Shipper's Stop (Meira)

[Kay]

You could say the trip had been rather uneventful, if you count out Jesial’s relentless jabbering. The young soldier hardly leaving Meira a chance to squeeze in a word as she went on about Jedi, what she’d heard about Jedi, how she wished she could be a Jedi, how lucky Meira was to be a Jedi, and a whole load of other unrelated mission topics… involving Jedi.

Her excitement revolving around the entire mission, despite the possible dangers, was really no less than palpable and her diligence towards making a good impression apparent as she finally zipped it upon their arrival; cracking a smile and throwing Meira a thumbs up as she indicated with budding enthusiasm, “We’re here! Don’t worry, from here on you can count on me; I totally have your back Master Jedi!”

Even without the sign “Shipper’s Stop” blinking in red on the outside, the intermittent roar of engines, coupled with the heavy air traffic, made it evident they’d arrived at their destination. And once they’d paid the transport fair Jesial was quick to take a spot besides Meira, her eyes soon scanning the crowds which lay between them and the bar, looking out for any suspicious activity while she waited for Meira to make her move.

The bar itself appeared to have no bouncers and an overall seedy look, which was no surprise after a glance at the rough crowd it seemed to cater to making their way through its open door. The interior was decorated with a mix of red lights and black metal, with most of the seating, whether stool, couch, or table chair, covered in a hard brown material. The actual bar dominated the center of the establishment with the counter making a full circle around the steel cabinets which held the drinks, while small cubicles, each with a C-Shaped couch and table, lined the walls.

On the outside, the view was no better and there was definitely a lack of Montellian security or police of any kind. Actually, Meira would have likely noticed by now that there was a lack of Devaronians in general, the people around her mostly alien in nature.

[Meira]

This Devaronian was a stark contrast to Meira in personality. Where she was outspoken and talkative, Meira was quiet and observant. But this didn't stop Meira for liking Jesiel. Quite the contrary, Meira enjoyed her company. She allowed Jesiel to go on about the Jedi. It didn't hurt for the Order to have supporters, and she really was trying to take Master Took's words on the difference between pride and vanity to heart. It would be alright to accept that maybe she was indeed lucky to be a Jedi. Though the thought almost made her laugh. Her uncle would have reminded her that, in the Force, there is no such thing as luck.

Meira only interjected once, to request that Jesiel call her by her name, Meira, rather than address her as a Jedi. She didn't want to attract unwanted attention.

Upon their arrival, Meira made sure that her lightsaber was hidden from view before entering the bar. The place was dark and crowded and would have seemed daunting to many. But Meira had the force as her ally. She allowed it to flow into her, bringing with it a sense of calm and focus on the present. Her bright green eyes darted around the bar, looking for signs of a clue. She did, almost immediately, notice the absence of indigenous people in the bar. She wondered briefly if this might set her companion apart and make her stick out, but there was no reason to fret about that now. The moment was as it was, and they would make due.

Meira led Jesiel over to the bar, where they could get a good look around the place. With a smile Meira, exuding waves of calm and confidence, ordered two drinks. The bartender, suddenly with a slightly blank look to his face obliged. Meira took the drinks, handing one to Jesiel and asked in a quiet voice. See anyone we might be able to talk to?

[Kay]

((OOC: A bit rushed but I wanted to get it out before anything else went wrong – send me a PM if you’d like me to change it.))

Jesial -- glancing a little nervously about herself while gingerly fiddling with the offered mug -- barely had time to register Meira’s question before someone else took the initiative; the young officer’s eyes growing wide with recognition as she noted the figure which stepped up behind Meira. It wasn’t an encouraging look either…

“Aww, just talk?” came the somewhat pleasant male tone, his cocky nature palpable as he brazenly, yet quite deftly, wrapped an arm round Meira’s waist, “Don’t bore me now love.” Brushing aside a single raven lock of his fine short hair, the young man shot her a mischievous grin as he finished speaking; fixing her with his hazel eyes in a look he seemed to be accustomed to. He didn’t really appear that dangerous beyond his obnoxious air, with an average height and a lean build -- he carried himself like an athlete if anything.

As with many of the others in the bar, the man was human, with the only difference being the black jedi-like robes he sported. He also appeared better kempt than his bar-buddies. Still, despite the fact he stuck out like a sore thumb, it was evident he commanded quite a bit of respect in the humble bar, a fact enforced by the quiet which had fallen over the once bustling Shipper’s Stop. A fact Jesial had missed.

“Get your hands off her,” the young officer ordered, “Do you have any idea wh~” She hardly had a chance to finish as the young man cut her off with a dismissive wave of his hand, only to reply, “Now, now, no need for jealousy, you’re just… not my type.”

The comment was enough to throw Jesial off, causing her to clench her fists as her cheeks burned with embarrassment; the soldier was clearly out of her element. She quickly recovered however, giving an indignant huff as she folded her arms and haughtily raised her nose; “As if I’d ever consider scum like you.”

In a feigned gesture the man rubbed his chin thoughtfully with his free hand, as if actually pondering what Jesial had said; his retort as laid-back as ever, “Riven, soon-to-be-hero of Devaron… scum? What do you say to that lads?” His boast received a quick response as the bar lit up in a roar of cheerful laughter; leaving Riven grinning ear to ear as Jesial did her best to ignore him.

[Meira]

Meira had barely spoken when she felt a presence behind her. She had barely enough time to move as the man wrapped his arms around her small frame. His hands came within centimeters of her lightsaber, but she moved quickly, turning to face the man and taking a step back out of his grasp. The surprise was still registered in her eyes, and perhaps that would work to her advantage, that is, if Jesial didn't blow their cover right away.

But Meira played it all off as best as she could, letting a slight blush rise to her cheeks. This man did seem different than the rest, not only in clothing but in demeanor. He held the whole crowd in his grip, something that was not lost to Meira's attention. After Jesial's outburst subsided with the man's less than subtle display of power, Meira took the reigns back into her own hands. This man had given his name. Now it was time to see what else she could get out of him.

Putting on a smile, Meira placed her hand on top of Rivan's, letting out a gasp of surprise. Rivan!? She exclaimed, as if he were some kind of celebrity. I just got here last week to visit my friend, she indicated Jesial, and I've heard whispers all over the place about you! Letting her tattoos do the work, Meira bit her lip as she looked at the man. It was one thing she had going for her as a Kiffar. Her clan tattoos made her seem exotic and alluring. She hoped it would work.

But you know. She said, lowering her voice and leaning her head in ever so slightly. People don't say much. What exactly do you do that's going to make you everyone's savior? With the words, she let the Force flow through her and out to him to lower his inhibition and hopefully loosen his tongue.

[Kay]

Riven’s arrogant grin seemed to grow wider as Meira explained herself, with Jesial looking as if she wanted to say something but holding her tongue for the moment. Despite himself however, Riven couldn’t help but clear his throat nervously as the Jedi leaned her head in, that pompous tough guy act disappearing for a flicker of a second; only to be replaced by a much darker expression as someone dared to give a chuckle.

“Oh, a week you say?” the man inquired, now on the attack and ignoring Meira’s other questions as he chose instead to dwell on what else she’d said. “It should go without saying then that two young ladies like yourselves should tread a little more carefully. We are in a civil war, after all.” Riven gave a knowing smile as he continued on, “Why, not so long ago there was a segment on the news about an attack on… Err, what was it again… Jedi?”

Before the word had even left his lips, Jesial was already tugging anxiously on Meira’s sleeve, her head turned and facing the door as some men casually began to block their exit. “Uh… Meira…” she squeaked, an utterance which went ignored by Riven as he rambled on, seemingly talking to himself more than anyone else now. “Actually, it’s come to my attention one of said Jedi has already gone missing, in the slums of all places if I’m not mistaken… poor guy. Who knows what’s happened to him in such a place…”

[Meira]

Hmm... It didn't work. Alright then. As this Rivan continued to speak, Meira was calculating in her head just how much trouble they might be finding themselves in. They were in a bar. Bars meant alcohol, which meant feelings of invincibility, especially in men. Looking around, Meira could only count one or two other females in the place, and half of them were serving drinks. What's more, Meira couldn't help but feel Jesial's growing concern. She was getting the same vibe. Things were looking like they were about to get ugly.

Her attention was suddenly and unceremoniously brought back to Rivan as he mentioned one of the so called Jedi being captured in the slums. Master Took. A pang of worry gripped her, but Meira's face only registered something like curiosity. Through the Force, Meira did her best to influence Jesial into a calm state. If this was about to get ugly, she needed Jesial focused. Meira cleared her throat to speak, looking Rivan right in the eye.

I'd feel sorry for whoever tried to capture the Jedi. I hear they have all kinds of powers. I'd be scared to even meet one! She said, putting on her innocent face. And then, she allowed a look of shock and realization to pass over her features. She turned to Jesial. Oh my goodness! Jesial! We're late to meet your parents! Oh, they are going to be so upset with us! I knew I shouldn't have convinced you to let us stop for a drink. She then took Jesial by the hand and turned back to Rivan. You're right. We should be more careful. Thank you for your advice.

Meira then started to push Jesial toward the exit. She could sense things were about to go wrong, and the closer to the door they were, the better. She'd rather fight past a few than half the bar.

[Kay]

As hilarious as it is, Meira actually had confused Riven… considerably. He could’ve sworn he’d seen the Jedi in the news -- her distinct markings making for an easy target to remember -- but this woman spoke with such certainty that he himself wasn’t quite sure what he’d seen before. In the mean time, Jesial had taken the hint and started moving towards the door, slapping on her own poker face as she somehow regained her nerve.

The two were actually almost at the door when Riven snapped back to reality, finally deciding to play it on the safe side and move to stop them. Before he had the chance however a large figure entered his view from within the entrance, right beside his two men. And from there, it seemed plans had changed. He quickly motioned for his men to step aside, making way for Meira and Jesial as he shouted from across the bar, “Hey Karnissk, it’s about bloody time!”

Even if they hadn’t recognized the origin of the name, it soon became apparent that it was a Trandoshan which stood in the doorway, his powerful reptilian form covered in layers of heavy brown robes; matching that of his scale colour. As Jesial and Meria passed, a subtle hiss of anger could be heard from him as he muttered, “Stupid humans… why don’t you go shout my name out to Tekal herself while you’re at it?” He paid the two no heed as he entered however and his voice was far too low for Riven to hear.

Jesial barely noticed the comment it seemed though as she practically dashed out the door, with Meira hopefully close behind, only to fall back against a nearby wall as she gave a heavy sigh of relief; clearly happy to be alive. “I can’t believe it,” she finally muttered, looking up to the sky, “I think that was the arms dealer we’ve been searching for all this time…”

[Meira]

Meira wasted no time following Jesial out the door. But it would be inaccurate to say that the Trandoshan had escaped her notice. It would be hard not to notice the large, lizard-like sentient. But a hole was a hole, and Meira preferred to take the hole and get out of there, rather than stay and likely have to fight.

She was quick on Jesial's heels when they came to a stop arounf the corner. Her mind was already sorting out everything they had just seen. The man's name: Rivan. The Trandoshan's: Karnisk, or some spelling of that sound. Master Took: possibly captured. If this was true information, then it would be important to seek him out. It would also be important to get into contact with Healer Niv-taro if they could.

We need to try and get into contact with the other Jedi. She said, turning to her companion. If Master Took really has been captured, then we need to go find him. He's our leader and the most experienced of us all. If anything, these rebels now knew that they were here, which meant they had to be even more careful.