Fiarr laughed, then with a lightning-fast move, snatched a bowl of Jumpa chips Kyvarr was reaching for then lightly vaulted onto the top bunk and munched loudly.

"Manners Kyvarr, manners.  Threats of bodily harm could result in Nijel having an intimate encounter with an airlock.  Wouldn't want that now would we?"

She looked over at Dohr and Sheila.  "Surely between the two of you, you can manage some sort of personality transplant?  Can't we have a nice kitty that curls up on your leg and plays with string?  This cranky old alley cat is no fun at all."

She munches loudly on the chips.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 01:14, Thu 24 Apr 2014.

"Yeah.  These blisters are probably okay, but the rocket launchers are not worth much.  The rest is worth even less."

Mika takes a bit of time sampling each of the blisters, trying them out in her empty holster, doing what she could to make sure they were serviceable and picking the one that seems the best to replace the one she left behind.  "If we get enough time, I think I can modify this to be worth hauling around."

She takes a deep breath.  "So much for shore leave.  Maybe the boss'll give us a nice little combat mission soon, give us a chance to rest and recover, you think?"

"Not for a few weeks.  Don't forget the commander and XO didn't expect to be back from wherever they were going until after we came back from Det Akari.  We were supposed to be there two weeks!"

"We're going to have to make our own fun for a while.  Any ideas?"

As he waited, he eyed the blaster Mika was looking at keeping.  "We have plenty of blasters in the armoury that are better then that one.  Why not take one of those?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:25, Thu 24 Apr 2014.

In reply to Fiarr Melan'nel (msg # 59):

Sheila smiled in response to fiarr'a request.  "I can't do those.  Besides,".  She counted off on her fingers.  "Fiarr, idaya, Kvarr, dohr veen, who is Nigel?  What would we so with a nice kitty that just played with string?"   She recognized, even if she barely knew them that these two were familiar with each other.

She rubbed her forehead and pulled the bottle of pain meds out of her pocket, read the instructions and replaced them.  No more pills for another 4 hours.  And she had a couple other things on her mind as well.

These people had to be the most diverse he'd ever worked with and that was a lot said. During the last decade or more, Dohr Veen's travels had taken him here and there and back again and he'd met representatives of numerous different species. But usually the underground movements or rebellious elements that had employed him (having paid him or not) had consisted of members of a single species, human, Twi'lek, Sullustan… Of course that hadn't always been the case, but in this group or the ones he'd met so far, there were humans, a Duros, a Cathar, a Bothan, a Chiss and a Zeltron. And the mercenaries even had a battledroid as a part of their team. And that was only the physical side. The personalities and characteristics varied a lot as well. But that was in his mind there was wealth in variety...

Thinking about the diversity of the people on board the freighter turned the Kel Dor's thoughts to Jitt'quin Shak and Dorank. The Twi'lek fixer had not been someone who the doctor would have called a friend, but he'd grown to like Jit nevertheless and now worried about the man's future. But deep inside Dohr knew the shameless Twi'lek would be fine. He'd survived worse. Dorank, his former Zabrak assistant, was another matter. Whatever or whomever had been behind the barbarous murder of Majara, could be targeting Dorank as well. But somehow Dohr was fairly sure that was not the case. The Zabrak was a very skilled nurse just like the human female had been. He would have no trouble getting employed. But the events Dohr and the colorful group had escaped might be life threatening for Dorank as well. For unlike the doctor, his assistant had had no military training whatsoever.

The joking between Fiarr and Kyvarr brought Dohr out of his contemplation. The two women seemed like a couple who'd been happily married for decades. Such teasing wasn't natural to the Kel Dorian, but he'd come to understand the kind of behavior during his years off Dorin. Dohr had learned to appreciate people who were able to joke to lift spirits in deadly serious situations and he'd even learned to lighten up a little himself too. He had no idea what the leader or leaders of the mercs were planning and whether they all would be accepted into the group. But if for some strange reason the he would be the only one of the trio to get invited, Dohr would have difficulties deciding whether to join or not. He'd grown to like and appreciate the Cathar and her Bothan friend so much that he might consider going with them instead.

But now there were more important things at hand. Kyvarr's injury needed proper treatment and the mercenary group were doing all they could do help her get healed. It spoke on their behalf. The group (Dohr realized he still didn't know what it or its members should be commonly called) was benevolent and honorable to go through such trouble on behalf of someone who was not part of their organization yet. Judging from Forim's call, Janine had informed at least him, but probably also Rian and… Eleven. Dohr had never heard of Space Station 1174-Alpha before, yet the up-to-date medical facilities sounded really good.

"Personality transplant? Now that you mention it, I have heard of a pioneering experiment concerning such. The results have not been very encouraging, but I am sure Janine and I can come up with some kind of a change in her personality…" Dohr wasn't very skilled in joking, but it was the best he was able to come up with. Then again at least he had no trouble keeping a straight face behind his mask.

"Thank you for the food and beverages, Fiarr. However if you do not mind, I will go and have a shower first. I probably smell so bad you will all lose your appetite, if I do not."

Dohr noticed Sheila taking painkillers and the smile behind his mask froze. "I am sorry, Janine. I had completely forgotten about your accident. How are you doing? Would you like me to have a look at you?"

Mika shrugs and considers the blaster, "Yeah, you're right, I'll have to browse a bit." but the blaster does end up back in her holster.  She could get a replacement, but with all the non-Talon's on board, she feels better with a bit of weight at the hip.

"I don't know about our own fun, I guess figure out what we're doing with the visitors.  We were supposed to interview some of 'em for a job, once they get a chance to recover, maybe we should do that."

Idaya gave Fiarr a slight nod of acknowledgement as the Bothan left, turning back to Heigren. "You are a strange man, Mr. Teckla", she said. "And in a good way. I must say, your chivalrous offer has taken me by surprise, albeit a very pleasant one. You show compassion to a complete stranger and that is far more honourable than I would have expected."

She took a sip from her glass, took a deep breath and then continued. "What I am about to tell to you is for your ears only, at least for now. The reason I am here is, I was convicted for crimes I did not commit, because it was politically convenient. I was a decorated naval officer, destined for glory, and several political entities within the Ascendancy made me offers, I refused. As a military officer, I considered myself challengable concerning politics - in my view the politicians make decissions, the military enforces.

With the offers refused, I became a liability and others, not bound by the same morals as I was, were driven to bring me down. Not only was I convicted, but the shuttle that was taking me to a penal colony was attacked by a pair of fighters along the route. I found myself in a shuttle that was flying without a crew and managed to unlock the controls, engaging the hyperdrive just before the shuttle was destroyed. I managed to limp to Det Akari with the mortally wounded shuttle, and crash it without causing more than minor property damage. I was detained by the local authorities for a moment, but they let me go and I joined them when the gangs begun the revolt. That is, where you found me eventually. When the fighting started, there were twenty officers with me. The last one, beside me, you most likely found inside. I hope, this clarifies, why I was so reserved and cautious about you."

23:12, Thu 24 Apr 2014: Idaya rolled 25. Diplomacy: Sincerity.

Heigren nodded.  "You were stuck in a warzone under constant attack.  That's enough to make anyone paranoid.  I hope you've also come to appreciate why my team was so overly cautious with you.  They'd been attacked several times and watched one of their own die."

"I got a feeling that's what the staff meeting is for in a couple of hours.  We have to figure out what to do with our guests and where to go from there.  We are NOT taking them back to the Nest.  Not until the Commander or XO has approved the three of 'em for entry into our team."

Sheila looked at the three guests, them nodded.  "I have something I need to do.  I'll be back in a few minutes, but comm me if you need me."

Sheila went out in search of heigren, checking the common areas first.  She will eventually are it to the galley,

Heigren, say so if you are not still in the galley.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:48, Fri 25 Apr 2014.

Heigren looked up as Sheila walked in.  "Janine, welcome.  Come join us.  Can I get you some caf?  Something to eat perhaps?  Fiarr stole a lot of the food but I can always make more."

He looked to the Chiss and gave her a wink to signify their conversation would be kept quiet.  "What about you Idaya, another cup?"

The Zeltron rushed to make himself busy in the kitchen.


OOC:  I am most certainly still in the galley as is Idaya.

In reply to Heigren (msg # 69):

Well, she was hungry, make that ravenous to go with her headache, but first things first.   "That's ok.  I'm not, well, yes I am, but later." She crossed her arms, looking uncomfortable.  "May I speak with you alone for a couple minutes."

Heigren nodded.  "No problem at all."

He placed more food in the oven, put caf on the boil and then led Sheila out of the galley, down the corridor and into one of the empty cabins.

"What's the problem?"

"I do not see, why not", Idaya replied and as Heigren and Sheila made their exits, she turned back in to servicing her gear.

In reply to Heigren (msg # 71):

Sheila followed heigren into the room and fidgeted as the door shut.  Finally she said, I need to apologize to you for my behavior at the party, as well as pretty much everything I said to you."  She pulled the credit chip out, with the $2000 credits on it and handed it to him.  "I'm paying you back for what you spent on me, I'm guessing at the amount, because you were wrong, but because I was not worthy of the gift.  I can't pay you back the time you spent on me.  Use it on someone more deserving.  I will understand if you have difficulty working with me and I will do my best to not cause any fuss with you."

There, she'd said it.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:14, Fri 25 Apr 2014.

Heigren nodded but made no move to accept the credit chip.  "Your apology is accepted but your credits are not.  It is not for you to decide wether you are worthy of a gift, that privilege lies with the GIVER of the gift, not the recipient.  You can choose to enjoy the gift, space it or give it away.  But every time you try to give me money you insult me.  If you are my friend, you'll stop doing that.  Please."

In reply to Heigren (msg # 74):

Sheila frowned and her eyes sparked, her hackles were up, she was going to argue, then suddenly she deflated.  She slid the credit chip back on her pocket. "I'm sorry. Is there something I can do in atonement?"  Her eyes were downcast, staring at the floor.

Heigren raised an eyebrow.  He considered a typically flirtatious remark but refrained.  He could see how uncomfortable she felt.  He reached out and took her hand.

"Just try to enjoy yourself and have some fun.  If you feel the need to repay me for the gift I gave you take that credit chip and spend it on your fellow team, donate it to a charity, do something that makes you feel good.  If you buy me a present with the money I will happily take it, provided it's a gift from the heart, not an attempt to repay me.  The former I can't refuse can I?"

"I spent this money on you because I wanted to make you happy.  Making people happy makes me happy so the gift wasn't entirely selfless.  Just promise me you'll try to have fun when you're not busy blowing things up or patching up your team?"

In reply to Heigren (msg # 76):

She stared at his hand.  "I'm not very good at receiving, I'm sorry.  Gifts, particularly large ones, have usually implied a beholdenness to the giver and I have issues with owing anyone very much."   She shrugged.  "I guess that hinders some things. And I'm not real sure how to fix the situation."

While servicing her weapon, Idaya pondered on her current situation. She came to think, she might have misjudged at least some of the people, she was with. Of course, they seemed to want her off the ship and out of the way. It might not have been the best alternative for finding employment, but for now, it was the only one.

Heigren smiles.  "You and your gungan friend saved the lives of many of my friends and family back on Phindar Prime.  The gungan gave his life and I think you would have done the same.  The way I see it, I still owe you, not the other way around."

Dohr’s goggled eyes followed Sheila as she walked out of the cabin. She obviously hadn’t heard his question as she seemed to be deep in thought. Something was clearly bothering the human medic, but Dohr didn’t wish to push it any further. If she later on would like to talk about anything with him, he’d be there. There wasn’t really anywhere the doctor could go and despite of his childhood wishes he’d never learned to disappear or turn invisible.

The Kel Dor turned to the remaining women and bowed. ”I will have a look at that refresher now and return a little later for a bite, if you don’t mind.” Dohr didn’t really expect or wait for a reply, but simply limped out of the room and headed towards the refresher he’d noticed on the way in. He really needed a wash as did his clothes. Naturally the freighter did not have a suitable atmosphere for him to breath without the mask, so taking it off would have to wait to an unknown point of time in the future. He nodded to Flash, Idaya and Sheila as he passed the galley.

Dohr stepped into the bathroom and locked the door behind him. He was happy to notice a dry cleaner in a corner that had once had been used as another shower. The doctor quickly undressed the robe and removed all of his belonging from its pockets. He then took off the belts and specially made holsters and his guns. Next to follow was the Kamperdine vest he always wore under the robe. After all of his clothes were happily rolling around in the cleaner, the Kel Dor that had been underneath them a moment earlier was now noticeably thinner. His muscles were wiry at best. Physical strength was something he had never really needed in his life even if it would have been very useful on many occasions.

While the clothes were cleaned and dried, Dohr took a shower and enjoyed the peace and the quiet. He had a feeling it wouldn’t last for long, but for a moment he was back at home on Dorin in his thoughts. He was still a kid and was playing with his big sister, the mighty jedi knight Aam in the palace garden. She’d been the one strong in the Force like their parents. Dohr, to do disappointment of General Veen hadn’t even registered on any virtual “meter”. There was no Force in him. Back then he hadn’t  known much about the Jedi order and still didn’t. But during the years he had grown to understand that the marriage between his mother and father had been incredibly rare, if not unheard of, amongst the Jedi.

In the daydream Aam was exactly like she was in a holovid their mother had once shown him. Dohr had never met her in real life as she had gone missing on a mission from the order two months prior to his birth. Though his parents had long since (before their own deaths) considered Aam dead, the young Kel Dorian boy hadn’t believed it then and still didn’t. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he was sure his sister was still alive.

A few minutes later, Dohr shook himself back into the reality and turned off the shower. He’d probably used more than his share of the recycled water by then. He let the water dry on his skin for a couple of minutes more before removing his now clean and dry clothes from the machine and putting them. Dohr smiled. He felt like a new man as he stepped out of the refresher again. All of a sudden he felt very hungry.

In reply to Heigren (msg # 79):

Sheila makes a face, not a bad one, just a face.   "Saving a life during combat is different.  It's just something that happens.  And honestly, once the imps attacked, I would be just as dead as you guy, except maybe with a little torture thrown in if they managed to identify me before killing me.  It's different, you don't owe me anything for that."

Heigren grinned.  "You see the irony?  You insist I owe you nothing yet I feel I have to pay you back.  You feeling you have to pay me back but I insist you owe me nothing?  I'm willing to try and call it even if you do?"

He held out his hand.  "Deal?"

Sheila sighed.  "Yeah, but I was mean to you and you weren't to me, I think you even volunteered to have sex with me and I think I said no.  It's still a little fuzzy, That was a pretty big bottle next to my bed."  She took his hand.  "Deal."