The Melting Pot

[Luno Palono]

As the hatch to "The Lab" opened, bright sunlight streamed in over the two figures standing in the entryway. The Polis Massan shielded his eyes, squinting. His white lab coat was shining clean, as were his black rubber gloves. The light reflected off of his upraised glove, causing a strange ripply reflection on the exit ramp of the simple rectangular ship.

I forgot how bright it is on this stupid rock. He thought, standing at the top of the exit ramp to give his eyes some time to adjust.

"Doctor Palono, I would appreciate it if you wouldn't insult my homeworld like that." His companion was a pit droid that stood about half his height, rusted and seemingly pieced together with spare parts. The droid made its way down the exit ramp, each step making a light clamping sound. "I think our time here is best served off the ship."

Yes, yes, I'm getting there. Luno's mouthless face betrayed no emotion as he slowly inched his way down the ramp, still shielding his eyes. The circlet that sat atop his head functioned as a transmitter. It was wired into his brain and utilized his weak telepathic powers to transmit his thoughts to the droid, Ufie, in the form of radio waves.

"Oh, I would love to do some looking around while we are here, Doctor." Ufie stood at the bottom of the ramp, his skinny arms wrapped around his skinny chest as he glanced around the desert. "The last time I was on this planet, I was barely functioning."

We'll see how business goes, first. If you're good, maybe I'll let you see the junk pile where I found you. Luno reached the bottom of the ramp as Ufie threw his tiny droid hands into the air.

"Oh, happy day!" The droid's tinny voice reached an even higher pitch as he exclaimed his happiness.

Enough. Let's get to the city.

"Doctor," Ufie began, as the two began to walk towards the city on the horizon, across the sand, "why did you park so far away from the city if you hate this planet so much? Surely, our time would be more efficiently spent if we had less walking to do."

In case we find a unique specimen, I don't want there to be much attention in the port. You know how those dockworkers can be, always wanting to see whats in the bag. It'll be easier to slip out of the city unnoticed than it would to slip into the center of the city. Luno, finally dropped his hand to his side, having almost completely adjusted to the sunlight. He blinked several times as he looked around. This planet is one of the biggest melting pots around. I'll never understand why so many beings want to live in such a terrible place.

"Perhaps, Doctor, they don't have a choice."

The two walked on in silence towards the city, Ufie stopping once or twice to shake himself free of sand particulates. As they drew close, Ufie spoke up. "Doctor. Where in the city are we heading to?"

In all my travels, I've discovered one place always has the best information.

Ufie looked down at the sand for a moment before turning back to Luno. "The library?"

Luno, put a hand on his hip. You think this sinkhole has a library? Of course not. I'm talking about the cantina.

 

[Outlander]

Tala reclined lazily in what had become here usual seat. Considering the proximity to the outpost, this cantina was fairly regularly frequented by her and some of the other staff. On this day, however, she sat alone in her corner table. She had nothing in particular to do, so she felt content to run systems diagnostics on her suit while enjoying whatever the waitress has concocted. It smelled like nerf, and she saw chunks, but she'd learned not to question it. She sat, and drank, and watched the ebb and flow of the crowd.

 

[Luno Palono]

The city was dusty and sandy; just what you'd expect from a desert planet. Luno wandered around, leading Ufie through the streets, for several minutes before Ufie finally got the courage to speak up. "Doctor, are you sure you know where you are going?"

I know where I am going, but I'm not sure about it. I'm assuming that most of the cities on this planet have a similar layout. This isn't where I stayed when last I was here. Unfortunately, it seems there are minor differences. But there are also several similarities. Perhaps it would be wise to ask a local, I'm certain any one of these street urchins would know where to find a drink. Up until now Luno had been mostly ignoring the local flavor, but as his thoughts turned to them, so did his eyes.

Ufie took notice of the sudden slowing of Luno's pace and the sweep of his gaze. "Doctor, please do not get distracted. I am quite concerned that you have gotten us lost."

No! Luno's thoughts thundered in his head as he swirled on the droid. I think I know where to look now! Quickly, follow me! Luno turned on his heels and marched through the sand, kicking up a small cloud with his extravagant movements. Ufie scrambled to follow, nearly tripping over himself.

Luno's inspiration paid off as the pair was soon outside the cantina. Ufie paused by the door, brushing a large amount of sand out of his crevices. "Doctor, how did you know that?"

Sometimes, when you know something, you just know something.

"That doesn't really make sense, Doctor. Could you give me a more detai-" Luno quickly activated the door, stepping through before the droid could finish. Ufie paused when Luno disappeared into the cantina, giving himself a final shake before following his master through the door.

The cantina didn't seem to be anything special. It was about what Luno expected, reminiscent of the one he visited when last he was on Tatooine. There was a nice variety of species in the patrons. Luno took careful note of each one, resting his gaze on each potential specimen for a moment before making his way to the bar. Ufie dutifully followed behind him.

 

[Outlander]

Even on tatooine, the great galactic scummy melting pot, the duo stuck out. They really stuck out. The owner didn't even tell the droid to leave, probably due to shock or confusion. Tala was pretty boggled herself. What are the odds? Out of blunt curiosity, she decided a conversation with the rubber gloved alien and his pet pit droid was in order, if nothing more than to give her something to do with the free time. She headed to the bar, sliding onto a stool beside the pair. "So." She said over the cantinas white-noise. "What brings you two to Tatooine?"

 

[Luno Palono]

Luno struggled up onto a barstool. His short stature sometimes made it difficult for him to live in a universe designed for beings that stood a few heads higher than he did. But that had never deterred him before and it would not deter him when finding a nice seat. He could hear Ufie struggling on to a stool beside him, but ignored the droid, instead scanning for the bartender. No luck; the bartender seemed to have stepped into the back. It would seem we have to wait.

As he began to absent-mindedly tap his fingers on the bar, Luno heard something. "So, what brings you two to Tatooine?"

Luno quickly swiveled his chair to spot the newcomer. The pale green Twi`lek he had noticed in the corner had approached the bar and most definitely was talking to Luno and Ufie. Speaking of Ufie, he had almost managed to get all the way up on the barstool, so Luno decided to give the droid a quick boost, lifting it's rear up with his foot. Ufie quickly rearranged himself on the stool. Luno took a moment to make some observations.

A Tw`'lek. Quite a fine specimen, too. In shape, fairly unblemished skin. She looks healthy. Wait, no. Not Twi`lek. There's something else in there. I don't think I've ever gotten my hands on a half-Twi`lek before. No, just that dancer on Muun, that prostitute on Humbarine. They were both Pure Twi`lek. This might be an opportunity I can't pass up. Such an ideal specimen for study. Greet her already, you dolt!

"Greetings!" Ufie shouted, steadying himself with a hand on the bar. "This is Doctor Luno Palono. I am his translator, Ufie. As you can see, he can't talk." Ufie pointed back to Luno's mouthless face. "That's why I talk for him. We are here-"

Not yet! Luno quickly thought, silencing Ufie before he could say more. I don't know who she is. She is a bit higher quality than the other specimens in here. We must tread carefully. Ufie nodded his head, nearly falling off of his stool.

 

[Hiro]

Rikva walked in grumbling. "Stupid Cormick, leaving me behind.." This girl was different. Another twilek. Lean, mean, and pale as a ghost. Not pale green, she was a snowflake.
Was she packing a lightsaber? Yeah, that's a lightsaber on her side.
Dissapointed, she sat down on a stool next to Tala, not quite paying attention to her surroundings. A jawa or two might have yelled at her for almost stepping on them on the way here.

 

[Outlander]

"Huh. I was wondering why you were carting the little guy around." She gestures a lazy wave to the little droid. "Well, my name is Tala. I'm a mercenary."

 

[Luno Palono]

While Tala responded, Luno took note of the new entry into the cantina. Another Twi`lek. Interesting, this one is albino. Beyond that, however, she doesn't seem too special. In ideal shape for a specimen, sure, but not nearly as interesting as... Luno's thoughts trailed off as he noticed the lightsaber hanging from her side. A force sensitive?! This day is turning out to be fantastic! A force sensitive and a half-breed Twi`lek!

As Luno heard the word "mercenary", however, his attention quickly returned to Tala. Mercenary?! This complicates things. Ask them if they're busy. Luno crossed his legs, leaning onto the bar casually as his unblinking gaze stayed settled on Tala.

"Miss Tala, Doctor Palono is curious what work would bring you here? Surely you must be on a mission if you are on this out-of-the-way planet." Ufie waved his hand around to indicate the cantina.

 

[Outlander]

She shook her head, Lekku waving slightly with the motion. "Actually, our base is here. We use the cantena in our downtime."

 

[Hiro]

Rikva groaned as a rather confident Zabrak slid in a chair a little too close to her. "Hey there, I was just looking at you and thinking of if I could ever find anything more beautif-"
"I am capable of focusing that chair you are sitting on into a mass barely a foot wide. Do not."
He laughed, not backing down. "Fiery and strong. You know, I always think those are my type-"
"I can do the same to you."
He widened his eyes, backing to his table of friends.

 

[Luno Palono]

An entire mercenary company? I may come to like this planet... Luno thoughtfully stroked his chin. How to approach this. If I pursue her as a mercenary, I can't experiment on her. At least, not without complications. But on the other hand, this is such an opportunity.

Ufie glanced back and forth between Tala and Luno as Luno thought. "I apologize, Miss Tala, but it seems Doctor Palono has become lost in thought for the moment. It may be quite some time before he is able to once again carry on a conversation."

Well, I'm sure if this half-breed exists, there must be more. But! What if she is mixed with something rare? Or, perhaps, I can inquire about hiring her. She may refuse me, and answer the question herself! Or, even better, perhaps I can hire her, and then just cut her open after the mission.

The bartender returned from a door behind the bar, carrying a tray of newly-cleaned glasses. He glanced at the group seated around the bar. "Hey!" the portly human shouted, "what's that droid doin' in here?"

There is no harm in asking, I suppose. Although, if she were to accompany me in any capacity, I don't know how long I'd be able to resist myself. You cannot let such a prime specimen just sit around. It may come to harm! Just think...she might be disintegrated! Or worse...actually, disintegration is probably the worst thing that could happen.

"Uhm, Doctor?" Ufie asked nervously, trying to bring Luno out of his thoughts. The bartender had leveled a vile scowl at the little pit droid. "I think we may be in trouble." It seemed to no avail though, as Luno simply sat stroking his chin, his eyes half-closed.

 

[Outlander]

"Umm." Tala started, looking at the doctor's lifeless eyes. "Is he OK?"

 

[Hiro]

The snowflake perked up, looking at the doctor. She didn't have much to say, so for now she looked.

 

[Luno Palono]

Definitely, however, my first course of action should be to continue engaging in conversation. The hook comes first!

"Hey, buddy!" the bartender said, shoving Luno's arm with a great deal of force. "Is that your droid? Get it outta here!"

Luno blinked several times as he came out of his stupor. What? What's happening Ufie?

Ufie turned to the bartender, putting both his hands on the bar. "Good sir, I apologize for my brashness, but I simply cannot leave Doctor Palono's side. He needs me to communicate for him!"

The bartender scowled as Luno tilted his head to the side. Ufie, inform the man that I need to do business with him.

"Sir bartend, this is Doctor Palo-"

"Oy, what kinda queer creature are you?!" the bartender asked, leaning in to look at Luno's face. "You don't even have a mouth! How are you gonna eat or drink without a mouth?!"

 

[Hiro]

Rikva laughed delicately, pulling some Force out in this mofo. "Sir, you do not want to antagonize the doctor. He is welcome here, and you shall apologize."

 

[Luno Palono]

"I don't want to antagonize you, Doctor. You're welcome here. I should apologize. I'm sorry." The bartender turned back to his work, organizing the glasses behind the counter.

"Oh, thank goodness," Ufie settled back onto his seat, sitting unsteadily for a moment before tumbling off and landing in a heap on the floor.

I knew it, she is Force-sensitive! Quickly, Ufie, let's see if we can hook the both of them! Luno put both of his hands in his lap, giving both Tala and Rikva a slight nod.

Ufie began addressing them as he untangled himself on the floor. "Doctor Palono would like to apologize. Sometimes he gets lost in thought, Miss Tala. He meant no offense." Standing back up completely, the droid dusted himself off and turned to Rikva. "Thank you for helping us out, Miss. This is Doctor Luno Palono," he motioned back towards Luno, "and I am his translator, Ufie. A pleasure to make your acquaintance."

 

[Outlander]

"Force persuasion." Tala noted. "Very impressive."

 

[Hiro]

Rikva giggles. It's always fun to have another twilek say she has an impressive skill. "I'm Rikva."

 

[Luno Palono]

"Greetings, Miss Rikva." Ufie began the long climb back up onto his barstool.

We cannot forget the reason we came here. While these have proved to be some delightful detours, we need to focus. Ask the albino what kind of work she does. And find out if Tala can perhaps get us in contact with some of her mercenary friends. Luno began drumming his fingers on the counter impatiently as Ufie reachieved his perch.

"Miss Rikva, what kind of work do you do? A Force sensitive individual such as yourself surely has a wide variety of options. Are you a mercenary like Miss Tala?" Ufie steadied himself by placing both hands on the bar, not wanting to fall again.

 

[Hiro]

Rikva came back to her normal self once out of her grumbly grumpy state. "Mer-mercenary? No, I'm a companion. I-I mean, I'm a companion to someone. B-but, not like y-you know. I'm n-not like th-that kind of com-panion."