RP: "Adventures in Gunrunning" - Act 13

POSTED BY: Channain
UPDATED: Monday, April 5, 2004 14:04
VIEWED: 19462
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CHANNAIN

Tuesday, March 23, 2004 9:28 PM

Co-Director

LAST TIME ON Firefly - ARCHIVE THREAD:
Includes episode synopses and links to all the threads for prior acts
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=17&t=3681

GREEN ROOM (REAL-TIME):
Chat and storyline work
http://www.fireflyfans.net/fireflychat.asp

CURRENT GREEN ROOM (OOC) THREAD:
More in-depth conversations about character
development/storylines and actor absentee notices
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=17&t=4479&m=51699#51699

STARRING:
Captain Malcolm 'Mal' Reynolds - Geezer (fireflygeezer@cox.net)
Zoë Warren - Astriana (htempe@hotmail.com, MSN, AIM: MissAstriana, Yahoo!: MissAstriana, ICQ: 9592266)
Wash Warren - RavenWhyteWing (ravenwhytewing@yahoo.com)
Jayne Cobb - SerenitysSon (killianf@bellsouth.net)
Kaywinnit Lee 'Kaylee' Frye - BoomerGoodHeart (boomergoodheart@hotmail.com, MSN, AIM)
Simon Tam - CapnRahn (CapnRahn@aol.com, MSN, AIM)
River Tam - TeelaBrown (teelab@browncoats.com AIM: Teela Sera)
Inara Serra - Ciara (elenahope@yahoo.com; AIM)
Shepherd Book - ManiacNumberOne (magicbishop@comcast.net)

GUEST STARRING:
Adelai Niska - temporarily played by CapnRahn
Brink 'Slight' Helsing - RavenWhyteWing (ravenwhytewing@yahoo.com)
Damon - Squee (dm_squee@earthlink.net; AIM: Squee755)Jubal Early - Succatash
Mercedes 'Merz' Troy - Mercedes Troy
Roosevelt 'Rosie' Thorne - Geezer (fireflygeezer@cox.net)
Rowan - Channain (channain@yahoo.com; AIM)

DIRECTORIAL STAFF:
GameMaster - Geezer (fireflygeezer@cox.net)
Co-Director - FrauDirektor (htempe@hotmail.com, MSN, AIM: MissAstriana, Yahoo!: MissAstriana, ICQ: 9592266)
Co-Director - Channain (channain@yahoo.com; AIM)
Minion - DirektorsSmeagol (CapnRahn@aol.com, MSN, AIM)

PRODUCER:
Haken

GENERAL POST GUIDELINES
None have been established yet. Each player has a unique style for posting a move that is consistent within itself. You'll catch on!

ACRONYM DEFINITIONS & TERMS
EOM = End of Move
OOC = Out Of Character
POV = Point Of View

RESOURCES (Updated)
Mechanics of RPing:
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=17&t=4266
Includes links to:
Chinese for the RP Player
New Character Backstories
Serenity Deck Plans - By gaidheal
Speculative Map of Firefly System - by Hans

Last but not least, the Gunrunners would like to extend a big THANK YOU to Joss Whedon for creating a whole new 'verse for us to play in, and to Haken for giving us a bright, shiny new sandbox theater!

JossGunrunners
HakenGunrunners

CHANNAIN

Tuesday, March 23, 2004 9:40 PM

CDC: CURRENT LOCATIONS:

Kaylee, Thorne, Merz, Damon, Inara - Asleep in various quarters - or engine room as the case may be - having eerie ass dreams. It's been an eventful day.

Mal - On watch on the Bridge, possibly dozing by now.

Zoe & Wash - Almost in their quarters. enuff said.

Book, Jayne, Rowan, - Galley - Jayne's on dishwasher duty, and Book and Rowan just started a game of 9-ball with a quality bottle of wine. Score: Book 2, Rowan 1. Rowan is displaying a handicap (still wearing the eyepatch) Off Table: 2, 7, 6; On Table: 1, 3, 4, gorram 5, 8, 9. Still anybody's game.

River - In her room, dancing to music only she can hear.

Slight and Simon - Elsewhere, searching for River's cure.

Niska, Early, Saffron - Could be anywhere, doing just about anything.

If I missed or mis-placed anyone please let me know.

We have art so as not to die of truth ~ Neitzsche
http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=7922

MANIACNUMBERONE

Tuesday, March 23, 2004 11:10 PM

Book's Move

Location: Galley/Pool Hall

------
ROWAN: "Every game has one ball that refuses to do as it's told. (she angles her eye at Book) That seem right to you?"
------

Book is having trouble containing his smile. "That seems more like a problem you might want to discuss with your preacher, than a quirk of the game. I don't seem to recall you saying anything to that ball."

Book takes the cue from Rowan, approaches the table and smoothly shoots the cue ball at the 1 ball, banking it cross-table to pocket the 5, (which was just waiting by the pocket to go in.) The angle and speed of the 1 ball hit the 5 just right and it follows it into the pocket. "Well, that wasn't exactly what I wanted to do." Book sets down the cue for a moment and goes to take another sip of wine, which he notices has been refilled to the brim when he wasn't looking.

Setting down the now half empty glass, Book returns to the table, picks up the cue stick, calls a reluctant "Safety." and hits the cue ball into the 3. Managing to hide the cue ball behind the nine, Book turns back to Rowan and Jayne, who is done washing and is now watching, beer in hand, with more interest. "I bet you'll still manage to make something out of that."

EM

ASTRIANA

Wednesday, March 24, 2004 3:18 AM

OOC: A little set up to get Zoe caught up...

ZOE'S MOVE:
LOCATION - GALLEY

Making sure her hair is neatly pinned back again, ZOE enters the galley, places her and WASH's dishes in the sink (while JAYNE glowers at it being his turn to wash), takes a moment to glance at ROWAN and BOOK setting up the projectors over the dining room table.

ZOE (to herself): "Any other time, I might be tempted to watch a bit... Maybe even play. But, I got other things need doin' 'fore WASH's shift is up."

Seeing that BOOK and ROWAN are engrossed in setting up the game, ZOE wordlessly leaves the galley and heads for the bunk she shares with WASH.

LOCATION CHANGE - ZOE AND WASH'S BUNK

ZOE climbs down the ladder, pulls the big wash basin out of the storage cabinet, and fills it with water. She strips off her dirty, tequila-scented clothes and sponges herself off, making sure all traces of the events of the day are washed away. Finished, she puts the washtub to one side - WASH might want it when he he's finished on the bridge - and dons the slinky negligee WASH bought for her on their last visit to Persephone. ZOE takes a moment to luxuriate in the feel of the silky material skimming down her body, frees her hair of its bonds, then turns down the bed and sets the alarm to go off just before MAL should be waking up to relieve WASH on the bridge, knowing she should get some sleep while can. She sets out candles, matches nearby, and slides between the sheets. When she wakes, everything will be ready.

----Meanwhile, on the BRIDGE----

WASH spends his shift now watching the sensors, now occassionally playing with his dinosaurs, but mostly letting his thoughts linger on the beautiful warrior woman waiting in his bunk. WASH sighs, feeling the time drag, and begins to think that this shift will never be over, when MAL appears on the bridge.

MAL (grinning evily): "Pretty slow night, eh? Think I'll go make some coffee before I take over. That slow drip kind that takes 'bout 30 minutes, maybe. You don't have anything else to do, do ya?"

WASH stands and makes a show of stretching and yawning hugely.

WASH (stifling a pretend yawn): "Well, I'd love to hang around, but I'm awful tired, MAL. Hate to think o' dozin' off while you were in the galley, and havin' Reavers catch us unawares. Maybe, just for the safety of the ship, you should take over now and I'll bring you a cup later on?"

MAL: "Oh, go to your wife, you ruttin' liou mahng*. Just keep it down, so everybody else can sleep."

WASH smiles and almost runs for the door as MAL settles down in the chair. Almost giddy with freedom and the thought of ZOE waiting, WASH hurries down the corridor to their bunk.

LOCATION CHANGE - ZOE AND WASH'S BUNK

When he enters the room, he sees candles standing at the ready, and notices that the alarm has been set but not turned on. Looking to the bed they share, he sees that the covers have slipped away to show ZOE sleeping peacefully, wearing the negligee he bought her. He doffs his clothes, does a quick rinse down, and dumps the dirty water down the pull-out sink, then stashes the basin away again.

Pulling on fresh shorts, he quietly wanders to ZOE's side and sits next to her on the bed. She stirs, and he brushes her hair back from her face. As her eyes flutter open, his lips turn up in an amused grin.

WASH (smugly): "You'll be waiting, huh?"

ZOE (with a teasing grin of her own): "Well, I am aren't I?"

ZOE reaches up and pulls WASH's head down, kissing him fully. He lowers himself to bed with a sigh of homecoming...

[Censored ... The rest is for WASH an' ZOE... ]

End Move.

liou mahng = bastard

OOC: Okay, so this was a bit longer than I intended, but hey... They needed to catch up!

~A~

...I'm still free,
You can't take the sky from me.

CHANNAIN

Wednesday, March 24, 2004 4:42 PM

Rowan's Move
LOCATION - Galley/Pool Hall
------
Book is having trouble containing his smile. "That seems more like a problem you might want to discuss with your preacher, than a quirk of the game. I don't seem to recall you saying anything to that ball."
------
She does consider it for a bit - they do say confession is good for the soul. Yet, hearing the dishes moving around and knowing Jayne is still there isn't her only reason for abstaining.

As Book cleverly sinks the 5 as if to prove his point, and then the 1 right after it, Rowan figures it's just as well. Taking the bottle, she fills his glass, then her own and takes a longer drink.

ROWAN to herself: Pretty smooth stuff. Might have to make note of that label for future reference.

The 3 snuggles in behind the 9 at the far end of the table as Jayne comes out from the kitchen to watch. Rowan stares at the 9, recalling the stark white table from her dream, the girl in the doorway and a choice still to be made. Rubbing the fingers of her left hand against the palm of her right - where she can still feel the 9 ball from her dream - she realizes Book is speaking.
------
BOOK: "I bet you'll still manage to make something out of that."
------
He means the game, of course. But maybe even with Jayne still in the room there's a way to talk about it without revealing anything.

She takes in the entire table, finds the shot and moves to take the cue stick from Book. Inadvertently, her right hand brushes his lightly as she goes to the starboard side of the table. Leaning in, she takes aim at the cue ball. Striking it solidly, she banks it at an angle into the 3. The 3 hits two rails, coming back to hit the 8 which rolls toward the pocket and drops in as if pulled on a wire.

JAYNE: "Lashî yige guniang - you are a ringer."

ROWAN (smiling confidently): "Girl's gotta make a living in the 'verse somehow. I was told early on I would never make a decent Companion, and as the only good tech engineering jobs are on Alliance payroll, I figured I better stick with my gifts."

Jayne gives her the once over as she moves around to the end of the table nearest the engine room and frowns.

JAYNE: "You sure got the looks for Companion work."

ROWAN: "Looks, yes. Temperament, no. I've always had a tiny little problem with authority."

Rowan shifts to the corner and finds the shot for the 3 as if it's been waving to catch her attention the entire time. Ignoring the 9, she sets up another bank shot that sends the 3 off the rail and into the corner. The 3 has only just dropped in the corner as she's gauging her next shot.

ROWAN: "What's your theory on dream psychology, Shepherd?"

EOM

Lashî yige guniang - shit, girl
(Lah-shee vee-gey goon-ee-ahng)

Score: Book 4, Rowan 3; On Table: 4, 9; Possible win or a tie - still anybody's game.

OOC: Maniac: If you see any errors, don't hesitate to speak up.

We have art so as not to die of truth ~ Neitzsche
http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=7922

TEELABROWN

Wednesday, March 24, 2004 4:52 PM

More nonsense from Teela.
____________
River lifts her arms up like there's a partner there. One, two, three, one, two, three, the beat is strong. She twirls and smiles. The world has melted away, and she is in her own world. She laughs at jokes only she hears, and she dances to music only she hears. But all is happy.
____________

_____________
"Freedom is the Freedom to say that 2 plus 2 make 4. If that is granted, all else follws"-Winston, 1984
Teela Brown, keeper of bad typing.
"No one reads these things any way."- Bart on Blackboard

SQUEE

Wednesday, March 24, 2004 7:03 PM

Damon's turn:
Location: spare shuttle

Zzz Zzz Zzz

OOC: still sleeping

I'm not broken, in my dream I win...

RECORDXCHANGE

Wednesday, March 24, 2004 11:10 PM

i know kanda hill, why do you ask?

TEELABROWN

Wednesday, March 24, 2004 11:28 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by RecordXChange:
i know kanda hill, why do you ask?

Are you in the right thread?

_____________
"Freedom is the Freedom to say that 2 plus 2 make 4. If that is granted, all else follws"-Winston, 1984
Teela Brown, keeper of bad typing.
"No one reads these things any way."- Bart on Blackboard

TEELABROWN

Thursday, March 25, 2004 5:42 AM

River's mind continues...this is mostly improv...
_______
The background goes from blankness to a clock on the floor. A turntable of time, on which River is dancing. She dance around the clock, each step getting a little younger. She stops. A small girl is alone on stage, dancing a solo. She dances with such emotion and power, that the people in the audience flet what the dancer felt. A young boy in the audience looks up at the stage. He whispers to the dancer, but it is not made out. The dancer keeps dancing, dancing the fears away...

_____________
"Freedom is the Freedom to say that 2 plus 2 make 4. If that is granted, all else follws"-Winston, 1984
Teela Brown, keeper of bad typing.
"No one reads these things any way."- Bart on Blackboard

MANIACNUMBERONE

Thursday, March 25, 2004 8:30 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by TeelaBrown:
Quote:
Originally posted by RecordXChange:
i know kanda hill, why do you ask?

Are you in the right thread?

_____________
"Freedom is the Freedom to say that 2 plus 2 make 4. If that is granted, all else follws"-Winston, 1984
Teela Brown, keeper of bad typing.
"No one reads these things any way."- Bart on Blackboard

I think she is responding to me, Teela.

TEELABROWN

Thursday, March 25, 2004 2:15 PM

So sorry, Maniac.

*Teela backs out of room, and shuts the door behind her*

_____________
"Freedom is the Freedom to say that 2 plus 2 make 4. If that is granted, all else follws"-Winston, 1984
Teela Brown, keeper of bad typing.
"No one reads these things any way."- Bart on Blackboard

GEEZER

Thursday, March 25, 2004 6:08 PM

Throne and Mal’s Move:

Location: Thorne’s Quarters/Bridge

[THORNE wakes as usual...an instant transition from asleep to fully alert. It’s four in the morning, ship time, and he briefly considers going back to sleep, but he’s had enough rest, and the day promises to be full. First thing is to check on that message. He pulls on a shipsuit, slips a knife into his boot-top and a small pistol in his front left pocket, and heads for the bridge through the cargo bay.

MAL is leaning back in the pilot chair, watching the stars and thinking about nothing in particular. He swivels the chair at the sound of footsteps and sees THORNE at the door.]

”Good morning Captain. Sorry to disturb you, but the comm system says I have a message on the Cortex. Mind if I check it?"

“Nah, go ahead. Need some comp’ny to keep me wakeful anyway.”

[THORNE sits down and touches the screen to bring up the inbox. His message is encrypted using a Blue Sun code he is familiar with. He types in the algorithm and touches Play. BRINK HELSING’s voice comes from the speakers.

"Agent Slight, reporting to Thorne. All is well. Simon Tam is onboard with me, but quite focused, and not very social at the moment. There's no mention of an unauthorized Firefly-class in Hera. To all of the crew, I salute you on exceptional flying and shooting. Well done. Reply to this message with a return date, if you'd like to pick up your wayward doctor. If not, and with Captain Reynolds permission, I can have us off-planet within a day."

"Well, Cap’n, you heard that. They’re doin’ good so far. Sounds like SLIGHT was able to hack the Alliance system on Hera and pull any specific data on your ship. Smart lad. Any opinions on when we can return to pick the good doctor up?“

"Ought’a be about five days, I guess, to get to New Hokkaido, dump your load, an’ be back on Hera. I’ll have WASH find some nice lonely coordinates out in the waste, an’ we can call the kid back tomorrow…later today, I mean.”

[THORNE taps the ‘attachment’ icon on the screen, reads SLIGHT’s note about the ‘sticky’, and deletes it. No need to bother the captain about that. The other attachment is addressed to MERZ, and he’ll pass it along later. Thinking of MERZ sets him to wondering about the new crewmembers.]

”Son, I’d say you’re shot through with luck, considering the quality of hitchers you pick up. They all surely pulled their weight yesterday, and we both know how rare that is. Any one of them would be a prize, but three at once? Are you gonna try and keep them on board?”

“Yeah, they did all right, an’ they’re just as good at aggravatin’ me as the old hands. Don’t know what they plan on doin’ once we hit New Hokkaido. I’d take some of ‘em on, but I got a full crew already. More folk just thins out everyone’s cut.”

“Tell you what. I’ll chip in a little more for my job, and you can pay them off with the rest for this caper. At least it’ll give them walkin’ around money if they decide to move on. And if you let any go, I might be able to find them some work on Hera.”

“Well, you and me do have one thing in common, old man. We tend to pick up strays. I’ll make sure they get their share.”

[THORNE nods and heads for the cargo hold. There’s some stuff he stashed in the conex that he’ll need soon. Neither he nor MAL have mentioned that he did good work yesterday as well, commanding the escape from Hera, and he knows they never will.]

EOM

"Keep the Shiny side up"

CAPNRAHN

Thursday, March 25, 2004 6:25 PM

LOCATION - GYRFALCON: IN TRANSIT
As ...

SLIGHT
"Don't suppose you're up for conversation."

SIMON stirs and smiles politely and shakes his head. SLIGHT can't even be sure it's in response to his question as SIMONs refocuses inward.

SLIGHT
snapping the word out loud
"Bi zuie."

SIMON is still lost in thought as SLIGHT reaches for the Cortex wave.

SIMONs thoughts fragment and surge against his consciousness with the force of breaking ocean waves What is going on? Why am I off on a mission? This is a long shot at best. SIMON sighs as his thoughts drift from RIVER to KAYLEE ... ah, for her, you bleed!!!... SIMON is taken aback at the intrusion of a quiet alien voice in his head. He looks sharply at SLIGHT, but SLIGHT is speaking softly into the wave set.

EOM

DRAGONFLYDIRECTOR

Thursday, March 25, 2004 7:36 PM

INTERLUDE ONE Part 1
LANCELOT TRANSPORT
NEARING NEW HOKKAIDO ORBIT
As ...

In the observation lounge late into Omega shift the CAPTAIN of the Lancelot stood and watched quietly from the deep shadows of his favorite table as the starfield swam by. He was startled as the giant figure of one of the passengers loomed out of the darkness into view from the still open port door. Spooked, the CAPTAIN thought -- What was his name again ... NicoAllez or somesuch? Isn't he an evangelist? Or was it a mechanic?.

NICO paused, locked eyes with the CAPTAIN across the stygian darkness in the lounge. After the briefest moment, NICO clasped his right fist into his left at just below sternum level, bowing from the waist and without loosing eye contact.

Still slightly offguard, the CAPTAIN noticed that the evangelist had his forearms at a precise military parallel to the deck. As NICOs head dropped to the level of the CAPTAINs, it hits for the umpteenth time of exactly how tall this brimstone&hell-fire preacher truly was.

The CAPTAIN involuntarily thinks At six foot six, I USED to be the biggest bloke on this ship! This'un must top out way over seven foot!. He then quickly returns the bow, knowing NICO will take offense if the acknowledgment of respect is not shown.

NICO slowly blinked twice, then resumed his full stature and moved to the starboard side of the large wraparound viewport, leaving the CAPTAIN to his solitude.

As the Lancelot gently banked to starboard, New Hokkaido was revealed. Shining in reflected sunlight, the planet was a beautiful glowing emerald and teal sphere.

NICO reverently dropped to one knee and gazed at the vision with focused and rapt expression on his face.

A brief thought ripples the placid sea of NICOs mind ... This is where is it all will begin ... again.

EOM

"Observe Analyze & Respond"
Motto of the A.P.E.s
Alliance Protean Engineers

MANIACNUMBERONE

Thursday, March 25, 2004 9:44 PM

Book's Move
LOCATION - Galley/Pool Hall

--------
ROWAN: "What's your theory on dream psychology, Shepherd?"
--------

"I've got a few theories. Depends on what kind of dream it was though; a fleeting dream, a semi-lucid dream, or a dream that felt like reality." Book moves around to the other side of the table, watching Rowan examing the last difficult shot she'll need to make. After the four, the nine ball will be a gimme."...and also what it was about."

Rowan pauses from the shot she had lined up, hands still on the cue stick and looks up at Book. "You seem to have a lot on your mind... companion training, the Alliance, tech engineering, authority, pool and I'll bet a lot more." Book starts to walk around the pool table again, taking Rowan's eyes with him.

Stopping next to a side counter, Book stops and sets down his glass. "No one ever asks about dreams, unless they've had one. Tell me about it... and then I'll tell you what I think."

EM

TEELABROWN

Thursday, March 25, 2004 9:59 PM

More River-esque things...Capn, I can change this if you want.
YR- Young River
YS- Young Simon
__________
The stage disappears, and the scene changes to a small cabin. The summer before River left...

YR: Simon, watch.

YS: Mei-mei, I'd love too. But you know I have to do this.

YR: Ge-ge, just once.

River pulls Simon to his feet.

YR: Now, just let it come.

_____________
"Freedom is the Freedom to say that 2 plus 2 make 4. If that is granted, all else follws"-Winston, 1984
Teela Brown, keeper of bad typing.
"No one reads these things any way."- Bart on Blackboard

TEELABROWN

Thursday, March 25, 2004 11:55 PM

Suplemantary move...same abbreviations apply...
__________
River shows Simon her dance.

YR: You try it ge-ge.

YS: River, honey, I can't...

The cabin fades away, back to the clock...
___________

_____________
"Freedom is the Freedom to say that 2 plus 2 make 4. If that is granted, all else follws"-Winston, 1984
Teela Brown, keeper of bad typing.
"No one reads these things any way."- Bart on Blackboard

CHANNAIN

Friday, March 26, 2004 12:33 AM

Book's Move
LOCATION - Galley/Pool Hall
------------------------
Book: "No one ever asks about dreams, unless they've had one. Tell me about it... and then I'll tell you what I think."
------------------------

She tries to stay as general as she can, telling about how she saw her brother as he was when she last saw him, and his jealousy over how she always played pool better than he did, despite his more advanced intelligence. When she came to the part involving Xiang, she referred to him only as a past lover. She included the passage from the Song of Solomon, and the song lyrics from the music Ru used to listen to.

ROWAN: "The whole thing happened during a game of 9 ball, only I was playing like it was 8-ball, calling every shot and knocking balls off the table sequentially until I got to the 9."

Staring down at that self-same ball, positioned in the kitchen in a simple angle to the corner, she recalls how cold the 9 in her dream had felt.

ROWAN: "It was pretty clear that by hitting the 9 ball in, I was making a choice. Only I didn't hit it. This door opened, so I picked it up and took it with me instead."

Sighing and realizing how tired she is, she sees both Ru and Xiang in her mind as they appeared in the dream. She closes her left eye and presses both of them tightly shut, ignoring the pain on the right.

ROWAN: "I lost them both, Shepherd. Ru was my first love and Xiang was my last and the Alliance had a hand in both of them disappearing. I don't know where they are, I don't know if they're alive or dead. I only know I have this big empty space where they used to be and I don't know how to fill it up again."

EOM

OOC: Not to worry, gunrunners and hitchers. We'll move it along after this - right Maniac?

We have art so as not to die of truth ~ Neitzsche
http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=7922

SQUEE

Friday, March 26, 2004 2:06 AM

Damon’s turn:
LOCATION: SPARE SHUTTLE to CATWALK

Damon awakes from his troubled sleep, still sitting in the pilot chair of the spare shuttle. He checks the time: a little after four, this makes the third time that he’s woken up in the last hour, or was it the fourth?

He sits up in the chair and stretches the cramps out of his neck and back before standing up. Walking over to the bed, he picks up his weapons belt from the floor and buckles it at his hips. He pushes his bag back under the bed and pulls his gun out from under his pillow. After making sure it is loaded and that the safety is on, he holsters his weapon and opens the shuttle door to step out onto the catwalk. He walks over to the rail and leans on it to look down at the cargo bay floor.

It’s quiet. Only the hum of the engine upstairs disrupts the silence that has settled over the ship, a nice contrast to the hectic adventures of the day before. It’s hard to imagine that less that twenty-four hours ago he was running through the streets of Hera with a dozen Feds on his tail. Time is definitely not something he thinks kindly of. It had a cruel tendency to make a few hours of hell last an eternity and a year of freedom pass way too fast. Seems like only a few weeks ago he was on Dis trying to decide what to do with the last bullet in the gun he had snagged… If it hadn’t been for Xiang…

Damon suppresses a shudder at the thought of how close he was to killing himself, of how close he could be to killing himself if he isn’t careful.

Quote:
You won’t survive another day on Dis, Crofton will make sure of it.

Crofton… that hwoon dahn’s name alone makes Damon’s blood boil. But his anger soon turns into a smile when he tries to imagine the look on Crofton’s face when he found out that Damon had escaped.

“Bu huai le, meh, tah mah duh hwoon dahn. I won.”

hwoon dahn = bastard
bu huai le = not broken
meh, tah mah duh hwoon dahn = Mother humping son of a b----

I'm not broken, in my dream I win...

MANIACNUMBERONE

Friday, March 26, 2004 9:14 AM

Book's Move
LOCATION - Galley/Pool Hall

Book sits and listens without interruption while Rowan recounts her dreams. Jayne has taken a seat on a nearby chair, slinging a leg over an arm, and closing his eyes to listen.

When she finishes, her plea resounds in Book's heart. "Sounds to me like you know what your dream was about." Book smiles fatherly, looking deep into Rowan's green eyes, which he's noticed but never commented about. "You miss having a family. That's a common ailment here." Seeing the look on Rowan's face, Book sighs softly. "We can talk more tomorrow."

Book walks over to Jayne and hears him breathing the deep breathes of sleep. He walks back over to Rowan and says quietly. "It's time you found some sleep as well."

Book takes the empty bottle of wine to the recycling bin and then goes to the doorway of the Galley/Pool Hall. "Good night, and hopefully pleasant dreams. Let me know if you desire any techniques to help you control your dreams." Book walks through the doorway and down the aft stairs to his quarters. Sliding the door ajar, he turns on a light and sits down in his chair. Sleep will come, eventually.

EM

GEEZER

Friday, March 26, 2004 12:38 PM

Thorne's Move

Location: Cargo bay/Passenger quarters

[THORNE retrieves a duffel and hard-side case from the conex, and heads back for his bunk.

Entering the short alcove leading to the passenger quarters, he hears soft, rythmic, footsteps coming from RIVER's room. The door is slid partially open, and he glances in. She is dancing in an irregular circle within the confines of the cabin, her step almost soundless despite the heavy ship boots she wears. Her eyes are closed, and her face soft as she glides around the room...almost, but not quite, touching the walls and furniture as she whirls, waltzing with an invisible partner. THORNE smiles at the beauty of her dance, and at the fact that she's leading. He'd like to cut in, but hesitates to break the spell.]

EOM

"Keep the Shiny side up"

ASTRIANA

Friday, March 26, 2004 1:33 PM

OOC: Just to keep 'em in the loop...

ZOE/WASH MOVE:
LOCATION - WASH & ZOE'S BUNK

WASH and ZOE continue to be... occupied.

End Move.

OOC: When the night has progressed a little farther, we'll get 'em talkin' again.

~A~

...I'm still free,
You can't take the sky from me.

TEELABROWN

Friday, March 26, 2004 1:42 PM

Geezer- using your character, but not for much.
___________
Her world is going back to the actual world. The dance slows down, stops, and she does a slight courtsy. River seems to be coming out of a beautiful dream. She hears a clapping sound. She looks up. There, Thorne in the doorway. He streches out his hand, andbows slightly.

THORNE: May I have the pleasure of this dance?

River takes his hand, and starts leading, aound the room.
____________

_____________
"Freedom is the Freedom to say that 2 plus 2 make 4. If that is granted, all else follws"-Winston, 1984
Teela Brown, keeper of bad typing.
"No one reads these things any way."- Bart on Blackboard

GEEZER

Friday, March 26, 2004 5:16 PM

Thorne's Move:

Location: River's Room/Common Area

OOC: Teela. Right back at ya.

(RIVER) hears a clapping sound. She looks up. There, Thorne in the doorway. He streches out his hand, and bows slightly.

THORNE: May I have the pleasure of this dance?

River takes his hand, and starts leading, aound the room.

[THORNE is a practiced dancer, and quickly falls into step. He can pick up the rhythm from RIVER, but is used to leading, not being led. He subtly shifts his hands, indicating he'd like to change. River spins away and returns, her right hand lightly resting in his left, and her left hand on his right shoulder as his arm encircles her. In silence, they dance out the door and into the roomier common area.

As they twirl across the floor, THORNE thinks of how they must look, he in a stained shipsuit and she in castoff clothes and heavy boots. Like a father and daughter on some backworld planet, pretending to dance at a fancy cotillion ball.

The music in RIVER's head winds to an end, and they stand together for a moment, catching their breath. THORNE finally steps back and bows from the waist. "A true pleasure, Demoiselle Tam. You are surely the finest dancer and greatest beauty at the ball." RIVER curtseys and smiles coyly, then dissolves into giggles, her hands flying up to cover her mouth. She breaks away and runs to her room, turns to face THORNE at the threshhold, sticks out her tongue at him, and closes the door.

THORNE stands alone for a while, smiling softly and swaying in time with an unheard waltz. Then he picks up his bag and case, and enters his room.]

EOM

"Keep the Shiny side up"

SQUEE

Friday, March 26, 2004 6:29 PM

OOC: Channain, I'm taking Damon into the galley, but I'm not sure where Rowan is. I thought that if we both state the time that we are there that it would avoid confusion.

Damon’s turn:
LOCATION: CATWALK to DINING ROOM 4:15 AM

Damon's thoughts return to the present when he hears someone enter the cargo bay. He looks up to see Thorne walking down the stairs and across the cargo bay toward the conex. Time to get the day started.

Damon crosses the catwalk and makes his way up to the galley. Looking around, he spots Jayne asleep in one of the chairs. All of the other chairs have been pulled away from the table, which has been completely cleared off. Looks like Book and Rowan played a couple games after all.

He crosses the galley to the kitchen and helps himself to some left over stew from the night before. Even cold, it still tastes wonderful. After grabbing and drinking a cup of water, he takes his bowl of food and heads for the bridge. He assumes that the highest ranking, on-duty crewmember will be there.

I'm not broken, in my dream I win...

CHANNAIN

Friday, March 26, 2004 10:23 PM

Rowan's Move:
LOCATION: Galley/Pool Hall 12:15 AM

----------
Book: "It's time you found some sleep as well."
----------

ROWAN (to herself): Ah yes to sleep, perchance to dream...to see Xiang, to remember, to feel the ache intensify upon wakening. Nope, not likely.

----------
Book: "Good night, and hopefully pleasant dreams. Let me know if you desire any techniques to help you control your dreams."
----------

That would imply that she had any intention of getting to sleep, which she doesn't. Staying busy has been the key thus far and she really does need the practice, in case her eye isn't healed up well enough to remove the patch. Quite a sight that will make at the tournament. She makes a note to check the doctor's stores later, see if he has any of that cell regeneration acellerator drug - never can remember the name.

Taking the pad from her waistband, she sets up another rack of nine and plays through several more, pounding the balls at each break and skillfully dropping each one in single set ups and combinations until it becomes purely automatic again, all the while watching Jayne twitch in his sleep. Seems he's one of them as can sleep through mortar fire on a rock ledge if he has to. Not the most attractive thing in his sleep either. Every dream he has displays on his face, from something powerfully distasteful, to something that might be considered pleasurable.

When she sees the small clock in the kitchen grotto display 4:04 a.m., she decides to call it quits. She'll need to relax a little, preferably before Book wakes up. Shutting down the holo-billiards system, she packs up the cue stick into its velvet-lined case, and pauses to take one last long look at Jayne.

He's calmer now, more settled, probably in the deepest part of sleep. Walking softly to him, she pulls her long hair around to one side and holds it back before bending down to drop a quick kiss at the corner of his mouth. He stirs a little, mutters and turns toward her as she straightens, only to settle back down. Smiling at his boyishness, she turns away, silently promising them both another time. After all, New Hokkaido is still a day or two away.

*POOF*

Jayne's Move:
LOCATION: Galley/Pool Hall 4:10 a.m.

She moves quiet enough, but there weren't no mistakin' her for someone else, that's for damn sure. She smells too good to ever let that happen - like black licorice, all spicy and dark. Didn't expect the kiss though. Soft mouth half over his lips, half on his beard, that little suckle - like she had some idea in her head that he was a tasty treat. Tìan xiâo de how she ever got that notion.

Did she take the long way back to the dorms on purpose? With one eye cracked open, he watches her walk away, admiring the shapeliness, the stride, even the light in her hair. Be damned if she isn't the most amazin' thing he's seen in a coon's age. Whoever that Xiang fella was that left her, he's daì ruò mù ji, no gettin' around it.

*POOF

Rowan's Move - Supplemental:
LOCATION: Passageway to Catwalk to Dorms

Rowan decides to take the long way around on the forward stairs, just to stretch her legs a bit. She's on the upward landing when she catches a glimpse of someone moving around and pauses to watch the fella from the Hara Cary - Thorne was his name - go one way, then Damon come from Shuttle 2 and cross the catwalks to head up the other. Waiting until they're gone, she descends and crosses to the common area and up the ramp to her room, tiptoeing past the Shepherd's as she hears his light snoring. Setting the cue case aside, she pulls her duffle bag out from under the bed, and opens it. Snuggling the money pouch down one side of the diffle, she digs down to the bottom and produces a book. Gray cover with a blue gray spine, a black satin cord bookmark dangles from just inside the front cover. Opening it, she glances over the detailed map of a Chinese family compound from earth that was. Turning a couple

DRAGONFLYDIRECTOR

Friday, March 26, 2004 10:32 PM

INTERLUDE #2 Part 1
NEW HOKKAIDO - ORBIT
As ...

At New Hokkaido Control's instruction, Hlastoni slotted the Rubicon into the outer perimeter holding flight pattern. The battered looking engineering tug changed vectors with the grace of living creature.

Hlastoni garnered no satisfaction from his skills nor the whistle of appreciation from N.H. Control. Nothing was more important than controlled precision -- in all things. It was as simple as that. Controlled Precise Response.

From the rear, drifted the voice of Corzaire Jax. He was telling yet another lengthy tale to the diminutive cleaner, Tilde.

They made a perfect pair. Jax continually overflowed with chatter, facts, figures and even fantasy. If Hlastoni would deign to listen, he may have found Jax's anecdotes amusing.

Tilde, on the other hand, was the consummate listener. She would focus on the speakers face, her own bearing the innocent expression of a simple child. She would often ask the speaker simplistic yet invariably penetrating questions. Although at this moment she was quietly swept up in Jax's tale of derring do in the rescue of Viela from the brig.

'So many years ago', Hlastoni thinks as a fragment of Jax's story filtered clear of the various ship chirps, clicks and hums to wash over his conscious. An involuntary flash from Hlastoni's memory briefly overrode his vision. Stuttered images of the harried breakout shuttered across his mind's eye. With a practiced skill, he carefully stowed their images and their concurrent emotional content away into a well worn section of his subconscious.

The incoming wave signal from N.H. Control begged for Hlastoni's attention.

N.H. Control
singsong female Chinese voice over headset
"Flight 66-Rubicon, Control. Please remand helm to Control. Control out."

Hlastoni
gruff matter-of-fact tenor
"Control, Flight 66-Rubicon. Helm remanded. Flight 66-Rubicon out."

With naught to do but watch the scenery, Hlastoni diverted his attention by considering Tilde. She was a very strange bird, normally quiet and almost invisible. Did a helluva job at cleaning and organization. Hlastoni was sure she could make an Alliance Training Instructor weep with joy at the shininess of her attention to detail.

The only reason she was with them on this weapon retrieval was that the Captain had allowed it. Upon hearing the pickup was to be at new Hokkaido, she had apparently had informed Captain Rahn that on that particular planet there was a client she had a prior commitment to. Something about a full cleaning and reorganization of a business of some sort. The Captain asked no questions, and automatically allowed her to join Jax and Hlastoni on this, a simple job.

Apparently, she would be gone for a few weeks. She had assured Viela that she could catch up to the Chimera, even if the contract lasted longer than agreed fortnight.

Hlastoni sighed and settled back into the pilots chair to get a quick 15 minute 'zone-out'. Still, he had one eye slitted and observing the control panel.

Under N.H. Control's electronic guidance, the Rubicon swiftly winged it's way closer to the next holding orbit. Rubicon's rough and rusted exterior belied it's speed and precise maneuvering as she slid into her assigned flight slot.

END OF INTERLUDE #2 Pt.1

"Observe Analyze & Respond"
Motto of the A.P.E.s
Alliance Protean Engineers

MERCEDESTROY

Saturday, March 27, 2004 12:44 AM

Ships Time 3:25 A.M.

MERZ Move

LOCATION - DORM To BRIDGE and hallways in between.

MERZ has had all of the sleep she can take for now. After a good meal, a satisfactory workout and a nights rest she feels recharged and up for whatever the day will bring.

She spends 30 minutes in basic calisthenics that can be done easily in her room, just to wake up and warm up. Then she wipes down with her tank top. Ships temperature is comfortable and everything she owns is too disgusting to wear – and besides they are in the black. Can be at home here. MERZ heads for the dining area, just as she is.

There is someone asleep in there, Jayne she thinks it is. He is sleeping peacefully enough and is not in her way as she rummages for a protein bar and a glass of water, although it looks as though he has shifted position recently. He is snoring lightly. She takes both along on her way to the bridge, to check in and see about watch standing.

MERZ hears someone enter the galley as she exits.

Ships time approx 4:12 A.M.

EOM

OOC: I have painted myself into a corner. I am stuck in the hallway until I know who is on the bridge at this time of the morning. Someone wanna help me out?

OOC2: edited to correct timetick.

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

GEEZER

Saturday, March 27, 2004 1:57 AM

Mal's Move

Location: Bridge

Time 4:15

[MAL thinks about SLIGHT's message. Looks like a return trip to Hera to pick up the Doc. Have to talk to WASH about a rendevous point an' get a message off to the kid. An' what to do about his new crew? If he was headin' for a fight they'd be handy, but the haul this trip should let Serenity fly for quite a spell without having to resort to violence. Wouldn't mind keeping that MERZ on board. Mighty good with the laser, an' decorative too. What with INARA battin' eyes at THORNE, might do to have her around.]

EOM

OOC: MERZ, Mal's on the bridge.

"Keep the Shiny side up"

MERCEDESTROY

Saturday, March 27, 2004 2:40 AM

MERZ Move

LOCATION - BRIDGE

Merz enters the bridge area, glad that the Captain is on deck.

"Good morning, Captain Reynolds. How stands the day? Do you need me as a watch stander and if so, when. If I have a bit of time free, I could use someone to show me the laundry facility."

Nothing could induce her to admit that she has never actually done laundry - she can learn.

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

CAPNRAHN

Saturday, March 27, 2004 5:33 AM

GYRFALCON - IN TRANSIT
As ...

Quote:
River shows Simon her dance.

YR: You try it ge-ge.

YS: River, honey, I can't...

The cabin fades away, back to the clock...

SIMON awakes with a jolt as a series of clicks from the forward sensor suite crack the stillness of the Gyrfalcon's cockpit. The dream of RIVER trying to teach him to dance still warm and cozy in his memory.

Seeing that BRINK still has the pilots position aptly filled, SIMON nestles back to enjoy the warm unfocused muzzyness of just waking. Images behind his closed eyelids flash and flitter like so many unbound butterflies. One image begins to dominated the others - KAYLEE. Her image kept supplanting each memory fragment until, much like the child's flip book movieola, the disparate images snap slowly then faster and faster until they blend into a coherent cinematic flow. A soft mental rewind brings SIMON to a shocking realization: this was the last minutes he had spent with KAYLEE before he abandoned Serenity.

Quote:
LOCATION - ENGINE ROOM
As ...
SIMON stands in the ENGINE ROOM door frame, hesitant to enter the empty room. Suddenly, KAYLEE drops down from the ceiling with her back to him.

KAYLEE turns her head slightly, her eyes glazing over a bit. The engine is turning slowly...Wash must have left it in idle for a quick getaway. Her eyes snap down to a unit below the floor. A frown crosses her face as she picks up her wrench and starts to bang on it.

"Piece of go-se....this ain't th' time....oh, come ON already..." Taking a
breath, her head tilts again. "Ah, that's much better."

Turning to toss her wrench into her toolbox, she sees Simon standing in the
doorway.

"Oh....uh.....hi, Doctor. Didn't hear ya come in." Nervously, she runs a
smeared hand through her hair. "Fix that Rowan girl up?"

SIMON nods mutely as he stands frozen in the door. KAYLEE notices and states

KAYLEE
"Come on in, nuthin is gonna bite."

At least KAYLEE hopes their isn't going to be a flare up from SIMON.

He smiles and moves forward. As he gets closer to KAYLEE his stance and stride become more confident and at ease. As he reaches her, he looks deep into her eyes. His own eyes are open to his very soul as he musters the strength to toss the dice and place his heart at KAYLEE's mercy.

SIMON
softly and with a very slight hesitant pace
Umm, I would very much like to talk with you. If you have the time"

EOM

OOC:
I know, I know ... that was just a tease ...

I have had a long day and am pooped ...
Hey Boomer! If ya want to respond in this flashback - go ahead. If ya haven't I'll just press on with it tomorrow. Send me an email if ya have any ideas ya want to bat around.

"Remember, there is only ONE absolute - There ARE NO absolutes!!!"

SQUEE

Saturday, March 27, 2004 6:11 AM

OOC: Hmm... maybe the time idea was not so great cuz now we have a problem... it was 4:15 when Damon was in the galley on his way to the bridge and now its 5:30. Geezer, Debs, could you guys edit that? Sorry, I take back the whole I thought that if we both state the time that we are there that it would avoid confusion thing.

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - BRIDGE

Damon approaches the bridge and hears the familiar voice of Merz talking to the captain.

Quote:
"Good morning, Captain Reynolds. How stands the day? Do you need me as a watch stander and if so, when. If I have a bit of time free, I could use someone to show me the laundry facility."

Damon stands just outside the bridge, leaning against the doorway as he waits for Mal to finish with Merz. He spoons another bite of food in his mouth and starts wondering about his own laundry situation.

I'm not broken, in my dream I win...

CIARA

Saturday, March 27, 2004 6:12 AM

Location: Dreamstate

Inara sighs and rolls over, fighting the urge to waken--her lids flicker a bit, then are still-she rests once again, one arm flung over her face, one slim leg peeking from beneath her robe.

ooc taking an RP break still :)

*gives the thumbs-up to Geezer*

Just a humble supplicant in service to all things Joss

DRAGONFLYDIRECTOR

Saturday, March 27, 2004 8:18 AM

INTERLUDE ONE Part 2
LOCATION - NEW HOKKAIDO DOCKS, LANCELOT's LANDING BERTH
As ...

NICO paused at the hatch and let his pupils softly dilate to adapt to the strong sunshine bathing the New Hokkaido port city of Tomokomai. Satisfied he was now prepared, he stooped low and crossed the threshold from the Lancelot to the open-air ramp leading to the ground.

Not moving his head NICO, swept the crowd with his steady gaze. He noted the flow and surge of the people thronging the docks and off-world market. He focuses on a brightly colored poster that was announcing a Faire nearby to the docks. He closes his eyes to pull up a mental image of the maps of New Hokkaido he had studied. "There" he thinks, "Tha verra place I ra'quire."

Curious children formed a bow wave around NICO has he crested through the mass of humanity towards his goal. The children were actually opening a swath before NICO's assured tread.

Many minutes later and many more children and a few piqued adults added to NICO's impromptu legion of the curious.

Just outside the Faire and in a huge blistering hot open waiting area, NICO stops. Only moving his eyes, he glances up at the tattered remnants of a tent roof for this large shallow dish of an amphitheater. There is a massive fountain at the center, many meters away from the entry arch. Dozens of people were utilizing the the obviously overworked well, but they still looked hot as they languished in the meager shade until they could mover closer to the cooling spray of this ailing water supply.

Smoothly rotating his head a precise 45 degrees to port, NICO takes in an abandoned section of the amphitheater. Though he knew it to be mostly an illusion, it seemed that the heat waves were more intense in that area than anywhere else. The dearth of occupants also spoke of a location too intense for just anybody to settle into.

NICO allows himself a small smile of appreciation directed towards the creator and its sense of balance in all things.

During this short inspection, NICO's crowd becomes restive, starting to drift off in boredom or chattering to each other about other strange things they have seen here at the dockyard and newly errected Faire.

Still carrying the small smile, it subtly changes from appreciation to one of humor. NICO thinks Always I ha ta live 'Th' Show', th' word iz'na enuff ta motivate thez pur fallowers. He strides to the large fountain and inspects a suddenly cleared area of the ledge.

Huge 3'x3'x3' cropped tip triangular slabs of a polished black and gray granite nestle together in a repeating pattern. Adjusting his rucksack to his left shoulder, NICO wraps a huge hand around one of the outer truncated tips of the 10 inch thick slab. With a bunching of muscles in his forearm and right shoulder, NICO pries free his slab from the others with only a slight puff of dust.

Carrying the slab like a suitcase, NICO strides, alone towards the hot spot. His crowd is now stunned speechless and motionless. Either at the immense strength just showcased or at the sheer audacity of this giant of a man.

At the sixth row of seats formed into the ringed stone, NICO stops again. Carefully he places the slab upright on one of the long sides and balanced on the 'seat' of stone. After dropping his ruk behind the vertical slab, and with an easy hop, NICO perches upon the stone with one foot on either side of the apex. Adding to his imposing height, the additional 5 feet of bench and slab made NICO seem to loom over the entire amphitheater.

After a few second of closing his eyes and baring his face to the sun, NICO clears his throat with a soft yet dust rumbling "ahem". He remains with his face still upturned and eyes closed.

The entirety of the assembled crowd adruptly focuses on NICO.

The light falling on him seems to burn away a barely perceptible grayish fog surrounding him. This has the effect of revealing NICO for inspection by the more distrustful of the throng.

The vision

DRAGONFLYDIRECTOR

Saturday, March 27, 2004 10:52 AM

INTERLUDE TWO Part 2
LOCATION - NEW HOKKAIDO PRE-ENTRY ORBITAL INSPECTION DOCKS
Inside the Marshal's Office
As ...

The MARSHALL is seated at his desk, HLASTONI stands with his arms folded. His hood of his flight suit creased neatly across his shoulders and his goggles/breather nestled in its holster on his chest. His attitude is one of restrained and controlled snapping of ones patient sanity. His stance and an occasional rippling of his jaw muscles are the scant indicators of his wound up mental state.

CORZAIRE JAX is standing with papers clenched in his fist, the only indication of his rising anger. His voice very quiet and controlled as he questions the MARSHALL.

JAX
"We have our permits and clearances and I have acquiesced in all of the other stipulations and other variant improbable criteria. with a slip of composure and allowing sarcasm to sneak into his tone "And paid ALL of the associated fees, tariffs, licenses and ... tips." the last word is grated out as if it cost flesh and blood for JAX to say it.

The MARSHALL grins at JAX's momentary loss of control. He waves to the pile of platinum coin on his desk and says in his peculiar nasal swinish wheeze...

MARSHALL
"Diz here ull buy ya zum lezzway. Butz I ztill haz ta check yer bona-fidez. Lezzen ya got a bet'er method of suzpeedin' yerselfz along."

Greed fairly oozes from the MARSHALS every pore as he leers up at JAX. However, JAX is momentarly lost in the reflected sparkling of the coins. The flashes of light dancing merrily across the multiple fold and greasy creases of the many chins dangling beneath the MARSHALL's lips and jaw like a grotesquely inflamed wattle.

Shaking himself free of the hypnotic lights and horridly quivering gelid flesh, JAX shakes his head in the negative. The MARSHALL sighs and scoops up his coins and waddles to the closed office door. He then makes a production of turning around in stages, maneuvering his bulk in tiny steps.

After getting no response for his theatrical effort from either JAX or HLASTONI, the MARSHALL shrugs and truns again and struggles out the door.

MARSHALL
over his shoulder and in a peevish whine
"I b zeeing to yer bona'z here is a zec, gotta drop a load of ferta'lizer inna can first."

After the MARSHAL exits, JAX uncharacteristically pops the door with one hand and it slams with a heavy thud.

JAX
in a strained high pitched rant
"Of all the smeg swilling ... ignorant gimboyd ... lemur molesting ... Camel urine sucking ... Ga'shite-nas!"

HLASTONI
in his dry and bored tenor, with NO hint of mirth
"Gesundheit" He shifts position slightly and peers thru slitted eyes and in a sideways manner at JAX "We're going to be late for the transfer. CAPTAIN RAHN and THORNE will not be amused." HALSTONI blinks a single time and continues "And you would not want to disappoint TILDE, now would you?"

JAX gives an all suffering grimace towards HLASTONI. He then looks heavenward as if asking the Gods to strike this leather clad heathen with a bolt of lightining. In HLASTONI's case, preferably bolts - plural - of massive damming and huge amounts of amprage containing holy fire from the blue heavens above.

When no such Godly retribution is generated in response to his unspoken plea, JAX drops his chin to his chest and emits an explosive, resigned sigh.

JAX
weakly and without force
"Sod off, you testosterone poisoned git."

HLASTONI
with a slight tilt of his head and a stern reprimanding tone lacking any hint of comedy
"Language, Squire ... language."

END OF INTERLUDE TWO

OOC:
I think I got the stuff I needed to foreshadow finished in these 2 interludes. At least till the mini begins!

I am working my way up to fashon the all important and highly anticipated "Kaylee and Simon Encounter" flashback continuance.

*Cap'n

GEEZER

Saturday, March 27, 2004 6:51 PM

MAL's MOVE:

LOCATION: BRIDGE

MERZ: "Good morning, Captain Reynolds. How stands the day? Do you need me as a watch stander and if so, when? If I have a bit of time free, I could use someone to show me the laundry facility."

[MAL's first reaction is shame, since he's obviously asleep on watch and dreaming the image of MERZ, standing at parade rest, wearing nothing but skin. He shakes his head, but the image remains, and he slowly realizes that he's awake, and a beautiful naked woman is standing there awaiting his orders.]

MAL: "Wu de ma! Well...Uh...Laundry first I'm thinkin'. And then put some of it on. We tend to wear clothes on this boat, mostly. All that outfit'll do is have you fightin' JAYNE off with a stick an' givin' Shepherd Book a case 'o the vapours. The laundry's down off the common room, next to the lavatory, so run an' get you some cleanin' up done now. But first stop by your bunk and wrap a blanket or somethin' 'round you. When you get that done come see me, an' we'll talk about your duties."

EOM

Wu de ma - Mother of God

"Keep the Shiny side up"

SQUEE

Saturday, March 27, 2004 9:42 PM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - BRIDGE

Quote:
Originally posted by Geezer:
MAL: "Wu de ma! Well...Uh...Laundry first I'm thinkin'...

Damon looks up when he hears Mal's reaction. Merz is standing completely naked with her back to him.

Tzao gao...

He feels his face go red and he quickly diverts his eyes back to the empty bowl in his hands. Despite the fact that she is much older than he is, he can't help but be reminded of how long it has been since he was last with a woman. A long gorram time.

The woman has guts to walk around like that on a boat full of strangers.

Mal finishes talking and both wait for Merz's responce.

Tzao gao - shit
Wu de ma - Mother of God

I'm not broken, in my dream I win...

MERCEDESTROY

Sunday, March 28, 2004 12:59 AM

MERZ move

LOCATION - BRIDGEAs...

MERZ cocks her head “Do I understand that you find my appearance inappropriate? Humm . . . I will remember it in the future. On my last posting, I was assured that among associates this was merely an indication of trust. I did not intend to distress anyone. I shall, of course, take care of this at once. My apologies Captain.”

She turns to leave the room, and is unsurprised to see DAMON behind her. His breathing had given him away. But before leaving the room, she pauses and looks back at MAL. “I do have one question, but the answer can wait until I return. What is a Shepherd?”

She nods to DAMON as she passes and returns to her bunk, shaking her head. * ich schwre, daß sie die richtlinien bilden, während sie entlang gehen. sie sind gerechtes verwirren mit meinem kopf

EOM

*I swear they are making up the rules as they go along. They are just messing with my head. (German)

OOC: this neither translated well nor translated back well. this is what I represent her as saying anyway

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

GEEZER

Sunday, March 28, 2004 2:56 AM

MAL's MOVE:

Location: Bridge

MERZ: “Do I understand that you find my appearance inappropriate? Humm . . . I will remember it in the future. On my last posting, I was assured that among associates this was merely an indication of trust. I did not intend to distress anyone. I shall, of course, take care of this at once. My apologies Captain. I do have one question, but the answer can wait until I return. What is a Shepherd?”

[MAL watches MERZ walk away with a mixture of enjoyment and puzzlement. What gorram kind of 'verse does this woman come from that she thinks walking around a ship buck naked is normal? And how could anyone not know about Shepherds? As MERZ moves out of sight, he finally registers that DAMON is standing in the door, blushing to the ears.]

MAL: "Well, put your eyes back in your head an' come in. At least you're dressed. An' you do know what a Shepherd is, right?"

EOM

"Keep the Shiny side up"

SQUEE

Sunday, March 28, 2004 8:45 AM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - BRIDGE

Quote:
“Do I understand that you find my appearance inappropriate? Humm . . . I will remember it in the future. On my last posting, I was assured that among associates this was merely an indication of trust. I did not intend to distress anyone. I shall, of course, take care of this at once. My apologies Captain.”

Trust? Yeah, definitely a sign of trust. You have nothin' to hide, you can walk around as carefree as you want.

Damon steps aside, trying to keep his eyes off of Merz as she passes.

Quote:
Originally posted by Geezer:
MAL: "Well, put your eyes back in your head an' come in. At least you're dressed. An' you do know what a Shepherd is, right?"

Damon clears his throat, as he looks up at Mal, and walks onto the bridge.

"Yes- well no, but I heard him being called Preacher so..."

He is quiet a moment as he pulls himself back together and reminds himself of why he is here.

"I came up to ask what I can do to pay for the ride. I don't know if you're lookin' for a hired hand but I'd be willing to work hard for any coin you can throw my way after I pay off what I already owe."

I'm not broken, in my dream I win...

MERCEDESTROY

Sunday, March 28, 2004 4:18 PM

MERZ MOVE

LOCATION - BRIDGE to MERZ BUNK to LAUNDRY ROOM

Between the bridge and her bunk, MERZ is careful not to cross paths with anyone else. Bloody difficult to keep all the rules straight. Hardly worth bothering to try, let them take her as she is. oh yes, like i can do that. must maintain an appearance of normality. must blend . . . easier to shoot self and be done with it

She sneaks quietly back into her bunkroom and closes the door. She carefully removes the blanket from the bed and does a clumsy but functional wrap, covering herself. Gathering her clothing she leaves again, slowly to avoid tripping over the trailing blanket and returns to the common area to find the laundry area. Glad it is a slow hour of the day and she does not have to dodge many of the crew.

MERZ finds the correct area. Now, this is going to be the fun part. How does one go about this? First washing machine. Check. The box in the middle with a door on it. Second: probably put clothes in machine. Check. Third: Soap? Where? Ah, box on shelf marked “Laundry soap”. Good enough. Dump some soap with clothes. Fourth: Start? Hum. Yes, button marked start. Satisfactory noises from the box, well at least something is happening.

MERZ settles down on the floor and waits for the machine to fall silent again, supposing that will mean the process is finished.

there, that was not so hard. learn something new every day It isn’t until some sort of foam starts emerging from under the lid that she suspects that something is not quite right.

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

CIARA

Sunday, March 28, 2004 7:23 PM

LOCATION - INARA'S SHUTTLE
As ...

Inara stretches, rolls over, and finally allows her eyes to open. She rises to her feet and reaches over her head, stretching out all the kinks in her back.

Fully rested and more than a little famished, Inara grabs a snack from her secret stash and sits before her cortex terminal, nibbling on dried fruits. One leg pulled up to her chest, chin resting on the knee, Inara begins her research for the evening.

A much younger picture of "Rosie" Thorne appears on her screen, the Companion database providing a long list of likes and dislikes, history and prior companion interactions. Thorne's Companion history is impeccable, often visiting a companion more than once, and being quite loyal to only her in the meantime. Inara smiles and sits back, biting her lip as she ponders her choices for the evening. Finally rising and removing a shift from the wardrobe, Inara begins to undress in preparation for her bath.

EOM

Just a humble supplicant in service to all things Joss

ASTRIANA

Sunday, March 28, 2004 7:28 PM

ZOE/WASH'S MOVE:
LOCATION - WASH & ZOE'S BUNK

Zoe stirs slightly in her sleep, sated and content with Wash curled behind her ("spooning"), one arm draped across her waist. They sleep peacefully.

End Move.

OOC: Lemme know when it's time to wake 'em up!

~A~

...I'm still free,
You can't take the sky from me.

GEEZER

Monday, March 29, 2004 2:21 AM

Thorne's Move:

Location: His quarters/Laundry area

[THORNE hears someone rattling around in the laundry, and decides it would be a good time for him to take care of his washing too. He digs out his laundry bag and heads out to claim the next spot. MERZ, wrapped in a course blanket, is sitting on the laundry floor, watching with puzzlement as foam starts to overflow the washer. THORNE steps past her, pushes the lid down and flips the sealing latch. The overflow stops.]

THORNE: "Have ta' remember to seal the washer on these Fireflys. Specially if you use too much soap. Should be all right now. From the looks of it, you found a laundry just in time. Blanket's not the most convenient thing to wear, is it?"

[THORNE would like to find out why MERZ is just a blank to his empathic senses, but can't think of a way to bring it up. Maybe if he just talks to her a bit something will come up.]

"Really was impressive the way you handled that cannon yesterday. I'd guess that you're no stranger to combat. And your discipline has all the earmarks of Alliance training. So how'd you end up sitting on a rock in the middle of Serenity Valley? It's not your usual place to catch a ship, though it worked out pretty good for you."

EOM

"Keep the Shiny side up"

MANIACNUMBERONE

Monday, March 29, 2004 10:59 AM

Book's Move
LOCATION - Book's Room

Book rises, as always, at 5:00 a.m., washes, puts on a long informal tunic and sits in the half light of his room for an hour of meditation. Afterwards, taking his Bible in hand, he goes to his door, slides it open wide and goes up the aft stairs to the galley to await other early risers with coffee.

EM

MERCEDESTROY

Monday, March 29, 2004 11:49 AM

MERZ move

LOCATION - LAUNDRY AREA

MERZ is obscurely glad when someone enters the laundry, and proceeds to correct her error with the machine. Now she will know next time. And was spared asking for assistance.

Quote:
THORNE: "Have ta' remember to seal the washer on these Fireflys. Specially if you use too much soap. Should be all right now. From the looks of it, you found a laundry just in time. Blanket's not the most convenient thing to wear, is it?"

Ah, she knows who this is now. Between his scent and the voice – this is the command voice from yesterday. One of the crew (?) she has not yet met. She puzzles over how to speak to him correctly as he continues speaking to her.

Quote:
"Really was impressive the way you handled that cannon yesterday. I'd guess that you're no stranger to combat. And your discipline has all the earmarks of Alliance training. So how'd you end up sitting on a rock in the middle of Serenity Valley? It's not your usual place to catch a ship, though it worked out pretty good for you."

again with the questions. always with the questions. maybe i should just post it on a board for them all to read

MERZ looks up at him, debating smiling. Decides against it – has had enough of that ridiculous grin for one day. She sticks one hand outside of the blanket – she knows this gesture ‘see I am unarmed and therefore harmless’ and allows him to take her hand. “Mercedes Troy. They call me Merz for short. I appreciate the assist with the laundry. My wardrobe is on the limited side. I tried it without the blanket first. Apparently an error on my part.” She retrieves her hand and carefully makes sure the blanket is sufficiently protective.

“I was in the valley for a reason. Did not work out. Serenity just happened along about the time I decided was time to move on. When I came up to see if they were in a hiring mood – heard DAMON request assistance mounting the cannon. Was something I could do and had expected to try to bargain for passage anyway. Worked out well, I would not have wanted to be around when the patrol came through.”

She looks up at him, head canted to one side. “You are military yourself. You don’t learn that command voice all at once. You may think of me as ex-military, which is sufficiently accurate. Firing that cannon . . . was not something I wanted to be reminded of, but I suppose it could have been worse. Serenity would have been safe anyway – I would not be surprised if DAMON could not have manned the cannon just as well.” She pauses. “I never caught your name either.”

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

GEEZER

Monday, March 29, 2004 4:47 PM

MAL's MOVE:

Location: Bridge

DAMON: "I came up to ask what I can do to pay for the ride. I don't know if you're lookin' for a hired hand but I'd be willing to work hard for any coin you can throw my way after I pay off what I already owe."

[MAL considers what THORNE had just said about chipping in a little extra to help out the hitchers, and decides he can be generous, since it's someone else's money.]

MAL: "I figger you've been on the books since you helped get that cannon workin', an' crew don't pay room an' board on my ship. Guess I could charge for the hop from the docks to the Valley, but the bookkeepin' would cost more than the fare. If you're willing to work 'til we get rid of the cargo at New Hokkaido, you'll get a half share of this caper, an' then you're on your own. Sound fair to you?."

EOM

"Keep the Shiny side up"

GEEZER

Monday, March 29, 2004 5:14 PM

THORNE's MOVE:

Location: Laundry

MERZ: “Mercedes Troy. They call me Merz for short. I appreciate the assist with the laundry. My wardrobe is on the limited side. I tried it without the blanket first. Apparently an error on my part.”

[Without the blanket? That would have been interesting. You'd think that a women of MERZ' apparent age would know better than to walk around a strange ship in the alltogether.]

MERZ: “I was in the valley for a reason. Did not work out. Serenity just happened along about the time I decided was time to move on. When I came up to see if they were in a hiring mood – heard DAMON request assistance mounting the cannon. Was something I could do and had expected to try to bargain for passage anyway. Worked out well, I would not have wanted to be around when the patrol came through.”

“You are military yourself. You don’t learn that command voice all at once. You may think of me as ex-military, which is sufficiently accurate. Firing that cannon . . . was not something I wanted to be reminded of, but I suppose it could have been worse. Serenity would have been safe anyway – I would not be surprised if DAMON could not have manned the cannon just as well...I never caught your name either.”

[Well, that was a long speech that provided almost no information. Just that she wouldn't mind being off the Alliance's screens. Time to give a little and see if I get something back.]

THORNE: "Oh, sorry. Where are my manners? I am Roosevelt Thorne. I've chartered this ship to deliver a cargo to some friends on New Hokkaido. And yes, I've been in both Alliance and Independent service, though not since the end of the war.

I hesitate to disagree with you, but I don't believe DAMON could have handled the situation yesterday. Even unwounded, he would not have your strength or reflexes. The Crazy Ivan would have left him stunned on the floor. You obviously train hard. Any particular technique?"

EOM

"Keep the Shiny side up"

CHANNAIN

Monday, March 29, 2004 11:35 PM

Rowan's Move:
LOCATION - PASSENGER DORMS

Not hard to tell on a Firefly when it's time to be up and around. First she hears extra water intake from the stores in the general direction of the laundry, which means someone is getting pretty ambitious for what remains of the wee hours. Then one of the other dorm room doors opens and she hears footsteps on the deck grating that sounds wide-spaced and easy. Book, probably. That means the rest of the ship will be up soon. So if she's going to see to her eye, now is probably the best time for it.

Placing the black book mark with its embroidered green dragon in place - just as Bold Talent is remembering his time on foreign shores - she sets Spring Moon aside and swings her legs down to slip back into her sandals. Heading out, she finds the passageway empty and moves down across the common area and into the infirmary.

Gathering up appropriate supplies, she sits down on a handy stool and uses the shiny cone of a surgical light, manipulating it so she can see the Rapiheal patch. Carefully lifting the tape, she pulls the patch away and is surprised to see that the injury isn't nearly as bad off as she figured. Must be a number 10 patch - unusual to see more than a number 5 this far out in the black - which makes her ponder the idea of Serenity's doctor dabbling a bit in black market medicines.

The flesh around the eye is still somewhat discolored but not nearly as dark as she had imagined, and the marks left by the splinters still show, but only as the barest pink scars.

Staring at her eyes, one brown and one green, she reluctantly ducks her head to remove the dark brown contact. Looking up again, she stares at green eyes that seem strange and foreign, as if they belong to a complete stranger.

Quote:
He was reviewing the latest Revolution transmission with her, hearing his own distorted voice discussing the political aspirations of one Crofton Trihn - mining tycoon and known slave owner, in addition to being a loudly voracious supporter of Unification - and she could tell he was fascinated with the green Asian eyes she had used for the video representation of "The Exile", the Revolution's fabricated rogue reporter.

"That's incredible - how long did it take you to do that?"

She turned to look at him. "Do what?"

He gestured to the monitor. "To digitally change your eyes to green for the avatar? It looks so natural. I had no idea you were that talented."

It made her smile. "Well, it's not so much a matter of talent as genetics."

He frowned, confused. "I don't understand."

Looking right at him, she did the one thing she never thought she would do with anyone. She shifted aside the lens she had worn since she was eighteen to show him the true color of her eyes. He stared, just as she expected he would, but not with the same sense of shock or revulsion she had come to abhor from others. The fascination he had displayed while staring at the screen returned to chase his frown away.

"Lìngrén jingyì," he said softly.

Staring back at him, she saw his mouth curve and knew she wasn't looking at her former teacher, or the Independent leader anymore, but the man.

And her heart leapt for joy.

Rowan blinks both eyes, then the right one on its own to test the muscles. It still aches a bit, but not nearly as much as it could have without treatment.

ROWAN (softly, amazed): "That Simon knows his craft. Family money was well spent on that boy."

She stares at herself again, breathes a sigh and stands to go toss the last lens in the trash. She can't very well walk around with one brown eye and one green - it would be ludicrous. Nevertheless, dropping the lens feels like dropping an identity or tossing aside a shield she's held in front of herself for years. Watching it land in the trash, she folds her arms tight around her shoulders and takes another deep breath before turning away.

Food would be the next order of business, then perhaps a visit to the Companion. She may have the kind of makeup

MERCEDESTROY

Tuesday, March 30, 2004 12:18 AM

MERZ move

LOCATION - LAUNDRY AREA

Quote:
"Oh, sorry. Where are my manners? I am Roosevelt Thorne. I've chartered this ship to deliver a cargo to some friends on New Hokkaido. And yes, I've been in both Alliance and Independent service, though not since the end of the war.

pause

Quote:
I hesitate to disagree with you, but I don't believe DAMON could have handled the situation yesterday. Even unwounded, he would not have your strength or reflexes. The Crazy Ivan would have left him stunned on the floor. You obviously train hard. Any particular technique?"

MERZ has returned to that state of non-expression that seems most characteristic. “Mr Thorne. I suppose I appreciate your assessment of my abilities. I am not sure I understand or agree.”

She slowly and with such dignity as is possible while draped in a blanket, rises to her full 5’ 4” height and looks THORNE full in the chest. “However my life and my past are my own. At this time, I decline to share it in a haphazard manner. To the best of my knowledge there is nothing that should have any bearing on you, this ship, or your mission. Therefore there is nothing that you need to know right now. Should the situation change, I will be sure to speak.”

MERZ once more seats herself, and returns to waiting for her clothes to be clean.

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

GEEZER

Tuesday, March 30, 2004 12:53 AM

THORNE's MOVE:

Location: Laundry

MERZ: “Mr Thorne. I suppose I appreciate your assessment of my abilities. I am not sure I understand or agree. However my life and my past are my own. At this time, I decline to share it in a haphazard manner. To the best of my knowledge there is nothing that should have any bearing on you, this ship, or your mission. Therefore there is nothing that you need to know right now. Should the situation change, I will be sure to speak.”

THORNE: "If you do not care to discuss your past, I will certainly respect your wishes. I suspect, though, that in any place with a substantial Alliance presence your charming combination of arrogance and naivete will draw the attention of those less willing to let you keep your secrets. It might be well for you to have friends when that occurs.

In any case, I'll leave you now. When you're finished here, please let me know so I can wash some things too. Just knock on the far door of the right corridor. Oh, and the washer goes into an automatic vacuum dry cycle after the spin. Don't try and open it until the blue light comes on, or it'll suck your wet clothes right out of the ship before the failsafe can activate."

"Keep the Shiny side up"

BOOMERGOODHEART

Tuesday, March 30, 2004 1:29 AM

Kaylee's Move
Location: Engine Room (roughly the same time as Book starts coffee)

Kaylee slowly swims up from the nightmare. She can't really remember what it was about, but her sense of unease about Simon has grown.

Sleepily, she takes the memory stick out of her pocket and holds it to her eye. Simon's face shimmers into view. He says 2 things to her, then fades away again.

Smiling somewhat, she slips back into a doze. In time, a frown creases her brow.

The nightmare is back.

End Move

BoomerGoodheart
"I love my Captain."

MERCEDESTROY

Tuesday, March 30, 2004 2:08 AM

MERZ move

LOCATION – LAUNDRY AREA

MERZ waits until Roosevelt has left the room before she slumps from her rigid pose. i don’t want you to get hurt. i don’t want anyone to get hurt. the fewer people who know about me, or care about me, the less likely someone will do something foolish when they come looking for me. better i should be misunderstood.

She punches the deckplate beside her with her right fist. and you, brink helsing. when we meet again, if we meet again. will i be able to bring myself to anger you too, to drive you away for your own good?

What THORNE said about the washer and her clothing sounded – odd. If they are properly reclaiming the water, her clothes should be safe enough. If there is time enough in the next day or so she will look over the system and see how it is working. Or ask KAYLEE to show here the system. Can’t waste a valuable commodity like that. Oh and must find time to show ZOE how to work the simulation system on the cannon – teach her how to use the new gun. And install some fighting straps on both chairs on the bridge. Going to need them now.

Good to keep busy. Don’t think so much when you are busy.

roosevelt, I hope we both live long enough for you to forgive me . . . someday. you would have made a good commander and i respect you for that

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

SQUEE

Tuesday, March 30, 2004 2:34 AM

OOC: sorry Capn, things have been hectic lately, got Smegol mixed up. thanks for getting me back with the group.

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - BRIDGE

Quote:
Originally posted by Geezer:
MAL: "I figger you've been on the books since you helped get that cannon workin', an' crew don't pay room an' board on my ship. Guess I could charge for the hop from the docks to the Valley, but the bookkeepin' would cost more than the fare. If you're willing to work 'til we get rid of the cargo at New Hokkaido, you'll get a half share of this caper, an' then you're on your own. Sound fair to you?."

Fair? I gave up on judging fair a long time ago.

Damon nods. "Sounds fine. Is there anything you want done in the mean time?"

I'm not broken, in my dream I win...

CAPNRAHN

Tuesday, March 30, 2004 4:29 AM

GYRFALCON - IN TRANSIT
As ...

SLIGHT looks over his shoulder at the SIMON. He seems to have fallen back asleep, but in an uncomfortable looking sprawl across the seat. Sensing only a normal, well mostly normal dreamstate - SIMON's passion was not his to experance. So much this doctor holds inside. SLIGHT shakes his head with warm humor and turns back to check on the controls.

Dream Location - Serenity's Engine Room
As ...

SIMON
softly and with a very slight hesitation in his pace
"Umm, I would very much like to talk with you. If you have the time"

KAYLEE self-consciously rubs a spot of molyB lube off of her nose and gestures him in with a warm but wary smile.

SIMON enters and absently mindedly pulls the door 3/4 closed. He looks like a man on the verge of a cliff, perched as he is on the top step into the engine room. KAYLEE has a brief memory of a cute cliff-diver on some planet or other. Suddenly she feels strange ... the teen diver ... while it was fun, just didn't, feel the same. Didn't make her feel the same as being near SIMON did.

This feeling was too new, too different. It surpassed her initial puppy love infatuation with the young doctor by leaps and bounds. Too confusing. Especially since these strange bouts of anger SIMON displayed recently. KAYLEE hated yelling and anger in general. Folks just needed to see the positives side and not get so twisted up over stuff. She looks up to SIMON and cannot help but feel comfortated, warm and tingly all at the same time.

Shaking her head ruefully at SIMON's hesitance, she allows her good feelings to be reflected in her smile.

SIMON returns the smile tenfold. It is full of boyish charm and relived happiness.

He moves over to her and with every step closer to KAYLEE, his bearing becomes assured and very confident. He absolutely knows this is the right thing to do, for the both of them.

Looking directly into KAYLEE's curiosity filled gaze, he gently and firmly takes her hand and says...

SIMON
with a small sigh and in a deep breathy whisper, barely heard...
"It is time for me to be honest..."

EOM

"Remember, there is only ONE absolute - There ARE NO absolutes!!!"

BOOMERGOODHEART

Tuesday, March 30, 2004 8:12 AM

Kaylee's Move
Location: Adrift in Dreamland

Kaylee's face tenses in her sleep as Dream Simon says "It is time for me to be honest..."

End Move

BoomerGoodheart
"I love my Captain."

MANIACNUMBERONE

Tuesday, March 30, 2004 9:24 AM

Book's Move
LOCATION - GALLEY

After brewing coffee and pouring a cup, Book settles himself at one of the side couches in the Galley, Bible sitting next to his mending right hand, coffee in his left and some cut fruit on the small table in front of him.

The rich smell of the coffee under his nose seems somehow nonexistent, his thoughts a million miles away, on a ruined doorstep. A single flower in honor of his loss. A ritual. Book watches himself in his mind's eye, placing the flower on the doorstep again. The image harsh and uncomfortable, he forces himself to hold up his guilt and examine it.

Thinking back to what he read of Earth-that-was, in many Buddhist countries you offer flowers to the Buddha image. Not simply because you wish to adorn the image with flowers, but to remind you that flowers fade. And so, just as flowers fade, so life is impermanent. Sinking deep into meditation again, Book's eyes close and the coffee becomes cold in his cup.

EM

MERCEDESTROY

Tuesday, March 30, 2004 12:51 PM

MERZ move

STARTING LOCATION - LAUNDRY AREA to THORNE’S DORM

MERZ waits until the machine is completely silent, no lights, no activity. At that point, it is a reasonable conclusion that her wash is safely finished. She reaches in for all three pieces of clothing. Laying the exercise suit aside, MERZ takes the chance that no one will enter this room for a couple of seconds, drops the blanket and quickly slides into the jumpsuit.

todays lesson: no two situations, places, groups of persons, operate by the same set of rules.

todays challenge: how to figure out these unacknowledged rules before one makes a *muji of themselves.

ah, life in the ‘verse . . . is going to be the death of me

Gathering up her clothing and blanket she opens the laundry and glides out toward the passenger area. She knocks softly twice on THORNE’s door. “I’m finished Mr. Thorne. And thank you for the assistance.”

Not waiting for a reply she moves on toward her own room. Once there she re-makes the bunk, folds up her clothes and leaves them on the bunk with her hat and glasses. Checks the sidearm under the pillow. And exits once again into the corridor to head back to the bridge and instructions.

END LOCATION – CORRIDOR OUTSIDE MERZ DORM

EOM

*ass (Nepali)

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

GEEZER

Tuesday, March 30, 2004 6:02 PM

THORNE'S MOVE

LOCATION: HIS QUARTERS/LAUNDRY

[THORNE is re-reading Return of the King for the umpteenth time when he hears a knock on his door.]

MERZ: "I’m finished Mr. Thorne. And thank you for the assistance."

[THORNE places a 10 plat bill between the pages as a bookmark, and walks out the door to the laundry. MERZ has left, but signs of her presence remain. The light is still on, the soap box and washer are both left open, and the lint filter has not been cleaned. She apparently has no idea of the basics of proper shipboard manners. THORNE cleans the filter, carefully measures laundry soap, moves his neatly folded colored washing from his laundry bag to the machine, turns the selector from 'cot' to 'perm press', latches the lid, and presses start.]

"How strange about MERZ", he thinks. "Someone with her obvious military training should have at least some inkling of how to act correctly on a spacecraft. Come to think of it, the few social skills she has displayed seem like they're book-learned rather than gained from experience. Like that dead-fish handshake."

[Since he can't read her emotions at all, it's an interesting puzzle for THORNE, to learn about someone from external signs only. What scenario would create a skilled and disciplined warrior, who didn't know how to do laundry or shake hands?]

EOM

"Keep the Shiny side up"

CHANNAIN

Tuesday, March 30, 2004 6:27 PM

Rowan's Move:
LOCATION - GALLEY

Entering from the aft hallway, Rowan steps inside the Galley to find Jayne has moved along and Book sitting eyes closed in the corner. Softly as she can, she moves into the kitchen grotto and takes a cup down from the cabinets to pour herself some of the Shepherd's robust brew. Taking a long whiff of the rich aroma, she sips carefully and nods in appreciation. Something to be said about a fella that can make decent coffee - the kind that tastes like it smells, rather than like hot water with brown food coloring in it.

Starting for the side couches, she's aiming for the same chair Jayne was schlumped over in when she looks up and sees the Shepherd's dark eyes are open and looking right at her.

Resisting the urge to lift her hand to cover her eyes, she gives him a nervous smile.

ROWAN: "Mornin' Shepherd." (lifts the mug) "Good coffee."

At a complete loss for words, she continues to the chair and settles in. Slipping off her sandals, she folds her legs under and holds the mug close, carefully avoiding the Shepherd's gaze.

ROWAN (to herself): "Even if he doesn't say anything, how long before someone figures it out?"

EOM

We have art so as not to die of truth ~ Neitzsche
http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=7922

GEEZER

Tuesday, March 30, 2004 8:04 PM

THORNE's Move:

Location: Laundry/Galley

[First load done, THORNE pulls his dry clothes, dumps in the whites with soap, sets the machine to 'cot' and starts it. He takes a moment to neatly fold the clean clothes. Smelling fresh coffee, he heads up the aft stair for the galley, where he finds BOOK and ROWAN.]

THORNE: "Good morning, ROWAN, Preacher. Guess I'll grab some coffee. Anyone need a warmup?"

[He fills a cup and waves the pot toward the others, but no one seems interested in more so it goes back on the hotpad. As he walks past ROWAN on his way back downstairs, he comments:]

"Glad you decided to lose the lenses. Your natural color suits you better."

"Keep the Shiny side up"

RAVENWHYTEWING

Tuesday, March 30, 2004 9:05 PM

Slights move:
Slight shakes his head, trying to clear the fogginess of the chemicals coursing through his veins. As he shifts his neck and shoulders, dozens of pops can be heard. He moves his hand up to his head, realizing the splitting headache that has nested into his brain.
With a sigh and a mental urge, Slights armor shifts, injecting into his body some painkillers and stimulants. It's time to wake up.
As he stands, the armor makes several clicking noises, arranging itself into a simple, fishnet-like "shirt" that reaches up to his wrists. It won't garner too much attention, if seen, besides the numerous tattoos across his back and chest.
He smiles as he moves back, looking for a waterjug. Those tats had been part of his rejection of the Blue Sun. It was practically blasphemy to mar a perfect body like his with primitive ink. As he had delved into the underground of the Core, he had done what he had to in order to blend in. As a result, the black wings across the his shoulders had appeared, as well as a celtic knot on the back of his neck. The raven spread onto his chest, beak open in fury. What made the raven special, though, was the white edge running along each of the wings.
Slights smile widened, remembering that choice. The black sheep went white on the edges that no one would see, were the wings folded. No one ever had seen him defecting from the Sun.
His smile dropped, as he remembered why.
It was a simple enough mission. Rape the girl, and wait for her child to be born. Slight had felt niether proud nor disgusted by it. It was a mission, meant for the betterment of the 'Verse, it was preached, but he didn't believe that. He didn't believe anything.
He went with one other. His partner, Angel, was to have no part in it. Angel was a fool, a zealot, the worst kind of fool. He stood at the door, as Slight overrided the controls and slipped inside. He never spoke as she screamed, he never smiled as he finished. But he did do the one thing he ever enjoyed. He stretched into her mind, finding memories and pulling them as he pleased.
As he headed towards the door, he heard the girl whisper. "You're a monster."
He chuckled. "As will be your child." She shook her head, even as tears ran down her face. "Not about that. When you were. . .here." She tapped her head, not sure how to describe what she had felt.
Slight blinked. She couldn't be able to feel that it was him. "When you were in there. . .it was worse than what you did. This body is just a body. But you played with my soul. With my f---ing SOUL!"
Slight felt his breath leaving him, replaced only by a cold frost, covering his heart, his lungs, his skin. "No," he whispered. "Not your soul, just your brain."
"You think it matters?" She was hissing now, covering herself as best she could. He had seen no need to be violent, but she had resisted. "I couldn't control what I thought. That's why we have souls, to know what we think and feel."
He fell to his knees. Right there, at the door. Suddenly he couldn't look at her. "You feeling ashamed? That's your soul," she sobbed. "That's what makes us human. That's what makes life worth living."
"Shut up." Slight couldn't breath. He could see right through her, to her bones. He could see beyond her, into Osiris. But he saw something there he had not before. It was stronger in some than others. A light. Hovering inside everyone. He snapped to Angel. There was no light. There was nothing there. He brought his head around, forcing himself to look at the girl with this new sight. The light there had dimished, was almost gone. But it was still there.
He looked down at himself.
A light began to grow inside of him. It was faint, it was dark, and he could almost feel the scars inside. But it was there.
Slight stood. He could feel himself again. He felt ashamed at himself. Suddenly a rage bellowed through him. He walked out the door. "So," Angel smiled, "you took your time. That much fun, huh?"
Slight smiled in response. "Yes," he replied,

MANIACNUMBERONE

Tuesday, March 30, 2004 9:07 PM

Books Move

Location: Galley

"It is a good morning, isn't it?" Book remains unmoving on the couch. "Glad to see you've taken out the lens." Rowan's averted gaze can't hide the large gulping sound she makes as she sips too much coffee.

Thorne enters

-------
THORNE: "Good morning, ROWAN, Preacher. Guess I'll grab some coffee. Anyone need a warmup?"
------
As the pot goes back to the hotpad, Book sets down his cup, lowers his voice and says to Rowan.

"Seems everyone can't help but notice your eyes."

EM

CHANNAIN

Tuesday, March 30, 2004 9:58 PM

Rowan's Move:
LOCATION - GALLEY

Quote:
BOOK: "Glad to see you've taken out the lens."

Rowan's averted gaze can't hide the large gulping sound she makes as she sips too much coffee, subsequently burning her tongue and the roof of her mouth. Venturing a glance up at the preacher, she sees his gentle smile and nearly responds in kind when Thorne enters.

Quote:
THORNE: "Good morning, ROWAN, Preacher. Guess I'll grab some coffee. Anyone need a warmup?"

BOOK:"I could use one, thank you Mr. Thorne."

Obligingly, Thorne refills the preacher's cup before carting the pot back to the burner on the stove where he found it. He doesn't even look at her on his way back out.

Quote:
THORNE: "Glad you decided to lose the lenses. Your natural color suits you better."

Rowan sighs, trying to decide if both men are just trying to win favor by being kind, or if it's possible they're both color blind.

Quote:
FLASHBACK
"You are an ugly little green-eyed troll, and I wish you had never been born!"

Staring up at her beautiful sister in utter mortification, she ran away that day and stayed hidden in the garden until her brother found her. She was eight at the time.

"Come out, baby dragon," he said softly in Chinese, using the same sing-song tone as when they played hide and seek.

"NO! I will never look at the sunlight again!"

She heard him swear colorfully under his breath and wondered where her twelve-year old brother learned to swear like a space pirate. "She is sorry for what she said. She said as much to me."

"She didn't say it to me!"

"Then why don't you come out so she can?"

"NO!"

So he settled down on the carefully manicured grass instead and began telling her stories about the Little Green Dragon. It was hunger more than his persistence that eventually drew her from under the roots of the bonsai tree. She fell into his arms then and he let her cry herself out before he took her hand and led her up to the house. She fell in love with him somewhere between the fountain and the patio.

ROWAN (to herself: "So now everyone knows, or they will before too long."

The lens on her right eye must have slipped or something when she came back on board after getting her ass kicked by Niska. Fafeng mèi húndàn.

Looking at the Shepherd and seeing his quiet regard again, she sighs and nods slowly, figuring an explanation of some kind is in order.

ROWAN: "I've been hiding the color for so long, it's strange to hear anyone mention it." (she waves a hand vaguely in front of her face) "Kids in school, my sister - they all used it to insult me at some point or other. I was so self-conscious about it by the time I left prep school that I spent a little of my graduation money on the lenses. They were a hassle, but at least they made me look more normal. Nobody looked twice at me and I was able to melt into the crowd. I thought it was liberating."

Staring at a point past Book's shoulder, her smile turns more melancholy.

ROWAN (softly): "Xiang was the first who accepted it. He said they were stunning. How can you not love someone who says something like that?"

EOM

Fafeng mèi húndàn = crazy little asshole

We have art so as not to die of truth ~ Neitzsche
http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=7922

CAPNRAHN

Wednesday, March 31, 2004 2:01 AM

THIS POST IS RATED R or TV-17
FOR: language, adult situations and gore.

LOCATION - GYRFALCON: IN TRANSIT
As ...

... SLIGHT's smile widened, remembering that choice. The black sheep went white on the edges that no one would see, were the wings folded. No one ever had seen him defecting from the Sun. His smile dropped, as he remembered why.

Lost in his reverie, SLIGHT did not notice the sleeping Doctor beginning to shift uncomfortably in his chair.

Dream Location - Serenity's Engine Room
As ...

SIMON
with a small sigh and in a deep breathy whisper, barely heard...
"It is time for me to be honest..."

KAYLEE's face tenses in a quick grimace of concern. Fear washes over her and starts her 'run-away response' to begin to spin up. As she struggles with herself to allow SIMON to say his piece, she hears these painful phantom voices in rapid succession...
DAD
from when she was 10
"Can't play today, Kaylee-girl.

PERRY
from when she was 12
"Sorry, I think of you as a sister, nothing more."

ENISS
from when she was 15
"I'll love you till the stars burn cold!"

ENISS
from when she was 17
"LEAVE ME ALONE YOU FREAK!!! I could have NEVER LOVED any ... THING like you! GO AWAY AND PLAY WITH YOUR TOOLS, YOU LITTLE GORRAM WHORE!"

BYRON
from when she was 18
"It is time we went our separate ways, this just isn't working for me."

GOBSHITE
from the morning after her hellraising 19th birthday party
"Shiiiit lille gurl, it wasn't real"

KAYLEE shakes these ghosts away as she sees that SIMON is looking at her. His calm expression filled with questions. He squeezes her hand gently and with a warm caress that sends a pleasant fiery tingle up her arms, obliterating the shades of her youth with its cleansing flow.

SIMON
with jokingly feigned resignation and a honest quick sweet grin
"Around you, I lose my words ... "

On impulse, SIMON begins to move his head forward slowly. He keeps his eyes on KAYLEE's as he tips his head at THE angle. She looks almost as stunned as she did when SIMON kissed her in the infirmary. And in truth, KAYLEE was immobilized by the unreality of this situation.

SIMON stops his slow approach when they are the barest of spaces apart. His eyes bore into her with an exhilarating intensity. His need for her to connect with him is pouring forth from him. As the waves of radiance sweep over her, KAYLEE is swept up in this gently passionate emotional tide. Their breath mingling and making it feel like both of their thudding hearts were keeping tempo with each other.

She knows he is very different ... her feelings are very different from anything she has felt before ... her 'run-away drive' falters in its power up and is rendered silent in the flood of possibilities. KAYLEE lets go and lets her eyes drift close.

Sensing no barricades between then, SIMON closes the last few millimeters between their lips.

As their lips caress in the fluttering velvet brush of a butterflies wing, a build up of electricity softly makes its presence known. Both move closer as the power of the electricity builds and overflows from SIMON to KAYLEE with each brush and probe of exploration. The thunderous energy flows back again in spasms of heated flashes and bursts of light. They abandon all sense of self and surrender to this emotional coupling of self into one entity. KayleeSimon shares a unity with the stately sensation of overflowing, warm clover honey from one being into the other.

Then from outside, a small frigid voice shatters the connection and blasts the dreamscape ...

VOICE
with a Baltic accent
"Time to bleed..."

SIMON suddenly feels like the ship has spun out of control, images whip about him in a frenzy of color and a crash of sound and fury. KAYLEE's wrenchi

MANIACNUMBERONE

Wednesday, March 31, 2004 9:13 AM

Book's Move
Location: Galley

"They are stunning. I'm not just saying that to get you to love me either." Book's face breaks into a smile, and he hides most of it by taking a sip from his cup.

EM

BOOMERGOODHEART

Wednesday, March 31, 2004 10:57 AM

Kaylee's Move
Location: Engine Room to Galley

Kaylee jerks upright in her hammock, heart pounding and eyes wide. Simon's in danger. She knows he is.

But as she comes fully awake, the urgency fades away. Too much excitement the day before. Mind's playin' tricks on her.

Scrubbing at her eyes like a child, she gets up and follows the aroma of fresh coffee to the galley. Giving a hello nod to Book and Rowan, she rummages around for the last muffin she hid.

Maybe she should share it, but sweets are her weakness. Let the others fend for themselves. Snickering softly, she pours some coffee and heads to the table. Rowan seems nervous; Book seems somewhat amused. Glancing over at them, she catches a quick glimpse of Rowan's eyes.

Her natural curiousity getting the better of her, she moves around the table and gently lifts Rowan's chin up.

"Well now...those have got ta be the prettiest eyes I ever saw. I thought Inara had the best eyes ever, but ya've managed to pass her right by."

Smiling at Rowan's shocked expression, Kaylee wanders back over to the table and gets down to the serious business of demolishing her breakfast.

End Move

BoomerGoodheart
"I love my Captain."

MERCEDESTROY

Wednesday, March 31, 2004 12:13 PM

MERZ move

LOCATION – LANDSCAPE OF THE MIND

MERZ pauses outside of her door, caught in a memory. Triggered no doubt by associations of wrongdoing.

Quote:
She must have been, oh fourteen, the first time they caught her. She slipped away from the mess early, missing a meal to tear down one of the air exchangers that was making a strange noise.

She was wrist deep in the interior of the thing and had pretty much narrowed down the problem, when she heard/felt/smelled/sensed the commander behind her. MERZ came to attention in a flash, aware it was already far too late.

‘Mercedes. Missing a meal is questionable, but you are within your rights, depending on your activities. This activity is not a valid excuse. And missing a training session is unacceptable. We have people here to take care of such mechanical duties; you are not to waste your time in such pursuits. Follow me.’

She follows, unsure of what is to come. It has been 10 years since one of her team rated punishment. He leads her to the gymnasium – acrobatics was the session she was missing. But no one is training, they are mustered, in rank and waiting for . . . her discipline. Rare enough that it becomes an object lesson for all.

He leads her in front of the ranks and leaves her standing there. She is still at attention, staring straight at the team’s ranks in front of her. No one has the slightest expression on their face, no more than she does. But the air smells of excitement and anticipation.

‘Team. We found this unit engaged in deviant behavior. I had believed this to be a thing of the past; it is most annoying to have been mistaken. You will witness her punishment to strengthen your knowledge that difference will not be tolerated.’

He nods and two of her team separate themselves from the ranks and lead her to a corner. Waiting there is a 19-foot I-beam. Merz is puzzled. But not for long.

She is instructed to stand with her arms over her head, palms parallel to the roof. The other two lift the beam onto her hands – it does not take two of them to lift it, but it does to properly balance it for her. Then they stand back leaving her with the weight.

‘24 hours, Mercedes.’ He does not say that she should be standing when he returns. He does not have to.

She shakes her head. “Water under the bridge Mercedes,” she says. “Time now to learn how to cope in the real world.”

She collects her thoughts, finding herself still standing motionless in the hallway. Roosevelt Thorne has definitely put her in a remembering mood. Having a hard time deciding where to go from here, on one hand she needs to report to Captain Reynolds, on the other she definitely can smell coffee. Hasn't had coffee for - over a month. MERZ is spared the decision by a chime from her quarters - sounds like a message alert. She goes on guard at once - no one knows where she is. Better see what it is.

MERZ enters her room once again.

EOM

OOC: if you are interested I looked it up. A steel I-beam 19 feet long, 4 inches wide, 12 inches deep weighs approx 16 pounds per foot and a little over 300 pounds at this length.

OOC2: Having once again put myself in the wrong place at the wrong time, edited last paragraph to correct.

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

GEEZER

Wednesday, March 31, 2004 12:39 PM

MAL'S MOVE:

Location: Bridge

Damon nods. "Sounds fine. Is there anything you want done in the mean time?"

MAL: "Not much to do for a while, an' you'll wanta take it easy after all that floppin' around durin' the Ivan yesterday. Too much floppin' 'round all round. Hey, wait a minute! There's some cam-lock cargo straps down in the cargo bay. Get a couple sets and see if you can rig up some kind'a restraint belts on the seats in here. Seems gorram dumb for the pilot and gunner to be flyin' all over the bridge if we overload the grav generators. Just look in the bin marked 'straps'."

EOM

"Keep the Shiny side up"

GEEZER

Wednesday, March 31, 2004 6:19 PM

THORNE'S MOVE:

Location: Laundry/His Quarters

[Laundry finished, THORNE tidies up the laundry room and returns to his room. The flashing comm reminds him to forward SLIGHT's attachment in his message to MERZ's bunk. He does so now, along with a voice message.]

"MERZ, this is Rosie Thorne. a little earlier I received a message from BRINK HELSING. This one for you came attached to it. Sorry I forgot to mention it earlier. Anyway, here it is."

[That taken care of, THORNE settles in to prepare for his evening with Inara. A surprise or two for her, and then a little meditation to attain the proper state of mind.]

EOM

OOC: and see you Monday.

"Keep the Shiny side up"

CHANNAIN

Wednesday, March 31, 2004 6:36 PM

Rowan's Move:
LOCATION: GALLEY

Quote:
Book: "They are stunning. I'm not just saying that to get you to love me either."

Rowan blushes at the implication as Book smiles into his coffee.

ROWAN: "I don't think he was either, considering he was more or less my boss at the time."

She's startled to feel a hand on her face, turning it up so she can see its Kaylee, and watches the girl smile in approval.

Quote:
KAYLEE: "Well now...those have got ta be the prettiest eyes I ever saw. I thought Inara had the best eyes ever, but ya've managed to pass her right by."

Rowan's jaw drops of its own volition as Kaylee beams and wanders back over to the table. Curling up in her chair, she pulls the muffin into two parts and then quarters and begins delicately eating the pieces with her fingers.

Maybe she could have worn dark sunglasses or something to the Galley to avoid all the attention - positive and well meaning though it may be. They would have been easy to explain away as a temporary contingent for her injury. She could even have gotten into the tournament with them without too much problem - other players have utilized more dramatic means to create an image. Then again, considering Book and Thorne - and Merz - already knew she was covering something up, it would have been a moot effort.

Catching the girl's smile, Rowan smiles back, narrowing her eyes a little without the slightest idea that she's just made herself look as contented as a cat after a long nap.

ROWAN (to herself): "Might have to take care. Wouldn't do to get too attached to these folk. It'll make leaving that much more troublesome when the time comes."

EOM

We have art so as not to die of truth ~ Neitzsche
http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=7922

SQUEE

Wednesday, March 31, 2004 7:19 PM

Damon's move:
LOCATION - BRIDGE to DINING ROOM

Quote:
Originally posted by Geezer:
MAL: "Not much to do for a while, an' you'll wanta take it easy after all that floppin' around durin' the Ivan yesterday. Too much floppin' 'round all round. Hey, wait a minute! There's some cam-lock cargo straps down in the cargo bay. Get a couple sets and see if you can rig up some kind'a restraint belts on the seats in here. Seems gorram dumb for the pilot and gunner to be flyin' all over the bridge if we overload the grav generators. Just look in the bin marked 'straps'."

Assuming he doesn't have to wait to be dismissed, Damon turns toward the hall and heads toward the galley. He notices the smell of strong coffie first and then sees that more of the crew is awake. Book, Rowan and Kaylee sit in various locations around the room silently smiling for no reason Damon can fathom.

He walks over to the kitchen and pours the last of the coffie into a mug. Coffie is not something he's very fond of, but the caffine is invaluable when it comes to staying active with an injured body.

Swallowing most of it, he's surprised to find that it's actually not that bad. Guess not all coffie tastes like recycled dishwater.

He crosses the dinning room, as he finishes the last of his coffie and sets his mug down on the table on his way out.

I'm not broken, in my dream I win...

CHANNAIN

Wednesday, March 31, 2004 8:04 PM

Rowan's Move:
LOCATION: GALLEY

Catching sight of Damon as he comes in from the direction of the bridge, Rowan watches him, waiting for any sign that the wound is giving him trouble. Seems to be moving well, and not favoring the side any. That's a good sign. Might want to check it out, though, just in case. That would be the least obvious way to get out of the Galley and away from all the attention, whether Damon actually lets her look at the wound or not.

Unfolding her legs, she slips back into her sandals and stands up.

ROWAN: "Hey, xiâo dì dì - how's that hole in your gut? Been behaving?"

EOM

xiâo dì dì = little brother

We have art so as not to die of truth ~ Neitzsche
http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=7922

MANIACNUMBERONE

Wednesday, March 31, 2004 8:52 PM

Book's Move
LOCATION - GALLEY

Standing with his now empty cup, Book crosses to the coffee brewer, sets down his cup and prepares more coffee. While waiting, he takes a white cloth covering off a large basket on the counter, carries it over to the table to Kaylee and offers her the first choice from the full basket of fresh muffins, (another boon from Thorne's cargo) then sets the basket on the table.

"Did you sleep well, Kaylee?"

EM

SQUEE

Thursday, April 1, 2004 12:40 AM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - DINING ROOM

Quote:
Originally posted by Channain:
ROWAN: "Hey, xiâo dì dì - how's that hole in your gut? Been behaving?"

Damon stops and turns when he realizes that Rowan is adressing him. Her question reminds him of the ache in his side that he had been ignoring. He looks down into her green eyes, as she walks toward him, realizing that they aren't the same color they were yesterday.

"Haven't looked at it yet, and I haven't looked at the other ones since they got patched up, but all three of em seem to be behaving the way bullet wounds usually do."

He turns back to the door, hoping that she isn't wanting to change the bandages or whatever it is they do. He's had too many people pawing him already.

xiâo dì dì = little brother

OOC: ok, Channain, hope that gives Rowan the exit she needs. Coarse now Damon's looking for one, but I already have his comment on her eyes planned for his change of subject.

I'm not broken, in my dream I win...

BOOMERGOODHEART

Thursday, April 1, 2004 12:59 PM

Kaylee's Move
Location: Galley

Kaylee smiles at Book as he offers her a fresh muffin.

"Thanks, Sheperd...these sure look good."

Taking a still-warm muffin out of the basket, her smiles fades a little as she thinks about the nightmares she's had.

"I dunno, Sheperd. Didn't sleep all that well, and I got a feelin' that somethin' is really wrong. But I couldn't tell ya what it is. Jus' a feelin'. Oh, and here's the memory stick from Simon...you kin pass it on ta whoever's next."

Frowning, she hands the stick to Book.

End Move

BoomerGoodheart
"I love my Captain."

MANIACNUMBERONE

Thursday, April 1, 2004 6:25 PM

Book's Move
Location: Galley

Book reaches out for the memory stick. "I have the same bad feeling." He pockets the memory stick using his uninjured hand and wonders who he should give the stick to next... the answer comes in a flash, River. Looking back to Kaylee, Book's face matches the seriousness of her own. "I had it before Simon left, and it's only gotten worse since he's been away. I never should have let him go off like he did."

RAVENWHYTEWING

Thursday, April 1, 2004 7:29 PM

Slights move:

Slight stares at the doctor. "Pale moonlight?"
The words bring back something to him. Something he can't place. A memory of a presence he'd felt, while in the underground. The burning in his mouth has only gotten worse. It's like he swallowed battery acid

Slight makes a decision he hasn't made since he left the Sun and killed Angel. He decides to delve deeper. With a resounding snap, the nanytes inject into his bloodstream stimulants and DNA shifting drugs, turning his blood into the biochemical soup the Sun wanted so desperately. His eyes begin to bleed as he locks his gaze with Simons.
With a flash, and a boom of thunder, he and the doctor are facing each other. Slights armor is gone, and he is wearing only a pair of black leather jeans and boots. The doctor's clothes are the usual-a a shimmering suit, very posh. THey face each other on a black platuea, with a sky of liqued gold overhead.

But something is different about Simon. The face is creasing, drying, becoming older. And the smile of Simon's, once so gentle, is hardening, crystallizing. Whoever this is, he is evil.

Brink Helsing grins. This is his land, now, and no one may touch him.
The tattoo across his chest and back melts, shifts. It seeps out of his skin, becoming the embodiment of his soul. It pulls out of him, like a hand coming out of water. The raven is at first hazy, seeming to be made of smoke. Then it hardens, and the raven is standing on his shoulder. It gives a fierce cry, stretching silver-tipped wings, challenging the intruder in Simon's mind.
The smile has not changed a wit. A smoke seems to explode out of Simons skin, and with a brief flash Slight is reminded of the Gepetto of Earth that Was. But the kindness of this mans face is marred. He is a killer. And he has taken over Simon's mind now.
The raven launches itself from Slights shoulder. With another cry, it goes to remove this evil. The thing laughs, and Slight can feel a rending in his chest. It's like his heart is being pulled and twisted inside of him! The raven falls to the ground. What was once fierce is now something to be pitied, as it rolls in the ground, its wings broken.

Slight opens his eyes slowly. His chest his head, his arms. . .even his clothes hurts. His whole mouth is burning, tingling, like he just threw up. Without moving, Slight can feel the ship has stopped flying.
His armor is buzzing in consternation over his body. The moment he fell unconsciuos, it exploded off of him, became an impregable cloud, protecting him in his weakened state. As he slowly crawls to his feet, exhausted, the armor returns to his body, clicking and snapping in anger, as it injects painkillers into him. He might pass out at any second, his blood is so filled with drugs.
He reaches for his pack of cigarettes, and finds the inhaler Simon gave him. With disgust, he decides to pocket it, and lights one of his regular cancer sticks. The greasy smoke seems to revive him, as he looks around. The doctor is gone. And he seems to have taken a consul or to, making flying the ship impossible. Digging around, he finds a black trenchcoat, leather. If it had cralled out of the Void itself, he would have worn it.
He steps outside, and can see the town far ahead. It's going to be a long walk, and only the Void knew how he was going to get to NH, but he had to find Reynolds. His crewmember was missing, and while Sliht didn't relish the thought-in fact, was downright scared of it-he had to tell the Captain.
Slight took a long drag of the cigarette. As he began the descent down the hill towards the city, the sun set behind him
The sky above it was blood red.

CHANNAIN

Thursday, April 1, 2004 8:51 PM

Rowan's Move:

Quote:
DAMON: "Haven't looked at it yet, and I haven't looked at the other ones since they got patched up, but all three of 'em seem to be behaving the way bullet wounds usually do."

Taking her cup with her, she joins him at the door, well aware that the last thing he wants is to get checked over again. It was hard enough getting stitches in the boy the first time.

ROWAN: "Well, normally I'd say if you're feeling in the need of pain killers, or something unusual shows up, you should let me know. Considering that would thoroughly ruin that façade of independence you're trying so hard to build, I should probably save my breath, right?"

Her sarcasm at least gets him to stop and turn to give her a dark look. She blows over her coffee as they stare at each other and takes another gulp before continuing.

ROWAN: "I could just follow you around with a couple new Rapiheal patches till you get sick of me, or you could follow me down to the Infirmary and let me put them on now. Then you can just avoid me for the rest of the trip. How's that?"

EOM

We have art so as not to die of truth ~ Neitzsche
http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=7922

SQUEE

Thursday, April 1, 2004 10:00 PM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - FRONT HALL

Quote:
Originally posted by Channain:
ROWAN: "Well, normally I'd say if you're feeling in the need of pain killers, or something unusual shows up, you should let me know. Considering that would thoroughly ruin that façade of independence you're trying so hard to build, I should probably save my breath, right?"

Her sarcasm at least gets him to stop and turn to give her a dark look. She blows over her coffee as they stare at each other and takes another gulp before continuing.

ROWAN: "I could just follow you around with a couple new Rapiheal patches till you get sick of me, or you could follow me down to the Infirmary and let me put them on now. Then you can just avoid me for the rest of the trip. How's that?"

Damon continues to watch her as he conciders her proposal. His leg and arm wound should probably be looked at at some point, but that would require getting undressed. He continues down the hall toward the stairs.

"I got nothing against pain killers. I can get my own the next time I pass the infirmery. As for you following me around, wouldn't you get tired or bored or something?"

I'm not broken, in my dream I win...

CHANNAIN

Thursday, April 1, 2004 10:40 PM

Rowan's Move:
LOCATION - FRONT Passageway

Quote:
DAMON: "I got nothing against pain killers. I can get my own the next time I pass the infirmary. As for you following me around, wouldn't you get tired or bored or something?"

Following along behind, Rowan manages to stay about three steps behind to keep from crowding him as they head down the stairs.

ROWAN: "I'm a people watcher - observing all manner of behavior is my thing. You'd be surprised how much of 9-ball involves watching the other player."

They continue downward. Since her sandals are virtually silent, Damon has to turn to check and see if she's still behind him every six steps or so. At the bottom, Rowan decides to give him a break.

ROWAN: "How about I just give you the patches instead and you do with them what you want - or don't. Just make sure you give them back if you don't, okay? Sneak them in or something? Considering this crew's tendency to get shot at, if you don't use them, they definitely will."

EOM

We have art so as not to die of truth ~ Neitzsche
http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=7922

SQUEE

Thursday, April 1, 2004 11:24 PM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - CARGO BAY

Quote:
Originally posted by Channain:
ROWAN: "How about I just give you the patches instead and you do with them what you want - or don't. Just make sure you give them back if you don't, okay? Sneak them in or something? Considering this crew's tendency to get shot at, they'll use them if you don't."

Damon reaches the cargo bay floor a few steps ahead of Rowan and turns around to face her again. He's not sure what watching people has to do with anything, or even what Rapiheal patches are, but he holds his hand out for them anyway.

"I'd say thank you, but it would ruin my façade of independence and completely throw off all the behavior observing you've done on me already."

A small smile accompanies his flimsy attempt at humor, as he takes the patches from her and pockets them.

I'm not broken, in my dream I win...

MERCEDESTROY

Friday, April 2, 2004 12:38 AM

START LOCATION - MERZ DORM
As ...

MERZ approaches the comm; that being what is beeping at her. She has a transferred message. It is attached to an internal message from THORNE.

Quote:
MERZ, this is Rosie Thorne. A little earlier I received a message from BRINK HELSING. This one for you came attached to it. Sorry I forgot to mention it earlier. Anyway, here it is.

She fires back a quick response. “Thanks Roosevelt. I received it.”

She is not sure she can deal with this . . . confession, revelation, greeting, whatever. MERZ sighs and shakes her head. One thing she has learned over the years is that refusing to notice something never results in it going away. nothing good is going to come of this She opens the file. It is very short.

Quote:
When we meet again, m'lady, there is much I would like to discuss . . . I will return.

There is so much emotion in his voice. She closes her eyes. She hates the thought of it. She cherishes the sound of it. Were he here, could she ever decide between executing him for the danger he represents, or touching his hand to share – what? She has no idea what.

he looked at me like a starving man at a feast. i have seen that look before, where i was always one of many, many others . . . nothing special just another woman. but this time. this time is not the same, not routine, not casual. and he does not know, does not care that i am . . . flawed

She looks at the comm screen, at the image that came along with the message. A bird of prey, with wings of sharpened steel. An odd image to go with this message.

Quote:
I will return

yes i do believe you will. no idea if it will turn out to be a promise or a threat. we will have much to say count on that.

She wipes the message, no point to save it, she will remember it. As she turns away she looks again at the image that somehow she has decided to keep and leave up on the screen. Without being aware of it, she strokes one of the wings with the same caress she gave to Hlastoni’s fighter back in the Valley.

A sudden decision. There is coffee brewing and that likely means people are stirring. Go get breakfast, mingle with crewmates, try to learn some of the rules. Forget {yeah, right} troubling thoughts for now. Leave it for the night and the silence.

MERZ starts for the galley.

END LOCATION - TRAVELING TO DINING ROOM
EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

CHANNAIN

Friday, April 2, 2004 3:21 AM

Rowan's Move:
LOCATION - CARGO BAY and/or INFIRMARY

When Damon holds out his hand, Rowan's quick to react before he has a second to change his mind. Darting into the Infirmary, she opens one of the cabinets, breaks open a fresh box of number ten patches, and zips back out to hand him a handfull.

ROWAN: "Just put these on wherever it hurts. Then call me in the morning." (she grins) "That's earth-that-was doctor humor. Pretty bad, huh? Actually, if one starts to itch, just replace it."

Quote:
DAMON: "I'd say thank you, but it would ruin my façade of independence and completely throw off all the behavior observing you've done on me already."

Rowan lets her gaze slant at him in speculation, returning his smile as he stuffs the patches in the front pocket of his trousers. He's a handsome one, gotta give him that. Would be quite the catch if he shaved of the scruff.

ROWAN: "So where you headed, xiâo dì dì? Toward home or away from it?"

EOM

We have art so as not to die of truth ~ Neitzsche
http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=7922

SQUEE

Friday, April 2, 2004 4:26 AM

OOC: funny that you mention shaving the scruff, Channain, I was going to have him do just that when he replaces his bandages.

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - CARGO BAY

Quote:
Originally posted by Channain:
ROWAN: "So where you headed, xiâo dì dì? Toward home or away from it?"

The question catches him completely off guard. He shifts his gaze, letting it roam for a moment.

Home. Home? It had been so long since he had even thought about home. Although, now that he thinks about it, he remembers dreaming something about home yesterday. Back in the day when a drunk man was the extent of his problems.

"Away, I guess. Haven't been home in... over nine years."

Nine years? Was that all? Seems like so much longer than that. He suddenly finds himself wondering how his mother was doing. Whether she was dead or still trying to drink away her abuse.

Stop thinking that. You go home now and he'll turn you over to Crofton before you take two steps through the door. He sold you once, he'll do it again. Besides, you don't owe her anything.

Still, he can't help wondering if she is okay...

I'm not broken, in my dream I win...

CAPNRAHN

Friday, April 2, 2004 6:52 AM

LOCATION - GYRFALCON:
Orbit, unknown
As ...

SLIGHT makes a decision he hasn't made since he left the Sun and killed Angel. He decides to delve deeper. With a resounding snap, the nanites inject into his bloodstream stimulants and DNA shifting drugs, turning his blood into the biochemical soup the Sun wanted so desperately. His eyes begin to bleed as he locks his gaze with SIMON's.

SIMON simply stares back. His gaze intense, but face impassive, he sits deeper in the chair. Suddenly SLIGHTs eyes snap shut and he, as if in slow-motion, slumps to the deck. His clothes suddenly fly apart in millions of minuscule particles and envelope his body.

SIMON leans forward to inspect the mummified SLIGHT. Satisfied that Slight is fully imobilized, he smiles a small repitilian grin. SLIGHT is most definitely under the effects of the psychotropic mixed in the chemical mish-mash contained within the inhaler cartridges.

He bridges his fingers together as he contemplates the next move. Smiling, he reaches into the pocket and pulls out a small rectangle. Holding it up to the light he peers at the somber face of Book staring out from the ident card.

SIMON
still with slight Hungarian accent
"Training iz evaporating, yes Shepherd? Dulled are ze instincts zeez days. Ah, time to see if my instincts are dulled. I believe my preparations are corvect, ve shall zee."

He uses Book's card to link to a secure wave frequency and inputs a lengthy code. He then speaks into the microphone.

SIMON
"Corvair Troy, It iz time."

SIMON sits back and looks again at the gently buzzing black mummy of SLIGHT.

SIMON
with genteel humor and sigh
"Waiting iz..."

With another soft sigh, he closes his eyes to consider the coming possibilities.

EOM

"Remember, there is only ONE absolute - There ARE NO absolutes!!!"

DRAGONFLYDIRECTOR

Friday, April 2, 2004 7:36 AM

LOCATION - HERA:
The Outback

NISKA huddles next to a small fire in a crook of an old washed-out gully. His fine suit is rumpled torn and very dirty. Sharp and vicious eyes gleam from the edges of the firelight, yet NISKA takes no notice of them. He simply stares into the fire as he goes over his options and desires.

His eyes glitter with the anticipation of setting his full plans into motion. A brisk wind shoots cold needles through his exposed flesh. It brings back the eaisly remembered chill of the cyrobox. NISKA's frown deepens. The faces of the Serenity crew speed by his minds eye to stop on the features of Malcom Renolds.

NISKA
like the report of a shotgun
"GAH!"

The short explosion of sound scatters the predators lurking in the vicinity. NISKA breifly wishes to get the taste of gully-rat out of his mouth. With an internal laugh, he wonders what wine would be best with gully-rat tartare.

Civilization, not much further he thinks. Simple access to a wave set and he will implement his will. Corvair knew the codex and signal skipping pattern. He knows his duty and loyalties ... unlike Early., NISKA nods unconsciously at the thought. He then closes his eyes and contemplates the future possibilities. Possibilities soon to be held in his hands ... his alone.

EOM

"Observe Analyze & Respond"
Motto of the A.P.E.s
Alliance Protean Engineers

MANIACNUMBERONE

Friday, April 2, 2004 10:08 AM

Book's Move
LOCATION - GALLEY

River. She was still asleep a little while ago. Book nods slowly and paces a little, not realizing what he's doing. He continues to nod, talking quietly to himself, as he walks slowly out of the galley, not really looking at anyone.

Book goes down the aft stairs and stops at the bottom. He makes a check on Rivers door to see if any light is illuminating it yet, not seeing anything, he goes quietly back to the common area and begins to pace again. He takes the memory stick out of his pocket, lets it scan his retina again and once again he hears Simon's message to him... asking him, among other things, to watch out for River as best he could. His voice sounded strange, a little tighter than usual. Stress.

LOCATION - BOOK'S ROOM

Books wanderings take him back to his room, where immediately he notices a light purple glow coming from one of his small containers. Knowing this glow, he immediately pushes all other thoughts out of his mind and goes quickly to the container. He removes a communicator. Placing his thumb to the tiny pad on the front, it spring to life and a small face apppears.

Unknown person: "We detected your signal being used on a secure frequency. We couldn't decipher anything of the message, or we wouldn't have broken silence, but you must know that's why you're being contacted..."

Book:"Yes."

Unknown person: "Yes... your signature was used allowing someone to access certain... restricted areas. I'm sorry, but protocol demanded we contact you. We do not doubt you, Sir."

EM

-------------------------------------------
Inara: Who's winning?
Simon: I can't really tell, they don't seem to be playing by any civilized rules that I know.
-------------------------------------------

CHANNAIN

Friday, April 2, 2004 9:13 PM

Rowan's Move:
LOCATION - CARGO BAY

Quote:
DAMON: "Away, I guess. Haven't been home in... over nine years."

Seeing the effect that realization has on him, Rowan lets herself sympathize a little. Thoughts of home have always brought strong images to mind for her. The last time she saw her parents in particular.

Quote:
There was no way of predicting when it would happen. Wars start on their own timetable, marching ahead without the slightest care as to who it might inconvenience.

"At least we got the important part done," she said in Chinese. Hearing the urgent rumblings muffled by the bullet-proof glass, she watched the war begin from behind the scenes and didn't really care for the view.

"That, I think, is a matter of opinion," he replied grumpily. Standing behind her, he folded her into his arms and held her close, his mouth near her ear. "I would have rather have spent this night as we planned."

She smiled slowly and turned to see shadows of frustration in his narrowed eyes. "I don't think I've seen you anxious about anything before," she whispered and touched her lips to the corner of his mouth before they shared a sweet and very thorough kiss.

He was still wearing the off white hounds tooth coat, complete with the red orchid boutonnière. She was in red silk, darker than was traditional, with simple black embroidery. Not far away, her parents were huddled together, observing the goings on below with some trepidation.

"I just wish we could have gotten them back to the space port first," she said. Seeing them cling to each other for support, she squeezed the strong arm around her. "It'll be harder to get them back to Osiris now."

"Harder, but not impossible," he assured her. "I will keep them safe, I promise."

"I know." She had always felt safe with him. Before she loved him she had been aware of his strength, that quality about him that made men want to follow where he led, without getting swallowed up by his shadow. He would do great things for the new Independence and she would help see to it. For better and for worse, and into hell and back. She'd promised him.

Rowan smiled softly and nodded.

ROWAN: "It's been about fifteen years for me. I haven't seen my parents in about ten, and my brother and sister left well before that. I've seen my sister, but not my brother - haven't had so much as a clue on where he is." (she gives him another speculative look) "I'd be willing to bet real platinum that you're an only child."

EOM

We have art so as not to die of truth ~ Neitzsche
http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=7922

SQUEE

Saturday, April 3, 2004 12:42 AM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - CARGO BAY

Damon thoughts return to the woman in front of him when she breaks the silence.

Quote:
Originally posted by Channain:
ROWAN: "It's been about fifteen years for me. I haven't seen my parents in about ten, and my brother and sister left well before that. I've seen my sister, but not my brother - haven't had so much as a clue on where he is." (she gives him another speculative look) "I'd be willing to bet real platinum that you're an only child."

Damon nods slowly. "Yeah, I would too, but I'm not about to wave either of them to ask."

He turns toward the boxes and crates stacked along the wall, looking for one marked 'straps'.

"By the way," he says, hoping to change the subject, "Like your lenses, they suit you."

I'm not broken, in my dream I win...

MERCEDESTROY

Sunday, April 4, 2004 10:02 AM

LOCATION – GALLEY

MERZ reaches the galley without running into anyone else. At the moment it seems pretty much deserted, although heat traces indicate several persons have recently been in the room. KAYLEE is still here, munching on something, with a rather tense and worried look on her face.

There is fresh coffee made. And a basket of still-warm bread of some type. MERZ goes to help herself, nodding to KAYLEE on the way by. She rummages in the cabinet for a mug and pours out some of the coffee. Tasting it, she finds it more than acceptable and, hot as it is, drains the mug. Pouring a second dose, she sits a the table, grabs a muffin from the basket, covers the rest back up, and begins to quietly devote herself to her snack. There is enough coffee for a couple more cups, she decided. If I have any more, I will start another pot. I know how to do that, at least.

She contemplates. i still need to see Captain Reynolds. but i still have questions, that i don’t think he is going to want to deal with. Zoe said that Shepherd Book is one that could be talked to. i don’t know if that would be his area of expertise, but before i talk much to the Captain or anyone else, i think i will sit here and wait for him.

interesting to be able to just sit and have nothing much to do. well, i will give it a few minutes, and then go looking for him. can’t waste the whole day

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

MANIACNUMBERONE

Sunday, April 4, 2004 1:25 PM

Book's Move

Location: Book's Room

Book sits on the edge of his bunk. The now lifeless communicator pad sitting in his stiff hand. I can't believe what I 've done. I've been so foolish. I should tell the captain... at least... but he'll never trust me again. I am a fool. Such a fool.

EM

CHANNAIN

Sunday, April 4, 2004 7:26 PM

Rowan's Move:
LOCATION - CARGO BAY

Quote:
DAMON: "By the way," he says, hoping to change the subject, "Like your lenses, they suit you."

Rowan has to chuckle in amazement, finding the notion that Damon is thinking the green is fake almost hilarious. Definitely a switch from the comments upstairs. Then again, how could he have known either way - it isn't as if she'd been wearing a sign, now is it? So some are more observant than others, that's all. Curious that the ones who seemed to know the brown was a disguise the entire time are two that have military action and a powerfully strange preacher - and interesting that four very different people could actually appreciate the same Almighty-awful shade of green.

ROWAN (self-consciously): "Actually, the brown before - that was from contact lenses. This - the green - is... well, I was born with it. The fight with Niska wrecked one of my lenses, so I'm kind of stuck with this now. At least until we get to New Hokkaido and I can find someone who can render new ones for me."

She takes a deep breath, just about as comfortable with this subject as Damon had obviously been when talking about himself or his family. She decides to save her observations of him for another time and offers a smile.

ROWAN (brightly): "So! What're you up to on this fine, extremely awkward morning?"

EOM

We have art so as not to die of truth ~ Neitzsche
http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=7922

SQUEE

Sunday, April 4, 2004 9:55 PM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - CARGO BAY

Quote:
Originally posted by Channain:
ROWAN (brightly): "So! What're you up to on this fine, extremely awkward morning?"

"Looking for a box of straps," he replies, still scanning the cargo bay. "Captain wants me to install some on the two bridge chairs."

He walks over to a group of boxes and pulls out several. Most of them are unlabled and he sets those aside.

"With my luck the one I'm looking for will be at the bottom," he says more to himself.

He starts to lift a heavy box but stops when he feels his stitches pulling. He leans against the box, giving his wounds a rest, and notices Rowan smiling at him.

"What?"

OOC: Channain, I could just see Rowan finding Damon's predicament amusing. If you want me to change it I can

I'm not broken, in my dream I win...

CHANNAIN

Monday, April 5, 2004 1:25 AM

OOC: Squee: She would SO find it amusing. In a big sister, "SEEEEE? I told you so!" Kind of way. Luckily for Damon, Rowan's too cool to point and laugh.

Rowan's Move:
LOCATION - CARGO BAY

Quote:
DAMON starts to lift a heavy box but stops when he feels his stitches pulling. He leans against the box, giving his wounds a rest, and notices Rowan smiling at him. "What?"

ROWAN: "Oh... nothing. Nothing at all. Just remember what I said about the patches, and in case you need, you know, anything, I'll be visiting the Companion for a bit, then I'll probably be back this way, or maybe up in the galley. Might see if I can con Jayne into a rack or two. But carry on with what you're doing there. Wouldn't want to interrupt the insanity."

Turning, she heads for the staircase and in a few long strides is climbing upward on her way to Shuttle One. Pausing on the catwalks, she manages to sneak a peak at Damon, watching him take one of the patches out and work it out of its wrapping.

ROWAN (to herself): Well, the boy's not too hard headed to learn.

Finding the Shuttle accessway open, she pauses at the hatch first and politely knocks.
LOCATION - CATWALKS

EOM

We have art so as not to die of truth ~ Neitzsche
http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=7922

MERCEDESTROY

Monday, April 5, 2004 2:28 AM

MERZ move

START LOCATION - GALLEY

Ten minutes.

Ten minutes is all she can take, just sitting – doing nothing but sucking down (some of the best) coffee (she has ever had.) MERZ tried to relax, but it just will not come. A little too much weighing on her mind and no practice at it makes it simply that much too difficult at this time. so let’s just go find mr shepherd and see what he can tell me

he is not in the galley. he probably has a room and if as I believe he is not crew, then his is in the passenger side. will start there.

MERZ nods again at KAYLEE as she leaves in the direction of the passenger quarters, listening carefully. (She seems noticeably quiet today.) There is still a lingering heat signature down this way, leading to one room. MERZ pauses outside the door. She really cannot hear anything inside, but takes a chance anyway and taps on the door and announces herself, rather tentatively.

“SHEPHERD BOOK, are you there? It is Mercedes Troy. May I speak to you for a minute? I have . . . questions.”

END LOCATION – POSSIBLEY OUTSIDE BOOK’S DORM

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

TEELABROWN

Monday, April 5, 2004 3:19 AM

*Filler post. Real will come later. I'm trying. I swear.* (I have much, much work)
_____________
After the dance, River decides to leave the room. She wants to feel the ship, hear the heart and soul. The Soul of Serenity-a strong driving force to which these people connect. They just aren't aware. She wanders to the engine room. The beating heart.
______________
Story: Yes, my skit team got to state, so I have tons of work now. (I swear it's a computational error that we got first.) That's it.

_____________
"Freedom is the Freedom to say that 2 plus 2 make 4. If that is granted, all else follws"-Winston, 1984
Teela Brown, keeper of bad typing.
"No one reads these things any way."- Bart on Blackboard

SQUEE

Monday, April 5, 2004 4:09 AM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - CARGO BAY

Quote:
Originally posted by Channain:
ROWAN: "Oh... nothing. Nothing at all. Just remember what I said about the patches, and in case you need, you know, anything, I'll be visiting the Companion for a bit, then I'll probably be back this way, or maybe up in the galley. Might see if I can con Jayne into a rack or two. But carry on with what you're doing there. Wouldn't want to interrupt the insanity."

Damon watches Rowan climb the stairs up to the catwalk with a less than pleased look on his face. Insanity? Is working with a bullet wound in your gut insanity? It was a reality he had lived with for over eight years. Back then it had been a matter of survival, but now it was what? A habbit? Did that make him insane, even slightly?

"Jien tah duh guay..."

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out one of the patches. They may have screwed up most of his life but he refuses to believe that he can't put at least some of it back together, and if wearing a Rapi-whatever patch helps, then he'll wear 'em 'till the box is empty.

He pulls the patch free from its wrapper. Looks like a big band-aid. He pulls up his shirt and inspects his wound.

Should probably clean it first. In fact, I could use a cleaning myself. So could my clothes. Haven't shaved in a while either.

Putting the patch back on the wrapper and leaving the boxes where they are, he climbs the catwalk and makes for his shuttle.

Jien tah duh guay = like hell

I'm not broken, in my dream I win...

MANIACNUMBERONE

Monday, April 5, 2004 6:06 AM

Book's Move
LOCATION - BOOK'S ROOM - INTERIOR

The communicator tucked safely back in its' container, Book is standing motionless in front of his cracked mirror when a rapping sound comes from his door panel. Immediately he thinks it might be the captain, then he discards the idea as he realizes that the knock was too soft. Thinking it must be River, he takes the memory stick from his pocket, then he hears...

---------
“SHEPHERD BOOK, are you there? It is Mercedes Troy. May I speak to you for a minute? I have . . . questions.”
---------

He goes to the door panel and slides it open to find Mercedes Troy, standing at a meek attention directly next to the opening, with a look of half-hearted determination on her face. Book gestures her within his room. "Come in Mercedes Troy." He slides the memory stick back into his pocket and turns the light fixture next to the door a click to the right to enhance the room's luminosity.

EM

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