LoBue

"Ah, here's the place." Maxir said brightly as he led the group of young officers to a small windowless building. It was built in the gap between two older buildings, with a wooden sign that has the word LoBlue carved into it hanging above the door. "Doesn't look like much." was Kraton's first response.

"I assure you all that this Abregado-rae's liveliest hotspot." Maxir countered, taking the rudeness of Kraton tone in his stride. "Plus, you can't get a finer Sacorria Scorcher anywhere in the Galaxy." This he directed at Addison with a smile. She merely frowned and let out a quiet "We'll see about that." Before she strood through the door into the Cantina.

The others quickly followed, Grice whispering in Crik's ear "Maxir just isn't gunna give up is he."

The main area of the LoBue was suprisingly large. It has a number of tables by the entrance overlooking a small but elaborate dance floor, with a handful of patrons already dancing to the music being piped in. Off to the left, up a few steps, was a transparent etched plastic wall separating the casino area from the rest of the Cantina. Maxir led the group over to a set of dark private booths on the far side of the dance floor, before indicating a booth in the corner "this is us." As the group sat down in the booth, Crik ended up sandwiched between Grice and Addison, who had somehow ended up with Maxir on her other side, and Kraton stuck on the end.

A holo of an attractive girl rose from the center of the table and said in pleasantly accented basic "Good day, gentles. How may I serve?"

"Five Sacorria Scorcher's for me and my esteemed colleagues" Maxir replied.

"Thank you, gentles." said the holo before vanishing back into the table. After a few minutes, a tray with the drinks appeared through a sidehatch in the middle of the table. "Well, cheers everyone." said Maxir as he took a swig of the dark red drink, Crik followed suit.

His experience with **** was only margially greater than with women, but he found the Cocktail rather pleasant and without the bitter aftertaste he associated with drinking.

Grice let out an appreciative sigh. "Oh, thats good." Kraton meerly grunted before taking another sip.

Addison spend a few seconds tasting the drink before declaring, "That is quite acceptable."

"Well, I consider that a win for me." Maxir said brightly before taking another big sip of the cocktail.

They passed the time idly disscussing the up and downs from their time abored the Reliance and before to long their glasses were empty and Grice volunteered to pay for the next round of Scorchers. Halfway through the second drink Crik noticed he was becoming very relaxed and comfortable, and everyone else around the table seemed a bit lossened up, apart from Addison who seemed unmoved by Maxir's latest tale of youthful misadventure.

"And so there I was naked in the wardrobe, while I could her talking to husband just outside the door, explaining why she was half undressed at that time of day. Next thing I know the two of then are having sex and I'm stuck having to listen it" Crik and Grice could hardly contain their amusement at this wild tale and even Kraton was letting out an occasional snort of laughter. Crik also couldn't help notice Grice had moved nearer to him and every time she went to take drink her arm brushed against his. The sensation was quite electrifying.

"Then after what seemed like hours he fell asleep and she was able to get me out there. The Academy were not amused when I turned up back at the dormitory 3 hours after curfew, and I could hardly tell them I was trapped in the head instructor's wardrobe after sleeping with his wife now could I!"

Admist the gales of the laughter that accompanied the end of the story, Addison turned to Maxir and said in a dismissive tone "You really are a slut Maxir".

This prompted even more laughter and Maxir to shrug with his broad grin still in place, "Hey I don't care, its not like anyone else here don't enjoy it, I'm just happy to share my experiences with all those who may find it entertaining."

Addison took another sip of drink, "You know I'm sure you're not the only one with stories to tell you know".

"True true, its about time someone else steps up here, how about you young Crik, tell us about your conquests".

Suddenly Crik felt the heat of everyone's glaze turning towards him, "umm well um errr" he sputtered feeling a hot blush form on his cheeks.

"Oh please" said Kraton derisively "I doubt Mr Vondin has ever kissed a girl let alone shagged half the bloody Academy like you Zapal".

Before he could repond Grice shouted back "Oh shut the fuck up Kraton, I doubt anyone would want to sleep with an ugly fucker like you". At that moment they were interrupted by the return of the drink tray.

"More drinks for everyone" exlamined Maxir, who evidently had decided to move things in a bid to prevent a fight breaking out.

Crik was grateful for distraction, tactless as he may be, Kraton had been right and he didn't want to admit to that in present company. Kraton was now exchanging glares with Grice who, Crik noticed, had moved her hand so it was now resting on his leg. Also, Addison was glancing over at him with a rather strange look on her face, something which both scared and excited him.

After a few more minutes of talking, a different tune came on, prompting Grice to get up and pull Crik to his feet "Come on let dance" before turning to the other "you joining us?"

Maxir bounded to his feet at once "excellent idea" before turning to Addison who, ignoring his outstretched hand headed for the dance floor. Grice led Crik to space near the edge of the floor and letting go, began to dance enthusiastically in time with the music. Crik tried his best to match the moves of the other but he still felt awkward with his clumsy dancing and more than a little buzzed from the **** now in his system.

"You know" Grice called over to him mid dance "You really mustn't let that ass Kraton get to you, there's nothing wrong with not having as much experience as Maxir, it'll come." Crik nodded back at his friend as she spun around so that she was facing him, her brown eyes looking directly at him. "Seriously Crik, you just need to relax abit more".

"How'd you suppose I do that" he stamered. In one quick motion Grice pulled him down and planted a kiss on his lips.

It can't have lasted for more than 5 seconds but it felt like hours had passed during this glorious moment, and then she had pulled away and giggled to herself "Well maybe that will help" before she resumed her dancing leaving Crik standing dazed on the dance floor.

After a few moments he made his way back to the table where Maxir and Kraton where engaged in an hushed conversation. As he sat down Maxir looked over "ah Crik, Kraton here has something he wants to say to you".

Kraton turned to look at Crik and with no evident enthusiasm said "Crik I'm sorry for saying that you hadn't kissed a girl, that was quite rude of me, I apologise."

He could tell from this tone that his apology was **** at best, but his brain was still thinking about Grice's brief kiss, so he just nodded "Its ok Kraton, no worries."

"Excellent" beamed Maxir, "now I don't know if you're interested, but on our last visit to this city a few of us dropped by a more, umm exotic location. We are thinking of heading down there now, the girls will be happy dancing here until we're back, and you're welcome to join us. However..." at this point he leaned over and whispered in Crik's ear "If you want to stick around, and see if you can kiss Grice again I wouldn't hold it against you."

Blushing, Crik took a minute to consider the options before answering.