Snippet #1174689

The group looked around at the bustling and full inn. There were few empty tables, and soon, their eyes fell on the single table that was left to sit at, where only a single person was placed. And of course, it was a person that Jack knew very well. His face showed no surprise when he recognized her. Jack Highwind was no dumb person, and he had known all along that a person like the stowaway they had caught on the Batavian, would find a way out at some point. They had been able to keep her locked away while airborn, of the simple reason that she could not swim ashore. But when they had landed, it was no surprise she'd found a way out.

"Excuse me for a few moments, gentlemen." He said to his new-found friends. "My eye was caught by an old friend. I should make arrangements for us to share table." With that, he approached the table, and bowed slightly to her.

"It's a surprise to find you here, Lady Tel'Hana." He greeted her politely. "Though I should have known a simple cage would not be sufficient to keep you secured. I do apologize about the rudeness we showed you on-board the Batavian. As it happens, we could not risk exposure should you have been an agent of the Law rather than a simple stowaway. I hope you can forgive me for mistreating you so." He bowed once more.

He held out his hands, and continued after her reply:
"As you can see, yours is the only free table on this beautiful morning. Would it be terribly bothersome if I and my new-found friends imposed on you with our presence? I would not let them suffer through eating by the bar among the drunkards. You may even enjoy their company. In exchange, and as an apology for the lack of hospitality and the mistreatment you received on-board the Batavian, let me pay for your food and drinks."