Another day/night cycle, another fabulous time at the Shame Corner. While everything was as clean, stocked (or restocked, in the vehicle area’s case), and welcoming as ever, there was a bit of ongoing construction that had a portion of the station taped off. Butting from beside the Golden Griddle on the southern end, new duracrete had been poured and the sounds of construction were muffled within, trying to both work and also not overly disturb the shopping experience. Also as a result, the Griddle was partially closed off, with more limited seating while a connecting wall was knocked out.
But other than the signage advertising an arcade was soon to come, all seemed normal, and the Corner welcomed any returning or weary travelers to a spot of home.
After agreeing to and both signing the 42 page partnership and labour contract, Kalen and Treel agreed to begin operations as soon as possible.
Less then a week after buying back his used Sheathipede Kalen was en route to meet his new ‘employees’ and the newly refitted shuttle. He had even had some not so subtly advertising signage installed on the exterior of the shuttle.
The large rear stabilizer of the Sheathipede was almost entirely covered with a large neon sign that read ‘Laundry’ written vertically from top to bottom.
“This is Textile Cleaning Vessel #27, requesting docking clearance. I have spoken.” Treel said into the comes as he approached rhe Shame Corner.
It would be the first stop on their carefully planned route. He had meticulously cross referenced freighters, transports, haulers and pleasure craft types that didn’t have onboard laundry services, and then plotted the most heavily traveled routes used by those type of craft. Treel then planned a series of stops to maximize their profits by hitting each service station at the most busy hyperspace junctions, at their busiest times.
Jonn Dohe, a quartermaster on one of the freighters parked nearby stopped and watched the Sheathipede come to rest about 20 metres away. He noticed some odd lettering in basic on the tall rear ventral fin, and seemingly out of nowhere the lettering illuminated in bright orange colouring.
“Lay undry, lawn dry…hmm” he mumbled trying to comprehensive the word as he watched the side door and ramp deploy. Several Ugnaughts began scurrying down the ramp, obviously busy at work doing something.
Then a portly Ugnaught with larger then average tusks who was wearing the cutest little Barons cape Jonn had ever seen appeared. He muttered orders to the other Ugnaughts who began hooking up power and water tie-ins with the station. Eventually a few of the Ugnaught joined the caped one in setting up a gizmo that looked like a conveyor belt on the side of the ramp.
Before he got back to work loading cargo Jonn noted several random people walk up to the Ugnaught shuttle and deposit bags or satchels stuffed with….something at the ramp. The people then recieved a token from the caped Ugnaught and just simply walked off.
Curious he thought. He made a point to wander over and chat them up before his ship set off later that night.
The *Flamehawk *landed in one of the open hangar bays at the Shame Corner. This time, however, Brelon wasn’t alone.
“I still don’t know why I let you talk me into trips like this. It better not turn out to be another Nar Shaddaa.”
“Relax, Tivran, this place is nothing like Nar Shaddaa. For one, its clean. Secondly, you like fudge, so does Master Ras, and this place has the best select you’ll ever find. I want to pick up some stuff for her, and I thought maybe you would like some too.”
The young Nagai nodded, visibly relaxing as he looked around once they were out of the ship. “It definitely doesn’t smell like Nar Shaddaa. Alright, thank you for thinking of me. I’ll try to relax. But if there’s a bar here, please don’t go in.”
“Can’t do that, Tiv, I have to pick up some of her favorite rum, and that means going to the cantina, but I promise, I’ll behave myself, and it will be the last stop, okay?”
“Alright, I should have known you’d never miss a cantina, whatever your excuse. Let’s go, Brelon.”
Eventually noticing the crowd attracted, a very large Herglic woman in cover-alls and grease splatters lumbered over, squinting her small eyes, inspecting. She exhaled heavily through her nostrils before approaching further, spying no immediate and obvious criminal activity but not about to put it past anybody; working a service station, you saw everything.
“What’s this, then?” the dockmaster asked, a low, sonorous bass tone.
As the pair entered, they would find the typical spectacle that was the best rest stop in the Galaxy…save for some signs that apologized for the inconveniences of construction and happily advertised that an arcade would be coming soon.
Directly ahead of them was the infamous Fudge Central, while to either side and behind sprawled the store, the diner on one end, the bar on the other. But there, gently taking a tiny parcel of fudge, was a familiar riot of color; at least to Brelon.
Rue softly spoke witht he employee behind the counter as he tucked the fudge in his bag and tucked a piece of hair behind his swooping ear, smiling and bowing. He wore a familiar gauzy white sundress, and was barefoot as always, flowers ever-present.
“We are the crew of Textile Cleaning Vessel #27. And we are beginning operations here, now, I have spoken.” The 4 foot talk Ugnaught said with a dismissive wave as he turned and watched his crew accepting drop offs and beginning to fire up the sonic laundry machines they had onboard.
Brelon spotted the familiar sight of a walking explosion of color that was a friend of his. He grabbed Tivran’s hand and tugged him along. “Come on, I want to introduce you to a special friend of mine.”
Tivran huffed at being dragged along, but picked up his pace to keep up with Brelon. “Alright, Alright, you don’t have to pull me, you know.”
Brelon finally let go of Tivran as they neared the colorful being. “Rue! So good to see you again my friend.” Then he motioned to Tivran. “I want you to meet a friend of mine. This is Tivran. Tiv, this is Rue.”
Tivran offered a friendly smile. “A pleasure to meet you, Rue.”
Salni parked her starfighter “Sarcova” in one of the open hangar bays and took a moment to catch her breath and disembark. She was thankful that there were rest stops like this as they made flying a little more bearable.
Today’s bit was transporting a few goods ordered by CNS to Aetheoran. She had been flying for awhile and needed to refuel. The Shani figured while she was refueling, a small stop wouldn’t hurt. Carefully, she opened the exit door and stepped down the ramp stairs to the Kiosk nearby.
Taking her identification chip, she slotted it in and chose the ‘rest and refuel’ option. In the sub options, it allowed her to chose if she wanted anything additional. Smiling, she also chose the ‘wash and top off option.’
This option would make sure her ship was completely refueled and looking less grungy. “Can’t be looking like a hot mess coming in.” She chuckled. “Plus gives me some time to enjoy myself.”
After she finished her selection, she then put her credit chip in the slot and paid for it before leaving the hangar and stepping into the main hub.
With what seemed barely any effort, the dock master reached out and grabbed onto the alien that was near half her height and a third at best of her mass, turning him back around and setting him down facing her.
“I haven’t spoken,” she emphasized. “I haven’t seen you before. Where’s your permit?”
The two men would watch first recognition then joy bloom and spread across the hybrid’s features.
“Brelon!”
And then those features would be a blur as Rue all but tackled Brelon, wrapping his arms over the shorter, stronger man’s shoulders and hitching both legs around his waist heedless of how his skirt rode up, tail looping twice around them, a full-on cling. He pressed their faces together, rubbing cheeks and purring loudly.
“MmrrrI mmmissred yeeeeew,” Rue chattered, though he had the manners beaten in enough to add, “Hrruuo, Tirrrrvaan.”
Brelon happily wrapped his arms around Rue as the hybrid clung to him, and he gave a happy murr in response to the purring from Rue. He grinned as he rubbed his cheek against Rue’s. “I missed you too, Rue.”
Tivran smiled, taking in the unusual sight. “Hello Rue. Any friend of Brelon’s is a friend of mine.”
Though some of Brelon’s friends certainly were… eye-catching. It was hard not to smile at the display, clearly Rue was a person of intense emotions and that was fine. Tivran, however, was more reserved in general. Brelon always teased him about needing to open up more.
To be caught up by Rue’s tail and pulled closer, he chuckled and reached out, staring to gently touch the colorful fluff, but then he drew his hand back unsure if it was proper or not.
Brelon was content to just hug Rue close, nuzzling him back, he didn’t care one bit what sort of scene they were making. “So good to see you again, have you been well?”
The arrogant old Rebel Ugnaught resumed his ‘hands on hips, chin held held high’ stance. He stood almost defiantlt with his ever so cute,half length blue cape with a dull pink inner liner lightly waving as the edge were draped over his tiny little elbows.
“We will begin operations presently, and we would luke to extend a 20% off discount to all staff and employees of this station.” He pulled a half sized datalink from pocket that was partially obscured by his cape, tapped at it a few times and brandished the file with all of his operating permits and licenses. Most were signed by the local government who had jurisdiction over several systems that surrounded this part of the Hydian Way, and the United Guild of Ugnaught Labourers(a well known galactic federation of unionized Ugnaughts).
“I, Treel, have not had time to file the proper authorizations for a water intake and discharge hookup here on your fine facility. I would be willing to negotiate a fair fee for this service. If this service cannot be authorized, we will refrain from using any of your Hydro faucets or drains. I have spoken” As before he made to make a dismissive gesture with his hand, but instead, this time, he rotated his palm so it was facing him instead of the Dockmaster and simply lowered it, ending with his palm facing the ceiling, arm and fingers pointing at the Dockmaster. It was a gesture that indicated an openness to discuss further in the Ugnaught culture.
“I will hear you now.” Treel added as the big woman hovered over him with a half annoyed and half bemused look on her face.
Thrima all but strode through the automatic doors, pausing for just a moment to let her eyes adjust to the brightness. The docking areas were kinda dim in comparison, considering. Thirma wondered if that was by design, if perhaps the deluge of light and scent was intended to make people stay longer, buy more. Well, those who weren’t subsidized by the envoys, anyway.
Thrima clucked her tongue as she stepped forward, hand grabbing a paper-wrapped cone of candied nuts, the spice smell flooding her nostrils and making her mouth water. Carefully unwrapping one side to keep the scancode intact, she popped one of the treats into her mouth and chomped down on it, the sugars and spics erupting across her tongue. There was definitely a reason that they kept those up front, the warming cases helping to amplify the scent and spread it further.
It was a short stop. They didn’t really need any fuel, but what little it would take to top off the reserves wouldn’t take long. Even the water tanks wouldn’t take long. Long enough for a quick snack, maybe a quick conversation. After the last drop-off out in the Tingel Arm, there wasn’t a new job yet, so She had figured it wouldn’t be bad to try and find a new one toward the Brotherhood space. Worse came to worse, she could reach out to her contacts in Vizsla and see if they needed any additional muscle. Or blasters. Either way, it would give her crew something to do.
A'perta huffed again, not having any particular patience for the Ugnaughts but this being far from her first encounter. The permits he showed for the Guild looked legitimate, but she’d have to scan the datalink and confirm it in their systems.
“You’re going to need to pay for water and hookup, yeah, but first we need you to register with us. And ask first, generally.” She suspected that bit of advice would be ignored, but it irked her when guests showed her bosses no manners. “Come with me. I’ll take you to the bossladies. And have them wait to do any hookups.”
She jabbed a large finger at his people.
Rue seemed to catch the motion of Tivran started to reach out the corner of his eye where he peeked out from Brelon’s hair and throat. He pulled back, slowly disentangling from the rather intimate embrace, moreso to hold a proper conversation with two people than anything else.
Still, he kept hold of Brelon’s shirt and leaned against him while speaking.
“This one has been…well, yes,” the hybrid replied, smiling. He offered Tivran a curtsey and bow. “Sir Tivran, it is a blessing of Her Lady Night to meet you at last as well. Brelon has spoken of you often. You are both well, I hope?” Saffron eyes searched their faces.
Brelon grinned brightly at Rue, then looked over at Tivran, chuckling at his reactions. “Yes, I’ve been well, Rue, thank you. It’s just so good to see you again.” He gently kept one arm around the hybrid since Rue had yet to let go of him completely, and he didn’t mind one bit. He enjoyed the closeness with Rue.
Tivran caught his breath from the rather emotional greeting once the tail loosened from around him. He took a step back, regaining his composure. “I’ve been well, thank you, Rue. Again, it is such a pleasure to finally meet you. Brelon has spoken of you quite fondly.”
Brelon reached out and pulled Tivran back over against his other side. “Can’t complain, this day is wonderful, spending it with my two best friends.”
Salni began to walk about the place a bit, sort of lost. She began to search for an information booth nearby so she could collect a map of the place and its many amenities. Scanning the hub, she caught sight of perhaps someone that could help. A pleasant rather nice looking lady. She then moved forward.
Treel walked over to his group of fellow Ugnaughts and whispered something incomprehensible to them before returning. “Please, lead me to these boss ladies you referenced. We will pay required fee for the hookups and our request for them was filed at the same time as our landing request. I will reference the fact that you were unaware of that fact to your boss ladies…very inefficient internal comms you have. I have spoken.”
It was about as pleasant as any interaction with any Ugnaught anywhere. He was not signifying disrespect for the dockmaster, only stating facts in his mind.
Rue gave a questioning mrp. “Brelon and Tivran are the best of friends, then?” he queried, happy in the huddle.
A'perta felt one eyelid twitch. But this was the job. She rotated slowly about-face and lumbered towards the terminal exit, where they’d be carried to the main station hub and the Corner itself.
Upon arrival, the pair stepped into the wide and tall doors, built for anyone even the whale’s height and comically sized compared to Treel. A'perta approached an average sized checkout counter and grunted to the worker there.
“Zi,” she greeted the deep violet female(?) insectoid with Zise on their name tag. “Is Miss Avalon on still?”
“She just went off to help a customer,” Zise clicked back. “What’s up?” They leaned over the counter to look down. “Hello.”
“Work permit.”
“Oh, try Miss Ira then.”
The massive Herglic shifted in discomfort.
“We can just wait for Avalon.”
A sympathetic twitch of antennae agreed with that sentiment.
And speaking of Avalon, the Echani woman had approached the lost-looking customer and smiled a tiny, polite smile at her that barely creased her ageless silver features.
“Hello, there, can I help you find anything?”
Brelon nodded, still hugging Rue and Tivran. “Yeah, I think we are at least, sometimes he probably questions it, usually when we run into trouble. But I always get us out of it. Right, Tiv?”
Tivran sighed and nodded, “Yes, we’re best friends, most of the time. He’s good at finding trouble, but also good at getting out of it again.” When Rue’s tail fluff waved in front of him again he was once more tempted to reach out and touch it but didn’t want to offend if it wasn’t allowed or wanted. But it looked so soft and fluffy.
Brelon turned to Rue, “But you and I are also best friends, right?”
Salni smiled politely. “Oh thank you, I was half afraid that i’d be spending days here. Just had dropped in, currently, refueling and getting my ship taken care of. I figured I could take a pit stop. I’m looking for a place where I can grab a nice hot shower, perhaps a little makeover as well. Think you can point me in the right direction for that?”
The portly little Ugnaught stood defiantly with his arms crossed. He pulled out his commlink and whispered into it “begin operations, use our onboard tanks to collect wastewater while I finish here”.
He slowly exhaled, waiting for this Miss Avalon to arrive. Before they had left around 30 loads of stinking laundry had already been dropped off at their shuttle. If they could wash those alone, it would nearly hit their daily profit target. And their business partner would be arriving within the next few hours. It would be nice to be able to report a successful first day before it was even half over.
Reiden set down the crate he had been carrying onto a hover cart and wiped his brow with the back of his hand. He looked at the progress he had made with unloading and moving a shipment of things for the bar and nodded to himself. The long cart was nearly full. He had moved things from a small shuttle that had ferried the goods and onto the floor, then from there onto the cart once he had found it. He knew the bar always had a wide assortment of things, and would even sometimes allow people to place orders for shipment of things, but he never imagine quite this variety.
He could have easily made quick work of everything with the Force, but sometimes it was good to work with his hands. He had wanted to restock the bar himself, but Ira was still protective of that area, though she would grudgingly let him into the store room in back. So he did what he could, figuring that handling the shipment at the loading dock was the least he could do.
He heard a soft flutter of leathery wings before feeling small talons on his shoulder. He smiled as he turned to see Olive, one of the tailrings that called the station home and the one he was most familiar with. He reached up and lightly rubbed the scales on his neck with a finger.
“Hey, bud. I was wondering when I’d see you. Don’t worry, I’m just about finished here. I’ll make sure you get something to eat once I’m done.”
Rue gave a mrr. “This one is still uncertain on the strictures surrounding having a singular best friend or multiple as it seems to vary in application of the rules across individuals, but…this one would be honored for such a title.” He smiled and brushing their cheeks again.
Noting Tivran’s preoccupation, and quite familiar with the look after decades upon decades of entertaining his litluns with his tail, Rue also offered gently, “Sir Tivran may touch if he wishes. This one only begs that Sir does not pull hard on the limb itself as it is part of this one’s spine.”
“A makeover, hmm? Well, we don’t have a full spa or anything like that, I’m afraid, though it’s not a bad thought…” Avalon trailed off, looking briefly thoughtful before she waved a welcoming arm. “But a shower we can supply. And a few beauty products. Follow me, it’s this way. Had a long trip, I take it?”
“And what about me? Do I get anything to eat when you’re done?” purred a sly, sultry voice from closeby, the bartender and Olive’s mama smiling at Reiden as she openly eyed him up and down while he worked. She’d been watching the whole while when customers hadn’t needed her attention.
Brelon grinned happily, brushing his cheek against Rue’s again, then he glanced over to his friend and nodded. “Its every bit as soft as it looks.”
Tivran blushed at having been caught staring at the tail, but receiving permission, he gently reached out. “Oh no, I would never pull your tail, I… I just couldn’t help noticing how soft it looked. It’s a beautiful tail.” His fingers ever so gently brushed through the fluff at the end of Rue’s tail, then he withdrew his hand and smiled. “Thank you.” Then to Brelon, he nodded, “It really is, even softer I think.”
She took a hand, brushing her feather’s back and sighed contently. “Yeah could say that, been a couple days hauling some freight into Sadow Terrritory. Security will be an absolute nightmare to go through, so I just wanted to catch a break before heading there.
A nice shower would do wonders for freshening up, eh, don’t need too much just probably some dark purple eyeshadow and lipstick.” She grinned. “Might afterwards then grab a quick bite before heading on my way. I figured while the port cleans and refuels my ship. Salni by the way.” She replied as they began to walk about. Looking out, she could see a couple vending machines if she was in a huge hurry, but there was plenty of time to enjoy a meal. She also spotted a food court area where she could grab something hot as well. Some of the savory meat smells wafted up and her stomach gurgled a bit at the thought. She then blushed softly, really hoping her stomach wasn’t extremely loud.
It had been a long day of flying and she was ready to rest up a bit.
With the all important dock work permit in hand Treel made his way back to the ship. A short line had formed with about a half dozen ships crew or other people lining up with satchels of their reeking garments. Business was good, very good. And those waiting customers would earn him far more then the paltry 27 credits he just spent on the 1 day work pass.
To avoid this issue in the future one of the dockmasters had suggested he file the application and pay for the permit online through his datalink. Treel being a bit old fashioned decided to raise the issue with his partner whose new Lancer class freighter hebcould see landing off in the distance.
“Working?” Treel said to his number 2 as he was walking up the ramp.
“Well” his employees replied. The intonation of the 2 words actually represented an entire conversations work of communication between the 2. If nothing else, Ugnaughts qere always efficient.