost as awesome as hopper diving!"

Mits grins at Deak and answers impishly, "And Mittens is being Mittens."

To Windy she answers with a salute.  "Admiral, erm, Senator Marstrap sir.  Please tell me again about the time you guided the eccentric blind woman who was stranded on your edgy homeworld full of dangerous cutthroats."

To Biggs Mits grins and counters with, "Every good squad has a good leader.  And I have no doubt who that is in your unit."

To Huff she gives an apologetic look and pleads, "Speaking of said recently recovered blindness, I've not yet acclimated to Tatooine and would like to be in some shade ASAP.  Will be happy to tell our story and do magic tricks once I'm not in the process of being cooked alive."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:24, Wed 23 Jan 2019.