[i]Juniper was woken by banging on the cabin door and she put her dress back on, unsure what to do with the night gown she had wore for pajamas. She decided to just leave it folded on the bed, which she made, and she opened the door to see a tall person standing there, his expression serious. He had dark skin, with silver dreads that complimented the tone. 

[color=fff200]"We arrive in an hour. I'll take you to the kitchen to eat, give you some money, and then you'll be getting off and can head out on your own,"[/color] he said, his voice matter of fact. 

Juniper stared at him, feeling unsure and she was sure her eyes gave away her fear. But instead of saying anything, she simply nodded and followed Mac to the kitchen. She wondered if there was any more food already made, but figured she should probably make something for herself instead. After a bit of cooking and searching for items to use and eat from, she sat down at the island in the middle of the room in the same spot she had the day before. She liked that spot, and smiled slightly, calling it hers.

She kicked her feet slightly in her seat, and hummed quietly to herself, daydreaming once she finished her food. She breathed in slow through her nose, and closed her eyes a little. Finally she got up and washed her dishes, and put them away, then sat back down. She couldn't find a clock, and figured someone would return to get her when it was time for her to leave. What felt like only moments later, she could hear Mac's voice telling her to wake up.

[color=fff200]"Come on! It's time to go... Wake up."[/color]

Juniper's head snapped up off the table and looked to Mac again, and she then rubbed her eyes shyly. [color=f9ad81]"Sorry..."[/color] she said, sighing.

Mac began to lead her to the exit platform, and she began to panic. She didn't know this planet, let alone know anyone on it. She would be homeless with no where to go, no way to make money for food or shelter, and almost instantly after her thoughts began, she started to cry. She wanted to beg to let her stay, but the chances were probably slim to none. Juniper could feel Mac's eyes on her then, and she almost didn't dare to look up at him. Instead she heard him speak up again.

[color=fff200]"Don't worry kid... You'll be okay."[/color]

Juniper nodded, sniffling as she wiped at her eyes with the back of her wrist. She wasn't convinced though. She had never been on her own before. Finally Mac handed her a bag with some Kredits in it, and nodded as he left her with Takashi, who she had met previously. Juniper watched as Ursa and Mac left the platform and headed into the city, and she saw Ursa smile at her slightly before turning her back to them.

Juniper finally took a deep breath in and turned to face Takashi, who was reaching out to push her gently on the back, as though to guide her off the ship. Juniper dug her heels into the metal and stood where she was, her eyes on his.

[color=39b54a]"Please don't make me go..."[/color] she started, quickly coming up with a story to hopefully get him to let her stay. 

[color=39b54a]"You can't stay Juniper. Ursa said you have to get off here,"[/color] he said, his voice kind, but firm.

[color=f9ad81]"Please. I don't have a family anymore. My planet is destroyed... I don't have anything except this flower dress and this bag of Kredits Mac gave me. I'll probably die out there on my own. Please just let me stay!"[/color] Juniper's voice turned whiny and pleading, her eyes stinging with the onset of tears the further down the platform she was forced. Finally she broke into sobs, and reached forward, grabbing onto Takashi's arm. 

[color=39b54a]"Ursa will be pissed... I can't let you stay. I know you've had some misfortune, but everyone has. You'll be okay I promise."[/color] Takashi really did try to sound convincing, but Juniper knew that he figured she was probably right. 

"[color=f9ad81]Then please at least let me say a proper goodbye to Ursa... She was the first person I saw after my parents died in front of me..."[/color] Juniper tried another approach, hoping this one would work in combination of the crying. Her fears and sadness were genuine, and she was reacting with honesty.

Takashi looked at her silently for a few moments, mulling it over in his mind before giving her an answer. Juniper knew right away at his hesitation that she had won, though.

[color=39b54a]"Alright, but only until Ursa returns... Please don't cry."[/color]

Juniper wiped her face and nose again and slowly stopped crying, becoming quiet after a few moments. Takashi then lead her to a sort of area with seats and they both sat down. Juniper didn't feel awkward at all in her silence, though she couldn't say the same for Takashi. He had a neutral expression on his face and she sighed softly, then stood up.

[color=f9ad81]"Wanna see a trick?"[/color] She waited for Takashi to answer her, and she suddenly began to change shape. Her body shrank down many sizes, and her bones and features morphed and changed into the shape of a the same weird looking cat creature she had before, and Takashi's eyes widened with almost horror. This cat might be cute to Juniper's people, but maybe not to Takashi. Juniper smiled and then transformed back into her normal self, but only for a moment.

[color=f9ad81]"Wanna see another?"[/color] she grinned this time, her soft voice excited. Takashi raised his eyebrow and looked at her expectantly. Suddenly, Juniper began to take the shape of Takashi. The details were exactly the same, and she stared at him in silence for a moment, enjoying his expressions which ranged from surprised, to angry, to suddenly laughing. Juniper began to laugh too then, and her eyes shone from within, feeling happy even for a moment. 

[color=39b54a]"Well done. That's talent right there."[/color]

"[color=f9ad81]Thanks,"[/color] Juniper said in response, changing back into her normal form once more. She sat back down and closed her eyes, simply just trying to relax while she waited for Ursa. 

------- A couple hours later -------

Takashi had gotten up to go greet Ursa, Juniper assumed. It had been a while, so she figured she was probably on her way back. Juniper ran after him, and Ursa began spouting off angrily about what had just happened. She sounded pissed.

[color=00746b]"That fucker. I hate. HATE using my damn guns. Makes the job so damn messy. Now I'm gonna have families cursing my name and whoever Yondi was in touch with is going to be on my ass. PLUS...HE THINKS I WAS HIS BITCH. FOR EIGHT YEARS...HE THOUGHT I WAS WORKING FOR HIM...THAT MOTHER...What the hell is she doing on my ship?"[/color]

Takashi began to explain when suddenly a blast sounded outside the ship. Ursa yelled to get them off the ground, and the ship took off roughly, causing Juniper to stumble slightly. Ursa moved to set new coordinates, then turned to look at Juniper with angry eyes.

[color=00746b]"Now...let me ask again. What are you still doing on my ship?"[/color] 

Juniper stepped closer to her, folding her fingers together to keep from fidgeting. [color=f9ad81]"Please... I don't know anyone here... I could be useful to you... I'm a good learner, and can work hard if you need me to." [/color]

[color=00746b]"I'm not really recruiting right now... I'd need some time to think it over,"[/color] Ursa said, turning her eyes back to the coordinates. 

Juniper wondered where they would be going, and spoke up again, [color=f9ad81]"Please, you don't even have to pay me. I promise you wouldn't regret it."[/color][/i]