Forum RP: Cantina

[Dronos Eos]

Loud music playing from a golden organ is heard throughout the fancy cantina. A blue Ortolan musician plays the ears of the crowd as they zone out to the atmosphere of music, twi’lek dancers and plenty of alcohol. The year is 3640 BBY, the Galactic War rages on with many ships blowing up in many star systems across the galaxy. This night however, a group of off-duty Republic troopers enter the Upper Promenade Cantina to share a few laughs and drinks.

A trooper yells out, “It’s about time we get some time off. For once, I’d like to go ahead and just have a night off with you guys!”

“Well command has no new orders for us at this time. Let’s make the best of it while we’re out here in Hutt Space.”- SGT Dronos Eos

Majority of the clean-cut group of troopers head to the main bar, while several others spread out across the cantina to observe the crowd and lose themselves in the ambiance.




<simply add in a reply, with what you'd want to happen next, and let's see how long and complex this story rp can be>

[Eroca]

She stood at the bar, her gloved hand firmly grasping a metal cup full of a pink liquid. Her eye was narrowed at the bar, lost in deep thought. She contemplated their last mission, her effectiveness and the overall performance of the company. Her assessment concluded that 203rd did well, they executed their mission almost perfectly and that she, as a Shield Specialist, still had a lot of work ahead of her. She wasn't satisfied with her ability to protect her unit, no matter how hard she pushed herself on the battlefield. There was still more training she needed to undergo to be able to compete with big dogs. That meant more PT and studying. She almost couldn't wait to get back to the Torik and check her shield generator. She'd rather be there right now, sitting on her bunk, cleaning her rifle than here in this damned cantina. She had to keep up appearances though, no matter how much she hated shore leave.

Shore leave. Shore leave was supposed to be a time for fun and happiness, but she had never seen it that way. Not once had she ever fully participated in the festivities and "cut loose". The cyborg wasn't that kind of woman. She was strictly business, no personal attachments. She hardly spoke to anyone unless it was mission relevant. It was easier that way. It made her job more manageable if she just drank alone during her unit's time off. Plus, being alone meant that she didn't have to worry about drunken advances, inquiries into her past as an Imperial soldier or her personal favorite: questions about her "brother" Eroc. She knew that joining Alpha Company, the unit Eroc formerly served in, would be full of questions like "why did he leave?", "how's he handling his new post?", "are you guys related?", etc, but she was sick and tired of it. She had lived the majority of her life in his shadow. Hell, she was given the feminine version of his name! Being in Alpha Company was a honor she couldn't begin to describe, especially given her service history, but sometimes it was tough constantly being associated with him.

Eroca shook her head, taking a long swig from her glass. Maybe I should start socializing with the unit. Maybe I haven't really given them a chance, she thought, as fingers drummed against the counter impatiently. She had been apart of the unit for a couple of months now and she wasn't relatively close to anyone. But that's the way I like it. Keep everything, except my enemy, at a distance. No attachments. No heartbreak. Right? After losing the majority of her squad, before transferring to the 203rd, she convinced herself it was the best option. Eroca had been so close and fiercely loyal to her former squad mates. She would've died for each of them and...she almost did. She lost an eye and the beauty of her face, trying desperately to save them...only to fail. Eroca left the battle with her life, yes, but she had lost so much that day: the best friend she told everything to, her mentor who believed in her and the boy she found herself fostering a romantic relationship with. She had lost everything except her career. So it became easy to bury herself into her work, to protect her unit and kill a couple of Imps than to open herself up again.

She knew this and despite it all, she felt as though tonight could be the night she started to let go. A part of her was tired of seeing everyone else have fun, while she nursed a drink in solitude. Whether it was the alcohol talking or not, Eroca had made up her mind.

The trooper finished off her drink with a big gulp, before slamming the cup on the bar, "Another one," she mumbled, her eye scanning the crowd for someone familiar, someone to make shore leave not so unbearable.

[Abraxis-Ra]

As he entered the cantina, Abraxis scanned the crowd for a familiar face. He knew none would be found. As the newest member of Alpha Company, he had yet to make any friends amongst the troops. He spotted Sergeant Dronos sharing drinks with a group of other troopers. Abraxis dared not attempt to mingle with that crowd. Surely he would be estranged in comparison to such veterans. Not to mention the fact that they all outranked him and socializing with senior personnel could be seen as fraternization. Not only would be have to gain rank, but Abraxis would also have to prove himself worthy on the battlefield before he would be accepted. This is a very important aspect of military groups. Abraxis longed for the day they would call him brother and have the honor of drinking with them.

For now, Abraxis would find somewhere safe to sit. He headed to the bar for a drink and to observe the others' interactions. As he approached, he noticed Eroca, another new trooper, sitting there with a drink in her hand. He sat to her left, leaving an empty seat between them. He had barely spoken with Eroca only a few times. Abraxis felt that, if anyone, he may be able to speak with her. Being new to Alpha Company was something they had in common. However, Eroca had been here longer than Abraxis and was already fitting in with the others. It seemed she had some previous connection with them through her brother, Eroc, a former member of Alpha Company.

As Abraxis sat down and ordered a drink, he nodded his head to Eroca. There was no response. He wasn't sure if she was ignoring him or simply lost in thought.

Abraxis had just been connected to several new troopers by joining Alpha Company, but ironically, he felt very alone. That didn't bother him too much. This was the way of things. Serving with many different units, Abraxis was used to starting over. With every new assignment there were new beginnings, new friends, and a new adventure.

[Eroca]

Eroca had been so focused on the people away from her, dancing on the dance floor or laughing drunkenly in some booth, that she didn't realize that one of her fellow soldiers had approached the bar. The trooper slightly rotated towards him, regarding him with a calculated eye. Abraxis-Ra Kreen, one of her fellow Shield Specialists, was now seated at the bar. She knew little about the man next to her, other than common knowledge. He was new, so new that Eroca hadn't gotten the chance to witness his combat prowess, which made her curious, possibly more than she was about him as an individual. Is he good? Well, he had to be to be accepted into Alpha Company. Is he better than me? her thoughts shifted, revealing the true nature of her curiosity. Despite her cybernetic enhancements, she still feared being inadequate. She feared that her value as a member of this unit would be diminished by someone stronger and more skilled than she.

Her grip on her metal cup tightened at that thought. If she listened to the training she received in the Imperial Military, she would take the vibro-knife from her boot and plunge it into his neck when he least expected it to ensure her status. She would than place some compromising evidence on him and claim that she witnessed some patron do the deed but she wasn't an Imperial anymore. Eroca had left that miserable life to pursue better things. She wanted to help people and do things that allowed her to sleep at night. She was a Republic soldier now, bound by loyalty and honor. There would be no honor in disposing of a fellow soldier, because of petty insecurities. There would be no chance of fostering friendships with any member of Alpha Company if she took that route. Hell, she'd probably be killed on sight. That would be less than ideal. She had dreams of rising through the ranks of the 203rd, proving that she was a dedicated citizen of the Republic and one hell of a soldier. Nothing would get in the way of that, not even herself.

As she looked at Abraxis again, she kinda felt bad for thinking what she had just thought. There was nothing wrong with him, nothing that warranted that. Eroca grabbed the bartender's attention, "Get him whatever he likes, on me," she ordered, before taking a sip of her drink. Okay, Eroca...this is it. Make nice. You can do this. She glanced back to him, quietly clearing her throat, "You're Abraxis, right? I don't think we've been formerly introduced," she extended her free hand towards him, "Eroca Romaniski."

[Abraxis-Ra]

They're getting sloppy already. Abraxis watched as a group of soldiers were becoming rowdy and spilling their drinks. He feared that it might not be long before they start looking for a craphat to torture. Hazing was nothing new to him. He had his share and dished out some of his own as well. However, he preferred to keep it civil. There's nothing wrong with spilling a little blood during a pinning ceremony. However, some soldiers take it way too far. Probably due to some emotional trauma somewhere down the line. Abraxis' size and defensive abilities usually ward off most would be harassers. How many of them would they need before gaining the confidence to try me? He shook off the thought and returned to his drink.

To his right, Abraxis noticed something had changed. Eroca was now facing him. Is she looking at me or something behind me? He wondered if maybe he should have left more than just one empty seat between them. She looked as though I may have offended her in some way. Am I sitting in someone's spot? Abraxis looked over his shoulder and around the room. No one was looking at him, nor headed his way. He was about to speak when she interrupted, "Get him whatever he likes, on me." Abraxis is shocked. That was the last thing he expected her to say. Was that an Imperial accent? The bartender's focus shifts to Abraxis.

Eroca then addresses him by name and extends her hand while introducing herself. Definitely Imperial. Not sure if this is real or some kind of prank, Abraxus remains on guard, keeping a 360 degree awareness. He's seen new recruits get lured in by a pretty face, only to get ambushed. Surely this will not happen to him. He stands and slides over to the seat next to her and reaches for her outstretched hand, not sure whether to grip it firmly or loosely. She doesn't let him choose, griping his hand firmer than most men would. Abraxis nearly trips while sitting down and stumbles over his words, "H-hey. I'm Abraxis, but you already said that. Well it's good to meet you. Formerly." Smooth one, tough guy. He realizes his guard is down. She had completely disarmed him. Abraxis was never very good when it came to socializing, especially not with the opposite sex. He was not off to a good start.

He felt the gaze of the bartender still upon him. Remembering that she had offered to buy him a drink, "Oh, right. I'll have what she's having." He looks at Eroca's cup in an attempt to identify her drink. What IS she having? Guess I'm gonna find out. He returns to Eroca, "I'll get the next one." He lets out a smirk.

[Dronos Eos]

An odd odor passes under the nose of the new sergeant, forcing him to blow out air through is nares to remove the stench. Dronos slowly raises his head and turns his body 90 degrees to the left to see where the smell is coming from. His right hand leaves the half full glass of Tihaar on the counter top. The rest of the group continue to talk about how Jedi are inferior to troopers. With a few noticing the sergeant’s movements, they stay curious but continue to share opinions on the subject.


I’ll be back, gotta clear my nose, something smells like ass here.- SGT Eos


The sergeant walks at a slow pace towards the bathroom, he looks over at a couple fellow 203rd Shield Specialists talking on the opposite end of the cantina. He raises an eyebrow, a usual reaction when he’s curious to know something. Dronos looks forward, his eyes however, continued to scout the cantina tables and booths. He smirks to himself as he sees a dancer slap a hooded man in the face.


I aint givin’ it for a weak 50 creds. Man up and dig in those pockets Jedi, I know your temple must be drowned in creds.- Twi’lek Dancer


You will accept these credits- Hooded Jedi


The dancer nods, “I will accept these credits, follow me.”


The hooded Jedi looks over the sergeant smirking with a nod as he and the dancer disappear into the dark hallway. Dronos shakes his head and keeps walking, still curious where the odd smell came from. He enters the bathroom, and raises both eyebrows because a huge golden Hutt portrait rested facing down on him from the ceiling.


Geez, they don’t play around here- Dronos mumbled to himself.


Two men enter the bathroom, one in full armor covering his entire body except his face and the other following him in just wore some scoundrel looking pilot gear. The armored man walks past Dronos heading to the bathroom stall at the end of the room, what followed him was a foul stench. Dronos sneezed as the smell was too strong for his nose to breathe in.


Damnit! I knew it! This didn’t filter out the crap from my suit. I must smell like shit!- Armored Man


I mean i knew you smelled, but the Hutt’s didn’t notice, what...did you want me to break negotiation talks with them to send you out of the room? Trust me, no one could smell you.- Scoundrel


Finally finding out where the smell was coming from, the sergeant walks over to wash his hands and quickly exits the bathroom holding his breath. Once outside, Dronos lets out an huge exhalation and inhales a huge breath of air.


I mean...wow. This rock has some characters I swear- SGT Eos


The new sergeant walks back towards his old seat at a slightly quicker pace. Shaking his head as he gets a shiver thinking about the visual he got of a man walking in his own poop for several hours. He sees some of his fellow brothers and sisters from the 203rd get loud at a table. Knowing his shots were a contribution to the fun times there. He looks over at the same couple of Shield Specialists talking and drinking casually. He smirks to himself knowing that everyone seems to be enjoying themselves. Unity, death, sacrifice, tears, and blood is shared out on the field of war, but here it’s all in the back of the heads of the troopers.


Dronos sits down and looks over to SGT Kass’l and the other NCO’s at the bar top.



Who’s got the next drink?

[Nakari]

As the other troopers, Nakari had broken away from the main gaggle, finding herself a small table just adjacent to the bar, where she was presently sharing the company of a fairly attractive young Togruta woman dressed in too tight pants and a shirt that didn't leave a lot to the imagination. Nakari didn't seem to mind, though her gaze kept traveling down away from her companion's eyes, a sly grin on her lips as they chatted quietly about stars above knew what. Nakari's demeanor changes not at all for the duration of the conversation, laid back in her chair, her eyes heavily lidded, sipping daintily from a glass of blue liquid which seemed to glow ominously. Eventually the other woman rises, shakes Nakari's hand, and departs with her own self-satisfied smirk.. leaving Kari alone with her thoughts and a bar full of troopers to entertain herself with.

Her gaze settles upon Eos, mostly because it was his voice that broke above the din between songs as the musicians shifted to a new tune, and she raises a hand even as she rises from her seat. Nakari makes a lazy gesture at the bartender, who seems to understand this strange form of sign language, and begins mixing a new round for those in Nakari's company; almost as though he knew her well enough not to argue. She smiles as she sinks into a seat next to Dronos with a small sigh.

"There's nothin in the known galaxy that makes a girl happier than credits, stims, drinks, n dancers.. And its certainly not amateur night tonight..." She gives Eos a sidelong glance, her head tilting enough to allow her a better view without actually having to turn around in her seat, "Yet here you are.. doin the lonely wallflower bit.. What's on your mind, Eos?" She tosses back the rest of her first drink with a cringe and a shiver that runs throughout her entire body. "Mm.. that hits the spot.."

[Kateri]

"Who's got the next drink?"

Kateri barely hears Dronos's voice. The haze that surrounds her is warm and comfortable - and warm and comfortable isn't exactly what she gets every day. Might as well actually enjoy shore leave for once. She reaches for her glass again and notices to her disappointment that it's empty. Just then, Dronos's question finally registers in her head. Steadying herself on the bartop, she straightens up and catches the bartender's attention. "Five Corellian brandys," she slurs, and then notices that Nakari has appeared next to Dronos. "Er. Make that six." She glances over at some of the recruits lounging further down the bar. With some effort, she recalls that they are new Shield Specialists - rather promising ones, at that. "And send a couple down... there." She motions in their general direction. "They look like they could get the sticks dislodged from their asses."

The bartender hands her another glass and she takes a long sip. Suddenly, she realizes that picking a fight with a Jedi would be an excellent idea, and begins scanning the crowd for one.

[Dronos Eos]

A few things sergeant. Heh...for one I stay "lonely" to be an eye catcher. I mean, this hair cut is fresh you know?- SGT Eos

Dronos lets out an obvious smirk as he answers SGT. Kass'ls question while seeing her gulp down whatever was left of her drink.

Mm.. that hits the spot.- SGT Kass'l

Ha! It looks like it did. Say wha.....- SGT. Eos

Dronos was about to follow up with a question, when fellow Sergeant Andriss slurs out-loud.

Five Corellian Brandy's!....Er...Make that six! And send a couple a couple...there!- SGT Andriss

Dronos lets out a big smile, looking over Sergeant Kass'ls shoulder to look and listen to Sergeant Andriss's lovely slurred request for more alcohol. Dronos has known Kateri Andriss for quite sometime actually. Back when he was enlisted in the Marine Expeditionary Unit, he had met Kateri on the Republic Fleet. Both crossed path's and had a friendly conversation about the army, and serving. The usual talk when two serving have nothing else to say when meeting for the first time in uniform. The smart-ass in him wanted to make a remark that would spark Kateri to be more loud at the bar, for the sake of enjoyment at the very least. Dronos decides in that moment looking over Nakari's shoulder to focus back on her focused eyes, as she waited for a response, leaving Kateri alone.

Dronos crosses his arms and places his elbows on the bar top. He slightly turns his body towards Nakari and leans over towards her a little bit, to close the gap a bit as he speaks loud enough for his voice to be heard over the music playing. The Ortolan begins to play a famous hit track from some Balmorran Band.

Heh, what I was going to say was, what was in your drink? You let out a big shiver, it looked good for me not have. I got some stuff in my head, I mean, don't we all? I'm just trying to get some more in me to get a little loose like Kateri here, and just say fuck it. Hahaha!"

Dronos lets out a big laugh. Nakari smiles at his response and turns to the bartender to receive the Brandy's ordered by Kateri. Nakari sniffs the Brandy with a deep inhalation through her nose, she lets out a smile indicating the strength of the drink was to her liking. It was on the rocks of course, with no extra sugar drinks added, what isn't there to like? Nakari hands over a second Brandy to Dronos. He holds the glass from the bottom and looks at Nakari prior to taking it away from her hands.

Yeah...I think this will do....Fuck it....- SGT Eos


Dronos stands up and raises his glass up high. Yelling out loud, "OOOOOOOORRRRAAAAAAHHH!!!" Most of the troopers that heard the yell, responded back with their own yell, "OOORRAAA!" Those with drinks gulped theirs down with Dronos. He sits back down next to Nakari, squinting his right eye due to the strength of the drink.

Nakari raises an eyebrow as she is leaning with her left elbow against the bar top, with a full glass of Brandy still in her hand. A small smirk, showing that she was entertained by the yell, she says, "Really? I mean, yeah you're not doing that again." She says jokingly, shaking her head.

Dronos lets out a laugh, knowing he was being a dork again. He begins to feels himself again for time in a while.No war, just a night out with friends and family.


Well, are you going to drink or just comment Sergeant!? I didn't know a warm brandy was your favorite kind of brandy. No babysitting. Kateri is our motivation tonight! Hahaha!- Dronos

[Eroca]

The woman noticed the soldier's nervousness and awkwardness towards her and her gesture, fighting back a mischievous grin. Eroca hardly thought she was intimidating, yet she seemed to have done something to put the bulky man off guard. She wondered if he had the same problem talking to people as she had. From her impression so far, it seemed he did. Somehow, that realization made her more comfortable drinking and talking with Abraxis. She was also startled by his decision to order the same drink she had. It was actually quite funny and she couldn't help but to chuckle, especially as he offered to buy the next one. She continued to laugh lightheartedly, pausing only for a second to look at his face, "I'm sorry, it's just...I'm drinking what they call a "Dirty Zeltron". Its a mixed drink with a variety of the strong liquors. It's meant to get a Zeltron drunk within a couple of glasses," she explained, his face still looking confused and possibly insulted that she couldn't believe he could handle it, "Zeltrons have two livers," Eroca finished saying, her face deadpan, "But if you believe you can handle it, be my guest. It would be interesting to see if you could beat my record," the female challenged, taking a sly sip from her glass.

Next thing she knew, a loud "OORAAHH!" echoed throughout the bar, originating from Sgt. Eos, and three brandies were handed to them, by the bartender. She shook her head and let out a breathy laugh, "Oorah," she said, amused. She felt pretty good, almost like she was having fun. She raised her glass towards Abraxis, feeling a little more optimistic about shore leave.

[Illumori Victus]

After finishing up an important research assignment in the med bay of the R.W.S. Alrek Torik, Illumori decided he was overdue for a break, and headed for the shuttle bay to join the rest of his unit for cantina night.
As the shuttle pilot entered the atmosphere of Nar Shadaa, the Corporal browsed over some of the latest work being done around the galaxy on his datapad. Upon landing, he secured the datapad, and after thanking the shuttle pilot, disembarked to see bright lights, loose Twi'leks, and laughing drunk people. "Damn, I'm not even in the cantina yet..." he mumbled to himself as he walked across the landing platform. After several dancers attempted to solicit him, he finally reached the cantina. The junior NCO took one last look over his dress uniform to ensure he was squared-away, so as to set a good example for the rest of the unit.

An NCO is one who has tact, composure, discipline. They set the standard for the rest of the unit. They are the bulldogs of the company, so that when the officers need a job done, they ensure it is done in the quickest and best possible way...except, that was all a load of shit when it came to cantina night.

"OOOOORRAAAAHHH!" yelled Sergeant Eos. Sergeant Andriss screamed a drunken 'oorah' back at him, along with several of the other troopers present. Corporal Victus even chimed in with his own battle-cry.

"Vicky!" Kateri screamed, clearly already drunk and elated. "Sergeant." Victus replied. "Drink Tiharr with me!" she exclaimed as she spun around to throw the Corellian Whiskey down her throat and address the bartender for her favorite drink of all. "Sergeant, we should...ok I guess I can have one..." Illumori said. The corporal never used to drink. When your mother is a Jedi, and your father a military man, you grow up in a very traditional and structured environment. Illumori studied and practiced the Jedi religion, aware of the awesome and all-encompassing power of the Force. He did not share the unit's majority negative opinion of Jedi. He practiced moderation, and knew his Sergeants would try to loosen him up at this event.

Sergeant Andriss spun back around with 2 fresh rounds of Tiharr, saying "You have some catching up to do with your wife! She's got the right idea!". Illumori turned to see his wife, Trooper Zorri Victus, dancing in her dress uniform on one of the tables, clearly inebriated. With a chuckle he replied, "She's quite the free spirit." Sergeant Andriss awkwardly slammed her glass into Illumori's, spilling some of his drink on his uniform. With an obnoxious "Cheers!" she threw down the Mandalorian drink like it was water, then spun around to order another. Looking down at the stain on his jacket the corporal busted out laughing, and drank the extremely powerful spirit.

"CAAUGGGHKK" Illumori coughed, trying to control himself as his throat exploded into flames when it came into contact with the liquid. "You gonna make it, Vicky!? SOMEONE CALL THE MEDIC! HA!" Kateri yelled, teasing the lightweight NCO.

After composing himself again, he replied, "I'll never understand your fascination with this drink. It doesn't even quench the thirst, and has several negative effects on several organs of the human anatomy..."

To his left he could see Sergeants Eos and Kass'l talking and laughing, and further down the bar some of the newer troopers exchanging conversation. "Damn shield specialists," he thought to himself, "we need more medics in this unit or I'm gonna go nuts..."

[Abraxis-Ra]

"OOORRRAAAHHH!", nearly every inhabitant of the cantina yelled back and raised their drinks in response to Sergeant Eos. A war cry like that is bound to happen at almost any military event involving alcohol. It was automatic, almost instinctual for Abraxis to respond as well. He then finished his drink in a single swig and sat down. Eroca still sat next to him, the two were starting to warm up to the social event. A little liquid courage goes a long way. She had just explained what they were drinking and how it was not something Abraxis could handle. Challenge accepted.

Three brandies were set in front of them, courtesy of the NCOs. Abraxis looked their way to see if he recognized any of them. Sergeant Dronos Eos was still there. He seemed well composed, but was starting to loosen up. Sgt. Eos was one the first members of Alpha Company that Abraxis had met prior to joining them. He was obviously a veteran amongst the crew and the way he carried himself demanded respect from his subordinates. There was no doubt in his level of expertise. However, he was very approachable and would most likely serve as a great mentor to those who needed it.

Next to Sgt. Eos sat Sgt. Nakari Kass'l. She seemed very relaxed from the way she was lounging in her chair and casually holding her glass. It was almost as if she was in a spa, soaking in the ambience. Not a care in the world. However, outside appearances are not always what they seem. Abraxis had heard tales of her destructive capabilities both on and off the battlefield. He knew that if needed, she could react with ferocity.

Then there was Sgt. Kateri Andriss. As a veteran shield specialist, she embodied everything that Abraxis desired to be. He was eager to sign on as her mentee at the next mentor rotation. One of the perks of being in Alpha Company was being trained by the most elite. Veterans constantly molded the new recuits into the weapons that they needed to be. Steel sharpens steel. Sgt. Kateri was one of the best, if not the best, shield specialist in the company. Her actions on the battlefield had saved many lives. She was the pillar holding all the weight, ever on guard, protecting her brothers and sisters in arms. But tonight, she was someone else. She had shed her rock skin and slipped into something much more liquid. She had no doubt consumed more alcohol than she weighed but was still standing. Her speech had slurred beyond comprehension, yet she still barked orders. Abraxis starred in amazement. Even under the assault of such powerful intoxication, she was still there. Still holding the line.

The group of rowdy troopers behind Abraxis had become louder. Aparently some form of competition had broken out and created a stir. Abraxis didn't bother to look. One of the drunken troopers fell from his seat into the jukebox, knocking it over. BOOM!

Abraxis hit the deck, shields on. He scrambled for his rifle but it wasn't on his back. The hot sands of Tatooine surrounded him. He noticed his helmet was not on either. Sweat rolled down his face. To his right, a wounded trooper lays on the ground. From behind him he hears someone yell, "SOMEONE CALL THE MEDIC!" Abraxis sees a medic sprinting towards the injured trooper, unaware of the sith at his back. Abraxis springs to his feet and projects his shield onto the medic. The crimson lightsaber splashes against the shield, sending a wave of energy outwards, knocking both parties to the ground. Abraxis leaps through the air, landing between the sith and the downed medic. Keeping his eyes on his target, he shouts back to the medic, "ARE YOU ALRIGHT!?"

"Hey, are you alright?" Back in the cantina, Abraxis lays on the ground, looking up at Eroca and Illumori. Ugh, another episode. Better play this one off. Abraxis is helped to his feet by Eroca. Illumori appears to be inspecting him for injuries. Abraxis looks to Eroca and playfully questions, "Damn, what was in that drink?"

[Neves Eanur]

((Can't say how often I will be able to post, but am happy to add a little more participation ))

Neves walks into the large cantina through a small side entrance he knew of in the alleyway. This was far from his first visit to this particular bar, and tonight was important to him. He had spent the past several months on personal leave of absence for an unknown reason. Rumors would spread in common conversation, but only a select few individuals ever knew the true reasoning behind his sudden disappearance. He would go several days and even weeks without making contact with anyone within the unit. But tonight, a different breeze blew through his hair. A wind of change was about him, and it carried him to the Upper Promenade.

He wasn't in his usual armor, or anything that highlighted him as Republic military, and this was the way he kept it during his long journey. Neves' face bore a grimmer look and a little more facial hair than some may remember. His regulation haircut was still noticeable, but in dire need of trimming. His regular armor was replaced by that of obvious Mandalorian influence. A charcoal black background enveloped the armor, with red trim painted along the edges. On his belt he carried his modified helmet, full of the usual trinkets and gadgets common to any hired gun. Carefully painted onto the front of his helmet, was the deep red image of a wolf's head. A personal design of his he carried on all of his armor. His helmet steadily bouncing off of his right leg, he continues the walk into the room fully. Taking a careful survey of the club, he begins to search for those familiar faces he came to find... the brave fighting men and women of Alpha Company, 203rd.

To his disappointment he only saw familiar armor and clothing bearing the emblem of his beloved unit... but few faces he remembered. He then heard a familiar voice erupt in uncontrollable laughter.

"Kat." He said to himself softly with a fond smile. "Still drumming up the troops' morale... Good." He eyes the inebriated woman from a distance and decides to approach. Running a hand through his hair, he begins to walk up to his old friend, hungry for news.

"Well Sgt... Status report?" He says jokingly, eager to surprise her.

[Illumori Victus]

"Hey, are you alright?" Illumori asked as he looked upon the grounded trooper. "Damn what was in that drink?" he said hurriedly. "Damn new blood, you can't be done already!" exclaimed Eroca as she reached down a hand to help him up. Corporal Victus simply watched the trooper grab his comrades hand and rise from the floor, continuing to 'Green-Scan' him. "You'll make it trooper...just put some ice and..." Illumori's voice trailed off, and his eyes lost focus. He knew.

The micro-expressions on the new trooper's face confirmed the medic's suspicion. Instead of announcing his discovery out loud, Illumori decided to keep it to himself. With a knowing smile and a slightly fixed stare, the junior NCO tried to facially communicate that Abraxis' secret was safe with him.

After breaking eye contact with Trooper Abraxis, Illumori looked back to Sergeant Andriss. Suddenly, a dark, mandalorian looking individual was standing behind her. He said something the corporal could not hear over the noise, and assumed there was a threat. "HEY!" he roared, reaching for the sidearm in his dress uniform jacket. The individual's eyes met with his and suddenly his grip loosened on the sidearm.

"No fucking way..." Illumori said, clearly shocked and elated...

[Kateri]

Kateri blinks, trying to clear her blurry vision. She blinks again, and the familiar face of Neves slowly comes into focus. The half-drunk glass of brandy slips out of her hand. Oblivious, Kateri snaps to attention. Or thinks she does - the result is a rather undignified totter. She barely manages a salute. "Sir! We have taken control of this cantina and have eliminated Jedi influence here, sir!"

Out of the corner of her eye, she catches someone cringe and drop their face into their hand - Illumori, maybe. Slowly, she begins to realize that she just might be drunk. She awkwardly drops her hand to the side and tries to look casual. "Um. Well, we just recently captured that Sith guy." She tries to hold back a hiccup. "Hrok-something? Drove the imps off a couple of planets too. It's been pretty good." She glances down at the glass on the floor. The dark liquid is slowly soaking into the carpet. She coughs a bit and turns her attention back to Neves. "How've you been, anyway? ...and what the hell is that thing growing on your face?"