Another day at the Shame Corner, now with costume displays neatly packed away and the store floor back to its normal mix of products, save for a few bulk discount candy bags. Fudge, jerky, knickkacks, and charm awaited, a bar with perhaps an unwanted bartender one way, a cozy diner in the other.
The place is yours.
The Caliburnus eased into the hangar at the Shame Corner. The VT-49 Decimator gently settled into place, hydraulics hissing. The engines powered down and a moment later, the ramp opened. Rasilvenaira and her husband Jaxyn came down the ramp with four-year-old Zele giggling happily as he swung between their arms.
As they reached the bottom of the ramp, Rasilvenaira signaled R5 the astromech onboard to close the ramp behind them. Then Jaxyn scooped Zele up and put him on his shoulders so the little boy could see all the sights and sounds of the chaos known as the Shame Corner. This was their first big outing as a family since they adopted Zele, and he was excited.
“So where to first?” Jaxyn asked as he glanced over at his wife.
She smiled up at Zele who was waving his little arms and giggling with glee at being up so high. Turning her attention back to Jaxyn at the question, she shrugged.
“We could grab a quick bite to eat at the diner, give him a chance to eat something neither of us cooked. Then we could look through the general store and maybe find him a new toy or something, maybe a kid’s t-shirt with the Shame Corner logo on it?”
He nodded, “Mm, sounds like a plan, and I know you want some fudge and jerky from here.”
She grinned, “I do, and I know we’ll have to be careful how much Zele gets, don’t need to have him having a sugar overload.”
“Very true, he can already be a little whirlwind.”
“Aye, but he’s a good boy, he just likes to play, and the critters humor him and run around with him.”
“Yeah, okay, let’s go.” He looked up and gently bounced Zele on his shoulders. “Zele, you ready to go see stuff?”
“Go, go, Daddy!”
“To the diner then.”
Rasilvenaira nodded as she followed them as they set out. She had been encouraging Zele to spend more time with his father since he was already so strongly bonded to her. She wanted him to have a good solid relationship with Jaxyn since he’d never known his birth father.
Compared to the last time, it was rather early in the game that Teebu would arrive at the Shame Corner. With the mission surrounding the missing shipments from ACE resolved, he had earned himself a brief reprieve from the toiling labor at Prism. The Ewok, in his custom seat with closer controls, fingered several switches as his TIE Avenger dropped out of hyperspace. HAL, his ship’s droid artificial intelligence, was already sending clearance codes and authorizations to Shame Corner.
Just as quickly a positive clearance was given and he was enroute at full sublight towards the station. As he neared the hangar, he switched things over to HAL for autopilot and stood up from his seat. Teebu made sure to grab a few extra cigars from a box on his workbench, which was oddly clean for once. Still covered in mechanical grease, but he had no desire to dirty himself in getting it cleaned up.
The Avenger slowed to a crawl as it approached the hangar bay and touched down. As the ramp lowered, the Ewok was already descending down it. He didn’t even have to utter a word this time, his mind elsewhere, for HAL to already know the routine.
“I will watch the ship, Teebu.” HAL called out from a speaker outside of the starfighter as the ramp began to ascend and close back up. Directly behind him was a BB-8 droid that rolled underneath him. Teebu sat down on it’s head, with the droid picking up speed once he was comfortably seated. He had not forgotten his last visit here, having made a mental note that this method of travel was far faster and superior to walking. It rolled out of the hangar bay with Ewok in tow, headed towards the main area.
Weyr had arrived again to the station, already familiar with the layout, he parked the ship and went to the kiosk to have it washed and refueled while he was out. Laoch yawned and hopped onto his shoulder again as he strode out towards the main hub.
“Today is a good day Laoch, perhaps we will find some friends, maybe even a special friend.” He chuckled happily as he scratched the baby Keeradak’s chin prompting a growly “Rawwwrp” from his companion.
“That’s right Laoch, let’s see where the day takes us.”
He then entered into to the main hub.
Kida Jinnick skillfully swept the floors of the Shame Corner, careful to only work in areas that were free of people so as not to disturb the customers. That, in itself, was not so unusual. Many employees would have thought the same, and he hoped that the same could be said of people across the galaxy in similar jobs. What was unusual about this was his preferred method of cleaning. Being an Ewok meant he lacked the reach of other sentients, so he had to get creative. What he had found over time was that utilizing a droid was an efficient means of transport and working.
From his custom seat atop the dome of an old R-series astromech, he was able to make use of a full-size broom and could reach higher places than he would on his own. And if needed, the droid’s built-in maneuvering thrusters could allow him further access to heights, with the caveat that he’d then need to clean the floor again, and be mindful that nothing flammable was nearby. That last part, in addition to the somewhat limited mobility, made him wonder if another model would perhaps be better suited to the task. But the old droid was his trusty companion and he wasn’t quite ready to part with it yet.
As if by fate, he spotted an unusual sight heading through the halls. Another Ewok riding atop a droid! And this one used a BB-unit. The footage he’d seen of such models in action made them seem like they handled well and had a surprising amount of speed. And their liquid cable launchers would be a dream - no more worry about causing fires. He still hadn’t lived down the scolding he got after the last time that happened.
Kida directed the droid to move in that general direction, giving the customer a friendly wave.
Reaching the Diner, Jaxyn lets Zele off his shoulders and holds his hand. He opens the door for Rasilvenaira and she smiles as she steps into the Diner, appreciating the calm atmosphere. The three of them move toward a corner booth with Jaxyn on one side and Rasilvenaira on the other. Zele looks at them both and then climbs up to sit with his mother, feeling a little more comfortable with her in a strange environment.
Jaxyn chuckles, then takes a look at the menu. “What do you think he’ll like?”
“Probably the kid’s nerfburger meal. He does like fries.”
Hearing the word fries, Zele perked up and looked up at her, “Fwies?”
“Yes dear, but you’ll have to eat the rest of your meal too, not just the fries.”
“Okay, Momma.”
Jaxyn nodded, “Alright, I think I like the look of the delux nerfburger. What do you want?”
“I’ll take the mixed salad. I’ve been eating too well at home. Gotta start working out more to keep my figure.”
He laughed softly, “I think your figure looks just fine. But, okay.” Then he looked around for the waitstaff and signaled them that they were ready to order.
Perched on his shoulder firmly, Laoch kept watch. He spotted an Ewok atop a droid as Weyr made his way up to the front desk and got directions to the diner. It was a strange, but interesting sight to behold. He then chirped his observations at Weyr.
“Well it’s a space hub station, Laoch, you will find all sorts of people from many different places here.”
He then strode past the clothing store, his Veeradak now started chirping happily as he began recalling Rue and Sulla there.
When they moved away from the store down towards the diner, Laoch began to nibble softly on Weyr’s blue black hair before running his little claws through it.
Weyr tilted his head a moment to Laoch.
“Yeowch! Hey cut it out Laoch, you’re pulling my hair too hard there buddy. I would prefer to have it still attached to my head.”
Chuckling, the Evereni brought his slate grey right hand across the front of him and tickled Laoch’s tummy.
“Rrrrr, rawrp, rawrp…rr”The baby Veeradak chirped softly as it gently bit the antagonizing right hand and smacked a finger with its tail. Weyr curved his hand like a claw, but stopped.
“Okay, okay I’ll stop torturing you. Now let’s see if we can find a place to sit at this diner when we get there.”
After some more walking, he finally made his way to the doors of the diner and stepped inside.
Teebu had to do a double take for a moment. Another Ewok riding a droid? He had only known of one other, a legend within Taldryan that had suddenly gone missing and presumed murdered though investigations turned up nothing relevant, that had ridden a droid. Not just for leisure like this, but into combat even.
The BB-8 also noticed and watched the R-series for a moment, turning Teebu in his entirety.
“Don’t even ‘ink about it.” Teebu warned the droid as it gave several taunting beeps. “Don’t you dar-”
And suddenly before he could finish it spit out a small bit of liquid onto the floor and chirped excitedly. Teebu leaned to the side and smacked it’s dome. “'Ah swear to sith, do 'ah need to reprogram you again? Don’t know why you get so onery.”
He waved to the other Ewok with an apologetic look as the BB-8 kept going. He would have to make sure to send some credits their way for this.
Ray walked out from behind the counter and over to the booth where the family was sitting. His trusty pen was stuck behind his ear and a writing pad in his hand. He gave them an easy smile and there was a twinkle behind his bright blue eyes.
“Hey there, welcome to the Golden Griddle. What can I get for you?”
Jaxyn offered the man a friendly smile, “Hello, we would like the nerfburger kids meal for our son, a deluxe nerfburger meal for myself, and my wife would like the mixed salad, and do you have milk for him?” He paused to nod toward Zele who was just looking around with wide silver eyes.
“She and I will have water to drink. Thank you.”
Ray nodded along as he wrote down the order. “All great choices,” he replied as he finished, looking at them. “Yeah, we’ve got milk, that won’t be a problem. I’ll go put your order in and come back with your drinks. It shouldn’t be long before it’s ready.”
As he went back to the kitchen he took note of the newcomer, waiting for them to get settled before he approached. He returned shortly with the waters and milk, placing them on the table. “Just let me know if there’s anything else you need.”
Kida’s droid, R3-S3, let out a distressed warble at the sight of what the other droid had done. It beeped and whistled in an almost angry manner, propelling itself closer before Kida gave it a little warning tap with his heel against the side of its dome. Instead, the astromech settled for stopping and extending a manipulator arm, shaking it as if it were a fist.
Kida chuckled and shook his head at the display from both droids, amused more than anything. He gave a shrug to the other Ewok and grinned. Droids will be droids, and were in many ways like people. He hefted the broom up and let it slip through his hand. A deft spin of the head and it was removed from the shaft, replaced by a mop, which was used to make quick work of cleaning up the mess.
The BB-8 chirped something with a deep warbling undertone to which Teebu kicked the side of the ball. “No, that R3 would smoke you in a race. And speak ill of its maker again and I’ll use you as a mechanical wheel bearing for the next year.”
It responded with a saddened, but accepting tone….and at last minute added in several beeps saying it could definitely whip that old droid’s motivator.
“Yeah yeah…sure. Let’s just go for our supplies then get, so you stop causing trouble.”
After Ray delivered the drinks to the family, he made his way over to where the new arrival had sat down. A smile crossed his face as he saw the tailring, the station’s ever-present mascot. “Hiya, welcome. Have you had a chance to look at the menu, or should I give you a little more time?”
The Evereni smiled thoughtfully at Ray. “I had not quite yet, actually had just made it into the diner. Sort of new around here.” He then gave Laoch, his baby black and scarlet colored Keeradak sporting azure wings, a small headpat. “Do you have any specials or something you would recommend?”
Ray tapped his lip with his pen, taking a moment to think. “Well, the nerfburger is always really popular and people also seem to enjoy the Endorian tip yip a lot - we offer it both fried or grilled, which probably helps with that.” He tilted his head toward the other table, “Some good salads, too. And I know it’s not food, but we’ve got some great caf available too. Some people claim they come here just for that.”
As he sat pondering a moment, Laoch let out a “rawwrp.” He chuckled. “I think I will go with a fried Endorian tip yip and Laoch will have just a plain nerfburger.”
Ray nodded and wrote the order down. “All right, sounds good. We’ll get that to you as soon as we can. Can I get you anything to drink?“
Docking Bay, Shame Corner
The Corra V, at 175+ feet long, wouldn’t fit into the bay is it was a busy time of day on the Asteroid base/service station.
Kalen waited patiently for the complimentary shuttle to arrive that would take him to the station and back again when he was done his business. He was hear to meet with Treel and the laundry ship to pick up this weeks revenue. And while he was here, he figured he chat up so of the food and beverage establishment proprietors about maybe put his Pantalomin Peach Cider on their drink menu’s.
“Master Joss, the station has called to inform us that the shuttle with hard dock in 1 minute sir.” D said as shuffled into the large lounge area in the upperdeck amidships on the YZ-900.
“Thanks D. Hey, before you go, I’ve been thinking. I know you wanted to be my Protocol Droid, and servant when I asked you, but I just dont think those are comensurate with the job I need you to do.”
Sounding utterly detected D replied “Oh, well then sir…I suppose I do have skill that might transfer well in serving as a butler, or even sanitation I spose.”
“Nah, I was thinking more like Head Protocol Droid, and Chief Steward.” Kalen grinned, it was his last attempt to see if it was worth keeping the Droid with the geriatric main processor without a memory wipe.
“Oh, yes master, I feel I coukd perform those roles very satisfactorily indeed. I was original programmed a Protocol droid, and served as a servant to Master Tellick Mador, very close to thevrole of Steward you mention.”
“Uh, yeah, I know D you’ve told me all that before, several times, just, try and do better alright. Make sure you follow up with Karracca and I when we ask you to do things, just to confirm that they’re actually done, ok?”
The 3PO’s eyes flickered rapidly for a second. “Yes sir, I will study as much info as I can to prepare for those duties.”
“Right on, alright, lets go meet Treel and try to sell some cider.” Kalen said as he started to walk to the airlock.
“Yes, Master.” D said as he started to follow him.
“Uh, the fracking cider D, grab the case of cider, the one on the table, as we were discussing spelling cider. Kark me.”
“Oh, right sir, sorry sir.” He retrieved the case of cider, and the two went and boarded the shuttle down to the Shame Corner.
Avalon was finishing helping a customer check out when she spotted the man and droid enter the station. Silver eyes took in the case held aloft in the droid’s arms. She waved goodbye to the Ongree before approaching them, a warm smile crossing her face.
“Welcome. Can I help you with anything today?”
After having placed the order in the kitchen, Ray came back to the table, a plate held in each hand. He set the tip yip down in front of the Evereni and the nerfburger in front of the tailring. “Is there anything else I can get you, or are you all set for now?” <@1385116824814878940>
“Oh yes, hi, I’m Kalen. I called a few days ago about maybe having my cider sold here. It’s a great deal, and I think our product would fit well here in your establishment.”
“Ah, yes. I do recall something about that being mentioned. Hello, Kalen. My name is Avalon, I’m one of the managers here. We do offer a wide variety of options on the station, something we like to pride ourselves on. Anyone can come in and find something that would work for them - or so we’d like to think, anyway. Can you tell me more about your cider and what thoughts you had in mind? I’m sure we could work something out.”
“Well, as a new brand on the market we’re looking to get established as a reasonably priced, great tasting beverage that has a consistent and unique taste. I was thinking of offering to stock the bar and restaurant, and general store here with our cider at wholesale prices, which would allow those businesses to pass on a savings to the customers while still retaining the same profit margin.” Kalen had read the signage at the entryways leading to the central concourse several times during his visits to the Shame Corner and pulled out one of 6-packs of bottles and handed it to Avalon.
“Consider that a tip, or a free sample, or an open attempt at a bribe, whichever you prefer.” Kalen chuckled.
“If I could get a glass of water and a glass of fruit punch that would be delightful thank you. He replied as Laoch began to gobble down his nerf burger. After a few big bites it was already gone. "My, my aren’t you the hungry one.” Weyr chuckled as he began to tuck into his tip yip.
Avalon nodded as she listened to his pitch. She accepted the package with a smile, looking at the label. “Well we do have customers coming in to look for cider, and this doesn’t appear to be a flavor we offer currently, so I don’t think it should be a problem. Although the diner does not serve alcohol, the bar and cooler cases would pose no issue. Perhaps we start on a smaller, trial basis and see how things go, then adjust from there?”
“Yeah, sure thing,” Ray replied amiably. “I’ll go grab those for you and be right back.”
He cleared some plates away from other diners on his way to the kitchen. Some of them were new to him, others were regulars that he was used to seeing. Before long, he was back with the water and fruit punch, setting them onto the table. He also produced a bowl. “I wasn’t sure if this would be for your tailring, but on the off chance that it is, the bowl might be a little easier for it to use.”
“My tailring?” He chuckled a bit curious “Is that what you call Keeradaks? And yes a bowl would be much better thank you.” He then smiled softly
Ray paused for a moment to look at the creature. He rubbed the back of his neck and laughed, pushing down some embarrassment. “Oh, a keeradak? Yeah, that makes more sense. I’ve never seen one before and he didn’t really look like a tailring, so I wasn’t sure. Sorry about that. I guess it’s been a long shift, heh.”
“Agreed. Start you off with a few cases then, and let us know how it sells for you and we can go from there?” Kalen asked with a shrug.
D-3P0 meanwhile stood there holding the 2 cases of cider and his eyes flickered rapidly as he silently studied various article and journals but famous ‘Stewards’, butlers, chauffuers, and assistants, trying to get some insight on how he should act as a newly emancipated droid.
“Yes, I was thinking the same,” Avalon replied. “I’m sure it shouldn’t be a problem, though. People are used to the wide variety available here and they’re always on the lookout for what new offerings we may have on hand.”
“Sounds great. I’ll have my steward drop the cases off at the bar then. Looking forward to supplying you guys in the future. Appreciate all your help.” Kalen wrapped his knuckles on the desk and gave Avalon a curt nod.
“That sounds perfect. I’ll let them know to expect the delivery.” Avalon quickly tapped out a short message on her datapad before offering a smile. “I hope this is only the start of our business together. Good luck on your endeavors.”
After departing the Managers office Kalen headed back to the landing bay to grab the weekly take from the laundry shuttle.
D-3P0 on the other hand, being all emancipated now and finished deliver of the cider decided to wonder off and get himself one of them oil baths that enjoyed ever do much.
Business seemed to be bumping at the old Shame Corner. The landing bay was near full, and as he walked uo he noted a long line of nearly a dozen people infront of the Textile Cleaning Vessel #27.
Without even saying a word Captain Treel pulled out the strongbox that held the hard currency fron that weeks operations and handed it Kalen.
“Buy another shuttle. I have spoken.” Was all Treel said to Kalen before returning to his cute little check in/out stand at the side of the ramp of the shuttle.
“Uh…Sith, this is heavy. K, see you next week partner.” Kalen sputtered.