August 9th, 2589 A.D. Terran Standard calendar. Fifteen thirty hours, local time.

Hungry, poor wretches of humanity starred out of dark alleyways, doors, windows and openly on the streets, at the bright lights and tall temporary buildings, which had sprung up among them. It was a strange sight, to see such wondrous things appear inside the gloomy, massive hive tower. They had set up inside of the only public square on tier two hundred eleven, which cut up into two tiers above it. For three days now, they had been setting up, shuttles arrive from the top of the hive, by way of a massive fright elevator, which was located on the edge of the public square. Everyone could remember when heavily armed troops from House Brakus, House Carmilia and House Damus had arrived, just before the strangers had, clearing the square with armored fists and then laying down a layer of clean ground slag from the factories below, covering over of slimy filth of the place.

It was the first time, since the hive had been raised, that all three of the ruling houses had worked together to get something done. Of course, it was no more then a slight effort to keep the populace from rioting. Recently, the factories had been ordered to double production, in order to complete with the other three hives on the continent. However, the increase in production was also leading towards an increase in fatalities. With workers dropping like flies, the common people were getting edgy, convinced that the high lords and ladies, just wanted to work them to death. Something needed to be done, without lowering the quotas or profits. Bring in one of the largest and well known interplanetary circuses, was an easy choice to make.

Cooper stood in front of the big top, his right leg twitching now and then, as he uneasily looked beyond the colorful energy barriers, bright with advertisements for his different performers and jarring against the dimness of the tier. Not for the tenth time today, he wondered if he had made the right choice in bringing his people to this planet. After the falling out with the royal family of Corsivin, had he been in the right frame of mind, when he went looking for their next job? Had he made a mistake because he wasn't thinking straight, bring those he held as close as blood kin, into a place he wouldn't feel comfortable in with a company of special forces troops? Such thoughts churned behind the calm pools of his liquid silver eyes.

In truth, the ringmaster was right to worry. Among the staring eyes of the volatile population, were the sharp stares of hive gangers. Tattooed and covered with piercings, men and women from the three main gangs watch the circus with hungry smiles. There was money to be made here. Things and beasts could be stolen from the outsiders. There were strong workers among them, who could be sold to the factories or shuttled off in the other main export from Roisdor, indentured persons, perfect for seeding new colonies or as cheep labor. Then there were the circus folk talented enough to be sold to the high lords, as personal entertainers or those who could be thrown into the sex trade.

The circus owner stared at the rows and rows of cages. One side on each cage was made from an energy barrier, much like what was lining the field but it was clear, allowing visitors to peer inside at the many strange and wonderful animals. It also allowed the animals to stare back at you. Many of them would make multiple attacks on the barriers in the weeks to come, as the masses shuffled past, taunting the beasts with their freedom. Then came the ranks of vender stands. Some travel with the circus, plying the crowds with exotic food or games of chance and skill.

Beyond the cages and venders, stood the main attraction. A trio of brightly stripped tents, the largest in the middle and flanked on either side by lesser tents. In there would the human and alien performers of the circus amaze the crowd or reduce them to fits of laughter. Once the night fell, the tents would be divided, as the freaks came out to play and the more exotic or erotic entertainers would take over. A wonderland for those who kept to the oldest forms of showmanship.

Behind the main attraction were tents belonging to the performers, roustabouts, lighting crews, cooks and the venders. There was also a kitchen and mess tent, ready to feed the battalion and keep them going. There were also storage units, for props and dividers. Corrals and cages for the beasts in the animal acts, which were connected to tubs leading into the main tents, stood in patient rows.

A reminder flashed across Cooper's eyes as the grinding and squealing of the fright elevator doors opening filled the air. The first wave of his performers was arriving on sight. As soon as they were settled into the tents (which were in fact small prefabbed plysteel huts, which could be set up in minutes), they would have to get ready for the opening night. He wanted the three weeks of performances to be over and done with quick.







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Kayne had arrived along with Laine and took a look at the venue they had. He shruged oddly and commenced to walk up to the group talking to Cooper. When he did he let out a nervous chuckle as he heard the clamor and as he himself was uneasy with this place. Upon hearing Laine's question he had an idea. "If there are any private shows I would like to go with them. I know I'm not the only one that doesn't trust the planet and it's probably the safest possible thing." He said quickly as to not be interrupted by the clamor.

As he awaited for the response he looked around the area. (Odd Venue.) He thought to himself as he looked around and spotted the animal cages. He spotted a young boy taunting the animal a little to close. "One second everyone." He said as he walked away. He waled up behind the boy and scooped him up in one arm. Once he was far enough away from the cage he set the boy down. "That's not a very smart thing to do boy." He said with a small tone of anger. The boy ran off and he returned to the group with a small smile.

He looked at all of the plastered photos of the performers and smirked at the photos of him. He then began to read them all until someone was finished talking so he could get his answer. He laughed at some of the graffiti plastered on some posters and chuckled at the shear fact that people took the time to deface a poster.

Upon finishing the reading he decided to just wait. He stood with the others and waited for the response. He still looked upon the horizon and at the surroundings of the venue. He didn't like it one bit and it showed on his face. He looked at everyone else and read the same feeling on all of them. He looked at Cooper and could read what he figured Cooper would be feeling. Instead of making sure everyone was okay he remained silent.

From the lines of cages set up for the passing crowd's amusement stood one that was covered with a painted sign above it that simply read, "The Beast." Some would gather in an attempt to peek through the cracks in the sheet laying over the large cage while others shouted and goaded, hoping to anger this horrific monster in an attempt to catch a glimpse. The truth was no one would be seeing the monster of the high top until that night's showing as he was currently curled in a far corner, hiding his face in his front feet and whimpering. Yes, the great terror was truthfully a big, bashful pansy. The covering on his cage was there to keep peering eyes off of the sensitive performer but also to hold the sense of mystery and fear of the unknown creature until the actual performance. Posters of his act depicted a small girl in brightly colored costume with himself shown as a shadow with glowing eyes in the background. It was all for drama's sake but Entek certainly appreciated the extra privacy, becase just hearing the crowd was scary enough.

This place smelled funny, the people sounded different, not like their normal visitors. He didn't know what was different from here and all of the other planets they had visited but something was definitely off. Whatever the reason he just wished he didn't have to be stuck in here by himself. His legs were sore from lack of movement during the haul and he desperately wished to have the company of one of his herd members, as he called the other circus performers, more preferably his closest companion and partner in his act, Strella. However anyone would do at the moment, maybe Kayne would even let him hide behind him! His trail of thoughts seemed to be heard by some higher power as the door on the back of his cage swung open and Strella appeared, only to be immediately tackled by Entek. "Strella! Strella! Strella!" He chanted happily in his gravelly voice as he covered her in slimey kisses, only stopping when she placed her feet on his face and pushed him away. "Geez big guy! Is just saying hi really that hard for you?" She wiped the long trail of goo off her cheek with an amused look, despite her mock harsh tone. "Well, before you run off to give everyone else your patented greeting lets get you covered up so the crowd won't see you alright?" Picking up the large sheet she had dropped when attacked by Entek, she wrapped it around him until it cloaked his form to make him feel more at ease but once again, keep up the mystery of the unknown. The moment the last snap was fastened he was off.

Making laps around the area to loosen his stiff legs, he added in bounces here and there and spun once, twice, acting as though he were a dog that had been confined for far too long. Making his way to the crowd of his circus family, he lapped around the group several times before stopping near Kayne, giving him a playful nudge with his nose before bolting off once more, fully expecting the strong man to play chase with him. When that didn't happen he gave a snort of irritation and moved on to Laine, but instead of nudging her into play he pressed his face into her side and nuzzled then jumped back and yet again was off like a shot. He would have tried to coax Cooper into playtime but that was their herd leader and you didn't bother your leader with such silly things, if they wanted to play then they initiated it. So he kept to trotting laps around the group while Strella stood near Laine and watched him while shaking her head with a smirk.

"No private shows" said Cooper, shifting his shoulders a little and turning his head to look over at Laine and the mighty Kayne, "The contact I got from this government, wants all of our efforts focused on entertaining everyone and treating them all to the same experiences."

As the strongman, who doubled as one of the muscular types (normally drawn from roustabouts), who made sure the patrons remained polite during the more adult acts, went to go catch a child, who was among one of the first to get in (although the trickle was starting to get stronger), the ringmaster reached into a pocket. Withdrawing his hand, he pulled out a small piece of bronze-like metal. It was an inch and a half long, three quarters of an inch wide and about a tenth of an inch thick (thats four by two by thee tenths centimeters for you metric folks). It was mostly plain, save for a series of lines cut into the surface.

"This is a Chit" said Cooper, holding the thing up for everyone around him to see, "Its the basic currency around here and isn't worth much. I think at the current rates, it'll take about hundred and three of these to make a Credit. The contract for this place, says that I can only charge one Chit for admittance and the government pays be the difference. This whole deal is starting to stink. The show starts in an hour folks, so lets get ready, while I go call in more people to watch our lovely acts."

Giving the little group around him, one of the circus owner's signature bows, he strolled off towards the gates but not before stepping in front of a trotting Entek. Flashing the critter (which he had always referred to the alien as, never having found out what his species really was called) a friendly smile, he slipped the glove off his right hand and reached under the sheet, to rub the top of the rather dangerous looking being's head.

"Your gonna be a big brave boy" Cooper asked playfully, "While we're here right?"

Kayne nodded. "Good, I would really hate for anyone to get hurt." He stated. He lowered his pose a bit as he noticed Entek running around the group. He quickly walked infront of him and cut him off. "Hey bud!" He said with a big happy tone.

He was ready to give Entek a big hug when he reached him. Yet his vision was caught by something else. He noticed a familiar flash as a patron walked by and into the grounds. He had the gut feeling that it was a knife and quickly stood and stalked after the patron. [I knew this place wouldn't be safe!] He thought to himself as he followed the patron. As the patron started running Kayne thought the patient saw him so he began to run in after him. After a few seconds they were running by Cooper. Kayne noticed him and began a full out sprint.

He caught up to the man just a few feet from Cooper. He dove and tackled the man to the ground sending the knife sliding across the ground. As it slid it came to a stop after it hit Cooper's right foot. Kayne held the man down and looked up a Cooper. [This has to be the fifth time I've done this!] He thought. His face was full of frustration as he flipped the patron over to see the horrified face of what looked to be a young teen. His face went full of shock as he noticed this and he couldn't believe his own eyes.

He stayed down on the kid until he was told to get off by Cooper. The only word he seemed to be repeating was, "Why!" Kayne would occasionally shake the kid and then sit in silence staring blankly into the young man's eyes. He was so full of adrenaline he was almost ready to give the kid a big hook to the face.

“Oh, he’s always happy to be out romping about. It’s going to be a pain getting him to hold still tonight, I can already tell.” Strella smirked as she watched her friend play, paying attention to what Cooper had to say while also keeping an eye on her monstrous friend. When their ringmaster strode off she took it as a cue to begin preparing herself and Entek for the show and gave a return nod to Laine as they both went their separate ways.

Fully immersed in his ripping and romping around the group, Entek almost didn’t notice Cooper step in front of him and had to come to a sliding halt at his feet. Cocking his head curiously, he made a clicking sound, a sign of confusion or interest as he wondered what his leader wanted. The moment Cooper’s hand made contact with Entek’s head however ended the clicking and brought forth a low pitched, happy chattering at the attention. Pushing his head against the ringmaster’s palm to prolong the pet, the gruesome monster then enthusiastically nodded a gesture he picked up from his time around humans and other aliens that used this physical sign for yes. “Yes, yes. No scary. Brave, no scare.” He rumbled out, easing himself closer to Cooper, hoping for more scratches and rubs until Kayne came sliding near them as he pinned someone to the ground.

A loud yelp of surprise and fear came from Entek as he jumped away from the sudden sight until he spotted the sharp weapon on the ground. Those were bad, he knew that much. Kayne must be making sure this male didn’t do anything bad with the hurtful object. Growling low in his throat, Entek hoped to help his friend in intimidating this man, only unafraid because the offender was confined and also one of his herd could have been hurt. His growling came to an abrupt stop however as Strella quickly hurried over and pet his head. “Come on now big guy. They don’t need your help, ok? We need to get ready for our show.” He could hear in her voice that she was concerned a man had already been captured for bringing a bad object in and her slight nervousness only put Entek on edge more but he obeyed and followed, his head held low as they went.

“Hey, I promise everything will be alright tonight. No one else is going to bring a bad thing into the show, you know Kayne will make sure of it and you’ll get to see and play with everyone soon so stop fidgeting!” His friend fussed at him as he moved from place to place while she tried to clean him of the mud he’d gotten on himself from his brief frolic and the straw he enjoyed snuggling into on his cage floor. She promised no other bad things would happen and he himself had promised Cooper he was going to be brave. Promises are things that you kept; it wasn’t nice if you didn’t. He trusted Strella to keep hers and he certainly wasn’t going to break a promise to their herd leader so with one final snort, he forced himself to stay still, trying to keep his mind away from the still strange sounds and smells he could pick up as they drifted in from the outside. You can be a brave boy, you promised.

Tottering across the slag in the heavy boots and coat they'd made her wear, twisting through one last knot of watching people, Felicity smiled as she recognised her friends, standing in a tight cluster halfway across the open ground. Cooper was there, tall enough to be seen above the crowd, even by someone as tiny as her, Laine at his side, as were Kayne, Strella and, ooh, Entek. The big old beast always drew some odd looks from the customers when he came out of his cage, a mix of fear and curiosity, but mostly fear, something she'd never understood. Entek was a puppydog, cute as anything, always enthusiastic and playful, and she knew he'd never hurt any of them. Never ever.

She was almost to them when a man broke from the watching crowds. Kayne twisted, lunged, brought him down, a knife skittering silver across the ground, leaping in salmon arcs until it bounced against Cooper's boot and stopped dead. Felicity pursed her lips, shaking her head at the man, muttering 'Naughty naughty' to herself as she stepped up beside them.

"Mr Cooper." She tugged on his sleeve, plaintive. "Mr Cooper. I'm back." Beaming up at him, the girl gave a tiny little wave, pointing out into the crowds. "It's getting really busy here already. I think we're going to get a lot of attention. And everyone's so friendly here too. Whilst I was skipping in the streets three people asked me if I was lonely, if I wanted to spend some time with them, and one man wanted to sell me some sweeties in little plastic bags, but I told him I didnt want any and had to get back."

She looked back out into the crowd, innocent eyes seeing nothing of concern. In truth, the girl was happier than she'd been for a long time. The whole place, the familiar reek of too many bodies pressed into too small a space, the thick, acrid pollution, the ever present thumping hum of city life drowning out any background sounds, reminded her of home. Of why she was with the crew in the first place.

"So, um, which tent is mine, an how long 'til we start?" She always had one near to the entrance. Closest to the path where everyone would walk.She still found it strange how many people couldnt resist the lure of those big shiny signs, how many people would take her little stories as truth, no matter how silly they sounded, how much twisted sense they didnt make. All she ever really did was watch the people as they walked past, noticed her, sat down. Then just listen to them talk and whine and gripe and moan and whinge about whatever it was that was wrong, for what seemed like forever, and there was always something wrong. Always money, or work, or their love life. Then just tell them whatever thoughts jumped into her head, no matter how crazy they seemed. Sometimes she wondered why no one else seemed to be happy. Why they always had something new to complain about all the time. She loved her life. Flying around in the old hulk Cooper had bought, landing on new and exciting planets filled with different people. At least, they all looked different. She was starting to think that, at heart, everyone was all the same.

But people seemed to love her stories, and she loved telling them, so she didnt say anything. DIdnt tell anyone how silly they were to believe her, and Mr Cooper at least was happy with that. And that was all that mattered, really. Expectant, she stood staring up at him with wide eyes, waiting for an answer.

Cooper had been about to give Entek some more scratches along the bony ridges of the critter's head, when he was interrupted by a yelp of surprise and pain, as a pair of bodies smashed into the ground up slag behind him. Something clattered against the polished black leather of his boot. Turning away from the friendly if scary appearing alien, he noticed a crude knife at his feet and found Kayne pinning a scrawny body to the ground. When the big man flipped the body over, it turned out to be a very young man, a single tattoo on his face, of a plain red triangle covering one eye and a ring through his left nostril, witch was connect to a ring on his left ear by way of a thin chain.

The lad squawked and trashed, even when the strongman wasn't shaking him. Idle threats about what his gang would do to the big lug, which had been somewhat subdued when the alien beast was growling, grew louder once the only intimidating thing was lead away by it's female handler. Given that the boy (and the offender was a boy in most respects), was rather young and the raw redness around his tattoo, it could easily be guessed that he had only recently been inducted into a gang and was carrying the simple weapon more to prove just how important he was now. Oh course, he might be a little more dangerous then the average hive ganger walking through the circus, as he would have this need to prove himself or more willing start fights within the circus grounds with members of a rival gang.

Picking up the knife, Cooper flipped the blade over in his fingers and tossed it from hand to hand, as good as any showman in his circus. It was amazing how many little tricks you could pick up in twenty years around talent people. Catching the crude weapon by the grip, he held it in one hand and looked down at the foul mouthed boy and considered what to do about him. It would be best, for all persons, just to let the runt go. No doubt there would be older members of his gang watching even now, who would report the real goings on to their local leader. He didn't want more trouble then he already had.

"Alright" said the ringmaster, placing a free hand on Kayne and pushing lightly, "Let him up. It's just some kid. I'll bet most of our guests have a knife on them."

As soon the ganger was free, he scrambled to his feet, only to have his collar grabbed by the red coated circus owner, as the boy tried to run. Automatically, he swung a balled fist at the man, only to have the arm pushed away with ease and the pummel of his own knife strike him between the eyes. Slightly stunned, the boy stopped moving, long enough for the man to thrust the knife back into his slightly ragged and oversize leather vest, followed by a shift shove towards the gates.

"There" breathed Cooper, only to have his sleeved tugged. Turning slightly, he smiled as the child-like voice of the ever happy Felicity Kisma danced about his ears, as she recounted some of her adventures out in the hive. The smile remained on his face, even though he had the urge to have a thuggish roustabout follow her around from now on. The innocence of her tone and her views of the universe, only added a level of horror, as she calmly stated three man had tried to get her into their beds and drug dealer had tried to get her hooked on something. What was worse, she had never realized what a problem such people could be.

"Your tent" said the ringmaster, still smiling and pointing to one of the huts, which had been set up near the main gate, where there would be several members of the circus's security at all times, "Is right over there and we'll be starting in about an hour."

Kayne stood as Cooper gave the light push. He was stunned at how easily Cooper let him go. He looked at Cooper and waited for him to finish speaking to Felicity. Once he had finished Kayne was ready to speak. "I'm sorry Cooper. I'm just a little jumpy on this planet." He said with a hint of regret in his voice. Kayne had that gut feeling again, this time it was a feeling that they would hear from said gang again. Kayne's expression shifted back to a gruff look as he had finally processed what Felicity had just been offered by those men.

He didn't like this planet. His intentions were to perform and get the hell off of it in reality. Yet he knew that the next few days would feel quite long for the group. Kayne nodded a goodbye to Cooper as he walked away to get his weights and props prepared for his act. He had a little while to think of what was going on as he made the trip from his hut to the back of the big top.

Once there he noticed Laine and the other acrobats warming up. He looked at her and spoke the one quick question. "You guys first?" He kept an eye on her as he walked to his area still waiting for the response. He set all of his equipment down, which would seem like a lot to the anyone other than himself, and started lifting a few weights to prepare for the physical exertion that was to come within the next few hours.

All he did was sit in silence and lift his weights, as he would do before any show. He let out the occasional grunt when he lifted something using the wrong technique or something related to that. Of course while he did this he thought about everything. His story, the group, the venue, the danger, but the one thing he couldn't forget was that boy and how he saw himself in the boys eyes. This was something that hit Kayne hard. He knew what the kid was thinking and he didn't like it at all. The tattoo, the same one he had before he joined the group. He knew his past leaders were watching him during that scene and he didn't like it one bit.

It was truly amazing how thousands of tattered, labor weary souls could find some form of solace in the upcoming festivities that was Cooper’s Grand Traveling Menagerie and Circus. With its elaborate zoo that formed the basis of the charming ringleaders orginal vision, to the freakish shows that swarmed the fading light with their oddities, and perhaps even further onward into the darkened skies filled with industrial smog to the behomien night life, each individiual could always discover the vast pleasures that formed from the ancient Carnivale of Earth.

Each of these star-struck faces were cataloged, recorded in a vast network, a pratical sea of history teeming with information that was far more plentiful than any amount of stars. Most of it was useless or impratical, to be sure, but each man, woman, and child had their deeds laid before the woman, whose glistening blue eyes remained forward, the lids half closed as if one was dozing off.

Not a single portion of her body showed even the faintest sign of movement, as if she was a toy left alone upon a shelf. Her ample chest did not rise as a result of oxygen filling lungs, nor did the slender hands move despite the cordes flowing from them, to restore blood flow to her seditary limbs. Even the short strands of auburn hair remained impossibly still, as if lovingly carved from stone.

3.724 mintues passed, and in that tiny fraction of time nearly 254 people had gone through a screening that would mark them as a high risk based on their known crimes, assembling crude profiles and monitoring their behavior within the grounds of the circus. In the old world, such a feat would have demanded high end security systems and nearly a two dozen operators working around the clock.

Without warning the woman moved, the hundreds of cordes linked too her tanned hands disapearing in a quick, controlled moment that was well beyond human error. Her tall body begun to walk foward as if nothing had happened, not even showing the slightest bit of need to stretch her body after becoming a "statue", and the black "sneaker" clad feet glided over the floor with inhuman grace.

Her feminine body seemed almost a hidden shape amongst the plain clothing of a laborer who belonged here upon this tortured planet, but it was her tan that would give her away as a outworlder, for few had skin of such color working in the depths. Her clealiness was anouther fault, the woman's body had a slight shine to it that was almost glowy, yet anouther clue.

Despite these faults, before the busy crowd she looked as if one of them, drifting through them with a well practiced ease and comfort, the face never twitching in emotional detail, remaining constantly in a friendly, mild smile. If she was bumped by a playful child, she would not flinch away, instead waving off the young one with a calm, motherly laugh, before continueing upon her way.

It was in this manner, that the woman ended up near the infamous Cooper Smith, dressed in his uniform as a "Old World" master of the circus, a outfit that could perhaps be described as traditional, if perhaps there were such a thing in these new times. His silvery eyes were focused upon Kayne, the groups strongman, as a youth stumbled away cursing from the pair, clearly bested somehow.

She had always liked Cooper, for reasons she herself had not quite understood. Maybe it was because he was the leader, or perhaps their history together traveling the stars. His flamboyent, but ultimately calm and personable nature was easily likable, which was why the infamous owner seemed to be able to get away with murder, if he so wished.

The womans gaze transfered to Kayne, though as she did this every little detail in the room was already being catagorized and studied, including the other performers in there. She had a mild respect for Kayne, who had been amonst the rougher sides of the galaxy. Kayne befit a tragic hero, perhaps not unlike Hurceles, though he was more like a man who had little guidance. His files were solid enough, discounting the various run-ins with gangs of course. Still, his intimidating body had demonstrated its usefulness more than once in a jam, and for that the woman was grateful.

Watching the big man leave to perform, mildly admiring the mass of muscle that she once joked "Kayne is not a man, merely a muscle in human form.", her blue eyes darted towards Felicity. The girlish woman had a build like the elves in fairy tales on the homeworld of Earth, though perhaps more so like the fantasy novels formed much later from those same tales. A bubbly smile and almost "cutesy" face, the "Elf" had found a place amongst Cooper's little band. However, her history was mostly blank, and though she seemed to be born amonst the hive clusters that formed most gang ridden planets. However, Cooper had stated that her past be left alone, and thus she had left the child alone. Still, the unknown was never a area that is enjoyable to work in.


That same, almost over-done friendly gaze turned towards the pair of creatures, "The Beauty and the Beast", as the woman had come to call them. Strella was a animal tamer of sorts, working with the enormous, frightening creature that was named "Entek", able to coax him from his timid existence as a frightened animal into a terrific act. Personally, the woman assumed she may have to someday put the massive creature down, for at times he can be extremely difficult to control.

That did not mean, of course, that she did not like him, for he was truly a innocent soul. It was something to be admired really, the way he could simply be himself and give in to those base emotions. Occassionally, she would explain things to the creature, and on one or two occassions read a story book to the massive beast. Whether this was to win its friendship or some semblance of true affection, it was difficult to say.

"Cooper Smith," Melane spoke for the first time, the words echoing slightly as if formed from reverbrating crystal, "Security measures are complete. Do you have any tasks for me... old friend?" her tone suddenly inquistive, as if asking if thats the proper term. She had asked this question perhaps thousands of times throughout their time together, unable to quite grasp the concept fully.

After he dropped the weights he was lifting he looked up at Laine, he could read the expression on her face as he too has been thinking the exact same. He decided he should probably respond to her, since she's the person he felt most connected to in this group (As they're both pure human.) He chuckled a small amount and looked up at her. "Maybe I should bench you. After all you can do whatever crazy stunts you do while being lifted can you not? I think the audience would get a kick outta that." He said with a loud chuckle. He stood up and walked over to her. "Don't worry about him. I'm sure he's fine. After all the man can't die!" He let out a nervous chuckle.

He then thought of the night show that's placed tonight. "Also, don't be nervous tonight. The audience will sense it. I'll be right behind the curtain ready to stop any troublemaker that thinks they're funny." After his comment he looked over to the schedule and noticed he was second. That made him happy. "In and out" he thought to himself. The act would get the usual praise but never as much as laine's.

He looked out a the crowd and noticed familiar faces. The minute he saw those men he turned away and instantly walked back to his area. He sat down and lifted weights, it seemed like all emotion had just left him and he was a robot doing what he was programmed for. This act was noticeable and Kayne was only staring at his weights now.

He knew something was going to happen in these next three weeks. He didn't like it but he knew it. But for now he just sat there lifting those weights and couldn't care much for anything else but that and those men. His old leaders and 'students' He hated the fact they had moved the gang to this planet but he knew he couldn't do anything about it. That gang wanted Kayne dead for sometime now, after all once in the gang you never leave.

Sure he was unsettled but he wasn't going to let that stop him from performing and hurting the group's reputation. It was time to take on for the team no matter what would happen. He was ready and able to take it. Nothing n'or no one could take him out of the current mindset. He was going to give the best show he possibly could and he would do anything to have it happen. This mentality was one he could remember from the gang days. The times where he had the mentality that he would get the job done and kill anyone in his way. Sure it was a little intense but life wasn't slow or soft.

Cooper understood Kayne's jumpiness. He was feeling it too, an uncomfortable itch between his shoulder blades and tension in his muscles but where the strongman, who also provide security could indulge into jumping on those who might pose a threat, he could not. He had to keep thinking of the ramifications of what being overly zealous might bring, if they offended or injured the wrong person, who had the right connections around here, in this den of rot and villainy. They were pretty much on their own down here.

The tier police would have to be paid to do anything to help them or worse, they might be the gang they offended or the backers of that gang. John, the massive ebony man, who was the head of the roustabouts and his chief of security, wasn't at all pleased about only being allowed to bring a total of twelve pistols dirtside, instead of emptying the semi-illegal (all depending on the system they were in) gun lockers tucked away aboard The Traveler. It had been one of the few arguments the old friends had even gotten into.

The ringmaster smiled however, as another member of his circus arrived for a short chat. Melane was interesting. While some might argue that she was more of a piece of equipment then a person, he held her to be more of a human, the some of the less-then-savory Homo Sapiens he had dealt with in the past. Sure there were odd quarks, like how she could remain perfectly still or some of the ways she tried to fit into semi-normal (given that this was a circus and filled with anything by normal) human relations but everyone had a few of those.

"Thank you Melane" said Cooper, bowing his head slightly before glancing around at the growing crowd, his smile a little wider from the tone of her voice, "I don't have anything specific for you to do my friend but just stay watchful. Our good Kayne, has already gone about making friends with the local criminal elements. I doubt that the bosses around here will take much interest in soothing the pride of a junior soldier in their ranks but you never know how mentally stable one such person is. Besides, a few other junior gangers might take into their heads to cause trouble for their mate. Be gentle though, I don't want more trouble then we have to have."

Some time later, with the hour before the main show opened almost up, the ringmaster slipped into the backstage area of the big top. Smiling, nodding and bowing to his people, he stepped over to one of the vanity stands and checked his appearance in the mirror. Quick flicks of his hands brushed away any stray spots of dirt and smoothed the fabric of his silk shirt, gold waistcoat and crimson coat. Adjusting his top hat and checking the curl of his mustache, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a thin metal strip in a plastic sleeve. Tearing away the covering, he pressed it against his throat, where it blended in against his skin. It would act as a microphone, transferring his voice to the speakers, which were cleverly hidden throughout the tent. Now he could get his voice out to the nosebleeds without speakers and the like but it was damn hard on the vocal cords. Like his predecessors back on old Earth, using bullhorns and the first primitive mics, it was just easier.

Slipping past Laine, the circus owner walked out into the sawdust (which they had carried down to the planet). The lights were not yet on, save for the soft glowing ones, set in the floor of the grandstands, so one didn't trip while walking but he could see the crowd through his augmented eyes. They were a milling, restless mass, eager to witness the splendor of his show, yet getting edgy because of the wait. Well it was time to reward their limited patience, for the show must go on!

"Ladies and Gentlemen" boomed Cooper, as all the spotlights flicked on and were instantly focused on him, "Boys and girls of all ages! Welcome to Coopers Grand Traveling Menagerie and Circus! I am your humble ringmaster, Cooper Smith! It is an honor to see all of you here and will be an extreme pleasure to be introducing you all to some of the greatest live performers in the universe! I promise that while you in this tent, every moment you will be amazed, excited, trilled, shocked or in awe but you didn't come here to listen to me babble! Allow me to called forth our mistress of acrobats, the one, the only, Laine Armoroso!"

After he had been cleaned up and fitted with his customary trick riding saddle, Strella led Entek between the tents and to the large backstage of the main big top. Here they would be able to warm up and watch the others acts. That is if Entek would calm down and pay attention! She swatted the large beast who chattered happily at being surrounded by his family, bouncing up and down on his front legs. "Would you focus please? We need to practice the new tricks before we go on. Now come here..Entek..Entek!" She hissed his name loudly through her teeth as he bounced off to watch the acrobats warm up. Strella sighed but knew if she didn't let him get this out of his system he would never be up for performing tonight.

Cocking his head at the odd stretches and maneuvers the acrobats were pulling, Entek attempted to mimick a few but after the first three failed attempts at getting his back leg over his head, he decided he should try something much more simple. That standing on the head trick seemed easy and fun! So sticking his behind in the air, giving it a good wriggle of determination, he pushed himself over to balance on his head but promptly flipped over with a loud grunt. He laid there for a moment, irritation at his failed attempt written on his face which was aimed towards Strella when he heard her giggle at him. Hmph! Well, he didn't want to stand on his head anyway! Standing up and shaking the dust from him, he gave the performers one more look before trotting away to make laps around the others as they warmed up. He watched Kayne lifting his heavy weights for a few moments, waggling his long tail back and forth as he was amazed at the strength in him. Most males Kayne's size couldn't lift half of what he did. "Heavy!" He growled the word out then trotted away chattering much like a child laughing in joy at a new word they had learned.

Finally Entek made his way back to Strella and focused enough for him to trot circles while she practiced the new riding tricks. Whenever Cooper came on the intercom put an instant stop to their practice as Entek quickly made his way near the curtain to watch the performance with Strella still latched onto his back. "Hey next time how about a warning before you bolt off in an odd direction." She sourly told her partner then frowned when the creatured hissed a 'shhhh' at her before turning his attention back to the act.

Kayne smiled at her comment. "Then it's settled, tomorrow let's try it out." He said with a chuckle. "And of course I won't drop you. If I can take a cannonball to the gut while holding a thousand pounds and not dropping it you think I could possibly drop you?" He laughed loudly at the comment and then he fell silent. Her comment about Atticus. It seemed very truthful with her and he knew it was true.

His gaze followed her as she went out to perform her act. He followed to the curtain and began to watch her act. He was amazed, as usual with the body breaking twists and contortions she performed. He stood in awe watching her movements. He slide, he at first thought it a fault but began to think that it was a move she had done on purpose as she didn't even change her expression a bit.

He watched as she walked back into the backstage area and went back to his area to grab whatever equipment he felt needed for tonight's show. He grabbed his heaviest weights and what looked like the most painful things to fire at a man. He was ready for his name to be called and figured this act would be just like the usual. The thought of the gang hadn't managed to run through his head. He only thought of his act and how to make sure it was done right.

He noticed Entek and Strella sitting by the opening and smirked. He was planning on making Entek as impressed as possible. He loved hearing the little guy talk about things in amazement. It amused him as Entek was a good friend. He held all of his equipment without moving, he was ready, he was going to succeed, nothing was going to stop him.

Kayne loved performing and loved adding to the groups reputation and nothing no matter what was going to stop him from doing that tonight. He was determined to. Then it hit him, the gang. He instantly started thinking of where they were and what they could possibly do. For once in his life, he was scared, a feeling he wasn't used too and because of that he couldn't hide it, his face lit up with fear like the fourth of july.

Beautiful twirling movements of ribbons seemed to rain down from the top of the tent, like a gloriously colored storm in which one single figure of lightning danced upon. That darting bolt as if thrown from the ancient Earth god "Zeus" was the groups acrobat extradonaire, a small lithe figure known as Laine Armoroso.

The once impaitent crowd oooed and ahhhed over this dramatic display, and Melane's blue eyes glanced at her from below, watching both the crowd and this performer like a gaurdian angel, practically unoticable as she stood completely still within the shadows.

Flowing from her tanned lips was a single wisp of smoke, a grey ribbon that was not unlike the performer's tools above as it drifted from a slim cigarette, causing her motherly face to glow ever so slightly in the dark reaches of the tent.

It was strange, as there was no joy to possibly be gained from smoking, nor any addiction beyond the phychological side of it. Perhaps she enjoyed her apperance this way? Yes, it had to be purely cosmetic, for what else could it be other than vanity of some kind?

Heavy thuds could be heard now, the noise bringing her philosphical thoughts to a crashing stop as her thought process was instantly redirected, eyes narrowing in upon the large figure of the groups body builder whom was gathering his tools, readying himself for his performance.

It all would have been completely ordinary, routine at best, if it had not been for the mans face. A kind of wide eyed, almost paniced expression that emmited deep concern somewhere within the android. It was a look of either pain or fear, both things she had hardly ever seen the large man ever express.

Shifting herself some she moved forward with her inhuman grace, gently swaying as she neared the strong man, attempting to follow his gaze into the crowd, and even spotted the pair near by, "The Beauty and the Beast", throughly enjoying the shows ending. So easily entertained, she enjoyed Entek's pleasure at seeing things over and over again. Sometimes, it even made her wonder if having a infinite memory was a good thing.

But for now, she pushed those same thoughts away, exhaling smoke from her thin mouth, "Your in good company, Kayne Veldorr." the voice barely a whisper above the cheering crowd, almost mystical in its natural motherly tone. "Can you go on?"

He looked at Melane. "Of course I can, I have to." He said looking down towards the ground. "Why do you ask?" He said as he set down some of his equipment. "There's nothing that will stop me from performing. No matter what I plan to perform and make sure the group isn't disgraced." He bellowed with a nervous chuckle. He looked at Melane and let out a smile.

All he could think of doing was hiding his expression so she wouldn't let Cooper know. Yet he also couldn't help but think of those men. He knew this was going to be a hard three weeks, but he also knew he had to fight through it, if not for himself but for the sake of the group.

He listened to the roaring crowd and was settled a little. The sound was familiar and he was calmed by it. He knew it would only get louder tonight as Laine performed her show. He was ready to handle whatever problems occurred through the night and to perform. It was just that the sight of his old "friends" left him uneasy. He stood there and began to imagine his performance. As it played through his head it went smoothly. He left the stage and the crowd went wild after a brief moment of silenced awe.

He looked back to Melane and stuck out his hand to shake hers. "Thank you for caring." He said with another smile. His focus still on the roar of the crowd.