Session export: The Shame Corner: 023

Jelc leaned back in his chair; this had all been so surreal of late. Becoming family to Rue, meeting Koda, and now.. Well, meeting up at the Shame Corner. He placed his right hand over his face after parking the ship in the docking bay and rubbed his temples. He could feel some pressure rising as the anxiety within him rose upwards.

“It’s okay Jelc; meeting family will be fine; Rue will be there, and you will be accepted. You are just stressing over nothing.” He closed his eyes a moment and could hear dark thoughts of rejection ringing out. Again, he dismissed them while he unbuckled and stepped out of the cockpit and down the small corridor of his ship to the mirror. He took a moment to check himself out.

“Horns are nice; hair is in place properly, and outfit is on point.” He was sporting a beige tank top, a short-sleeved black leather jacket, and pants. He then grabbed his black rocker-style boots and put them on, tying the laces up tightly. Looking up, Jelc saw his “Beach Nights” cologne and dabbed a little onto his neck and wrists. It was the same cologne he wore for his wife all that time ago. The salty oceanic scent, with citrus and light amber notes, flooded his senses and calmed his anxious heart.

He smiled into the mirror, his sharp teeth showing as his violet eyes seemed to sparkle.

“Let’s meet my new family.” He then walked to the door, opened it, and went down the ramp to the cleaning kiosk. After entering the full clean power wash and polish for his ship, he paid for the service, tucked his credit chip away safely, and went into the main hub.

“I still do not know why we are stopping. We should be heading back home,” Thea said, her tone already defeated. She knew there wasn’t any arguing with her twin but she always did nonetheless.

Angelica and Ellisyn followed Thea down the ramp of their ship, Divinity, the former already piping up with a response. “That’s because we haven’t actually taken a moment to talk about any of what’s happened and I thought neutral ground would be the best space to do so. It’s not like she’s going to try and run. She’s my daughter, not a stray dog. Besides, we need fuel.”

“Might as well be,” Thea grumbled under her breath. This whole thing had her frustrated. Ellisyn was supposed to be the best of them. She didn’t kill, she fought for justice, she did all she could to help people. But then she went and decided she’d play dead and run away to go beat people up instead of taking care of her family or any of her responsibilities.

“I can hear you, you know,” Ellisyn said, her sensitive ears picking up her aunt’s comment. She didn’t get a response and simply sighed, understanding of everyone’s frustration. The matriarchs of the clan hadn’t been kind in their apprehension nor had they held back how they felt. Her mother had started smoking again, Thea almost stopped eating. She never thought her disappearance would have such an effect. Yet here they were, after weeks of arguments and being chased around, together again.

The trio entered the Shame Corner, the sight slightly comedic. Ellisyn was towering over the twins, standing over a foot and a half taller than them both.

Drax sat at the bar, drinking some caf, trying to get someone to play sabbac with her, rigged of course in her favor, she had managed to shuffle the deck in just the right way to ensure she got all the good cards her way, “buy in is 50 credits”

A completely metallic, not chrome metallic, Dynamic-class freighter landed on the station. The ancient ship looked almost new. While its weapons systems looked like an older model there was no rust or stain to be found on the ship.

Behind it in sharp contrast landed an imperial gozanti that most certainly has seen better days. Missing most of its armor plating, one of its engines and having two of its fighter docks locked in the down position it didn’t land so much as hover using its, surprisingly, working repulsers.

The thing was a piece of junk but Arnid Vus who came out of the Dynamic-class freighter which is called The Argentum Baet, or just The Baet, was determined to fix it. Making his way into the station he went to ask, really any employee, if they had the part he’s been looking for, a Meris-Sonas 669/5002 power conduit-converter hybrid. It was only ever used in three models of ship, all correllian, and put out of production half way through the run of the newest of the ships, which is now old, the VCX-100. The newer version the Sorosub 669/4090 converter can’t be used on the older models because of stress on the system. Arnid got inside finds an someone to ask and asked, “Is there any way you have a Meris-Sonas six-hundred-sixty-nine slash five-thousand-two power conduit-converter hybrid?”

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“I would like that thank you,” Arnid said doubting any ships that old have been scrapped on the relatively new station

Drax smirked softly, “gladly” she tossed her credits on the table and gestured to the Lasat to do the same, “I’m Drax by the way” she twisted her lekku through her fingers, pretending to be nervous

Upon hearing Rue calling out worriedly to the others who had arrived about the same time, Jelc immediately went over to them just as Rue practically threw himself at the tallest one. He looked in surprise at the sweet purple man, just so happy yet a bit worried at seeing his family arriving. He raised an eyebrow, but smiled warmly at them and gave a slight bow.

“Well this is certainly, uh, quite the reunion. You must be Rue’s family. Glad to see you made it here, well…” He tilted his head to the side a moment, looking at Elly’s bloody lip. “In mostly one piece. I am Jelc Rovint.”

Treels nephew, who had been left running the laundry and ship cleaning business, was walking past the service yard desk just as Vus asked about the part.

Knowing that the Century Hawks ran the same system and that they would likely have spares if the service yard didn’t, he lingered about for a moment.

As he saw the man walk away from the desk without the part, he waved at Vus and asked, “You’re looking for a Meris-Sonas 669? I might know someone who has a few.”

In the background he could see the near mint condition, refitted and up armed and armoured YT-1300 land in the background. The owners, a wookie named Karracca, and an eccentric emancipated R3 astromech droid named Reece had recently spent a huge amount of credits of a full suite of upgrades and modifications. And Kreel knew that the two had shocked up on spare parts knowing that many were out of production and hard to come by.

Pulling the ship into a refueling bay was proving easier said than done. A pilot droid, a setient molar with their hands IN the pilot droid and far too many sparks could be seen through the front viewport to any onlookers. A shudder, slight wobble and the craft landed with a painful crunch.

“I’ll have to ask them about it thank you,” Arnid said turning to go towards the YT-1300.

“Nice to meet you Hosta” Drax grinned nervously, trying her damn best to sell the bluff, “not my first time playing, but I’ve only ever done a few practice rounds”

“Always looking for a quick buck somehow, there’s a reason I hunt, plus you know, the thrill of the game” Drax smirked softly, before letting a small laugh through while throwing cards down

“bounties of course” Drax sighed slightly looking at the card, trying not to let the surprise show on her face, “Nice hand you got there”

Helphelphelhelphelp in Skakoverbal muttered quietly out from the entry to the ship and followed a very stressed Skakoan as it ran out from the hull and around the ship several times. It stopped and clutched its head while dribbling out tortured digital garbage verbally.

Drax placed a card down with a smirk, a high value card, “I’ve got this, no idea if it’s any good or not” she shrugged slightly

“You are welcome. The owners are a bit, eccentric. I hope, for your sake, you speak either Shryiiwook or Binary. I have spoken. ” The dimunitive 30-something Ugnaught carried on pushing his extremely large hover cart full of laundry bags out into the landing bay.

Since instituting their new ‘drop off’ laundry service, where he or one of the other staff would drop the cleaned laundry off right at folks vessels, the staff had noticed a sharp increase in the gratuities and return business at the TKC Laundry shop.

Eel'elzabet'thi had come alone to the Shame Corner, having hoped to get away from the drudgery of duty for a moment. Wearing sleek black and carrying an ornate sword at her belt, the Chiss still maintained a look of high status despite her attempt to blend in. The Arconan CADRES advisor wandered the shelves, occasionally plucking a package to read its contents before shaking her head and returning the item. None of the sweets seemed to tempt her. Perhaps something spicy?

Or perhaps a drink? Her ruby gaze drifted to the bar and she meandered that way, slowing for a moment as her curiosity caught hold of the card game. She herself had never played. She sat down near the two players at the bar, watching with interest while she waited to order her usual fruity cocktail.

Arnid being capable of speaking binary went off towards the YT-1300 to talk to the R3 unit there. Once getting there assuming it like most astromechs understands basic asked, “Do you happen to have a spare Meris-Sonos 669/5002?”

“I might. That depends. Who’s asking?” The droid replied. No reference to a ‘master’, ‘sir’ or deference towards the humanoid at all as he rolled around the undercarriage of the ship, apparently performing some sort of inspection.

“Arnid Vus. Are you an independent droid, also what should I call you?”

“Names Reece. Free droid, independent, emancipated, whatever you wanna call me, just don’t call me late for an oil bath.” He beeped and booped cheerily.

The droid rolled back over towards Arnid, stopped and gave the guy a once over with optical sensor.

“I got a slightly used spare and a rebuilt one. What type of ship you want to install it on?”

“Reece? Oh there you are.” Karracca roared in Shryiiwook as he appeared at the top of the Hawks ramp. The massive 7 foot tall 450+ pound old silverback Wookie stamped down the ramp towards them.

“Shut up I’m doing business here big guy.” The R3 shrilled and honked.

“Sorry buddy.” The wookie groaned meekly.

“Apologies for my Co-Captain.” Reece swiveled his dome back to face Vus.

“I would be more than happy to invite a new friend, the more the marrier I always say,” she smirked softly glancing at the Chiss, seemed an easy mark

The trio’s eyes went wide as Rue suddenly appeared, throwing himself at them. Thea was the most surprised of all, wondering where the kriff Cryo was if Rue was here, suddenly hanging from Ellisyn’s neck. And then, as a cherry on top of the chaos, Jelc was here to introduce himself finally. Rue had told the twins about his impromptu adoption of the man, and they had decided it would be best for Ellisyn to handle the whole situation when she got back. But they did not mean this moment now.

Ellisyn on the other hand was all smiles as she wrapped her arms around Rue, attempting her best to not crush the beanpole. “I missed you, too, Rue,” she mumbled into his hair. “I’m sorry…”

Then, the tallest woman looked over the man’s head to the newest individual and raised a brow.

This left Angel to react, with a large sigh and a grumble. “This can’t be happening right now…” She mumbled to herself, astounded at how complicated things had gotten so quickly. Time for diplomacy.

“Jelc! Hello, Rue had told us plenty about you,” she said, only partially lying. Most of what she knew came from Thea’s own spy craft and digging. “It’s good to finally meet you. What uhm… What are you doing here?”

Steady footfalls carried Dr. Bril Teg Erinos down the cargo ramp of Erinos’ Oath, his personal X-70b Phantom. Although he normally preferred to where his beskar'gam wherever he went, seeing as the Shame Corner was considered neutral territory, he’d opted to forgo wearing it in favor of wearing a navy blue kaftan with threads of silver accenting the ends of its long sleeves and high collar. The long, asymmetrical tails of the tunic swayed with every step he took.

Following closely behind him were Morra, his Ilohan apprentice and academic mentee, and Rhizas'pii, his Nautolan foundling. The two young women walked on opposite sides of him, careful not to veer too close to one another lest they had to acknowledge each other’s presence. Even in the Force, he could feel the irritation smoldering between them. His efforts to get them to bond had made some progress, at first, only to fail spectacularly during a recent training session that took a sharp turn toward the vitriolic.

Minnie was much better smoothing over the tensions between them than he was, but she had a full day of Erinos council duties ahead of her. The recent return of some of the clan’s oldest members, most notably the very founder in Sashar, had understandably perturbed the state of affairs of Arcona’s resident Mandalorian clan. That left Bril with the responsibility to lead the “family day” excursion.

Despite his protests, the Zabrak insisted that one half of his master pair accompany them. He glanced over his shoulder at the Mirialan who trailed behind them. Ruka hadn’t left his home in days, and the man’s sullen posture was only accentuated by the melancholic cloud surrounding him in the Force. He needed this more than any of them.

“Alright, everyone,” he began, turning to address the group with clasped hands and a beaming smile. “Our first mission is to fill our stomachs with unquestionably unhealthy but delicious food at the Golden Griddle. And I know what all of you like, so don’t try to tell me that nothing on the menu sounds good when we get there.”

Morra folded her arms across her chest and gave Bril a disapproving look that reminded him of her mother. “I should be studying,” she said. It wasn’t an overt dismissal of his suggestion, but it wasn’t a concession, either.

“Normally I would never say this, but studying can wait,” he countered. “You’re already ahead on all of your courses, anyway. You can afford to take time off.”

With that, Bril turned around and continued forward. When they reached the check-in station, he greeted the human man dressed in Envoy attire with a smile while gesturing toward the Envoy broach pinned to the front of his kaftan.

“Golden Envoy Erinos, welcome,” the man said while gesturing with a head tilt toward the station’s entrance.

“Good to see you, Landon. Hope the kids are doing well,” he said before stepping around the desk and continuing toward the entrance. To the others, he said, “Security’s been upgraded a bit after the unfortunate glitter incident the last time I was here. It’s for the best.”

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“Nysillin and Bubbles? Or whatever is the special today,” Elizabet replied to the Thisspiasian as she glanced at the menu. She was accustomed to others ordering for her, though she knew at least one drink by title.

She then realized that the others nearby had noticed her, and were suggesting she join their game. The Chiss smiled shyly. “You’d have to teach me,” she admitted. “The only card game I know at all is Solitaire.”

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Arnid pointed up at the very junky Gozanti freighter hovering over the shipyard, “That thing’s fighter docks take them. I’ve been rebuilding a crashed imperial Gozanti I found out in an asteroid. See the two fighter docks in the front that are extended? They are both missing the part. What price would you be looking to sell them at?”

“I’m more than happy to teach you,” Drax grinned, seems she was right about the Chiss being an easy mark, “it’s a fun enough game, buy in is 50 credits friend”

The Skakoan reacted by dropping to their knees and beating the side of the ship with their fist. [Skako:This was a rental! And I have not been paid in months!]

“Plenty about me, eh?” He chuckled, smiling a bit. “Did he now? Makes me curious as to how much he has told you of me? From what I was told you three are the Matriarchs of the family. Unfortunately that is about all I know of you. Besides, I can tell you are all very protective of your family and rightly so.” His smile faltered slightly at the word family as a brief sadness shown in his eyes. “Seems you all have been through a lot. I am very glad that you all have survived so far.”

“Fifty credits? I can do that.” The Chiss’s tone implied the amount was a trifle to her. A good mark, indeed. She shifted her seat closer and added her credits to the pile.

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The trio looked between each other. Elly was simply and thoroughly confused, Thea knew it wasn’t her job to care, and Angel’s frustration was growing. “None of us are matriarchs,” Angel said, maybe a little too sternly than she should have. She didn’t like how old it made her feel. “I am Angelica, I’m our clan’s leader. This is Thea,” she motioned to her twin. “She is my second on command. And this is my daughter that is finally back from her vacation. Isn’t that right, Elly?”

“Yeah… Vacation,” the largest woman grumbled, still holding Rue

Jelc looked at Rue a moment,feeling like he totally blew it, before returning his apologetic violet gaze to Angel.

“Ah, my apologies for that. Clan leader, second in command and daughter. I shall try to remember that. Perhaps, I should go and let you all catch up with Rue. I can go sit down at the restaurant.”

Again, creeping anxiety began to fill his thoughts and again the questions began to fill his mind.

”Who am I kidding, I am not family, they think I am just a stranger that shouldn’t even be here. Why should I be here? After all, my family died. Why would anyone want me?

The soft rattle and clink of hard-soled boots cut through the din of the Shame Corner like a vibroknife through butter. Likely far from the tallest patron to grace the walls of Station 0H40-S0, the Kyuzo-Falleen hybrid’s lofty stature nonetheless drew the eyes of several passersby. Some stared while others quickly averted their gaze, earning a sly grin from the man as he traversed the station’s polished floors at a leisurely pace.

Taro’s amble brought him to the Seven Sins bar, where he took his place a few seats down from the sharply dressed Chiss. He didn’t sit. Instead, he tapped one of his slender fingers against the smooth countertop to catch the attention of the Thispiassian working behind the bar after they handed the woman to his right her drink.

“What can I get you?” they asked.

Looking down at them with a pair of compound eyes that caught the light and glimmered like uncut citrine, he pondered the question for a moment. “Y'all serve Dragostae here?” he asked in accented Basic, a notable twang present in his speech.

“From Kasiya Estates? Of course.”

“Let’s start with that.”

“Coming right up.”

With that taken care of, he turned around pressed his lower back against the countertop so he could observe the other patrons. Two of them were playing cards … maybe he’d get in on that, later. A recent successful job left him with credits to blow, and most importantly, it let him feeling lucky.

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Dia made her way from out of her transport with graceful steps that almost made it seem like she was gliding across the floor. A fluid wave was made to the transport driver in means of thanks, and she slipped a credit chip into his hands.

“Thank you, friend. May the universe shine upon you.” Her voice was as soft and light as smoke, deep and soothing.

She began her movement into the space station without waiting for a response, her pitch black eyes scanning as she all but floated into the shame corner. Dia had avoided Brotherhood spaces for some time. Most of the leadership of the organization had been massive, phallic shaped objects, and she had learned early on in their inception that it was better to leave them alone. Her race, after all, had been marked for destruction along with many others some time ago.

Thankfully, the Brotherhood had became more progressive as of late. So finally, the Diathim historian had reared her head to collect knowledge from this corner of the galaxy as well. She had been told one of the places she absolutely had to visit was here, the Shame Corner.

Dia stood at the storefront, eyes locked with a florescent sign in bright, eye-bleed causing colors, transfixed.

This was a strange place, indeed.

Morra knew Bril was right. She couldn’t help there was an infinite wealth of knowledge within the galaxy. Ever since she read her first book, her thirst for knowledge and studying was insatiable. Suddenly aware of her posture, she lowered her arms to relax at her side and straightened her back.

There was no use running the risk of permanently looking like her mother for the rest of eternity.

Speak of— she needed to send the grumpy woman a comm message. She adored her mother at times and other times, she found her to be way overprotective and unbelievably stubborn. Despite all of that, she had no doubt her mother loved her. Deeply.

Most of the time they were like best friends, joking and laughing, something her mother seldomly did publicly. She learned pretty quick, that was mostly protective mask. Beneath the stony exterior was a woman who loved to sing, play instruments, carve. Morra felt lucky that they found each other again.

Hey mom, safe at Shame Corner. A moment later…

Okay, Pain. I love you.

Pain. A lovely nickname bestowed upon her by her mother. She didn’t really understand it and wasn’t yet brave enough to ask. Her best guess was something to with the strange psychological intersection of love and pain. Those closer to the ones they love tend to have the most power to wound. She hadn’t wounded her mom. Or so she thought. Both of them had learned to be transparent about how they were feeling throughout these last few years. Morra knew her mom was terrified of losing her… so maybe that’s where it came from.

Maybe one day she would ask.

For now, she was supposed to get something to eat. Enjoy the presence of others.

Rhizas’phii was nearby. To her, it always felt like walking on eggshells. So, she minimized contact.

Glancing over her shoulder, she saw Ruka. Her elder master. She dropped from the leading party to join his side. For a while, he seemed more crestfallen than usual. She felt the weight he carried and wished she could take it off of his shoulders.

“Ruka, I think if you leave your face like that it’s going to stay stuck,” she started with a warm smile, lightly bumping her shoulder into his arm.

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A quick stop for fuel. Nothing crazy. Vaneza hadn’t planned to even step out, except a walk to the cabinets reminded her that her crew hadn’t stocked enough food at the last stop. They stood a fair chance of rectifying that mistake twice over at this station, but she didn’t bother interrupting their gambling session behind her. Disgruntled and hungrier than she cared to admit, Vaneza opted to deal with the issue herself this time.

She didn’t bother asking anyone to come with - a little space from those knuckleheads even sounded nice - but she wasn’t going out defenseless. Even for a middle-of-somewhere stop, that incident last month stood as a solid reminder that she could never pack too heavy. Armored vest secured, vambraces locked, pistol freshly loaded and holstered, Vaneza stepped out of the airlock.

The tunnels were straight-forward enough. What she didn’t expect to find was a whole-ass bar. Vaneza’s brow quirked, mildly impressed for such a dinky little station. A couple creeps even had cards flitting between them. Maybe she’d picked the right stop after all.

She ran a hand through her unrestrained hair as she stood back and looked for the best place to sit.

The Skakoan butted their head against the hull one last time then turned to the assembled crowd. Static fuzz crackled out as it twiddled a knob on its collar for a second, each twist producing increasingly annoying warbles before landing on incredibly modulated Basic.

“No no, no help needed. Just fuel. Landing was not hard enough to damage important parts…”

They twisted to look back.

“Only landing apparatus non-functional and landing surface scored. Will pay damages once funds procured, Ohm promise. Just need fuel and maybe hire pilot to return home. Can do fuel on own.”

They scuttled towards what they assumed the refuelling apparatus resided.

As soon as the voice called, Vaneza’s eyes twitched that way. The reaction was entirely just staying alert, but apparently the lasat at the sabaac table was actually gesturing to her. Vaneza turned her head to make sure there wasn’t some other stranger, then slowly approached.

Her arms folded as her tilting head looked over the cards in play so far. “You playing for keeps, or just playing?”

“For keeps of course,” Drax threw her head back and laughed, “is there any other way to gamble? Buy in is 50 credits”

Even Elly was able to feel the anger radiating off her mother. She exchanged a glance with her aunt and before either of them could intervene, Angel started her tirade.

“I know it isn’t his fault, Rue,” Angel started, taking a step forward. “And it isn’t your fault either. What is your fault is showing up unannounced. You didn’t give any of us any time to prepare to meet Jelc. Elly doesn’t even know who Jelc is yet.” Thea tried to cut in, grabbing Angel’s wrist but she simply tore it away and continued. “You want to know what happened so bad? You want to talk? Fine. We thought she DIED, Rue. We had no idea where she was, we couldn’t sense her anymore, all we knew is that a kriffing building fell on her and so many other people and not a SINGLE BODY was recovered.”

Elly finally had enough, tired of just sitting there as her mother tore into her best friend. “Mom, stop, he’s-”

“YOU SHUT UP. YOU DID THIS,” she snapped again, her own tears falling as everything finally cascaded out of her. And then it dawned on her. Angel looked at the faces of everyone around her and regret immediately filled her, and without warning, she disappeared in a flash of red energy.

This was one of those rare occasions when carrying extra credits actually came in handy. One hand went to her pockets - yeah, she had 50. Ironic that she’d just gotten away from this on her ship, but hey, at least strangers could make it more interesting from time to time.

“Alright.” She pulled over a chair and gestured for the two of them to make space for her. The credits hit the table as she pulled over a chair. “Deal me in.”

Jelc grimaced a little from pain at the tail wrapped tightly, looking down at the man who just defended him, now saddened and expecting to be hurt because he felt that he said something wrong. And then Angel, who was just hurting because she almost lost her daughter and was scared for her life.

Fear manifests in many different ways, and people react differently to situations. They were family and right now the biggest things that as a family they needed…Love and understanding.

Despite the pain, Jelc bent down and put his scarlet-muscled arms around Rue, hugging him softly. “No one’s gonna hit or hurt you Rue. I understand Angel and what you were doing to help. She was scared that she almost lost Elly and is still processing what happened and trying to work through things at her own pace. She then got hit with a sudden event she wasn’t prepared to handle or be ready for, so she reacted. She is right; it’s no one’s fault. I think she just needs a little time to process, work through some of the emotions, and receive support and understanding from her family. She really does love you all, and I am honored to meet you all, even through tough times. I know my entering was quite a surprise, but I will say that Rue truly is one of the sweetest family members I’ve gotten to know. And for Angel and the rest, I think if I spend a little more time with you all, get to know each one, things will get better.“

Dia stared at the sign for a few moments longer, her mouth slightly agape, as if she didn’t hear the Zabrak. Unblinking. Unmoving.

Then as if she was physically tearing herself away, she slowly turned her head towards the staff member.

“Hm?”

She blinked once, then twice, as if dazed, then gasped.

“Oh! Yes! I’m fine. I’m sorry. I’m not around signs like these much and I get a bit distracted. I can hear the buzzing….” She trailed off, seeming incredibly tempted to look at the light again, only to grab her face with both hands and force herself not to, taking a healthy step away.

“Your concern is sweet. I’ll be okay.” She hesitated for a moment, as if distracted by the nonexistent buzzing. “…. Eventually.”

Drax plopped a hand in front of her, “I’m Drax by the way, nice to meet ya”

Vaneza’s expression slanted, neither frown nor smile. After a moment’s hesitation, she gripped the hand with her own. “Vaneza.”

“You want both? That would leave me without a spare. That’ll cost you a bit in that case. I could do 5000 on the used one and 6000 for the rebuilt one.” Reece beep booped.

“What are you selling now Reece?” Karracca growled.

“Shut up!” The astromech snapped at the wookie a sharp shrill trilling sound.

“Are you planning on using it anytime soon? You do realize the part is useless on a YT-1300 without a YT dart to dock. How about ninety-five hundred for both?”

Ohm finally made it to the refueling apparatus and hefted the nozzle…or rather, tried to but turned a slightly more vibrant green. They let out a drone like a corrupted holorecord as the nozzle moved less than a centimeter.

Reece turned his dome to look at where the Dart used to be docked and then swiveled it back towards Karracca, “Hey, where’d our Dart go?”

“Smelting accident, remember.” Karracca grumbled in his native tongue.

Reece twisted back around to face Vus, “You drive a hard bargain, but 9500 works for me. You got yourself a deal.”

“Thank you,” He opens his backpack and pulls out the required credits. “Now that would be the price for a copy of your personality drive? Designing droid programs is a pastime of mine and seeing as you are independent you would be a perfect start as I try to design the perfect AI system.”

“You wanna pay me, for a copy of my AI? I don’t know if you could afford that. I’m one of a kind. Follow me, you can come grab your 669s.” Reece booped as he rolled himself up the ramp.

“I’m sure, I’m sure,” Arnid said as he followed the droid, “What if I told you that you could name your price? I work for the Shadow Academy in addition to being a scrapper and my current project is designing a tactical intelligence AI for training military recruits. Independent AI systems such as yourself often have the capacity to consider unusual strategies some even that have never before been seen. The academy will only give me the research grant for this if I can go into it with fifteen independent droids signed on to support it by selling a copy of their personality and code. I don’t need anything but your signature today when I get the grant you will get paid what you believe is appropriated for your code.”

R5-S7 or Lazy as he was more commonly called rolled up to the table of gamblers. In binary he chirped, “[How much to buy in?]” the droid had three manipulator arms out the space behind the door of one of them was filled with a stack of credits.

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Reece popped open the spare parts cabinet in the curved corridor of the YT-1300.

“There they are. Go ahead and take ‘em. As for the Shadow Academy and your grant, apologies but just because I hang out with a few members of your organization, doesn’t mean it impresses me. You can put my name down for your little list. But fair warning, I haven’t had a memory wipe in over a quarter century, so if you want a copy you better have a few terra-quads of memory available and atleast a million credits.”

The cocky droid flipped the cabinet shut with one of his armatures after Vus has retrieved the components, turned, and wheeled himself back down the corridor towards the ramp.

“It was a pleasure doing business with you.” Reece booped.

“Yes thank you. It was a pleasure for me as well. I will probably see you around.” Arnid went back towards his own ship

“buy in is 50 credits my droid friend,” Drax grinned, the gamble was getting interesting, “I can deal you in for the next round if you want, after all, the more the marrier in my books, everyone cool with the droid joining us? What’s your name by the way?”

“[R5-S7]” the droid answered. Then he dropped a fifty credit chit on the table and waited for the next round.

“Glitter incident? What happ– nevermind, as long as that sparkle contagion’s been contained. Swear I see pink specks in the bathroom still from Ishi knocking over Min’s makeup stuff,” Rhizas'pii uttered, her nose scrunching in distaste at the recent memory. It was underlined with the lingering echo of worry and anger that the Zabrak could sense, tied not to the deaf lolth cat’s accident but her buirs’ foray into a war zone with no warning before their boots had already planted in the staging zone. The relief when she saw them both in one piece aside their serious wounds already half treated by the time they reunited.

Relief that not everyone got to share in experiencing.

The Nautolan teen drew a glance over her shoulder at the lumbering shadow behind them that Morra was coaxing along, and blew out a prolonged exhale. Her tendrils tingled. A persistent buzz crawling faintly up them and down the back of her neck, and settling into her furrowing temple anytime she drew too close or focused too much on the Mirialan. Getting off Selen and away from her humidity helped, gathering the crimped orange and white striped appendages with that scarf Foxen’s bird fellow gave her did too. A little.

Good enough not to snap at the guy.

Losing someone sucked.

“Gonna go piss,” Rhizas'pii thumbed over her shoulder at the restroom sign in the back, already moving in that direction. “I’ll meet back at the table.”

And she wandered off, the top of her blue scarf bobbing in sight just above the aisle shelves.

<@315438760428961793> <@244244163002892288>

Elizabet’s focus had wandered as the others set up the cards. She noted the patrons that arrived to the Seven Sins bar with curiosity, giving the rather tall Falleen-hybrid a more thorough once-over before moving on to the next. Though she seemed a bit shy in the midst of so many strangers, she maintained a bright smile. It faltered somewhat when she heard a rather pained outburst from another patron, but she was soon distracted from that as the group moved to a table to secure more room for everyone.

“I have no issue with droids,” she said, giving R5-S7 an encouraging smile. “Everyone’s welcome. I have a feeling I will likely lose a few rounds, regardless.” She shrugged.

<@244244163002892288> <@432630433956757526> <@152256842473406464> <@1056685516441006091> <@856914888017838150>

Something in Bril’s stomach twisted at the mention of pink. Suddenly, his mind’s eye was flooded with images of the mess he’d come home to in the refresher, the way the normally pristine sink and floor were stained pink. And Ishi. The poor lolth kitten had been covered in the stuff, and it took several baths to get the last bits of sparkling pink dye out of her fur.

Never again.

Shaking his head to ward off the traumatic memory, he regarded Rhi with a concerned expression as she split away from the group, but he didn’t say anything in protest. He knew her well enough now to know when she was starting to feel overwhelmed by her senses. Ruka, bless him, was carrying a lot of emotional weight right now, and his foundling was still learning how to manage her senses. When he was her age, he often had to remove himself just to quiet things down, too.

He gestured for Ruka and Morra to follow before making his way to an empty table in the back of the Griddle, pulling out their chairs all at once with the Force before taking a seat.

<@244244163002892288> <@315438760428961793>

Taro

The Kyuzo-Falleen gave the bartender a quick nod and a “thanks” while swiping his glass of Dragostae from the table. Then, he made his way to the sabacc table where the others had gathered, pulling up a chair – a chair that was uncomfortably small for someone of his exceptional stature. He tried to ignore the fact that he likely looked silly sitting in it.

Reaching into his belt pouch to fish out a few loose credits, he tossed them on the table to deal himself in. He took a quick look at his cards before turning their faces toward his lap, careful not to react in any way that might tip the other players off to what he was holding.

He looked over to the Chiss who was sitting to his left, making note of her comment. “Last time I heard someone talkin’ like that, they cleared the table,” he said.

<@244244163002892288> <@432630433956757526> <@152256842473406464> <@227960499948486666> <@856914888017838150>

Thea took a long, deep breath, pinching the bridge of her nose as she did. Neither her nor Elly had seen something like this out of Angelica since the tallest of the three was just a kid and Koda had up and left. Even then she was told that was the lightest outburst Thea had seen out of her sister.

Ellisyn’s heart was hollow, her own tears welling up as she approached Rue. Thea made no attempt to stop her, Angelica having made it plenty clear the damage she had caused. She knew Elly’s guilt would keep her here.

Elly kneeled down in front of Rue alongside Jelc. Despite having no idea who Jelc was or what he was doing there, she appreciated his attempts to soothe her dear brother. “I missed you,” the woman said to the hybrid. <@1385116824814878940>

“[I can understand you]” he grumbled in binary. “[I would prefer a data card full of unsolvable equations. It gives a similar effect to your alcohol.]”

Drax threw her head back and laughed “Damn, the sass on this droid, R5 you’re a bloody riot, next round on me!”

<@1056685516441006091> <@856914888017838150> <@152256842473406464> <@244244163002892288>

Jelc could feel so many emotions running through folks, the tension, and feelings of hurt. He broke from the hug and gently patted Rue’s shoulder, giving the hybrid a soft smile.

“Hey, don’t go being so hard on yourself, Rue. We are family and in this together. Sometimes we make mistakes, sometimes we accidentally say things that hurt each other, but deep down, we still care and love our family. We will be able to work things out; you don’t need to punish yourself over and over for mistakes. You all have come so far together and probably have done some pretty amazing things. I think honestly, having a good meal, resting a bit, and some talk will do us all good. I know myself, not eating after a while, I can be pretty grumpy too.”
<@301514304845381632> , <@244244163002892288>

The Chiss sighed and shook her head as she laid down her cards. Though she did not know much of the game, her lack of a matching pair was enough to signal her loss. “Didn’t clear the table that round,” she said with a chuckle as she looked towards the Falleen-hybrid. “One more game couldn’t hurt though, right?”

Though Elizabet had yet to finish her first drink, she wouldn’t have wanted to be rude and turn down another. Her assistant might have warned her against it, but he wasn’t here. “Shots of what?” she asked, more curious about the liquor of choice than picky.

<@244244163002892288> <@432630433956757526> <@856914888017838150> <@1056685516441006091> <@152256842473406464>

Drax grinned and took a big swing of whatever was in those cups and doubled over coughing “Ah fuck, that’s strong,” she laid down her hand with a small wince

<@1056685516441006091> <@856914888017838150> <@152256842473406464> <@244244163002892288>

“Jelc has a point, Rue,” she reached up and stroked through his hair a couple times. “You couldn’t have known everything, and that’s okay. I’m here now,” she assured. “Let’s go get you your cocoa and say thank you to Ray, yeah?”

But before they could leave, Thea walked over and crouched beside everyone. She didn’t seem upset, but that’s because she never did. But inside she was fuming. Not at Rue, but a certain someone else. Someone who could have prevented all of this.

“Rue,” Thea said, her voice eeriely soothing. “Where is Cryo?” <@1385116824814878940>

“Cryo?” Jelc, having stood up again, glanced at Thea inquisitively before looking back at Rue. “Oh yeah, last I saw her she was on the ship. ” <@244244163002892288>

Elly had met Cryo in passing a couple of times but even when she was young, the woman was never around. Always so skittish around her mother. “Cryo?” She asked, confused as to what she was doing there or why she was around.

Thea’s expression was kind and reserved as she listened, hiding the gallons of rage filling her. She nodded as she listened, coming off as caring and patient. Elly was terrified.

“So she is here? That’s great!” She said, faux excitement shining. “What has she been working really hard on?” <@1385116824814878940>

Elly seemed wildly confused. How did Cryo manage anything of the sort? If Thea felt anything similar, she didn’t let it show. The twin reached out and scratched Rue’s head. “Good boy,” she said to Rue, next looking to Jelc. “What ship did you use to get here?” <@1385116824814878940>

Morra carefully exhaled after the shell shocked man came to.

Ruka was there but not there.

Although she could glimpse and feel the gravity of the frequency around him, she still didn’t know what it would be like to be him.

Morra slowly took in a new breath, fearing even the air around her might be disturbed by it.

“Oh, it was nothing, Ruka.” Her smile was soft, lips curling but not quite meeting her ocean blues. “It’s good to see you as always.”

After Bril gestured for them to go, she reached for his hand, taking it gently into her own. Touch was something she had to relearn was safe and Ruka was one of those safe places for her.

She led him to where their party would be residing, hand loosely in the mirialan’s so he could change his mind at any point. <@1056685516441006091> <@244244163002892288>

He chuckled, showing off his sharp teeth as he gave a genuine smile and started to walk towards the restaurant. “Well just came here on my light freighter. She is a bit worn, beat up with a few scratches, but she gets me where I need to go. And yeah Rue, Nuggies sound amazing right now, might even see if they have some lemonade to drink, cause you know it just sounds right.” <@244244163002892288> <@301514304845381632>

Elly stood up, holding Rue with one arm. Whatever was going on between Thea and Cryo, she wanted Rue as far away as possible from it. Though Elly was completely oblivious to the connection they had made and the status of it. An ordeal for another time.

With one last look at her aunt, Elly turned to Jelc. “Wait up,” she said, making her way towards the golden griddle. Behind her, Thea followed, now silent like usual as she plotted. <@244244163002892288>

Cryo, who was sitting idly on the ship, tossing a knife into the air and catching it to pass the time, was startled by the sudden intrusion. Her thoughts wandered for a moment to long, away from the knife falling and cutting across her palm to the ground. “Kriff…” She mumbled to herself, shaking her hand.

That doesn’t surprise me. You don’t need to stall, Rue. Consequences always come. Cryo pushed her thoughts along the foreign link, having no idea if she was doing it correctly.

Meanwhile, in the golden griddle, Elly was sitting herself and Rue down, keeping Rue on the side of Jelc and herself beside Thea. “Yes,” Elly said to Ray. “My mother is currently cooling off outside, but she’ll be back shortly. I hope. But in the meantime caf would be perfect for her and I,” she said, having gained her coffee addiction from her mother.

Thea, on the other hand, simply glared back at Ray when their gazes met. She didn’t have time for judgment. “Tea.” Her tone was plain, lacking the sympathy from earlier.

Since vanishing to the outdoors, Angel had been going through an emotional rollercoaster. She had cried, screamed, and cried again, shooing off anyone who had come to try and talk to her. It took everything in her to not do worse to herself, for the sake of her daughter, for the sake of her sister. She had to be good, she had to be perfect. And currently, she wasn’t. And they couldn’t see her like this.

By the time Ruka arrived, though, the woman had a flame in her hand and thoughts racing faster than ever. The sudden utterance of her last name pulled her back into the moment. Quickly, shamefully, she extinguished her flame and turned to look up at the man who had appeared.

“Oh kriff, hi Ruka, I didn’t see you come over,” she said, sounding guilty, sounding panicked.

Dia seemed to loose whatever war she was having with herself and drifted off inside of the station, coming to rest in front of another sign over a set of caf machines. Her eyes stared unblinking at the light for a few more, worry inducing moments before she was able to drag her gaze from the sign to the caf machine below it. She tilted her head, silken hair brushing soundlessly against her dress.

What the kark was a mocha? How had she not come across this “mocha” concoction before? There was chocolate on the label… was it a chocolate drink? Chocolate coffee? That didn’t sound too bad…

Her eyes flicked back up to the neon sign for another moment. Buzzzzzzz.

Noodle Arms the Skakoan finally came to the conclusion that understanding the refuelling system did not allow them perform the physical task. [Maybe I should find someone to do this and Ill go find a pilot…I am due back as soon as possible meaning I am already late]

They trudged despondently towards what appeared to be the epicenter of the station.

Ohm tilted his head as his vocoder dribbled Basic, “I need my ship refuelled and to locate a pilot. Pilot droid non-functional.”

Ohm just looked at the Echani like she had sprouted leaves from her shoulders, then to their hands and back up. They spotted something behind and mutely walked past.

As Atticus stepped into the common area of the Shame Corner, he took a breath. He hadn’t been out much on his own, lately. Vance had been assuring he was never lonely, but he had to admit a part of him missed the traveling that his previous life had entailed.

To be frank, while he loved his boyfriend dearly- oh by the Force he loved the man- there were some things that the mercenary by trade did not seem to get. Sure, he was friends with the Twi'lek Matriarch. Both of them had been spectacular, all things considered, but there were things that neither of them could meet the need of.

Atticus needed to further his education. He knew that the Sadowan Twi'lek could obviously teach him of the dark side, but he was not prepared to abandon his path. There were a lot of things that one could get on the station. He felt sure that, if anywhere, he could perhaps seek some resources here. If nothing else perhaps he would be lucky enough to find someone who could help him continue on his path. Vance kept telling him that he didn’t need to abandon the Jedi way, kept telling him that despite his failure he was not a failure himself.

He started the walk the promenade. His eyes darted left and right, but he was somewhat overwhelmed by the shear choice of places to look. Lots of products and lots of merchandise were sprawled out. Lots of options were at his fingertips, so to speak. He started to draw into himself. Yeah, Vance had been hurt. Perhaps this was a mistake. Perhaps he should have waited until Vance was better.

Jelc thought a moment as he sort of did a little butt wiggle, sliding into the booth next to Rue, trying to make sure he didn’t accidentally bump anyone. He looked at the menu for drinks for a moment. “Uh, got any interesting flavored iced teas?”

“Hey, you don’t need to apologize,” Angel said, her voice genuinely caring and worried as opposed to her twin. “Just startled me is all.”

Angel was going to answer her question but didn’t have time before the man turned and threw up. “I think that question is better asked for you,” she said, walking forward and putting a hand on his back. “Want me to hold your hair or do you think that’s all of it?” She offered, worry in her voice.

I’m not saying I deserve consequences or punishment, I’m just saying that all actions have consequences and I’ve been running from this for a while. Cryo clenched her hand, the wound clearing almost immediately. Thanks, Cyar'ika

Bril regarded Ruka wordlessly as he wandered off. He’d said he felt something, though he suspected he meant someone. There were a few present whose flames in the Living Force burned with a familiar warmth to him, but none that made it on Bril’s list of people they both knew who could pull him away so easily … especially while in the throes of grief. Curious. Whoever it was, he hoped their interaction would result in something positive gained for his mirialan master.

Only when he caught Morra staring at him with a concerned expression did he realize he’d been frowning, He quickly flashed a smile before directing his attention to the little holoprojector pucks placed before them by a passing server. A single press of the button caused it to project the menu in full color.

“Let’s see … Ruka would like the Fire-Roasted Vegetable Skewers, the Grilled River Fish for Rhi, and then I’m thinking we all try the Hyperspace Shake. For myself, I’m thinking the Double Bantha Deluxe. What about you?”

His eyes briefly drifted over to the other table, where he noticed both Rue, Elly, and two others he didn’t recognize preparing to sit. “Good to see you two,” he said with a polite nod and smile.

<@244244163002892288> <@315438760428961793> <@301514304845381632> <@1385116824814878940>

“[I am am R5 unit. I am not capable of lying due to production cost cutting. I am not counting cards.]” Lazy twittered in binary after hearing some of the grumbling. Knowing full well both that he was in fact counting the cards and that his master, Arnid Vus’, modifications allow him to lie. He was also not actually getting any sort of intoxicated while others at the table were. He was not lying about the way to get a droid the equivalent of drunk but he also was not downloading the data cards.

The first two shots of liquor burned like fire as they went down, but Eel'elzabet'thi kept finding herself taking another shot as it was refilled between hands. The third went to her head, giving her a nice buzz. Though she was less likely to win a hand with each drink, she was enjoying simply playing. She rested her chin on her hand as she looked over her cards. “Hmm, nothing.” She splayed the cards out on the table. “Well, it was fun playing, but I think that’s about the last of my credits I’ll allow myself to burn today.”

<@432630433956757526> <@1056685516441006091> <@856914888017838150> <@152256842473406464> <@244244163002892288>

“[Because the rancor was injured enough that a human needed to medically treat it. Assuredly it would be part of some exotic animal museum or crime lord’s den.]”

“[Desire was assumed within my answer.]”

Water splashed down into the sink and dripped off of an orange, tan colored face. Rhizas'pii pulled her pale hands away after rubbing her spotted temples, and stared into the mirror of the fresher. Her skin was damp from her arms, exposed to the shoulder by her sleeveless tunic, up to her head with droplets dripping off her tendrils. For a moment, there was relief. A heavy sigh. Then, a layer of regret, the dampness bringing with it new senses from here, there, everywhere.

Kriffing ugh.

Five minutes sitting under the hand radiator later helped.

Since then, the Nautolan teen had wandered through some of the aisles, perusing the wares and staring at some winged lady staring at a caf sign. At some point she passed by some sweets and lingered on a particular box of chocolate with a picture of peppers on it. She took it, payed for it with credits she got from extra work with Mrs. Betfoni, and made her way to the Diner.

Ruka wasn’t karking there.

“Hey,” was all Rhiza said, the heavy thud-slap of the chocolate and its packaging more an announcement than anything. “Where’d Ruka go?” She paused and looked up towards the table down the way, where some walking rainbow was talking to Bril. “And who are they?”

<@1056685516441006091> <@315438760428961793> <@301514304845381632> <@1385116824814878940>

“I’m out, too,” Taro said while grumbling something in Kyuzo, his tone more than a little unamused. Watching her down the shots faster than he’d seen people twice her size was certainly a sight.

“You sure can handle your liquor. What’s your name?”

“Hey, your loss is our gain,” Vaneza said indifferently, waving the lady off.

On that note though, she hadn’t exactly been winning every round. The push and pull of credits sliding around the table had left her grasp before she’d decided to cut and take her winnings. If she could just get one more good hand, she could walk away a little wealthier. And if she lost again, well, that was all her pocket change, and she wasn’t dipping into crew reserves.

“Deal me in for one more,” she decided.

<@244244163002892288> <@1056685516441006091> <@432630433956757526> <@856914888017838150>

The Chiss laughed. “We’ll see how I feel later. The burn on the first made the rest feel like water in comparison. Should probably slow down….” Her gaze drifted back towards the bar, though she hesitated to order another cocktail. She had arrived on a shuttle, though. One more couldn’t hurt, surely.

She focused her attention on the Falleen-hybrid, again noting just how tall he was in comparison to her. Even seated, she neared his shoulder in height. The blush across her cheeks deepened with a purple hue, though she could partly blame that on the alcohol. “My name’s Elizabet,” she said. “And yours?”

“I will take a nice fruity tea please.” He replied as he looked over to see another person had arrived and was chatting to Rue. Definitely one big family Then he heard a “Hey who are they?” coming from the far end. As his violet eyes glanced out, he could see it was a young Nautolean. Giving a dashing wide smile with his pointed teeth showing, he raised his left crimson red hand up and waved politely.

“Hello and uh,welcome to the Kendis family reunion, I am Jelc Rovint. Sort of new member of the family here.”

“Oh kark…” Elly muttered, hoping Rue didn’t hear her mumbled curse. It was just her luck that she’d run into Bril here as well. She hoped that Minnie wasn’t here to see her family in more of a mess than it had been in quite some time. “Hey Bril,” Elly said a bit louder this time. She was hopeful the conversation would end there and she could live out this embarrassment in peace. The last thing she wanted to do was rehash her disappearance with Minnie’s boyfriend.

But that dream of silence was not one she would get to live as Rue and Jelc began chatting across the tables. Elly looked to her aunt for any sort of reaction, catching just the barest smirk as she waived over at the other group. <@244244163002892288> <@1385116824814878940>

All in a game’s work. Vaneza reached across the table for her earnings, grinning smugly as she collected. The others at least seemed occupied enough with each other that none were likely to start a fuss.

“So… are any of you regular enough to tell me what’s worth eating on the menu in here?”

“[Understanding is defined as knowing the meaning, figurative or literal, of a thing. A desire is something you want usually to the point your judgment is no longer used in considering the thing. The term is generally not used figuratively.]”

“You need to eat, big guy. You look like you’ve been through hell,” Angelica said, giving his back a soft rub before he straightened and cleaned the mess. At least he was kind during his distress. Unlike herself.

She followed him to lean against the wall, ending up beside him as she rummaged around in her shirt for a couple of cigarras. “I’m not,” she said, tears still welling as her voice warbled. “Are you not?” She asked, offering him one of the cigarras.

Ohm was wandering aimlessly through the aisles, perusing offerings. Their body inflated as they spotted something particularly delectable but quickly deflated as they realized the limitation imposed by their pressure suit.

The emotional rollercoaster continued section after section before they find the bulletin boards. {pilot…pilotpilot… hyperspace rated pilot…pilot?}

“Elizabet,” he repeated the name, letting its weight settle in the air. It sounded regal, in a way. Fitting for someone who looked like she came for a woman who looked like she came from a far more well-to-do upbringing than his own.

“Name’s Taro, but my friends call me Saint,” he replied coolly, noting the subtle tint of purple blooming across her cheeks. He casually held out his hand, an offer to shake.

Angel respected the man’s declinento smoking and simply hid one back away in her bra. Now that Elly was back, the expectation was that she’d stop. But what they didn’t know wouldn’t hurt them.

“I quit a while back, too,” she said before snapping a flame to her thumb with pyrokenisis. She put the stick of tobacco to her lips and lit it, taking a deep breath in, relishing the short but needed buzz it gave her.

Hearing Ruka’s voice tremor and crack pulled a short, stuff sob from Angel, one she tried to push away the moment it came. “Would a hug… Would it help you?” Angel was content to sit out here and just exist alone but together, but if touch would help the man, she could manage. It was a sacrifice she was more than willing to make if they were feeling the same kind of bad.

Drax sighed softly, “Well, fun game, anyone up for more?” She smirked, “buy in this time 100 credits, make it more interesting?”

Yeah, real helpful menu advice. Vaneza rolled her eyes.

“I’ve made my earnings,” she replied at the thought of more. “Think I’m just gonna order something meaty and get my fuel pumping.”

Elizabet felt heat at the back of her neck when her blush was pointed out by Hosta, but attempted to ignore that. She instead took the offered hand to shake. “Saint, hm?” She gave a coy smile, as though anticipating him to be anything but true to the moniker.

She had thought to suggest that they move from the card table if they didn’t intend to play, though the suggestion of another form of wager pulled her back in. “Secrets? That no one else knows..? I like it. Help to get to know you lovely people.”

Angelica grabbed a tissue without looking and blew her nose quick before similarly using the force to throw it away. “What she meant to you. And they try to understand, but… They can’t. Because they don’t understand how much she meant to you. They don’t understand how much I loved her. Now it’s too late and I’m afraid of it happening again because I’m afraid of what I’d do,” she looked to the ground. ||“i’m afraid of what I am doing*” she muttered, rubbing the inside of her arm under her sleeve.||

The Kendis took another puff as she forced herself to remember. “I’m sorry…” She said as another sob came and went.

“Friends from work, ad'ika,” he explained while eyeing the box she dropped on the table. “He went to speak with someone. He’ll back back soon, and I’m sure he’ll consider those chocolates such a sweet gift.”

It was a shameful pun, and no, he didn’t regret it.

Chuckling to himself, he wrapped an arm around Rhi’s shoulders to pull her into a half-hug before returning his attention to the Kendis bunch.

“Good to see you again, Rue,” he said with a smile. To Elly, he gave her a polite nod. “Elly.”

Then, to the others, he dipped his head in a slight bow. “A pleasure to meet you all.”

<@301514304845381632> <@244244163002892288>

Then, he gave Rhi a gentle nudge and made eye contact with Morra – two clear signs that he wanted them to introduce themselves.

<@244244400488710155> <@315438760428961793>

“The one and only, darlin’,” he said, holding her gaze with unblinking eyes for a moment longer. Then, the mention of secrets brought his attention back to the table. “I’m game. Let’s get this show rollin’.”

<@432630433956757526> <@244244163002892288> <@152256842473406464> <@856914888017838150>

“[I was part of the Separatist Alliance, Empire and First Order,]” Lazy said in binary twittering in a monotone.

Elizabet considered her first secret for a moment. She seemed surprised by the droid’s admission to working with the Empire, and appeared a bit uncomfortable with that fact, though didn’t speak up on the topic.

“I… don’t know how to cook beyond a grilled cheese,” she admitted with a shrug.

“…Cheese and bread? Cooked in a pan, with butter.” Elizabet looked perplexed, blinking at Hosta. “You’ve never had one?”

“A secret huh? I guess, I wasn’t born a woman how about that?”

As Atticus marveled at the the spectacle of the station, he felt a rumble in his stomach.

Food.

He put aside his disappointment, and started to walk on in search of sustenance. He had walked alone for so long, he could stand to wander some more after he filled his belly.

The illustrious and amazing Lancer-class Pursuit Craft known as The Bastion landed at the Shame Corner. Over the years its paintjob has been blasted off and is getting closer to just being the base metal at this point. The landing ramp hissed as it depressurized and out walked the towering Koda Kendis, not wearing his armor for once. He was in a simple jacket and tactical pants. On his left shoulder was Tracyn the Merqaal. To his right, holding his hand, was his niece Sulla. Back inside the ship was Dani, watching over their twins and their other niece, Lektra.

“Should we go find the rest of the family?” Koda looked down to Sulla who happily nodded, “And we can get some nuggets while we’re here. I promise I won’t eat all of yours like last time…probably.” He winked with his new cybernetic eye.

<@301514304845381632> <@244244163002892288>

“[Hello],” Lazy said in binary, “[you humanoids complain about droids buffering. It fells like it has been days since we played a card. Whose secret next?]”

<@432630433956757526> <@152256842473406464> <@1056685516441006091> <@227960499948486666>

A type H-Nubian Yacht docked safley in the port. The dark haired Miraluka Revs walked down the boarding ramp wearing old blue jeans, a faded t shirt and leather Jacket along with his old to long blindfold over his eyes. Following right behind him was his sister Starlynn wearing tan slacks with a matching blouse. she wore her lightsaber openly on her hip, and had a short black headband decorated in silver stars tied around her eyes. She was typing away on a data pad in her hand. Logan the Ewok rushed to catch up with them as he shrugged a blue sack onto his back.

Starlynn typed away on the data pad as they walked “So what is the plan while we are here? I think we should have a meet up time and….”

Revs held up his hand to cut her off. “My plan is to get drunk and find some strange. I dont care what yall do.”

“Food!” Logan screamed as he put his hands up running away.

“We cant waste time while you party brother. You have report due and a meeting with…”

Revs waved his hand over his shoulder as he walked away. “Work later, play now! Love you sis!‘

Starlynn growled and stompped her foot before following the other two into the port.

Bril had been close to a couple Nautolans long enough that he might’ve noticed her eye roll to his pun. At the very least her scoff sounded awfully more like an amused chuff. Rhizas'pii allowed the one-armed hug while she chewed over the name Jelc there dropped.

Kendis.

She’s definitely heard that name before, a bunch of times. Now looking at the group again she recognized the taller red head woman from that joruub'Mando'ade last year with Clan Vizsla. Family reunion. That implied they were all Mandalorians right? Even the Rainbow person? They looked like Mrs. Betfoni could snap them in two– okay the old woman was tough as nails, so maybe one of the young fledglings. Rhiza shook her head back to focus, took a deep breath, and walked over to greet them properly as she was taught.

“Olarom, I am Rhizas'pii, of Clan Erinos,” the Nautolan’s greeting seemed open despite her furrowed brow. She offered her hand to all four present at the table. Should they take it, she’d give each a traditional mandalorian wrist-clasp. Any declination earned a twitch of her lip, but she moved on relatively unbothered.

<@244244163002892288> <@301514304845381632> <@1385116824814878940> <@315438760428961793>

Vaneza had been sitting quietly after putting in a food order while the other denizens rambled openly about whatever. Why strangers would voluntarily commit to openly sharing their life’s details, she could only chock up to an over-abundance of free trust. So when they drew attention back to her, Vaneza frowned.

“Hey, I didn’t agree to this lousy excuse for a game,” she replied. “I’m just waiting on my food.”

“Never having a grilled cheese has got to be illegal in some system,” he said.

Then, he shifted his attention to Vaneza. What had her in such a bad mood?

For a moment, Vaneza half-expected to have a bar fight on her hands. Instead, the lady choked on her own tongue. Vaneza’s face scrunched, eyes darting to the rest of the table.

“…I think I’ll just sit at the bar,” she decided, sliding away from the table.

Revs caught up to Logan and the pair made their way to the first bar they found. Logan ran straight to the bar and climbed his way up onto a stool. Getting the Bartenders attention he started ordering.

“I need three orders of hot wings, two orders of fried cheese sticks, and one order of fried pickles.” the Ewoke said while grabbing a menu to look at more options.

“For the love of the Force. Didnt the doctor tell you to stop eatting so much?” Revs teased as sat down on the adjacent stool.

“Didnt the doctor tell you to stop drinking?” Logan spat back.

“I did. Havent had a drop of water since.” Revs joked as he ordered a glass of bourbon.

Great, she’d shuffled away from a crazy schutta to a couple of jokesters. Probably better than people expecting to dig into her private life for kicks, at least - she could at least try to ignore them. Vaneza planted her elbow on the bar between herself the hooligans beside her and rested her jaw against her palm. That slap of meat she’d ordered needed to cook faster.

At the mention of his name and proclamation from Rue as a new family member, Jelc could feel the nervousness increase to the point his hands were beginning to get a little shaky. He tried to hide them under the table for the moment so no one would notice. He tried to clear his throat for a moment with some water.

“Ahem, uh, hello, all.” He raised his left hand and waved politely. “Glad to meet Rue’s family and be a part of it. Heh, he has certainly got very lively and amazing individuals here. I am honored to meet you all. Anyone coming up, I am Jelc Rovint, and yeah, Rue is correct in meeting him. When we first met, I had been taking my boss’s eight-year-old daughter for an outing here. We came upon the same store as Rue with Lektra and Sulla. After some talk about my past and such, Rue was kind enough to allow me to join you all as family. As for me, I told Rue and Koda my story. See I..” He felt the fear rise, the wavering, negative thoughts in his head, as his voice caught.

You will never have a family again

You aren’t good enough

They won’t accept you.

“Well… would very much like to be part of the family. So thanks for having me.” He then sort of sank back in his chair, took another drink of water, and tried desperately not to shake out of nervousness. <@244244163002892288> <@395091612952297484> <@1056685516441006091> <@301514304845381632> <@244244400488710155> <@315438760428961793>

Ellisyn and Thea both offered Rhizas'pii a greeting. Ellisyn repeated the word back whilst Thea remained completely silent. “Olarom,” said Elly. “I don’t believe we had the chance to speak the last time we saw each other. It’s good to meet the newest addition to ther Erinos,” she said with a smile, trying hard to hide the metric kriff-ton of drama happening at their table.

And now, Ellisyn was aware of the fullish story behind Jelc and was able to piece together why her mother and aunt were so adamant on her having a conversation with her dear brother Rue. And now her other brother was here as well? With Sulla? This day couldn’t get any worse. It seemed the full impromptu family reunion was in full swing now <@1056685516441006091> <@315438760428961793> <@244244163002892288> <@244244400488710155> <@395091612952297484>

Revs did not recognize the Force aura of the person who had just walked up next to them. Taking that as a sign they were not there to collect money or beat the crap out of him, he turned and invited them to join him and Logan.

“Want to join us? We are about to get drunk and see how many hot wings you can fit inside a Ewok!” Revs joked

Logan leaned over where he could see her and spouted excitedly in ewokese, “The record is 47!”

And now they were talking to her.

Vaneza side-eyed them without picking her head up from her hand. As their proposal set in, she couldn’t help but squint critically between them. “You’re going to blow credits just to stuff food into your friend until his gut gives out? Seems like a waste.”

“Well its definently not productive, you have me there. But Im buying all night if you want too.” Revs said spinning a cred stick on his finger. The food arrived and Logan started in on the wings.

Vaneza’s ear twitched. “…You offering to buy my tab just for sitting here and watching?”

Revs laughed. “If watching is what you’re into, sure.” He teased as he downed his drink. And ordered another shot.

That was almost enough to make her reject the offer out of immediate spite. But free food and drink was damn free, and all the more money in her pocket was a good haul for a fuel stop. Vaneza still rolled her eyes, but unlike a lot of other dumb offers she got, this one didn’t take a swing at her pride along the way. She shifted her weight in her seat to not be half-blocking herself off from this odd pair and let their antics play out.

“You said you’re half Falleen?” Taro asked, his compound eyes narrowing with a hint of skepticism. “Don’t look Falleen to me.”

<@244244163002892288>

Taro caught a glimpse of his own face in the reflection of his now empty shot glass. He regarded it in silence for a breath, remembering his own run ins with other Falleen who had shown resistance to him for his mixed heritage. “True,” he said, “Not sayin’ you ain’t. Just curious, is all.”

Then, without sparing another word on the subject, the Kyuzo-Falleen took the deck – which in his massive hands looked more like a miniature set – and dealt the next hand.

After taking a look at the hand, Taro gestured with a slender finger to Elizabet’s card. “You’re safe for this one,” he said with a wink. “Guess that means I’m startin’ us off …”

He tapped that same finger on the table while contemplating his answer. He knew many secrets, many that were his own and many more that belonged to others. But most of those he wouldn’t dare offer up in the company of strangers.

When he had his choice, he snapped his fingers. “I fancy a few of those reality shows you can find on the holonet: The Last Rose of Naboo, Real Housewives of Corellia. Stuff like that.”

<@432630433956757526> <@856914888017838150> <@227960499948486666> <@244244163002892288>

Bril

As introductions took place, Bril’s head tilted in the way it often did when the Force whispered something to him. Rue had sensed it, too. “Unexpected, indeed. It’ll be good to see Koda again, too.”

His colorful friend was right about the nerves, though. He scrunched his face a bit in displeasure at the feelings of anxiousness and trepidation radiating off of several of those present. Let’s do something about that.

He dipped his hand into the web of the Force, collecting its threads and weaving them together with deft fingers. That made it easier for him to project sensations of calm and serenity across the minds of those present.

<@315438760428961793> <@1385116824814878940> <@244244400488710155> <@395091612952297484> <@244244163002892288> <@301514304845381632>

“Could you line me up about six of them? Revs asked the bartender as he pulled out a coin and attempted to bounce it in the shot glass

Koda and Sulla made their way into the Shame Corner, looking around for their family. Koda, while a decent tracker, faultered because of his niece pulling him around.

“This way!” Sulla dragged him, tugging and pulling with all her might

“I don’t think they’re that way, but okay…” Koda chuckled and did little to resist as she tugged.

The JV Corra VII dropped out of Hyperspace about an AU away from the Shame Corner and began its slow jaunt towards the station. Though the XS-type, large, light freighter had been through a recent modernization and refit, she was still a fairly ponderous old gal.

“We’ll be in orbit in about 8 minutes everyone.” Kalen announced over the intercom from the small bridge of the former cargo vessel. He had renovated it into a mobile home for Corra, her father, the droids and him in the aftermath of the Eternal Orders suorise attack on the Aliso system a few months back.

The ‘weekend warrior’ Jedi turned entrepenuer and administrator turned as he heard someone walking down the central corridor towards the bridge.

“Did you call for a shuttle hun, we’re almost down to ration packs and reclaimated water, I need to do some shopping.” Corra said as she walked in, her baby bump clearly showing now.

“Yep, they’ll send one out when we get into orbit. Karracca, Treel and Reece are already there. Does your dad want to come down too, we can go for dinner at the Golden Griddle.” Kalen said as he stood up and gave his fiance a a hug and a kiss.

A few moments later

Corra, her father, Kalen, Kaycee and D(3P0) walked up behind Karracca and Reece who seem to locked in a rapt fascination of something that was happening across the hangar.

“What’s up guys?” Kalen said . At first neither of his comrades replied so the tall Jedi followed there gaze and saw their buddy Treel standing on a shipping crate, making out with an extremely large, scantily clad, red haired, Gammorean woman.

Reece whirled his visual sensor around so it pointed right at Kalen, “I didn’t think you had been here that long. Where did he find the time?”

Kalen cocked his head sideways, “What do you mean? Treel wasn’t with us, we dropped him off here like 5 weeks ago.”

Karracca and Reece turned to face eachother as both realized they had forgot to pick up Treel and their way to Arx a month ago.

Jelc smirked softly, someone was playing with the Force attempting to ease minds and calm tensions. While that was a great endeavor, it wouldn’t really work on him.

He did however, really hope it would calm others. For the sake of the one trying, because he knew how negative emotions could really be to others, took a deep breath, calmed his mind a moment and allowed himself to think about how nice it was to be around people who cared about him.

People he could be friends with and learn more about. Maybe something more even.

A smile graced his features. Yeah he liked that. He then perked up a bit and chuckled.

“Are the nuggies ready yet? Cause man, I am hungry.”

You know what, Vaneza thought. Not worth it. With her food finally on the bar, she opted to simply place down the credits initially charged, pack up her food, and take her leave. “Thanks,” she said to the bar in general on her way out.

As soon as the door opened, a large, furred foot flew right through it, followed immediately by a shouting swear. Vaneza shifted aside as a muscular selonian woman stumbled through after her fumbled kick.

“For kriff’s sake,” she newcomer loudly announced, “let a girl kick in a door once in a while, would ya?!”

Vaneza just narrowed her eyes and stepped past. Very not worth the effort.

With that settled, the selonian lady brushed off her breasplate as if it had gotten dirtied - come to note, it already wasn’t very clean. She loosened her scarf, took a big whiff of whatever embers were cooking off the lit end of a stick in her mouth, and smiled a lazy but wicked, crooked grin at the interior of the bar. To no one in particular, she loudly asked, “So, who the hell pours the drinks in this place?!”

“Oh, good,” the selonian called back a little too loudly. She made a beeline right for the bartender, absolutely stumping her foot into someone’s chair along the way and barely managing not to trip. It didn’t impede her progress.

She slapped her hands on the bar as she arrived. “Alright, round-stuff. What’s good, what’s cold, and what’s cheap?”

Damn good question. “Kark, uhhh…” It took her entirely too long pretending to stare at the wall menu to finally shrug and say, “Cheap, I guess.”

Her old pal had always told her: Your favorite drink is free. Your second-favorite is cold. When in doubt, that advice always seemed to work.

Revs managed to bounce the coin into one of the shot glasses in front of him. “Hell yea!” He screamed as he reached out and took the shot. Logan sat down a cheese stick he was eating on and picked up the coin taking his turn to try and get it in a shot.

The selonian’s brow raised. A free drink was her favorite! “Blitz me sideways, kriff yes! This place is my new favorite!” She picked up the glass and chugged half of it in one go before seeming to gag and stop herself, holding out a hand as if telling the bartender to wait.

After a quick cough, she said, “Start a tab for Nervitt. That’s me.” She wiped her mouth on the back of her hand and went right back to downing the flaggon.

“This is more difficult than I expected,” said Savi to themselves while perusing the shelves of one of the main shopping areas a few-minutes walk from the Seven Sins Bar. Their arms were crossed beneath the shawl draped over their shoulders. Threads of white dominated the fabric as if she were wreathed in moonlight, and meticulously woven threads of deep sable mimicked shadows dancing just beyond the light’s reach. Only when they moved to another aisle did the shawl shift enough to offer a glimpse of the dark blouse tucked into a pair of blue pants.

Emere had been called to help the “Marshals” or whatever they were called with some mission. She’d been tight-lipped about it, even more laconic than she usually was, and Savi didn’t care to press her for details. So, that left the shani with the task of finding their girlfriend a gift. But nothing they’d seen so far screamed Emere.

Now that they thought about it, they weren’t sure that she liked gifts at all, at least ones that didn’t involve guns or fuc–

“Can I help you?”

The voice cut through Savi’s musing and brought them back to the present. A waterfall of variegated plumage shifted when they turned their head, and settled their slitted amber eyes on a mikkian woman. Her skin was teal – cool compared to Savi’s burnt sienna skin – and the ends of her lightly undulating head tendrils were a yellowish white.

A trace of a smile formed on Savi’s lips. “I think you can,” they said, “I’m looking for a gift for my partner, but I’m having a hard time. Any suggestions?”

<@244244163002892288>

Without thinking, Angelica leaned her head into the man’s bicep, her eyes fixated on the cigarra between her fingers. “I never got the chance to say it, either. And she never did, either.” The woman sighed, confiding once again in her addiction with a heavy breath. “Maybe we can help each other? Feel like I owe you at least that.”

“Yay for grub!”

Jelc grabbed a plate and some tip yip dino nuggies and fried pickles. Along with his plate, he squirted some spicy honey mustard on the side for his nuggies.

“Can’t go wrong with a little honey mustard, say you ever try spicy honey mustard with your nuggies Rue?” he asked as he dipped one of them and took a bite. After a bit of an emotional day, these tasted heavenly to him. He munched on a few more before taking a drink of his lemonade-passion fruit tea. It was a beautiful, sweet, lovely blend of lemonade and fruit.

“Say, this isn’t too bad at all- think I found my new drink.”

Nervitt’s ear flicked up toward the shouting lady. Big table, lots of things on it, especially some weird ugly-ass cards. She was pretty she’d heard someone mention getting smashed. Killer.

She planted her flagon hard onto the bar and looked back to the curvy serving lady. “No shots, missy! Just fill'er up with that cheap stuff. I got a, uh, whatever-that-is to go do.”

Soon as it was full, Nervitt held the glass high and walked toward the new group. First part, bad idea. Should have put on her goggles before staring at lights, and now she was blind. Nervitt only stopped walking when she bumped into the table, mildly shaking the whole surface.

The unswallowed alcohol in her mouth briefly gagged her throat. “…I’m good,” she choked out after a moment. Her free hand pounded her chest, then rubbed some vision back into her eyes. The cards came back to her unblurring vision. “The hell is that supposed to be?”

A three-fingered hand reached out to take it with a graceless shake. “Nervitt. That should tell ya everything.” She smiled a wicked, crooked grin, then turned around to find a seat. Her tail hit something before she found one, not that she bothered to check what it was.

With a heft, she picked up a chair with one arm and planted it where she stood to get settled.

Seeing nothing on the boards, Ohm wandered back out to the crashed disaster ship. Lumbering inside, they reappeared in the viewport and started digging in to the smoking carcass of the pilot droid.

{Will need fuel at some point but this might be salvageable.}

Sonyo looked at the holomessage once more, then twice more, then again. There was no way in hell she was grabbing Nildea “boxed wine” from the Shame Corner. Especially not with the fact that her liver enzymes were so high her liver should be nonfunctional. She rolled her eyes and put away the holodevice before making her way into the the Golden Griddle

Nildea had mentioned she wanted a burger. A good burger. The only burger I want are those ones from the Shame Corner that you need to eat over a plate.

Whatever the kriff that meant.

The Jedi Medic pulled her cloak’s hood down with her slightly too-long fingers as she entered the restaurant, the leather armor decorating her arms showing very few markings but more than enough sign of wear. Like many other Jedi, she dressed in neutral colors and didn’t decorate herself with anything flashy. The only thing elaborate about her was the two braided loops her hair was pulled into and the golden marking that split her lips down the middle.

Sonyo came to a rest by the place where people would order food to go and looked over the menu, her brown and gold eyes searching the menu intently. Familiar voices rang in her ears and she turned her head to look at a mass of people gathered around a table and she was able to pick at least two faces from the crowd. Bril Teg Arga and Rue– faces she remembered from her brief stint in Arcona. She never talked to them, but Sivall hung around them often, and so she would glance them every so often. Wulfram often asked about updates about his sister-in-law when he was separated. There were a few people in line ahead of her, she had time to people watch.

In that weird, unsettling way she did. Eyes fixed, intent, watching each interaction, every movement, every subtle show. And then she was done, looking back to the menu.

Nildea would try to fight her if she took too long. And that was the last thing that hardheaded Sephi should do.

“Having some ship troubles?” Arnid Vus said walking up on Ohm inspecting the pilot droid. “I’m a mechanic among other things, Arnid Vus, who are you?”

Ohm jumped and emitted a sound like a transformer going live. A shower of sparks cascaded out of the droid carcass.

Recovering slightly, Ohm just stared at the alleged mechanic while awkwardly dangling the spanner in their hands.

“Um, hi? Basic yes?”

“Basic, Binary, Bocce, Bothese, Sy Bisti, Arkanian, take your pick.” Arnid lists the languages he speaks. “If you choose binary I can’t speak it I can just understand it.”

“Good good and mechanic? You do droid? Droid explode when out of last jump and need for last jump. I fix but already late.”

Ohm seemed to relax slightly as they realized the newcomer was not an apparition and seemed agreeable.

“Yes, I can slice and code. Does ship have a computer? I could just install my shipboard counterpart, Layla. She has some bugs but she can get you where you want to go.”

“I could even set her up to delete herself once you reach your destination.”

The pilot droid carcass sparked dramatically. Ohm looked at it with wide-eyed concern and waved limply. “No, I think I might keep her. I don’t think this one is going to be very useful and I can’t afford a new one at the present.” The pilot corpse slumped and slid out of the chair with a clatter.

“Would you like to come with me to go get the copy?”

Revs nudged Logan and pointed to the woman calling to them. Let’s go check it out. He said. The pair got up and walked over to their table.

Deciding the strange little man would follow him if he wanted to, Arnid went towards his ship. Layla, his shipboard computer, greeted him as he came in, “Welcome back Master Vus did you find what you were looking for?”

“I did, but I’m also here for you. A frog like person the brotherhood database I’ve got in my head says is ‘Ohm Katch’ had a crash and his pilot droid is dead. I offered a copy of you as a replacement.” He walks back towards the storage room where he stores a copy in case the system gets corrupted.

“It will offer an incredible chance for me to see more of the galaxy. Don’t forget to add him as an operator.”

“Thank you,” he said as he found the large data card containing the Layla v1 program. He goes back to the Skakoan’s ship and starts working on installing the program and removing the pilot droid.

Atticus walked over slowly. He was mildly off-put being called Pinky, but it was not as though he had anywhere better to be right now.

Well, he could think of a better place to be. But that was for another time. He wanted to see more of the galaxy, and if the Force brought him here…

He slid over towards the table, casting a glance at Hosta and the cards. “What manner of cards are these?” He felt embarrassed. There was still so much he didn’t know.

Some Jedi he was. He felt so out of touch.

“How does one…employee….these cards?” He tilted his head sideways as he considered Hosta and the scene unfolding around him. His question was curious and uncertain. He gave a half-hearted smile that he didn’t feel.

Revs thought about it for several seconds. “Sounds good to me. Deal em out.”

Nervitt chuffed. “That’s it? You gotta put up better stakes than that. I already came planning to drink!” Her hands patted the tabletop. “Come on, gimme a real hard pick. And cards. Gonna kick all your asses.”

“Hey, fingers ain’t fair,” Nervitt said, holding up her hands. “Some of us only got three! Buuut, you could say a refusal is a whole round of drinks on you. Put those credits to real use, eh?”

“I shot you in the face,” she said plainly. It hadn’t been the first time that extreme violence ended with a friendship. She reminisced on her wife and their reunion decades ago. “Feel like I owe you at least a bit for that. Haven’t gotten the chance to properly apologize.”

“Looks like we found them!” The tall red head would enter the area being dragged along by a Twi'lek girl. Koda lifted Sulla up and put him on his shoulders as they made their way to everyone. “Didn’t realize we were having a whole family meeting here.”

Atticus took the clear liquor curiously and gave it a sniff. His nose crinkled, but he gave a shrug and took it in one gulp. It…burned. His eyes clenched shut involuntarily and he made a face of….he was not sure quite what the face was. He peered down at his cards as the sensation passed.

“What….what was that?”

“Its easy. Anyone can learn as long as you’re not a blind moron.” Logan said jerking his thumb at Revs.

“Kiss my ass.” The Miraluka spat back at him as he drank.

Vance made his way down from hitching a shuttle ride into the main hub. He winced a bit, still recovering from his grave injuries during the war. At least the bandages around his chest were still holding. He wore his black leather jacket and a blue undershirt with leather jeans and black halfboots. Soon he arrived at the Seven Sins Bar, his long maroon hair cascaded down his back as he smirked. He heard the sounds of a card game, then spotted his boyfriend at the table. He chuckled as he quietly made his way over to the table right behind Atticus. He gently placed his strong arms around the Zeltron Jedi’s shoulders. “Well hello beautiful, you winning big today?” He smiled as he looked towards the dealer. “May I join in?”

“HA!!” Nervitt slapped the table. “I grew up underground, and even I can fly! A bit.”

She glanced at the others. “That count as a truth?” Her hand threw out dismissively. “Eh, that’s weak. Here - I wish I could grow a rack like all the other ladies here!” The bottom of her fist hit her breastplate with another loud laugh that almost dropped the smoking stick in her mouth. “How’s that?”

Her attention snapped over to the newcomer before she could see any players’ reactions. “Ah hey, pretty-boy, wha'sup?”

|| <@244244163002892288> <@490928122544259102> <@1385116824814878940> ||

He grinned at Nervitt and winked. “Not much, looks like you got some right livelyness; I like it.” He replied as he took a seat next to Atticus. “You can fly a bit? Ship or actually fly yourself? And why, what you may think you lack, you make up for it with that charming personality.”

Nervitt’s smile widened as far as it could, harashly wrinkling her face. “Charming is the nicest word anyone’s ever used for it. Let’s see if it holds, yeah?”

She raised her drink high for a big gulp. It hit her midway that he’d asked a question, and she spilled a few drops slamming it back onto the table. “And ships, duh. You see any wings on this bird?” Her shoulders twisted, trying with limited success to show her back.

“Just checking.” His violet eyes sparkled softly. “Not every day I get to play cards with such a witty Selonian. Also, I find ladies as tough and hardcore as yourself tend to have some very colorful and entertaining stories behind those scars and eyes. Perhaps, that is, if you don’t mind, telling an exciting tale for me.” He leaned back in his chair, waiting for some cards from the host. The half-Sephi’s hands were now folded behind his magenta head as he made himself more relaxed while raising a curious eyebrow at Nervitt. “I also wonder how lucky you will be tonight with cards.”

Vance leaned back forward, and tooks out some credits. “Yeah I am buying in I want to try my luck.” He then turned to his boyfriend and winked at him.

“Did you win a hand, Atticus? Sound’s like you are a lucky Jedi. ”

<@244244163002892288> <@297496904282144769>

Logan took his shot. “I can’t swim.” He said in ewokese.“

Revs downed his drinks. "I once got accused of kidnapping a prince from a small outer rim planet.”

“I do,” Angel’s tone was short once more. She took a breath. “Just let me, okay?”

Vance tried not to laugh. He was quite amused at Hosta’s Rhyming ability, but he kept himself a little more composed as he peeked at his cards. It was a crap hand, but no one else needed to know that. Instead he decided to smile like he had a good hand.

Angel offered her arm for Ruka to grab so she could lead him along. “I’m having a surprise family reunion in the same place. We can go together,” Angel replied in Mirialan. With her other hand she tossed her cigarra away and began to lead the man inside. “Is it easier to talk in Mirialan?” She asked him as they made their way back through the door and towards the diner.

“Kriff…” Ellisyn mumbled under her breath. Now was not the time for this to be happening. But, as she always did, she rolled with the punches. Her heart stung at Rue’s words, implying that Sulla had begun to think Elly wasn’t returning.

She stood up from the table, scooting past Thea, and knelt down, hoping Sulla would come over for a hug. “Hey sweetpea,” she said, her voice trembling.

Koda motioned with his head to Sulla, giving her a moment to process. She let go of his hand and quickly ran to Ellisyn to give her a hug, nuzzling into her mother. Koda slowly approached, allowing them a moment of reprieve.

“I’ve been telling her stories of when we were kids. Like the time we got stuck in an access tunnel and had to crawl halfway through base through dust and gunk. Uncle Brick had to give us what…three baths?” Koda attempted to break the tension where he could.

Elly wrapped her arms around her daughter, having to keep herself from squeezing too hard. “I missed you,” she muttered before giving a slight chuckle to Koda.

“Mom was pissed,” she said.

“And I gave you both a treat,” Thea chimed in, her tone unmoving

Defeated again. Actually, the way it went to the ewok was entertainment enough. Nervitt jerked her glass high to his victory and went for another swig, but found her pint mysteriously empty again. A sputtering of some liquid hit the floor next to her, probably unrelated.

“Barkeep! More cheap stuff!”

Oh boy, another fact about herself to spill. Couldn’t swim? Ha, pansies. The prince thing would probably make a killer story though. She’d have to ask when they weren’t obligates to babble about other shenanigans. For now, how could she match something like that?

“I go weak in the legs for a good scratch around the back,” Nervitt said with a smirk and a shrug. “Especially down low. Ain’t my fault it hits the fur just right.”

|| <@244244163002892288> <@490928122544259102> ||

“Totally get it. Behind the ears for me.” Logan said.

The Ewok spun to Revs. “Your turn. No lying!”

“I wasn’t lying last time!” Revs snapped back. “Not my fault the guy actually listened when I told him to ditch his Entourage and go bar hopping with me.”

Revs took his shot and thought. “There’s a six month period where I was a professional rodeo star. Don’t ask questions, I have no recollection of it.”

Logan nodded his head. “He’s not lying. I was there for that one. He was so drunk he couldn’t walk everyday but somehow can stay on a wild Reek.”

“Which she also got mad at, if I recall correctly.” Koda managed a chuckle. “I’m surprised to see you all here. I’m guessing things are still…tense?”

The story itself had Nervitt’s attention. On the other hand, the ewok was obviously making noises, but a slow, uneven blink was the most reaction Nervitt could muster for the little fellow.

A few seconds after the ewok’s noises ceased, Nervitt leaned toward Hosta and whispered, about as nondiscrete as could be, “You get any of that?”

She immediately smiled wide back to Revs and Logan and offered a high thumbs up. Oh yeah, they totally bought that she was following along.

<@244244163002892288> <@490928122544259102>

Nervitt’s brow arched something fierce. “You can’t just say you can BE an ewok and then leave it at that.”

Not missing the opportunity to mess with Logan, Revs quickly started to translate. “He is saying how the last time he ate the hot wings here, it upset his stomach so bad he couldn’t pilot the ship. We had to shave his but.” Revs was immediately cut off as Logan jumped up at stand in his chair and started slapping Revs.

“Your a dirty liar!” Logan screamed as he slapped the laughing Miraluka over the head repeatedly.

The door opened and a female Miraluka who looked a lot like Revs made a beeline for the pair.

She grabbed both of them by the ear and pulled them from their chair. “I told both of you we were on a tight schedule! Now we are going to be late! I swear whoever made you Adel has lost their mind!” Starlynn screamed at the duo the entire time she pulled them out of the bar and onto the street.

“I do. Does that surprise you?” She asked as they entered the golden griddle, just in time to watch Sulla run away from her mother. A frown set itself upon Angel’s face once again.

Nervitt waved off the two bozos, then looked back to all the drinks they’d left behind. “Well, someone’s gotta down those.” She didn’t wait to grab and start chugging.

Ellisyn’s heart broke and her fists clenched. Sulla ran away without a word. The mother had surely ruined everything. What could she do to repair this? Where did she even start?