Ashley walks across a lonely desert at night. It's cold, her eyes sting from the blowing sand, and she longs for the moment when she reaches those dim lights up ahead on the horizon. Ashley has been walking for hours, ever since she woke up lying in the middle of nowhere at sunset. Ashley: Ashley approaches, making out the lights of a city...a spaceport town. Ashley stumbles to the nearest building she sees... Aldebaran: Aldebaran is talking to Taurus at the bar. "So how old is he? Does he like my species?" Taurus shrugs Taurus: it's hard to tell Aldebaran: Well tell him I'm here every night if he wants to stop by. Taurus: alright, alright... Taurus: Vegris, can i have another one of these *points to the drink* Vegris slides a drink down the bar to Taurus Vegris: u know u still owe from last month Taurus: i'll pay, i'll pay Aldebaran removes a coin from her bustier... Aldebaran: Need any help? Taurus: nah.....i think i will be able to pay it....*feels drunkness coming on* Aldebaran: Alright.. Aldebaran hears someone calling for her attention.. Taurus: your on Aldebaran: Gotta go. Don't get too drunk you spacemule. Taurus: *drunk like* what...me? Aldebaran grins and slides off the bar, tassels glittering from her costume. Ashley: *The Door Bursts Open and Ashley stumbles in* Aldebaran looks up. "Gods, who is that?" Taurus: hmm...not to bad *turns to Vegris* what do u think? Ashley leans back against the door to get her bearings, coughing and rubbing her eyes. Vegris: aaah...human....they get drunk to fast....no good for business Aldebaran smacks Taurus. Aldebaran: She doesn't look good. Go see if she's ok Taurus: owww Taurus: me? Aldebaran: Yes you! If you can stand up! Taurus walks over to Ashley Taurus: do you need help? Ashley jumps and moves away when he approaches. Ashley: N-no, I'm *cough* fine... Taurus: it's ok....im not THAT drunk yet... Taurus stumbles, and almost falls over... Ashley doesn't move to help him. "What is this place?" Vegris: this here is the best bar here in Mos Eisley Taurus: yeah the best bar *hiccup* Ashley: Mos Eisley? Is that the name of this planet? Ashley coughs and shivers a little. Taurus: i have no idea....*falls over drunk* Vegris: no... Just this part of the planet Vegris: what can i serve you?? Ashley looks at Taurus strangely, then looks around a little. "I don't have any money. I need to find a way to get back home" Vegris: yea? where you live?? Ashley: My planet's called Earth. Taurus comes too a little Taurus: i know that place... Ashley: You do??? Taurus: i think... Ashley: How far away is it? Vegris: Earth??? never heard of it but if you want you can work here until you can find away home Taurus: it's next to Kroton right... Ashley: Kroton? No, no, it's in the Sol system. Kind of near Karova.. Taurus: where? Ashley gets frustrated. "Shaddup, you're drunk. Sir, I need help, I don't know how I got here and I don't know how to get home!" Aldebaran abandons her client and comes over to Ashley. "Sweety, don't get excited. Lemme buy you something to eat alright?" Ashley looks at the slight, scantily clad woman speaking to her and decides to put her trust in someone. Ashley: Alright.. Aldebaran leads Ashley to the bar and sits her down. Aldebaran: What's your species hon? Ashley: I'm human... Aldebaran frowns, but shrugs it off. "Vegris, something bland for her ok? Nothing that'll upset her stomach." Vegris: alright Vegris hands Ashley a weird looking peice of meat and something that looks like apple juice Ashley looks at it, hoping it's edible.. Aldebaran: Go ahead doll, you don't have to eat it all. Ashley starts into it, finding it not only edible, but rather good. Of course, anything would taste good after last night's trek across the desert. Aldebaran goes to check on Taurus, sleeping in the doorway. Aldebaran: Wake up, ya bum! Vegris: It's my specialty.. Newt tounge sandwhich Aldebaran: *pokes him with ehr toe* Ashley winces, deciding to pretend he didn't say that. Taurus: wha, wha? Aldebaran: You're blocking the doorway. Go find a table. Taurus stumbles to a table, and passes out Aldebaran crouches down to whisper to him, "And keep on eye on that girl, she's pretty messed up." Taurus whispers "she looks fine to me.....real fine..." Aldebaran: Quit that! Don't you dare make a pass at her! Taurus: *grin* you know me.... Aldebaran: I know enough to be worried! Aldebaran: Now chill out and make sure no one bothers her. Taurus: yeah, yeah *passes out* Aldebaran sighs and goes back to her dancing.. Ashley cleans her plate and downs her juice, starting to feel nervous about having her back to the crowd. People were watching her. Vegris: So young lady... How would you like to work here?? atleast till you found a way home? Ashley freezes. "Work? What kind of work?" Vegris: serving food Ashley: Like waitressing? Ok.. Ashley: How much does it pay? Taurus wander up to the bar and sits next to the newcomer Vegris: um 42 mosone per eislan Ashley frowns at this, but can't see any other options. "Fine. I'll work for you. But I have to find a place to live and everything...." Taurus: hey i get free boarding..... Taurus: wait what am i talking about... Taurus passout on the bar Vegris: I have rooms in the back if you want to sleep there Ashley nods. "Alright, thanks......god I'm screwed..." Taurus: *turns to Ashley, a little sober* so what's your name? Ashley looks at him, his beer breath wafting towards her. "Ashley" Taurus: that's a nice name... Ashley: What's yours? Taurus: i'm.....who am i? Aldebaran: You're Taurus, a nasty kinda guy Ashley should watch out for. Vegris: your a good for nothing drunk bastard.. *sighs* your name is Taurs Taurus: yeah that's it Aldebaran comes up to the bar and stands within smacking distance of the smuggler. Aldebaran: Ashley you said? I'm Aldebaran, I work here. Taurus is a good kinda guy to watch your back but don't let him get too close alright? ;) * Ashley rubs her eyes, bracing herself on the bar. "Um, would someone show me where I can clean up?" Aldebaran, show Ashley to the girls room would you?? You say you don't know how you got here eh? * Vegris looks at Taurus Maybe you should be heading home sure... * Ashley shakes her head. "There was an explosion back home...I was with friends, and then suddenly I was alone. I must have been blasted through some kind of rift...and I found myself out in the middle of your desert. * Aldebaran nods, bringing Ashley to a washroom with dim, buzzing lights. I promise we'll do whatever we can to help you find your home. We're not the most universally aware bunch of people--maybe "Earth" isn't so far away after all. You get cleaned up and take the room next to mine. The bed is already made. Sleep as long as you like, then we'll talk more in the morning. * Ashley nods. "Thanks Aldebaran." * Aldebaran smiles and heads for the door. "Call me Aldy. That's what Taurus does." hey addy.... * Taurus is a little more sober * Aldebaran comes over to him. "What is it? you look nice to night.... * Aldebaran rolls her eyes. "I look nice every night. what's your point?" i don't know..... * Ashley is left alone to clean up at the sink. She washes her face as best she can, rinsing the grit from her skin, and then heads for the little room nearby. A curtain partitions the two "rooms" and Ashley curls up on the unoccupied cot. * Aldebaran sighs and leans on the bar. "The poor kid, she's seriously scared..." she'll be fine.... yea.. So do you believe her about this planet called Earth?? * Aldebaran shrugs. "Why would she lie? Unless she's sick or nuts or something. Guess we'll find out." i think i might of heard of it, but i'm too drunk to remember it....well i best be going home, why i still can.... * Aldebaran shakes her head. "Will you be in tomorrow or d'you got a run?" or if i get too drunk i could always bunk with that nice young lady...say hand another beer No * Aldebaran shoves him towards the door. "Go home!" ah you stink * Taurus heads for the door....i should be here tomorrow... You're not getting much work lately huh? Well you haven't missed coming here a day since you first found out about us.. I would like to see you go one day without getting drunk never....*heads out* * Aldebaran laughs.. *Four Days Later* * Taurus walks in Sober, and sits at the bar * Ashley is on the floor, an apron around her waist, serving drinks to the patrons. *in a high sophistaced accent* Vegris: A BlackHole please.... * Taurus takes the beer, and drinks it slowly.... * Ashley returns to the bar to sit down for a moment.. let's see i'll have a ferghn, and werakddr, with a side of hedger Ashley??? did you remember to slip Taurus the non alcoholic black hole?? *looks to Ashley* hello, how do u fare today? * Ashley winks at Vegris. "of course.." I'm fine Taurus, how are you? ok....so tell me about were you come from... what's Earth Like? I'm homesick if that's any indication... you have a lot of friends back on Earth? * Ashley nods sadly. "I did when I left. I dunno what could have happened to them when I was sent here." they're probabley all fine...right Vegris.... well i check the depot schedule......and there will be something leaving for a planet i've never heard of before in a few months... Does that mean...Earth? no it was something like ko-39 KO-35! yeah that was it... I know that world! My friend Andros is from there! * Ashley laughs with glee.. "Thank god.." it leaves in 4 months... but it's quite a some... Oh for gosh sakes.. there's one that leaves in 8 Months that is a little less... u should be able to afford the second one... Can I make that much in four months? er, eight? if i remember what Vegris said, you should be... right addy? your the astro-math whiz * Aldebaran nods from where she's table-dancing for a customer. * Ashley sighs. "Well, que sera sera." ok let's whip out the achochol.... * Taurus grabs a bottle from behind the counter, and drinks it down... this is the good stuff * Taurus drinks it again, and nearly coughs Anyway, what's all this talk I'm hearing from people about "The Chandi Wars?" ok that wasn't so good * Taurus tosses the bottle back into the crowd just some little war, started by a stupid race... People talk like it's going to come here... talk is talk * Taurus grabs another bottle from behind the counter * Taurus drinks that one too that's the good one Hey your gonna have to pay for those * Ashley bites her lip. "What would we do if this planet got attacked?" put it on my tab don't worry your pretty little head off.... * Ashley arches a brow at him. * Vegris looks at Taurus's tab... Your tab is full... you owe me 57465744353 Kebenites by tommorow * Vandago throws the door open do you take an out of system check... TAURUS!!!!!!! * Ashley blinks. "If I've got my currencies right, someone else should be working here too.." * Ashley jumps that's not good.... no... * Vandago walks over to the drunk in the bar You promised to deliver my hefdet shipment last week... i did not to the right port you idiot * Aldebaran and the rest of the patrons stop to stare... technacailty i had to get past the Chandi You've out ran them before not drunk.... * Ashley holds back a snicker you owe me 6069954 Kerbinties get in line....i owe him first then i'll take it out of you with your organs just leave my liver, that's all i ask... * Ashley jumps up. no one would want that....it's shot anyway Uh, sir if you've got a beef with Taurus, why don't you go outside and settle it like gentlemen? quiet you * Ashley glares at him. now if you don't pay me by tomorrow, i'm going to impound your ship * Vegris whispers to Ashley.. 1 Watch out.. he's a bounty hunter * Ashley brushes Vegris off. right, did i mention i have the securestar 2000 on it ah but i have the keys that's were i left those... Taurus is drunk off his arse, he couldn't fight you if he wanted to. Come back later when you can both think straight. i told you to be quiet hey....be nice to the lady... or what....you'll hurt me....your drunk, you couldn't hurt a fly... * Ashley grabs a big meaty arm and twists it unbelievably far, slamming the bountry hunter against the bar. "I said, bug off!" that may be the case.....but i....i....what was i saying * Taurus puts his drink on Vandago's head.... now back to drinking... * Ashley puts her face very close to Vandago "Bug off, and don't come back unless you want to become double jointed...!" * Vegris looks at Vandago's soaking head.. 1Hey Vandago... you owe me 5 Kerbinites for that drink yeah, yeah i don't owe you anything * Vandago leaves through the door How about an apology? * Ashley sticks her tongue out at the big dumb thing. oops, he's gone, hey there goes my drink... * Ashley dusts off her hands, which smell like Bounty Hunter now. Are you ok Taurus? yeah i'm fine... * Ashley sighs and goes to take her next round of orders. * Taurus orders another beer, and eyes Ashley..."She's a fisty one, isn't she Vegris" yea very fisty * Taurus smiles * Ashley is brushing off a patron who's hands are a wanderin'.. You okay Ashley? * Ashley returns to the bar. "I'm fine, he wouldn't've given me any trouble" where'd you learn to fight like that yeah? that was pretty nice... * Ashley gets a little nervous. "Um..well, I...I learned some fighting arts back home.." * Taurus gets a little more drunk * Vegris looks at taurus 1How would you know?? you were too busy looking at her butt the whole time well.... * Ashley stares at him. * Ashley goes to get her next round.. * Taurus sits there and drinks some more beer she wants me.... * Vegris grabs the beer 1no more beer until you pay me back aaaaaawwwwww *ONE WEEK LATER* * Taurus hands half the money he owes Vegris....ok let me have my beer again, i've been sober to long.. no not until you get me the other half of the money.. here have this *hands him a non-alcoholic black hole* ah fine * Taurus tosses the rest on the table * Aldebaran comes to the bar and sits down nervously, her sequined cape glittering. I'm hearing things out there.. *looks down* oh shoot that was the extra Alcoholic, not the non alcoholic... like what??? * Taurus drinks it That Gnostican over there just went by the Chandi system, and there's NO ONE THERE. No ships, military, nothing. thats Weird... maybe they moved their posts maybe they killed everyone Nobody else is being that optimistic. They think the Chandi are planning an attack. ah...attack smack....i want some more beer * Aldebaran smacks him. "This is serious! They could be coming here!" they i'll out run them again...no biggy The whole PLANET can't outrun them! I CAN!!! * Aldebaran shaeks her head at them. * Taurus chugs down another beer * Vegris grabs the beer No beer for you! *drags Taurus to the door and throws him on the ground* * Ashley runs into the bar from outside, and scampers straight to the bar. "There are lazers in the sky!" And don't come back till you have my money * Ashley flinches as the bar shakes. Someone's attacking the planet! * Taurus walks back win... Hello, we're under attack here! We have to fight back! * Aldebaran runs out of the back room, pulling her cape on. "What's all the noise?" how?? we don't have anything to fight back with why would they attack us... We have to find something. Or take shelter and make room for those who *can* fight! and who might these people be that can fight?? yeah i only have a few blasters... You mean Mos Eisley has NO defenses?? none of course not....it's just a small spaceport... *The thunder of attack vehicles rumbles closer outside...* that doesn't sound good Well what are we going to do?? ummm hide??? *The bar door and windows smash open, soldiers pouring in!* Oh no! * Aldebaran screams * Taurus dives under the bar, and starts drinking... * Vegris grabs Taurus and throws him towards the guards and away from the beers * Vegris hides under the bar * Ashley 's instincts take over and she rushes the crowd, tearing into them like a whirlwind. * Taurus gets a small blaster out of his pocket, and stands up with a bottle of liquor, and starts blasting soliders * Taurus drops the bottle, and kicks a solider "You intruppted my bar time" * Aldebaran is chased into the back rooms, but comes out a moment later with a smoking lazer rifle. She starts blasting away. that's the way Aldy * Ashley takes as good as she gets, knocking down soldiers as fast as they can rush in. the bar patrons don't leave her alone in the fray, taking out their share of invaders. Taurus, get your ship! We can't hold out forever!! * Taurus stands a bunch of soliders into the bar tables right * Taurus stumbles out of the bar, and walks to the port * Taurus fires up the ship * Taurus launches and heads for the bar * Ashley takes the butt of a rifle in the gut.. UNGH! * Aldebaran blasts a hole inthe offending soldier. Are you alright honey? * Taurus lands in the front of the bar, crushing a bunch of soliders, and opening the door Don't worry about me! honey, i'm home... *Soldiers gang up on him* * Vegris throws some liquor in a soldiers eyes then kicks him in the stomach * Ashley tears an invader off Taurus and punches it. Is the ship outside? hey what's the big idea yeah Then let's go. Aldy, Vegris come on! * Taurus grabs an armful of bottles, and shoves them into the ship ok let's go * Taurus launches the ship, and heads into orbit.... * Aldebaran picks her way across the littered floor, firing at soldiers as she goes. * Vegris gets in the sip and throws all the bottles out hey my liquor... * Aldebaran suddenly screams, and Ashley whirls around.. no.. It's my liquor and I said none for you until you pay me back Aldy.!!?? * Aldebaran falls to the ground, a lazer wound smoking in her back. Nooo!!! Aldy!!!! * Ashley goes after her friend. Aldy talk to me! Say something! * Aldebaran doesn't reply...she's dead. * Ashley sobs out loud. "No Aldy, NO!" * Vegris goes out to check on Aldy with Ashley * Taurus grabs Ashley, and vegris, and tosses them into the ship * Vegris runs back to grab Aldy ((you're ruining the atmosphere you know..)) No, Vegris wait! * Vegris gets shot in the back. 1AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH *Soldiers proceed to beat on him after he's down* * Taurus grabs ashley, and closes the door, and takes off * Ashley stands on the ramp, watching in horror! * Ashley stumbles against a wall and leans there for a moment, trying to catch her breath... It happened so fast... * Taurus flies into the lower atmosphere * Ashley sinks into a chair and puts her head down on a console.. * Taurus passes a group of military craft, and heads to the outer region of the Solar System... well now....time to get you to that planet of yours... * Ashley looks up, her face stained with tears... I promised Aldy I'd take her with me... i sorry you had to break that promise * Ashley sits back. Where are we going now? that planet of yours.... Do you know how to get there? i think i have an idea... * Ashley wipes her eyes. "I don't know how to thank you..." i've got a few ideas....now tell me do they liquor on that planet? * Ashley smiles at him and prepares for the long ride home.