<div align="center"><strong>-= Simeon Gaorong - posting fashionably late...no wait, that's me - that go se pub, Persephone =-</strong></div><br/>Indeed, "tense" is a fair descriptor for the look Si had about him once their lady officer caught them up. Granted, it was<em>often</em>a good way to describe Simeon's stiff posture in the field, but this was a bit different. He looked rather more prepared for a fight than usual. He shared a look with Sasha, barely shook his head, then opened the door to usher the other two inside with his bouquet.<br/><br/>As Sasha passed by him at the door, he leaned forward enough to whisper above her ear, "We had a run-in with the competition." That would tide her over until they could settle down for a proper explanation.<br/><br/>It didn't take long to get through the formalities - yes, even such..."establishments" as this had their rules and regulations. Only the home team gets weapons on them, for instance. That was fine and, on this world, to be expected. They lacked the level of security for certain gala events one might attend elsewhere, so they had their alternatives. Simeon secured his pistol away in one of the coded lock-shelves and carried on to catch up with their slightly advanced leader, leaving Steve behind to deal with the fun of security checks if he had anything else dangerous secreted away. Would be another way to test out their new acquisition to see how he responded to the demand to disarm, and whether he snuck something by them. Always keeping score.<br/><br/>Slipping up close behind Sasha, Simeon moved an arm about her waist as though acting as her escort - well, he<em>was</em>her escort, but one of another kind - as they made their way down the stairs and toward her intended table. It wasn't as though they necessarily needed a cover, particularly there of all places, but some things were habit. Properly accompanying a young lady in public was one such thing. Besides, it was convenient positioning for offering further explanation while they walked without needing to raise his voice to talk to her from behind. Side by side made for more intimate conversation on a number of levels.<br/><br/>"It would appear Badger has kept tabs on our choice of employment opportunities," he said, putting on a thin air of whispering less serious and more friendly things to his attractive companion. If only! Alas, business had to come first between them. "His errand girl gave us the standard intimidation attempt and its expected message for the Captain. It would seem we have some diplomatic dancing to do before we carry on in our usual fashion here, unless we are in the mood to make a mess of things. I cannot say I favor our odds going to war with the vermin in their own hovels. They are far better at squirming around in them."<br/><br/>He broke away from the loose embrace once they were within a few steps from their seats so that he could move ahead of the First Officer and pull a chair out for her. She didn't need it, of course, but appearance is all so much of the time. Mustn't let anyone watching get the impression they were successful at ruffling The Gamble's crew. After all, why give them a false sense of accomplishment? Si had had worse than some dockside thugs attempt to rattle him in the past. The threat of a gangster barely rated on his measure of anxiety. He wouldn't ignore it - that was recklessness - but he wouldn't quiver in fear about it either. He had better things to do, such as being good company for certain persons.<br/><br/>Si took the seat to Sasha's right, around the corner of the table, once the lady had settled in and, finally, permitted himself to wonder aloud, "They do serve<em>edible</em>food here, I hope?"