All: Departure

[GM Craig]

Conversations and wrapping up, but there is time for a last good-by. Senator Bel-iblis heads to the cruiser, and Juno Eclipse boards the Rogue Shadow. A few minutes later, the whine of power converters starts up, with additional systems adding to the growing noise as the pilots start their checks for departure.

Final compliments are not yet set, and time is running out.

Promises are given to see each other on Dantooine.

[Opening this as a good-bye thread. No one has seen Maris since her altercation with Trax.]

[GM Craig]

[OOC: Everyone is present, except Maris, Juno and Garm.]

[Addendum: Well, everyone who wants to be there...]

[GM Craig]

[If you guys want break-outs or private convos, take it to your personal boards. Please try and keep it brief. I hate long goodbyes. ]

[Collan]

Collan had picked a bunk near Niil's and stowed his gear and pit the boxes in the workshop/training area. The engines hummed to life and Collan started to go outside but heard Niil's comment.

He smiled and waited for Niil to leave before he said, "Maris, I don't know if you're somewhere but if you are and are getting off..." Collan paused, "I'll miss you. I liked our time together. Be well...and may the Force be with you."

He smiled and then added, "But if you're staying, talk to you in a bit."

Collan went outside and seeing Keshani went up to her, saying, "Hey...coming with us or heading to Alderaan?" It was casual and his tone was light. He was smiling and fairly open.

[GM Craig]

Keshani feels a touch on her shoulder, and Maris is there. "Well, what do you say, Keshani? The offer is still open. I can get you someplace safe, and set you up with a life."

[Niil Spaar]

Niil got the last of their gear stowed away, and checked a sigh of disappointment.  He'd have liked to thank Maris for helping them get away from that space station, but she was nowhere to be seen.  "I don't know if you're around, Maris, but thanks for everything you've done for us, and good fortune to you wherever you're headed," he said quietly.  He doubted that she was within earshot, but it couldn't hurt to try.

Straightening from the storage compartment, he went to look for Nim.  He didn't know for sure if she'd be joining them, so he at least wanted to speak with her before they parted company.  And Trax as well.  Niil hoped that things didn't leave off on a sour note.  Try the medbay?  Niil approached the medbay, and slowed when he could hear voices talking.  Sneaking a quick peek around the corner, he could see Nim and Trax speaking in low voices, so he backed away, respecting their privacy.

So . . . who's left?  Nightshade's going with Ch'lana's ship along with the senators, and I guess Keshani's friend Danny is as well.  Same with Siobhan.  That leaves Keshani.  I wonder what she's doing?  I didn't see her go on board either ship.  And where's Collan at?  Curious, Niil walked down to the ramp and stole a glance outside.


OOC:  Does Niil see Collan, Maris or Keshani outside?

[GM Craig]

[Yes, all 3.]

[Niil Spaar]

Well, that's a coincidence!  Niil smiled as he walked down the ramp and waved at the trio.  "So, do we have a private party going on here, or can I join in for a bit?"

[Keshani]

Keshani feels a touch on her shoulder, and Maris is there. "Well, what do you say, Keshani? The offer is still open. I can get you someplace safe, and set you up with a life."

She was still very lost in her own thoughts as she felt a touch on her shoulder and turned with a bit of a start to see Maris standing there.

"I....don't know." she answered. It was clear the girl was upset and very confused at the moment. "Can you....can we....." She stopped and took a breath. "I'm going inside. I think I need to be alone for a bit. I'm sorry, Maris..."

There was an unsaid plea in her voice, in her expression - 'come find me later so we can talk?' but she couldn't say it. She just turned and fled in the direction of the ship.

As she was fleeing she thought she heard Collan speak to her. She turned and saw him but just shook her head. "I'm sorry, Collan. I...have to go."

She continued running toward the ship, looking for someplace she could go to be alone - unseen by others, where she could finally relax and decompress and maybe think...

[Collan]

[ooc: which ship?]

[Keshani]

(Going to Alderaan)

[Niil Spaar]

Niil watched  as Keshani ran past the Rogue Shadow, heading for Ch'lana's ship.  He walked down the ramp and headed toward where Collan and Maris stood, and said with concern, "This must all be one hell of an overload for her.  You two traveled with her on the way to Kashyyk.  Do you think that she's trying to pressure herself too hard into making a decision?"

[Collan]

Collan watched Keshani go, mildly disappointed she was going with Trax and others to Alderaan. Partly, it was that Keshani would have been a great asset and partly because Maris would go with her too...most likely.

Niil's question broke Collan's reverie though.

Collan looked to Maris saying, "Stop me if I get off track," and then turning back to Niil, "I don't think that's it. Mostly, I think she's in conflict with herself. She's spent most of her short life having to tKe care of herself with no one who gave a damn about her and making matters worse suffered through things that no being, let alone a kid, should ever have to suffer through. Now, she's surrounded by beings who care but are doing really dangerous things and some of whom have wierd powers and abilities that the Empire always said were bad."

"I get a sense that it's just all too much. She's overwhelmed and wants to be left alone. But, at the same time, whether she realizes it or not, there's a part of her that wants to belong and be cared for. And that it likely scares her. 'What if they don't like me?' or 'What if they're lying to me?' are probably going through her head a bit."

[GM Craig]

Maris glances at Collan and Niil. "I'll go talk to her."

[Niil Spaar]

Niil nodded.  From what Collan had told him, Maris and Keshani had a good rapport.  "Sounds good.  And Maris?  If I don't see you before we take off . . . thanks for everything you've done.  If it wasn't for you back on that station, we'd all probably be bantha jerky."