[SWAW] All that Jazz [S7 Kelb]

Adam

It seems like the station is warmer than the last time you were out here. Maybe a little louder, too. You're in the medical bay, effectively down off your high — how was that, by the way? Squall was so completely hammered, and blown away by your company that she couldn't get up when you left. She needed to sleep it off, and she's probably still sleeping now.

Jazz is in a room with Pem and Nill, and they're chatting away about personal stuff. A medical droid approaches you, "Welcome Miss Vizsla. I am 2-1B, the medical practitioner for this station. It has come to my attention you are seeking medical treatment for one Jaster "Jazz" Ordo, is this correct? Do you have any special care concerns?"

Rich

Poor little Squall. I did wear her out. I bet she thanks me later, heh. It was pretty zeng for me, really. I needed to feel strong before I go back. Home.

I look at 2-1B and answer, "Mister Ordo has a high pain threshold. He also has numerous older injuries. He's in a rough line of work. I need to know when he will be back to about eighty percent for heavy physical activity and possible small unit combat, and an estimate on treatment costs."

Adam

2-1B tilts his head in that "emulated emotion" kind of way, and responds, "Mister Ordo's treatment efficiency would be greatly improved with the use of a medical coma and a bacta tank. The total recovery time, to 100% effectiveness, estimated is one standard galactic week, estimated cost, [3-creds] including room and board. Estimated risk of failure: minimal." Then he steps back and points over to his supply of other medical goods in the back room, "alternative treatments involving sutures, pain alleviation and external hospice would take at least a month of continued care to obtain the desired 80% combat effectiveness, with mandatory weekly visits to me exceeding one standard season. Estimated cost, [1-cred] excluding external room and board. Estimated risk of condition escalation: high."

Rich

I look at the droid. There's no question I'm going three creds. Risk and him not being one hundred percent? Sorry, Jay, but Jazz takes priority. "I'll take the coma and bacta tank." Poodoo. That's nearly all my reserves. I need to collect on the creds from Ord Mantell, and Nill better come through on this Mandalore plan.

I'll sign whatever. I'm good for it and will mark it off my ledger. "Can I talk to him before you put him under?" I hope I don't sound desperate.

Adam

2-1B nods, again with that emulated emotion, "Of course!" He extends a hand to guide you over to Jazz's bed.

When you approach Jazz's bed, Pem is talking about how much he's going to make at Sabacc tonight, "I tell you, Jazz, the casino owes me! Tonight's going to be a good night!"

Jazz laughs dismissively, and shakes his head, "well, if you make it big you just remember who told you to pocket it this time, alright?" He looks really pale, but decently conscious. Nill looks oddly amused by this conversation, but isn't partaking. She turns and spots you when you enter, and slowly stands up from her chair out of respect.

Jazz follows her gaze and spots you. "What's up Kelb? When am I out of this place?"

Rich

I come up to his bedside, I'm not able to share the happy mood. I pat Jazz on the forearm lightly and answer, "At least a week, Jazz. That's full bacta tank and a med coma to speed healing." I give his arm a squeeze, "But you should be one hundred percent, and ready to continue work. But you're stuck here until then. I order you to do your time, just like you'd make me. Alright? Mando Ade."

Adam

Jazz's face turns sour at the mention of a week down time. "You're gunna go hunt Baltan, aren't you? Leave me here cause I took a couple blaster shots... C'mon Kelb – I'm your second. We don't kriffing split like that!"

Rich

"I am going to hunt down Baltan." I tell him the truth, no sugar coating. Okay, some reasons might help, "If I could drag you with me, you know I would, Jazz. Nill's working on a plan where we can leave our," I make a face of disgust, obviously for his benefit, "Imp boss in the dust and finish up the job, get paid and never see him again. You want that, right? I know I do."

My expression softens, I give him a bit of my feelings, "You didn't do anything wrong. This isn't a punishment. I want you there, you know that. But I want you there for the next job. And the one after it. More."

Adam

Jazz shakes his head indignantly, "this isn't about kriffing punishment! Baltan's a dangerous kriffing guy, Kelb. You think I wanna sit here on my ass while you're out getting shot at by some nerf-herding black-market kingpin? Ores was a kriffing idiot, but he's going to come right here looking for you — do you really think moving quick is going to throw him off your trail?"

Rich

"I know Baltan's dangerous, Jazz. We all trained together, I know what he's capable of." My tone isn't irritated, I'm trying to reassure him I'm in control. Might as well say it. "Jazz. I'm okay. Nill talked some sense into me. We've got a plan. I'm doing the job, that's all. It's the best way to get out from under Ores' clutches."

"If Ores comes here looking for you, you'll give us up. We're not hiding. Just drop him our IFFs and ping us. We'll answer. Well, someone on ship will."

Adam

I think Jazz's trust in you is sufficient leverage to have him take this sitting down. Roll a Manipulate for me please?

Rich

[Kelborn]

Here goes nothing! Manipulating Jazz:
(Rolled: 2d6-1. Rolls: 2, 2. Total: 3)

Adam

Jazz raises an indifferent eyebrow, and answers, "if I see that son of a bantha, I'm putting a blaster bolt between his eyes — so if you want him to know where you are, you're going to have to stay here and wait for me."

Nill looks surprised, and speaks up, "Jaster... We need to act fast, or this whole plan loses its edge."

Jazz looks over to her, and any semblance of familiarity he had with her has evaporated, "This isn't a discussion — that kriffing nerf-herder's out for blood, and if he comes anywhere near me, I'm going to do the galaxy a favor and end him. Kelb, I'm telling you, Baltan's not this guy you can rocket in on with a stun-rifle and off without drawing heat. If you don't stay put, I'll knock that kriffing droid's head off and come chase you down."

Rich

I narrow my eyes, not liking his tone. He just burned a bridge with Nill, too. I try one last time. "Jazz. I know he's dangerous. I am going to be ruthless. I want to get this job behind us. And waiting around for Ores only delays us. Lastly... shooting an Imp of his rank in a public place will get us all executed."

But he's not budging. So I throw up my hands, "Fine, Jazz. I see you've dug in your heels. Let me talk to the doc and the team. This is such a waste!"

I'm pulling the droid outside, Pem and Nill should probably follow. As soon as we're in the hallway, I tell the droid. "I need you to go ahead with the medical coma. The patient will not be cooperative if he is aware of the procedure, but as you computed, it is the best option for full recovery. Can you put him asleep through his current IV fluids?" I look at Pem and Nill, see what their reaction is to this.

Adam

The droid stares at you blankly for a bit, trying to decide what to do, then it asks, "the material costs of anesthetization are [1-cred]. If you are able to pay the cost, but I am unable to administer the drug myself, as it goes against my code of ethics..."

Nill is trying to talk Jazz down. She's not succeeding.

Rich

"Alright. I'll wait until after he is asleep and take care of it." What a useless droid. This is a waste of time! "I'm out of here, Pem. Be back later to do the deed. You got this?"

I'm going to Piri's, to pick up a little something for me and Squally. Stupid Jazz.

Adam

Pem nods, but he seems guarded about it. "Alright, Kelb... I'll give you a holler if something goes tits up."

What are you picking up at Piri's?

Rich

I'm getting a little bit of spice. Just enough to pass the afternoon with Squally, that's all. Not enough to tempt her when we pick up later.

Adam

While you're waiting for Piri to come back with a sizable chunk of spice for you, a familiar voice approaches you from behind. "I told you to stay away from that junkie, Miss Vizsla — she get you hooked on that poodoo?" It's Gunn' — Squall's old friend — he's got some of his entourage with him. Some of them are huge. Before you have a chance to answer, he adds, "any progress finding Ar'vena's murderer? We've been counting on you to pull through, you know..."

Rich

Great. Just great. This is exactly what I need. I look at him, size up his pals. If I had the spice, I'd just mop the floor with these idiots. I'm in the mood for a scrap right now. But I don't, and my creds are already paid, so... I have to talk to Gunn.

"Ar'vena ODed. Squall had nothing to do with it. There are no records, no investigations, and I haven't gotten any leads, yet." I size him up, no fear in my eyes. "Which is why I haven't come back to talk with you. I don't make a habit of reporting on things that aren't done. I will figure out what happened to your friend's sister. But I'm going to have to get out from under some Imperial entanglements to go to the scene of the crime."

There, that's good enough. And yeah, he's got a point. I gave my word. Why is it that I did that again? For Squall. And now, I'm getting some spice. For Squall. Does he have a point?

I hope not.

Adam

Gunn's face goes sour, and he searches your eyes to see what's up. "You been taking lately, Vizsla? Squall weaseled into Ar'vena's life, got her hooked on that poodoo, then disappeared after her death. You say you're taking care of this? Fine. But you better take a good long look in the mirror, yeah? Squall's a dangerous girl with a dangerous past. Wouldn't wanna become a big kriff-up like her, would you?"

Rich

I narrow my eyes, "I'm more dangerous, Gunn." He might have a point, but I'm not about to let that slip. And no, I'm not going to defend Squall to a sleemo like him.

Not even sure I can defend her. She's doing her job, but it's like the life is draining away from her when she's sober.

Whatever, I've got stuff to do. Is Piri back with my stash?

Adam

Piri walks through the doors to the back room, as if on cue, and eyes Gunn' and his men — once he's certain they can be trusted, he walks up to you and puts your order down on the bar. How much did you order? Just a little recreational amount? Or a stash for later use?

Gunn' crosses his arms and watches you take the canister. "Sure you are, Vizsla," he says with a dubious grin, "just trying to keep it that way."

Rich

Purely recreational. Well, it's quite a lot since I know how much Squall needs, but it's nowhere near enough to last more than this afternoon. Or so.

I ignore Gunn, and head on. I need to check in on Tezzik before I head back to the ship.

Adam

You find Tezzik in the main lounge of the Ebon Hawk, cleaning her gear and doing some basic maintenance on her armor. It would seem Jazz getting hit did a number on her. She nods over to you when she sees you come in, and furiously works away at some carbon scoring on her breastplate.

"What's up Kelb?"

Rich

I walk over and check out her gear, grab something that she hasn't gotten to clean yet that isn't a weapon (you don't touch another merc's weapon) and start cleaning with her, "Checking in with you. How's the work for the Hutts, Tezz?"

Adam

Tezzik shrugs, "got to shoot my old boss for avoiding protection money. Not many people get to do something like that. Getting a little push back from the Merchants' cabal though... They've started threatening to bring in Imperial Investigators. They're full of Bantha poodoo. Macks told me about Jazz — figured I'd come here and borrow his armor polish, know what I mean?"

Rich

I chuckle when Tezzik mentions shooting her old boss, commenting, "That does sound fun."

Not much to say about wanting to polish armor. I help her for a bit, then ask, "We're on a hot job right now, about to take off on the second half of it. You and the big guy alright to keep working as is? Need anything?"

Adam

She hems and haws for a second when you ask if she needs anything, "the creds are flowing — but we could use more people. What ever happend to Dirk Katar? The man could scare the piss out of a PMSing Gundark on a bad day... We could really use someone like him."

Rich

I chuckle at that remark. "You know, I'm not sure. I'll look in the Guild files, see if I can scrounge him up." I look over at Tezzik, "I appreciate you holding the line on this contract. Keep Ukunn in line, alright?"

I go back to polishing, just about done. Then, I ask, sort of casually, at least as casually as I can manage,"You seen Jaina around the station?"

Adam

Tezzik's impermeable Rodian glare diverts momentarily to her armor, and she nods. "Every now and again... Spotted her in a bar a few weeks back. Some Chiss kriffer was giving her a hard time. We backed him off... You know... A one time freebie. Told her to talk to you if she needed help. She didn't seem to happy about that."

Macks comes in a minute later and grabs a bottle of blue milk from the fridge. He takes a drink and leans against the far wall of the lounge, sort of paying attention.

Rich

"Thanks, Tezz. You made the right call. If it happens again, back them off again. I'll get you back for it." She wasn't happy about talking to me? Well, can't blame her. I wouldn't be happy about it either. I should check in on her, see if she's working.

The spice fun doesn't look likely now. I need to see if Dirk is around. This idea of putting Jazz into a coma is feeling risky, like maybe Jazz has a point. What if Ores does something to him because of me?

Maybe Macks has some advice, he's always a sharp guy. I'll head over. "Hey Macks. Heard about Jazz being out of action, right? I'm thinking of moving ahead with the mission without Ores breathing down our necks. You think that Imp would take it out on Jazz?"

Adam

Tezz shrugs again and puts the finishing touches on her armor. "If she lets me, I'll be sure to do it."

Macks takes a big gulp of the milk, and considers your question a second. "Pem told us. I had an old squad-mate that got captured by that imp nerf-herder a few cycles back... Ores decided to make an example of him. We got Chito back a broken man..."

Rich

Poodoo, not what I wanted to hear. It's what I expected, but not what I wanted to hear. "How can I keep Jazz out of this while we finish this job, Macks? If I give Ores the trail to follow, you think he'll take up the challenge? I can't move Jazz, that's out of the question. And I doubt I can hide him... maybe Jaina could help? I dunno. I'm at a loss here. We need to do this job, but I don't want Jazz broken, you know?"

Adam

Macks shrugs, "I've got nothing, Kelb... I'd bet you could lay the trail, but Ores is a vindictive S.O.B. — Chito said he likes a challenge, though. You really think Jaina would help you after what you did? I'd say you're better off leaving some of us here to watch over him... He'd hate you for it, but it's the best way I can think of."

Rich

"Baltan won't be hanging out by his pretty lonesome, Macks. If I didn't want to piss off the Hutts, I'd pull Tezz and Ukunn to tag along." I wipe at my face, we're stretched so thin. "What do you know about Dirk Katar? Think he's available?"

Then, I deal with that last part. "I'll chat with Jay, see what she thinks, then decide after that. She chose to leave, Macks. I didn't kick her out. I was... I was gonna leave, but she beat me to the punch." She always was a step quicker than me.

Adam

Macks chokes on his drink, and raises his eyebrows in surprise, "Dirk 'I-bring-grenades-on-a-bodyguard-op' Katar? Dirk 'I-once-shot-myself-to-prove-a-point' Katar? Dirk 'I-bring-blasters-into-the-bedroom' Katar? That Dirk Katar? I can't see how anyone ever hires that guy... But yeah, I guess that would make him pretty available. Not sure where that crazy bastard is, mind you..."

He frowns when you announce your intention to chat with Jaina, but doesn't stop you. "I think that's probably a bit naive, Kelb... But, you know what happened better than I do. Tezzik told me she saw her haunting the Smuggler's bar down on 9th."

Rich

I have to clarify. "I didn't say I was a good person, Macks. I broke her heart, and I'm an idiot. I'm just saying she decided to leave the Ebon Hawk before I got a chance to."

I'm heading out, unless he has some advice. I need to get high, but I'm not gonna right now. Too much to do.

Adam

Where are you heading first? For Jaina?

Rich

I'll put a line out on Guild feed for Dirk, then go to the Smuggler's Bar.

Adam

Putting a line out on the guild feed will take some time for a response, so let's go ahead to that Smuggler's bar. It's off hours, so the place is a little quiet. Maybe 10 people in the whole place, of all species and creeds, chatting about whatever happens to be on their mind. Jaina isn't here, but the bartender doesn't look busy. He comes up to you from behind the bar and says, "what can I get you, missy?"

Rich

I look over at the S'kytri male, he's fetching enough. Problem with those Avians is that they're so light they make me feel fat. I saddle up to the bar. "I'm looking for a Mandalorian female, name's Jaina. She comes here often. Know where she might be?"

Adam

The bartender tongues his cheek a couple times, and leans against the bar, "You Kelborn Vizsla? Depends... What's it to you?"

Rich

Uh oh, that's not good. "I am... did she mention me?" Did she tell this guy to shoot me on sight? I'm not going to back down, but the thought makes my heart sink.

Adam

The bartender laughs and nods, "yeah, you're kind of a legend around here... I never met someone clammed up so hard it took 12 drinks to get a name out of them — until Jaina came up in here, that is. You're going to want to just come back the way you came."

Rich

Twelve drinks? That's... alot. I feel woozy. I knew it would be hard on her, but now I feel so bad, like he punched me in the nose. "I'm not here to, ah, cause trouble. I just wanted her help. We have a mutual friend who's in trouble..." My bravado has sort of disappeared on me, and the thought of Jaina getting trashed is. Well, it's hard to take, even though I should've had a notion. So stupid, Kelborn.

Adam

The bartender clicks his tongue, and shakes his head. "No-one here's going to cause you trouble unless you start making some — but Jaina's been pretty good to the folks in this bar, and she don't like you much right now. I doubt you're going to get her help, missy..."

Rich

"Well, can you deliver a message for me?" I ask, but I don't wait for a response, really. "Tell her Jazz is in trouble, and I need her help." I turn an about face at that, and go.

Now I really need some spice. I need to just lose myself.

But instead, I'll check the Guild feed for an answer. Not likely, but it keeps me away from Squall, and the stuff in my pocket.

Adam

The bartender watches you leave, but doesn't say anything else. There's no answer from the Guild just yet. That'll take a little time to track him down, usually at least a day. With nothing else to do, and the spice calling to you in your pocket, how do you end up spending the rest of your day?

Rich

I'll stop by to check on Jazz, from afar. If Nill is there, I want to talk to her, make sure she's okay with putting Jazz out of action like this. If she isn't there, I'll look for her on the Hawk.

Adam

Of course Nill is still with Jazz. It looks like the conversation has dulled a bit, but she comes out to meet you when you poke your head in. She looks a little on edge. "He's not asleep yet, Kelb... Pem filled me in."

Rich

"You good with it?" I ask, then I answer, "I'm not so sure I'm good with it. I mean, who will watch over him if Ores comes around looking for answers?"

Adam

Nill huffs a loud breath through her nose, and shakes her head. "He's being unreasonable. Post Trezzik or Ukunn outside the clinic, and let's get this over with... He's insufferable when he gets in this "white knight" mood of his. He'll be fine — we'll be fine."

Rich

I nod. That's good enough. "I'll deliver the drugs to him. Just message me when he's asleep, alright?" I pause, like a thought struck me. I drop my voice, "You two alright?" I'm checking in.

Okay, I'm being nosy, too.

Adam

She narrows her eyes in surprise, and looks you over for a second. "We're not a thing. Not really... Why? Did he say something?"

Rich

"No." I say it quick, hands up, like, no, please don't be upset now. "I just. Well, he was really, hrm. He was proud when I told him you were stepping up on the team. For Jazz, well, that means something."

Adam

Nill looks really confused, but she's not on the defensive or anything. "News to me, Kelb. I told him I was bored of having the back seat, and he was all stoic. You know him — distance and testosterone... You see the way he shut me down in there? Not exactly what I'd call romance material."

Rich

I sort of put up my hands. "Death Squad. We don't handle emotions at all well. But, you know, if you're interested, he's a good man. He needs somebody like you. Deep down, he knows it." I say these words like I mean them. And in some ways, I do. But more than that, I'm doing Jazz a solid here. He does need Nill.

Who do I need?

I think I'm ruining Squall. Well, spice is ruining her, and I'm enabling it. I need to fix it. I need to help her. It's just, not right now. I've gotta get Baltan, have to swallow what little pride I've built up since I was exiled and let them do... whatever Nill planned.

That's it, I've got some time. I'm heading to my quarters on the Hawk. If there are no emergencies, I'm gonna call Squally over.

Adam

Nill shakes her head, "you guys and your kriffing repressed emotion nerf-poodoo... You need to sort that out before it melts you down." She shakes her head and nods, "if he can find it within himself to talk about it, I'll consider it. I'll ping you when I hear word." Then she heads back inside.

When you get back to your quarters on the Hawk, Squall is still in her room — you know this because Pem is standing there banging on the door trying to have a conversation with her. "C'mon Squall," he barks, "this isn't doing anyone a lick of good! Get your pale butt out here and get some damn fresh air!"

Squall's muted voice responds, "Go away!"

Pem looks over to you, looking frustrated, "can you make her come out of there? She never kriffing comes out anymore! This is getting out of hand, Kelb — I know she got a bit messed up after the Jaina thing blew up, but this is just ridiculous!"

Rich

The zeng thing about being "acting captain" is that you have the keys to the ship. I'll open the door. If she didn't rewire it, I'll walk right in.

Adam

Nope. No rewiring — though that trick probably won't work twice. She's curled up on her bed, still recovering from the trip.

Rich

Well, there goes the recreational trip idea. "Get up, Squall. We're going for a walk on the station." I wait a moment, look outside to Pem and give him a nod that we're alright, then add, "Now."

Adam

Squall shakes her head, which looks like it must weigh as much as cement, given how hard that seemed. "Kelb, I'm so tired... Just let me sleep this off."

Pem comes in after you, and reaches down to pick her up. She swats at his hands ineffectively, and he drags her kicking and screaming out into the hall. "Squall, hey! Now that's enough! This is for your own kriffing good! Kelb! Help me out here!"

Rich

I move in to help him, picking her up with him. I say over her body to Pem, "C'mon, let's put her in the shower, let the water wake her up a bit." I'm not having fun now. Is this how bad off she was? Maybe I should just give her a hit maybe?

No. Shower it is. Stupid shower. Get better, Squall, this is awful. Have I broken you? I thought this was fun.

Adam

You throw Squall into the shower, and her reaction to the cold water is rather anti-climactic... She moans, and struggles to get out of it, and eventually has enough wherewithal to shift herself out of it. She looks up at both of you, exhausted from the exertion, and mumbles, "fine, I'm up... What the hell do you people want from me, anyway?"

Pem shifts the cold water onto her again, and she moves out of it a little more quickly. Looks like she's starting to sober up.

Rich

"We're worried about you, Squally. You're losing yourself." I'm trying to sound caring, trying to focus on her, not on Jazz, not on the mission, not on Jaina crying over 12 drinks. I need to help Squall.

I need to get blitzed or shoot someone, that's what I really need. But Squall's been a good girl, she needs help.

Rather surprised Pem came to her rescue. Maybe I sold him a bit short?

"No more. Squall, you need to get right, alright? Now strip down and shower off, you're starting to stink." I wave Pem off, stay in the room with her.

Adam

Squall looks up at you, completely and utterly shocked at the words coming out of your mouth, and looks to Pem for the briefest of seconds. Something about it must rub Pem the wrong way, because he turns to you and whispers, "I think I might stay... Just in case she falls or something."

What do you do?

Rich

I glare at him for a moment, "Get out, Pem. That's an order." I look over at Squall, then back to him, "Get her some fresh clothes, I'll have her out in a few."

Adam

Give me a manipulate using your rank as leverage, Kelb.

Rich

[Kelborn]

Manipulating Pem
(Rolled: 2d6-1. Rolls: 6, 3. Total: 8)

(+1 XP)

Adam

Pem stands there a minute, not moving, then he looks down to Squall and sighs, "She's coming clean, Kelb – Squall's been up my ass about my gambling for cycles now... She comes clean, or I'm getting her help. Deal?"

Rich

I nod to Pem, agreeing. "She's coming clean." I repeat it back to him. It's a deal. I push him out the door, and lock it. Then I turn back to Squall. What's she doing?

Adam

Pem steps out and disappears down the hall. Squall is lazily reaching up for the dial in The shower, trying to turn the torrent of cold water off. She'll succeed in a moment. She's focusing on that at the moment, and doesn't really have the mental bandwidth to watch you and turn it off.

What do you do?

Rich

I walk over to the shower, turn the water to hot. Not scalding, just nice. I reach into the water spray and take Squall's chin, pull her eyes up to me. "Squall, we can't keep doing this. Spice is just fun for me, but it's ripping you apart. I won't let you go down the drain, do you hear me? This team needs you."

I reach into my pocket, pull out a little bit of spice, "We're having one more little party, and then cold turkey. No more after this. Can you handle that?"

Then I start pulling off my clothes, and order her, "Now, strip off those clothes. I don't want them in my way."

If she follows my lead, we will get lightly spiced, kriff for a bit, then we'll get out and I'll take her back to her room. And probably kriff a bit more.

Then totally cold turkey.

Adam

Just so you're aware: Squall's nodding, like she understands – but she's not in a state to give you a definitive answer. She'll go along with whatever you want. She's trying to paw at you as you approach, mumbling, "Kelb, why?"

Rich

"Why?" I ask, standing there, naked with the little capsule of spice in my hand.

Well, I want to get laid. I want to get high. I want to forget Jaina. I want to ignore what I'm about to do to Jazz. I want to avoid going to Mandalore, but this is the closest I'll get to it.

But then I look at Squall, she looks so pitiful. If I get her high now, would it break her? Is she already broken, and this grinds up the pieces of her? What will Pem think of this?

Stupid Kelborn.

I crush the capsule in my hand. No, it isn't the whole thing, some of it is still in my pocket, but she doesn't know that. If she saw the capsule, she knows what I just did. If she didn't that's probably better.

I cannot BELIEVE I am doing this.

"Change of plans, kiddo." I say, my voice dropping to a bit more concern. She's so pitiful. Stars. I move into the shower, and just pull her to me. Not pawing, no sex, just let her relax into me. I'll be strong for her.

My hands on the small of her back, the back of her head and her neck. "Squall, I want you to be the wonderful bright being you were when I met you. I need you clean again, alright? Pem and me, we care for you. We'll help you. So let's wash you off, then go for a walk in the station, get some yummy food." I'm using gentle tones, like talking to a close friend, intimate.

Adam

Squall squirms under your touch, clearly uncomfortable having seen that capsule of spice crushed in front of her... She's just not able to keep up with your decisions, and get a grip on what's happening here; so instead, frustrated and confused, she collapses into your arms and starts crying.

She lets you wash her, and even tries to straighten herself up, but it's clear she's going to have a hard time kicking this again.

Rich

I let her cry on me. Least I can do after the way I've treated her. That one night, with the spice, I should've stopped her. Just now, I was going to do it to her again.

Stupid Kelborn.

I'll hold her, wash her off, let the water cascade down. I'm really awful at this touchy feely stuff. I stop the water, ask her to stay there, and dry her off. It's the furthest thing from sexy, so I just try to be nice and soft.

Once she's dry, I towel off myself, then look for any clothes Pem brought, help her dress. I'm taking her out to the station. Might as well take her to see Jazz. Two birds, one blaster.

Adam

== END SCENE ==