Logged Sept. 5, 2001
Logged by Ashton
Titled:  Miscommunication
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Characters: 
Asthon 
Moira 
Merina 
Kastanje 
Tai Jinn 
Kryllen 
Rruka
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Ashton
        A powerfully built man whose eyes and smile coincide with his young and 
athletic-looking physique. Averaging these two factors, a guess that the human 
male is somewhere in his early twenties is close to accurate. His light brown, 
almost sandy-brown hair is just longer than collar-length with a slight wave at 
the bottom as if it's starting to curl. He has light hazel eyes, more green than 
brown, but this changes with his mood or outlook. He is rather average in 
height; no more than five foot ten inches tall.
        Ashton is wearing a worn-looking, gray flight jacket, made of a soft 
nerfhide. The jacket is light enough to wear indoors and still seems like it 
could withstand the elements rather well. Under the jacket is a collared shirt, 
designed in a muted shade of blue. His pants are black and tucked into a pair of 
comfortable-looking shin-high boot.

Kastanje
-------------------------------------------------------- Kastanje ----------
        Your glance singles out this young woman, despite her somewhat short 
stature. She's on the slighter side of average for a human, no more than 5'4", 
and seems to be building on that height to keep herself unremarkable. Narrow, 
Seasmoke-blue eyes are set symmetrically into an aristocratic face of smooth, 
sandalwood skin. But despite an appearance which could easily turn haughty, the 
eyebrows on this young woman are almost always arched with mirth, her eyes 
pulling up into crescents. The faint hints of laugh wrinkles branch from the 
corners of her eyes, but they're too shallow to put her in more than her late 
twenties. Her slightly frizzy fox-brown hair is pulled back into a long, 
practical fishbone braid. A few wisps manage to poke rebelliously out of the 
neatly kept style, keeping it from seeming too severe. There is the sickly 
yellow of faded bruising around her neck and worse on the inside of her left 
elbow.
        The woman's wiry frame is mostly hidden by a long, blue, hooded cloak. 
Loose pants of a thick dun fabric shield her legs, tucked into short hide boots 
lined with downy fluff. A tight black shirt of some stretchy material covers her 
torso, and the ever-present black flak-vest drapes over thin shoulders, a melted 
rends gaping in the fabric of her right side. A smooth gray stone pendant 
inscribed with some illegible syminscribed with some illegible symbol hangs from 
a cord around her neck.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-


Moira
This human female is about 5 foot 5 inches in height. She is probably in 
her early twenties, though something about her makes her look younger. Perhaps 
it's the expression in her blue-green eyes. Not quite innocence, but something 
akin to it. Moira has a kind face, heart shaped with a gently sloping nose. 
She's pale of complexion, not exactly sickly, but not tan. One might get the 
impression that tanning is impossible for her- too much sun would surely cause 
her skin to burn. Her hair is ash blonde and board straight, pulled back in a 
ponytail to keep it out of her way. Her face bears an open and friendly look, 
completely free of any artifice or insincerity. An Ossus native, the girl's 
voice bears the slightest accent, the only remainder of home she carries with 
her. The only other unchanging feature of that girl that is Moira, is a ring 
that she has recently added to her right ring finger. The non-wedding band hand. 
It's a pair of wires, black and white. But they seem to be molded of the same 
material- only upon very close observation do they seem separate. 
         Moira is dressed in a beige-brown shift that extends to mid-thigh, which 
is cinched at the waist by Moi's belt. A clip is present on the belt, though at 
this time nothing hangs from it. Under the shift is a pair of pants, not ragged 
and baggy like she tends to favor, but actually tailored to fit. They are dark 
brown in color, and have four pockets- two large ones at the waist and two 
discreet ones at the knee.

Tai Jinn
-------------------------------------------------------- Tai Jinn ----------
        The man before you looks little more than a boy in actuality. His face is 
youthful, attesting to an age of no more than 20, perhaps 21 at the most. His 
hair has grown long, with strands falling down over his right eye, one curling 
towards the bridge of his nose, and the other hanging along the outside of his 
blond eyebrows. A pair of other strands hangs down over his face, but doesn't 
fall quite as far, being lifted up underneath his other hair, causing them to 
curl outwards than towards his forehead about half an inch above his eyebrow on 
the left side. The hair strands alternate in color from red to blond, with red 
being on the farthest right. Throughout his hair, it continues to alternate 
occasionally, red and yellow exchanging places to give the hair an almost orange 
look at times. Beneath the blond eyebrows are large eyes that seem afire with 
life and youth. They are a deep and bright green that almost seem to glow. 
Although a bit larger than normal human eyes in appearance, they only add to the 
boyish appearance of the man. His face is rather normal in shape, his chin proud 
and strong. The man's nose is a bit large around the nostrils but not in a 
disgusting manner as it allows him to flare them rather easily to show distaste 
at something. The long hair falls down over regular looking ears, a braid 
falling behind the left ear down to his shoulder with alternating red and yellow 
braids.
        A once lean, thing body has been replaced by that of a fairly well built 
young man. Where once ribs could be scene, they are no longer. Although not 
looking anywhere close to a bodybuilder, Tai no longer appears to be on the 
verge of starvation as he was before. Forearms that look strong and capable 
match the chest they are attached to by the shoulders, strong and formidable 
despite the smallish size. The body is covered by a white t-shirt without 
sleeves. (Tank top) The shirt, skin tight, clings to the young man. His legs are 
covered by a pair of brown khaki style looking shorts without pockets. They look 
to be a bit baggy around the hips, as if adding extra room to them for more 
comfortable movement. Strong looking legs, that appear to be about the strongest 
muscle on the man's body, disappear into a pair of regular looking brown sandals 
that are worn casually.
---------------- http://members.spree.com/sci-fi/bijutsu/tai-sketch.jpg ------

Rruka
A smallish Trianni is this rather cheery black and white feline. His eyes 
are a brilliant green-gold hidden in a black cap that extends around the top of 
his head. A white blaze is perfectly positioned between his eyes. His lower face 
is purest white except for his black nose and a few large freckles of black 
around his chin. His fur appears slightly long but baby fine. Other markings are 
hidden beneath a tunic of a soft slate gray. White hands appear out of the folds 
of the darker slate robe. Blacker freckling shows on the clawed fingers. A few 
blotches appear on the wrists. At his small feline feet are soft boots that 
soften his step and give him a more civilized look. His black ears have a slight 
tuft to them. His whiskers are bright white and stand out on the black cap 
pattern of his head fur.

Chance's Cantina -- Trade City 
        The metallic music of a quartet band is the first thing you notice when 
you enter the Cantina. The interior is circular, and the floor is crowded with 
round tables and chairs. Along one wall is the bar, complete with stools and a 
pudgy, disgruntled looking bartender. Aliens, humans, and creatures of every 
stripe imaginable mill about the Cantina, which is crowded at all hours, day or 
night. Indeed, it is dimly lighted in here, and once inside, it is hard to tell 
what time of day the outside world is experiencing. The din of conversation is 
all around, as people speak in dozens of different languages and drink all 
manner of exotic beverages.

Kastanje laughs merrily, "Resort paradise? Tai, that Jedi training is something 
if you can ignore the weather here with the clothing you're wearing... I was 
actually here on a quick trip about a tree, but now that I found you all - and 
in a much warmer locale than that tree, I might add - I find myself remarkably 
reluctant to investigate so much..." The woman trails off, brows furrowing 
slightly at Tai's glass and his various reactions to that. "And you should know 
better than to trust a bartender. Remember what happened last time you tried 
ordering just a fruit drink?" Eyebrows raise slightly, Kas taking on a bit of 
that protective tone in her voice. "Here, pass it over, let me take a sip and 
find out what it is for you?"

Shrugging at Kas, Tai leans forward a bit and whispers, "Let's not be sharing 
with everyone where I'm from." So he's trying to keep a low profile, no biggy. 
But as he whispers, the alcohol on his breath is probably enough to get anyone 
else around him drunk. Sliding the glass of brown liquid to Kas as she wanted to 
see it, the smell of raging liquor follows it. Tai is blatantly drinking 
something he shouldn't given his past history. Suddenly, the young man stands up 
and looks to Moira, holding a hand out to her. "I'm bored... and restless... 
care to dance?"

Merina continues having angry words with the bartender. She is not pleased at 
all. Really. She'd thought they'd stopped doing this, but then again, she is 
pretty sure, based on what she saw earlier, that Tai asked for it.

Just taking what a bartender offers? Is that wise? Moira can't help but smile. A 
tug at the edge of her senses makes her turn to look over at Merina. Offering 
the woman a smile, she blinks as she hears Tai's question. "What? You want me to 
dance?" Moira looks rather unsure about the whole thing. "I can try...but I 
really ought to get back to what I'm supposed to be doing." There's another 
glance to Merina. "And she's all alone over there. How about this: I'll dance if 
someone goes to say hello to her."

Rruka frowns at all the people and stands. He heads immediately for the door 
sighing a little as he heads that way.

Kastanje catches the familiar whiff of alcohol on both Tai's breath and the 
glass, and looks shoots Moira a look that practically tells her to keep an eye 
on Tai now. Which, knowing Moi, she doesn't really need to be told, and 
regardless, dancing with the young man should work quite nicely. Kas takes stock 
of the situation quickly, and then offers a bright: "I'll go say hello. Merina 
and I were chatting a bit last night anyways." Tai's glass - something smelling 
so strong Kas doesn't seem to want to follow up on that taste-test - is 
surreptitiously picked up as the Major moves over towards the bar. Wouldn't want 
Tai to get thirsty again in the middle of dancing. A wave is offered Merina as 
she is approached.

Pausing, Tai blinks a bit and then smiles at Moira very slyly, almost as if he's 
trying to seduce her. Leaning forward to the woman and down towards her, Tai 
whispers quietly in the woman's ear before chuckling and staggering towards the 
doorway. A blizzard outside still wouldn't cause Tai to wear anything more than 
what he is. Sneezing loudly, he steps outside into the great beyond... plastered 
and drunk off his wee little butt.

Merina has stopped arguing with the bartender, but from the look on her face it 
is clear she is seething. Her expression softens some as Kas approaches. "Your 
friend there" she indicates Tai with a tilt of her head. "You aren't going to 
believe what they gave him" she shakes her head. "lets just say he's going to 
need a good night's sleep and plenty of water." She watches him leave "and a 
thermal blanket as well" She shakes her head. "I should have stayed...I should 
have known better" she shrugs. Not much she can do about it now.

The setting suns cast a backlight on the latest arrival to the cantina as he 
passes through the doorway and into the room. The doors close with a gravel-like 
scratching sound behind the human. Dress in his street clothes, Ashton takes in 
the scene in the cantina with a neutral expression. He takes note of where Moira 
is and is a bit surprised to see Kastanje here. He's almost surprised to see Tai 
here, but figured someone else from the Praxeum was here as he had seen the 
other fast freighter on the landing pad in Perave before he left the Ageis 
earlier today. He senses where Rruka is as he crosses the room and veers toward 
Merina. Best to let her know he was back from his trip back to the capital city.

Kastanje raises the offending glass of brownish liquid in front of her for 
Merina to see. "I can believe that... What is it, anyways? Smells horrid, I 
don't even want to taste and guess." Her nose wrinkles up in dismay, looking 
over her shoulder in the direction Tai is heading. "Poor guy. It's hardly you're 
fault though, Meri. He's just... Tai. These things seem to happen to him," she 
assures, trying to assuage the other woman's self-incrimination. "Moira's 
keeping an eye on him right now, and I'll try and find him later, make sure he's 
alright. Nothing better to do until I can catch a lift home again really." A 
rueful grin quirks her mouth at that, and the republic woman settles into a seat 
at the bar.

Kryllen steps into the crowded cantina and pauses for a moment, holding the door 
opens with his left hand. He examines the room with one long sweep, then lets 
the door shut behind him and moves up to the bar. "The usual." he says, or 
commands rather, in a stern but calm voice. As he waits for the bartender to fix 
his drink, which appears to be a green liquid, he leans back on the bar, facing 
outwards. As he does this he studies all the faces in the room. he recognizes 
one, Rruka, from a previous visit to the bar. And one other, Kastanje, although 
the two have never met and she certainly would not recognize him. But he gives 
her a cautious almost spiteful glance and throws his hood up and turns back 
around, as if not to be recognized by her.

Merina takes the glass and hands it back to the smirking bartender. She sighs 
"you don't want to KNOW what is in it. It's a cruel joke really, and" she nods 
her head at the bar staff "They tend to think it's funny. Wouldn't have happened 
on my shift," she pauses, "unless you really got on my bad side." And while that 
happened on occasion, she always found a better way to deal with the culprit. 
"So it is a blend of liquors that for some reason, seem to react with each other 
in such a way that they increase the effect exponentially. What happens is that 
the liver function is impeded, and they system can't get rid of the toxins. You 
get very drunk and will likely a really bad hangover, even if you are a die hard 
drinker."

Moira blinks in surprise at Tai. "Tai, I'm going to take you back to where we're 
staying. Maybe you should lie down a while." The girl stands up beside him, 
offering him an arm. "I can sit with you if you'd like?" She makes it sound like 
a social thing and not like she's keeping an eye on him. Now who's sly? Ashton's 
entrance is noted- but she'll have to talk to him later. Drunken Tai needs to be 
taken someplace where he can't get into trouble, now.

Tai waves Moira off a bit, "Stay Moi... I'll be ok, I'm just stepping outside 
for a breath of fresh air, ok?" As if to emphasize his drunkenness, he leans 
forward and gives Moira a kiss. A public display of affection, a major one as 
it's not a little peck as usual. Giggling, Tai turns and exits the cantina to 
clear his head, spinny room make funny sounds.

Ashton sees Tai's condition too as he passes by the table. He pats Moira on the 
shoulder as he passes her by, nodding to her knowingly with a smile. Words 
aren't really necessary to understand what happened. Making his way up to the 
bar, Ashton comes up behind Kastanje, smiling at Merina. He seems to have 
overheard part of Merina's dialog too, as his smile turns into a questioning 
glance. "You didn't get a job here, did you? We've got enough funds for the 
trip, Merina..." Part of him seems to be joking, but his puzzled look might make 
her think twice.

Kastanje winces at Merina's words, a bit more than just what was generally 
audible should warrant. "That's not a very good sense of humor... And Tai's 
hardly a big drink-Eep!" The phrase to Merina is cut short by a syllable of 
startled exclamation, as Ashton's voice suddenly emanates from behind her. 
Walking up behind her like that, with no warning and no force-senses to feel 
people coming. Hmph. The republic woman's surprise isn't limited to being 
startled however, and she turns a confused blink on the knight. "You're here 
too? Did you all come together or something?" She asks, glancing between Merina 
and Ashton.

At Ashton's comment about her getting a job, one of the regular patrons of the 
bar lifts his drink to Merina. "Princess" he says. "you can mix our drinks 
anytime" Meri shushes him with one look, and one raised finger. "Uhm" she 
begins. "no. I used to work here." she manages an awkward smile. "when I got 
here, I made a deal with the owner. I got a job and a place to stay, and in 
return I pulled shifts, as well as prepared some brews." She pulls something out 
of her pocket. It is a 20 credit chit "but I have managed to get some tips." She 
gestures after Tai. "That one, Tai, he came looking for you," she rolls her 
eyes. "I found him sitting out in the street waiting for you" she huffs. 
"dressed like he was going to a picnic in Spring. I got him in here, I should 
have stayed, they'd have never given him" she indicates the glass. "that."

Can we say stunned? But at least now, Moira can be certain it's liquor. And a 
great deal of it, most likely. She stares blankly after Tai, the expression on 
her face clearly stating 'did that really just happen?' And as Ashton walks by 
and pats her, she barely feels it because her mind is still trying to process it 
all. Finally, blinking, the girl heads towards the bar, where Kastanje, Merina, 
and her master are located. Maybe now she'll figure out -why- she's asking about 
ships. The first question she asks, though, when she reaches the bar is "Now, 
what exactly did Tai have to drink?" Surprise is still written across the girl's 
face.

Kryllen receives the drink from the bartender and begins to move toward a table 
in the corner. But then an idea pops into his head as a very thoughtful 
expression forms across his face, and he approaches the group of 4 standing 
together. "Anyone feeling lucky tonight?" he says as he draws a sabacc deck form 
his pocket and begins to thumb through the cards.

Ashton lays a hand on Kastanje's shoulder in apology, pulling to her side to 
grin at her mischievously. "Sorry," he mutters, but it's doubtful he is. "Yes. 
Moira and Rruka accompanied Merina and I here ... we're doing some legwork to 
find a missing person..." he looks over to Merina with a nod, but doesn't get a 
chance to say anything as Moira comes up to them, asking about Tai's drink. He 
arches an eyebrow, "Drink? As in a single drink?"

Rendafar Rembik slinks into the bar, hoping to find some refreshment for once 
instead of being on the job constantly. As he moves in, he is rather surprised 
to see Ashton clan Quince, among others, here. Smiling to himself and drifts in 
that general direction, but stops to grab a foul smelling drink of some sort 
before finishing the trip.

"He's going to get frostbitten like that," Kastanje notes mildly, probably in 
reaction to Merina's comment on Tai's attire while waiting in the street. 
Ashton's apology gets a glare, but it's good-natured, amusement and forgiveness 
lit in her eyes. "Missing person, eh?" She repeats, eyeing Merina significantly 
a moment. "Oh, and Merina'd know what's in the drink, Moira, but it sounded 
rather nasty. And it was more than one, Ashton. This glass was Tai's refill." 
Someone's invitation out in the cantina barely catches at her attention, and she 
shakes her head negatively to Kryllen.

Merina smiles inwardly at something she notices. Eventually, that smile becomes 
an outward grin. It fades quickly. "That was a REFILL?" she says incredulously. 
She shakes her head. "That poor kid is going to have a rough time of it. I could 
give you something to give him when he gets up, it wont cure him, but it will 
help" She nearly says more, but has certainly learned that often you learn more 
by saying less. She feels strangely uncomfortable. She can't figure out why.

Multiple drinks? Now there's a reassuring thought. "I've no idea how many, but 
whatever they were..." Moira trails off as Kryllen proposes a Sabacc game. "I 
don't even know how to play sabacc." The girl states with a sheepish smile. 
"Sorry." Then, she looks back to the group. "Hello, by the way. I'm sorry I 
didn't come over to greet you sooner, but I wasn't sure if Tai was going to need 
'special attention.' He doesn't hold liquor well." Well, duh. They all just saw 
the results of the alcoholic drinks on the youngster. She nods to Merina's 
offer- chances are, hangovers aren't something Tai's dealt with much.

Kryllen doesn't seem to be disappointed by the refusals, it seems that he wasn't 
really interested in Sabacc anyhow. But he turns to Ashton, waiting for his 
reply. As he waits he sets his drink down and seems to study the rest of the 
group gathered together.

Ashton nods to Kastanje's new information but doesn't seem the least bit 
worried. He does, however, sense the unease in Merina and arches an eyebrow at 
her, as if to say, 'Everything alright?'. He doesn't remove his attention from 
Merina as his concerned look gently breaks into a smile. "No Moira... no 
hangover remedies. He can purge the toxins himself .." and now he turns to look 
at her, "Or, you can purge them for him." He spots Kryllen's look at him and 
shakes his head, but he does lift his voice to the man, "No thanks... but if 
you're around in a bit, look for me. Wouldn't mind a few hands later on..."

After taking a sip of his drink, and grinning at the good taste, Randy walks up 
to the group and nods all around, "Hello, gentle beings. Coincidence finding you 
all herrre. Grrr, a happy coincidence you can be assurrrred. What brrrings you 
all to this fine planet?"

Kryllen seems satisfied with whatever the real reason was that he came over to 
this group, and nods. "Ah, well, perhaps some other time, but you better save 
your credits." he adds to Ashton. Then sighs slightly and heads for the door.

"Refill," Kastanje confirms to Moira. "Luckily he didn't drink much out of this 
one." Another gesture to the glass of evil drink. "I'll give you a hand with Tai 
later, Merina..." She starts to say, when Ashton cuts off the idea of any 
hangover remedies. "Going to turn this into a learning experience too, eh?" She 
comments before giving the Noghri a decidedly odd look that probably has little 
to do with his unfamiliarity. "Fine planet?" She repeats, eyebrows up. "A task 
that wasn't really worth the cold, at least at first." Her head nods slightly to 
the others in the conversation group, perhaps indicating them as a better reason 
to be here.

Rid the toxins themselves? Well of course they would! Meri shrugs apologetically 
at Moira as she understands by what Ashton says, that her help isn't needed. 
She's rather embarrassed she thought to offer at all, but some habits die hard, 
even on this forlorn ice cube of a planet. She finds that for some reason, she 
cannot return Ashton's gaze. She is glad of the excuse for a change in subject. 

"Fine planet?" she hmms softly. "It has it's charms I guess" she does not sound 
convinced.

Moira can 'purge the toxins' for him? Luckily, the girl's far too innocent to 
pick up on possible double entendre. So she just nods her agreement to Ashton's 
suggestion, taking it at face value, for what it probably really means. And what 
brings her to the frigid Arkania? The temptation, of course, is to grin and 
point at Ashton. However, Moira restrains herself. "Hello to you," she says. 
"I'm Moira Brennan." And why is she on Arkania? Well, as she doesn't know 
Rendafar personally, she naturally doesn't share her reasons, letting Ashton do 
the talking instead.

Merina's avoidance is not missed by Ashton, but he assumes she has her reasons. 
Whatever they are, he's sure he'll end up finding out sooner or later, she 
continues on this quest. Then again, she may have decided she can use him, but 
doesn't like him. Well, he'd cross that bridge when he came to it. Rendafar's 
approach and greeting cause the Knight to begin shaking his head, as if in some 
odd inside joke. He barely turns to the Noghri as the fellow Knight joins them. 
"Evening, Randy..." he says amiably, and then answers the question as best he 
can. "Just some extra training." And then, the change of subject. "I thought you 
were heading rim ward on some special recon mission. You back already?"

Randy chuckles to all as they respond to his questions, "You must always find 
the good in everrrry place, otherwise why would life be worrrth living?" And 
then he turns to Ashton and frowns, "The mission went so well that I returned 
early. It still botherrrs me that things went off so easily. I expected much 
worrrse." And he sighs, "Maybe the council will send me on another mission soon, 
but in the mean time...."he grins and raises his glass, "I plan to enjoy 
myself." And he downs the rest of the vile drink, and grins. "You really should 
try this drink, it is quite good. Tastes like a raw tispar carcasss, a high 
delicacy on my world."

Kastanje's eyes had slid around the group at their various responses, trying to 
pick up a bit better how she should react to this Noghri who approached them so 
familiarly. Ashton's amiable greeting and Randy's response set her at ease. 
Mostly. The woman caught a hint of Merina's discomfort and eye-averting. "You 
could always just live elsewhere," she notes in response to Randy's 
philosophical remark, the corner of her mouth turning up in a grin. Then Kas 
leans over slightly to Merina, whispering something as an eyebrow quirks.

It's too bad she couldn't be of more help. Really she feels about as useful as a 
chocolate teapot. Being back on Arkania has certainly had an effect on Merina. 
Maybe that's it. Self preservation has kicked in, and she's built a wall around 
her that could just as well be a fortress. So she jokes with the regulars, and 
seems to be OK, but is she really? She smiles and leans in toward Kastanje, 
whispering something to her in reply.

Moira grins. Raw carcass- nummy. But she's fallen silent as well, receding into 
Moira-land. So many people she doesn't know- maybe she's shyer than she lets on. 
However, the young woman makes a brave stab at being social, by replying to 
Randy's question. "New places can be interesting." See, interesting. That's a 
good thing.

Ashton grins at Randy, although he holds a hand up. "No thanks... I don't seem 
to have the stamina that you do for that stuff...." He seems to sense he 
might've said the wrong thing as he looks back at Moira, and then to Merina and 
Kastanje. He's about to say something when he notes Merina and Kastanje's 
whispering. He furrows his brow. Truly, there is nothing more damaging than 
women with secrets. Some spacer had told him that once and now he thinks he 
understands. "On second thought Moira," he says, turning to his padawan. "Maybe 
Kastanje and Merina can show you some herbal and medicinal remedies that would 
work without ... " and he resists saying 'the Force' due to their undercover 
situation. "Anyway, it might be better if you learn other aspects of medicine 
and Merina seems to be very good with herbs." Maybe not much with the damage 
control considering he'd already stuck his foot in his mouth, but it was a 
start.

Rendafar Rembik chuckles and nods to Ashton. "Ahh, the training never ceases." 
And he seems to notices everyone's discomfort and decides he'd better introduce 
himself. "I apologize, I am Jedi Knight Rendafar Rembik Clan Rembikek. My line 
of work often leads me to leave out certain details, and I tend to forget them 
in the presence of friends." And he motions towards the bar, "Anyone care for a 
drrrink on me?"

It is pretty clear that Merina's discomfiture does not come from the presence of 
the Noghri. She's seen all types come through the cantina during her tenure 
there, and is immune to judging on appearances. She smiles though and offers a 
similar introduction. "I'm called Merina" she leaves it at that, there is no way 
she will offer her last name here in this place. The risks are too great. She 
demurs his offer of a drink though. She looks at Ashton. He was humoring her! 
The nerve! She clenches her teeth, but says nothing for the moment. "well, I'll 
help them out if you'd like, but it might be better for Tai if you just do 
something you know will work. He'll need all the help he can get. Trust me."

Moira nods to Ashton. "That sounds like a plan." she says, with a smile. But 
Merina doesn't seem to think that's a good idea, so Moi doesn't really pursue it 
any further. Instead, she tries to start up a conversation with Rendafar. 
"Drink? What exactly were you drinking before?" Because if it's what Tai 
had...well, maybe Moi will get lucky and Merina will get kissed, this time.

Ashton seems to catch Merina's displeasure - not through the Force - that would 
be too easy. But her obvious discomfort seems to be stemming from his presence 
here. Strange, considering how well they'd been getting along when they had 
first arrived. He doesn't say anything either, but it's apparent that he's 
willing to accept the treatment if that's the way she chose to handle her grief. 
Everyone heals in their own way, Master Katrick had told him when Ashton had 
wanted to use his Force gift to help everyone he could - whether their ailment 
were physical, mental or emotional. Abruptly, he turns to Rendafar, "I think 
I'll take you up on that... since I doubt this place has Whyren's ... get me a 
Sluis slush... " he says, obviously not wanting to irritate Merina any more by 
focusing any attention on her. He sidles sideways, away from Kastanje's side and 
settles onto a barstool next to Rendafar.

"Kastanje," Kas offers to Rendafar. "Well met." Ashton, Moira, and Merina share 
the considering look in her eyes, and the medic draws on some of her past 
association with Jedi to smooth over the situation a bit as some of the conflict 
becomes apparent. "Well, I can hardly pass up a chance to help Moira here expand 
her learning," she responds with an easy smile. "But I agree with Merina - Got 
to do what works best for Tai to help him through that evil concoction. Maybe 
sharing what we know might help Moi do her thing better, eh? I assume even you 
folks need some base knowledge to work from, right Ashton?" She turns from her 
position facing primarily Merina during that, looking to the knight for 
confirmation, and finds him scooted a bit further away. The smile quirks 
downwards slightly.

Randy replies to Moira first, "It is not really translatable, but one could 
roughly call it "Blood of Heated Woman" though that is not really accurate. " 
And he turns to the bartender, letting him know to get what is requested by the 
others, and he puts up enough credits to clear it all. He then turns to Ashton 
and asks, "Do you know when the next official meeting of the Council is? I must 
speak with them publicly on some matters that concern me."

Merina exhales a soft sigh. Everyone seems to be on tender hooks suddenly, and 
it seems to be directed at her. Ashton's behavior doesn't escape her, and she 
realizes a tinge of sadness, that her suspicions have been confirmed. She takes 
a long sip from her cup, never mind that its empty, and what is left are cold 
dregs. She manages a smile something Kastanje says to her quietly, but her 
expression indicates she isn't convinced fully. She fingers the pouch at her 
hip, and leans toward Kastanje. At least now with talk of a Council meeting, she 
will be able to fade into the woodwork.

'Blood of Heated Woman.' Well, won't be taking the nice Noghri gent up on that 
offer. Moira does smile, however. And then, to Kastanje, she nods. "I'm always 
up for leaning something new." And that's the honest truth. "So anything you 
want to tell me, I'd be happy to listen to. After all, you never know what will 
come in useful, when." And really, Moira's knowledge is patchy in some places.

"I think they're in full Council now... at least most of them were around when I 
left," Ashton says to Rendafar with a nod. "You know you can approach the 
council at any time, Rendafar. It's just be of late that Master Phanton has been 
around Coruscant for full meetings." Ashton hears Kastanje's question as he's 
speaking and turns to her, the faintest smile on his lips. "Of course. If we 
don't know what we're dealing with, we can't know how to help someone. Nothing 
like trying to heal someone when you don't know how you're supposed to help," he 
offers helpfully. He shoots a glance at Merina and notes she is distancing 
herself further and further from him. He'd like to address it, but this wasn't 
the place or time to find out how he had offended her. His eyes flicker back to 
Kastanje and his smile widens just a touch more. She was a welcome surprise to 
see here, and this buoys his spirits.

Fluff-brained, all of them. Kastanje regards the various people around her with 
an unreadable expression for a moment, and then offers a nod of agreement to 
Moira and Ashton. "That's true, and I've found so myself often enough." Probably 
for Moira, that part. Miss Ajalae had to finish medical school before they 
thrust her out into the scary galaxy, after all. None of these missions while 
half-trained. "So, we'll use Tai as a bit of a case study, maybe?" The medic 
grins brightly. Merina is given an appraising look. "You want to go talk 
elsewhere maybe, Meri? Get our lesson here prepared before these folks," A hand 
flicks absently at the Jedi, "Put us through our paces remembering things?"

Merina for one, is glad of the excuse to get away. She certainly no longer feels 
welcome. "that would be splendid" she says warmly, a smile coming to her face. 
"I know a place we can go as well." She stops for a moment. "If you're sure, 
that is. I don't want to drag you away" she seems suddenly unsure "I don't think 
they'll put you through your paces...but really Tai will need some help, poor 
lad" She spares an ice cold glance at the bartender who served the kid the two 
drinks.

Who is she supposed to go with? Kastanje and the 'Tai healing' group, or stay 
with her master? Moira just looks confused for a moment, finally asking Kastanje 
"Would you like me to let you two discuss before imparting your wisdom, or shall 
I accompany?" It's a politely worded question, and she doesn't seem to mind 
being left. If push comes to shove, she can get back to work.

Merina puts out a hand to Kastanje and Moira "I need time to get everything 
together. Why not meet me in a bit, and I'll show you everything you need to 
know? Tai's likely hard asleep by now, and I'll make sure he hasn't fallen 
anywhere he ought not have" She holds something back. She's unsteady, but she 
covers it by throwing her hood up and winding her scarf around her head.

Merina doesn't wait for an answer. She doesn't say another word, She has covered 
her face so that just her eyes are visible. She averts her gaze to the ground 
and just walks briskly over to the door, and pulls it open with a hard tug. She 
ducks her head down into the wind, and walks out.

Ashton nods to his padawan, leaving his drink untouched. "Sounds like a plan." 
He turns to Rend, "Next time... We have something to look into." He slides away 
from the bar, nodding his head to both Kastanje and Merina in turn. "In the 
meantime, Moira and I will go pick up some things..." he doesn't say for what, 
but it would be better for the Knight to look into some other matters that have 
reared their ugly head here in the city. Like why he's had this feeling of a 
dark presence nearby.

"Alright," Kastanje responds, Merina making the decision before she's really 
even thought much more on it. As the woman heads out the door, she calls after 
her: "Get that warming brew recipe ready too, maybe? After all, a cold draft 
snuck in when Merina opened that door, and Kas had let her cloak fall open in 
the warmth of the cantina. Ashton's excuse of himself and Moira lends a slightly 
dismayed expression to the Major's face. "Ah, right, better things to do than 
sit around a bar. What sort of things?" Her usual curiosity, yes, but also a 
vague delay tactic. Once they leave, she's on her own again, after all.

'Moira and I?' Well, that means Moira probably ought to follow. "I'm sorry, 
Kastanje." The girl starts, "I think that's my cue to follow. Perhaps we can 
talk herbs later this evening?" Then, she glances to Ashton, just to make sure 
she's supposed to accompany her master to wherever he's going. Of course, part 
of her mind is on Merina's exit as well. 'Hope she's okay.' Moira thinks. And 
then, the query comes: 'What sort of things?' Moira doesn't reply- she's got no 
idea why they're leaving at this time, and she's also not sure how much she's 
allowed to share. So, for now, she shares nothing.

Ashton furrows his brow, glancing after Merina and then shaking his head, 
turning to Moira and then Kastanje. "Sorry... no, it can wait. I thought you 
were going with her, Kast. We do have to get some things, but it can wait." He's 
not outwardly disturbed by all of this, but somewhere deep inside, he thinks he 
has just emitted the same kind of behavior that his own Master did. Not always 
the way to remain in contact with other beings as it tended to make you seem 
aloof. As he turns about, it seems the ghostly Rendafar has also left the bar 
and Ashton shrugs. "Something's odd around here, but I suppose I'll deal with 
that when it occurs." He gestures to the two women to take a seat. "Well, at 
least my drink's still here..." he says after a minute, trying to find his humor 
again.

Kastanje looks about to reassure Moira that her leaving isn't so bad when Ashton 
changes his mind. A smile spreads. "Well, I was, but apparently Merina's decided 
it's not necessary right now." An eyebrow quirks at Ashton's mention of 
'something odd', and the medic casts a worried glance at the door. "What sort of 
an odd thing?" She queries. "And what *are* you all doing here, anyways?" 
Kastanje's own mug is long empty, but she wraps her fingers around its 
previously-warm surface out of habit.

Poor Ashton. Yeah, though people don't tend to actually run from the Padawan, 
they don't generally approach her, either. Moira grabs a seat and then glances 
around. Strange place, really, but not so bad. "This place gives you the 
willies, too?" She inquires. And what exactly are 'willies?' Probably some sort 
of odd Moira-speak. "I...well, it's irrational. I tend to ignore stuff if I 
can't put my finger on the source of what's tipping me off, but something about 
Arkania just feels weird." Of course, for Moira it's the climate, the fact that 
it's a neutral world other than Corellia, about a billion things that are 
probably different from why Ashton's got an odd feeling. And Moira seems a bit 
uncertain about whether or not to trust this sense of strangeness. Seems to be 
leaning towards putting it aside, judging by her words. Maybe girly just needs 
to get out more, who knows.

"No," Ashton says, almost mysteriously. "It's more centralized than that..." He 
glances down at Moira's belt and notices her lightsaber is not there. "You have 
it with you?" he asks, knowing she knows what he's talking about. He makes a 
point of moving back to the bar and depositing himself onto a barstool next to 
where Kastanje is.

"Centralized, eh? Some hidden evil we can rout out?" Kastanje asks with the 
bright grin of someone who's read stories as a child but never really faced 
mysterious and unsettling oddities. In other words, someone who bets it would be 
much more fun than all the administering and organization her job's been asking 
of her recently.

Moira nods. Wait, the loaner saber, or the gem? Both are there, though the gem 
is in a pouch hidden beneath the shift and coat, held close to her skin- 
osmosis-bonding with the stone? Maybe, Moira's game for anything that might 
possibly help. The loaned lightsaber, of course, is hidden beneath in her 
clothing. Safety on, of course. "Thought I better not wander around with it 
visible." Moira states, finally deciding Ashton means the lightsaber. The word 
centralized gets a raised eyebrow from Moira, as well, but it'll probably get 
explained in time, if it's important.

Ashton nods simply at Moira, but doesn't say anything further on the subject. He 
hasn't felt this darkness since Bane walked into the cantina on that Tatooine 
settlement. Maybe this wasn't as strong, but it was definitely present. 
Regardless, it's not here right now, so he turns his attention back to the two 
women. "Maybe... although it might just be my imagination... maybe the cold's 
getting to me," he says, with a half-smirk. "So what brings you all the way here 
from home?" he asks of Kastanje, not quite realizing he had never answered her 
very similar question.

"Nothing worth this cold," Kastanje grumbles, playing off Ashton's own comment 
on the inclement weather. "It doesn't even seem to notice that I'm wearing 
clothes that ought to keep it out." A glance is directed at her empty mug, and 
it's finally set aside as she notes it's not warm anymore. "I'm here about a 
tree, actually," The republic woman relents, actually answering the question. 
"The big umbrella tree out in the square? Hoped there was some trick to a warm-
weather organism like that growing in this climate."

Yeah, Moira was kind of wondering the same thing- why was Kastanje there? Of 
course, it's soon answered and there's nothing left to wonder about. Moira -
does- note the omission of their own purpose for being on Arkania, but takes it 
instead as a cue to also remain silent on the subject. Her mind begins to 
wander, going over Ashton's prior statements. So...maybe there was a cause for 
heroics and all that? Hmm, and judging by the inquiry as to the whereabouts of 
the lightsaber- maybe Moira should perk up those senses and stay alert.

"Oh, is that it?" Ashton asks coyly, lifting an eyebrow to the medic. "I didn't 
know you had an interest in horticulture..." He lifts a hand to the bartender, 
who appears after a few moments. "Get me three cups of that tea I had earlier... 
make it hot..."earlier... make it hot..."

"I do, actually," Kastanje confirms, a slightly bemused expression tugging up 
the corners of her mouth at the coyness. "Time on Trulalis can do that to most 
anyone, and plants are much easier to keep around on Coruscant than any other 
hint of nature..." Eyes blink away from Ashton to try and take in some of 
Moira's expression, but it does nothing but stir up curiosity. "And you never 
did tell me why you're here," the medic reminds the knight.

Moira's expression clearly indicates she's thinking of a number of things, and 
so she barely hears Kas's question, much less replies to it. Rude, possibly, but 
the Padawan hardly means it that way. And just what is she thinking about? Well, 
things that might require defending against, Rruka and Merina out there alone, 
and poor drunken Tai, wherever he's gotten off to. Mother hen Moira, considering 
'her flock.' Merina, she decides, can hold her own. She seems tough. 
Rruka...well, who knows where he is. Probably back at the lodgings or something. 
And Tai? 'Tai's all grown up.' Moira tells herself. 'Let it go.' Good advice, 
but will she take it?

Ashton shrugs, "Well, we're helping Merina with some things... although somehow 
I think I missed something tonight." He shrugs, "But we've got some searching to 
do out on the tundra this week. We'll probably return back to Coruscant then, 
unless we find something that leads us elsewhere..." He doesn't let on too much, 
not because he doesn't trust Kastanje, but because he has no idea where this 
mission will lead to. ""But anyway, didn't mean to step on your toes in offering 
to help Moira with Tai. I know how useful herbs and medicine can be, and I 
shouldn't have made it seem as if your help wasn't needed."

"I think that's part of the bit you missed," Kastanje explains gently. "I'm used 
to not being much help when I'm around you... Folks," she says, doing a last 
minute switch in word choice for the sake of the situation. "Not that feeling 
fluff-headed and helpless is any fun, mind you, but I'm used to it enough to 
accept these things and wait for what I *can* do. Merina isn't." She states 
simply. "You're helping her, and she can't seem to do anything worthwhile in 
return. And," she adds, brow furrowing slightly, "I think she thinks you don't 
like her, which makes you helping her odder." A shrug lifts her shoulders, and 
then the medic leans forward to add something in a whisper.

Kastanje whispers to Moira and Ashton: And if those 'some things' you're helping 
Merina with involve her brother and a ship, I know about it already.

Moira tunes into the conversation just in time to hear Ashton apologize to 
Kastanje. Brother? What brother? A bit confused, Moira just shrugs in response. 
Like she knows what's going on- all she knows is what she's supposed to be 
inquiring about. Hmm, maybe now is the time for a strategic exit- Moira doesn't 
know anything, and isn't really contributing. Her energy can better be spent 
making said inquiries, in the morning. And to that, one needs to be rested. Oh! 
And maybe on her way back to the lodgings she could check up on Tai. Make sure 
he's not passed out in the cold or something. 'Though,' Moira thinks, 'he 
probably has more sense than that. Even drunk.' Half smiling at that thought, 
Moira says aloud- "I'm going to go make sure Tai got inside, then I think I'll 
go take care of my evening routine." Namely, quick meditation and bed. Old 
habits die hard, after all. "Good night to you both." And with that, Moira 
stands and makes her way out.

Ashton smiles at Moira as she leaves, sending a thought after her as she's on 
her way out the door for a good night's sleep. He turns his attention back to 
Kastanje and sighs slightly. "Well, I kind of thought you did, but I didn't want 
to bring it up without discussing it with her first." And then her first words 
catch his attention and his frown deepens. "Wow, I guess I do do that, don't I?" 
He looks at Kastanje with a pathetic kind of look. "Ouch, maybe you're right. I 
really don't mean to do that" And now he's a bit self-conscious, but only for a 
moment as he seeks the Force for guidance and realizes those emotions are not 
desirable. But he does feel as if he's let his friend down in this respect... 
and now his charge doesn't think he likes her, when he thought it was the exact 
opposite.

"Goodnight Moira," Kastanje offers quickly, sending a smile after her friend. 
"If he's not alright, feel free to come find me, alright?" He being Tai, of 
course. The Major turns to Ashton's rather unhappy face. "Well, you must admit 
scooting away and trying to avoid her doesn't look all that good," she notes 
with a small smile. "Is that usually how you react to people you don't think 
like you? By avoiding them?" Rhetorical question mostly, and it's ignored with a 
shrug as Kastanje's smile softens. "I'm sure you don't mean to, which is why I 
don't take it as a personal insult any time you zip around healing people. It's 
more efficient than what I can do, so it'd be selfish of me to want 
opportunities to show off. Just..." She trails off for a moment, thinking. 
"Well, I'd say find something Meri can do for you, but that'd be patronizing, 
and I doubt it'd go over well. And you did good not saying anything to me 
without asking first," the republic woman assures with a brighter smile. "That's 
why I thought to bring it up, though I hope I didn't reveal something to Moira. 
She looked a tad confused at it all."

Ashton nods, a small smile appearing on his face to replace the frown. 
"Interpersonal skills aren't something they teach you at the Praxeum... or 
anything Master Katrick taught me - unless it had to do with diplomacy. But 
you're right... each person has their gifts and talents and to assume the Force 
is better than that all the time is demeaning others... " His eyes drop 
slightly. "You may think it more expedient to use the Force to heal others, 
Kast, but for the right reasons. Ya know, Spectre would've been just fine with 
pain killers, but I thought it better to remove the pain completely... selfish 
in a way because _I_ wanted to help him... but selfless in a way because I 
didn't want to see him in pain." He kind of snorts. "Boy that's a ton to 
meditate on right there..."

Rruka walks into the establishment with a quiet grin on his face. He keeps his 
head slightly down while trying to sneak to a secluded corner where he can be 
mostly alone. The feline doesn't seem to mind this planet. In fact he's almost 
been having fun if you don't count getting in trouble for floating things in the 
bar. HE waits quietly for someone to come over so that he may order something to 
drink. He hopes that he doesn't choose anything to make him like Tai. Sometimes 
he wonders why he even likes that one....he always seems to get in trouble. 
Never mind the fact that he nearly killed Tai himself....but that's a whole 
other story.

"And I'm really rather bad at diplomacy," Kastanje admits from where she sits at 
the bar next to Ashton, a slow smile and wrinkling of her nose at the weakness. 
"I want people to understand each other and get along, and sometimes politics 
just doesn't call for that, or a compromise has to be reached with both sides 
still thinking the other is fluff-brained." Again that dismissive shrug, and she 
regards Ashton a moment, taking in his comments about his force-healing. A wry 
grin curls her lips, "Just don't meditate so long you don't get any sleep. 
Climates like this don't forgive weakness like being tired, even for a good 
reason." Then, quieter and more thoughtful, "But wouldn't healing someone for 
selfish reasons be one of those, well, 'bad' uses?" Philosophical remarks over 
Jedi ethics aren't going to help Ashton get any sleep, but they sneak out 
anyway.

Ashton shrugs, "It's a gray area..." he says quietly. "Healing someone to keep 
them alive for selfish reasons is wrong... especially if it's against their 
will. But someone suffering... or dying from wounds that can be healed..." He 
seems to wonder himself about that for a few moments, "I don't think so... no 
more than a Doctor who wants to do all the flashy surgery to make a name for 
themselves. They're still helping someone, but for some selfish reasons. Where I 
think the line is drawn is where you care more about the act ... or the use of 
the Force ... more than the person it is helping."

Kastanje nods slowly to Ashton's words, holding back acceptance until she's 
certain she understands. Rruka isn't seen just yet with the medic's 
contemplation. A light smile spreads, barely reaching her eyes. "Stars, 
sometimes I'm glad I'm insignificant in the galaxy. Ethics still apply to me and 
all, but to have so much power riding on a mere human will?" She shakes her head 
at something. "That makes sense, though," she voices, returning to Ashton's 
deliberation. "Healing just to show off how great you were, and revel in your 
own power... Sounds rather like certain misguided temples, helping the 
unfortunate just so they can pat themselves on the back and think how wonderful 
they are."

Rruka doesn't know what he should be doing. All he knows is if he keeps his 
profile low right now he can get away with more game time. Practicing his force 
powers has been actually quite fun. There is nothing quite like the power felt 
when destroying dozens of enemies. Even if they are only made of snow. Absently 
he stares at the napkin before him and shifts it minutely with boredom. Where is 
that waitress with his drink. He hopes he ordered something that will agree with 
him. It would be bad form to get drunk or sick.

"Actually, it can be quite easy to 'accept' the Force as your right... which is 
what has lead many, including Terrick, to the dark side. That's why we have the 
Code. Just as you as a doctor take an oath... we live by a code that teaches us 
that the Force is more important than any one of us, and at the same time, 
empowers us." He laughs lightly, "It's almost an oxymoron, but not quite." He 
slides his full glass away from him. "I think I better get back to Perave ... 
that's where the ship is. Where are you staying while you're here?"

Kastanje listens agreeably to Ashton's elaboration, the scholarly part of her 
mind matching this to various other experiences and bits of knowledge. So when 
Ashton asks where's she's staying, the simple mundanity of the question leaves 
the Major quite puzzled. "Where I'm staying?" She repeats, blinking a couple 
times before understanding dawns. "Oh, in a friend's ship. The one I traveled 
here in," Kas explains simply, shuddering once unconsciously. Whether it's about 
the traveling or the simple matter of cold isn't elaborated on particularly.

Ashton nods, "Well, we're on the Perave landing pad... stall 19. The Ageis. I'll 
be out and about tomorrow... let me know how Tai is, okay? I better go check on 
Moira and ... Merina." He smiles thankfully at Kastanje. He sometimes doesn't 
realize how lucky he is to have the people in his life that he does. "Get some 
sleep too... if that friend's ship doesn't have heat enough for ya, come find 
the Ageis. I'm sure Moira has it cranked up by now."

Kastanje flashes a smile over to Ashton as he rises to leave. "Appreciate the 
offer. But then I'd have to shuttle back and forth to Perave, and I think even 
Rob's tub is better heated than those planetary things. We'll see?" And she 
leaves it at that, raising a hand to wave the knight out. "Goodnight." Company 
gone, the medic's eyes move to scan the cantina, surprised at the change in 
patrons over the time that's passed without realizing it.

END OF LOG