Logged August 28, 2001
Logged by Merina
Titled:  Blind Panic
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Characters: 
Merina 
Jhrogan 
Rruka 
Tai Jinn 
Cerin 
With a cameo by Joshua 
******************************************************************************
Summary: 
Merina is wandering Sceptre Park on Corellia in a state of severe shock. She 
has been hit hard by sudden realization of all that has transpired over the 
past 24 hours. Dazed and confused, she confides in a stranger, who decides 
Merina should be delivered to the Jedi for her own protection. Can Merina 
find help on Coruscant? Will she let anyone help her? 
******************************************************************************
Scepter Park is oddly empty today, with only the occasional group of 
creatures hustling down the pathways that criss cross the well-kept grass 
about the lake. Indeed, it is a nice change from the commonly over busy 
area. Walking along one of the pathways at a leisurely pace, his arms held 
behind his back and his face contorted in the uncommon, for him anyway, 
expression of deep contemplation, Jhrogan is apparently enjoying the lack of 
company. 

Merina has the hood of her cloak up, covering most of her face. She is 
walking aimlessly through the park, apparently oblivious of most of what is 
around her. She pauses by a tree, and looks intently on something lying in 
the grass. She stoops to pick it up, and then, looking back up at the tree, 
takes a few small steps backward until, quite unexpectedly; she backs into 
someone, a Twi'lek. It startles her out of her reverie. "Excuse me" she 
effuses. "I'm so sorry" 

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 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. She chooses to wear it pulled back in an elaborate braid 
secured at the nape of her neck with a crimson colored plaited cord. 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 taupe velour. Her feet are well protected in a pair of low-heeled 
boots. 

Jhrogan 
A rather confident figure, this creature stands a hair under six feet tall. 
Its jaw is well defined, strong beneath wide lips and a somewhat flat nose. 
Pallid skin clothes the large lumps in the front of its skull, which extend 
back over its shoulders into long, trailing tails of thick flesh. The eyes 
of the being are oddly piercing; fierce amber with almost slitted pupils, 
and the teeth are small and sharp .The form is dressed well enough, though 
not enough to attract undue attention. It wears a thick robe of some sable 
cloth, accented heavily with metallic trimmed embroidery along the cuffs. It 
wears a thick belt about its small waist, and supple boots of brown leather. 

Jhrogan is nothing if not amicable, however, and his look of deep 
concentration is as swiftly replaced by a friendly smile as though it could 
be swept away by the passing breeze from the lake. His wide lips turn 
upwards in a seemingly genuine grin, and offer a hand to help the woman 
right herself. "Not at all, not at all," the Twi'lek says, allowing his 
sharp yellow eyes to take stock of the woman briefly. 

Merina allows herself, after the briefest hesitation, to be aided. She 
shakes her head slightly to further clear the cobwebs from her mind. She has 
obviously startled. She reaches for the hood of her cloak and pulls it down, 
revealing her face, which, despite the skillful application of makeup, bears 
unmistakable, but faded bruise marks along her jaw line. "I really need to 
watch where I'm going,” she says apologetically. "Thank you" 

Jhrogan is certainly more perceptive than your average individual, however 
he needn't be to catch sight of the bruises. His brows rise a bit in 
concern, and he places a hand upon the woman's shoulder as she rights 
herself. 

"Are you alright? What happened to your jaw?" the Twi'lek asks with concern. 

Merina takes a measure of this being before her. After a pause, she waves 
her hand in a dismissive gesture. "Oh, that" she gives a small laugh, hoping 
to portray a casual ease that she certainly does not feel. "I'm such a 
sight, but better than I was" she pulls her hood back up over her head. 
"That's what happens when you aren't watching where you're going,” she 
offers as an explanation, which though true enough, is not quite the whole 
story. "And I'm fine thank you, really I am. I'm more concerned for you" her 
voice takes on more confidence as she continues. "I just never really 
realized how lovely this park could be, especially when it isn't crowded" 

Adept enough in the art of conversation, Jhrogan will not allow this one to 
be so easily lead. The Twi'lek bows his head, nodding, "That it is. But 
come, now, Miss, tell me. Perhaps I can be of some assistance?" 

Merina forces a puzzled expression. She rubs something between her fingers, 
likely whatever it was she picked up at the base of the tree. It is the 
indication of her nerves. "Tell you?" she queries "really, I am fine, just 
distracted. It has been a rather hectic time for me. Yes. Rather hectic" her 
eyes glaze over somewhat and she seems for the moment, to be very far away. 
But then that look is gone as quickly as it came. She smiles congenially. 
"But I guess everyone can say that, nowadays." 

Jhrogan shrugs, apparently brushing it off, "If you don't wish to discuss it 
with me, I certainly understand. I am Jhrogan, by the way." 

Merina extends a hand. "I'm Merina,” she offers. 

Jhrogan shakes the woman's hand, and open his other hand in the direction of 
the path, "After you, Miss Merina," the Twi'lek replies. 

Merina nods and smiles. She starts down the path "so, Jhrogan, what brings 
you here?" 

"Here to Scepter Park, or here to Corellia?" Jhrogan asks, his lips quirking 
from their standard smile to a slightly more bemused one. 

Merina chuckles. "Both I guess" she says with genuine mirth in her voice 

"I'm here on Corellia on business, but I'm in Sceptre Park because it's good 
for thinking. Especially when there aren't many people about, although I do 
enjoy the company of people," Jhrogan says, tapping his lower lip with a 
single pointed nail, "And you?" 

Merina exhales. "It is lovely for thinking, the park is,” she agrees. "And 
I'm here on business as well. Family business. Still, I grew up here, though 
not in this city. And I've been too long away from home" 

"Where have you been?" the Twi'lek asks simply, his voice amicable. 

Merina snorts. "Tatooine." 

Jhrogan's smile looks once more amused, "You take a ball of rock, blast it 
to sand, and bake it for a million years; that's Tatooine. What in the world 
were you doing on such a place?" Jhrogan asks with a chuckle. 

Merina laughs, "I wasn't there by choice, you can be sure" she sighs. Her 
light airy tone takes on a darker, harder edge "I was abandoned there" 

"Abandoned? By whom? Why?" Merina's walking companion asks. His voice has 
taken on that same note of concern. 

Merina looks at her companion. "Believe it or not, by my own flesh and blood 
in the form of my elder brother" 

Jhrogan raises his brows. He doesn't seem to approve of this at all. "Why? 
And how did you get off that desolate rock?" 

Merina shrugs and exhales in irritation, though clearly it is not directed 
at Jhrogan. "Good question" she says pointedly. She stops walking and faces 
her companion. Against her own, better judgment, she continues, "Our ship 
crashed outside the city. We survived, though the ship and her" she pauses, 
and again her eyes take on that far away glaze, almost as though she were in 
shock. Her voice sounds more distant, hesitant "cargo are lost to the sand. 
He left me in the city, on my own. I waited tables at the cantina nearest to 
the spaceport, saving what I could for passage anywhere...anywhere at all" 

"Hmmmmm. Not a very chivalrous individual, it would seem," Jhrogan says, his 
own voice expressing a measure of anger at the situation. He pauses, noting 
the look in Merina's face, "What was your cargo? Why was it so important?" 

Merina nods her head in vehement agreement at the mention of chivalrous, but 
at the mention of "cargo" she tenses, and her hands begin to shake. She 
opens and closes her mouth but no words issue forth. Clearly something is 
not quite right here. She stammers. "M.. med..med..ical supplies" she says 
all in a rush, her expression suddenly a strange mix of disbelief and 
horror. "Medical supplies" she says again more confidently. "They were 
medical supplies,” She sounds as though she is trying to convince herself. 

Jhrogan's face takes on a look of great concern, and the creature places a 
hand upon the woman's shoulder again, his eyes showing sincere concern, his 
brows knitting. "How long have you been back?" the Twi'lek asks softly. 

Merina shuts her eyes, composes herself, and opens them again. She lets 
herself be steadied, if not she'd likely be sitting on the path. "Long 
enough" she replies. 

"You look and sound as though you have things you need to speak about. Now, 
while I am merely a stranger you met in some park, I have ears and can 
listen as well as any other. I've kept enough secrets in my life, and a few 
more won't hurt. If you feel like talking about these things you have to get 
off your chest, then talk. If not . . . find someone you -can- talk to, Miss 
Merina," Jhrogan says, giving her shoulder a little squeeze. 

Merina smiles. "You're kind to a stranger, not something often seen these 
days, even here on Corellia. I do appreciate it. I am sorry to burden you, I 
have already said too much" 

"It's no burden," Jhrogan says firmly. He smiles slightly, "Accepting some 
of the weight on your shoulders is a pleasure." 

Merina swallows. "You don't understand. Things HAPPEN to the people I've 
been talking to. Bad things" 

"I can take care of myself. I have friends, and I have resources. If there 
is something you need help with, you may as well talk to me," Jhrogan says, 
"I'll be safe enough." 

Merina considers this but appears unconvinced. "I don't want anyone else 
getting shot at. Or worse" she lowers her head. "You seem very nice. I 
should never have said a word. I don't know what got into me." 

"Do you trust me with this information?" Jhrogan asks, looking pointedly at 
the woman. 

Merina looks around; to be sure no one is near. "I have no basis to trust or 
to not trust" she says, her voice a whisper. "But, I don't want any more 
blood on my hands, even of those whom I do not know" 

"Is it not my business to decide whether to put myself at risk?" Jhrogan 
asks, simply. 

Merina nods. She tries to find an argument for this logic, but in her state, 
cannot. "It is,” she admits hesitantly 

"Then tell me; what is troubling you?" Jhrogan asks. 

Merina looks at the Twi'lek. "Would you think it possible to carry a cargo 
and have someone, on that ship, and a part of that crew, not know what is 
actually being carried?" 

"Of course. If the person who did know was being careful," Jhrogan replies. 

Merina nods. "Even" she swallows "if the crew were very small. Say just two 
people? Would you really think it likely one could keep something from the 
other?" 

"Certainly," Jhrogan says, "Now tell me, what is this all about?" 

Merina takes a breath. She is flushed, and beads of sweat form on her 
forehead. "You'd really believe, you would not assume they would have 
known?" 

"I don't like to make assumptions, Miss Merina. Come now; just tell me what 
is troubling you. You have already earned the benefit of my doubt," he says. 

Merina nods. She shuts her eyes as the world spins before her. She tenses, 
and opens her eyes. She nods. "Why do you suppose " she begins, her voice a 
murmur, "someone might be ferrying dead bodies, carefully preserved, not 
labeled as what they were?” She looks quizzically at him "why would that 
be?" her voice sounds odd, again that far off quality coming into her eyes. 

Jhrogan frowns. He gives a small sigh, and shakes his head slowly, "I 
honestly do not know. Perhaps to fake someone's death? Or perhaps to collect 
a Bounty?" 

Merina bites her lip. " But more than one? Lots and Lots? Goodness knows how 
many?" her voice rises taking on an edge of hysteria. 

"I don't know," Jhrogan says softly, giving the woman's shoulder a firm 
squeeze again, "Hey, hey . . . it's okay. Calm down. It's over, now. We'll 
figure this out." 

Merina swallows hard, but does calm down. "I'm sorry,” she stammers. "But it 
isn't over, and the person who has the answers is holed up somewhere, and 
the only being I know who knows where he is nothing but a damp spot on an 
elevator wall" She shudders "and by my own hand" she continues to shake. "It 
just cannot be" her voice trails off the rest of the words lost. 

"I think I should take you to Coruscant," Jhrogan says simply. 

Merina looks blankly at Jhrogan. "Coruscant? What's there?" 

"Tougher stuff than you or I are made out of, and safety for you. If they 
killed someone else who knew of what you speak of, then surely they might 
try and harm you. You should seek sanctuary with the Jedi Knights," Jhrogan 
explains. 

Merina pales, "I didn't mean to kill him, but he was killing Jak, and he 
wouldn't let go. So I picked up the gun and fired it. I didn't know what 
else to do" she says miserably, ambling, clearly in shock. "It was 
yesterday...I think." 

Merina, you must come with me to Coruscant. Can you do that?" Jhrogan asks, 
grasping both of her shoulders now and looking firmly into her eyes. 

Merina is not in a state to argue. She seems to stare straight through him. 
She mutely nods. And then, she snaps back. "Yes" she says. "I can" 

"Very well, then. Follow me," Jhrogan says, and the Twi'lek rests a hand on 
a small, otherwise unnoticeable lump in his robes. The creature takes off at 
a light gait towards the nearest speederbus. 

Merina follows Jhorgan 

Coronet Spaceport -- Coronet 
Situated in on the edge of town in a fairly flat part of Corellia's 
landscape, this broad open spaceport is abuzz with constant activity. Ships 
of all sizes and designs constantly land and take off from this spot, 
carrying its passenger and cargo to their appointed destinations. 
Surrounding the spaceport are thick blast walls to protect the farmland 
surrounding the port. Archways lead outward into the capital city of 
Coronet. 

Merina walks into the Coronet spaceport lead by Jhrogan. She seems unaware 
of her surroundings. She simply follows where the Twi'lek leads 

The Twi'lek seems very aware, if casual about it. He moves swiftly towards 
one of the public transport stands, and goes about buying passage to 
somewhere, without really letting Merina out of his sight. 

Merina allows herself to be led. She breathes shallowly. All her moves are 
slow and deliberate, automatic. 

After speaking for a time with the man behind the transparisteel booth, 
Jhrogan nods swiftly, and leads Merina towards one of the many public 
transports. 

Republic Interstellar Transport 
Entering into one of the many shuttles that service the Republic worlds, one 
may notice that there is several seats are set up in rows to either side of 
the shuttle with an isle that cuts directly down the middle. View-ports 
spaced here and there throughout the shuttle, gives passengers a dizzying 
view of the star lights passing by. While taking a seat one may notice a 
small transport panel set into the side arms of each chair. 

Spaceport Concourse 
High above the skyscrapers reaching up towards the sky, this spaceport is 
one of the busiest in the galaxy. Several platforms extend outward in all 
directions with people boarding and disembarking various vessels parked at 
the end of the spidery arms of the platforms. Each platform has runners of 
various colored lights leading people to and from various places. A few 
vendors here and there are scattered about selling hot caf, or teas to the 
passengers as they wait for their flights to arrive. Metal benches are set 
in some out of the way areas and are often times filled with the weary 
traveler as they wait patiently for the next leg of their trip. 

One of the hundreds of the Republic Transports that come and go from the 
City Planet of Coruscant every day lands with a great hissing whine of over 
taxed engines powering down upon a landing pad. As the gangplank descends, 
passengers bustle out, eager to be here, in the heart of the Galaxy, in the 
heart of the Republic. Mixed emotions can be seen on every face that passes 
through the doorway into the Capitol, but worry is all that is painted upon 
Jhrogan's face as he comes swiftly behind Merina, sharp eyes glancing here 
and there about the Space Port. 

Merina looks around the spaceport, but one is so much like the other 

Rruka is wandering about. 

Merina looks blankly at Jhrogan. "Where from here?" she says, her voice 
hoarse. It is the first she has spoken since boarding the shuttle on 
Corellia. 

Rruka is wearing his Jedi clothing though he was told he shouldn't. There is 
no light saber present. For those who know a little they might realize that 
this one is only an acolyte. 

STATCHECK: Jhrogan 
STAT: Perception Difficulty: Hard 
.........................SUCCESS!! 

Jhrogan's eyes rest upon Rruka after some searching, and the Twi'lek gives 
Merina's arm a little squeeze, moving swiftly through the hustle and bustle 
of the crowds towards the creature in Jedi Robes, "If I am not mistaken, I 
believe that is a Jedi." 

Rruka stops his forward progress with a squeak of indignation, it seems 
there is a Devaronian now stepping on his tail. He says in a VERY controlled 
voice, "Please.... sir.... my tail..." 

Merina looks at Jhrogan and nods. She hears what he has said, but says 
nothing 

Jhrohan moves swiftly through the crowd, ushering Merina along at his side. 
As he approaches Rruka, he waves a hand to the creature. Though his voice 
remains quiet and controlled, it bears a sense of urgency that cannot be 
hidden, "Sir, are you a Jedi Knight? I need your help." 

Rruka looks up at Jhrohan, "I'm only an acolyte but I can be of some aid if 
you need me." He finally gets his tail back. 

"This woman is in grave danger. Murderers are after her, and she has been in 
quite an ordeal. I think some of this would be better explained in a private 
area, but she needs protection, and I didn't know where else to turn. Local 
law enforcers in the fringe aren't exactly . . . on the straight and 
narrow," Jhrogan says swiftly and softly. 

Rruka smiles and bows slightly toward the lady, "I can take her to the 
praxeum...someone can help her there if she will allow me to escort her.” 
Merina keeps her hood drawn up over her face. She is quiet and subdued. She 
seems to hear enough of the conversation to nod her consent. 

"I will be on Corellia," Jhrogan says, speaking now to Merina, "Do not 
worry; I will not leave you. I am merely going to see what I can find out. 
The Jedi will keep you safe." 

A look of concern crosses her face. "But." she begins. "Nobody knows I am 
here" it seems to be of great concern to her, not relief as one might expect 

"Should someone be informed?" Jhrogan asks her. 

Merina nods. "Yes" she manages after some consideration. She shuts her eyes 
to concentrate "You should tell J.." she shakes her head. "Maybe better 
nobody knows,” she admits with great sadness. Her eyes glaze over, she has 
again drifted into that not quite with it frame of mind. "It's safer should 
nobody know" She nods, agreeing with herself. 

Jhrogan nods, then, and places a hand upon the woman's back, guiding her 
towards Rruka and turning his speech back towards the acolyte, "Be sure to 
keep her safe . . ." 

Merina, in a shock induced daze, allows this, and now stands by Rruka 

Rruka looks at Merina worriedly, "Are you okay miss? Is there anything I can 
help you with?" 
Rruka takes her hand gently to guide her over toward him a little. 
Merina shakes her head and looks at Rruka blankly. Still, she allows herself 
to be followed. 


FORCE POWER CHECK (Rruka) *Passive Power* 
Power: Mind Reading 
...................................Failure! 

Merina gets very uncomfortable and starts to back away. 

Rruka suddenly changes tactics. "Don't go...." His gold eyes try holding 
her. 

FORCE POWER CHECK (Rruka) *Passive Power* 
Power: Persuasion 
...................................Failure! 

Merina looks at Rruka again and backs away another step 

"Merina, please - just go with them. I must be off to begin to ask some 
questions. The Jedi will keep you safe," the Twi’lek, says, "I will be close 
by, and I will contact you again soon." 

Merina doesn't seem at all convinced, her hands tremble, and she does not 
speak. 

Tai Jinn enters from West Justice Way -- Republic City . 

Merina looks at Jhrogan "I don't have to tell them, do I?" she asks, her 
voice trembling. 

SKILLCHECK: Jhrogan 
Skill: Persuasion Difficulty: Medium 
.........................Failure! 
. 

Rruka frowns and mentally calls out loudly for help. "Please don’t leave I'm 
sorry.... I was trying to help!'; 

Jhrogan puts his hands on Merina's shoulders, looking at her kindly, the 
same gentle sort of face that comes so easily to the Twi'lek. 

"Merina, wait. You've come here with me. The Jedi will keep you safe, and 
they will protect you. I know for a fact that even the most powerful of 
dangers in this world are wary of the Jedi. I can think of no safer place to 
be. If you talk to them, they will do all that they can to help you, I am 
sure." 

Rruka has this miserable look on his face as he fails twice in his 
hesitation. They weren't kidding when they said doubt has a rather nasty 
effect on force powers. He looks at Jhrogan, "This is my fault sir.... I 
tried to find a way to calm her and ended up making this worse...I'm sorry." 

Merina nods, taking what little comfort she can, but she is obviously 
unsure. She is as tense as a wound spring. "I should go back,” she says with 
determination. "Yes. I need to go back." there is a pause. "Don’t you 
think?" 

A combination of rumor and his own perceptiveness has brought Tai down to 
the spaceport this evening, after sensing Rruka's attempts at something. His 
walk is quick, yet steady as he makes his way directly towards where Rruka 
is, already having locked onto the Trianni's familiar presence. He wears a 
smile upon his calm and easygoing face, putting on his most attractive and 
pleasing front before him, even emitting a bit of calming aura. Moving forth 
after weaving through the crowds, he goes to stand beside Rruka, his robes 
coming to a standstill as he ceases to move. 

"Don't make her do anything, just get her somewhere safe, and she will be 
much calmer, anyway," the Twi'lek says with a bit of annoyance. He sighs, 
and gives Merina's shoulder a squeeze, "Come now, this one's just young, I 
guess. He said he isn't a full Jedi yet, or something. He'll bring you to 
safety, though." 

Merina hardly waits for an answer. "I ought not have come,” she says in a 
hesitating voice. She lowers the hood of her robe, and from her expression 
it is clear she is still in the shock-induced haze evident earlier. She rubs 
her jaw, which bears evidence of fading bruises. She looks back at Rruka. 
"Go with him?" she asks. "Are you sure?" 

Cerin enters from Terminal Spires -- Republic City . 
Cerin has arrived. 

"I am," Jhrogan, says with surety, his eyes still focused on Merina 
intently, The Jedi will know what to do. You will be safe there, and they 
will want to find out what has happened as much as you do." 

FORCE POWER CHECK (Tai Jinn) *Neutral Power* 
Power: Seeing 
...................................SUCCESS!! 

Merina shakes her head. "But I shouldn't have even told you!" she cries out 
in panic, tensing, if it is possible even further. 

"But you did tell me, Merina," Jhrogan says, calmly, "You did tell me, and I 
brought you here so you would be safe. These Jedi will keep you safe. They 
can be trusted. They will help you, Merina." 

Stepping out from the terminal spires, Cerin glances about spaceport 
curiously, seeing who might be here at the moment. 

Tai stands there quietly alongside of Rruka with no expression on his face 
other than a smile. Looking at Merina, he just nods slightly as something 
far deeper goes on. The other force users in the area would feel a surge 
from young Tai, but to anyone else, he just continues to stand quietly. 

Tai Jinn senses that this woman is in deep shock from something that has 
happened within the past 24 hours. So she has moments of clarity and these 
moments of panic. She'll be calmed by gentle persuasion, and by someone 
basically leading her or guiding her in what she should do. She's quite 
malleable at the moment in that way.’ 

Merina breathes shallowly, and her gaze wanders around the spaceport, much 
like a trapped animal looking for an escape. Her eyes fall on the robed man 
standing near her who is smiling at her, and she stops looking any further. 

Tai takes a step forward towards Merina and offers a hand towards her, 
turned upwards in a welcoming gesture. He still has friendliness about him. 
"Hello... My name is Tai Jinn, I believe I've seen you on Corellia before... 
if you have a problem, I'd feel honored to be able to assist you." His voice 
is soft and gentle, more so than usual. Tai is breaking out all the nice 
tonight. 

Merina offers her own hand. She continues to stare at this man, trying to 
recall where she has seen him before. She believes she recalls, and some of 
the tension leaves her face. Then she tenses up again; surely she was in 
disguise at the time. It doesn't seem to matter though, and she relaxes 
again. "I'm" she begins uncertainly "I'm called Merina" she swallows. "I 
don't know if it is a problem really, but I don't think anyone can help" 
some lucidity is returning to her mind...at least for the time being. She 
still casts wary glances at Rruka. 

Rruka looks up at Tai, "I'm sorry.... I failed and made the situation 
worse." The acolyte's whiskers droop and he starts to back away. He turns to 
head back to the praxeum. 

Tai smiles, she does look different than before, but only to eyes that are 
used to seeing, but the eyes can be deceiving. "Well, why don't you share 
your story with me, and perhaps together we can find a solution." His voice 
continues to be easy going, comforting and soft. A demeanor that screams 
comfort, it's taking a bit of effort too, Tai's a battle master... not a 
guardian. This playing nice thing for him is a bit odd, he's used to 
slashing things. 

Rruka stops hesitantly. He looks at Merina to see if she would rather Rruka 
disappear or if it’s okay for him to stay. 

Merina looks around the crowded spaceport. She relaxes some, and the muscles 
in her face unclench. "I don't think so" she says, her voice still thick 
with trepidation. "Just about everyone I've told has been shot, or worse." 
she smiles awkwardly. "I cannot have it on my hands" she offers as an 
explanation. Still, she feels comforted, as some of the tension leaves her, 
she sways slightly, as if off balance. 

Tai reaches out with his hand hesitating for a moment before placing it upon 
the woman's shoulder to help steady her. He gives her a very warm smile. 
"It's ok, I've been shot before... Come... let's talk. Even if it's not 
about what troubles you, conversation is good for the spirit." Using his 
hand on her shoulder, Tai begins to steer the woman in the direction of the 
spires. 

Merina allows herself to be led. She nods in mute agreement. 

Glancing up towards Tai after a bit of time just thinking to himself, and 
then tilts his head curiously as he finds him and a woman walking towards 
him. Stepping more to the side of the entrance, Cerin smiles softly, 
inclining his head once to Tai, "Hey Tai." 

Terminal Spires 
The Spires is a somewhat classy club, but it caters to all the types that 
frequent spaceports. The elegant look the designer strove for has been 
subdued with a more rustic look. The long bar on the main floor is made of 
heavy wood and barstools with backrests line three sides of it. Dozens of 
tables are strewn across the main floor, except for the small stage area set 
up to the left of the bar. Two sets of stairs to either side of the main 
entrance lead up to the second level, which has windows that look out over 
the spaceport concourse on one side, and the city on the other. Another 
smaller bar is located upstairs with a smaller selection of drink mixes. 

Leading Merina in and guiding the woman, Tai takes them to a table in the 
back and pulls her chair out for the woman, being polite and all that. He 
continues to smile warmly and comforting. 

Cerin enters from Spaceport Concourse . 

Cerin 

Cerin is a tall human, with an athletic build to himself. His skin is a few 
shades darker than fair... showing that he has often been in the sun on one 
world or another. His hair is a deep, almost chocolate brown, and falls to 
just above his shoulders, kept free from any restriction as well. His eyes 
are a soft gray that shine brightly as they gaze over his surroundings. 
Cerin wears a dark green shirt under a deep brown vest. The sleeves of the 
shirt are short, covering his arms to his elbows. The vest itself is open at 
his chest, leaving the shirt exposed. On his hands, he wears a pair of 
simple half-finger gloves, which seem built into a pair of wrist-coverings 
as well. A pair of black pants run down his legs; loose enough to allow him 
to move easily. The bottoms of the pants are tucked into a pair of soft 
brown, nerf-leather boots. 

Merina follows Tai Jinn, and looks around the club. It is much fancier than 
most of the cantina-type places found near spaceports. She takes a seat, and 
although wary, she seems somewhat more relaxed now that she is out of the 
bustle of the spaceport. 

Stepping in a while after Tai and Merina, Cerin moves off towards the side 
of the club, taking a vacant table as his own. Looking up to a passing 
waitress, he orders a drink, glancing easily over the people here. 

Tai sits quietly for a moment before tilting his head a bit. "So... you are 
from Corellia?" the question may appear out of the blue, but it is all part 
of his task to uncover information in order to help the woman as best he 
can. 

Merina licks her lips. She considers her words carefully. "Yes." she states, 
her voice brittle. "Originally from Ascella which isn't far from Coronet. 
But I'd been away for" she pauses " a while." 

Quirking an eyebrow, Tai smiles at the woman again, smiling warmly and using 
that charm of his as best he can. "Feel like elaborating at all?" 

Merina pulls on her fingers methodically. "May I ask you something?" she 
asks, continuing without the curtsey of waiting for a reply. "Do you think 
it possible that a ship with a small crew could carry a cargo and a crew 
member not be aware of what that cargo was?" 

Tai ponders the question for a long while before replying quietly. "I 
believe so yes... not all of a crew would be aware of what's going on, 
especially if they were hired for just a lone mission." 

Merina swallows hard. "Even a very small crew. Let's say only two people. 
Would you really think it possible one could hide something from the other?" 
Glancing up slightly to gaze at Tai and Merina for a moment, Cerin only 
catches parts of the conversation, though what he hears brings a slight arch 
to one eyebrow. Sipping at his newly arrived drink, he remains quiet, 
turning his eyes to another part of the club. 

"If lies and manipulation were used, then yes... I continue to believe it's 
possible." Tai's reply is not hesitant, but straightforward. 

Merina exhales. She continues "and if these two were related, let's say 
brother and sister? Do you still think it possible? Would you believe one of 
the two would not know what was truly being carried?" 

Merina has relaxed some, but clearly tension starts to fill her once again 
as the conversation continues. She pulls harder on her fingers, still 
methodically, one finger at a time. First one hand and then the other. The 
small muscles in her face tense. 

Reaching out, Tai places his hand over hers in order to stop the finger 
pulling. "Tell me Merina, what happened." Enough beating around the bush, 
time for straight up honesty and answers now. 

Glancing back towards Tai Jinn again, Cerin hmms thoughtfully, taking a 
longer sip from his glass, even as he looks up towards a band that begins to 
play on the stage. The music is a low, even tone, not really soothing, but 
it has a good beat. 

Merina startles at the contact. She looks at him, and her eyes glaze over 
slightly. She shuts them and opens them again. She tilts her head slightly. 
When she speaks, her voice is a low, her attempt to maintain an even tone. 
She asks him simply "Why do you suppose someone might be ferrying dead 
bodies, carefully preserved, but not labeling them as such. Why do you think 
that would that be?" 

Any normal man would blink in shock, disgust... something. Show any sort of 
reaction to the revelation, but Tai merely shakes his head and shrugs his 
shoulders. "I do not know... do you?" 

Merina shakes her head indicating a negative reply. "I do not,” she says. 
"But I feel I should. No sane person will believe I could not have known" 
she stops abruptly, having said more than she intended. 

"Where was the cargo taken too?" It might shed light on the situation. 

Merina shakes her head. "If there was more than one run, I know not, but I 
would not doubt there were more. The run I know of was destroyed after a 
crash on a desert dustbowl of a planet, along with the ship that carried 
it.” she answers numbly. Clearly there is more, though she appears loathe 
to say any more. 

Staying quiet now, and keeping his eyes away from the table... at least 
physically, Cerin sets his mostly empty glass down, keeping a calm face as 
he tries to pick up a bit more of what is being said. 

Tai doesn't pry, but he does raise a questioning eyebrow, expecting Merina 
to share the rest. 

Merina asks simply "how could I not know?" 

"Because, you did not have suspicion, and you're assuming something was 
wrong with it, there might not have been anything out of the ordinary." 

Merina licks her lips. She tries to pull her hands free. And suddenly words 
pour out in a tumble "All I wanted to do was find my brother after he'd 
abandoned me after the crash. Then I find out there's trouble but this isn't 
what I was looking for. And now I've asked for help and beings are getting 
killed and," her expression turns to one of horror. "and I've done some of 
that killing!" She pales suddenly in shock and is unable to continue. She 
tries harder to free her hands. 

Cerin grips his glass tightly for a moment, even as he still looks out to 
the band. The raw emotions that come from Merina force him to close his eyes 
for a bit, even as he opens them again, and releases his grip on the 
container somewhat. Sighing heavily, the human leans back in his chair, 
keeping to his own table still. 

Joshua enters from Spaceport Concourse . 

Merina bites her lip, sure now that she has said too much. She doesn't 
bother to explain any further, though explain she should. She stands up 
suddenly, and makes for the door in a blind panic. 

Joshua 
A powerfully built man whose eyes and smile belie the younger-looking 
physique. Averaging these two factors, a guess that he is somewhere in his 
mid to late twenties is close to accurate. His light brown hair is cut short 
on top, but the back still hangs down to just above the collar. The hazel 
eyes sparkle, but a careful observer might notice a sadness in them at the 
oddest moments. The edge of the cornea tint brown or green, depending upon 
his outlook. He's rather average in height; no more than 5 foot ten inches 
tall. Joshua is wearing a black, long-sleeved collar-less shirt that seems 
to stretch to fit him. Over the shirt, he usually is wearing a waist-length, 
tan jacket made of nerf-hide. The leather has been softened and darkened by 
age and wear. The jacket is rugged enough to withstand harsh elements, yet 
light enough not to be cumbersome. His black pants are in good condition, 
perhaps even recently purchased. They are tucked into a pair of black 
leather boots, made of the same soft nerf-hide his jacket is. 

Merina walks right into a man walking in, and the impact sends her reeling. 
She picks herself up quickly, and murmurs some sort of an apology. 

Standing up quickly as he sees Merina running out, Cerin winces noticeably 
at the impact, and moves to stand next to them both, "You two okay?" 

Merina nods, though clearly she isn't quite OK. "I'm fine. I need to leave 
now" 

Merina waits impatiently for the other man to step out of the way. "I need 
to leave,” she implores, her voiced edged with urgency. 

Joshua seems a bit shocked at the unexpected impact, but doesn't seem shaken 
up or anything. He nods to Cerin, and then offers a smile to Merina. "Oh, 
sorry." and he moves to one side to allow her to pass through the exit. 

Cerin glances between them again, and nods, seeming relieved as he looks 
towards Merina, "Are you alright? Please... stay here for a bit, running out 
won't do any good." 

Merina is in a blind panic. There are too many people, and for her it is 
overwhelming. These words from a stranger offer no comfort, just fuel her 
paranoia. She looks at him wide eyed, and says nothing. 

Joshua leaves Cerin to whatever conversation he is or was having with Merina 
and makes his way towards the bar. "Barkeep!" he says loudly to get the 
man's attention, "Whiskey... Whyren's if you have it." Obviously, the 
bartender isn't too affronted by the way the spacer shouts for service ... 
maybe because of his taste in whiskey. As Joshua finds a place to pull up to 
the bar, he finds the drink there for him, but the bartender's hand over the 
glass. "Ten credits, spacer..." Joshua seems completely shocked at the price 
gouging, but obviously he is used to paying for the 'good stuff'. Dropping 
the credits onto the bar, he nods to the drink. "Then I think you better top 
that glass off." 

Merina bolts out the door, not sure of where she is heading. 

End Log