Ellika focused intently  on the door, expecting another money-hungry mercenary to swagger in and take a seat across from her.  It's what Worm had done, after all.  The clunk and scuffle of the chair from Ellika's blind side startled her, and had she not been seated, she would have jumped.  She probably had anyway, judging from the waitress' stifled chuckle.  The sage blinked her tea green eyes several times in repetition and swallowed her fluster, nodding her head in acknowledgement.<br/><br/>"Y.yes..  I'm Ellika.  You must be Jayna."  Ellika's eyes looked over her possible new partner.  The woman wasn't ugly, but wasn't beautiful either.  And with her tattoos and her scars and her crazy hair, she looked dangerous.  Ellika shifted back a bit in her chair, edging slightly away from the captain.  She had never been good at these things.  It was far easier to talk to objects than it was to speak with people.  Ellika cleared her throat and swallowed again.  But now her mouth was dry.  She reached for her drink, but stopped as Jayna spoke.  It seemed the captain was going to get right down to it.<br/><br/>Ellika breathed deeply and nodded again.  "Yes, I do have a voyage in mind.  I am looking for Angel Tears.  I can afford to pay for two months lodging on a ship, and I am very handy with.. things.  I am prepared to offer my services as one of your crew, if you are willing to help me find Angel Tears."  She paused.  She had gotten this far with Worm.  It was the next part that broke the deal.  Ellika cast her eyes down to her lap as she continued.  "Arat is dying.  I'm sure you've heard it.  Most of my people have left the planet already.  But it is my home, and I will do all that I can to save it.  That is why I need Angel Tears."  She hesitated before adding, "and there's no great reward and no high honors or recognitions for taking this request.  Just my thanks, the gratitude of my people, and what I can afford to pay you."  Having said it all, and more, she lifted her head and looked up to Jayna's eyes.  "Will you help me?"