Logged Sept. 10, 2001
Logged by Ashton
Titled:  Not the quietest place to talk
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Characters: 
Ashton 
Merina 
Kastanje 
Elynne 
Erica 
Ba'sha 
Rruka
Simon 
Davros
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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 lightweight, royal blue jacket, made of a soft 
nerfhide. The dinner-style jacket is light enough to wear indoors and still 
seems like it could withstand the elements rather well. Under the jacket is a 
collarless gray shirt. His black pants are tucked into a pair of comfortable-
looking shin-high boot.

Rruka
        A smallish Trianni is this rather cheery black and white feline. His eyes 
are a brilliant greenish-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.

Ba'sha
        A tall man of 6'3 and bulky frame greets your eyes, body firm and tight, 
his skin (the little bit visible) is all white, the deep white of snow or paper 
and completely and totally without flaw. Black gloves cover his hands and wrists 
where not covered by the sleeve. His eyes are hard, aged beyond their years by a 
struggle to survive, and by an inner fire that seems to consume every part of 
him, what fuels this inner fire...who can say? His clothes consist of a tight 
and form-fitting black shirt, drawing itself over the contours of his upper body 
and seeming to accentuate every muscle. The pants are a fitting but not tight 
black material, seemingly durable and again drawing attention to the musculature 
that is there, as if framing his body for others to admire at. A cape falls 
gently back over his shoulders as he stands tall, shoulders wide across and his 
bearing that of a born leader, the cape billows with his movements as if of his 
own accord, and when he settles down it wraps around his backside lovingly like 
another skin. A huge two-handed sword, like the great broadswords of hold, hangs 
sheathed on his back, looking like a sword that would easily take two normal men 
to carry it, but the weight of which on his back seems not to affect him at all.

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 clothed in a mix of the gaudy styles best bought 
from tourist traps and spaceport vendors. A blouse of evening blue patterned 
with pale crescent moons would be indecent in its plunging neckline except for 
the sunny yellow shirt worn beneath. The skirt is the only thing that looks 
practical - for a skirt, at least. It's white, calf-length, and has a rather fun 
ripple to the hem. A smooth ga rather fun ripple to the hem. A smooth gray stone 
pendant inscribed with some illegible symbol hangs from a cord around her neck, 
a stylish leather blaster holster fastens around her hips, and tan sandals are 
on her feet.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Merina
        There is not much to distinguish this woman who looks to be in her mid 
twenties. At about 5'4" she may be slightly shorter than the average, but not so 
much as it makes a difference. She has a compact, wiry build that lends her an 
athletic look. Her deep-set brown eyes lend her a solemn expression, which 
brightens somewhat when she smiles. Her complexion is a sallow olive color; 
she'd do with sitting in the sun for a bit. The chestnut brown hair that falls a 
few inches below her shoulders is so curly that frizzy is a better word for it. 
Today she has chosen to wear it loose. Her face is somewhat overwhelmed by the 
bulk of her hair, and the over all effect is to make her look a bit younger. 
        Merina is wearing a deep green, ankle-length dress with a jacquard pattern 
of leaves scattered over it. The dress has a high neck, a fitted bodice, and a 
fit-flattering six gore skirt. Over this she wears a hooded, duster-length cloak 
of green. Her feet are well protected in a pair of low-heeled boots.

Main Street - Nar Belsa 
        The streets here are dirt packed, making traveling a mite dusty. Several 
one-story buildings line the streets edge, each having a stucco finish, or at 
least appears as if it does. It could be simply that the buildings have 
collected so much dirt on their exteriors it gives the appearance of stucco. A 
lot of the various buildings have metal doorways, and no windows. Occasionally a 
doorway may crack open, but if one looked into that direction, the door 
immediately closes. One building however looks as if it gets plenty of activity, 
and peculiar aromas seem to escape the building as the door is opened.

Ba'sha nods and speaks off-handedly, "I would be more than happy to give you a 
copy, and anyone else you know who might want one. You can show it to your 
master's and ask them to show you where they believe us to be wrong, see if they 
can answer it."

Rruka nods, "Should you have one available I would be honored to read it. Since 
you already speak of our codes as you know them, then it would be fair to return 
the favor and see your views through your eyes."

Kastanje apparently decides to stop walking, for her feet are no longer moving. 
Sith ideals? This is either something very interesting, or worrisome, and more 
than likely both. Curiosity gets the better of her regardless, "Indeed, we 
wouldn't want to be purposefully ignorant... Don't suppose you carry such 
information with you?"

Following a small crowd of new visitors emerging from the spaceport to the 
south, Ashton looks much like any other visitor to this world. He walks 
casually, as if enjoying this climate much more than the harsher one he had just 
left not too many days before. Ashton slows slightly, as if waiting for someone 
to catch up to him. A quick sweep of the area picks up Kastanje and Rruka not 
too far up the street, but currently not in sight. He also detects Ba'sha's 
presence, but does not seem alarmed.

Merina catches pace with Ashton. Despite the warmer clime, she is still wrapped 
in a cloak, and has the hood up. She is surprised though to see he's slowed his 
step. "what's wrong" she inquires.

Ba'sha reaches one hand behind his robe and into a hidden pocket of his pants, 
removing a cube of some sort, that force users can probably sense is heavily 
steeped in the dark side, "This is a data cube with most of our religious 
writings and the Sith Warrior Code and etc. in it. I am willing to offer it to 
you." He holds it out equidistant between Tanya and Rruka, so that either one 
could take it, "As a gesture of good will, in hopes of perhaps making up for 
some of my previous admitted hasty and regrettable actions." he nods his head, 
"They are common enough in my home....do not feel you are depriving me."

Rruka reaches out to take the cube though he refrains no commenting on the dark 
side taste in his mouth as he puts his hand near it, "I thank you for the chance 
for further learning."

Curiosity, or perhaps vague concern for what mysterious Sith cubes might do in 
Rruka's hands (besides float and dance, that is), prompt Kastanje to nibble on 
her lip as Rruka reaches for it. "Hey, can I see that?" She voices, perhaps 
trying to stay the Acolyte's hand before he actually touches it. One hand 
reaches out a bit, but more gesturing right now than trying to snatch it away.

"Nothing," Ashton says with a shake of his head as he starts walking again with 
Merina at his side. "Just thought I lost you in that mob of a crowd. Seems this 
place is a bit more popular for visitors than Perave was." His grin turns into a 
smirk. Not that either planet had anything on Coruscant's tourism rate, but hey, 
it was the Core of the galaxy. As Merina and Ashton continue down the road, 
Ashton finally catches a glimpse of Kastanje and Rruka... and of the Sith 
warrior he almost met on Arkania when Darth Malice was leaving the cantina. He 
slows again, this time with purpose.

Merina laughs easily at this comment about the crowd "Well, Perave and Trade 
City aren't very outsider friendly" She shrugs. "I don't think you have to worry 
too much about losing me though. I'm not looking up or looking down. Just 
straight ahead."

Ba'sha nods and turns his hand slightly, bringing it closer to Rruka and then 
pressing the holocube gently into Rruka's hands, smiling warmly at the Major, 
"Do not worry Major, I have spoken with Rruka before, and his master's have 
taught him well...I have no doubt that he will be able to cling to the truth no 
matter what...he has a slow starter, but has proven to allow himself to fall 
deeply into the light side of the force." He allows Rruka to take the holocube, 
"Use it wisely though Rruka...it is years of my history and beliefs. whether you 
believe it or not, at least respect it."

Rruka accepts the cube and nods, "I'll return to my masters now....." He looks 
at Kastanje a moment and shakes his head a little. "I'll be fine, see even HE 
has more confidence in me then you do." Turning, he starts to walk off, wrapping 
the present in his robes for safe keeping.

So, the Jedi are still here, and the major is too. Simon walks towards the 
spaceport from the guild offices, intent on checking over his ships, but stops 
when he sees the group. Recognizing Ashton and Kastanje, he is unsure about the 
relationships between the others. Slowing to a gentle stroll, he avoids 
approaching either group just yet.

Kastanje looks vaguely hurt at that, brow furrowing just slightly. "Didn't say I 
didn't have confidence in you, I just wanted to see it," she points out, turning 
away from the Sith slightly to address Rruka's retreating figure.

Ba'sha stands up and bows his head ever so slightly to Rruka, showing the same 
respect one would show for a lesser Sith Acolyte who has done well. Respect, but 
still for a much lesser, however the most Rruka has gotten from Ba'Sha yet. Then 
he straightens, reaching his sword behind his back and with practiced hands 
tying the scabbard back on underneath his cape, so that the hilt sticks out at 
an angle at the top where he can draw it, and the scabbard is underneath the 
cape, occasional glimpses showing when he moves as he nods to Tanya, "Major, I 
look forward to seeing you again, however I have business to attend to." he nods 
and on a path at a right angle away from Rruka's, heads down the street.

Ashton chuckles at the comment Merina makes, enjoying the inside joke and the 
fact that at last she seems to be relaxed around him. Amazing what opening the 
lines of communication had done. He points up the road as he increases his pace 
again. "There's Kast... and Rruka." He doesn't make mention of Ba'Sha. Best 
leave that for once the dark warrior has gone from sight.

Merina quickens her pace at the mention of Kastanje. She takes Ashton at his 
word; from this distance she can't tell who those people are down there, amid 
all the other people in the square. She's not so sure about Rruka. "Rruka? Last 
time I saw him he was behaving in a most peculiar way" She leaves it at that for 
now.

Kastanje watches Rruka walk away for a few moments, looking a tad thwarted at 
not getting to see the cube before it was spirited away. "I wasn't trying to 
imply anything," she grumbles to herself, switching the bag she's holding into 
the other hand. "But I bet I'm not going to see that cube again once some 
Masters get a chance to puzzle over it." Like Merina, she has too much distance 
and people in between her and the incoming pair to notice them.

Simon notices that Kastanje has been left on her own - this might be an 
opportunity to talk to her without Erica's interference. He picks up his pace to 
a fast but comfortable walk, deciding to get pretty close before trying to draw 
her attention through the crowd.

Merina does indeed recognize Kastanje as she gets nearer. Rruka? Rruka is 
nowhere to be seen. 'Likely out floating salt cellars in the Bistro' she thinks 
a bit derisively. Nothing like drawing attention to yourself. Meri's learned 
that often that is exactly the opposite of what you want to do. She notices Kast 
has a bag with her. She really hopes she hasn't tried any more clothes out from 
the local shops. Everything Merina had seen was fit for wither a slave or a 
bounty hunter. She smiles as she gets closer.

Ashton follows Merina casually, not in any great hurry, it seems. Although his 
eyes do light up a bit when he knows that Kastanje can see them. As they close 
the gap, Ashton lifts a hand in a wave to the Republic doctor.

Ah, look, waving. And from friendly faces too. Kastanje raises her non-bag-
holding hand into the air to return Ashton's wave, the thwarted look 
disappearing in favor of a pleasant smile. "Merina, Ashton, there you are," she 
greets, as if she'd been looking for them for ages. "So, what are we all up to?"

Merina notices the bag in Kast's other hand. She casts a wary glance at what the 
woman is wearing. She really hopes Kast found a better class of shop this go 
around. Meri thinks better of telling Kast how HER shopping expedition went. 
Things fit for a bounty hunter...or a slave. Still, she is happy to see the 
woman. "What are we up to?" she asks with an easy laugh. "You'll have to ask 
him" she inclines her head toward s Ashton. "He's calling the shots" She looks 
at Kast, and looks around. "Ashton said he saw Rruka?"

As Simon approaches Kastanje, she turns and returns a wave to Ashton. Pausing 
for a moment, he decides that he doesn't need to involve himself there, but he 
is interested in what's going on. Now he wishes that Erica was here after all - 
she's much better at snooping than he is.

Hastati Stregoth makes her way down the street, keeping to the right edge 
nearest the buildings. The fact that she's looking for someone is obvious, for 
her sharp gray-blue eyes are constantly flickering from face to face. Her blank 
facade is pulled tightly across her features- apparently there's something to 
conceal today. Elynne speaks to no one as she walks, barely even looking at the 
creatures she passes as she realizes they are not the one she seeks. Ah, and 
there's Simon. Not who she's after, but he'll do for now. So Ely makes her way 
towards him, not speaking until she's fully beside him. "Simon Farranger." She 
says, inclining her torso to him. And only then does she realize who he's with. 
Isn't that the strange military woman who hangs around that Jedi boy?

Ashton gives Kastanje a quick, happy once-over as he approaches close enough to 
speak. He doesn't take the chance this time on overlooking such a change, "Very 
nice outfit, Kast... it looks great on you..." He doesn't say what they are 
doing as Ashton still hasn't caught up to Moira to get an update from her.

A small figure sits on the ground not far from where everyone's paths seem to be 
crossing. Dirty, ragged, and barely even looking alive as it is curled up under 
a pile of trash and other things. Papers, old rags, etc. A small can of oil is 
sitting near the figure as well. The only thing that gives the being any sign of 
life is the open eyes with their glittering green color that struggle to stay 
open.

Merina 's smile broadens. She's pleased to see Ashton finally noticed Kastanje's 
clothing especially after that incident with the cloak. "so, you've been 
shopping?" she asks pointing to the bag. "not much to buy here really. Tart and 
Tat, most of it"

Momentarily startled, Simon turns to face Elynne. "Elynne Stregoth," he replies, 
uncertain what the naming rules are at the moment, so matching her for safety. 
"It's good to see you out and about," he smiles. "I should probably be in the 
office going through the accounts, but it's difficult when you don't understand 
what any of the numbers mean." He shrugs, then glances nervously from Kastanje 
back to Elynne. "Have you caught up with our young friend recently?"

Kastanje's cheeks redden slightly at Ashton's compliment, and she gesture to
Merina at her comment about the shopping here. "Thank you," she responds. "It 
was a bit hard to find something that looked decent and I'd be caught in public 
wearing." A laugh colors her voice throughout her speaking and she opens the bag 
to Merina. "Supplies, actually. Clothes shopping once was an experience enough. 
Remind me never to come to Taboon without appropriate attire. I talked to Simon 
a bit last night," she finishes, implying she has something to offer on their 
expedition, even if Ashton isn't forthcoming.

She isn't really paying attention to much of what is or may be going on in this 
busy Nar Belsan street... she's just out for a stroll. Strangely, Lorrix always 
seems to be armed differently nearly every time she is spotted. Today she is 
cradling her newest acquisition, a MerrSonn Bowcaster, a weapon that a lot of 
people find quite difficult to wield.

Ashton furrows his brow slightly at the mention of Simon, "Really? Simon's here 
on Nar Belsa?" And then he hears the voice of the man from nearby. Indeed he was 
here, and not very far off. The Knight turns towards the voice and then turns 
back, smiling. "Well, well... So what did Mr. Farranger have to say?" He doesn't 
make the jibe he'd been thinking of - whether Simon talked without having his 
attorney present. It would probably be seen as a bad joke and possibly 
irritable, when he didn't really feel that way about the man at all.

Merina smile fades from her lips, but her eyes are still bright. "I should have 
warned you about the clothes shopping here" she offers apologetically, but I 
haven't been here in a while and to be honest, I'd forgotten. She peaks in the 
bag, and nods. "You spoke with whom?" she asks quietly. She looks at Ashton, 
surprised by his reaction. "Who is he?"

"I have not..." Elynne starts, glancing once again to Kastanje. Now what was she 
doing on Nar Belsa? However, this cannot be addressed until Elynne replies to 
Simon. "I am actually searching for her now. I have a request to make of her." 
And there's that patented Elynne smile, the one that looks like it's been in the 
closet under mothballs for 15 years. "Have you seen the child?" She keeps an ear 
open for whatever Simon may say, but her gaze drifts back to Kastanje. Propriety 
would now require the slave to go and greet her superior acquaintance. But not 
unless she is noticed first. So, the slave is keeping tabs until if and when 
she's noticed.

Any smile is better than none, thinks Simon. "I had an interesting conversation 
with her yesterday," he says, "The major over there was in my office, discussing 
some business opportunities when she decided to come and help in her special 
way." He grins. "She said something about going Corellia, I thought that you 
would probably know about that, she didn't want to explain it to me."

A walking passer-by, a large looking being that is very similar in appearance to 
Human, but not quite human... more ogre-ish in appearance suddenly bellows to 
his companion about his credchips missing from his pocket. The small pile of 
rags that was once sitting in a doorway is gone now too, along with the child 
that was with those rags, instead she's now in a different doorway with a small 
bowl held out for crumbs from begging.

"Yes, he is, matter of fact," Kastanje responds, not realizing Simon and company 
are nearby as she talks with the Jedi and woman. "He's the Bounty Hunter 
Guildmaster, and... Do you want to talk about this here? In the middle of the 
street? He didn't say very much specific," she admits.

Elynne nods absently, no longer looking at Simon. Instead, those gray-blue eyes 
are staring at the moving pile of rags. A different, truer smile lights the 
slave's face, in appreciation of the creature. Little does she know that she's 
already made its acquaintance. Her appreciation would be tripled, then. The 
Hastati looks back to Simon and the smile fades as she starts speaking to him. 
"I shall require use of your communications equipment this evening. I must 
report in to Teta." Stregoth's eyes narrow slightly, and she adds, "And I must 
speak to you of our blaspheming 'friend.'"

Lorrix glances over at the commotion caused by the ogre-ish near-human, and 
shrugs her shoulders slightly as she continues to move toward the Spaceport. 
Policing isn't her duty... She just keeps moving.

Merina 's interest is clearly piqued. "We can go somewhere more quiet" she 
gestures toward the Bistro. "or to the hotel" She wonders if there has been 
anything said that will help in any way.

Ashton nods, following Merina's gesture towards the Bistro. He doesn't flinch 
even though the building evokes memories of his last trip to Nar Belsa. "Sure, 
we can grab something to eat. It's almost dinner time."

As the ogre roars, Simon's danger sense kicks in. 'Speak of the devil, and she 
appears,' he thinks. As Elynne speaks, he starts scanning the crowd, looking for 
Erica, but she is nowhere to be seen. "Certainly," he replies absently to the 
news about the communications gear. On the second issue, he pays a bit more 
attention. "Notices were sent out to the guild members last night," he says, 
"I've put a ten thousand credit bounty on him - we'll find out what he's up to 
soon enough." Where IS Erica?

Barring the entrance into the Bistro, conveniently is the beggar child, shaking 
her nearly empty bowl at those who enter and exit. Pitiful looking eyes and a 
saddened expression on her face are a testament to the hard life that is for 
children who live upon Taboon... the Hutt haven. Occasionally people will drop a 
coin or some other trinket into the bowl, patting the child on the head... but 
most... oh so many just pass her by.

Kastanje eyes the Bistro with some misgivings, but not enough to forego dinner. 
"Food is good," she agrees, offering that simple logic as she starts walking 
towards the entrance. "Anything that comes of this will be more conversation 
than just a bunch of facts anyways." Her eyes slide to the beggar child, and 
something about her face seems familiar, despite the nondescript rags.

"She'll appear when she wishes. She is not at our beck and call." The Hastati 
snaps, sharply. Ooh, way to lose control, Stregoth. Elynne takes a deep breath, 
carefully smoothing her blank expression back over her features. And then an 
idle glance at the Bistro turns up a familiar figure. Elynne's lips curl into 
her version of a smile again, but she says nothing. The child's business is her 
own.

Averting her eyes from people, as is a good beggar's way, Erica just lifts her 
bowl up towards Kas as she approaches. The smudges may not be enough to avert 
detection, but if she can't look at Erica's face, then she won't know who the 
beggar is. Time ticks away in the child's mind, she's been in the same spot too 
long now and it's time to move on. But she can't, not as long as familiars are 
about.

Kastanje's expression remains vaguely confused, but she moves on inside the 
Bistro without stopping. No credits are dropped in the bowl, however if that's 
because she spent them all shopping, or she's still suspicious, who'll know.

Merina follows toward the bistro. She stops momentarily at the child, and while 
her heart goes out to her, there's little Meri can offer.

Still scanning the crowd, Simon speaks to Elynne out of the corner of his mouth. 
"She's here though," he says, "I can feel her in this crowd, it isn't right - 
the normal pickpockets aren't out at this time of day." And I want to know what 
she's going to say - between her and Davros, the Bantha fodder just keeps on 
piling up.

Turning back to spot if Simon was still around, Ashton takes note of him, and 
the woman with him. No facial expressions are given as if she doesn't seem to 
register as anyone he should know. The Knight turns back to follow Merina and 
Kastanje into the Bistro and finally focuses on the child. He doesn't bat an 
eyelash as he approaches the meager-looking one or seem to have been affected by 
its pathetic nature at all. That is until he is almost past her. A small 5 
credit chit drops into the bowl, almost a full second after the Knight 
disappears inside.

"Indeed she is. Very close to us, this child." The Hastati states, changing her 
mind about speaking to the child. She steps abruptly toward the Bistro, 
motioning absently for Simon to follow. She doesn't look back to see if he's 
following, however. "Come, child. Allow a slave to buy a street rat a meal." 
There's that smile- the genuine one, amused in the way one predator might be 
near another, as she echoes Simon's words from the previous night. And she waits 
to see if Erica accepts- there is no command to her tone- in fact, it's more of 
a request. Like Erica would be doing Elynne a favor by accepting.

Red Shadow Bistro - Nar Belsa 
        Upon entering into this Bistro, the first thing that catches the eye is 
the large mural painted upon the far wall. The mural displays the palace in the 
shadow of a red mountain nearby, hence the name of the Bistro. Several booth-
like alcoves line the walls all around except for one, with a number of tables 
and chairs in the center of the floor. Various aromas waif through the air, 
tantalizing the nasal senses. A number of unusual exotic dishes are lined up 
along a counter, with a few servers standing behind them, doling out portions to 
the customers asking for them. A Nikto stands at the end of the counter 
collecting credits for payment of the food items.

Merina gestures to a secluded table. "This way I think" she looks over the 
choices at the buffet. They look as though they are the same as the other night. 
Meri sighs softly. "well, at least it will be a quiet place to sit and talk" she 
offers up hopefully. She wrinkles her nose at the buffet, but I think maybe we 
should order off the menu?"

"This bistro has never, in my experience, actually stayed a quiet place to sit 
and talk," Kastanje notes simply, a wry quirk to her smile. "Menu sounds like a 
good option. Everything out on the counter tends to get a bit worse the longer 
it sits out. I fear for dinner." The medic slides into a seat, hands brushing 
behind her to smooth the skirt so it won't catch or wrinkle.

Simon opens the door for Elynne, who steps into the bistro, turning for a moment 
to make sure that he is still following her. He enters a close distance behind 
her and says, "Why don't you find a good table while I get food. Is there 
anything you'd like?" After all, if she picks the table, she'll be able to pick 
a good spot for finding out what the Jedi and Major are doing here.

Ashton follows behind the women as they find a secluded table, and remains 
standing as they take their seats. Such the gentlemen. Only then does he sit, 
and is content to take the seat that puts his back to the door. "Well, it's not 
exactly Coruscant cuisine, no..." he says with a grin to Kastanje.

"I shall make sure it is a table for three." Elynne states to Simon as they step 
inside. Not like Simon doesn't know this already, but the words 'big, stupid 
rat' were used in conjunction with him only a few sentences before. Yes, Ely 
can't wait for Erica to show back up and save her from 'happy awkward time' with 
the Guildmaster. "I require only water. But pick up food for the child. I shall 
pay, of course." And then, the Hastati surveys the Bistro for a 'good place to 
sit.' It takes her quite some time to spot the quarry, but she eventually does. 
Elynne makes her way over towards the trio, picking a table close enough to 
eavesdrop without making it painfully obvious that's what she's doing. But the 
stupid girl is in indigo and carrying a spear. How obvious is that? The spear, 
of course, is placed beside her chair, leaning against the headrest. And then 
Elynne takes a seat, waiting for Simon to show back up with the beverages and 
food.

Merina sits with a practiced ease. She smiles inwardly at Ashton's manners. She 
still can't get used to it. Not that she doesn't like it, it is just not what 
she's been used to lately. She laughs lightly. "would I steer you wrong?" she 
asks in a jovial fashion. "at least with the menu, they will have to prepare the 
food fresh...and I am sure there is something we'll take a fancy too." She snags 
a hand through her hair "anyway, hopefully it will be a quiet place to talk, 
better than being out in the streets, especially as it is getting late. She 
peruses the menu, but then just sets it aside. Enough with the small talk. She 
is anxious to hear what the Major has to say. "Is it that you have some news?" 
She takes no notice of anything around her, save the two companions at the 
table.

Kastanje inclines her head in agreement with both Ashton's reminder, and 
Merina's assurances. "Well, sort of," she admits in answer, eyes scanning around 
her to make certain there isn't anyone who shouldn't be hearing this nearby. 
She's a bit shocked to see Elynne and her spear, and less so to see Simon, but 
as Elynne likely won't care, and Simon is off getting food, she lets words spill 
out quickly, and in a low voice aimed at her table only. "I didn't ask if there 
were any bounties on you or your brother, or that Verpine," she admits 
initially. "I didn't think it was my place to without talking with you first, 
and I wasn't sure I remembered your brother or Screee's full names besides." She 
shrugs. "I did mention I was here on Taboon looking for someone, and he did a 
rather nice job trying to solicit my business - wanted us to place a bounty with 
him to find the folks for us, and reminded that not all bounties need the person 
to get hurt." Again she shrugs, but this time sheepishly. "I asked a bit about 
that, but I've got to admit, I was a bit distracted by the idea you mentioned 
about Bode, Merina."

Simon nods respectfully to Elynne and makes his way over to the counter, where 
he orders two large plates of various types of sludge that he can't identify. 
After a short wait, he pays for the food, but before paying for it, he gets a 
tray loaded up with three glasses of water. Having put the plates on the tray, 
he turns around and carries it back to the table. Once he has put it down, he 
leans forward and whispers to Elynne while passing her the glass of water.

And who should walk into the Bistro but everyone's favorite....whatever he is. 
Davros Talge, business man and money maker at large, strolling in for a night to 
eat and think over some recent developments...he strolls about midway into the 
Bistro, but hasn't spotted anyone yet...perhaps one of the groups will spot him?

Ashton shrugs lightly, "I'm not above using a bounty hunter for some information 
gathering... but for purposes of Merina's safety, I think we need to be careful 
in exactly what information we ask Simon to obtain for us." He looks over at the 
bar and then back to their table. "Such as looking up more information on the 
Phoenix logo, Merina..." The way he voices it is almost a question.

Over Simon's shoulder, Davros is spotted. Man, if looks could kill...Elynne just 
stares for a few moments, then dismisses him. Perhaps a few words with Erica 
might be necessary later. Or not- he's probably not worth the time. The Hastati 
nods to Simon, and lifts the water to sip. Perhaps so she won't have to talk?

Distracted by her suggestion about Bode? Merina looks up in puzzlement. "that a 
good thing, or not?" she asks after the slightest hesitation. "I seem to 
remember suggesting more than one thing" Her hand absently strays to the pouch 
slung over her hip. She shrugs it off for the time being. "No worry asking about 
Screee though, I don't know his last name, but if there is a bounty out him, 
he's already dead." she states this very matter-of-factly, without a hint of 
emotion, one way or the other. She looks pointedly at Ashton. "I've been going 
over it in my mind. I am sure it was Phoenix or Phoenix something, and the logo 
was a black bird, and a ring of fire" She pauses and again trails a hand through 
her hair. "I cannot recall the transport that brought them though."

Simon looks at Elynne with concern for a moment as she glares over his shoulder 
and turns to have a look. Oh hooray, Davros. He nods and smiles for a moment, 
wondering what new tortures the galaxy has in store for him tonight. Making an 
effort to ignore the man behind him, he starts on his food, picking at it and 
noting Elynne's silence. As much as he'd like to talk to her, that isn't exactly 
why they came, and he has a nasty feeling that they won't be alone for long 
anyway.

Kastanje shoves the things about that certain blasted bounty hunter back to 
being most studiously ignored in the face of this new hint of information. 
"Phoenix logo? Transportation that brought whom? I missed something, didn't I?" 
She questions, eyes darting between Merina and Ashton in a request for 
clarification.

"You mean whether it had the same emblem or not?" Ashton asks Merina, leaning 
back in his chair a bit. He shakes his head. "Most likely they wouldn't have. 
Anything to link a company to this fiasco would've been avoided I think..." He 
toys with the utensils in front of him. "Merina, were you ever away from the 
Ocicat while on Corellia? After arriving there with this cargo?"

Davros looks over and spots Simon and Elynne....that's a bad move. Then he looks 
over and sees Merina, Kastanje and Ashton....and the way Merina's been giving 
him looks like he's a Darth every time he comes around...that's a bad move, even 
if he would like to talk to Tanya...and he needs to talk to her and Ashton about 
Bode. But....the man barely, almost imperceptibly sighs and thinks, 'the price 
you pay for wanting to know and do everything.' as he walks and gets a table by 
himself, ordering the Reactor Core if they have one.

Good. Dav's not going to come over. "Perhaps we should introduce Davros to 
little Erica Harth." The Hastati says sweetly. Yeah, sweet like rat poison. 
"They might get along well together." The Hastati lifts the water again to sip, 
grinning into her glass. Yes, she's so very glad the child has resurfaced. Birds 
of a feather and all.

Merina furrows her brow as she thinks. "Yes." she says after a moments 
hesitation "But not for long. I picked up some provisions and I ran a few 
errands." She shakes her head. "but I wasn't gone for long. Then I lay down for 
a nap, and I awoke to some man yelling at Ric. I never saw him, and I can't 
believe he saw me" She closes her eyes for a moment and then opens them "and we 
left right after that. Ric ousted me from my bunk and said we had to leave. I 
was surprised, because I thought it was a longer layover, but it wasn't unusual 
for him to change the schedule like that."

Nodding with a smile, Simon savors that thought for a moment. "You know," he 
says, "That's a very good idea." He shakes his head, "The reason I appointed him 
to a senior post was because the council felt that it would balance your 
appointment - they'd never heard of you, and love him for some reason." Watching 
Davros order his drink to make sure he is out of earshot, he says, "I think he's 
somebody's spy, probably one of the Hutts. So we'll have to tread carefully - if 
he meets with an accident we might draw far too much attention to ourselves."

Kastanje glances at the table and fiddles her fingers together like she'd 
appreciate the distraction of a drink or food, instead of sitting silently by 
and not having anything helpful to say to Merina. "Er, I'd probably be a bit 
more help if someone told me what you two are puzzling over right now," she 
notes hesitantly. After all, she wasn't originally asked to come on this trip, 
she just volunteered herself.

Reactor Cores they do have, and when it arrives with Davro's food he slams it 
down like it's water. Then begins coughing fits for a moment, swaying slightly 
in his chair, "One more." The waiter looks iffy until Dav looks up at him, "One. 
More." and then begins eating his food, the waiter shrugging and heading off.

The Hastati places the water on the table, fully grinning. Bizarre. So Simon can 
be ruthless after all. "You mean it?" She asks quietly, the conversation nearby 
all but forgotten. This was far more interesting, after all. Less useful to her 
Lords, but more interesting to the slave woman.

Since he's been watching the whole time, Simon keeps watching as Davros starts 
drinking, and drinking hard. This could present an interesting opportunity, he 
thinks, remembering that getting drunk on Nar Belsa is a dangerous game. As 
Elynne speaks, he lifts his glass and takes a sip, then says, "The last person 
I'm willing to trust in this galaxy is someone who'll do anything for money." He 
shrugs, twisting his glass in the air. "I know too many of those people - I know 
what they're like."

Merina has an apologetic look on her face. She figured that Ashton had filled 
her in on these new details. Apparently he had not. She's not sure what to say. 
"Well" she begins slowly "we picked up the cargo here, so it seemed a logical 
place to start looking" her expression is open, inviting further questions.

Ashton hrms quietly to himself as Kastanje and Merina keep talking. When they 
pause, he looks up at Merina from his thoughts. "Is there any chance that the 
cargo containers were changed out at Corellia? Do you think they could've had 
time to do that in the time you were gone from the 'cat?" The ploy would fit for 
the double-back, change-course pattern this entire fiasco was taking. He too is 
hungry, but hasn't mentioned eating yet. Although, he wanted to get this 
information before they settled down to more casual conversation.

Davros downs another Reactor Core into his system...and finishes his food, and 
then merely lays his head on the table, trying to recover his center of 
awareness...useless for a moment or two.

Elynne nods, and leans across to Simon. Whispering, probably. Then the Hastati 
sits back, silent and listening again. The water lifts, and she sips, her face 
once again blank. Her eyes go to Dav, too, and she begins counting his drinks. 
Is this one or two? Let's assume one, better to underestimate than overestimate. 
Man, and he's already down. That's why Elynne never imbibes alcohol, herself.

Merina puts a hand up to the nape of her neck. "How long do you think it would 
take to do that?" she answers her own question. "I suppose it's possible, they 
can load up a ship like the 'Cat in no time." She looks at Ashton full in the 
face for a moment before continuing " We were heavier taking off from Corellia 
than from here, but that would just have been the additional fuel we'd have 
needed for the trip." This last is almost a question, rather than a statement. 
"but I am pretty sure the containers were the same. Certainly those red ones 
were the ones I saw laying in the snow."

Kastanje offers a smile to Merina at her apologetic expression, and then starts 
nodding as both Merina and Ashton's comments clear things up a bit. "They could 
have matching containers ready. The effort could be worth it, especially 
considering the cargo... They may not want a bystander who they don't have 
specific control over - you - to know the exact details of what they're doing." 
Tanya doesn't know the exact details either - if anyone does really - but her 
ability to just work things through rationally (not to mention her inability to 
just sit around uselessly) prompt that contribution.

Simon shakes his head for a moment before leaning forward and murmuring softly 
to Elynne, nodding in Davros' direction as he does so. Having done that, he 
leans back and gazes gently at Davros, switching his gaze back to Elynne after a 
few moments with an inquisitive air.

Davros tries to press himself to a rise...but can't seem to garner either the 
strength or the willpower for now, instead rolling back in his chair and just 
sitting there, apparently not a happy drunk today as he looks around the Bistro.

Elynne nods to Simon, and stands, making her way over to the mechanic's table. 
"Greetings. May Simon Farranger and I join you?" The Hastati, of course, has 
picked up her spear and water. Ely waits to place them until the request has 
been granted, of course. She just stands there for now, gazing blankly at the 
obviously drunken Dav.

Simon walks over with Elynne to Davros' table, abandoning the food and drink he 
had bought minutes earlier - with luck he'd be able to return home for a meal, 
it would certainly taste better. Looking across at Elynne, he notices her taking 
control of the situation and runs with it, sliding himself into a chair without 
waiting for permission. "Davros," he asks, "Are you OK?"

Davros nods his head slowly, "Yeah, I'm kaay Scimon. Don't let ME ruin your 
night out." He looks at Elynne and bows his head ever so slightly...almost 
falling over on it.
 
"Or they could have been empty when loaded here... " Ashton says quietly, 
looking down at the table. He peers up at Merina. "If the cargo is what you say 
they were, it would be heavier... by about a metric ton each or so." He looks up 
as he sees Simon and the others moving about the bar. "Anyway, something to 
think about... we can keep looking into it. So, are either of you ready to take 
our chances on the food?"

The Hastati takes a seat, since Simon has. She files away her despising look- 
Dav certainly is lucky Simon likes him. The water is placed on the table, spear 
by the chair. "You are not going to die, I trust?" Yeah, like Ely really cares. 
But appearances and all. Then, she folds her hands on her lap, letting Simon do 
the talking.

Merina considers the possibility of what Kastanje has said, and then there is 
what Ashton has said in response. She is confused and it shows in her face. 
"empty here?" She can't get her mind around this. She sighs. "Food is good. I 
haven't had a thing to eat all day."

Kastanje, Merina and Ashton are sitting at a secluded table, discussing 
something that can't be heard from the door. A nearby table sits unoccupied, 
with two glasses of water (one of them partly drained) sitting on it, and two 
plates of food (one half-eaten). Simon and Elynne have just joined Davros at his 
table, Davros is looking like he's in very bad shape.

Kastanje opens her mouth to explain again when Merina appears confused, and then 
apparently thinks better of it. She offers a quick, "I'll explain it to you 
later, and then maybe you can give me a few more details to fill in?" to Merina, 
and then flashes a bright smile over at Ashton. "I've had a few things to eat 
all day, but I'm still hungry. I think we'll survive better on this fare than by 
starving ourselves anyways..."

Grinning, Simon leans forward. "Night out?" he asks, "We've been talking nothing 
but business, and this is not my idea of a night out." Shaking his head, he 
leans forward, exposing himself to Davros' awful breath. "But listen, this is 
not a safe place for you to collapse in - Nar Belsa is a tough place." He turns 
to Elynne, wanting to say something for a moment, but realizes that he's not 
going to get a chance just yet.

A small girl enters, dressed in what appears to be a chef's apron, food smeared 
over it as she moves to stand right next to Elynne, bowing slightly to her. 
"Mistress Elynne... is everything alright?" The child's eyes slip down upon 
Davros. "Has anyone been causing you problems of late?" Amazing how the child 
just instantly appears next to Elynne as if she's been there the whole time, 
listening in the shadows.

Davros looks over at the little girl entering in the chef's apron, eyes 
unfocused as he tries to blink out the spinning and look at her...then he looks 
back at his table companions and the information slowly filters through his 
brain about who they are...he collapses under the table promptly at all the 
turning and spinning of his head, and as soon as he's down there clumsily pulls 
a pill from his sleeve inside sewn pocket, putting it in his mouth and 
swallowing quickly...let's hope this works as quick as it's supposed to...for 
now his head just lolls back as he struggles to pull himself back up into his 
chair.

Merina nods acceptance to Kastanje. "alright, I'd be glad to fill you in" She 
looks over the menu, but by the curl on her lip it is apparent that she isn't 
taken with any of the food on offer. "On second thought..." she begins "maybe 
I'll just have something cold to drink" She looks at Ashton. "you know, I have a 
friend, he's a pilot, and happens to be here on Taboon, or was anyway. If he's 
still around I could ask him about the freight weights." She looks 
apologetically at Ashton. "Maybe we don't need any more help though, but he is 
the one who got me the information on the manifests, so maybe he can cull more 
info from his sources?"

"You would not wish an unscrupulous individual to take your condition as an 
invitation to do you harm, would you?" The Hastati asks, turning to look at 
Erica with a pleased half smile. "It is good to see you, Erica. There are always 
problems, but I would not dream of imposing upon you." In public, at least. 
Elynne doesn't add the surname to 'Erica'- she's not sure the child would want 
it used around strangers. She turns her gaze meaningfully back to Davros, 
schooling it back into something blank and unreadable. Too bad she's enjoying 
this, and it cannot be.

"Good, I'm hungry too..." Ashton says, rising from his seat. "I'm going to see 
if we can get some kind of service... you two want something from the bar? It'll 
get here faster if I get it while I'm up there." As he's standing there, he gets 
a good look around the bistro and notices Simon and Elynne at Davros' table... 
and the mechanic's apparent condition. "Kast..." he says quietly to her, leaning 
down to speak to her and nodding toward Davros.

Simon nods to Elynne with an approving smile, then turns back to watch Davros 
collapse under the table. Diving under the table with lightning speed, he puts a 
hand behind Davros' head, cupped to catch him and prevent him from cracking his 
head on the floor. In that position, he is able to see Davros putting the pill 
in his mouth, and nods with a smile. "Is that a wake-up pill?" he asks with a 
grin. "I hope so, you could certainly use one."

Looking at Elynne with her big green eyes, she smiles to the woman, the Sith 
warrior and here is this little girl smiling widely at her. "Mistress Elynne... 
I made something for you today." Her voice is so happy and chipper. Reaching 
into her pocket, she pulls out a necklace with a small cylinder at the end of 
it, a blue liquid within that. "It's a special magic drink." Aw... how cute.

Davros blinks a moment...and shrugs at Simon, "Heh...a guis...gotta....ugh." He 
falls forward a bit slightly and remains there for a moment, shaking...before 
sitting up clear eyed and as good as day. Looking back and forth from Simon, to 
Elynne, to Erica. And then mostly back to Simon...don't make me ruin you 
Farranger.

Kastanje grins lightly, and gestures to Merina. "I'd like something, but I'll 
defer to Merina here on what to drink. She seems to have impeccable taste in 
these things, and I don't really want to..." She's turned to follow Ashton's 
gaze by then, and notices Davros struggling to climb up from the floor. A frown 
dims her expression. "To end up like him," she finishes. "Ah bother. Think he's 
alright on his own?" She adds warily, as the mechanic shakes his head and seems 
to clear it.

Never trust the child. Ever. But Elynne nods and accepts it gravely, like it 
were the most precious thing in the world. "I thank you, Erica. Now I owe you 
doubly." Owe her doubly? But the Hastati doesn't explain what she owes the child 
for, beyond the 'magic drink.' Which, if it's what Ely suspects it is, will come 
in most handy indeed. The Hastati slips it around her own neck- now let's just 
hope it won't poison her through the vial.

Merina looks over at what's caused all this ruckus. Davros again. She is 
intrigued by the man really. She manages a smile "you really do need to watch 
what you drink" she says solemnly. "Kast, have a Cinquefoil. It hasn't anything 
to numb your mind. I'll have one as well. They'll know how to fix one"

"Here, let me help you," says Simon, lifting Davros back into his chair without 
difficulty. Checking the floor, he sees that Davros hasn't dropped anything, and 
uses his muscular hands to hold the man on his chair. Looking into Davros' eyes, 
he asks, "Are you OK? You seem a bit out of it."

Erica nods enthusiastically at Elynne. "Yes mistress Elynne... it's very 
precious too." Looking at Davros, the child nods a bit towards the man. "He 
might actually have quite a bit of interest in it as well... being as it's the 
antidote to the poison I put in his food." Her voice sounds perfectly happy and 
smiling as she speaks. Those big innocent looking green eyes remain on Davros as 
does her happy smile. "He might even apologize to my master who is quite useless 
for statements made." Maybe that's a reason he's feeling a bit extra woozy... 
poisons are very bad after all.

Ashton nods to both women, "Alright, I'll be right back. Maybe I should..." he 
stops as he looks back at Davros and sees him 'recover'. He's amazed that the 
man can possibly clear his head that quickly from the condition he was in. 
"Well, maybe not... I'll be right back." He straightens and heads in the 
direction of the bar, but takes the round-about way to pass near Davros' table 
on the way.

Merina looks over at Davros and then back to Kastanje. "you know him?" she asks. 
"He was on Arkania, I saw him a few times in the cantina" She hrmms. "Fellow of 
many talents" she doesn't elaborate, but something in her eyes says she might 
want to, in different circumstances.

Davros blinks at the comment, and doesn't take his eyes off Simon, what was once 
concern now becoming distant anger, almost hatred, "Oh. Now you're having them 
poison me, is that it Simon?" He stands up perfectly straight from the table, 
obviously not drunk in the slightest anymore. "I'll see you at work. BOSS." Not 
Simon, boss, he turns to Elynne, "Thethu spy." bowing, and then moving for the 
door, probably past Ashton. And to think he was going to get Bode under control 
for these people!

Kastanje's head turns to follow Davros as the mechanic makes for the door. A 
sort of confused and somewhat saddened expression is on her face as she does, "I 
do," she responds simply. "I've known him for... Nearly two months? I'm not sure 
exactly. And he is a man of many talents," she agrees to Merina with a sudden 
grin. "Don't know how much it works in his favor, though."

After hearing Erica's shocking comments to Elynne, Simon turns to her angrily, 
but is taken aback by Davros' more outrageous behavior. Turning to Davros, he 
says, "If you walk out that door, you can consider yourself fired." Swinging his 
hands behind his back, he reaches for the holdout blaster he keeps at the small 
of his back - far less obvious than the shoulder holsters, and not as 
threatening. "Now we can leave together or you can just leave. Your call."

Elynne loves this child. Lying or not. In fact, especially if she's lying, which 
seems to be a favorite game for her. The scars, the scars were classic. Should 
she wait for Dav's reaction, or...oh, there we go. Elynne stands, following 
after the man. Spear in hand. "Do not speak of my clan in such a way." It's not 
a request, either. "My purpose is none of your concern. And if," she pauses, 
punctuating her words with a little spear gesture, "I were a spy, what would it 
matter to you? You have chosen your path, Davros. And it involves me." Now what 
does that mean? What is Elynne on Nar Belsa for, anyways?

Davros turns back to Simon, not needing to be drunk to be upset as hell, too bad 
he's not force-sensitive, he's got enough Anger and Fear in him right now to put 
the strongest Sith Lord to shame, "Oh, why bother firing me when I'm gonna die 
anyway, ASSUMING the girl can be trusted? You gonna fire me for not liking being 
threatened by my boss?" He looks over to Elynne, "I didn't say a blasted word 
about your clan; I said something about YOU. You're right though, it's not my 
problem." He points to Simon, "It's HIS. Frankly, I kinda like the Thethu, at 
least they respect each other when they deserve it."

Erica in the meantime has found her way into a chair and is sitting, giggling at 
Davros, her eyes upon him and just giggling.

Merina watches what is unfolding before her with wide eyes. She's seen a few 
things on Arkania, but with one exception, they never phased her, or had 
anything to do with her. Most brawlers tended to respect the staff and keep them 
safe. Here, she was exposed. She sidles a bit over on the bench.

"Well guess what," Simon barks, "She can't be trusted. And I haven't threatened 
you in any way." Well, he threatened Davros yesterday, but in the heat of the 
moment he forgets that. "So you can learn to keep your stupid mouth shut or you 
can find yourself an employer who doesn't give a damn what happens around him." 
Turning slightly, he stabs his left finger at Davros, the right hand with the 
blaster concealed behind his leg. "Go home and sober up." He orders, "When you 
wake up, wait for me in the member's lounge until I have time to deal with you."

Actually, Ashton is just approaching the table from the other direction when 
Davros rises from his seat and storms for the door. Stopping dead in his tracks, 
he watches the exchange between sides up to the point of Davros turning back 
into the Bistro. He sees Simon's movement and Elynne's reaction to some comment, 
and only then does he speak. "Fired, Simon? Or fired upon?" His words are loud 
and direct, and those that look over to him see his arms are crossed for the 
moment. He glances sidelong at Davros. "You alright?" he asks, reverting his 
attention back to Simon and Elynne.

Kastanje's eyes are on the play between Simon, Davros, and Elynne as well, brows 
furrowing together the more time passes. She's missed something, but whatever is 
happening now seems to indicate all is not well between the bounty hunter and 
his Guildmaster. Merina's slight scooting away is noted out the corner of her 
eye, and she offers a smile to the other woman. "It's alright. This may be worse 
than the usual Arkania bar fight in the long term, but I doubt we'll see any of 
it come our way." And to prove her confidence in that, she stays sitting upright 
in her seat where she eyes, and turns back to keep an eye on the drama near the 
exit. See what she meant about this bistro never remaining a quiet place to eat?

A slow smile crosses Elynne's face. "Of course the child cannot be trusted. 
Erica Harth, meet Davros. I do not believe he has a title." Ooh, ouch. At least 
to Elynne, no title equals utterly undeserving. Erica gets one, because Elynne 
feels she deserves the last name. She glances to Ashton, but pays him no mind 
after that. To Davros, she says, "I highly doubt the child tells the truth. 
Though the antidote is yours if you desire it. This Thethu 'spy,' as you call 
me, is not here to kill anyone." In public, at least. Ely's hand goes to the 
chain around her neck and slips it off, holding it out for the mechanic-hunter 
to take if he wishes. It's an icky blue, though, and who knows what it is.

Davros turns to Elynne, eyeing her for the first time tonight with a bit of 
respect and even liking, and then nods for her to toss the blue stuff his way, 
he'll take it back to the lab and analyze it. Even if it's not antidote, it may 
be useful. Then he nods to Ashton as he catches up with the announcement about 
being fired upon, turning to look at Simon, and only now noticing the hand 
behind his leg, whispering, "Go ahead Simon. Do it." very softly spoken, and not 
a threat at all. No it's more like, sincere and utter exhaustion.

Crawling down off her little stool, the small child goes over to Ashton, the man 
who previously gave her 5 creds. Looking up at him, she bounces about a bit a 
little. "Hi! Hi!" Her voice is still happy and chipper. "Remember me?! You gave 
me some money outside." Smiling, she reaches into her pocket and holds it out 
for him. "There you go, I didn't really need it... but it was a very nice 
gesture." How cute, the child is still nosing in where she doesn't need to be. 
"I saw you with that one cute woman from the Republic. Are you from the Republic 
too?" Even while she banters at Ashton, Elynne makes the introductions. Looking 
up towards Davros, the small child keeps the happy demeanor and waves at him. 
"That's me, Erica Harth." Harth is emphasized... greatly. The name should be 
familiar in these inner circles of people. Is it a true relation? Looking back 
up to the Jedi she's tugging and dancing around, she bubbles over happily at 
him. "What's your name? Huh? You're cute. I bet she likes you a lot, doesn't 
she?"

Merina laughs uneasily. "I guess you were right about this not being a quiet 
place. Arkania was cold but it did have it's charms" she sits back as she was. 
"I'm not usually so skittish, but the last time someone pulled a gun in the 
Cantina on Arkania, it was aimed at my head" She sighs. "I'm also used to the 
added protection being staff gives you. Those guys you saw are a rough lot, but 
they'd not let serious harm befall anyone on the staff. Unwritten rule. Here I 
don't think there ARE any rules." she looks back. "maybe I ought to go look for 
that pilot friend of mine" she doesn't add that he's a smuggler "you and Ashton 
seem to have your hands full here" She isn't even sure the two of them would get 
involved, but she'd be glad of the excuse to leave. It is getting stranger here 
by the minute. In any event, they need more information. Perhaps she can get it.

Shaking his head in disgust, Simon swings his hand around, not bothering to 
conceal the blaster any more. "Listen," he says, "You stupid, stupid little boy. 
I'm not going to kill you, but in your state, I'm not going unarmed with you 
raving at me." Making certain that the blaster remains pointed at the floor, he 
says, "Go home and sleep it off, whatever's in that pill is obviously not 
working." For the moment, all of his attention is on Davros - he notices Elynne 
talking to the man, but no one else looks like they're going to turn violent; 
they are filtered out.

Years of training with the Force and numerous Acolytes have imbued Ashton with a 
patience not normally seen in young men his age. Still, the situation her is a 
bit more precarious than it would be with an Acolyte that can be silenced with a 
look from him. He cannot afford to make that look down at the child as he waits 
to see what Simon will say or do. He does wave a hand toward the child. "Keep it 
child," he says without looking down. "Go find something else to do..." 
Seemingly, not even the mention of the last name Harth has distracted the Jedi's 
attention from the tense situation in front of him.

Kastanje stiffens slightly at Elynne's introductions, but controls any more 
visible reactions. Erica Harth? That confusing little girl from last night is 
related to Set Harth? Goodness, but that explains a few things about the kid. "I 
can see how an unwritten rule like that would be comforting," she says to Merina 
with a faint smile. "If you want to leave, I don't blame you. Sneak on out and 
see if you can get that information from your pilot friend... But you're safe 
here, even if it doesn't seem that way." And her head tilts to Simon, his 
blaster, and Davros. Does she know that the situation won't turn to violence? Or 
does she just have confidence that she can keep the cloaked woman safe easily 
enough on her own?

Dismissing Erica. Not wise, not wise at all. Inwardly, Elynne is amused. Ah, the 
good old days, sitting with Set and Erica, discussing the finer points of 
manipulating and doing dastardly things. Almost brings a tear to the eye, it 
does. The Hastati tosses the vial to Davros- most likely, it's either the true 
poison or some sort of harmless substance. Either is right up the child's alley. 
She watches Dav carefully, spear beside her. She doesn't really look like she's 
going to use it to carve initials into Davros, or anything. Instead, she just 
watches with carefully concealed interest.

Davros catches the Vial with ease, "Does that look like I'm drunk Simon?" He 
sighs, very, very, very tired, "Now make up your mind, you ordered me to stay, 
now you're telling me to go...which will it be?"

Erica wanders off... as told to by the big mean Jedi. That's right, don't deal 
with the children; just brush them off as if they're nothing. You'll get yours 
one day Jedi boy.

"I thought that you were capable of talking sense earlier," says Simon, not 
tired, but certainly fed up. "Now I see that all you want to do is have a 
tantrum - in public, no less." After passing the blaster into his left hand, he 
reaches into his left shoulder holster for a larger pistol, which he points at 
the ceiling with his right. "This is a stun pistol, Davros. Walk to you bed or 
be carried, your choice."

Ashton watches the situation unfold and doesn't yet feel the need to intervene. 
Davros is a big boy and if Simon sees fit to stun him, it basically will not be 
his issue as Davros won't be harmed and now it does appear that Simon is not 
exactly out for blood. Still, the holdout is still in plain sight. The child 
wanders off and Ashton can sense the malice coming from her, but dismisses it as 
childhood anger.

Kastanje stays seated, but watches Merina safely out of the bistro in search of 
her pilot-friend. Wouldn't do for something to happen when she was leaving, 
after Kas had said she'd be safe. But she can tell as well as Ashton that she's 
hardly needed to interfere with the play between bounty hunters, so the Major 
flags a waitress and orders a simple meat-and-veggie sandwich. Hard to ruin a 
sandwich, and she's hungry.

Now -what- is going on? 'Better not to undermine Simon,' the Hastati decides, 
though for the life of her she can't figure out what's going on. The Guildmaster 
must know how to posture, after all- he got himself out of jail, didn't he? 
Elynne stands there considering what to do next, keeping her face blank and 
holding her spear beside her. And out of the corner of her eye, she keeps tabs 
on Erica. The girl almost always had something up her sleeve- wonder why she 
backed off when she did? Ah well- the child does what she will, and all Elynne 
can do is allow it, and aid her if possible.

Davros shakes his head and turns to leave the building, muttering things under 
his breath about, "blind....just blind. I'm the only one who actually wants to 
help him." and just before he leaves gives a forlorn look to Kastanje Ajalae, 
Major of the Medical Corp, a look that speaks of quite a bit of loss and 
confusion, before leaving quietly, without another word....unless someone sees 
fit to stop him, then they'll get plenty of words.

Breathing deeply, Simon puts his guns away, first the stunner and then the 
blaster. Looking around at the crowd that has been watching him, he grins. "OK 
everybody, you've had your fun." Turning to a nearby spectator, he says, "But 
next time, don't bet against me unless you get much better odds." As the 
creature turns away in embarrassment, he smiles to himself - he guessed right.

Kastanje turns to the door, as much because of that peculiar feeling one gets 
when people are looking at as the fact that the brief standoff sounds to have 
come to a conclusion and that's a good way to confirm so. She catches Davros' 
forlorn and confused expression, and tries to offer him a reassuring smile, but 
her eyes soon slide away to her sandwich, and then the mechanic is heading out 
the door. A hand reaches up to rub behind her ear absently.

Ashton turns away from the now-quelled situation and walks up to the bar. He's 
only there for a few minutes before he is headed back to the table with two 
drinks. One distinctly different than the other. Seems he wasn't so engrossed in 
the situation that he missed Merina's exit and didn't bring a drink back for 
her. He sets one of the drinks in front of Kastanje and settles into his own 
seat with his tea. "That looks pretty good..." he says, nodding toward the 
sandwich. Apparently any mention of the situation isn't forthcoming.

Ah, so it was to end. Probably for the best- this was all just too public. The 
Hastati looks to the child, bowing to her respectfully, and then she turns to 
look at Simon. "I shall return to your office. I will have the receptionist 
assist me if there is need." Hopefully, he'll understand the why of the return, 
for Elynne isn't about to say it aloud. The Hastati hefts her spear into a 
better carrying position, and looks once to Ashton and nods, even though he's 
long gone to the table he shares with Kas. Who knows who he is, but being extra 
careful and polite after instigating major fiascos like that is always wise. He 
could be Darth Somebody for all she knows. Or an assassin, or goodness knows 
what else. And so, pondering the possibilities, Elynne heads for the door.

Simon doesn't understand what Elynne is doing at all, but has learned better 
than to show it, especially in a public arena where he is under a great deal of 
scrutiny. Nodding in a way that he hopes will appear wise, he offers her a small 
salute, then pauses for a moment. What can he do without looking like an idiot? 
Noticing that the major is still here, he walks over to her table, hoping that 
he will be invited to sit.

Kastanje offers Ashton a smile as he returns with the drinks. "Merina went to 
talk to that pilot-friend of hers," she says, explaining the other woman's 
absence just in case. She takes an experimental sip of the drink Meri suggested, 
mentally reminding herself not to come to this bistro for any more 'quiet places 
to talk'. "Hey, pretty good... The drink, I mean. The sandwich is a little dry, 
but the greens are crisp at least. Most definitely edible, and I was all but 
giving up on having a proper dinner together." The smile quirks slightly in the 
corners at that, and then she notices Simon. "Having a bit of trouble with one 
of your employees?" She greets, tilting her head to the man.

Ashton is drinking from his glass of tea when Simon approaches and Kastanje 
greets him. Setting his drink down in front of himself, he looks up to Simon. 
"You really shouldn't let him get under your skin like that, Mr. Farranger..." 
But then again, Simon's been nothing but emotions since he met him, from his 
anger in battle, to his fear of Set Harth, to his reaction here. But, he wasn't 
about to point that out. He does however, kick a chair out for Simon. "Have a 
seat, Simon... I'm not your enemy you know, despite what you think..."

Simon gratefully accepts the seat offered to him and is about to respond to 
Kastanje when Ashton's comment sinks in. "My enemy?" he asks, "I never thought 
of you as an enemy, and I appreciated your offer in relation to Set Harth."

Kastanje looks a hint surprised at the comment from Ashton as well. "Good to 
hear," she voices, reacting to Simon's response. A bite is taken of her 
sandwich, and once said bite is swallowed, she turns to Ashton. "Would he have 
some reason to think you his enemy?" She asks, blinking once. After all, if 
Simon doesn't hold any hard feelings to *her*, the knight is faultless in 
comparison.

Ashton shrugs lightly, not removing his eyes from Simon. Not in a threatening 
way, but in that way that Kastanje might have labeled as 'curious' in her time 
knowing him. "Just something I sense whenever Simon is around. An apprehension, 
as if I'm the one person he'd rather not be around." He offers a nod to Simon at 
this point, "Your welcome... I am just glad that the situation did not come to a 
conclusion with the loss of innocent life." He doesn't bring up the fact that he 
also saved the man's life, basically because he sees it as his duty, but he's 
human, so the thought does flash through his mind. "You need to order something 
to drink?"

Simon looks curiously over to Ashton, and remembers meeting him for the first 
time. "Oh yes," he says, "On Coruscant. Well, things were different then." With 
a shrug, he closes the issue of being at odds with Ashton. Perking up, he says, 
"But neither Davros nor I is innocent - and that would be true for most of the 
bystanders, too." At the offer of a drink, he raises a hand - he's too wired to 
take anything in right now.

Kastanje chuckles at Simon's addition, not really having too much to add to the 
conversation just now, and so takes the opportunity to eat a few more bites of 
her sandwich. "I wonder if anyone on this moon is particularly innocent," she 
quips, just to say something.

Rruka tries to call for help in a very distressed confused and weakened state.

Ashton snorts at Kastanje's comment with a slight grin, but nods also. "Maybe 
not..." Now he turns his attention back to Simon. "I've been meaning to talk to 
you, so I'm glad you came over. Kast mentioned that she spoke to you earlier... 
about looking for some information?"

Simon grins at Kastanje, "I doubt it," he replies to her, turning to Ashton and 
sharing the joke with him as well. But now Ashton is talking about business, so 
it's time to become the Guildmaster again. "Yes," he replies. "Bounty hunters 
will hunt anything you want to put a price on. Ships, information, people - it's 
just that the 'people' side of our business is the most publicly visible part of 
our work, probably because we spend a fair amount of time hunting murderers and 
other criminals."

Kastanje nods to that, having heard as much from Simon last night. "I think I 
even heard rumors about a bounty out on a statue once, too. A golden Hutt?" She 
shrugs, the addition unimportant, and a little farfetched. After all, who in the 
galaxy would want a lumpy Hutt as a table decoration? She takes another swallow 
of her drink, and then looks to Ashton a bit curiously, remembering his earlier 
remark that a bounty may not be the best thing in this case.

Ashton nods in acceptance of Simon's sales pitch. He takes a drink as the man 
talks and sets the glass back onto the table before speaking. "Well, what about 
information about whether you have bounties on someone? Or something? I'm not 
talking about who placed it - I know you can't reveal that kind of information 
for the kind of money I can pay for the information, but... knowing if there are 
existing bounties on someone something would be worth something to me, and would 
be essentially free money."

"A golden Hutt?" Simon asks, "Never heard of that one," he says, "Then again, I 
only got involved with hunting after my ship crashed a few months ago, so I 
wouldn't really know." Shrugging, he begins to wish for a drink and ducks away 
for a moment to retrieve his water from the table that he left earlier. After 
that gap, he listens to Ashton's question. "Well," he says, "There are conflict 
of interest issues there - I mean I can't afford to go around endangering 
hunter's lives by tipping people off." He pauses for a moment, "What would you 
do if I said yes?"

Kastanje stays silent, but the curious look curbs slightly. She knows now what 
the Knight is asking after, and all that remains to be seen is the result of the 
question. The second half of her sandwich is tackled, and she lets Ashton talk.

Ashton places his hands face down on the table before him, and his shoulder 
shrug lightly. "Well, the first issue is that one of the beings we're curious 
about is dead, so the only thing we /might/ offer is where the body may still 
be. On the other one, we don't even know his whereabouts, so it's not like we 
could tip him off or put him into safe keeping. The problem here lies in knowing 
if the person is wanted by someone for something or not. If not, we have to 
assume what he did was preplanned and so far, no one's the wiser. If he is, then 
we know he's either acting alone or against the interests of another party." Now 
if /that/ wasn't confusing to anyone walking by, then they spoke gibberish 
pretty well.

"Alight then," Simon answers, "I'll answer your questions and you can pay me 
what you think is fair - but you have to swear some sort of Jedi oath not to 
endanger hunters with the information."

Kastanje raises her hands in a reassuring gesture to Simon, "We're just trying 
to help someone with this - not looking for an excuse to chase down your 
hunters." Kas already has an excuse for that, and it's only one hunter anyways.

Ashton nods first to Simon, and then agreeably with Kastanje. "Agreed... you 
think we can meet tomorrow? I need to gather the data needed to ask you. I don't 
even have the names or aliases you would look for." Basically true, but what was 
more important was that he spoke to Merina first. He pushes his chair back and 
gets set to rise from the table, but awaits Simon's answer.

"Sure," answers Simon, "Come to my office, it'll make it easier to track down 
the details I need to answer you with."

Kastanje rises from the table as Ashton does, taking a cue from the Knight that 
it might be time to head back. Her sandwich is gone, at least. "And I remember 
where your office is, too," she notes with a friendly smile to the Guildmaster.

"Good... and thanks. We should see you in the early evening..." Ashton says as 
he rises from his chair alongside Kastanje. "Good night, Mr. Farranger," he says 
with a nod and a small smile to the man. "We'll see you tomorrow..."

END OF LOG