Time On Our Hands [Jazen]

[Squee]

“Aw, but Telio, you always have something you need done.” She gave her best smile, chin cupped in her hand, doing her best to charm some job from the droid technician. In response she got a shrug from him as he spun a thin tool deftly over his fingers. She’d always admired people who could do that. It was quick, practiced spins, easily done in little flips. She wished her fingers had the same dexterity.

He smiled at her, displaying that he’d cracked a couple more teeth in his misadventures. “Nothing for you now, my little Prancer. You know that… Rahncer guy? The big, tall Duros…”

“With the really smelly breath? Yeah, what’s about him? Oh, Telio, don’t tell me that you entrusted your goods to the sleezer.”

“You’re not my only delivery girl, little Prancer.” The brown-skinned nautolan leaned on his forearms, blinking his large eyes at her, and his dirty smile still on his face.

Melody felt her own lips pierce in a smirk and she shook her head. “You naughty little squid head.” She turned her back on the counter and crossed her arms, sighing. “Needed a job, Telio. You’re sure you’ve got nothing? Any idea when a new shipment comes in? Anywhere you can send me? What about the Blackies?”

“Nah. The Blackies kinda don’t want me running with them anymore.”

“Oh?” The black market was going to get rid of one of their droid technicians. “What didya do to piss them off?”

“Did my job. Ran my own stuff on the side. Felt I was cheatin’ them on time. Damn unreasonable boneheads if you ask me. Found this job. Still do stuff on the side.”

Illegal stuff, for you, Telio. The nautolan never participated in the selling of his stuff personally. All he did was sell it. “Any attempts on your life?”

“Not really. Had one come to clear a grudge.”

“How’d that go?”

“I’m still standing here, my little Prancer.” He grinned at her again.

“Glad that you are, Telio,” she sighed and pushed away from the counter. “Sounds like you don’t have a job for me. Think I’ll walk around. Maybe I’ll dig up on the Blackies. See if they got anything they want delivered.” She shoved her hands in the pockets of her trench coat as Telio’s face fell in disappointment. He came from around his counter, obviously stepping over bits and pieces of droid machinery. He escorted her between his lines of deactivated droids.

“You still not carryin’ a blaster?”

“Something like that.”

“If you find trouble, you come back to me, right, my Prancer?” His broad fingers slid down her forearm and lifted up her hand. Chapped lips pressed against her skin.

“Right, Telio. I’ll take care. You know how to get a hold of me if you suddenly change your mind about a job.”

“Be careful, my Prancer.”

“Of course,” she smiled at him fondly. Her hand folded back inside her trenchcoat’s pocket as she walked down the corridor, melding with the people bustling around her. Melody hummed gently to herself, hearing the song in her head since her noise was drowned by the loud muddle of voices. She was smiling, which earned her a couple of strange looks as some people met her gaze. As if it were a crime to smile. Some people smiled back, adding to her happiness.

She took a couple of turns, seeking out a specific shop. This shop had a certain person who sold her discounted parts, and her engine could use a couple of replacements. And the hyperdrive could use a looking at. She thought she heard a tiny stutter in it. Besides, it never hurt to purchase a couple of spares in case something horrid happened. Also, sometimes Jax wanted something taken off planet.

Melody switched her tune as she sauntered into the shop. She noticed Jax speaking to a human and she slowly stepped toward them, not wanting to intrude too quickly on their discussion but also wanting the Zeltron to notice her. His eyes swiveled from the human briefly, and he broke out in that brilliant grin of his.

“Ms. Prance!” Melody turned on her heel slightly, looking right, taking in a blond human.

“Why hello, Mr. Hyunin. Why do we still use formalities?” The human grinned, but nodded his head toward her. She managed to turn slightly before a hand grasped hers, directing her in a quick spin before lips pressed to her cheek.

“Dancer Prancer, dear… She beamed at Jax. “What can I get for you?”

“Psht. Just a couple of things. You took care of your other customer, I hope.” Melody looked over the Zeltron’s shoulder. “Oh! Well, if it isn’t Shiney from that… one job that I thought we were all gonna die on several times. Did you ever get your steamy coffee?” Jax quirked an eyebrow at her and she winked.

[Jazen]

The galaxy could be cruel sometimes. So very cruel. How else could Shine explain why it kept letting his precious Black Cat keep getting damaged the way she did?

This time, it wasn't his fault or some random attack that managed to damage a few components that he needed to replace. This time, it was the simplest of reasons....the parts he had simply just started to fail. Worn out with time, excessive use, use under immense strain, all of which were reasons that likely contributed to the situation he now found himself in. And though some of the parts he could have let slide for a bit longer, till he got to his destination in the core worlds....but the power turbines for the main guns were something he could not go without.

Not if he wanted to survive the many other perils there were out in space.

His current course had led him to the planet Druckenwell. Crowded, almost as industrialized as Coruscant save for the parts of the planet that were covered in water, had about as much scum as you'd expect to find on a world that was owned by the Republic. But what it truly had, the reason that Shine had chosen this planet among the many he could have gone to, was the massive shipyard that loomed around the planet. A shipyard meant he could find parts there for his ship...and where there was a shipyard, there was also people on the planet looking to deal in several....not so standard parts either.

Freck, if he was really lucky, then he might even be able to nab a job as a bonus. Or find some good company to spend time with while the parts he'd likely need got installed or picked up. Either way, he was going to be here for a little bit till everything got sorted out.

It had been a few hours since his arrival and in that time, Shine had done three things. First, he'd made sure he knew exactly what he needed to replace, going over the ship from front to back to make a proper list of everything he needed. With Vis's help, that had taken far less time then normal...and the little droid had even pointed out some key areas he could look into replacing as well, before they failed as well. Not a problem...he had more then enough credits to spare for this kind of task. His ship mattered more then the world to him...okay, several other things ranked right up there with it but for the moment, the Cat was first up. Hence, a healthy fund for its care.

Then he'd left Vis to watch the ship while he headed out into the city to start his search. Hitting the more obvious places, where "good" and proper people went for parts. Mostly, everything there was standard issue, parts that were decently cheap yet effective for their purpose. The parts he collected from those shops were the one's that didn't really matter to the overall running of his ship....save the dual power turbines he picked up for the guns. Had to spent an extra penny to get them, but the boost in power and efficiency well made up for that.

Finally, he'd went into the cities....less then reputable areas for a look into some specialized parts. Oddly enough, the first place he hit seemed to have everything he needed and more. And the Zeltron running the place was not only chatty but quite helpful in finding the best parts for the best price.

"Okay so....with all the stuff you've suggested to me, its....about 1500 credits right?" The Zeltron, Jax Hyunin he had given as his name, quickly entered the data on the parts Shine had ordered before tossing him a white, glistening grin.

"Actually, about 1575...but you look like a good old spacer so I'll dial it back to 1500. One time deal I'm afraid but if you ever come back for more business, I might just see if that deal can occur again."

"Your a treat. And you're doing a very good job of enticing me to come back another day. Lord knows something will break down on my ship again sooner or later....whether on its own or with a little help. Anyway, 1500 it is....hell, 1550. I tip well for someone who goes out of his way to give me the best." Shooting the Zeltron a grin, he handed him a credit chit with the appropriate amount..and once Jax game him a nod, he started loading the parts that were smaller enough for him to carry.

Which is why his head wasn't looking when the other being entered the shop. He'd been in the process of making sure he could carry the clutch that held two parts together when they started conversing...and the name he spoke had him stop for a second. Prancer...Prancer...now where have I heard that name before.... He was in the process of trying to remember all the people he'd met in the last little while, specifically females from the sound of her voice....and then that voice suddenly addressed him. It didn't take him a moment more to know who was speaking...only one person he'd come across had referred to him that way...and more specifically, spoken about something in that rather unique perspective.

Turning his head up, his eyes fell on the blond woman now beeming at him, a beeming smile of his own sliding across his face as the recognition set in. "Ms Melody Prancer, what a surprise!! By the stars, I keep running into people I've met only recently." Making sure his stuff was secure..and ignoring the questioning eye the Zeltron gave him, he bowed his head a little to her. "Small galaxy indeed. As for that coffee....well, I might have if things hadn't fallen apart after the job. But that doesn't answer the long term question...which is maybe I did.

So...what brings you here, to this great planet of industry and water? Buisness or pleasure? Or perhaps both?"

[Squee]

“Melody Prance,” she corrected with a little laugh. “Do call me Melody. Jax called me Prancer since he took me dancing. Quite an excitin’ night, if I do recall.”

Jax had crossed his arms, leaning back against his counter off to her right, a lazy smile curving his lips. She rested a hand on her hip and leaned her weight on one leg. Her attention went back to Shine. “Too bad about that coffee. Chilled coffee is no fun.”

“Coffee?” Jax asked. When Melody winked at him and grinned, his face lit up with his epiphany. “Ah,” he voiced as he stood up and wandered back behind his counter. Melody snickered somewhat evilly.

“And as for me…” Melody sat herself up on Jax’s counter, idly swinging her legs as she considered her answer. She was primarily here for business. Find a job. Take the job. Complete the job. Get payment. Or, as she was currently doing, seeking repairs for her ship. Of course, a bit of play later wouldn’t hurt too much, especially if she couldn’t find a job. What better way to wash away a severely disappointing day with a night of dancing?

“Such a wierd question, Shiney. Kinda personal, no? Business, mostly. Looking for a job. Already got turned away by a couple of people despite my charms. Was comin’ here to see what I could get out of dear Jax here. Job and repairs. My baby Eagle needs some sprucing up before I should sail her again. Might as well do it here with someone I know. Came to the right place, Shiney.” She brushed blond curls over her shoulder, bringing her gaze down from the ceiling. “Known Jax for a few years now, and he doesn’t give you a dirty handAs for pleasure…” her lips pouted as she thought about it. “Thought about spillin’ some credits over a couple of drinks. I know,” her tone adopted sarcasm, “I’m terribly original.

“I’ll tell you what I need in a few minutes, Jax.” The zeltron nodded his consent, seeming content and amused to stand there, watching her and Shine. “Anyway, why are you here? Illegal means? Legal? Please let it be illegal. Makes interesting stories. Or are you here for pleasure? I know an exotic whorehouse I can direct you to.” Jax suddenly snorted in laughter, covering his lower face with the back of a red hand. Melody’s grin stretched her face again. Her feet were swinging together and her hands gripped the edge of the counter, and her head tilted to the side curiously.

[Jazen]

"Oh frell me, that's right. Ms Melody Prance, not Prancer. Apologies, but everyone was calling you Prancer and well...one tends to forget things when trying to not get fragged from the sky."

Huffling a chuckle, Shine picked up the final item he could carry with his hands, stuffing it into the pocket of his light weight jacket. He mused, silently to himself, that it had been a while since he'd used his larger trench. Then again, all the planet's he'd visited lately had been so warm that he hadn't needed it....he should remedy that one, if only to keep it from collecting mothballs.

At the coffee comment, Shine chuckled a bit more, seeing the confusion play across the Zeltrons face for a moment before his mind obviously caught up with him. No stretch to guess what it meant and this Jax was a Zeltron; he more then anyone should be able to guess what it meant. Turning from him as he walked back behind the counter, Shine leaned one arm on said counter while the other seemed to just barely dangle across his chest to rest his hand there.

"No, no it isn't. But then, that's the beautiful thing about coffee. Always a chance for a fresh and warm cup later on.

Personal is it? Well, I've never heard anyone object yet." Smiling, he listened intently as she listed what her reasons for a visit to the planet were. Actually, not surprising, they were pretty much what his had been. Stop on world for repairs to her ship...the Eagle was it? He remembered it from their job on Jaemus; swift little thing but from what he'd managed to glimpse of it during the flight and when they were waiting for the job to start, she looked to be a decent old gal. Maybe she'd let him have a better look sometime; he did always love seeing what another smugglers blood, sweat and tears helped maintain in terms of their craft.

And to look for a job was her other reason, in terms of professional reasons, for being here. Not much different then him; wherever smugglers stopped, they often took a gander to see if they could pick up some work. From the sound of it though, she hadn't. Yet. He passed a nod to the Zeltron again when she mentioned how he'd come to the right place; he'd figured that out already after dealing with him. And to her comments about what she came to do for pleasure...well, Shine could only smile and nod before he pondered his own answers to her questions.

"Oh, but the originals are always the best. Can't go wrong with what you know already works.

My reasons huh? Pretty much the same as yours; The Cat needed some of its parts replaced so I had to make a pit stop. Otherwise she'd be sputtering in all the wrong places. Thought I might look into seeing if I can't nab an easy job for the extra buck while I'm down here as well. As for legal or illegal....I take whatever presents itself. Though your completely right; illegal is much more fun and entertaining."

Then came the comment about the sleeper house and Shine couldn't help but burst out laughing, seeing the Zeltron do the same. Waving his hand through the air, he stood straight up and folded his arms across his chest, still chuckling. "What, you work there too? Heh, I'm kidding, don't jump all over me.

Well that's mighty kind of you Melody....maybe you can give me the address for a later time. But for the moment, I have a better idea. Or at least, it might be a better idea. Why don't I get these parts I ordered taken back to my ship and you show me to a good place where one can drink. You sound like someone who knows all the good places to grab one while here after all. And maybe, if your not too against it, we might knock a couple of good old drinks back together.

Sound tempting...especially if I offer to pay for half the drinks?" He chuckled and grinned, waiting for her to ponder and reply. He really hoped she said yes...after all, she was quite the partier from the sound of it...and she was really nice to keep your eyes on.

[Squee]

His return quip about the brothel made her sputter into a giggle. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Jax grin and relax after becoming silently still. Probably to see how she reacted to the comeback. “No, I don’t, but I do believe they wish I did. Been invited once or twice. Unfortunately, I’m just a little too human and not too terribly exotic. I made a joke before, did you not hear? Life has not blessed me with the gift of originality.

“As for your proposition,” her voice changed to a mocking business tone as she slid off the counter. Her hand patted the worn surface twice before she replied. “Your proposition seems all in order and I’ve nothing to add nor edit. So, it’s a deal, Shiney.”

“That’s what you should be, Prancer. An exotic business woman,” Jax commented, a becoming smirk on his lips.

Melody couldn’t help but laugh and lean her elbows on the counter. How does one go about turning a business woman into something strange and enticing? “What with knee high, pointed heels?” When the zeltron nodded, Melody laced her fingers and rested her chin on top. “And a deep, v-necked blouse? How deep? To my stomach you think? Should it be loose or skin tight?”

“Mmm… skin tight is sensual, but loose makes stuff easy.”

“And as for pants…?”

“I got it,” Jax interrupted her, leaning back a little and using his hands to frame her. “Loose blouse of dark, rich, and blue. The nice… sleeve drooping – what are they, angel sleeves? And your pants should be skintight and white, a hint transparent for the teasing. With just a little elaborated make up, you’d be an enticing beauty. Tada!”

“Oh my, Jax. Why aren’t you designing clothes for brothels and working in this greasy place?” Melody shared a glance toward Shine, who she was aware was standing there, listening to all of this. She didn’t mind so much. If had been any other person, say a person she hadn’t shared a personal joke with, she would have minded a bit more. But she’d done a job with Shiney before, and he found her amusing. Anyone who laughed at a joke of hers was counted as a friend in her world.

The zeltron grinned fully. “Ships part bring in more money, I would think.”

“Perhaps I should find a designer and deliver some clothes and see how much they’d pay?”

“Aw, but who would cart around all the parts I need you to take? I’m willing to pay anything, and you should know this. Anyway, Prancer, what do you need today, and then we can decide whether or not I take the money out of the pay check or you pay me now and I just have my person pay you when you get to him, yeah? Mr. Albartos, if little Prancer is willing, would you like to make a run for me as well? I so happen to need parts run this direction,” Jax moved a hand out to his side. “And this direction.” His opposite arm came up on his other side.

“Tcht, he said he was paying at least half the drinks tonight. And if I can convince him to pay full, I’d say he’s gonna need the money, Jax.” Melody’s expression turned sly and mischievous. If he made any attempts in asking, Melody had full intention not to give him any other hints.

The business talk between her and Jax didn’t last very long as she detailed out her personal parts for the Eagle, and then Jax asking about a couple of problems she’d had with the Eagle in the past. Melody told him to take the costs out of what would be her payment. Then Jax discussed her run, with the planets, cities, contacts, numbers, the inventory list of the parts, and her payment. Then the zeltron turned to do the same for Shine, offering the same amount of information for the job, just a different city, planet, and contact while Melody stood leaning on the counter patiently.

“My contact will pay you once all the pieces are unloaded and counted for. You do not have to return to me. Are we good, Mr. Albartos? Yes, no? As soon as we understand each other, you can have your date with little Prancer there.”

[Jazen]

Shine cast her a smile as she giggled at his response to her request to visit the brothel. Well, at least he still had the ability to make someone laugh; it was also a good sign that the person wasn't completely against talking to him. Quirking an eyebrow, Shine gave her an exaggerated once over, holding his chin thoughtfully and nodding. "Well, they have good taste if they did. Never thought being a beautiful and independent woman could be a downside though; if anyone didn't see the value in that, they'd have to be blind or stupid. Likely both in most cases."

His grin grew wider as she calmly and easily accepted his request to hit a spot after for drinks and banter. Turning towards her, he bowed his head a little and brought one arm across his body, something he'd learned from his parents to be a sign of respect. "I aim to please Melody. Let me see to concluding our work here and then we'll be on our way then."

The next few moments were spent rather differently then Shine expected though. The store's owner, Jax, had come up with a most interesting thought...and Shine leaned on the counter as he folded his arms to listen to the exchange between them. It was quite the exchange at that, the notion of Melody hanging up the keys to become an exotic dancer bringing an amused smile to his face as they went on. And as Jax went on about her outfit, Shine found himself mentally piecing together the image in his mind....and the end result tinged his cheeks a decent color of red. "Well, that would be one show I would strive not to miss, wouldn't you agree?"

He barely managed to snap the thought free before Melody turned his way, though she would likely catch his cheeks as they turned down from their siren red makeover. Not the kind of thoughts a man should be having about a lady he barely knew..though it wouldn't be the first time they happened besides him knowing that. And so long as they stayed in his mind and didn't bleed out, it didn't hurt anyone. He was considered a better class of male for a reason. "I do believe he sticks around here for the...yep, for the money. Clothes pay okay but they last a heck of a lot longer then parts sometimes. Unless you lived on a planet with a lot of mud or something; would be a gold mine to bring clothes there I would think."

Shrugging his shoulders playfully, Shine settled back again to let Melody and Jax talk work. Though to his surprise, not long into their chat, Jax turned his attention his way and addressed him by name about doing some work for him as well. Casting Melody a look of honest surprise, Shine turned back to Jax, thoughtfully tilting his head to the side. "I'm not sure. If Melody doesn't mind sharing a bit, then I wouldn't mind running in the direction you need me to go."

He bit his lip at her comment, trying not to chuckle too obviously at what she'd said about the drinks. She didn't need to know it yet, but he could quite easily have paid for the whole thing...but he had to see how the night went. And how big the tab was before he decided that. Or rather, before he decided to let her know that he had pretty much had that in mind the whole time. After all, he had asked her out; and what kind of man asks a woman for a drink without intending to give the lady whatever she asked for? To a limit under circumstance though.

"Well, looks like I might need to do that run then. Provided Melody here can offer a strong enough case, I might just need the extra credit." With that, he settled into the silence again, quietly thinking to himself while Melody was handed her end of the work and handed her own affairs before turning an ear to listen to his own assignment. His hands moved with perfected precision in this regard, entering all the detail into his datapad and feeding it back to the Cat, where Vis would be waiting to finalize and put the information into the nav computer for when he returned. He could be so handy that little guy...actually, handy just about all the time.

As the last of the information was given and Jax asked for confirmation, Shine scrolled his eyes over his pad one more time, then lifted his head to Jax and gave him a solid nod and smile. Extending his hand to the man, he'd take it and shake it firmly before tilting his head to Melody. "I believe we have an understanding here Mr Jax. And if this goes as well as I hope, I might find myself coming back here to look into future business. Now, if that's all....Ms Melody, I do believe you said you knew a "fine" establishment for us to banter ourselves silly for the next few hours so....after you." That last part would be coupled with the action of him offering his hand to her to take so he could help her step away from the counter, then turn into a gesture towards the door to indicate her to go first. Ladies first indeed.