Scenes From The Rock

Scenes From The Rock

SCENE I. It's Not Polite to Stare
City Commons 

Carved from the ancient rock of this planetary chunk, this chamber is about sixty yards in diameter with a domed ceiling that is one hundred feet tall at its highest point.

In contrast to the spaceport facility, which glows as if illuminated by a supernova thanks to high-powered lamps, this commons is more subtly lit. Shadows fill much of the higher reaches of the dome, while soft bluish-white lights provide a twilight glow to the rest of the chamber.

Archways lead to the spaceport, a tavern, and the planetoid's commercial and residential districts.

Rhys is currently engaged in wearily but gamely chasing a small coffee-skinned tow-headed child around the commons, smiling indulgently as the little girl dodges her, squealing. "Sure, and after a full day o work you'll be the death o me." she calls after.

Kriskosivich arrives from the Commercial District, looking around. He seems quite bored as he itches at his stubble.

Kriskosivich chuckles as he see's Rhys. He stands straight a moves to approach her.

Rhys chases the girl for a few minutes more, the two of them careful of the thin night crowd, and then slows up. She spots Kris approaching and offers him a smile, then calls after the girl, "Leulu, dearie, it's time t'be gettin you home. Come along back, now."

Kriskosivich grins and says, "I take it zat zat ees von of yeer neeces?" he smiles as he stands straight and watches the scene, "Queet leevly, eesn't she?"

The blonde girl reluctantly comes back, edging somewhat shyly behind Rhys and peering around her at the taller man with shy eyes. Rhys reaches back to place a hand on her head, scuffing her hair fondly as she nods. "You'd be takin it right. This is Leulu, my brother's youngest girl."

Kriskosivich nods, smiling at the girl briefly and nodding before turning his attention back to Rhys, "I vas zee only cheeld. No neephews or neeces non my part."

Rhys shakes her head at Kris, saying, "So you'd been tellin me. Yer parents weren't the real sociable type were they?"

Kriskosivich chuckles and shakes his head, "Not at all. Zey keept to zem zelves."

LeBeau walks out of the Rockhopper and stretches his arms up over his head

Rhys sighs deeply, bending over to hoist the girl behind her onto her hip. The child looks much relieved to be in the protective arms of an adult, and looks back at Kris boldly now as the woman speaks. "It be takin all kinds, I suppose. Have you been keepin yerself busy the last day or two?"

Kriskosivich shrugs, "I just got von ordeer. Zat's all. Noting eelse to do." he sighs.

Rhys chuckles, shifting Leulu's weight slightly as she speaks. "I met an aspirin racer in the bar this mornin. He was sayin how if he had a sponsor he's want t'be enterin, but just couldn't be findin the money."

LeBeau notices to two talking and approaches them, more in the direction of the male.

Kriskosivich scratches his chin, "Who? I could leend heem eet..."

Rhys sends an absent smile at LeBeau as he approaches, thinking aloud, "Scow... Sccas... Scouser, maybe? Red-headed guy from Earth, before all that mess."

Kriskosivich shrugs and shakes his head, "On seecond zought, no. I beelieve zere's alreedy a repreesentateeve from ees company."

Rhys shifts the child's weight again on her hip, admonishing, "It's not polite t'be starin like that, Leulu." leulu glances worriedly at Rhys, hiding her head in the woman's shoulder, and Rhys chuckles. "Loo always was the shy one. I'm not fer understandin it myself."

LeBeau looks to Kriskosivich "So yu mus be da fella dat has mo o less taken control o Vroom an da rockhoppers en da company's previous owner's disapperance"

Kriskosivich gives a nod to Rhys. He turns to face LeBeau and nods, "Zat I have. I am Alexi Kriskosivich. Are you eenterested een purchaseeng vone of our wessels?"

Rhys listens silently, looking LeBeau over as he speaks.

LeBeau chuckles and shakes his head as he extends his hand to the man "No. Actually I already own on. Da name es Remy LeBeau"

Kriskosivich nods, accepting LeBeau's hand and giving a firm shake before releasing. He says, "Ahh, vhat can I do for you, Meesteer Leebeau?"

LeBeau shrugs "Nodding much really. I jus waned to meed who e'er had taken o'er Vroom an 'm guessing es da one responsible fo sedding up da upcomming race dat was announced"

Rhys slips her neice down to the ground, straightening her back with a wince. "I need t'be takin Loo t'bed, now. Be seein you later, the both of you." she says witha smile, and shepherds the girl off.

SCENE II. Hoopin' Business
Rockhopper's Haven 

This cavernous chamber in the natural rock of the Ungstir planetoid appears to be some kind of converted mining operation facility, with large, rusty ore grinders, separation platforms and storage silos arrayed throughout. Automated ore-hauling bots - still functional despite age - whir and clunk overhead, following tracks set into the ceiling that weave around the antiquated mining equipment.

Metal-seated stools border a semicircular bar counter which is about one hundred feet long from end to end.

The bartender is usually clad in mining gear - complete with hardhat and overalls - and it doesn't always appear to be just for purposes of keeping in theme. The Rockhopper's Haven has a reputation as a rough spot among rough spots, with fisticuffs and gunfights erupting on a fairly regular basis - thus keeping the civilian constabulary on their toes (when they aren't actually involved in the fights themselves).

Jest'liana is trying to free a coffee-stirrer covered in a black, tarrish gunk that has stuck to her shirt. It is extremely sticky, seemingly not coming off so far.

Cameron raises this second libation to his lips, and in doing say spies a familiar figure. Rising to his feet, drink still in hand he meanders across to Jest'liana, a broad smile forming on his lips. At the approach of the other figure, his course changes and he settles at a nearby table.

Jest'liana looks up to Dirk, jerking her blade free. She smiles, but looks curious as her eyes go to his buttons, "Hello."

Vriik hisses and nods. "Good." He slides the datapad, for the thrice time this night, across the table at the softskin. "Fill that out." He hisses and picks at a particularly tricky piece of tar. Hisses in discontent, his pulls the can of anti-tangler spray from his belt and spritzes a light mist onto the offending particle. Spitting quickly to prevent ingestion, the piece of tar dissolves quickly. He continues to enjoy the drink, completely unaware of Jest'liana's plight. Or so it seems.

Hugh is sitting at the bar, experimenting with a mug of chilled coffee, vanilla ice cream, and various other ingredients for Irish coffee.

Scouser sits at the far end of the bar, out of the way of everyone else, but in his usual position since he got here. He sips from a cup of tea, with a pot beside him, reading a datapad with INN content streamed into it.

Kriskosivich lumbers in from outside, looking around.

Vriik sits at a table along with Tro, Dirk, and Hoffman. He sips at a particularly thick, tarey-substance, Grimlahd Tar-tree Elixir with Extra Bark to those who know of such things. It seems, however, that it hasn't been stirred. The lizard's gaze occasionally sweeps the area around his table for something missing. He sighs as Hoffman fills out an application-looking sheet of paper.

Rhys walks in with purposeful step, a crease between her brows and a frown on her face. She moves towards the bar, stopping several paces away to survey the available seating. Her eyes fall on Scouser and she smiles slightly, shaking her head and making for the stool between him and Hugh.

Not noticing her reaction to his disrobing, he frees the fourth and final button revealing his other garments, a utility vest among them. "Somehow, I doubt cutting yourself is going to help you salvage your dress," he states, forgoing anything more genteel though his without his glasses his eyes show a slight... affection for the woman.

Spasko chuckles and leans back against the bar, watching Dirk and Jest'liana.

Kriskosivich notices Rhys infront of him and rubs his stubble in thought. He leans against the wall near the entrance and watches her.

"True. But I'm usually good with hard pointy objects." Jest says dryly. She puts the knife carefully down, "So, you are being a gentleman and offering me your...vest?" She tilts her head again.

Scouser takes another sip of his tea, and then finishes the lot off. Opening the top of the pot, peering inside and making sure it's empty, he holds up his hand and catches the attention of the bartender, "Excuse me old chap.. could I have another pot of tea please?" he asks the man in a slightly clipped but perfectly spoken Terran accent. He doesn't seem to have noticed the strange goings on near the other end of the bar. Most likely minding his own business, as usual.

Cameron has soon finished his drink once more, and after a few moments of apparent indecision he rises and makes his way to the bar once again. There is now a most definite flush to his cheeks, almost a glow.

Hoffman nods again, glancing at the crowds to his sides. "Yes, as I said, I've got some basic skills in turret gunnery."

Vriik sits at a table along with Tro, Dirk, and Hoffman. He sips at a particularly thick, tarey-substance, Grimlahd Tar-tree Elixir with Extra Bark to those who know of such things. It seems, however, that it hasn't been stirred. The lizard's gaze occasionally sweeps the area around his table for something missing. He sighs as Hoffman fills out an application-looking sheet of paper.

Hugh is sitting at the bar, experimenting with a mug of chilled coffee, vanilla ice cream, and various other ingredients to Irish coffee.

His mental accuity lagging behind as it struggles to free itself from her first comment, Dirk says, "Actually, I was hoping to offer you a better tool," before the double entendre between comments comes to realisation. Somewhat ashamed, but not taken aback he removes his coat, and vest anyway-

Rhys sits between Hugh and Scouser at the bar, an irritated expression around her eyes. a datapad is produced from her pocket, and with a glance at the bartender and a murmured, "I'll just be havin a pint or two," she sets to work.

Kriskosivich is leaning against the wall near the entrance, watching Rhys and barely flicking his gaze away.

Spasko stands, nodding to Jest before walking out.

Jest'liana settles back, then spots Cameron. She waves, amusement lingering on her expression. Her eyes slide to Dirk, "And what would that be, then?"

Teel enters the tavern. Standing in the doorway, her jaw drops as the room seems to be wall to wall with people. "Sweet Mother Maybelline an all th'ships at sea!" She then beams widely, nodding in greetings as people walk in and out.

Once he has a fresh pot of tea, Scouser politely thanks the bartender, and then pours himself another cup, adding milk, sugar and whatnot. For a moment, he glances around, and spots Rhys nearby. The man's sombre expression becomes a slight smile. "Hello again Ms Rhys, faring well?" he asks the woman.

Cameron leans against the bar, ordering another drink with a mixture of cash, pointing and slightly slurred speech. Once received he begins work on its reduction instantly, almost greedily.

Kriskosivich blinks and gives a brief nod to Teel before looking back over at Rhys again.

Dirk reaches towards his belt unconsciously, a sheepish smirk coming across his face as he begins to sense an intense scrutiny upon him which may or may not be there, withdrawing from one of the from pockets, two tubes- one an epoxy and the other a solvent.

Vriik flips the glass upside down, hissing in displeasure as there is only one large gloop of Tar left. He tries to reach it with his long, serpentine forked tongue, but to no avail. In a flash of anger, he shakes the glass viciously. The gloop flies up, arcing over to spatter dead center on Teel's head. He flinches a bit and whistle-hisses innocently.

Scribbling intently on her datapad with a stylus, Rhys barely glances up at Scouser. Her lips have pressed themselves together into a thin thoughtful line, and she doesn't even pause her writing as she mutters, "Been better. The hoopin plant decided t'shut down early. Hoopin stone-age machinery."

Jest'liana stifles a wider smile. She nods to the tubes, "You know how to use those, Mr...?"

Hoffman finishes up the application and pushes it towards Vriik. "There you go."

Teel looks at Kriskosivich. "Alexi Kriskosivich, right? Y'heard anythin about th'mee - " Splat goes the goop on her head, and she crosses her eyes to look up at the mess, a frown growing on her face. "Who?"

Scouser takes a sip of his tea, and raises an eyebrow. "Can the machinery not be fixed Ms Rhys?" he enquires of her curiously, his own datapad still displaying the latest INN stream.

Kriskosivich blinks at Teel and cocks his head, "Eet looks like you've been feered apon. You deedn't dodge wery vell eether." he gives a grin.

Vriik quietly coughs and hisses to himself, studying the datapadd over-intently.

Rhys taps the send button and straightens up with a sigh to gather her bear up in a hand. Swallowing a mouthful or two first, she turns to Scouser. "I've been fixin the hoopin stuff every day fer the past two weeks. It's lookin t'be time fer a refit at this rate," she explains, wearily. "It's bein long past time at any rate."

Hoffman waves at a waiter and manages to get himself a drink. He sips at it, as he studies the crowds while Vriik looks the application over. He spots Scouser, and a small smile spreads on his lips.

"A drop or two should loosen it," he states matter of factly as he removes the cap from the solvent and indicating the upper portion of the stir-stick mess with the nozzle point. Unconsciously he edges in closer, bringing the solvent to bear... before losing his nerve and holding the tube out to the woman.

Cameron drops rather heavily to a stool, the now empty glass rattling on the counter as its jarred loose from his grasp. He frowns, leaning on the edge of the bar for long moments, taking deep breaths.

Scouser hmphs, and takes another sip of his cup. "Is the refit going to cost you much to do?" he asks the woman in that quiet, clipped accent of his. He, of course, noticed Hoffman earlier, and is now busy talking to Rhys.

Teel is slowly turning a bright shade of red, fuming. "Who th'hoop did that?!?" She glares around the room. "An what is this stuff? An how do I get it hoopin outta my hair?!?!?!?!"

Surely Jest has no idea why the gentleman lost his nerve. After all, she'd been arching her back to bring the stirrer into clearer range for the good Samaritan. Granted, it brought other salient features of her anatomy to the forefront, but.. She grins and delicately takes the tube, "Thanks. And, Teel? I have no idea, but leave something for me to kick too. This was /not/ a cheap shirt."

Vriik hisses innocently and studies a particularly interesting fleck of dust on the back of his datapad. He tries his best to look innocently, rill all smoothed back elegantly and airsac completely deflated. He hiss-whistles to himself quietly, nervously flicking his eyes about.

Kriskosivich blinks rapidly. he leans even more back to the wall, watching Rhys again.

A large Zangali, seated at the bar near Teel, har-umphs to himself as he swivels his dull-eyed head about. "Gakorth smell Tar!" his nostrils flare as he stiffs about, searching for the source. "Tar goooood!"

Hoffman looks up from his drink to Vriik's face. He finds it almost impossible to read the expressions of the lizard, and hopes that the whistles and flicking eyes are a good sign.

Teel gingerly reaches a hand up to touch the glop. "Tar?!?! This hoopin hoop is TAR?" Steaming, she tromps over to Jest's table, fists clenched. "I'm gonna have t'cut my hair! Who's the head jammed in a Nemoni ship moron who's messin roun with TAR in my BAR?"

Hugh glances over to the yelling woman, unconsiously leaning away from her as he takes another sip of his creation.

Vriik whistles and coughs to himself, cautiously sliding the empty Tar glass under his table. He turns to Hoffman. "So. you like flying?"

Hoffman gulps down the rest of his drink. "Yes, sir, I do. When I actually get a chance to do it, that is."

The Zangali, nostrils having located the source of the odor, stands and clomps over to Tell. Towing above her, he eyes the glop of tar. He hisses in delight and bends his head down, quickly, attempting to slither his serpent-tongue down to gather up the Grimlahd-Tar Tree Extract. Anyone who might know about Zangali know their spit is a natural solvent for the substance.

The beautiful Jest'liana forgotton for a moment as Dirk turns towards the sound of the yelling with widening eyes as he just now begins to realize that this situation might turn to violence. Realising he left his briefcase by Vriik in that same moment, he walks towards him, taking his vest in his right hand, but setting his trenchcoat by Jest'liana on the bar should the solvent not prove useful.

Jest'liana slides off her seat as Teel approaches, then eyes the Zangali, "Umm... Hrm." She carefully puts the solvant down, apparently wanting her hands free at this point.

Cameron frowns muzzily, turning towards the yelling with a certain dull eyed interest. Although his movements are a trifle lethargic, the casual movement of his hands towards the stubby but intensely lethal looking weapon at his side are sure and true.

Rhys glances away from Scouser towards the source of the noise, shaking her head and then setting herself back to her datapad again, stylus sweeping quickly across the small device. Every so often she pauses for a mouthful of beer.

Vriik is calm and casual, reclining in his chair. At the Zangali's approach, he hisses and chuckle and tenses a bit, watching everyone's hands stray and empty a bit. He hisses and seems to relax a bit, in a familiar situation.

Scouser looks towards the commotion at the other end of the bar, and shakes his head in amusement. "Is it always so noisy here?" he comments to Rhys with a slight smile, taking a sip of his tea again. "It looks like things might get rather rowdy soon."

Kriskosivich walks over to the scene, though keeping his distance. He stands tall, well tries to, and folds his arms, watching the situation.

Hoffman crosses his arms and leans back in his chair, apparently completely oblivious to the other events in the tavern.

Teel knows Gakorth, but knows nothing about the useful qualities of Zangali sputum. "Ick ack eew yuck, Gak. Whatcha doin?" She glares up at him, but the anger is not for Gakorth. "Did I not getcha nuff rat in yer last canal water or somthin?"

Rhys chuckles through the noise, shaking her head and continuing at her datapad even as she answers, "I'm not by way of frequenting the place, afternoons, so I'd not be knowin."

Gakorth goes cross-eyed for a moment, pondering this. "No. Get 'nuff rat. Want tar." He extends his tongue again, tentatively. His headspines are all tangled up, and he seems to be even stupider than the average Zangali, but minus the quick-to-anger quality. He gurgles happily as the tongue extends...

Hugh realizes that he's near a potentially dangerous situation, but is glad to see that someone has come behind him, watching it all.

Scouser looks at Rhys, and chuckles. "Ah well. One can hope it doesn't get too hostile.. I came here to relax a bit, not work." Nevertheless, a hand goes to the Stun Gun in his holster, and touches it, as if reassuring himself he has something to defend himself with.

Hoffman sighs and leans in closer to the table again. "Anyway, Mr. Vriik... can I consider myself employed, then?"

Vriik giggles a bit in a reptilian fashion, plucking at his chinscales. The situation eases off from the pivotal point, violence having been safely contained. He orders up another Tar, "Can someone get me some more," he pauses at the word, eking quietly to himself... More, you idiot. He continues, "Grimlahdi Tar Tree Extract?"

... and off-handedly nods at Hoffman, "Most definitely."

Rhys pauses in her swift writing to down another gulp of beer, shaking her head at Scouser's gesture to his gun. "Be mindin yer own business and you'll be findin other people's business won't mind you," she advises him.

Hoffman claps his hands together and rubs them. "Great! When do I start? What ship do I report to? If any."

Cameron seems to be done peering at the disturbance, and sits down once again. Gesturing to the barstaff, and aided and abetted by rather more rubles than is strictly necessary his glass is soon filled.

Jest'liana leans against the bar and begins to once more work at salvaging her shirt.

Teel looks over at Vriik, as he is the only other Zangali in the place. "Scuce me, spud, but couldja tell Gak here t'not lick my hair? Or leastways, tell me /why/ he's trying t'lick m'hair?" She takes a step back from Gakorth, grimicing.

Scouser looks at Rhys, and nods, "I know.. I know. I've been minding my own business since I got here.. but nevertheless.. one must be cautious." He turns back to face his own datapad, and sip his cup of tea, hand away from his holster now.

Gakorth cocks his head, looking down at Teel in disbelief. "Teel Stupid?" He goes cross-eyed again, in an attempt to squeak out a long sentence: "Gakorth lick Teel head. Tar on Teelhead. Tar go in Teelhead from mouth," his words become jumbled as he starts again, biting at his tongue in thought as his eyes seem to go disappear into his nose, "Gakorth lick tar. Tar go Teelhead to Gakorth mouth." He hisses in pleasure. "That it."

Vriik glances at Teel. "Grimlahdi." He inflates his neck airsac in indignation. "I'm a /Grimlahdi./" He points at Gakorth. "Big difference." He sighs and shakes his head. "Our ssspit dissssolvesss that sssstuff." He tinks at his newly refilled glass. "It'sss why we drink it."

Jest'liana growls lightly as the solvent refuses to do its work. She picks up the coat so thoughtfully left and in one deft motion jerks her shirt from her and slides on the jacket. Modesty be damned. She begins to stalk towards the door.

Troah looks at Vriik, "Ahh... It looks like it's going to get a little rough. Before I go, can you you get me a sidearm, maybe an assault pistol?"

Teel tilts her head up at Gak, listening to Vriik. "Sorry. Kay, lick away, Gak." She blushes in severe embarrassment as he goes to work. "I din't even know we had th'stuff. Who ordered it?"

Vriik nods, glancing over at Troah from Teel. He slides a few hundred-credit-notes over to Troath. "Go buy a pisssstol on Antimone."

Approaching Vriik, Dirk's angles him a sideways glance, bending as he retrives his glasses from the table and his briefcase from the floor next to the chair where he had been sitting. Holding all tentatively by his right hand, the exposed cybernetics of his left arm unburdened. "Let me know when you come up with a project," he states, ready to leave.

Rhys smiles approvingly at Scouser and tucks back into her work again, a thoughtful frown slipping onto her face. "Hoopin robbery..." she mutters to herself, "There's no way this be costin this much fer just the melter."

Gakorth happily flicks his tongue over and forth Teel's head, shoveling the goop into his mouth. He seems occupied, pretty much incapable of doing more than one thing at once.

Cameron scoops up his glass once more, staring at the amber fluid with a mixture of loathing and hunger for a good few seconds..... before planting the glass on the bar once more and rising to his feet.

Vriik hisses, "Beatsss me. All the good barssss have it." He slides back into his seat and nods at Dirk. "Ssssure."

Scouser looks at his own datapad, and sips his tea some more. "Well, if one needs to refit to a much higher level of technology.. then you had better be prepared to pay for the luxury. Though it's likely to cost lest in the long run, it will probably cost more now. Simple commerce really.." says the trader.

Troah takes the money and pockets it. "Antimone? Righto, thank you. I'll see you in a day or two."

Coffee Man Hugh chats with Ivan about various combinations he could use on his coffee creation.

Vriik nods. "I'll be in touch. He too stands and exits, hissing to himself as he leaves a large Ruble note on the table.

Cameron makes his unsteady way into the commons, jacket falling open as he goes.

Rhys shakes her head slightly at the datapadd, smiling enough to crease the faint beginnings of wrinkles around her eyes. "I'm not in the way of bein stupid, dearie. I'll pare em down t'somethin reasonable soon enough."

Scouser chuckles softly, "I never said you were ma'am.." he admits to the woman, sipping his tea quietly. He does glance up, and sees the Tavern less packed then before. "Well.. seems as if the threat has passed, for now at least.."

Hoffman fiddles with his datapad, and cackles softly with glee as the prospect of a not too bad future unravels itself.

Rhys scratches something decisive on the pad, taps send, and flicks it off. She stretches up with a wince, straightening her arms above her head as she looks around. "It be lookin like it," she agrees, "I'm not mindin."

Kriskosivich seeing things have calmed down, he walks over to Teel and drops his bulky arms to his sides. He say, "Zo, you vere zaying?"

Scouser shakes his head with a slight smile. "Me neither.." he admits, sipping the last of his latest cup of tea with a satisfied sigh. He taps a few things into his datapad, and brings up his own financial data. "Well.. I'm not too bad financially I guess.." he murmurs, more to himself than anyone else.

Teel looks a little sullen, her head now covered with reptiloid spit. "I was sayin..." She sighs, then has a little laugh at her own expense. "I was sayin had y'heard bout a meetin yet?"

Rhys chuckles at Scouser, downing a little more beer. "That's not bein a bad thing, dearie. I'm lookin at a bit of a tight time until th plant's back at full production, myself."

Kriskosivich shakes his head, "Noting sadly..." he grins, "Ee'd seegest batheeng. Zat ztuff eesn't wery fragrant."

Hugh takes a break from experimenting, and begings to evesdrop, espically listening to the interesting Russian accent.

Scouser looks at Rhys with a slight smile, "I'm having a bad time until market economics recover.. can't wait to start trading again." He shakes his head a bit, and pours himself another cup of tea.

Teel sniffs a few times, then screws up her face. "Yer right, Alexi. It jus'plain stinks. Remine me t'never kiss a Zangali. Or a Grimladhi, fer that matter. S'far as th'meetin's concerned, I say we jus'put up a note fer a meetin tomorrow. I ain't one fer waitin."

Rui enters and heads for the bar. "Rice wine, please. Two shots," he says to the bartender.

Hugh is sitting at the bar, listening to various conversations.

Hoffman slowly rises from his chair, stretches, and heads towards the exit of the tavern.

Kriskosivich nods, "I agree on zat vone."

Rhys breaks off whatever she was going to say to Scouser to swivel in her seat and gron Teel and Kris' way. "About hoopin time," she calls, "Yer thinkin t'stop waitin fer someone else t'pick up on it first?"

Ivan, the burly bartender, gets the rice wine. "Good think ve have rice vine in stock. Alvays tryink to buy new drinks. Rice vine, tar extract...coffee drink?" He grins at Hugh.

Hugh glances at Ivan and grins, "When it's assured that I won't be going into business m'self, sure. Until then, Ed, no." He then turns to the two people conversing, "Not to be rude, but you wouldn't happen to be talking about rockhoppers?"

Rui picks up the first shot and gulps it all down. He passes the empty shot glass back to the bartender.

Rui stands up, takes his shot glass, and sits next to Hughes. "So, you a pilot too?"

The man with whom Rhys was talking to goes quiet, and sips his tea, but he listens in to the conversation, even if he doesn't contribute to it. Since he has little idea of what they're talking about.

Hugh glances over to Rui and looks at himself, "Eh?"

Kriskosivich nods, "I've been vaiting long eenough for zis meetink." he sratches his chin.

Teel looks over at the coveralled woman. "Hoop yeah. You innerested in helpin?"

Rui drinks the last rice wine. "Hey bartender, one more rice wine for me and something else for the pilot."

Hugh blinks and scratches his head, "I'm not a pilot."

Rhys chuckles. "I'm not seein any other way fer it t'be gettin done," she says, "They've been sayin somethin'll happen fer how long now and it hasn't?"

Ivan peers at Hugh. "You are pilot, Coffee Man?" He gets another shot of wine for Rui. "You vantink more coffee?"

Rui shakes his head and stares intently at Hugh. "Aren't you with TUT?"

Hugh seems to get the point now. "Er, technically, I'm the interim head of the IRL." With that, he examines Kriskosivich, "You look familiar..."

Teel waves at Rhys. "Lissen, I'm Teel Nels-McGrath. This here's m'bar. This spud," she hooks a thumb at Kriskosivich, "is Alexi Kriskosivich, he runs Vroom, th'hopper renter. What say we bash heads an come up with somethin, an stick it on th'hoopin door of th'Muny?"

Kriskosivich blinks and turns to Hugh, "I am Alex-" he stops after Teel, "I'm zat guy zhe just pointeed at."

Rui looks at Teel. "Your bar, eh?"

Rhys gathers up her datapad and drains the last of her pint, slipping the former into her pocket as she slips off the stool and heads across to the other two. "We've been in the way of havin met, dearie," she says to Kris with a grin, then nods sharply to Teel. "An honour it is, I'm tellin you. What say we be doin just that?"

Hugh nods and smiles, "Well, then. Guess I now own one of /your/ 'hoppers."

Kriskosivich shakes his head, "I do not own zem, I zell zem."

Hugh shrugs, "Well, I got m''hopper from Vroom. Same difference."

Teel grins at Rhys. "Well, lemme get this lizard spit outta m'hair, an we can get started. Y'wanna do this here or in th'Muny?"

Once more the man with the cup of tea fades into the background. Just one eccentric human ona planet full of them. He finishes his cup of tea, and continues to read his datapad. Such is Scouser's life.

Kriskosivich nods, "I beelieve eet's ztill in zee pad?" he says to Hugh. He turns to Teel and says, "Vhat's going on?"

Hugh shakes his head. Hugh coughs, "Last time I saw it was on Sanc. No idea if it survived."

Rhys glances around, shrugs one shouder, and grins. "It be quieter in here now, and I'm thinkin any publicity that'll be gettin people t'think about helpin out might not be a bad thing." She scrubs absently at one thigh of her coveralls with her hand, rubbign at a persistent oil stain on her palm.

Teel heads behind the bar to a sink. Taking the ribbon out of her hair, she lets it down as the water runs. Then she dumps her head under the water, getting all the mess out of it.

Rhys grins over at Teel, smiles up at Kris, and murmurs, "Be back in minute," before heading off towards the bathroom door.

Kriskosivich smiles as he see's Rhys emerge from the doors and walks torward her.

Teel pulls her head out of the sink finally, looking like a sodden rat, her long hair down and plastered to her. She grabs a nearby towel and turns around. "So when we - Gil?" She blinks, surprised. "Hi."

Gildar smiles and holds up his vodka to Teel before downing it in one gulp. He wipes his mouth and then says, "Hello to you too Teel. Or should I say Teelie?" he asks with a smile coming over his features.

Rhys wanders otu from the back of the tavern, drying her damp hands on the front of her coveralls. A smile at Kris and she falls in beside him as she makes for Teel again, the smile offered as well towards Gildar as her target greets him.

Hugh yawns, and chuggs the rest of his creation in a gulp that doesn't appear that is should have worked. He sets the mug on the bar, and stretches.

Kriskosivich follows after Rhys.

Rive walks in with a tall human, and they both sit down on a far bar stool.

Gildar is sitting at the bar, with an empty tumbler, appearantly talking with Teel.

Teel slowly dries her hair, a little self conscious as she heads out from behind the bar. "Heh. Ivan calls me Teelie, Gil. You call me Teelie, and you die." She smiles, then heads over to where Rhys and Kriskosivich are. "So..."

Hugh is sitting at the bar, as well.

Scouser is sitting down at the far end of the bar, an empty cup in front of him, reading a datapad.

"So let's be writin'," Rhys prompts, "Set a time and a place, and more people can come t'the next if they miss the first."

Gildar chuckles, "Not the first time I've heard that..." he mutters, and then shrugs to Ivan, "What's with her?" he asks idly.

Ivan shakes his head. "She is alvays vantink last verd. Silly girl." He automatically pours another vodka. Looking over at Hugh, he says, "Vas that a good coffee?"

Hugh grins and shrugs. "Depends. You want the recipe?"

Rive and his friend both order beers. When they get them, Rive looks around the room and and squints when he sees Scouser. He taps the tall man next to him on the shoulder, and points to him. "Edwards" (or so the tall man's name plate says) smiles at the slightly familiar face, and the two take their drinks and sit on either side of him. "Hey how's it going. I remember you from... the diner... on Mars. You're the one who had a skirmish with the Lem'ming guys right? The constable... anyways... there's no one here that we know, so we decided to "stop by"." he chuckles to himself.

(minor disconnect) (Scouser is talking to Rive and friend, Ivan is talking to Gildar at the bar, and Teel, Kris and you are talking at a table.)

"Same with us..." Edwards says sipping his drink. "I wonder when the hell they start." Rive states, "I thought they were supposed to start a couple days ago. Oh well." Rive then chugs half his drink right down.

Hugh grins and stands up. "In that case, it's the most craptastic cup of joe I've ever had." He drops a handful of rubles on the counter, and with a wave, walks to the exit.

Gildar watches Hugh leave, and then pulls out a package of cigarettes. He's humming again.

Scouser shrugs his shoulders, "I have no bloody idea.." he admits to the Martians. "I want to watch them as well, and even take part if possible.. but there's no information booth or anything. Other than the Rockhopper place in the Commercial District, and the rental console at the landing pads, there's nothing even mentioning them." The man sighs, and shakes his head, pouring himself another cup of tea.

Ivan pulls out a lighter. "Younk man, you have voman trouble?" He grins, gaptoothed, at Gildar. "That is first time I hear Teelie say somethink like that about you. Mees Sha, is Bonehead this, Bonehead that, but Teelie..." He shrugs.

Gildar blinks, "What? Yeah I know Sha thinks I ammount to dirt...but I'm not sure what you mean about Teel..." he holds out a cancer stick to be lit.

Rive rubs his head. "I was actually kinda lookin' forward to them." Rive admits. "Anyways, since that subject and us whining about it isn't productive, maybe talking about something else would be more productive. Like maybe your encounter... with the Lem'ming? C'mon, we're an able audience that wants to hear!" Rive gives Scouser a look like he's truly interrested, and wants to hear the story.

Teel wraps the towel around her wet hair like a turban and sits down with Rhys and Kriskosivich. "Kay. I was pokin roun in a few books anstuff. Right now, we gots a population of roun 50,000. Maybe less, since th'invasion an folks leavin. So, we got some ground t'cover, but not as much as say, Sivad."

Scouser chuckles softly at the Legionairre, and shakes his head. "There wasn't much to tell.. I told you almost it all last time.." says the Trader, smiling at the Martians.

Rhys sits up on her legs in her chair, leaning comfortably over the table wiht arms folded in front of her. "It'll be easy enough t'be gettin the message out, I'm thinkin... it's the phrasin that's needed t'draw interest. Sure and there'll be enough people comin after we start t'say they weren't told and don't like what we're doin if we aren't careful at first."

Ivan lights the cigarette, and after he closes the lighter, leans forward a little. "You never heard story, did you, younk man?"

Gildar raises an eyebrow, "Story?" he asks, putting the cigarette to his lips, "Nah, kinda outta the loop as it is."

Rive nods. "Fair enough," Rive says, "so I guess that maybe I can tell a story... Well, it might be confidential, but screw it, no one told me I couldn't talk. Just don't tell anybody I told you..."

Kriskosivich nods and says, "I do not zee vhat a plan vould be. Eenfact, I do not zee zee goal yeet. Meend reefreshting my meend?"

Scouser looks at Rive, and nods solemnly, "It won't leave this room.." he promises.

Teel sighs. "Simple, 'Lexi. We gotta buildin fer a Citizen's Committee. But we don't gotta Committee t'put innit. Fact, don't nobody /know/ anythin bout it. How big? Who's in charga what? Vech's been workin his hoop off as Overseer, but he can only do so much, an ifn he stays there by himself any longer, he either havva heart attack, or folk'll start callin him a dictator."

Rhys frowns vaguely at Teel. "I'm fer callin a general meetin o everyone who'll come and see what we get. I'm not fer bein another La Terre. Once we be seein how many we've got we'll decide what t'do with them."

Kriskosivich nods, "I vill help out vith vhatever I can."

Teel wipes a drop of water from her forehead. "Kay. We put up flyers n stuff. "Come to the Muny at blah blah time on blah blah day to discuss the formation of th'Citizen's Committee. Free punch an pie."

Kriskosivich looks interested, "Pie? I vill come..." he grins, "Zee! It vorks."

Seramakh sits down at the far end of the bar.

Rhys chuckles. "I'll be bringin the food if someone handles the drink. We gotta be sure the fliers get everywhere, now. What'll we be needin on them? Somethin about doin yer duty sounds kinds harsh."

Ivan says lowly to Gildar, "She told me that von day, you say somethink that reminded her of Yama. Good memories, I think."

Gildar chuckles, "Well with you saying that I think I can hear him spinning in his grave. I don't think he tought much of me."

Seramakh taps his fingers on the bar, looking slightly impatient. "excuse me?", he asks.

Teel snorts. "More like savin yer planet. We gotta get this off th'ground or we're sittin ducks."

Kriskosivich says, "I can deefinatly offeer financees."

Spasko looks around, taking off his sunglasses before he heads for the bar.

Ivan laughs at Gildar. "And Yama Nels vould say the same exact think." He walks over to Seramakh. "Am sorry, comrade. Vat vould you like?"

Gildar nods, smiling slightly, "Probably..." he mutters before turning to look over at Teel and her companions.

Rhys nods sharply, her mouth pulling down at the corners. "Yer right about that. The Nall could come back any time - or more likely this new Lem'ing nonsense. I'm not one t'stand by again while somethin like last time repeats."

Spasko nods to Gildar as he sees him, "How's the job security, mate?"

Gildar snorts, "Well since I work for myself I'd say its pretty nice. Get tons of benefits, and get to take breaks whenever I want." he replies cheerily.

Spasko raises an eyebrow from behind his glasses, "That bad, huh? Well, you know the deal."

Seramakh looks up. "anything with a water base and a low alcohol content, please?" He hesitates. "Also, could I get some information?"

Gildar blinks, "Deal?" he asks.

Spasko nods, "Remember last time we was in the red? I said I'd go with you. So, you might want to change your ways since I don't like to be unemployed."

Gildar chuckles, "You wanna be a PI too then? Or possibly a SancSec marine?"

Ivan gets said drink for Seramakh. "Information? About vat?"

Spasko shakes his head, "Nah, mate, I don't. Maybe I'll just stick with the boss to keep you in the loop."

Gildar nods, "Good idea. I need all the info I can get. And make sure ya keep her safe yeah?" He blinks at his last word and shakes his head, "Ivan's getting to me.."

Seramakh says, "Thank you. I was wondering, where would I find someone in charge of 'Vroom!'? I'm trying to see how much a ship costs."

Spasko grins crookedly, "Yea, mate, as safe as a rat in a hotbed of Zangali."

Gildar shrugs, "Well since the Zangali ARE primarily vegetarian I'd say that's safe enough."

Spasko shrugs, "Yea, whatever, hotbed of Nalls."

Ivan chuckles. "You are vantink to talk to man over there vit two vimmen." He inclines his head over towards Kriskosivich. "He is owner of Vroom now."

Seramakh nods. "Thank you very much, sir."

Gildar grumbles, "You had BETTER keep her safer than that, or there'll be hell to pay Spasko...I know things about you ya don't want leaked out that may just find a way past my lips." he smirks slightly.

Seramakh walks over in the general direction of Kriskosivich. He clears he throat softly. "Excuse me, sir, but when you have a moment?"

Teel leans back in her chair. "So, when's good fer you, chica, 'Lexi?" She looks up at Seramakh curiously.

Spasko chuckles, "Yea, yea, mate, and I know...well, crap...not like I can ruin your reputation."

Kriskosivich shrugs, "Anytime."

Rhys's frown doesn't ease up much, and she shakes her head and reaches for her datapad. A coupel clicks and a stroke of the stylus calls something up, and she looks over it carefully. "That be dependin on how the refit be goin. It's lookin t'be pretty irregular fer the next couple o weeks, and the plant comes first o course."

Seramakh backs up a step. "I'm sorry to intrude, sir.. but I've just been informed you are the sentient to see about matters to do with the establishment known as 'vroom!'?"

Shadowstrike walks into the Tavern, gaze alert and curious. His eyes and ears flick from one place to the next as he walks towards a table, appraising the various patrons. The white tip of his tail, apparently under it's own control, swishes lightly form side to side.

Ivan the bartender nods to Shadowstrike as the Demarian enters. "Velcom to Rockhoppers. Vat can I get for you, comrade cat?"

Shadowstrike turns towards the Bartender, moving slowly towards the bar, smiling. "As boring as it may appear, I would greatly appreciate a glass of iced water." His ears are intent on the man, his eyes flicking around the room.

Teel nods to Rhys. "Hoopin straight th'plant comes first. Tomorrow good?"

Kriskosivich nods, "Eet's feen vith me."

Spasko shrugs, looking over at Gildar. He asks, "You alright with this, mate?"

Rhys frowns uncertainly, tapping a coupel more keys. "I'd be thinkin maybe before I run down t'the plant fer the day..." she murmurs, looking her scedule over carefully, "Though I'd be thinkin the day after that's more t'my liking. Gives us a chance t'get the word out, you know."

Shadowstrike turns from the bar and moves slowly and smoothly towards the exit, the hint of a smile on his face as he moves.

Teel shrugs, rearranging the towel on her head. "That's wicked. Th'more th'better. Come one, come all. Help rebulid yer Rock."

Teel adds, "Free punch an pie."

Rhys adds to that, with a grin, "Let yer voice be heard. Do the complainin now while it'll be helpin."

Teel sits up, laughing. "Thassit, chica. Earn yer right t'complain!"

Kriskosivich merely cocks his head.

Rhys chuckles, then raises her voice loud and steady,a foreman's voice if there ever was one. "All y'sittin around right now, spread the word. Y'show up in the Muny two mornins from now an give yer ideas or yer shuttin yer mouths permanently. Earn the right t'complain by helpin and you'll be gettin free food in return."

Kriskosivich understands the food part, finally, and nods, "Zounds good."

The man in the far corner of the bar blinks a little, and notices the dart board. Shrugging to himself, he gets up, and heads over to the board. It's been a while since be played, but he shrugs to himself, and starts to practice.

Scouser flings a dart and completely misses the dart board.

Scouser winches, and watches as the dart hits the wall. Ooops.

Spasko shakes his head as he watches the dart player.

Scouser launches a dart and it strikes in the middle ring.

Teel smiles. "Sounds wicked. Th'grapevine round here is good."

Scouser nods a bit in acceptance, and throws again.

Scouser throws a dart and completely misses the dart board.

Scouser winces once more, and grumbles.

Spasko chuckles.

Scouser throws a dart and it lands on the second outermost ring.

Scouser takes a breath, and throws again.

Scouser launches a dart and completely misses the dart board.

Scouser sighs.

Scouser hurls a dart and completely misses the dart board.

Scouser flings a dart and completely misses the dart board.

Scouser hurls a dart and completely misses the dart board.

Scouser pitches a dart and completely misses the dart board.

Rhys chuckles a little more loudly, then winks. "I'll be seein how much o my family I can bring. You think you'll be encouragin some o yer friends t'come?"

"Ok.. that's enough.." he mutters to himself, going over to the darts and placing them back where he found them with a shake of his head.

Scowling, Teel yells at Scouser, "Spud, stop markin up m'walls!" She looks a little ridiculous with a blue flowered towel wrapped around her head like a turban, sighing with relief when he finishes.

Kriskosivich chuckles at Teel, "You look wery happy."

"At least I fly better than I throw.." he quips, shaking his head. Ah well, darts was never his game.. he might win PSS though. Paper-Scissors-Stone of course.

Rhys shakes her head as her pad beeps at her, stabbing it into darkness and tucking it away. "I've got t'be gettin on t'supervise the mess," she informs with a wry smile and a shake of her head, "No one'll vbe doin anything without me in the mornin. I'll see the two o you around, an hopefully more than just the two o you in a couple o days."

"Da, wery happy, 'Lexi," grumbles Teel. "I could start dancink, I am so happy." Nodding to Rhys, she says, "Two days, bring the folks."

Rhys chuckles at the two, waves to Kris, and with a murmured, "See y'round," pushes her chair back, stands, settles the chair back under the table, and exits with purposeful step.

SCENE III. Children at Play
City Commons 

Carved from the ancient rock of this planetary chunk, this chamber is about sixty yards in diameter with a domed ceiling that is one hundred feet tall at its highest point.

In contrast to the spaceport facility, which glows as if illuminated by a supernova thanks to high-powered lamps, this commons is more subtly lit. Shadows fill much of the higher reaches of the dome, while soft bluish-white lights provide a twilight glow to the rest of the chamber.

Archways lead to the spaceport, a tavern, and the planetoid's commercial and residential districts.

Kriskosivich tromps in from the Commercial District, looking around.

Rhys and two children of about ten years of age are wandering about, stapling up notices carefully to every available surface. The children surreptitiously play step-on-his-toe while Rhys concentrates on the work.

Kriskosivich smiles as he see's Rhys and walks over to her, straightening his posture.

Rhys turns to get another flier from the boy who holds them, smoothing an errant strand of hair back against her head. "Here, now, Lew, be givin me another an leave off that with yer brother in public..." she murmurs admonishingly, straightening with the poster to spot Kris. She sends a smile his way, straightening up the rest of the way and waiting without turning to put the picture up.

Kriskosivich reaches Rhys, "Hello. How ees eet goeeng?"

Rhys smiles at the other man, then chuckles with a shake of her head. "IT's notbein too much different from when I saw you last. I'm teachin Cor and Lew about their civic duty but fer some reason they're not seemin interested." She accompanies an understanding glance at the two boys with a wink at her companion.

Kriskosivich chuckles, "Zeer just cheeldrin. Zey'd ratheer run around playing zan vork. I remembeer that ztage of my leef.."

Rhys chuckles again, absently offering the flyer back to the boy and settling her hand on his head to muss his hair. "And are you t'be meanin that any of us wouldn't rather be playin?" she asks, a twinkle in her eye, "I can't say I'm doing it all fer fun, that's the truth. They're gettin old enough t'be helpin t'keep themselves in a safe place to be playin, though, now." The boy ducks out from under her hand, smoothing his hair with a half-scowl half-smile, and pipes up, "I don't mind. Deedie'll let us play at th'plant tomorrow!"

Kriskosivich scratches his chin, "Zat reminds me..." he grins, "Vhy aren't ve on a feerst name basees?"

The boy shrugs at the lack of interest his announcement generatrs, and wanders off with the other boy to staple up a flier rather neatly on a bench. Rhys smiles after them for a moment before shrugging at Kris. "I'm thinkin we probably haven't found much of a need yet," she says, "Or do you be meanin somethin else by that?"

Kriskosivich shrugs, "I just do not leek calling people by zeer last names. I've alvays hated formalities."

Rhys chuckles and shakes her head, keeping an eye on the two boys as she speaks. "They don't be callin me anythin other than Rhys, out here," she assures, "Don't let it be botherin you any. The name be fitting me better than most."

Kriskosivich smiles and nods, "Vell, zey call me Alexi on zee other hand. Eef you don't mind I'd leek to be refeered to as zo."

Rhys grins, extracting a hand from her pocket and offering it over. "Well, then, Alexi it be. You might have to be remindin me from time t'time, but I'll remember eventually. Have you been working on the fliers yerself?"

Kriskosivich smiles and shakes the hand briefly, "Now, Zat's a lot better zan Meesteer Kriskosivich now, eesn't it?" he chuckles, "Fleers? All I can do is buy theem."

Rhys gestures to one of the fliers with a trace of pride. "Not a one o these be bought," she explains of the carefully coloured and lettered paper, "Uncle Bran's brood all came over t'help me with the makin, and a fine job they did, too." Those last words are just loud enough to carry to the two boy's ears, and they glance at each other and smile as the woman continues, "There's no real reason t'be buyin what you can make yerself easier and cheaper."

Kriskosivich nods and peers at the fliers. He nods, "Zey do indeed look eeficient." he scratches his chin, "I could certeenly neveer accompleesh zuch a task."

Rhys's hands come out of her pockets to cross in front of her, grinning but with a trace of suspicion to her eyes again. "Sure, and you don't be one t'be tryin in the first place either." she notes.

Kriskosivich smiles, "I vill try..." he looks up, "Eet's day now I beleeve...Time for me to sleep. I promees I vill get right on zee fleers in zee eevening."

Rhys's suspicion is wiped away by a grin, and she nods approvingly. "That's the way, dearie. Go get yerself some sleep and I'll be seein you around, I'm sure."

Kriskosivich nods, "Good day." as he trudges off for the Commercial District.

SCENE IV. Crimson Dreams
City Commons 

Carved from the ancient rock of this planetary chunk, this chamber is about sixty yards in diameter with a domed ceiling that is one hundred feet tall at its highest point.

In contrast to the spaceport facility, which glows as if illuminated by a supernova thanks to high-powered lamps, this commons is more subtly lit. Shadows fill much of the higher reaches of the dome, while soft bluish-white lights provide a twilight glow to the rest of the chamber.

Archways lead to the spaceport, a tavern, and the planetoid's commercial and residential districts.

Standing still in the middle of the commons area, half way between the Tavern and the Landing Padd, a significant portion of Dirk's consciousness appears to be devoted equally between flexing the fingers of his right hand, and staring at nothing in particular through his dark glasses.

Rhys's puposeful step takes her from the industrial area quickly, the woman rolling her head on her neck as she walks as if to stretch tight muscles. She appears to be heading for the tavern, of her course is straight.

Dirk continues on like this for several moments, eventually continuing on his course towards the Tavern as he seems to realise where he is.

Rhys falls in beside Dirk as he walks, straightening up to smile at him just a little. "You be alright?" she asks him.

Dirk nods slightly, than turning his head towards Rhys, "They cancelled the bloody meeting," he says, either avoiding the point or missing it, "I'm just glad they did it before I got on the bloody shuttle this time"

Rhys walks along, her smile turning into just the hint of a sympathetic frown. "What meeting be that?" she asks him.

"Happens all the time," Dirk speaks without explaining, "Crimson LTD /sounds/ nice, but as soon as they realize it doesn't have its own sky-scraper..."

Rhys nods, frown disappearing as she leads into the tavern. "That be where yer workin?" she asks.

Rockhopper's Haven 

This cavernous chamber in the natural rock of the Ungstir planetoid appears to be some kind of converted mining operation facility, with large, rusty ore grinders, separation platforms and storage silos arrayed throughout. Automated ore-hauling bots - still functional despite age - whir and clunk overhead, following tracks set into the ceiling that weave around the antiquated mining equipment.

Metal-seated stools border a semicircular bar counter which is about one hundred feet long from end to end.

The bartender is usually clad in mining gear - complete with hardhat and overalls - and it doesn't always appear to be just for purposes of keeping in theme. The Rockhopper's Haven has a reputation as a rough spot among rough spots, with fisticuffs and gunfights erupting on a fairly regular basis - thus keeping the civilian constabulary on their toes (when they aren't actually involved in the fights themselves).

Dirk turns a nod in Rhys's direction, "I keep setting up business meetings, and the businesses just keep cancelling."

Rhys chuckles comfortably, leading the way to a table in the midst of the ebb and flow of people. Seating herself, she kicks a chair out for him and waves the barkeeper over. "Sure, and you be the one settin up the meetins and makin the product both?'

"Yes," Dirk's voice slowly losing its bitter tone, "That's about the whole of it."

Rhys orders herself a guinness, talking as the server stands waiting for Dirk. "Yer lookin at a big order, then, dearie," the woman sympathises, "A new company yer startin out with too?"

"Beer," Dirk elaborates to the server, "Something dark..." He frowns a moment, setting his briefcase on the open chair as he takes his trenchcoat off, draping it over the chair. "It's been surviving for about two years, but so far the only long-term contract we have is with the advertising agency- and that we'll be the ones paying." He finally takes his seat as the server realises the last bit isn't part of the order, and returns to the bar.

Rhys glances rather impatiently at the bar, then back to Dirk with a chuckle. "I know how that be," she relpies, "It takes some good organisin and the hirin o people who know what they're doin t'get somethin new off the ground."

"I've been hoping to work with people like that," Dirk says, shaking his head, "but without anything but the occasional contract..."

Rhys accepts her glass from the server with a contented sigh, swallowing a mouthful of it before answering, "What you be makin? The key's t'be choosin somethin people want, so y'don't be havin t'worry about that sort o thing."

"I try to take what we have now," Dirk says, not realy noticing the server as his own glass is placed next to him, "and use it in a different way." Reaching unconsciously for his glass, he takes a drink and continues, "If it needs software, I'll write software, If it needs to do more than it was designed for, I'll try and fix it..." Taking another drink he adds, "It all realy depends"

Rhys chuckles again, sipping some more beer. "Sure, and do people be wantin what you turn out?" she asks a little bit pointedly.

Rhys is sitting at a table with Dirk, a guinness in hand.

Kriskosivich tromps in from outside, looking around.

Dirk lets out a deep sigh, "It sure doesn't look like that," he realizes, as he removes his glasses with his right hand to set them on the table in front of him.

Rhys folds her arms on the table in front of her, the one left free enough to bring her glass to her lips occasionally. She smiles wryly, shaking her head, and says, "That might be yer problem, then, dearie."

Kriskosivich brings his eyes to look over the room. He gives a nod to the Bartender, a smile as he sees Rhys, and a scowl to Dirk. He grumbles to himself.

Dirk frowns to himself, reaching for his beer in silence- the last few words striking a chord. Bringing it to his lips, he drinks from it heavily, if not impressively for the corporate type. Leaning back in his chair, he sets the nearly empty glass back on the table.

Rhys's eyes lift from her companion to Kris, and she waves him over with a tired smile as she speaks to Dirk. "This computer stuff lookin t'be yer life's callin, or just somethin you be doin fer money?" she asks him, "My little brother be big into it, but he don't try t'make a living from it."

Kriskosivich gives a nod to Rhys and another smile and he approaches the table. The sound of his worn boots against the floor may be heard.

Dirk purses his lips a moment before responding, "Computers are just what I went to school for." Finishing the rest of his drink, he adds "But I do like getting the chance to take a odd pieces and parts to come up with something different."

Rhys reaches under the table with a foot to push a chair out for Kris, answering, "You ever be thinkin of doin mechanic or engineer work? It be the same sort o thing... this be a friend o mine, Alexi, and Alexi this be... I'm not sure i caught yer name, dearie?"

Kriskosivich takes the chair with a smile and nod to Rhys. He peers at Dirk and scoffs, "I've seen heem. He raised hees woice at me for not seelling heem my Rockhoppeer designs."

"Name's Dirk Crimson," he says introducing himself, before continuing, "I actually had done that, until I came to the conclusion that I'd be better off working for myself."

Rhys sighs, a note of weariness evident in the sound as she takes another deep drink. "I be cursed t'day," she mutters, "Doesn't seem t'be any hope o gettin a nice relaxin drink in at any hour."

Kriskosivich laughs briefly, "I know, Rees. People have probleems vith eachother. Eet happeens and vill neveer stop," he grins, "I promees I von't try to keel heem."

Rhys's eyes go flinty, and she scowls briefly at Kris. "Alexi, y'go killin someone I been drinkin with and it'll go bad fer you," she warns darkly, then with a sudden shake of her head and a tossing back of the remains of her glass chuckles. "Ach, sorry, I just be too old fer these all-nighters still."

Kriskosivich blinks and then chuckles, "You zcared me zere for a zecond."

Rhys's smile is faint as she mutters, "It don't be somethin t'be jokin about. Dearie, bring some more all round, would you?" The last is much louder, directed to the barkeeper.

Recognizing the voice, Dirk turns around in his chair to face the man. "I didn't /want/ your designs," his uncovered blue eyes sincere as he explains himself, "I wanted to buy some parts, not the bloody plans"

Kriskosivich peers at Dirk, "No hard feeleengs Meesteer Creemson. The vorkers are peecky. I'd have to take zee ting apart myself eef I vanted to zell you parts."

Dirk shakes his head slightly, "It's realy my fault, Mr..." he admits, hestitating slightly over the unknown name, "I shouldn't have gotten annoyed when you misunderstood"

Rhys supplies, "Alexi."

Kriskosivich nods and chuckles, "Meesteer Kriskosivich. Or Alexi. Eet's much seempleer." he nods to Rhys.

Offering his hand in appology, "I hope we can have a drink, with better terms, Mr. Kriskosivich," Dirk says to Alexi, attempting to pronounce his name correctly despite its difficulty. (crisco suh vich)

Kriskosivich accepts the hand with a firm grip and shakes briefly before releasing.

Rhys's relief is evident at the more peaceful talk at her table, and she lifts a hand to run at the bridge of her nose as she yawns.

Dirk nods slightly, thankful himself, "I'd hate to hear that there were others like me," he says to Alexi, "I'm not sure what I went in there for, but I had an idea for something"

Kriskosivich scratches his chin, "Zo, zee meetink ees tomarrow?" he asks Rhys.

Rhys nods decisively to Kris, grin returnng as her yawn ebbs. "Sure, and it be about time. You be bringin yer friends along with you? and are you plannin t'attend?" she adds to Dirk.

Dirk shrugs, "Depends." He pauses a moment as the server finally comes around with the second round of drinks, "I might have something resembling a contract in the morning"

Kriskosivich tilts his head, "Vhat freends?"

Rhys shrugs at Dirk. "Work comes first. I'll be catchin you fer the second, though." A pause and a sip, and she chuckles, "Alexi, yer makin yerself out t'be a complete hermit, y'are."

Kriskosivich chuckles, "Vell, as far as I know, you happeen to be my only freend." he smiles at Rhys.

Rhys snorts and frowns into her beer. "My luck t'be gettin a hermit. Time t'be meetin some folks, Alexi."

Kriskosivich scratches his chin, "Actually, I have otheer freends. Leek Mees Teel, Or my old freend Ivan who verks nights..."

Dirk pipes in with a wry smirk, aided by the alcohol, "I'm sure he meets them, I'd just be welling to bet they're all well hidden..."

Kriskosivich gives a heart laugh at Dirk, "You have a point theer. I am wery...eemtimeedating."

Rhys chuckles at Kris and then louder at Dirk, raising her mug. "T'friends," she says firmly, "Be there many or few, and t;the findin o them."

Dirk nods to the sentiments, raising his own glass in response.

Kriskosivich picks up his mug and gives a slight bob with it in response to Rhys.

Rhys downs another mouthful of dark liquid and sighs. "Sure, an I won't be givin that one again anytime soon," she murmurs, "All this business is takin up more time then usual."

Kriskosivich takes a gulp from his mug, but still goes on, taking rather large ones. He finishes and peers at the mug, "Vhat ees thees? Tap Vater?"

"I think you've got mine," Dirk informs Alexi, a very dark brew in his own mug, "They keep giving me that stuff, thinking I'll faint from anything else."

Rhys chuckles again, shaking her head, but remains silent.

Kriskosivich nods, "I vouldn't dreenk vhat you have eenfront of you zen..."

Dirk nods slightly, sliding the mug over to the Russian, "Could you bring me another?," he directs towards the bar as he reaches for the now empty mug of tap water, "And fill half of it with whatever he's got" he adds, indicating alexi with a half-cock of his head.

Rhys stifles another sudden yawn, shaking her head and tossign back her drink with a sigh. "Looks like I'm fer my nap about now," she informs cheerfully, "Hoopin kid kept me up all night again. If it don't be one thing it be another, I'm tellin you."

Kriskosivich chuckles at Rhys, "Who? Cade? I like zee boy. He'd turn out a fine Mechanic." he grins and takes a mouthful of the mug Dirk gave him, "Zat's more like eet..." he sighs as he says to Rhys, "Vell, eet happeens again. 10 meenutes afteer I feend you, you have to go.." he shrugs, "Must be bad timeeng..."

Rhys stands slowly, shaking her head at Kris. "Kid hates t'be gettin his hands dirty, Alexi, at least when I be around. I be sure we'll be seein each other again, the both o you." She nods to Dirk and then to Kris, pushing in her chair and leaning on the back comfortably for another minute or two of conversation.

Kriskosivich shrugs, "Vell, eet's noon. Looks like I should be geetting to bed as vell..." he stands, finishing of his drink.

"Tell you what..." Dirk says, his voice trailing off for a moment as he begins thinking. "You see my glasses over there?" he asks Rhys, declining to explain at the moment.

Rhys says dubiously, "I still be havin my eyesight, dearie."

"Normally these are just for rich corporate types who want to pretend they're paying attention to someone while drafting their next inter-office memo..." he says, snapping the fingers of his right hand, causing the glasses to activate with little flickers of light emanating from the back of the lenses, "But..., it might be a way to sneak a few extra hours of sleep in," he grins slyly, hoping that he's on the same wavelength...

Rhys chucles, the sound intermixed with a groan. "You be keepin those away from Thammie, now, dearie. He don't be needin any encouragement."

"If I can get my hands on another set of lenses," he says, despite Rhys's lack of enthusiasm, "It'd be nothing for me to rig them to work with a standard Padd"

Rhys just shakes her head, smiles encouragingly, and with a murmured, "Good day t'you," she disappears out the door.

SCENE V. Just A Quiet Night
Rockhopper's Haven 

This cavernous chamber in the natural rock of the Ungstir planetoid appears to be some kind of converted mining operation facility, with large, rusty ore grinders, separation platforms and storage silos arrayed throughout. Automated ore-hauling bots - still functional despite age - whir and clunk overhead, following tracks set into the ceiling that weave around the antiquated mining equipment.

Metal-seated stools border a semicircular bar counter which is about one hundred feet long from end to end.

The bartender is usually clad in mining gear - complete with hardhat and overalls - and it doesn't always appear to be just for purposes of keeping in theme. The Rockhopper's Haven has a reputation as a rough spot among rough spots, with fisticuffs and gunfights erupting on a fairly regular basis - thus keeping the civilian constabulary on their toes (when they aren't actually involved in the fights themselves).

Red Wolf is sitting in a small booth, well out of the way. He glances towards the door as if expecting someone, then looks back to the small book on the table before him.

Rhys pops her head in through the door, yawning hugely, and surveys the place. A sigh that trends towards the long-suffering escapes her, and she calls in a foreman's voice, "Anyone be seein that little brother o mine in here?"

Red Wolf jumps visibly, blinking bewilderedly at the yell, before he calms and shakes his head just in case the question is directed at him. A soft voice queries. "What look like", though whether she hears it is up to her attentiveness.

There are few enough people at this time of night to answer, and Rhys collects the negative headshakes with a scowl that softens into a rueful chuckle after a moment. "He sure be good at makin himself scarce, that kid," she says to no one in particular and wanders in the rest of the way.

Rhys is walking towards the bar with a determined step, shaking her head and grinning and stifling another yawn.

Hoffman takes a seat at an empty table, a bit away from the crowd, and hunches down by a drink he just ordered.

Cameron strolls into the tavern, his long stride carrying him towards the bar in a determined manner.

Red Wolf is seated in a booth in a corner, keeping to himself. He watches the new arrivals expectantly, then looks a little disappointed. Frowning slightly, he returns to his reading.

Walking into the tavern with an impressive looking bulge concealed by his trench-coat off the right hip, Dirk makes his way towards the bar, not bothering to take off his dark glasses.

Rhys hops up onto a stool, grin turned on the barkeeper indecisively. "I've never seen such a kid fer pullin the whole rebellious thing," she remarks generally to him, "And him bein grown up now, too. Be gettin me somethin t'keep me awake, now, I'm guessin. I won't be gettin more sleep tonight."

Cameron settles atop a barstool, displaying a certain feline grace. A muted exchange with the barstaff soon provides him with a glass of some clear fluid and ample opportunity to examine his fellow patrons discreetly as he waits.

Hoffman slowly falls asleep at his out-of-the-way table, and falls down with his head on the table with a thud, snoring loudly.

Dirk stops just to the right of Rhys, black-sided briefcase in his left hand, "Whatever's on tap, preferably not urine this time" he states, likewise taking a stool.

Rhys glances over at the loud snores, chuckling to herself and shaking her head. "He be the smart one of us," she pronounces, adding as she recieves a mug of steaming black coffee, "Thanks, dearie." Her fingers curl around the mug's warmth, and she yawns without bothering to cover her mouth this time.

Red Wolf tucks his book away in a vest pocket with a sigh, and glances around at the patrons with a disappointed air. Reaching in another pocket, he pulls a sketch pad and pencil out, starting to sketch the patrons at the bar idly.

Cameron watches the slumbering human quietly, sipping his drink from time to time. There is a certain amused curiosity in his expression, tempered slightly by occasional lapses into polite behaviour, which last no time at all.

Hoffman coughs a little, still sound asleep. He stretches out on the table with his arm, making his half-finished drink fall off the table before he resumes snoring.

Rhys's yawn breaks off at the crash, and she glances over towards Hoffman again, shaking her head slightly and then lifting her coffee to her lips. She winces as she sips, blowing over the surface of the hot liquid.

Red Wolf looks away from his work at the sound of the glass hitting the floor, wide brown eyes searching a moment before focusing on the source. He slips from his table to pad towards the spill, bending to begin cleaning it up quietly.

Dirk snaps his head around warily at the sound of breaking glass, distractedly reach for a few bills to pay for his drink, whatever it is as the bartender sets it in front of him. Finding the source, he turns back towards the bartender, thankfully still wearing his glasses- as he regards the purplish-coloured, carbonated drink before him.

Cameron shakes his head at the slumbering Human's clumsiness before turning back towards the bar, gesturing for another drink. Plucking a datapad from his pocket, he sets it on the bar beside him and triggers the display, screens of text rolling past.

Rhys shrugs, turning to Dirk as the person closest to her. She offers a friendly smile and the murmured, "He'll be wishin he'd found a better place fer that come mornin."

Red Wolf is quietly picking up bits of a shattered glass from the floor next to the table of a sleeping Hoffman

Chuckling slightly, Dirk turns towards Rhys, "No doubt," he replies. Suddenly remembering the briefcase in his hand, Dirk places it on the floor, next to his stool. "Hell, it'd be more comfortable to ride baggage in one of the commericial shuttles"

A group of five miners enter the bar. They are filthy, and very loud, laughing and joking among themselves.

Rhys takes another gulp of her coffee, wincing again at the heat and sucking air through her mouth. she shakes her head at Dirk. "I don't be much o one fer travellin myself. I'd much rather be home in... hoop." She glances behind her, sighs, and mutters, "Any time o night."

Red Wolf looks up at the noise, and continues picking up bits of glass and storing them in a napkin, though he does scoot a little closer to Hoffman to make himself less noticeable.

Cameron sits quietly, sipping his drink, reading his datapad and minding his own business. He seems either unaware or unconcerned by the newcomers, not even glancing their way.

"Speaking of public shuttles...," Dirk says, picking up his briefcase as he fairly leaps from the stool. "Been nice talking to you," he says, not bothering to respond to the last in the rush for the door.

Rhys glances at the suddenly empty stool, shrugs, and mutters into her coffee, "Might be the smart thing t'be doin. Wish I'd be knowin where that kid has been gettin himself to."

The biggest, burliest and dirtiest of the miners walks up to the bar, and leans on it next to Dirk and Rhys. He smells very bad, and dust rises from him as he moves. His companions settle at a table near the center of the bar. The burly man fairly yells, "Oi, Barkeep, a round a' ale for me and me mates."

Hoffman suddenly wakes up with a jerk, and quickly wipes the drool of his chin. "What... where... where the hell am I?!"

The bartender frowns, and begins to fill the big man's order, filling five mugs of ale and setting them on a tray.

Red Wolf jerks when Hoffman does, not expecting the action. When he does, a few of the glass shards go tinkling across the floor. He quickly tries to pick them up again, murmuring at Hoffman without looking up. "You fall sleep knock drink from table. Help Red Wolf clean."

Rhys glances at the miner beside her, downing the last of her cofee and gesturing silently for another with a wink to the bartender when he comes around. Looking over at the miner beside her she asks, "Sure, and you be just gettin off-shift now, dearie?"

Hoffman looks at Red Wolf, and then looks down at the mess on the floor. "I... I did that? Terribly sorry..." He bends down and helps clean the last glass fragments up.

The big miner looks at Rhys while he waits, and smiles. "Hello, pretty," he says, "why don't 'e come an' sit wit' me an th' boys, now? We be wantin' comp'ny." His breath smells like something died in his mouth about 5 years ago, and anyone within several feet is readily aware of it.

Kriskosivich tromps in from outside, looking around.

From their table, the other four miners continue to laugh and joke loudly. Occasionally they look to their big friend at the bar, impatient for their drinks.

Rhys chuckles easily at the miner, wrinkling her nose. "Be takin a bath, dearie, and I'll be considerin it." she says good-naturedly.

The big man frowns, and raises one arm to sniff his own armpit, loudly. "Oi, I took me bath last month," he says. "Come on now, luv, come an' join us."

LeBeau walks in with a slight yawn as he makes his way up to the bar and hops up on a stool "Hey Ivan, ged me a Rum will ya?"

Red Wolf nods approvingly to Hoffman as they clean glass from the floor together. He deposits a napkin full of broken glass on Hoffman's table, and stands, eyeing the big miner at the bar apprehensively as he sidesteps towards his own booth.

There is a group of loud and rowdy miners sitting at a table near the center of the bar. One of their companions, a large, smelly man, is at the bar talking loudly to Rhys. Red Wolf is cleaning up broken glass around where a startled Hoffman is sitting. Cameron sits and drinks by himself.

Rhys sits on a stool at the bar, small form dwarfed by the miner beside her. She shakes her head at him, still grinning, and says, "Not t'night, dearie. Get back t'yer friends now - sounds like they be missin yer compny or yer beer."

Cameron looks up from his datapad, casting a casual glance in the direction of Rhys and the miner. Although his expression radiates nothing but disinterest, there is something about the way his eyes run over the odorous fellow, a calculating look.

The miners laugh loudly as their compatriot is rebuffed. Several call loudly for their ales, and the bartender sends the tray over to their table.

Cade strolls quickly into the tavern, scratching at the datajack below his ear. He looks around the Tavern, then looks over at the bartender. Just as he opens his mouth to speak, he hears a familiar voice. His eyes snap towards Rhys, and a small smile sets itself on his face. He walks over towards her, eyeing the miner suspiciously.

LeBeau nods to Ivan as he brings up the ordered Rum. LeBeau takes a small drink form the glass and looks over to the large miner that is 'hitting on' Rhy and silently watches the exchange between them.

The big miner frowns, clearly embarrassed by the reactions of his friends. "Aw, c'mon now, missy, we won't 'urt ya. Jus' lookin' fer a lil' companionship, ya know? I's a right nice fella, I am. Jus' sit wi' us fer one round." He reaches for Rhys's arm with one hand.

Red Wolf retrieves his sketch pad and pencil from his booth, eyes still on the miner, and tucks them into his vest pocket with just a little difficulty, since he's not watching his actions. Then he moves quietly towards a spot on the wall opposite the bar, watching the miner all the time.

Hoffman returns to his table and looks at the broken glass with a solem expression. He orders a new drink, which he quickly gulps down to put the past uncomfortable experience behind him.

Rhys glances over at the sound of steps approaching, her grin fading into a frown. Pulling her arm away from the miner she turns on the stool to face Cade, saying aside, "Yer needin t'look fer companionship elsewhere. I'm sure there be plenty o girls around that aren't needin t'dress down their little brothers about now."

Kriskosivich snorts at the activity beside Rhys and moves to approach her.

Cameron returns his attention to his drink, finishing it and turning to make his way out of the tavern.

Cade tugs at the jack once more, before he turns a glare on the miner. "Ya here? My Sis said get. So get!" He then turns back to Rhys, watching the miner out of the corner of his eye. "Whadda ya need, Ale?"

The big man blinks, and then stands up indignantly. "Oi, was tha' a crack a some kind? Oi, missy, don' go makin' fun a me now. That ain't nice." He turns to look at Cade now for the first time. "Oi, buzz off, pipsqueak. I'm jus' talkin' to the lady. Not yer business."

LeBeau takes another slow drink from his glass then raises his voice. With a smooth tone he speaks "I beleive da lady said no. So I sugges yu return to yer table an try to drink away da rejection."

The other miners have been laughing and drinking their ale up to this point. A few of them begin to pay more attention to their friend at the bar as he rises suddenly.

Kriskosivich comes up to one side of the miner, and gives him a cold stare, "I theenk you beetter leesten to zem."

Red Wolf moves around the room further, choosing a location whos only difference from any other location is that it has an unhindered view of the miner, with no one in between.

The big man eyes LeBeau. "An' why don' ye mind yer own business, pally? Ifn a miner a' th'Rock canna' come to the Rockhopper fer a lil' drink an' talk ta a pretty girl, then I don' know what th' galaxy's comin' to."

Cameron steps out the door, apparently unconcerned for the growing tension inside.

Rhys reaches out with a gesture that speaks of long habit to push Cade's hand away from his datajack, her refilled coffee forgotten behind her for a moment. "Yer father's like t'throw a fit with you bein out at all hours like this," she informs him, "Yer pulling the rebel stunt on purpose again, kid?"

The other four miners leave their table now and move to join their companion, who they see being surrounded. They are no longer laughing, and several of them mutter amongst themselves, "...can't leave a few miners ta' n'joy theyselves in peace...arh, this place ain't wot it use ta be....we'll larn 'em...."

LeBeau turns on the stool some to better look at the miner. "Like I said, da lady already tole yu she does no wanna talk. So leave her alone an go look on da corner if yu wan som company. O perhaps yu already tried dat an yer smell scared off e'en da whores"

Gildar steps into the tavern, humming quietly til he hears the miners, and LeBeau. He frowns slightly.

Hoffman calls for a bottle and uses it to refill his drink. Again he gulps it down quickly, leaning back in his chair grimacing as the fiery liquid hits his stomach.

The big miner looks at Rhys for a moment longer. "Oi, missy, I don' like bein' made fun a' like tha'," he says. "I got 'alf a mind ta teach yer friends 'ere some manners, jus' ta larn ya to be polite."

When the four move closer, Red Wolf stops hugging the walls and moves partway towards the group. Lifting a hand, his faint voice urges. "Please....no need make fight Teel Sha tavern. All go back drinks, hard work long day make temper short yes?"

The groupd of miners laugh at Red Wolf and shove past him. They stand by their companion. "Oi, Nate, we be 'avin' some fun now?" one of them says to the big man. The combined smell of these men could choke a horse.

Gildar sighs and starts towards the bar, "Nothin like a good altercation to get the mind goin.." he mutters.

Cade shakes his head at Rhys. "Nope. He went off on some rant, complainin' 'bout his 'youngest son.' An' I got pissed an' left." He turns back to the miner, setting his hands on his hips. "Ya ain't got the brai.." His voice cuts off as Red Wolf speaks. He scrunches up his face at the smell.

LeBeau rolls his eyes and stands up and takes a few steps closer to where Rhy is being acosted. He sighs a bit "Perhaps ids time yu fellas to leave. I assume dat if da owners show up, yu'll be en alod worse shape den da hango'er yu'll hav if yu jus leave now"

The big man reaches to grab Cade by the shirt. "Oi, I sez ta buzz off, pipsqueak. I ain't got th' brains, ya say? Well, maybe we'll be seein' how much brains ya got in tha' skull a yours now."

Kriskosivich eyes the 5 and says, "Now, theer ees no reeson to feet. Eef you do not plan to harm my freend heer," he motions to Rhys, "I vill back off." he peers at the larger miner and back to the group, "Eef you vould not meend calleeng off your freend..."

Gildar frowns as the miner picks up Cade, "And I say you leave before the Cajun gets angry. Its not pretty when that happens."

Three of the miners move to stand in LeBeau's way. "Oi, mate, why don' 'ee mind yer business now, an mebbe we'll buy yas a drink."

Red Wolf frowns, and slips a hand to one of the knives in his bandolier, though he doesn't withdraw it yet. His voice quavers, but still instructs. "Let go. No need. Go table drink. NO mess up Teel Sha place."

Red Wolf is standing a few feet from the miners, since they pushed past.

Grix'ik'kikik skitters into the tavern just in time to see Cade being grabbed. He cocks his head slightly, but other then that ignores it entirely. The Odarite makes his way to an empty table, then unharnesses his wares and sets them out on the table.

LeBeau looks at the three miners as they move to block his path and again he sighs. "Three men on one, no quide fair if yu ask me...fo yu dat es." He takes a moment to size each one up, "How aboud yu three jus back off an leave da lady alone dat way no one geds hurd an dare es no new coad o pain needed on da walls"

Gildar snorts as he hears LeBeau speak, sighing he makes his way towards the outnumbered Cajun.

Cade gulps as his shirt is grabbed, his face scrunching further at the smell. After a few seconds, he says, "Now, now... Tha wouldn't be a good idea... 'cause..." He hesitates for a few seconds, looking up at the big miner and his companions. "Cause it'd make a terrible mess. An' then ya'd have ta deal with Miss Sha... an' that doesn' sound like fun." He eyes scan desperately around the room for some escape.

At that moment, several uniformed police officers enter the bar. Their leader, a constable, heads toward the disturbance. "Hey now," he says. "What the hoopin' hell be goin' on 'ere? A Mr. Cameron jus' reported a bunch a' miners on the rampage 'ere. Now 'oo do I have ta take off ta the lockholes?"

The big man has drawn back his fist, and is about to punch cade in the face, when he hears the constable. He releases Cade, straightens his shirt and puts his arm around him. "Oi, nothin' goin' on 'ere, guv'ner," he says. "Jus' a lil' fun among friends, is all." The miners confronting LeBeau back away from him a bit.

Rhys is standing there when Cade is released, wordlessly offering him a look both sympatheric and wary. She nods towards the door, the gesture more a command than anything else.

The constable looks around to the others in the bar. "Anyone have anythin' ta say?"

LeBeau turns his head to glance over his shoulder at the group of uniformed men that come thru the door before he turns his attention back to the miners backing away from him. Keeping a close eye on them

Gildar blinks as the police enter, and then turns slightly away from the constabulry, he shakes his head in the negative to the question asked.

Rhys glances from the miner to the constable, shrugs silently.

Cade has his eyes closed and his head turned away from the fist, muttering something through clenched teeth. He lets out a sigh of relief as he is released, only to begin gagging as the arm is set around his shoulder.

Kriskosivich folds his arms and glances down and the Miner, waiting to see if he happens to change his mind. He makes no glances at the police who have just entered, just keeping his eyes on the Miner.

Red Wolf looks expectantly for someone else to say something, then looks towards the police, murmuring "Big man bother girl, small quarrel, no fight."

The big miner leans a bit closer to Cade, breathing his highly fowl breath on the man. "Oi, we's good friends, ain't we, mate? Tha' Qua don' know wot e's talkin' bout." He shoots a glare at Red Wolf.

Flaze flaze steps in carefully and then sighs with relief and steps up to the bar to buy a drink

Grix'ik'kikik keeps his multifaceted eyes locked on the cops.

Rhys has the voice of a foreman, there's no doubt about that as she scowls at the miner and says, "You be gettin yer paws off m'brother, dearie."

There is a confrontation at the bar between five smelly, dirty miners and several other patrons. There are several police officers now present.

Hoffman rises from his seat, and slowly makes his way towards the exit, having trouble to keep his balance. He walks past the scene with the miners and the police officers, but thinks nothing of it.

Flaze makes no secret of looking over the group

Cade is far to busy choking and hacking and trying not to breathe in the foul smelling air to say anything.

The constable nods at Red Wolf's words. He gestures to his men, who approach the miners. He looks at the big man. "I'd be doin' as the lady says, Nate," he says. "You 'n yer boys 're no stranger ta the lockholes."

Red Wolf frowns, glaring back at the miner, though he trembles a bit. "Red Wolf no lie. Think maybe big man let young man go before young man answer."

LeBeau takes in a deep breath and crosses his arms over his chest as he continues to stare at the group of miners

The bartender gives Flaze a 'what the hell do you want'type of look.Slapping down some money she orders a Bourbon and then sits looking at the others curiously

Gildar starts towards the bar slowly, not seeming too worried about the miners any longer. He mutters something under his breath, and then waves Ivan over.

The big man scowls, but nods to Rhys. "Roight," he says, taking his arm off Cade, and straightening the man's shirt a bit where he ruffled it. He looks at the constable. "No need fer tha', guv'ner," he says. "We just be lookin' ta relax, is all."

Red Wolf relaxes some as the miner lets Cade go, voice softening as he addressed the constable again. "No think big man meant bad...work long day temper flare easy all. Yes?"

Flaze says, "hmmm"

Cade sucks in a deep breathe of the more breathable air, regaining his composure, then glancing between the constables, the miners, and Rhys. He says, queitly, "I ain't yer friend, smelly."

Rui enters the Tavern and walks towards the bar. "Give me a shot of rice wine," he says to the bartender.

The constable nods at Cade's words. He looks at Rhys. "These men been causin' ya trouble, miss?"

There is a confrontation at the bar between 5 dirty, smelly miners, several patrons, and a number of local police.

Grix'ik'kikik scoops his equipment up and turns to leave before anything

Rhys looks at Cade, not exactly scowling but not far from it, and jerks a thumb at the door. "Kid. Out. I'll be seein you shortly, not more than five steps from that door." With that she crosses over to the constable, leaning up to speak to him in a low voice.

LeBeau finally seems to stand down and walks back over to return to his drink he left at the bar.

Rui looks around with raised eyebrows. He quietly sips his drink as he watches the patrons.

Rhys tells the constable: 'You'll be wantin t'keep an eye on th'one fer the rest o the night. He's lookin fer trouble and not findin any, I'm guessin.'.

Gildar mutters something to Ivan when the bartender gets to him, and then turns to watch the remainder of the confrontation.

The constable nods to Rhys. "All right, ma'am, we'll 'andle it." He looks at his men. "Boys, Nate here an' his crew a' been a lil' too rowdy for the patrons t'night. Take 'em off ta the lockholes."

Cade glares at Rhys for a moment, before he reluctantly turns to march towards the door, glancing several times over his shoulder. He stops just in front of the door and steps to the side, turning to watch what happens next.

Rhys shakes her head at the constable, sighing. "Yer new t'the place, dearie?" she asks him.

The constable looks at Rhys. "Na, lassie. Tha's how I know Nate an' 'is lads here," he says, gesturing to the miners. "An' I know the best way ta' handle 'em is ta not give 'em too much rope. Ya ain't the first lady they've hassled."

The Big Miner looks at the constable with a hurt expression. "Aw, c'mon now, guv'ner. We'll be good. Won' we, lads?"

Spasko strolls in, looking around at the constable.

The other four miners nod, muttering among themselves, "Aye....not lookin' fer trouble....jus' got little out a' hand....jus' wanna have 're drinks..."

LeBeau takes a seat back at the bar, his back to the rest of the room as he picks up his drink once again and throws back whatever is left in the glass

There is a confrontation at the bar between a group of police, five dirty, smelly miners, and several patrons.

Rhys dusts her hands off on her pants, then settles them in her pockets. "Sure, and be off with them, then. I been here thirty years and I was never seein their face before, though, guv. Now, if you'll be excusin me?"

Rui rubs his chin before he finishes the rest of his rice wine. He heads for the Tavern door.

Cade watches Rhys carefully, and at the first sign of her planning to leave, he turns and darts through the door, soft jingle of various bits of metal coming from his pockets.

Kriskosivich see's all has ended and shrugs, flicking his gaze from the Miner to Rhys. He drops his arms to his sides and walks torward her.

The constable nods to Rhys. "Sure, missy. Ifn yer not gonna file a complaint, we'll jus' haul the leader off, an' let 'im stew overnight at the lockholes. Have a good night."

Red Wolf gives the miners a wide berth, slipping quietly around the room in an effort not to be noticed. He finally slips up beside LeBeau, murmuring low. "Mind Red Wolf sit beside?"

"An you have a quiet one, dearie," Rhys advises the constable, then with a general, "Thanks, guys, fer the backup when it be needed," she turns for the door to follow Cade out.

Two of the officers take out their nightsticks and walk toward the big miner, who looks at them sullenly but shows no signs of resistance.

LeBeau quietly slides his foot out behind him into the path of the miner as he is being escorted out of the tavern.

City Commons 

Carved from the ancient rock of this planetary chunk, this chamber is about sixty yards in diameter with a domed ceiling that is one hundred feet tall at its highest point.

In contrast to the spaceport facility, which glows as if illuminated by a supernova thanks to high-powered lamps, this commons is more subtly lit. Shadows fill much of the higher reaches of the dome, while soft bluish-white lights provide a twilight glow to the rest of the chamber.

Archways lead to the spaceport, a tavern, and the planetoid's commercial and residential districts.

Cade stands five steps from the door to Rockhopper's, scratching and tugging at the datajack beneath his left ear and pacing back and forth, a slightly nervous look on his face.

Rhys emerges with her usual purposeful step and a less-than-usual scowl, glancing at Cade with an expression that suddenly softens into a grin. She backtracks a half-step to the door of the tavern and counts off the paces towards Cade, falling a good half a foot short.

Cade continues right on pulling at the implant, probably not even aware that he is doing it. He snorts as he sees what she is doing, a small smile coming onto his face. "I got bigger steps, Sis."

Rhys chuckles and reaches up to knock the hand away. "Sure, Thammie, but I be lookin t'make it up in brains lately. What be that hoop yer pullin in there?"

Kriskosivich arrives from Rockhopper's Haven .

Rhys is standing five steps from the doorway to the Tavern, speaking to Cade.

Shadowstrike walks towards the tavern, eyes and ears flicking around the commons. His tail swishes lightly from side to side as he moves, slowly and gracefully.

Cade glances at the hand before shoving it into his pocket. He sighs at the use of his nickname, muttering, "Don't call me that, Sis." Then, louder, he says, "I was jes makin' sure nothin' happened ta ya. How was I supposed ta know he 'ad a record a klick long?"

Shadowstrike nods as he steps past the two and into the Tavern.

Kriskosivich tromps out of the Tavern, looking for something.

Rhys's raised hand glides on to whap lightly at the side of Cade's head, more a hair-tousle than anything. "I'll be callin you what I want, kid. And you be knowin the type; it's not matterin the specific reason. Now, what you be doin out all night again?"

Cade pulls his hands out of his pocket to smooth out his hair, which goes back to standing up anyway. His hand hovers for a moment over his datajack before he jams it back into his pocket. "Yep, I suppose I do. But you do too. What was you doing flirtin' with him, anyway?" His smile dissipates, and he mutters, "I got a right ta do as I please. I'm'n adult."

Kriskosivich see's Rhys is busy, and leans against the tavern wall. He scoffs lightly at the word 'flirting'. He watches the two, though not intently. He glances around at the others in the area, though not nearly as often.

Rhys ignores the question completely, just barely hiding a sudden smile behind a scowl. "Sure, and just because you be tallern'n me and needing t'shave doesn't make you an adult, Thammie. Yer actin younger'n little Loo lately with all this runnin around past decent hours. Even I be fed up with it now, and I'm not needin t'tell you what Dad's thinkin."

Cade pulls himself up to his full height, the better to look down at his sister. "I could ask ya the same thing, Ale. What're ya doin' out at this hour?" He snorts once more with the mention of 'dad'. "Pah. If Da's got a problem with me, he can tell me hisself. 'Course, then he'd have ta admit that /I/ existed."

Toromok comes from the direction of the landing pad, his heavy hooved feet making a distinctive clopping sound on the hard rock floor.

Kriskosivich blinks and turns to face the noise. His eyes widen as he looks. He says, "Vhat zee 'ell ees zat..."

Rhys removes her hands from her pockets to fold them across her chest, blue eyes level on Cade's own. Quietly, she says, "He not be the one doin the lack of admittin, Thammie, and I be lookin fer you."

Toromok is makings his way towards the tavern. His demeanor seems to show confidence, but one can detect a sense of trepidation from him.

Cade snorts once more. "Lemme try that again... He'd have ta /speak/ ta mean. He admits that I exist often enough.." He opens his mouth as if to continue, but just then spots the 11 foot tall horse thing. His brows shoot up, and he asks, "What the hoopin' Hell is that!?"

Kriskosivich immediatly moves away from the Tavern, heading in the direction of Rhys and Cade.

Rhys follows Cade's eyes, shrugs, and mutters a choice and unrepeatable phrase under her breath. "Hoopin busy night. I'm fer bed before somethin else 'interestin' comes along. You, kid, will be in the plant t'help out in two hours, understand me?"

Troah heads towards the Commercial District. He shows no apparent interest in the people around him.

Kriskosivich peers at the being, then the Tavern's doorway, then the being, "I do not zink hee can feet zrough zee doorvay.."

Cade nods, slowly. "Sure, sure. But I gotta.. gotta," He reaches a hand up to poke at his datajack, before giving it a quick tug and jamming his hand back into his pocket. "First." His eyes remain locked on the horse thing.

Toromok gets to the door of the tavern, and looks up at the sign. Painstakingly, he copies the letters on the sign into the tiny pad he has in his hand. Reading the result on the screen, he returns his gaze to the door.

Toromok is standing just outside the door of the tavern, looking at the sign and the door.

Kriskosivich is standing near Rhys and Cade. He looks at the huge horselike being infront of the tavern.

Cameron makes his hurried way towards the commercial district, barely glancing at the alien as he passes.

Rhys stands five steps from the door, saying to Cade with a headshake, "Sure, Thammie, but you'll be workin a full day on whatever sleep you got." Sh pauses, then asks, "Tell em again what y'do with that thing?"

LeBeau pushes the door to the Rockhopper's open and neary pushes it into the large horse looking creature. The shadow of the beast looms over the entry way and Lebeau just looks up. With a small sigh he smirk "We god dog, cads, fish, frogs, an ensects...so why no a horse"

Shadowstrike steps out of the Tavern, pausing for a moment as he gazes at the various occupants of the commons. His gaze falls upon the equine creature, a curious look on his face as he examines the being. His tail nearly completely ceases movement, his eyes and ears intent upon the horse.

Toromok looks down at LeBeau, with curiousity. He writes some strange geometrical shapes on the small pad in his hand, and they shift into Terran Standard. Allowing LeBeau to read it, it says, "Hello."

Rhys catches LeBeau's words and chuckles, tossing over her shoulder, "Cows next, dearie, mark my words."

Cade nods, slowly. "Course I will. I always work a full day... Well, 'cept that time last week..." He grins slightly. "And I do the same thin' I've always done with it.. I plug my brain into the compterm." His eyes stare at the horse for a few more moments.

LeBeau glances over to Rhy and chuckles. With a motion of his head in Cade's direction he speaks "How es da kid? Yu an he doing alrigh afder wha happen en dare?" HE then, as if in after thought looks back to the large horse "Allo. I don remember hearing anyting aboud a new speices being foun. Ad lease one like yu I would o remembered"

Kriskosivich still looks up, "Hee must be from zat new planeet zey vere talkeeng about. Calzon..."

Rhys reaches out a hand to smack Cade lightly upside the head. "You be knowin that's not what I'm askin, Thammie," she says, the twinkle in her eye strong though she does answer LeBeau instead of speakign further. "Kid's full o sand as ever, thanks, and I'm not so badly myself. Thanks fer the consideration, dearie."

Toromok looks at LeBeau curiously as he speaks, and makes a rather raspy sigh. He writes on the pad in his language, which is then translated into, "Please, write on this pad in your language. I am unable to understand your spoken speech."

Shadowstrike looks the equine over again, a curious look on his face as he slowly takes a step towards him. The tip of his tail twitches occasionally, his eyes and ears intent on the horse-like creature.

LeBeau gives a brief nod to Rhys "Dare was no problem, id was dem dat was en trouble no me." He then takes the pad and begins to write on it as he reponds to Kriskosivich "Calzon, es'n dat some sord o etalian noodle ting." He hand the pad back up to Toromok with the follow message :Hello, what brings you to Ungstir?.

Toromok looks at the result, then writes back, "Accident. The Leigonaires took me to their world to talk with their leaders, but my curiousity got the best of me and a shuttle brought me here before I knew what was happening. I have been taught how to return, but felt a desire to explore before doing so."

Kriskosivich scratches his chin, "Vhat'd he zay?" he asks. He curiously glances at the being every now and then.

Cade pulls his arms out of his pockets and crosses them over his chest. To Rhys, he says simply, "I make money." To Lebeau, however, goes a more elaborate answer. "We're fine. And I had the whole thin' un'er control, before ya butted in."

Rhys snorts at Cade, shaking her head. "Kid, if the miner don't be gettin you next time you pull that hoop I'll be doin it myself."

Scouser quietly enters the City Commons cavern, humming quietly to himself. Nothing seems different about him to those who've seen him around. His hands are in his pockets, and his strides long yet quiet. His back his straight, and yet his face is downwards, towards the ground. Obviously, he's either sad, or minding his own business.

LeBeau reponds likewise on the pad :You must be from the place that launched that probe the Martians found a few weeks back. So what do you think of what you have seen so far? He then looks to Kriskosivich "Id says dat id god here on acciden, hitched a ride from Mars an di no how to ged back." HE then wink to Cade and chuckles " 'm sure yu di spord"

Kriskosivich is standing near Rhys and Cade. He looks at the huge horselike being infront of the tavern.

Teel heads out of the tavern, pulling Gildar by the hand. "Ivan said there was somethin'r somebody out here..."

Kriskosivich peers at Teel, "I tink he is vhat Iwan vas talkeeng about." he motions to Toromok.

Shadowstrike listens intently to the conversation between the horselike creature and LeBeau, ears flicking occasionally. His gaze rests on the creature, the tip of his tail twitching lightly. Tentatively, he takes another small step closer.

Toromok takes the stylus and writes, "From what I have seen so far, I am duly impressed. The Martians discovered our Genesis probe, designed to study our solar system. It unfortunately malfunctioned and never returned. It apparently drifted quite a distance."

Gildar walks in with Teel, and then blinks at Toromok. "What the.." he mutters quietly.

Cade smiles over at Rhys. "I couldn' let dat big miner do nothin' ta my favourite sister, could I?" He glares at Lebeau for a second, "Well, they weren' gonna touch Ale, where they?" His eyes flitter back to the giant horse.

Even Scouser, with his head down, has to look up sometime. And since he's heading towards the Tavern, he looks up.. and up.. and up at the half-man, half-horse some twice is height. "My God.." he murmurs softly. All of once species he can take.. hybrids with featues blended in a manner that makes sense he can take.. but this.. it's like something from ancient Greek mythology.. The tall pilot's jaw kinda opens just slightly, and he shakes his head in amazement.

LeBeau chuckles to himself as he responds :I suppose distance is relative between our peoples. An don't be to impressed, we still have all the same problems like greed and intolerance that I'm sure your people have.

Teel stops. Looks up. Looks waaaaaay up, to the point of leaning back a little, up into the equine creature's eyes. "Hey there, spud. Welcome t'Ungstir an all that," she says, with a mixture of cheer and curiousity.

Toromok writes, "Yes...from what I understand, your worlds have unified themselves, mine unfortunately is still divided by politics. " He looks at Teel, his ears twitching slightly, but his face shows a look of frustation, as if he couldn't understand what she said.

Gildar chuckles quietly, "Umm...I don't think I'd call him 'spud' Teel...course I dunno what I'd call him offhand."

Rhys doesn't smile back, sighing. "I'm serious, Thammie. You know I don't be thrashin the kids but yer whole attitude lately is another matter."

LeBeau glances to his side and smiles to Teel "Hey sis, he can no understan us. Yu'll hav to use dis padd here an wride wha yu ar saying to hem." He hands the padd to Teel and finally moves out of the doorway to the Rockhoppers

Cade snorts. "My attitude's jus fine. Alway's has been. It's everybody else's that's bad." He glances back at the horse thing.

Teel snorts at LeBeau. "Course he cain't unnerstand /you/, bro. Nobody can." She winks then, and taking the padd, writes: Hello and welcome to Ungstir. My name is Teel.

Toromok looks at the padd, and writes in a series of geometrical shapes. The screen shifts them into Terran Standard: "My name is Toromok, and I appreciate the welcome."

Rhys's exasperation leaks out finally, though she says only, "Sure, an yer doin the heavvy work in the works today, kid. Maybe I'll be grindin it out o you if talkin don'e be workin."

Gildar watches Toromok and Teel converse, he of course reads over Teel's shoulder.

Scouser approaches the entrance to the Haven, and thus the horse-like being, his curiousity piqued. The chance to meet beings such as this is the reason he first came into space.. and financial necessities decided otherwise. So given the chance to converse with such as he, the trader will take it.

Cade snorts at Rhys, his smile evaporating. "Oh, all right. I'll be good. I promise." He skips a beat, then adds, "I'll even go ta that meetin' of yers."

Teel looks up and over her shoulder at Gildar with a quirked brow. "Y'wanna say hello too, nosy?"

LeBeau reaches over to rub Teel's back "Keep id up sis. Jus don yell ad me when da nex time I visid Miri she does no wan me to leave her"

Shadowstrike moves forward towards the equine creature, his curiosity finally piqued. His eyes and ears are intent upon the being, his tail swishing softly behind him. The look of curiousity on his face never leaves as he moves gracefully forward.

Gildar smiles slightly and shakes his head, "Nah, I'll just watch. You know how well I communicate with people of my OWN species, let alone an alien one."

"Yer goin t'the meetin anyhow," Rhys answers steadily, "And the next one, and the one after that. And after work t'day and a nap you'll be helpin me t'make the food fer the meetin. Seems the only way t'keep you out of trouble is t'keep you busy."

Rhys stands five paces from the tavern door speaking with Cade, her arms crossed over her chest.

Scouser is approaching the Cavern entrance and the horse-like being near it, glancing at the alien very curiously.

Cade nods, sighing softly. "Yeah, yeah. I'm goin' ta every meetin' from now 'till the whole plan blows up in our faces." He pauses, then adds, "And I do have a job ta do, sometime."

Kriskosivich shrugs at the being, oddly losing interest. He edges closer to Rhys and Cade, waiting.

Teel is next to Gildar and LeBeau, also watching the tall being, although her words are for LeBeau. "Remy LeBeau, a child knows her ma. Y'ain't gonna take m'place in her heart. Sides, I'm jus'waitin fer y'ta break her heart. Then I'm gonna beatcha up."

Gildar smirks, "Can I help?" he asks idly.

Toromok writes on the pad, "I must return to Mars. I am thankful for the conversation, and hope to meet again."

LeBeau leans over and kisses Teel's cheek "Who says 'm gonna break her heart. An I ne'er said I was gonna take yer place." He turns to look at

Gildar for a brief moment out of the corner of his eye.

Rhys nods evenly to Cade, pointing down towards the industrial section of the caverns. "Yessir, yer job be right there until yer told otherwise. What you be doin on yer free time's fer you t'be decidin, but I'm not listenin t'these money excuses." She pauses as Kris edges closer, glancing over at him and lifting an eyebrow. "What you be wantin, Alexi?"

Teel reads the pad, then scribbles back: "Stop by whenever you want, and safe travel."

Toromok nods, and moves to head towards the landing pads, his heavy hooved feet making a clopping sound on the hard rock floor.

Kriskosivich blinks and says, "Oh, I just vanted to zay Heello ees all.." he smiles faintly.

Shadowstrike gazes after the creature for bit, shrugging and heading after the creature, as the pads were his originally intended destination. His tail swishes lightly as he moves, smoothly and gracefully.

Scouser watches the being go with a shake of his head, and more pieces of the puzzle begin to click. The man shakes his head a bit more vigorously, and then makes his way for the Tavern itself.

Gildar watches the being go, and then looks around the area as if expecting to see some other gargantuan beast.

Cade nods solemnly at Rhys, then looks over Kris carefully. A devious grin sets its self on his face, and he asks, in a stage whisper, "Is this the guy ya got a crush on, Ale?"

LeBeau watches Toromok leave then turns to Teel "So how di Miri take my leaving da oder nigh. 'm guessing dat afder dat liddle possive display fo Jest she di no take id all dat well"

A gargantuan beast, in the form of an overweight man, walks out of a nearby ice cream shop. The large man scratches the 2.5 inches of crack located above his sagging jeans.

Scouser slips past the crowd outside the Tavern and inside the hole in the rock itself.

Rhys sighs, shaking her head at the both of Kris and Cade. "I be havin more time t'get t'know the man and I might be answerin you, kid. He's on t'council with us, so s'far it's only business."

Vechkov limps into the commons, dragging on a cigarette as he glances around the cavernous chamber.

Gildar closes his eyes, "I think I'm blind.." he mutters.

Teel tugs on her ponytail. "Miri was jus'fine. She jus..." She shrugs. "I think she got pretty good instincts, I'll say that much." She waves at Vechkov as he comes into view. "Comrade Vech, how are you?"

Vechkov nods to Teel, taking the cigarette from his mouth and tapping the ash on the floor. He grunts. "Not bad. Not bad." He smiles with the wrinkles around his eyes. "Glad to hear the citizens committee is moving forward."

Gildar blinks and turns towards Vechkov, he's a touch pale as he does this.

LeBeau smiles "Wha do yu mean by enstincs sis" He notices Vechkov as the man limps up to them "Hey Vech, long time no see"

Vechkov tucks the cigarette back in his mouth, dragging on it till the tip flares red. He exhales smoke in a column that wafts up around the brim of his battered fedora. "LeBeau. Looking healthier than the pundits said you would."

Cade's grin evaporates. "Yer no fun, Sis." He offers a hand towards Kris. "The name's Cade Rhys."

LeBeau smirks "Well yu know me, I liv to prove people wrong an to be a pain en da ass"

Rhys sighs, and adds, "Thammie's my brother. Thammie, this is Alexi. Sorry, been a long night." She accompanies the apology with a frown at Cade.

Gildar nods, "No argument there.." he says quietly.

Vechkov knits his brow, then looks toward Gildar. "Do I know you?" He takes the cigarette from his mouth, again tapping ash onto the ground.

Kriskosivich nods and extends his hand as well, giving a firm grip and shake.

Shadowstrike steps back into the commons, gaze alert as he scans the area for a familiar face. His tail swishes lightly from side to side as he walks.

Teel elbows Gildar in the side. "Hush." The action itself seems quite instinctive. Sighing, she says, "Vech, this here's Gildar Hess. Or, Bonehead, as Sha calls'm. Don'lettim bother ya, he likes t'run on at th'mouth."

LeBeau looks back over his shoulder to Gildar "Yu don know Gildar Hess, Vech. He es probably a bigger pain es da ass den I am"

Cade adds, "Pleased ta meet ya." He glares briefly at Rhys. "An' don't call me Thammie, Ale."

Vechkov laughs softly. "Oh. Hess. Yeah." He returns the cigarette to his mouth.

Kriskosivich chuckles, "Zammie? Vhat's zat zupposed to mean?" he says in an obviously deep Russian accent.

Gildar rolls his eyes, "Right Cajun." he then blinks at Vechkov's reaction, obviously not what he expected.

Rhys says evenly, with a hint of a smile, "Don't be tellin me what t'do, kid. Sorry about the kid, Alexi; he always be like this. It's a name I been callin him since he be in diapers. he'll be growin t'like it eventually."

Vechkov winks at Gildar and says wryly, "You're the Nall tamer." He smiles with the wrinkles around his eyes, then looks toward Teel. "Pipsqueak, I'm heading out. Not sure how soon I'll be back."

Cade glares at Rhys for a half second, then says, "I will not, Ale, and you know't." He turns back to Kris. "And it is... Derived... From Haytham."

Shadowstrike glances down as his comm beeps and turns quickly, heading back to the pad, eyes and ears intent.

Rhys reaches out comfortably to settle a hand on Cade's carefully smoothed hair. "Thammie be in the rebellious stage yet," she explains to Kris, "He be takin longer t'grow out of it than most."

Gildar raises an eyebrow, and then glances around a little suspicously.

Kriskosivich tilts his head and shrugs, releasing his grip, "Haytham? I neever heerd of eet." he grins, "Vhat ees he? Vone of yeer fameely?" he looks over Cade, "Peerhaps brotheer? Maybee neephew?"

Teel frowns. "Headin out? Dangit, Vech, make sure y'come back, kay?" She tugs on her ponytail again. "Looks like th'Committee'll be gangbusters, but..." Her voice lowers slightly. "Vampy's already gone someplace, i don'want y'followin, kay? Be safe."

Vechkov smirks a little bit with his mouth, a rare hint of a smile there. "Who do you think I'm after?" He winks, then puffs on his cigarette and turns, limping off toward the landing cavern.

LeBeau looks to Teel "O sis, dare was a couple drunk miners causeing some trouble en da hopper ealier." He points over to Rhys "Day were harassing da lady dare. Da leader was named Nate o someting. Da police came by an took off to sober up fo da nigh"

Cade reaches his hand up to knock Rhys' hand off his head. His hand then drops down to scratch absently at the datajack on his neck. "Yep, I'm her brother. Born tha way, I guess."

Kriskosivich chuckles, "Brotheer? I deedn't beleeve her at feerst." he grins, "Vell, a pleesure meeting you, Meesteer Rees."

Gildar watches Vechkov go, and mutters, "Best of luck." mostly to himself.

Rhys's hand settles comfortably back in her pocket as she watches the two shake hands, listing her wrist after a moment to check the time.

Cade continues scratching and pulling at the plug in his head. He nods quickly. "Yep. Can't ya see the family resembelance?" He moves to rest his free elbow on Rhys' shoulder.

Teel grins faintly as Vechkov limps off. Then she looks at LeBeau. "A fight? In my bar?" The grin falls into a frown. "Leastways th'police came by. Why were they messin with her?"

After the glance at her wrist Rhys absently reaches otu to knock Cade's hand away from the side of her head. "Stop messin with that," she mutters, accepting Cade's posturing with a chuckle.

LeBeau says, "Actually dare was no, da cops showed up befo dat could happen. As fo why day were messen wit her. I tink day were a bid too drunk an di no understan da wor no""

Kriskosivich chuckles, "I'm glad to zee zome seebleengs are steel close.."

Rhys sighs, glancing over at Cade with a shading of sadness in her face suddenly. "They all be growin up on me," she says lightly, "It be time fer me t'be followin the others an have some o my own soon enough."

Cade drops his hand from the side of his head, shoving it into his pocket. It quickly comes out again, and moves back up to scratch at the datajack. "Close? Yeah, I guess ya could say that.. She's my only /sensible/ sister." He shakes his head disgustedly, before his grin returns. "Well, ya could have this guy get ya preggers.. Or Smelly, from the bar.. Da'ld be so thrilled."

Gildar nods, "Sounds bout right." he agrees with LeBeau.

Kriskosivich tilts his head, just waiting for a reaction from Rhys.

Rhys reaches up to swat Cade's hand away from his datajack for the umpteenth time, her expression rather harried. "Sure, kid, and you think he'd be mindin me actin like a good little girl? Get yer hand /away/ from that." She pauses, chuckling a little, and adds, "You be keepin yer mind out o my bedroom an I'll be keepin yer porn stash on my work computer a secret, Thammie."

Teel turns and looks at Gildar, concerned. "Yer kinda stingy with th'verbals, Gil. Y'alright?"

LeBeau chuckles "I tink Jest cud hes balls off afder wha happen wid da ship on Sanc es all"

Gildar shrugs, "I thought I'd give Cajun here a little vacation and shut my yap for awhile.." he peers at LeBeau, "Um..no...but that may be what she's planning to do next time she sees me.."

LeBeau scoffs "From da feeling I picked up from her yesturday, she has alod worse en min den jus dat"

Kriskosivich gives a brief laugh at Rhy's last comment and smiles, "Heed zem in zee vrong place, zhould have transfeered zem to anotheer deesc eef you vanted to keep zem." he says jokingly.

Gildar grits his teeth, and grumbles, "Goodie."

Teel holds up her hands. "Aight. Hold up. Stop. Th'last thing that Jest wants t'do with cojones is choppem. So what, I mean /really/ what, has got her so pissed at you? S'gotta be moren jus'a busted boat, she got more, an all she hasta do is make y'pay forit."

Cade frowns, glancing at his hand for a few seconds. He then balls it into a fist and jams it into his pocket. He mutters, "Sorry." before turning his attention to the other comments. "Sis, any porn stash on yer work computer is yers, not mine." He grins slightly. "I'm a good l'il boy. Or a smart un, anyway."

Gildar shrugs, "I already paid for it, and I really don't know what's got her so angry....could be she figured she'd cut her losses before I did something ELSE that would cost her in crew and not ships."

Rhys chuckles, shaking her head slowly, "Sure, an you be old enough t'be coverin yer tail I guess, kid. I wasn't knowin the nephews were old enough fer that yet. She frowns for the briefest of moments, glancing over towards residential, and shakes her head. "Time be passin..." she murmurs, "How old are y'now, Thammie?"

LeBeau says, "Actually from wha she tole me es dat she es pissed o'er da fac dat yu di no mov da ship from Sanc e'en afder se had tole yu too. She sees id as a sign o disrepec. Dat es wha has her so upsed an waning to rip yu apard""

Teel blinks, then smacks her forehead. "Nalls in petticoats, is THAT all?" She busts out laughing.

Gildar raises an eyebrow, "Disrespect??" he asks, a bit incredously. He then blinks at Teel's laughter, "You alright Teel?"

LeBeau shrugs "Da why she spoke aboud id id di no seem like id was a small deal"

Kriskosivich remains silent now, watching the two.

Cade snorts, studying Rhys for a moment. "That I am, Ale." He pauses at her question, then says, "The same 18 Earth years that I turned last week."

Teel manages to say, between fits of laughter, "Fer somebody so skinny, that chica has gotten real big fer her britches. Disrespect my pale Ungstiri arse."

Rhys is suddenly all brisk purpose, grinning at Cade and Kris alike. "Now if you'll be excusin me, Alexi, I need t'set the kid t'work. It'll be keepin him out of trouble fer the day. I'll be seein you later." With that she sends a look at Cade and gestures towards the industrial area.

Gildar shrugs, "Dunno if I'd call it disrespect myself, but I'm not her." he says simply.

Kriskosivich smiles, "Vell, maybe zomday you can show me vere you keep leeving me to go?" he says clearly.

Cade sighs and slouches after Rhys, resigning himself to his fate at the bottle factory.

Rhys grins over her shoulder, waving. "Maybe I'll be doin that," she calls back, and then is gone in the morning crowd.

Kriskosivich sighs and says to himself, "Back to seet een my offeece again and do noting.." he turns to head to the Commercial district, sighing.

LeBeau shrusg "If dare es one ting 've learned, ids too no piss off JEst, o any women fo dat madder, to da degree yu hav pissed of Jest"

Teel's laughter settles down to a chuckle. "But, th'chica's gone bizwack, bro. I mean, I wouldn't be /that/ pissed at this point. I woulda jus'fired'm, got th'money, an been on m'way. She's turnin this into a vendetta or somethin."