The first step is s doozy

[Rekha Kaarde]

Location: Bespin, The Underground Bar
[member="Akabane"]

Rekha had slipped in once again to get to Bespin check on her bar and the staff. She also wanted to go riding today. She woke up in the familiar rooms that had once been her quarters. It was quiet on the platform today.

The miners were at work and would be in later. The Bar staff were opening up and doing those last minutes clean ups.

Rekha stretched in catlike fashion thinking about what she was going to do. Yawning, wearing her faux ewok slippers, and her jammies she walked across the platform to the bar.
Pushing the doors open she stepped inside and took a breath. It smelled like a bar. Her mouth curved up into a bright smile, "MORNING COOKIES, what's for breakfast?"

She wandered in and stood at the bar, "and tell me what's been going on" The staff, Eva, Ana and Jarod began telling her everything.

 

[Akabane Jarvik]

Akabane could recall the day he landed on this planet for the first time. As a wind shaper it was a great experience. Now what he was doing that day was still cloudy, much like the planet itself. It left a great memory in his mind, and so great that he came back for a second time. He hated responsibility, escaping from the confines of his room and leaving for the place known as Bespin. Akabane didn't know too much about the place, only have visited once before after all. A long time ago too, it was. He packed up and headed there anyway with nothing to lose. Life was about exploring the unknown, right? He was doing just that.

His arrival was probably noticed by everyone in sight, a light freighter struggling to navigate throughout the planet had to be noticed. He wasn't that bad of a pilot but this place was a whole new area for him. Somehow, he managed to secure a spot on a platform near some random bar. Akabane considered it to be random because he didn't know there was such a thing here. The locals might've thought it to be popular however. Anyway he landed and exited the ship, made his way towards the bar. A woman walked in before him, and she was wearing... pajamas and slippers. He cracked a grin in an instant. Akabane thought of doing something unpleasant immediately. Nothing that'd land him in prison but something unpleasant.

He waited outside of the bar and lit up a cigar, leaning against the structure. Restraining himself by staying outside was better than barging in unwantedly. And so he did.

[member="Rekha Kaarde"]

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

Ana was the first to recognize there was a lurker, a potential customer. "Rekha there's a man outside the doors"

The green eyed brunette turned to look, "What are they doing?" Everyone shrugged. "ok" Well that meant going and finding out.

She tiptoed toward the doors, slowly pushing it open she peaked out. She looked back letting the door close, whispering, "Yes Ana It's a man."

Oooo came the response from the group. Rekha laughed. She pushed the door again he was smoking a cigar. Hmm. Nasty smelly things for certain not something for her. She pushed the door further, "Morning." She stood there in all her finery complete with a little bed hair which she quickly reached up to smooth out. "I'm just waking up." She offered as an excuse.

"So we are making breakfast would you like some? Breakfast that is." Most people on the platform came to the Underground to do two things eat and drink. It was a bit early for one so the other must be on the table.

[member="Akabane"]

 

[Akabane Jarvik]

Akabane went up for a puff just as someone tried to talk to him. It was weird that they knew he was out there so easily. He wasn't trying to hide or anything but strange. Smoking in front of a woman bothered the young man for some reason, perhaps due to his taught mannerisms. So, after a sigh he quickly tossed the cigar off of the platform. The woman greeted him casually, saying good morning. Akabane almost spoke but he noticed this person looked similar to the one he was following behind - the one who wore pajamas and slippers to a bar. A grin suddenly appeared on his face, the thoughts from before filling his mind once again. "Good morning, love."

The woman addressed her appearance which was... kinda weird. She told Akabane she'd waken up recently. He didn't think her attire to be that strange considering he couldn't tell the time here. If it was morning and she was comfortable with the bar, it wasn't all that odd to be wearing those type of clothes. He'd probably do the same on Naboo if he lived in Theed. "Breakfast, huh?" Akabane looked at her from head to toe, smirking afterwards. "And what's on the menu?" He was only teasing and hoped she didn't take him seriously.

[member="Rekha Kaarde"]

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

Well well. Her staff just seemed to know when folks were about.

Once more they were right but now the man standing out there was not known to her. He had a model quality look to him. All he needed was to strike a pose. She was glad to see the cigar leave. Nice.

She laughed a little when he gave her a once over and asked about the menu. Flirty was he well two could play at that game.

She gave him the once over. "Looks like bantha cakes served with really smooth whiskey." She smiled. Letting the comment sink in. Core folks though probably would be use to the phrase beef cake not bantha.

"Or scrambled eggs, toast, tubers, and maybe bantha steak. I can still offer you whiskey." She leaned on the door as it opened wider. "I'm Rekha chief cook and bottle washer come in."

She waited. Yes. No. Maybe.



[member="Akabane"]

 

[Akabane Jarvik]

He laughed at her reply, playful people were always so fun. She too could pass for a model with her looks, even if she currently wore pajamas and slippers. Akabane seemed to ignore all that once they begun speaking to each other. The joking mood they had going on grabbed all of his attention. Well, either that or her face. Anything else was irrelevant when he became fixed on something and that's exactly how it was in this moment. What interested him was why a pretty little lady worked as a chief cook in this place? He wanted to get her story after thinking about his question.

Akabane listened well when the young lady listed off some menu items. Everything sounded so good, he decided on ordering all of the above. He moved to enter the building before giving her any answer. As he stepped inside the young man answered the woman who called herself Rekha. "Such an intriguing name, Rekha." Akabane was still focused solely on the woman he'd just met. He walked over to one of the various empty tables and stopped behind a seat. Pulling out a chair from under the table, he motioned for Rekha to sit down. "Will you have a meal with me? I'm sure it'll be vacant for in here awhile anyways."

[member="Rekha Kaarde"]

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

Eva a beautiful blue twi'lek smiled as did Ana a curvy female human and Jarod a rather intriguing human male.

The staff was always interested in new faces

"Thanks my mom found it in a book it means ray of light. Don't know if I was a ray of light or a pain elsewhere " She would try to keep it clean. She had recently had a problem that involved someone remarking about having to save her arse.

She looked over at the bar three pair of eyes watched, Rekha knew they meant well , "Dont you all have things to do this morning. I don't pay you to stare." She smiled.

Turned back to her guest, "I will. But only if you tell me your name " She had pretty much forgotten that she was still in her jammies. She would eventually remember but for now she was good.

Not often the bar was quiet made her wonder if something was happening in Cloud City. Her ride this morning would answer that.


[member="Akabane"]

 

[Akabane Jarvik]

A ray of light? Akabane was in shock. How could someone have predicted the future like that? Maybe she wasn't literally a ray of light or bright personality-wise, of course he didn't know if wither of those were true, but he could see she was good looking. If that's what they were going for - a beautiful baby, then they succeeded. The meaning wasn't all that made a name though. Akabane simply thought it was a great name by the way it sounded. That was enough for him to like it. "Oh I see."

The staff members were watching Akabane's interaction with their chief. A smile painted all over their faces. Rekha quickly dismissed them though. He laughed when she discussed the terms for her agreement to eat with him. "You're too easy, love. It's Akabane."

[member="Rekha Kaarde"]

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

Her green eyes settled in him again. What did it mean oh I see. Good. Bad. Unsure.

"Akabane." Rekha smoothed her clothes turned to sit in the offered chair "Welcome to Bespin. Oh dont worry I make up for it by being forward sarcastic and talkative. So Akabane what brings you to Bespin"

In the kitchen breakfast was underway soon the smell would seep out to the bar sitting area.

Ana showed up with four glasses, two for whiskey and two for juice. From the left came Eva with the whiskey and orange juice. Jarod was doing the cooking.

Rekha began to relax it was good to be home even if only a short time.

Akabane had a very well performed manners. And so far he had her attention. The way he moved and spoke any woman would consider it good fortune to share a meal.

[member="Akabane"]

 

[Akabane Jarvik]

Once she sat down he pushed in her chair far enough that she'd be able to rest her arms easily on the table. He walked around and sat in front of her on the opposite side. Akabane retained a smile. Miss Rekha welcomed him and asked why he was visiting Bespin. Simple questions, he preferred those kinds. "Oh really? Talkative is usually a good quality, I think. It shows you're interested or at least comfortable in my presence, yes?" He thought that was necessary to say. Being raised by his father it was kinda hard not to overdo the kindness. He doubted she would mind him complimenting her a lot though.

Now, his reason for being here wasn't really known to himself really. He only stumbled upon this bar by accident, it wasn't like he planned on coming for a drink or anything. Saying "for the adventure" would work so he went with that, but not before making a joke. He leaned forward so he was able to whisper. "I've come for you." Akabane chuckled. The joke wouldn't be given enough time to be thought about as he quickly stated the real reason for his travel. "I'm here to explore the naked world."

[member="Rekha Kaarde"]

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

"Talkative can be good it can also be annoying and a curse." She took hold of the whiskey bottle and poured them both about two fingers, then she filled the other glasses with the orange juice.

"I"m interested in knowing how a man of your implied breeding is doing on a mining platform at this early of the day. Not that I mind really...always nice to have a good view." She smiled. He grabbed her attention when he said I've come for you. She tried not to smile cause she had to admit that made her blush. Gah.

"The naked world. Well that's really an open for my interpretation. I could walk that remark through a few doors that would likely get me trouble. So. I'll go with...explore huh. Well one can't explore Bespin by ship, you have to do it thranta." She lifted the orange juice, "To exploring"

Jarod was back there peaking out at the table. Ana had disappeared to clean the tables, and Ava stood at the bar pretending to do something useful. They were in fact watching out for Rekha. They cared about her and a new face could mean anything. First Order spy. Or worse...

[member="Akabane"]

 

[Akabane Jarvik]

What she said about being talkative was fair. He didn't find a woman excessively talking annoying however, rambling on about something random maybe. Akabane was also a younger fellow so it was normal for him to act reserved in situations such as this one. He would listen all day if he was given the opportunity. Nodding in response and watching her pour them both a glass of whiskey, he frowned. Not too long ago the offer of liquor would've made him happier than ever. Lately, it wasn't the same. There was no way of him figuring out the source of his lost interest, but he tried to behavior normal.

His teasing had gotten to the lady it seemed. Good, he thought. Teasing someone could be both fun and cruel in some cases. He wasn't a fan of the second possibility so he tried to refrain from teasing too much. She was curious why he was on a mining platform this morning. The young man had no answer for that one so he kinda ignored it. That went against what his father taught him but he didn't want to embarrass himself. Then, on to his comment about the "naked world". He didn't think of the misinterpretations that would come with that one. She assumed the right one though, thankfully and made a toast. Akabane lifted his glass, "To exploring."

Akabane could feel eyes watching him periodically, especially from the man peeking out of the kitchen. He smiled and moved his eyes to lock onto the man's. His eyes returned to Rekha's after a moment. This may have caused him to be even more concerned after such a stunt. It was fun though, Akabane liked fun. "Thranta? Forgive my ignorance but what might that be?"

[member="Rekha Kaarde"]

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

[member="Akabane"]​

​

Rekha sipped the glass and put it down. She had kept to her word of offering breakfast and whiskey a lethal combination for certain. Not one she repeated daily matter of fact breakfast was a rarity the brunette indulged in. She liked dinner she was after all a night owl of sorts and dinner was usually breakfast course she didn't expect anyone to really understand that unless they worked a lot of nights too.

The staff was still doing their thing, Rekha gave a weak smile, "Don't mind the staff they mean well. I." hmm she didn't want to give away too much so best to just skip over that part she was almost said she hadn't been here in a while and they were worried. But why would he need to know that? She laughed which likely appeared for no reason to Akabane.

"Thranta...oh they are the most graceful of creatures. They ride upon the wind currents and are only found here on Bespin and on Alderaan. They have no legs only wings, body, head with eyes and those on Bespin have fur. Unlike the Alderaani type which are smooth it....a giant...manta. Have you ever ridden any type of creature?" It would be helpful to have some experience. Plus here they didn't use the high up saddles like Alderaan here they were closer down, shorter reigns, meant for speed, but one had to dress properly jammies wouldn't do it.

"I can show you." Rekha had three that drifted nearby.

Jarod chose that moment to come out with breakfast. Quietly he placed the plates, "anything thing else needed." Rekha shook her head no, "Akabane do you require something else?"

This was going to be a heavy breakfast.

 

[Akabane Jarvik]

Akabane felt bad wasting the liquor but he really had no desire to drink it. If he thought about it long enough, the reason for him not wanting it might be the time and location. Drinking at night and in home territory was a much better time and place to drink to him. Besides, he'd discovered something better than a headache the next day. That however... it was probably good to not mention what that thing was. Akabane cared not for the laws or what people thought of him but telling the world about his habits was also not in his interest. He set aside the glass of whiskey after watching Rekha drink her glass.

She informed him that her staff meant well by looking over her. Akabane wasn't pestered by them though, he laughed with Rekha coincidentally. "I don't mind at all. I'll try not to make the handsome lad in the back jealous while I'm at it." It wouldn't surprise him if the man had a thing for the woman. Akabane himself enjoyed his time spent here so far. Almost crashing, landing near a bar, seeing a lady walk across a platform with PJs and slippers on, receiving breakfast, and getting to talk to that lady. The morning was pretty eventful thus far and something this strange was amazing to experience. He hadn't experienced true happiness in years... what a day.

Rekha's description of the creature made Akabane's eyes light up. They were similar to him, in the sense that they rode the wind currents. The graceful part, not so much. He had most certainly not ridden one of these beautiful beasts. She offered to show him. "Really? I'd be happy join you." Akabane looked at Jarod and then to Rekha when she asked him the same question. "I'm good. Thank you."

[member="Rekha Kaarde"]

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

If he only knew how much liquor they threw out because someone didn't finish a drink. Rekha was ok with a little waste she called it a necessary expense for doing business. Rekha had her share of headaches but in truth she put up a great show of drinking she drank very little but no one needed to know that. She carried a bottle with her and a case on her ship be surprised how many folks need just a touch of something to make them think they were braver.

There was also the drink you had to bond with someone. She liked those the best. She shared them with folks like [member="Coren Starchaser"] and she teased folks like the squirt. Yeah drinks had a lot of purpose.

Rekha looked back to Jarod, "yeah...I don't have the right equipment to make him happy." She smiled it wasn't her that Jarod was checking out if he indeed checked anyone it would be [member="Akabane"] . She smiled no sense in lying about anything. Not to someone new in her bar anyhow.

And now back to the other subject that she and Akabane could each talk about with some enthusiasm. "Great!" Her voice a little loud, "I'd love the company really. Have you ever seen that kid's holo How to Train your Dragon? I have a saddles like that, or I can get you the traditional one....or..you could ride with me until you got the hang of it..its really all about what kind of experience, confidence and skill you possess as a rider. "

She looked at breakfast again, ok she was going to have to take a bite. She cut the steak and then stabbed a piece to go with her tuber. She would love ketchup right now. She should have asked for it, but she'd live without it. She hated killing the taste of the meat.

"We'll eat and I'll change, and then I'll show you"

 

[Akabane Jarvik]

Akabane really didn't have any idea about the wasted drinks but who cared anyway... it was a poison, right? Well, in terms of business he could see the problem with wasting that poisonous liquid. Although, he would be paying for the meal so what did it matter really? He wasn't interested in it during the mornings or he would've definitely had a drink, but considering what was on today's agenda he especially wouldn't be touching any glass with liquor inside. That was a mistake walking right into his life in one simple step.

When Rekha replied to his comment about the gentleman in the back cooking, he almost choked. He wasn't sure what she meant by it but he didn't laugh. Confusing things really got to him even though he joked pretty much 24/7. Akabane could usually figure out a majority of the things that stumped him. This one was quite the contrary. He thought on it for a moment before giving up and carrying on with the conversation. "I see-" At the last second he thought he understood, a smile appearing. "That's unfortunate, I guess some people don't see a masterpiece when it's in front of them." It was a compliment but an honest one.

He couldn't recall what she was talking about when she asked him if he'd seen the kid's holo 'How to Train Your Dragon?'. It sounded familiar but he could describe and explain the plot or anything. She mentioned saddles, which was vital to the ride, and Akabane had to think. While he didn't know how to ride the creature, he subconsciously felt like he had ridden an actual dragon. He probably would be fine on his own for simple riding but he was a comical guy, or so he hoped. Playing dumb was the only good choice here. Besides, he wasn't willing to test his feeling. "Unless you want to see a man fall to his demise, I'd suggest letting me take passenger. Of course only if you don't mind, love."

She announced they'd leave after finishing the meal so they did. He waited while she did her thing.

[member="Rekha Kaarde"]

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

"you are a charming man [member="Akabane"] all these compliments are going to go to my head. It might swell up and explode." She smiled as she tried to be funny. He had all these wonderful little quips and remarks that made her feel very much like a woman. What woman didn't like to be told they were beautiful, or compared to a work of art. She smiled hoping her cheeks had not turn to many shades of crimson.

"A passenger I can do that." it would just mean a different type of saddle. Wasn't the first time wouldn't likely be the last.

After breakfast she ran off leaving Akabane to deal with the staff and telling him she'd meet him in the hall in 20 minutes. Would be the fastest trip through the refresher and jumping into her clothes that she could muster.

She pulled on her regular clothes, boots, black pants, white shirt, and vest. Pulled her hair back so that while flying she could see. They weren't alone out there the Velker could make things interesting. But if they ran across some of the beldon NOW that would be fun.

She turned up in the hall a few minutes late, "OK.ready, come this way." She pointed down the hall.

 

[Akabane Jarvik]

Akabane smiled when the woman seemed to be pleased with his compliments. He enjoyed spreading positivity when he could. Treating women right was particularly the type of positivity that he was interested in. He also treated certain men with delicate care but that was rare. Father taught him to show the females a more gentle side of himself. Even his enemies, unless they were extremely toxic. "I appreciate your kind words, love." Rekha said it'd be fine with him as her passenger. He smirked without saying anything.

He waited in the hall after they finished eating for her to finish changing. Akabane already had a joke ready for when she came back. She said to give her 20 minutes and they'd be all set to go ride. He brushed off a spec on his coat as he awaited Rekha's arrival. Akabane didn't think about the possible beasts they'd encounter along the way of riding throughout the planet. It was only fair though since he hadn't been to this place in a long time. He smiled at Rekha as she entered the hall in her new getup, following her as directed. "Man, I would've preferred you stay in pajamas. Now we won't have a goofy trip through the clouds."

[member="Rekha Kaarde"]

 

[Rekha Kaarde]

She laughed, "You are amusing [member="Akabane"] between your humor and your compliments I may have to just kidnap you and keep you around longer." Rekha's cheeks turned a bit pink for some unknown reason she thought about her slippers, "I love my slippers but they aren't good for riding. This way there's a small hangar that we use to launch from and other things. " She wanted to prepare him for what was ahead since he had never ridden before. She nodded answering her own inner questions on what to do next.

"So thranta are huge but gentle. It gets a little cool riding them and that's cool in cold not woohoo cool. Also eye protection is a must not just because of the bugs but the speeds. We are about 180 clicks from the surface so if we fall there won't be much for anyone to pick up. So I'll be securing us to the saddle just in case we have problems" Problems like being chased by the Velker that would be...exciting...and frightening.

They walked into the hangar the only hint of the outside environment was the low sound of air passing over the platform as it rushed on its way to Cloud City. Rekha walked towards the hangar entry putting two finger to her lips she sent out a shrill whistle and then walked back.

She waited the thranta arrival. "Still want to go?" She would be asking him a couple more times so ensure he was ok with it all and recogonized that this was dangerous but there wasn't anything else like it.

 

[Akabane Jarvik]

She described him as amusing in response to what he'd said about her attire. Akabane grinned at the last bit, thinking he wouldn't mind staying on this world for awhile if it came down to actually making a choice. It was like Naboo in a way. He treasured his time on that beautiful planet called Naboo. The same could be said about this cloudy planet with a surplus of wonderful people. That was true for who he'd already met at least. They seemed to be great to him. Especially this young lady he'd been constantly flirting with. It was all fun and games to Akabane though, anyone who knew him knew the man treated all women this way, or most. He was being extra flirty today however, and there was nothing influencing him so it would be strange seeing the extra effort.

Rekha was amusing herself, the way she explained how Thranta riding typically went was funny to Akabane. He laughed half way through her briefing. She really knew her stuff though so he felt bad laughing, not intending to mock her. After a moment he stopped the laughing and followed her all the way into the hangar. He was in awe when she called out to the thranta. Akabane could feel it's presence in the wind currents moving towards them. What a great feeling it was... She made sure he absolutely wanted to ride on one of those beasts. There was no hesitation in his movement or mind. He stepped forward, closer to the woman who would guide him on today's adventure. A hand shaped into a fist placed on his chest and the other resting to his side, he bowed. "Certainly. I will go anywhere with you, Miss Rekha." His voice was low and sincere, Akabane was being honest once again.

[member="Rekha Kaarde"]