A New Beginning

[Evelyn Swann]

Finishing up her meal, the brunette chewed thoroughly while she was listening to the updates on the speakers placed at the ceiling. When she left her homeplanet, she had no idea that transportation could be this bad. The food tasted like the back of a bantha and there were too many passengers let on board in comparison to the size of the shuttle itself. All in all, not a very memorable experience.

Waiting for the public shuttle to finally dock in the docking bay, Evelyn gathered her belongings and left the dining area rather disappointed of the service so far. Looking around for a moment before she strode through the buzzing crowd, having to push a few Zabraks out of her way, she sat down in a booth slightly isolated from the rest of the lively passengers. Her deep hazel coloured eyes scanned her surroundings. Evelyn just wanted to be at their destination already. Most of the other passengers seemed just as uneasy about the flight as she was. She just had a feeling that it would end badly for the pilot someday. But that was not her first priority right now. Oh no. The young lady was excited. Almost too excited. This was her chance for a fresh start, a whole galaxy just waiting dead ahead for her to explore.

Having a difficult time hiding her eagerness to get off board, Evelyn tapped her fingertips impatiently on the metal table in front of her. Come on already! I want to get going! She thought to herself attempting to keep as still as possible. I've had more than enough turbulence as it is... with this... this person piloting this thing who doesn't seem to even know a damned thing about flying by the way this thing is maneuvered ... Shaking her head a bit in disbelief of the pilot, Miss Swann quickly grabbed hold of her table to avoid falling to the durasteel floor. The shuttle had begun to rock back and forth causing drinks and food and other interior to drop down on the floor alongside with some of the other passengers. Seriously? Quirking a brow and rolling her eyes, young Evelyn sighed resignedly. It would seem that her ride had come to its final destination. At long last. She rose swiftly from her seat and grabbed her backpack.

Evelyn walked down the ramp and took a deep breath, her eyes all over the docking bay. The fresh air was an amazing start and her senses went crazy with all the new impressions. Tightening the backpack strap she moved it around her left shoulder. Miss Swann was ready. As she paced through the docking bay, she found herself in awe by all the various species to be found here. Hopefully no one had intention to cause any trouble, one never knew, but from what Evy's gut feeling told her, there were no danger here. Not at the moment anyway. She would be able to fend for herself with her blaster pistol attached securely to her left thigh and her short vibrosword attached to her belt on her right side. Besides, she wore rather dull clothes to be sure she wouldn't attract unecessary attention. I need to find a place to stay temporarily before I find out where to go.

(OOC: I don't have any specific planet in mind. I see the Docking Bay area as a starter point for me to test out my writing skills and how to respond to people replying. Anyone's welcome to jump in. ^_^)

[Professor Mors]

It was a slow day at the border, or at least, slower than usual. Doren, for his part, had experienced his fair share of trade disputes and rebel cells across the thin margin of the cosmos that separated Imperial and Alliance space. This particular haven, not unlike many others, was independently owned, and lacked the rigid allegiance of government-sanctioned facilities. Nonetheless, the investments of the Hutts and other neutral parties was to be respected, and local Imperial Embassy was not oft to cross political boundaries. While the Captain was briefly disembarked for logistical reasons, he did not hesitate to engage with the unique economic scene that the station provided. He had researched the larger vendors well in advance, and was knee-deep in negotiating with a droid salesman when the next shuttle awkwardly sunk into view.

"Thirty-thousand, including the tariff fee, that's my final offer", Vassyl hastily spat, curious to get a better look at the off-loading passengers. The merchant, an older, furred Bimm, paused to consider Doren's assertion, and after an irritatingly long period of meditation shook his head in agreement. After a hasty exchange of data ledgers, the Captain took to a brisk march around the perimeter of outer hangar, his boots eliciting a muted squeak as he went. The shuttle in question, from his brief recollection of the arrival board, was several minutes behind schedule, and its maneuvering had left much to be desired. Hopefully, the fault was with an overworked or inexperienced pilot. One could never be too sure however, and it fell to Doren to ensure that no potential hazards could spill forth into the station, and the embassy therein.

(OOC: It's been a while since I last hopped in the bay, I look forward to seeing how things tease out~)

[Rhoden Carbine]

Rhoden muttered under his breath as the shuttle landed--if it could be called that. He turned his gaze to the Captain, knowing already what he would do, and fell into step behind him. Rhoden was not in uniform, was not officially on duty, but he was ensuring nothing happened to the Captain while he was here. Jorvan, laughingly, had called him paranoid--but with shuttles falling out of the sky and a far too curious captain, anything could happen.

He maintained a discreet distance between himself and the captain, maintaining a general image that he was just another person moving through the crowd but not making any particular effort to truly hide himself against any vigilant observer.

[Evelyn Swann]

Her hazel orbs gazed intrigued at the busy life in the docking bay. The young brunette cracked a soft smile from her lips at the thought of so many possibilities laid out for her. There was so much to be done here, she was sure of it. She was confident about this. She had chosen this place for a reason. Neither the Alliance or the Empire had control here. It was neutral grounds which had its benefits. Evelyn had seen far too much death and destruction in her eighteen years of living. She merely wanted to live in peace and harmony somewhere that she could call home. Now... where do they have the closest cantina? Evelyn asked herself while tilting her head to the side. There were so many shops and stalls to explore, but she had to save her credits for later.

Wandering further in, she found herself in the hangar area. Here she found even more stalls and specimens arguing over products for sale. In a way she wanted to go have a look at what they had to offer, but at the same time Miss Swann knew she had to continue on. Stopping abruptly, she almost held her breath. Her eyes caught sight of an Imperial in the crowd and she immediately turned her gaze down and away. Only one from the Empire would wear such attire. She swiftly moved her hands up to lift her hood over her head so her appearance was hidden as she hastily walked in a big arc around to avoid contact. She had no vicious agenda towards the Empire or the Sith for that matter, but she was surely not fond of them either. They'd terrorized her home one too many times, so she had been forced to flee. Being the witness of her parents' death and getting separated from her younger sister, Evy utterly wanted nothing to do with their kind. Being raised to not hate other people, she was merely angered by them even though she tried her utmost to control her feelings.

But as of this moment she had a very bad feeling. Something told Evy that she would encounter individuals here whom she would have to get away from as quickly as possible.

[Ben Kenobi]

As ever the bustling service area and entry gantries were filled to the brim with activity; be it the respective customs agencies or law enforcement or the simple passersby of daily transit. This place was jam packed, often shoulder to shoulder and no amount of courtesy or apologies usually could get someone through the day without tempers flaring from the violation of personal space. Even the raucous roar of so many beings in one area talking made it difficult to hear the one beside you. Business flew by like a speeder bike rally race on a backwater uncivilized world, it was fast and quite dirty as the shopkeepers knew that speed was everything. The faster they could serve or even turn away their guests the faster they could get new ones in, with so many people there were credits to be made and speed was the name of the game.

That said, destiny often also had a hand in the day to day dealing of even the most regular and normal of specimens…

A cloak of weathered charcoal grey, hood drawn over the head to shield the eyes from the brightness of the artificial lighting moreso than to conceal the identity, a staff of unassuming metal powder coated as an onyx black though the hand holds were slightly worn a lighter metal sheen but only just. The staff flared slightly in width at the top for about twelve inches before terminating. He stood tall at around six feet but compared to the alien species surrounding him and all about the height was lost in the wash of the crowd just as easily. Despite the press, he strode with a clarity that belied this mass of bodies. He was patient and every step taken with exact notice of where he was going.

He’d tried to beat the crowd at first. Knowing that an arrival was imminent he separated himself from the stall of a merchant of curios only too late. Unable to make it to the lift that would take him to another level of the docking bay, he was arrested by the wave of incoming passengers. A slight sigh in knowing he’d be delayed quite some time, the middle aged man took to walking, unfortunately, against the grain of the rush.

Of course, he observed his share of dirty looks and sneers as the incoming press glowered in on him for the inconvenience of moving about him in their rush. Initially he made effort to give apology where he could but eventually he ceased the action as no one could likely hear him anyways. Instead he slowly plied his way forth towards the lift on the far side of the vast hangar… about that time was when his keen eyes spied something… or rather someone. Mayhaps it was the Force itself telling him to look to his left at that very moment, maybe not, but whatever the reason he did and he caught the sight of a lithe and hooded figure suddenly altering the course of their step.

This individual was previously a passenger, that much was clear. But their sudden change of direction against the flow of ‘traffic’ stood out. The man stopped in his tracks as he gazed, the hooded one cast a wary eye off to the east and so too did the man turn to where he, as well, was given sight to the sharp and crisp dress of an Imperial Military uniform. Another second gave him knowledge, Imperial Navy, upper echelon of rank likely a Captain with honors. At this time he’d not caught wind of the situation, however unnoticeable it was at this time. Clearly however, it seemed that this youth was making due to completely avoid them.

Very curious indeed.

Within arm’s distance he gently reached out a hand, his fingers brushed the cloak of the youth. “Excuse me, may I trouble you for some directions?”

[Professor Mors]

Upon intial inspection, all seemed well. Apart from the unsightly shuttle landing, the passengers seemed no more or less impressive than the average, itinerant masses. Bright-eyed and tussle-headed, some were motivated by enthusiasm, others by haste. Vassyl doubted this particular outpost would prove to be their final destination, and given the looseness of independent spacers, attempting to make a connecting flight reduced many to a flurry: a flurry which soon sucked the Captain into its maw. Had he not been so engrossed by his inspection, Doren might have avoided such a fate. Now however, his motion became predetermined, and his reconnaissance was restricted by how far he could maneuver his shoulders.

After a time, Vassyl felt the hairs spring up on the back of his neck, the sort of nagging instinct that suggest he himself was under surveillance. Forcing his way to the side, the Captain half-succeeded in turning about , only to espy the hurried application of a cowl. A vaguely suspicious move, yet suspicious enough to warrant further inquiry. Exhaling uncomfortably, Doren began to squeeze his way into another cluster of sentients, only to temporarily fly into an open pocket before colliding with some unseen obstacle. Painfully collecting himself, the Captain recognized his impediment to be a rather large, aged Chevin. The long-snouted denizen seemed more miffed than the young officer, and began spitting curses and other unsavory phrases in Hutt. Running a gloved hand over his face, Vassyl comported himself for the upcoming debate, and began with a polite yet brief apology.

[Rhoden Carbine]

Rhoden saw the cloaked figure turn just before the Captain ran into someone. The collision was of no consequence, nothing was dropped, broken, or stolen--but the Chevin was not particularly happy. Rhoden sighed and stepped forward, slithering through the crowd with greater ease than the Captain had. Reaching the man he placed a hand on his arm and hauled him to his feet quickly, dragging him a further few steps back from the nuisance.

"Someone didn't want to run into you," Rhoden said, pointing, "Seems like a good reason to run into them." He continued to watch the alien in his peripheral vision, it was unlikely any further trouble would come but one never knew when someone would try something stupid.

[Evelyn Swann]

Her breathing had increased drastically and her muscles tensed as she moved through the packed hangar. She had to avoid any form of attention towards herself. Her feelings played with her and Evy wasn't sure why. She'd been lucky so far to not get caught by any Imperials or Sith. Miss Swann remembered her mother explaining something important to her when she was younger. She and her sister had both inherited an important legacy from the family tree. Though that was all her mother had told her, and Evy still didn't know what was meant by this. She wore an amulet from her mother hidden underneath her attire. It was her most valuable possession besides the short vibrosword given to her by her father.

Blinking rapidly, the young lady had let her thoughts distract her from the current situation and she found herself barely moving at all. Shaking her head Evelyn continued to move past the masses of people. I really hope he didn't see me... If he saw my travel papers... then he'd know... Her thoughts lingered, worried of how steep the current situation had become already.

Miss Swann flinched by the sudden light contact against her cloak and the gentle voice addressing her to ask for directions. Twirling on her heels Evy's eyes stared up at the hooded stranger in front of her, thus revealing some of her features. Evelyn smiled slighty as she took a deep breath trying to remain calm and not seeming too uneasy. "Hello... I... uh, I'm not sure I'm the right person to ask. I've just arrived here myself you see. But I'm sure someone here among the stalls and shops can help you in the right direction." She gave him a polite nod still smiling. "I'm in a bit of a hurry, so..." The young lady stopped mid-sentence when she felt something was off. Evelyn's gut feeling told her to get the heck out of that area as fast as her legs could carry her. Quickly looking over her right shoulder her eyes immediately spotted the Imperial being not too far away from their current location. Another persona next to the Imperial pointed right at her, and it felt like her heart skipped a beat. She turned her attention back to the stranger in front of her trying to calm herself. "I'm sorry I can't help you, I hope you'll find your way..." And with that, the brunette moved.

It would seem that she had much more important things to deal with right now. Like getting away from the Imperial and his associate. May the Force be with you... She thought to herself regarding the stranger asking for directions. Her mother had taught her to always have that phrase in her mind whenever she met someone seeming genuinely good even though Evelyn didn't know the exact meaning of it.

Evy had no idea of where she was headed however, but she knew she couldn't stay where she was. So there was no other option for her than to keep on going through the rushed crowd and let her instincts guide her. She began to push people aside as she launched into a jog to create as much of a distance between herself and her enemies.

Reading a sign, she made a quick turn to the right towards a corridor that would lead her to a lift. From what the lady could read the lift would take her to the upper levels. She was certain there'd be some kind of exit to the city up there. There had to be, so Miss Swann cranked up her speed as soon as she reached the corridor going from jogging to sprinting now. She just had to get away from them.

[Professor Mors]

Doren Vassyl was a man of war, an emissary of battle. He had fought sentient life, beasts, automatons, and other manners of existence too grim to suggest. Yes, the Captain was no stranger to conflict: however, not every engagement need devolve into violence. Maintaining a rigid formal dialect, Vassyl appealed to the elder gentlemen's common empathy, and expressed many a sincere recompense for his involuntary collision. The Chevin, for his part, was surprised at the lengths the small human had taken to seek his forgiveness, and began to weep softly and the unexpected kindness of the encounter. Though some of the content was lost in loud blubbering, Vassyl interpreted that the senior merchant had fallen on hard times economically, putting great strain on his romantic life.

Not one to boast great success in amours, Doren sympathized with the man on a personal level, and attempted the best pep talk he could muster in his secondary-language. Standing on his tiptoes, Vassyl was about to pat the forlorn businessmen on the shoulder, and affirm that his wife's sister was indeed a flagnard, when a coarse appendage gripped him by the back of the shirt sleeve. Losing his footing once more, the Captain tumbled backwards. Spinning about, Doren readied his angriest tirade for whoever had interrupted his discussion, only to find the indignant form of Lieutenant Carbine, clad in casual garb. Vassyl was just about to begin one of his trademark lectures, when Rhoden mentioned the hooded figure from before. Following the Lieutenant's gaze, Doren understood that the trail had not yet frozen over.

"Point taken Mister Carbine", Vassyl answered back, "Still, we won't get very far at this rate". Looking down at his wrist, Doren set about entering a comm code for his mechanized assistant, and swiftly commanded, [Kaysix, I need you to survey the outer landing strip immediately]. [As you wish Sir], the KX security droid called back over the line, [What I am to locate?]. [A hooded poi, humanoid, heading towards the inner corridors], Vassyl elaborated none too impressively. K-6 heaved a metallic sigh, having been erstwhile enjoying a recharge at the Imperial Embassy, and quipped back, [It may take some time to comply with your request Sir, given those criteria]. [Never mind that, just get over here], the Captain concluded, renewing his charge into the ebb and flow of travelers. The droid was not meant to capture the target per say, but rather to corral her away from an easy means of escape. standing well over six two, and bearing the Imperial Orb on its chest, the security unit would prove to be an intimidating, effective measure.

[Rhoden Carbine]

Rhoden tapped his foot through the unnecessarily lengthy--if emotional--exchange. The Captain's art for wasting time and effort was demonstrably advanced. The Captain finally got back to the hopefully more interesting task of locating the runner, speaking briefly with his droid. Rhoden maintained his silence and swept off after his colleague, setting a brisk pace to match the other man's haste.

Rhoden noted, as they began to give chase to their target once more, that she turned away from a hooded figure. "An associate, a passerby? Stop or go?" Rhoden asked, stepping up beside the Captain and gesturing to the hooded figure.