| Posted by GM (Paul) on 12-02-2001 | |
|
PAZURKA - Paz City
Faced with the hard edge of Xvrena and her business for the first time, Xebidos also encountered the first real test of his convictions. He'd started the day with a promise that he'd finish this race - and that his racing would finish with it - and the harsh and calculating nature of the Falleen's tactical demands did little to alter this early resolution. The day ahead, however, would require greater compromise. In a moment of epiphany, the Twi'lek had realised there were stonger, more meaningful ties binding him than any coerced desire to satisy Xvrena. He'd been close to overwhelmed by the woman as much as the occasion, but thinking of Teri, Ahrkid, and the core beliefs anchoring his dual personas, Xeb resolved to stay true to himself and the things he valued. While somehow placating his present employer at the same time.
When no one else raised comment about Xvrena's plan Xebidos put forward his alternate approach with as much care and subtlety as he could muster. All eyes turned to the one-tailed smuggler, Getthel cringing slightly as iof anticipating a verbal backlash. But Xvrena only broadened her smile slightly.
"I wish it were so, Xebidos," she began, walking over to lightly touch the Twi'lek on the arm. "But don't believe everything you read in the programme." She turned her back to retreat a few languid paces.
"Jus' do as she says!" Getthel hissed at Xeb.
"Taytul has the bulk to trouble Marow," Xvrena continued as she turned to face her racers. "Pagalies will take that Hutt fancy-boy, D'Oro. You, Xeb, can eliminate the bird-girl, Ctulu Katzl. Your 'pads have all the relevant details."
After reminding everyone to learn the race course Xrena called the meeting closed till a last briefing and status report right before the race. The Falleen swept from the room with her escorts first, A grinning Zhoo following close behind. Waiting till last, the three smugglers caught hold of Getthel before he slunk off. Xebidos hadca few questions for the little Veknoid.
"Ya, sometimes peeps get hurt," Getthel admitted. "But don' worry. Yo stay on board, no trubble at all," the pilot grinned.Then he shrugged with casual bravado. "Eh... all daredevils face it when they's race. But I wouldn' be here if I hadn' wrecked one of Xvrena's sheps..."
Getthel strolled off after that offhand remark. Teri sighed and shot Xeb a "See?" look with her eyes.
"What now?" she asked as the trio walked back into the dugout, still echoing with the spitting buzz of welders from up and down the pits. "We have to go meet the others some time, but I'll stay here as long as you need me."
------------------------------
"That's all. It will be finished tomorrow, and will no doubt be the finest literary work since William Shakespeare's Gay Boys in Bondage." - Joss Whedon, footnote to Buffy the Vampire Slayer pilot draft