[hr][hr][center][h1][b][i][color=008080]William Harper[/color][/i][/b][/h1][img]http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-joToxLegqZk/UlP_OiXe43I/AAAAAAAAcfs/_sbEOs83YPQ/s400/Peinados+de+hombres+al+estilo+de+Christian+Bale-1.jpg[/img][hr][b][color=teal]Location:[/color][/b] Newhope - Lady Luck [hr][/center]

	The conversation seemed to turn almost in its entirety to the naive, stuttering Doctor of Engineering that had joined them at the table just before Harper and Daphne's quiet entrance. Harper refrained from direct comment, but he did lend a portion of his attention to the manner in which the man spoke. Through the choppy, oft-repeated syllables, he could swear that there was something familiar about it. He just could not immediately place why. Whatever the reason, this guy had a near suicidal ability to draw attention to himself. So long as it wasn't on him, even by association, Harper was fine with that. 

	He did crack an honest smile at Anisa's comment about joyriding. It was true, he would have greatly preferred to remain at the helm of the new ship, skipping across the atmosphere and gunning the craft through minor obstacles of topography. It was the freest he had felt in a long time, and the reason he felt the need to extend his thanks earlier. He locked eyes with Anisa momentarily, glanced around the table to those present, and nonverbally agreed with her assessment with the barest nod of his head. 

	At that time, the menus arrived. A stack was unceremoniously placed on the table, but the waitress was attentive enough to hand one to Harper personally. He handed his over to Daphne and procured another for himself, opened it, and gave it a cursory once-over to determine what he felt he might stomach in a place such as this. The establishment had the feel of a "one stop spacefarer's watering hole" to him, so while he expected that any food sold here would be palatable, it would also conform to certain basic expectations. While giving Daphne ample time to peruse the menu for herself, he leaned over to Anisa and mentioned discreetly, [color=008080]"If I may observe, Ma'am? Your ability to toss liquor is respectable. Seeing as we are in mixed company, I hope you will not mind if I get you something to blunt the edge a bit. They have [i]Baozi[/i][/color][sub]1[/sub][color=teal] here."[/color] It was a little working class, but it was almost universally accepted and remained one of Harper's nondescript favorites, especially back in his younger drinking days.

	Thinking about his younger days back home, Harper decided to join the conversation concerning the overly nervous engineer sitting next to the more talkative woman. The way he spoke, when he wasn't stumbling over his words. He [i]did[/i] find it familiar. Harper took a pull from his drink, then for the first time since joining the table, addressed them directly. [color=008080]"Where did you say you were from, Doctor Townsley?"[/color] 

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1	=	Steamed buns stuffed full of barbecued pork and vegetables, often sold as street food. They are distinguished from dumplings due to thicker bread, a greater filling-to-bun ratio, and the fact that they are much larger. Sometimes served with various sauces on the side. 
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