Theed Spaceport

Kit Zeevex ( or Zee, as she often preferred to go by) looked out the window of the public transportation shuttle flight, nervously tapping her nails against her arm rest. She could hardly believe she was even doing this. "Zee Mid Rim Tour" had stared out as a dare from a friend, Deek, a few months ago when the two of them had been watching an action flick at her flat after one too many drinks.

Maybe more than one too many, Zee thought to herself, wincing at the memory.

"Come on, Zee, how long are you going to keep doing this Holo Vid thing in your spare time and actually do this whole music thing?" he had asked, refilling her glass of wine.

"I don't know what you're talking about," she insisted.

"Look, I've seen your views for your music videos. They're good. Really good. Consistently," he said, gesturing for emphasis. "And your demographic isn't just on Falleen, it's other planets too."

"Your point?"

"You should go on tour!" Deek said, gesturing widely. At Zee's raised brows he added hurriedly , "Not a big one. Just a test tour to see if there is a market for this. You know, a few planets around the Mid Rim. You know, Naboo, Concord Dawn, Kashyyyk, Nar Shaddaa . . .”

"Nar Shaddaa? You mean that place controlled by HUTT CRIME LORDS?"

Deek shrugged “Hey, even crime lords need entertainment, and they can afford to pay well.”

“I don’t know . . .”

“Look, Zee, I’ve got it all planned out,” he said, pulling out a data pad filled with dates and locations, and costs. “You would only need to take two weeks off from work, and you have more than enough time saved up. Stick to public transportation instead of private chartered flights, and you should be able to make up most of the money in merch sales, tips, or for people who would be willing to pay you to sing.”

Zee took the datapad, frowning at it slightly. “This looks like a lot of work. How long have you planning this?”

Deek waved a hand dismissively. “It doesn’t matter, Zee. What matters is you need to do this. You were born to do this. Do you want to keep doing data entry for the rest of your life?”

“Well, no,” she admitted.

“Then you need to seize life by the balls and at least try to give this music thing a try. What’s the worst that could happen?” he asked, before pouring her another glass.

Minus the headache the next morning, nothing bad seemed to have happened so far. Once the two of them sobered up the next morning and taken a few painkillers, Deek took on the role of Manager to help organize “Zee’s Wild Mid Rim Tour” helping to book locations and come up with inexpensive merchandise for Zee to sell. And to her surprise - a lot of people in the comments on her videos had responded positively to the news that she would be touring, promising to be there.

Which was why Zee was now sitting in the seat of a the public transport between Falleen and Naboo nervously, knowing her first stop on her first tour ever was set to be tonight. Deek hadn’t come despite wanting to, since work had blown up for him and he had been forced to stay behind on Falleen. He promised to take care of everything he could. “All you have to do is show up at the address I give you and sing. I’ll handle all the other arrangements,” he  had told her.

Zee would have still liked if her friend could have come with her, but that couldn’t be helped. She was here now, and it was sorta of exciting to suddenly find herself going on an adventure like this. She always wanted to see more of the galaxy - and now she was going to.

Over the intercom of the shuttle, the captain’s voice came on announcing they had reached their destination and everyone could depart. Gripping the case of her musical instrument tightly in one hand, and her carryon luggage in the other, Zee exited the shuttle, a glint of determination in her eye. “I can do this,” she whispered to herself, almost as a self affirmation plea. “I can do this.”

It wasn't too difficult getting through the streets of the city, with how fluidly Farris was capable of moving. He'd have to get his coat back- or get another one perhaps, before leaving the planet, at least because he felt rather comfortable as Doctor Nobel. But he had a promise to keep right now. Keeping Lavinia close- not wishing to loose her in the streets, he finally made it to a clothing shop, and paused.

Alright. Here's where I might need some help.

He looked over at the Skitry beside him with a self conscious frown.
I might be a good shape shifter, and I might be good at pretending to be someone else- but I told Anna, I think you saw her at the Inn- that I would get her something else to ware ... other than that lab outfit she's been stuck in for two years ...

He hesitated before entering. What do you think a teenage girl would want to ware ? He asked, almost sheepishly.

Farris pondered for only a moment. For someone who had seen Anna maybe only once or twice, Lavi did a very good job picking the right size. He attributed it to her avian eyes. He obviously knew Anna's size very well- he had shifted into her at one point, which kind of made him really want to get this right.

Nodding slightly, he gave the Skitry a very thankful smile. These look perfect Lavinia. Thank you. He hesitated looking slightly distant. Maybe- one day I'll tell you why I ended up at the RDMC in the first place. Part of it has to do with Anna. I think she'll be very happy to get out of what she's wearing.

Gently he took the cloths and turned as if to go purchase them. He hesitated again and tilted his head at Lavinia. Do you want anything? I'm not the richest Polydroxol in the universe but I'm kind of close....don't tell anyone though. He grinned at her coyly.

Done!

The Polydroxol said with a smile as he plucked the pendant from the display and added it to the purchase. Pretending to rummage in his pocket, he produced a credit chip covering the bill and then turned to leave the shop. He handed Lavi the pendant and shrugged his shoulders.

I don't know. For a guy who can be anyone, I sure have a hard time understanding women. Maybe I should pretend to be a nurse next time.

He felt a little more light hearted, which was odd, because he was so use to portraying false feelings on his face, it felt strange to smile for real- for once.

Guessing is right...

he suddenly recalled Thea- then Ivya, the two women who really hated him for reasons he couldn't quite grasp. You're one of the first women lately that hasn't tried to yell at me or stab me- so,
He paused, reaching out to help her with the pendant. Maybe you could be my translator sense I seem to get along with you best.

His attention was on the Skitry and finishing placing the pendant- and not on what was happening behind him, so the normally very astute Polydroxol was very much caught off guard when a passer by whipped out what looked to be a very small pistol and shot the creature in the back.

Farris flinched, blinked- and then slowly went rigid. He knew what he'd been shot with, he understood the paralysis effect it would have on him in just a few seconds, and he took those seconds to mouth the word 'go' to Lavinia, Even as the stranger started to approach the two.

A firm hand gripped Farris' shoulder, pulling him upright and attempting to pull him away form the woman so foolishly trying to drag his rigid body with her.

Now now- Don't hurt yourself young lady. He'll be fine in a few minutes. The man- well, he wasn't from this planet, and was a little taller than Farris- most Faust boasted a tall size- , smiled slightly down at the Skitry, shaking his round, light blue head at her. I just want to talk

He turned the now stony faced polydroxol around to face him and sighed, clicking his tongue as if in disappointment.

My dear dear Farris- Look at you, walking around- not at all using the gifts I gave you. He smiled over at Lavinia with a light chuckle. Look at him, showing his true colors- he must really trust you ya? ha ha!

He turned back to Farris. I wonder if he trusts you enough to tell you his true story. The Faust's big eyes fell to Farris' hand, which had slowly begone to curl up in a fist, and the alien knew it was time for him to leave. Just one more thing before I go, old friend. Taking out a small data disk from his lab coat pocket, the blue skinned being pressed it directly into Farris' shoulder and took a step back. We really should catch up some time. Remember- You can hide in plane sight from just about anybody...except the one who made you.

Bowing lightly to both, the being walked away- quickly, before the Polydroxol regained control of his composure.




A few more seconds went by and Farris finally fell limply to his knees, doing his best to keep his humanoid shape but his face was difficult, and he kept his head down to spare Lavinia some strange warped visage of what a humanoid face should look like- at least till he could regain more control. S-sorry about that.... are....you ...all right?

The Polydroxol asked, reaching back and plucking the needle dart out of his shoulder. He peered at it for a moment before flicking it away. Finally he looked back up at the Skytry. His face would normally show worry, but for now it was a blank slate.

Farris started to regain his form quickly- though it was slightly limp, and he allowed Lavinia to keep him upright as he sat on the ground for a moment.

I'll be fine. Trist just paralyzed me because he knew i'd turn that ugly mug of his inside out if I could move.

He managed a thin sculpted smile. I'm not afraid of him, even though he really wishes I was. We have a- history. The Polydroxol started to stand and pick up the new clothes off the ground, hoping nothing had gotten on them. It's a long story- I'm assuming he has more work for me. Unfortunately I'm not interested in his work anymore- haven't been for a long time.

And Suddenly, Farris beeped.

Lifting one of his hands, he opened his palm and the small com device appeared, relaying Adieumus Matango's message. Narrowing his eyes, he stood quickly and pressed himself into a corner. It took a little longer than normal, but eventually Farris' shape had shortened- his skin lost it's silver hue and became tan, and his figure mimicked that of a common Naboo resident. Bundling up the cloths, the Polydroxol quickly shoved them away put a gentle yet ushering arm around Lavinia's shoulders.

We need to leave the city. He said, briskly walking out into the street and glancing here and there before assuming a completely normal- not nervous expression.
His mind went back to Anna though. She was still at the Inn- was she alright? Could the others protect her. Silently he promised himself he'd go look for her if she wasn't at the villa when he returned there. He could not allow himself to be torn between Lavinia and Anna. One was a peaceful delicate creature and one was Seer with a pet force demon. He figured despite Anna's appearance, she could take care of herself- and if not, her Zabrak bodyguard could. Follow me- and stay calm.