Vep's Cantina (open to all)

[Meira]

((OOC: Ok, I want to get my character started, so I mad this cantina thread. I figure it can stick around once Trin leaves, just as a common thread for this planet. If there is a problem with this, mods, please let me know! I do not want to incur your wrath!!))

Vep's Cantina was nothing special. Which is why it was so special to those who knew about it. The cantina was located near the shipping sector, where sentients of all types passed through. It was not popular, or notorious. It was the center of few scandals, and it rarely saw much trouble. There was an unspoken rule at Vep's. What happens there, stays there... as long as everyone gets along.

How did Vep keep the troublemakers out? He didn't really. Some say he hired undercover guards to keep people in line. Some say he had mind control devices set up around the place that kept everyone calm. Some say the drinks were spiked. However it worked, Vep's Cantina was known as a neutral zone. Gangs couldn't claim it as their 'turf' and no one seemed to be able to buy Vep. But then again, no one needed to. Vep kept to himself and didn't bother with the dirty dealings of pirates or smugglers.

Aside from all of this, Vep was getting old. he had hired a few trusted colleagues to run the cantina's daily business as he took care of finances from his office. His presence in the bar was becoming so scarce, that rumors were spreading that he was already dead. But the gang leaders knew better, and were biding their time until his death, ready to move in and set up shop.

[Meira]

Trin was shaking as she sat near the back entrance to the cantina. Tears ran down her face as she silently cried. She had lost the capacity to even make noise as she cried long ago. She had no one, and nowhere to go now. She could only imagine what was happening to Ret and her boys. The thought caused a new wave of shudders to run down her spine. She had no family to turn to. Fren had made that very clear. And so here she sat, at the back entrance to the only place she could think to go.

Vep had been kind to her over the years. They shared a silent friendship that was hard to explain. In spite of his strict neutral policy when it came to the big gangs of the area, Vep would often turn a blind eye when Trin and her boys his in his storage closets when being chased. Her gang was small enough, more of a nuisance to the others than anything. She guessed that he must have not seen harm in helping her.

She sat behind the cantina for hours it seemed, trying to calm herself down. After her tears subsided and her breathing returned to something like normal, Trin stood, straightened her clothes, and opened the door.

The alley was dark enough that even the dim lights inside flooded it, along with the music and different colors of smoke. Trin wasted no time, stepping inside and closing the door behind her. She was now in a short corridor with a few doors on either side. Ahead of her, she could see out into the cantina from behind the bar. She moved forward, looking to a door on her right. Trying it, she found it was locked. Vep had likely gone home hours ago, she realized, and so continued past the door and to the bar.

Zen was working, and had heard her come up behind him. Hey, Trin. Where are the boys? He asked, a big smile on his face. Zen was cool in Trin's book. He was a tall, yellow skinned Twi'lek that could always cheer her up. Even now, she couldn't keep a weak smile from escaping her and she lifted part of the bar and walked around to a seat. She fell into it, the smile slipping away as she had to hold back more tears at the mention of the boys.

Zen caught on to her strange look and leaned in close as he mixed a drink for another customer. It was you then? That got on the wrong side of those pirates? He whispered, his voice full of concern. Trin gave a swift nod, unable to meet his eyes. She could hear the Twi'lek click his tongue as he handed the customer his drink. You got sloppy kid. He said, turning back to her.

I know! She retorted, a bit louder than she had meant to. I don't need a lecture. She continued in a lower tone, after noting the numerous curious gazes. Zen leaned back in to speak softly to her. Ok, I'm sorry. Are you the...

The only one to make it. She finished for him, finally meeting his eyes. No, Ret's gone. She said softly, before he could even ask. And Fren's decided that I'm old news so... I came here. She tried to keep the pain out of her voice, but it was near impossible. I don't know where else to go.

She managed to fight back the tears with a sniff. She then sat up straighter, set her jaw, and gave Zen an intent look. I came here to tell Vep that I'm gone, outta here. As soon as I find a crew that will take me, I'll be off world. She said as she demonstrated a ship taking off with her hand. So get me a drink already! She said, a little more forcefully than she might have meant to. Zen stood still for a moment, unsure of what to think, but eventually just shrugged his shoulders and gave her the drink.

On the house, Trin. He said, trying to convey an unspoken message Trin ignored. She took the drink and found her way to a table where she could observe everyone in the cantina, looking for her chance to join a crew.