RP: "Adventures in Gunrunning" - Act 14

POSTED BY: FrauDirektor
UPDATED: Saturday, April 24, 2004 00:52
VIEWED: 22870
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FRAUDIREKTOR

Monday, April 5, 2004 2:06 PM

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
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=17&t=4479

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 (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)
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
Mechanics of RPing Workshop:
http://fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=17&t=3640

Chinese for the RP Player:
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=17&t=3658

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

Frau Direktor

Haff fun stormink zee castle...

FRAUDIREKTOR

Monday, April 5, 2004 2:22 PM

Und here iz vhere everyvun iz hidink:

[end accent]

Mal: On the bridge, probably contemplatin' the Black.
Zoe/Wash: In their bunk, beginning to stir.
Kaylee: In the galley, munchin' on a muffin.
Jayne: Presumably in his bunk.
Inara: In her shuttle, presumably sleeping.
Book/Mercedes: In Book's room, discussing nudity and other protocol.
River: Wandering the ship.
Simon/Slight: On the Gyrfalcon, Heaven knows where. Simon doesn't seem to be himself.
Thorne: In his room, preparing for his evening with Inara.
Damon: In the cargo bay, looking through boxes and reopening his wounds, if he's not careful.
Rowan: Heading up the catwalk on her way to Inara's shuttle, smirking at Damon's rebelliousness.
Niska: Hera's Outback, plotting trouble.

[restore accent]

Und iff I missed anyvun, please let me know.

Haff fun stormink zee castle...

Frau Direktor

SERENITYSSON

Monday, April 5, 2004 2:34 PM

Jayne's Lament:

Well folks, as I'm sure you done seen, I ain't been able to git out of my bunk fer several weeks. I'm rightly afeared that it's gonna' be a few more weeks 'afore I git the time ta' come on out on a regular like basis. Iff'in ya' see me sleepwalkin' feel free ta' guide my actions until ya' kin git me back inta my bunk...

OOC: Sorry folks work is still eating my life, Im now the programing person for Dreamcon as well as Beta testing City of Heros sooo very little time for anything. No official news yet but looks like we may get Kaylee and Zoe as guests for the con! Miss you all and hope your doing well.

The Hero of Canton, the man they call... Meeeeee!

RAVENWHYTEWING

Monday, April 5, 2004 6:08 PM

Wash's move (finally!):
Wash slowly stirs. He doesn't even have to open his eyes to realize that he's in bed with the woman he loves. With a sniff, he can smell the coffee wafting down through the atmo feed. It's probably a good time to get up. Wash leans over and kisses Zoe's forehead. She shifts, and smiles in her sleep. Wash is quiet as he can be, dressing, but of course, she still wakes up.
"Good morning, bao bei," he says softly, smiling with his pants still somewhere around his ankles.

EOM

You see I cannot be forsaken/Because I'm not the only one.

MANIACNUMBERONE

Monday, April 5, 2004 9:02 PM

Book's Move
LOCATION - BOOK'S ROOM

"I would say, first thing is for you to relax." Book relaxes the look he must have been giving her inadvertantly, and soothes his emotions back to stillness.

"Second, you may call me Shephed or Book, and the title is a religious one. I'm not a superior," Book lowers his voice conspiratorally and puts a soft quirky grin on his face. "I actually don't like them much. I'd like to think one day everyone will consider themselves as equals."

Book pauses in his attempts to make Mercedes comfortable and he turns and sits down on his bunk, suddenly exhausted. He wonders what kind of a place she must have grown up in... to believe what she does. She's apparently been taken advantage of without her knowledge.

"You have good instincts. I think you've started on the right road to understanding how to get along with this crew and in new situations in life. You've got to trust someone sometime, like you're trusting me now, and just hope that the person you trust won't lead you astray."

Book stands back up and goes to his cracked mirror, not looking up at it, but instead down at his Bible sitting on the counter below. He picks it up and leafs through a few pages, then turns back to Mercedes. "I will not lead you astray."

"As for the clothing optional statement.... Book says with a somewhat worried look as he scratches at the back of his neck. "... maybe you better tell me a little more."

EM

CIARA

Monday, April 5, 2004 10:32 PM

LOCATION - INARA'S SHUTTLE

short post to let Rowan in--will post more later

As Inara is putting the final touches on her apparel for her evening with Thorne, suddenly there comes a tapping, As of someone gently rapping, rapping at her chamber door.

Assuming a visitor, and nothing more, "Qing jin"* she calls to the door.

(with apologies to Edgar Allan Poe)
*Qing jin--come in, enter

Just a humble supplicant in service to all things Joss

SQUEE

Monday, April 5, 2004 11:55 PM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION- SPARE SHUTTLE

Damon pulls his bag out from under his bed and rifels through its meager contents, pulling out his three shirts, underwear and stray socks. Just as he wonders where his second pair of pants are, he remembers that they had fallen victim to the doctors scissors yesterday.

Looks like I'll be doing some shopping at NH.

After grabbing his razor and putting his bag back under his bed, he steps out onto the catwalk and heads for the infirmery.

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

MERCEDESTROY

Tuesday, April 6, 2004 3:26 AM

MERZ move

LOCATION – BOOKS ROOM

Quote:
I will not lead you astray.

why do i believe him? it is not the first time i have trusted, but why do i believe him?

Book has sat down and then risen again. his posture and his very smell speak of tension and concern. In an effort to make him more at ease, MERZ drops into a seated position on the floor, as much at ease as she can manage.

After a short pause, MERZ answers him, her voice a monotone, her face stone. “All right Shepherd. Home was a barracks with 24 other TROYS. Everything we did, we did together. Clothing was what was needed, called for at any given time for training or comfort only. Time spent among others than us was mission time and had different parameters and strictures. We only know what we are taught and we are taught only what we need to know.

I spent time outside of the shelter of the TROYS. I . . . made different . . friends and learned new things. I learned the difference between nude and naked from one who believed that to be unclothed by choice was among other things, a matter of trust. His companions/crew understood his beliefs and those who would share them. I learned this from him along with other, different lessons. I was beginning to learn more from all of these comrades when they were taken from me.”

Pause

“I did not know enough people to realize all places are not the same.”

Pause

“They told us of religion. We are taught it is a set of lies told by those who would control to those whom they would control, full of contradictions and false comfort. We do not need such things.”

Pause

“I want to learn to fit in while I search for my lost ones. I am afraid that making friends or new companions may endanger them, should I be sought after. TROYS do not leave the group.”

Pause

“I think I may be learning to understand fear. I already know sorrow. And what I had of faith is already shattered.”

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

DRAGONFLYDIRECTOR

Tuesday, April 6, 2004 5:27 AM

INTERLUDE 3 Part I
LOCATION - OMICRON PERSII VIII, OROBOROS
0520 AMT {Alliance Mean Time} As ...
In mid leg sweep, CORVAIR TROY is nearly caught off guard by the apparent buzzing in his left ear. Flipping out of range of his opponent, a motorized stick-man, he lands off of the sensor mat.

Closing his eyes, he concentrates on the scrambled wave that was being relayed to his internal cochlea transducer. After a moment of extracting the message from the code, he smiles tightly and heads for the landing bay.

EOI

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

MANIACNUMBERONE

Tuesday, April 6, 2004 8:48 AM

Book's Move
LOCATION - BOOK'S ROOM

Seeing Rowan sit on the floor, Book stops his random movements and internally berates himself. She just stood there and spoke, and I go and wander about the room. I didn't even offer her a seat. I wonder if she would have taken it.

Book listens to Rowan and remains silent until she reaches religion. He opens his mouth to speak, but the look on her face is one he's seen before and he closes it again.

Book can feel his heart breaking as he listens to this girl tell him of her loss of belief, and her search for freedom. She was meant to come here. Sent here for me to help he thinks. Book closes his eyes for a what he supposes are only a few moments, his hands tightly clutching his Bible, and silently asks for the strength to help Mercedes. He opens them again to see Mercedes watching him intently, and realizes that more time has passed in silence than he thought.

A warm smile on his face, Book releases his grip on his Bible. "Fortunately for you, faith can be mended." Book stops and waits for the inspiration he just asked for. He decides to try to address the issue of the people who had told her about religion. "The measure of anyone is in what they do, not what they say. Those people who told you that religion was meant to control you... did they try to control you?"

Book pauses to see the effect of his words. Is she afraid to speak to me more fully? he thinks. "There's no need for you to fear endangering me." Book sets the Bible back down on the counter top. "Tell me, what does TROY stand for?"

EM

MERCEDESTROY

Tuesday, April 6, 2004 10:42 AM

MERZ move

LOCATION – BOOKS ROOM

BOOK smiled at her.

Quote:
Fortunately for you, faith can be mended. Those people who told you that religion was meant to control you... did they try to control you?

MERZ tried to smile back at him, knowing that her smile more resembles - well she doesn’t know what. But not his. “Did they try to control me? Pretty thoroughly I suspect. I had no measure of how much until I . . . left.”

Quote:
Tell me, what does TROY stand for ?

MERZ considers the question, her face once more relaxed into nothing. “I do not believe it stands for anything. It is just our – name. We are team TROY. I am unit Mercedes. There are other teams. I have met units from team HARN, MORT and OPAL.” Without conscious thought, MERZ has straightened even further than is normal for her, practically sitting at attention. Her words become almost a litany. “We are orphans. We were given names and a place. We are grateful and dutiful. We are trained. We are utilized as needed. We do not question. We do not deviate. We do not fail. We honor our commander.”

MERZ drops her head, and then looks sideways up at the Shepherd, like a young child. “I . . . deviate. I have failed my commander, and I have dishonored myself. I do not wish to return. That is further dishonor.” pause “Strange, to have wishes of my own.”

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

RAVENWHYTEWING

Tuesday, April 6, 2004 9:41 PM

OOC: I said I wouldn't, but I am
Slights move:

Slight wanders into town. His armor has locked itself into the fishnet shirt-like configuration, and is covered by the black leather trenchcoat. Thankfully, it has gone silent.

He can see the typical fare of a ship port. Sad little men, peddling transport, old women selling clothes. Little children running around, trying to find likely pickpocketing targets. Teenage girls in the small alleys, wearing next to nothing and eyeing potential customers.

To Slight, it feels like home.

Searching out the transports is a hassle. He sens a few discreet messages to the armor, and walks slowly to the nearest Cortex terminal. He moves to turn on the screen, and stops, shocked, staring at his face.

His eyes are the deep, fierce gold of an albino. The reflective red is gone, as was the shielded gray.
Slight shakes his head. Whatever happened in his mind has taken a strange toll.
The nanytes, sensing the terminal, follow his instructions and fly into it. Within seconds, they've integrated themselves into the system. The machine is faster, and already searching for passage to New Hokkaido. Four ships flash onto the screen. Void, a rustbucket TransView is still operating here. It then deletes the two that are leaving too late-one's leaving tomorrow-and of the two that are left is the TransView. Only other ship there is-Well, what do you know? It's a Firefly class transport. Looks to be in decent shape. Captain Seraph, flying for thiry years. The nanytes quickly check the fed files. Nope, looks like. . .Lillian is a clean ship.
Go-se. Means the captain is a law-abiding citizen, or too smart for his good. Either way, bad for Brink Helsing.
Slight shrugs. He can squeeze him, one way or another. Slight checks the passenger manifest. Oh, good, they're waiting for one more passenger. Then Slight looks closer at who else is flying.
Go-se.

You see I cannot be forsaken/Because I'm not the only one.

GEEZER

Tuesday, April 6, 2004 11:23 PM

THORNE'S MOVE:

LOCATION: HIS QUARTERS

[THORNE is ironing a white cotton shirt. As he irons he is unconsciously singing "Ready for Love" by Bad Company.

"Walkin' down this rocky road
Wondering where my life is leadin'
Rollin' on to the bitter end
Finding out along the way
What it takes to keep love living
You should know how it feels, my friend"

He finishes the shirt and hangs it beside the suit he had touched up earlier. Freshly polished shoes sit on the shelf.

Clothing ready, he opens the case he earlier fetched from the hold and pulls a small stasis chamber from it. The chamber's lock opens to his fingerprint, and he removes two heavy round objects. Carefully laying them on the bed, he retrieves a metallic cylinder from the case and places it beside them. He opens the cylinder, fits the globes gently inside, closes and latches the lid, and checks the timer set into it.

He removes other objects, including a razor-sharp knife and a bottle of clear liquid, from the stasis chamber and case and places them, along with the cylinder, in a well-used duffel bag.]

THORNE: "Yes sir. Someone's gonna get the surprise of their life tonight. Wasn't sure I could get this stuff on board, but it'll be well worth it if everything goes off at the right time."

[Smiling, he counts out 500 Plat in new Alliance bills and places them in an envelope. He folds the flap over but doesn't seal it, then puts the envelope in an inside pocket of the suit.]

EOM

"Keep the Shiny side up"

SQUEE

Wednesday, April 7, 2004 6:06 AM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION COMMON AREA to INFIRMARY

Damon reaches the common area and finds the washing machine without much difficulty. His small bundle of clothes are dropped into the machine, followed by a reasonable amount of soap. He closes the lid, making sure that it's sealed and hits the start button.

Satisfied when he hears the sound of running water from inside the machine, he walks into the infirmery and closes the door behind him.

OOC: That's all for now. I'll have time for more tomorrow. Night all- or good morning, depending on when you guys read this

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

MANIACNUMBERONE

Wednesday, April 7, 2004 9:15 AM

Book's Move
LOCATION - BOOK'S ROOM

Book's eyes soften and he goes to the floor in front of Mercedes and sits down smoothly into a cross-legged position.

"Honor is earned. The way you and the other TROY's were treated wasn't right. Those people who treated you that way deserve no honor from you."

Book watches the confused look on Merz's face. Is she confused with the ideas? Does she not believe me? he thinks.

"It isn't dishonor to wish for your own freedom, nor is it strange. Every person on this ship wants their freedom... in one way or another. Having attained your freedom, although not the complete freedom you're searching for, you shouldn't feel dishonor."

Book folds his hands together and rests them on his legs. "How is it that you were separated from the other TROY's and given the opportunity to meet those other people?

EM

GEEZER

Wednesday, April 7, 2004 11:42 AM

MAL'S MOVE:

Location: Bridge/Crew Quarters Passage/Hold/Common Room/Galley

[MAL can hear and feel the movement of people all over the ship. His watch is over, and he decides to take a prowl around and act captainy for a while. Leaving the Bridge, whe pauses at WASH and ZOE's bunk and pounds on the hatch.]

MAL: "WASH! Get your jing tzahng mei yong duh butt off my First Officer an' up to the bridge. Need you to re-check everythin', after that Crazy Ivan yesterday. Ma-shong ya' hear?"

[Giving the hatch one last hearty thump, MAL clumps down the fore stair to the Hold. He checks the strapping on the conex and tightens a turnbuckle that doesn't really need it. A pile of disarranged storage boxes shows that DAMON was at least looking for the tie-downs to use as field-expedient seat belts, although he's nowhere to be seen right now.

Hearing a step, he turns in time to see ROWAN on the starboard catwalk entering the passage to INARA's shuttle. Just goin' for some girl talk?

Since he's already looking up, he turns around to check the lights and vents on the ceiling. On the port catwalk he sees RIVER. she is walking along the top of the handrail, above a 30 foot drop, as though it were a tightrope. Her eyes are closed. Nothing unusual there.

When he arrives at the common Room, he finds it empty, but can see DAMON in the laundry. 'Bout time that boy cleaned up. Hope he's takin' it easy on those wounds. MAL knows how easy it is to make 'em worse if you're not careful.

The smell of fresh coffee and hot baked goods draws him up the aft stair to the galley. KAYLEE is finishing off a muffin.]

MAL: "Mornin' Little Miss Winnit. Better be a muffin left for me, or someone's gonna be cleaning the outer hull with a toothbrush. Let's see what we got here."

[MAL finds his special cup, emblazoned with the slogan 'Cause I'm the Captain, That's Why!', pours a cup of coffee, and grabs a muffin. After a bite and a sip, he feels right with the world, and sits down at the table to finish his breakfast.]

EOM

Jing tzahng mei yong duh = Frequently useless
Ma-Shong = On the double

"Keep the Shiny side up"

CIARA

Wednesday, April 7, 2004 3:43 PM

LOCATION -INARA'S SHUTTLE

Inara turns to the door as Rowan enters. Smiling graciously as she looks up into the taller woman's striking jade gaze, Inara clasps Rowan's hand and welcomes her in. As Inara turns to close the door, she sees Mal peering up from the floor of th e cargo bay. Inara's heart gives a small leap, then she realizes he's probably just inspecting the ceiling. "I must really be slipping" she thinks to herself. Closing the door and leading Rowan by the hand to the velvet sofa, Inara motions for her to sit.

"Ah Rowan! It's so good to see you up and about. Feeling better I trust? You will join me for tea, won't you?"

Inara busies herself with tea preparation as they talk--she is still wearing the thin shift she slept in, but has thoroughly bathed, he skin glowing, freshly scrubbed.

Each time Inara glances up into Rowan's eyes, she feels a comfortable warmth, a familiarity--she is very much like her sister in so many ways--though Inara would bet neither would admit to it. Aislin's face flows into place over Rowan's in Inara's mind--her soft smile...her kind words...she is a part of home Inara has missed greatly.

pouring Rowan the first cup, then her own, the two women sit in companionable conversation.

EOM

Just a humble supplicant in service to all things Joss

BOOMERGOODHEART

Wednesday, April 7, 2004 4:13 PM

Kaylee's Move
Location: Galley

Lost in ruminations about Simon, Kaylee hears the Captain griping about something from far away.

"Mornin', Cap'n," she says vaguely.

End Move

BoomerGoodheart
"I love my Captain."

RAVENWHYTEWING

Wednesday, April 7, 2004 5:11 PM

Wash's move:

Wash hears the sharp, almost fatherly orders from the captain above his bunk. He gives a sheepish grin to his wife. "Guess I better get back to the office. If you get some coffee, save me a sip, bao bei?" They both smile. They know she'll bring a perfect cup of brownbean-once she gets around to it.

He pulls on his hawaiian shirt, and hops onto the ladder. With a few steps, he arrives into the bridge, and flips three switches. Within moments, he's got his baby talkin to him. Looks like the port afterburner's reacting a little slowly, better check that out,.

You see I cannot be forsaken/Because I'm not the only one.

ASTRIANA

Wednesday, April 7, 2004 6:50 PM

ZOE's MOVE(finally!):
LOCATION - WASH & ZOE'S BUNK

WASH kisses ZOE's forhead. Recognizing his morning ritual of waking her by trying not to wake her, ZOE shifts, and smiles, pretending to stay sleep. When she hears WASH begin to move around, she knows the jig is up and decides to get up and start the day.

WASH: "Good morning, baobei.*"

ZOE's smile widens as looks up and sees WASH's pants still haven't quite made it above his ankles. She glances at the clock and chuckles softly, sitting up and swinging her legs over the side of the bed.

ZOE: "Bet the Capn'll be beatin' down the door any minute..."

The sound of MAL pounding on the door and shouting interrupts her. She shakes her head ruefully and begins to dress, still chuckling.

ZOE: "Never fails..."

WASH gives ZOE a sheepish grin. ZOE grins back and finishes dressing.

WASH: "Guess I better get back to the office. If you get some coffee, save me a sip, baobei*?"

They both smile. They know she'll bring him a perfect cup of brownbean - when she gets around to it. WASH pulls on his Hawaiian shirt, climbs the ladder and heads up to the bridge.

ZOE finishes pinning her hair back, takes a moment for a long stretch, then climbs the ladder herself, heading in the opposite direction.

ZOE enters the galley and looks around to see who's about. She sees KAYLEE at the table, munchin' a muffin, looking for all the world like she ain't really there. Feeling sympathy for the young woman, ZOE puts her hand on KAYLEE's shoulder as she passes, giving it a little pat in understanding.

ZOE sees MAL sitting at the table too, sipping from his favorite mug. Figuring coffee's not such a bad idea, she goes to the decanter and fills a cup for herself, thinking she can bring WASH a mug and a muffin once she's got the lay of the land for the day. She gives MAL a sidelong glance and smiles slyly as she pours.

ZOE: "Thanks for the wake up call, Capn. Didn't much need it, but it's nice to be thought of."

ZOE picks up her cup and leans against the wall nearest the table. Raising the cup to her lips, she takes a long pull, taking care not to burn her mouth, and glances surreptitiously at MAL over the rim.

END LOCATION - DINING ROOM

End Move.

baobei = darling, sweetheart
OOC: Woohoo!! I finally get to post!!!

~A~

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

CHANNAIN

Wednesday, April 7, 2004 6:55 PM

Rowan's Move:
LOCATION - INARA'S SHUTTLE

Poised on Inara's doorstep, Rowan detects a spicy, engaging aroma wafting from the shuttle's interior that reminds her strongly of the incense Aislin used to use when she came home to visit. Thinking of her surprises Rowan somewhat. They were never as close as sisters should be, something that often mystified her as a child. There were times she felt she and Aislin were embroiled in a competition of some kind, the rules of which only Aislin knew and was unwilling to share. In a way, it was more of a relief when she finally went off to the Academy.

Quote:
INARA: "Qing jin"

Stepping inside, Rowan discovers an environment intentionally designed to put an outsider at his - or her - ease upon the moment of entry. Some of the tension she wasn’t even aware of drifts away even as Inara takes her hand, looks into her eyes and warmly smiles.

Recalling her reaction to the companion on first sight, Rowan finds herself drawn to her. Things of beauty such as this are rare indeed in the black. To be in the presence of one such as Inara is a heady experience indeed.

Quote:
"Ah Rowan! It's so good to see you up and about. Feeling better I trust? You will join me for tea, won't you?"

ROWAN: "You won't hear me say no."

Receiving a warmer smile, Rowan takes a seat on the curved sofa and takes some pleasure in watching the companion gracefully move in the shuttle's small space. Rowan finds it easy to speak to her and finds herself discussing the elements of 9-ball with a most unlikely fan of the game. There is a sense of familiarity with Inara, unlike anything Rowan has experienced before, but not in any way that Rowan would have defined as comfortable. On the contrary, In a different time and place, Rowan would have enjoyed contracting with her just to indulge a bit in the easy intimacy they seem to have developed so effortlessly. The allure of it is almost to good to pass up.

All too soon, Rowan's thoughts return to the arrival at New Hokkaido.

ROWAN: "I am feeling better - it's nice to have both eyes back. But I'll need to reformulate the disguise once I get to New Hokkaido, and I wondered if you could give me some help with that."

EOM

Qing jin--come in, enter

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

RAVENWHYTEWING

Wednesday, April 7, 2004 7:46 PM

Slights move:

Slight stares up at the impassive bridge of the Lillian. Whereas Serenity has a more graceful, if bulky appearance, Lillian has more of a sleek, icy look to it. Like the ice that hangs from a roof after a snowy day.
Slight keeps watching the ship, and realizes with a sigh that he's still in there.
Captain Seraph is standing under the bridge, smoking what seems to be a cigar of some kind. Hopefully this is a smoking-permitted trip. Slight hasn't had a moment without an unlit cigarette.
Seraph is a stocky man, short and pudgy. A well rounded stomach stretches at the simple cotton trousers. His shirt is just a stress-once called "muscle shirts," if he recalls correctly-also a simple, blue cotton piece of clothing. The only thing that proves him as a spacer is the black, thick boots on him. A reddish brown cap alights his head. His eyes are small-they look crafty, but Slight can tell he's honest soul. The green seems odd with the rest of his clothes.
Slight adjusts his trenchcoat, and puts on his red sunglasses. Better make this quick, no reason to be wasting time.
"Captain Seraph?"
The man looks up from his cigar. "That's me, si. What's your business, amigo?"
Slight grins. By the Void, they both know the smae language. "Busco el pasaje a Hokkaido Nuevo." {I need passage to new Hokkaido}
The captains eyes widen, and he waves his arm energetically.
"¿Realmente? ¡Bueno! ¡Venga a bordo!" {Really? Good! Come on board}
"Gracias." {Thank you}
Both step inside, and Slight almost shudders to be out of the sun. It had taken him all night to get to the port, and he was glad for it. Anyone in the sun of Hera would be burning by now.
Slight would have passed out. Albinos did not react well to sun.
The captain moved to the com by the door, portside, unlike Serenity. "Candy, viene a la bahía de la carga." {Candy, come down to the cargo bay} "Si, senor." The voice is female, but darker.
Slight reverts to English as the footsteps make noise above him. "Captain, on our way there, might I rent one of the shuttles?" "Si, senor, but there's only one available. The other one is rented to another passenger. Candy, would you show this gentlemen to his room?" Slight is about to turn to face this Candy, when Seraph suddenly notices Slight has no bags. "Travel light, amigo?" The raised eyebrow is one of worry. Is he trying to get off in a real hurry?
Slight smiles winningly. "Not at all, I left my bags with a friend. I was hoping you could leave within an hour, and in the meantime I could retrieve them."
Seraph shrugs, which Slight can tell is a yes. He finally turns to face Candy.
It takes all of his effort not to drop his jaw to the ground. The woman standing before him is pale. She stands almost eye-to-eye with Slight, eyes that are the palest of blue with specks of violet streaking through. Her hair is black, with purple highlights all around her head. She, too, wears a stretch. But the effects are much more gratifying on her than the captain. Her pants are a much tighter sort of cottton, flaring out only over the boots. The whole outfit is black, with some kind of silver shimmer under it.
Slight takes a deep breath. "Hi, my name is Brink. Brink Feral." "Candy Seraph." "Captains wife?" Slight enquires. The man does not deserve this. "No, his youngest sister. This is a family operation. Rick is the capitan, I fly the boat, and Serena is the mech. Tio and Josephine are. . .our heavy lifters" Slight smiles inwardly. Guns can be pretty heavy, "and Rose is the cook. She's the oldest, but she doesn't want to be captain. Says she has enough problems makin a meal for all of us."
Slight nods, remembering the mental images that flick through her mind as she ticks them off.
"Candy seems like an unusual name for a Hispanic."
"I'm not Hispanic-albinos don't happen often in those families." Slight gives a nod of sympathy as she says the word that haunts both of them. "I was adopted into this family. I was found wandering

SQUEE

Wednesday, April 7, 2004 7:54 PM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - INFIRMARY

Damon looks around the infirmery, noting that the window coverings are down. Somehow the room feels very empty without a doctor.

He crosses the room, sets his razor down on the counter beside the sink and starts looking for the supplies he needs. Pain killers, hydrogen peroxide, and a clean rag.

He brings them back to the sink. After giving the instructions for the pain killers a brief skim, he pops a few in his mouth and downs them with a handful of water.

Next he opens the bottle of hydrogen peroxide, pours some onto the rag and gives his wound a thorough cleaning.

OOC: to be continued...

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

SQUEE

Thursday, April 8, 2004 1:22 AM

Damon's turn continued:
LOCATION - INFIRMARY

Satisfied that his first wound is clean, Damon unbuckles his weapon' belt and drops his pants. He carefully removes the bandage from his leg and begins cleaning the bullet wound that had been patched up by Simon.

He thinks back, trying to remember if Simon had given him any instructions for cleaning them, but comes up with nothing. There's nothing but a blank from when Simon came into the infirmery to when he woke up on the secondary bed almost an hour later.

Once finished with his leg, he pulls off his shirt and removes the bandage between his elbow and his burn. He feels his anger build at the sight of the name on his arm- the scar that will have him branded as property for as long as it remains on his flesh.

Quote:
I own you, and there’s nothing you can do about it. Dong ma?

It hurt. More than just physical pain. They tore you down. But you kept building yourself up. But every time they tore you down a little more. And it got harder to rebuild.

Yeah, it hurt, he admits to himself, glaring at the burn, You stilll hurt, but I'm not broken. I won, and as soon as I can afford to have you removed, it'll be game over. I'll find somewhere where the Feds won't find me- where Crofton won't find me- and be able to finally stop running. And there's nothin' that hwoon dahn can do about it.

dong ma = understand
hwoon dahn = bastard

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

MERCEDESTROY

Thursday, April 8, 2004 2:36 AM

MERZ move

LOCATION – BOOK’S ROOM

Quote:
"How is it that you were separated from the other TROY’s and given the opportunity to meet those other people?

MERZ has long wondered about that. A truly satisfactory explanation has never been given to her, not that she actually asked. “I believe it was a combination of circumstances. It is not unusual for a TROY to be ‘loaned’ to another division/commander for an extended period of time, should need be determined. All of us have served on such detached duty. It is simply understood that we fulfill our mission and do not mingle with outsiders.”

MERZ turns a little pink. Is she blushing? wonders BOOK.

“TROY’s are supposed to be interchangeable. We know, learn and do the same things even if some are better than others. I have always been questionable because I am not of correct height. But I am fastest. I also have . . . interests outside of the group and have had since – always. I fix things. It has been a problem with and for me for as long as I can remember. Detaching me to be loaned to an elite engineering team entering a ‘hot zone’ was either a mistake in judgement or an intentional experiment. For me it was, well – fun.”

MERZ stands. “I thank you. I feel - better – now, I think. And while I disagree, your views on honor have given me something to consider. Freedom is proving to be harder that than the alternative. Concerning clothing, I have decided that as long as those around me are clothed, it is probably best that I remain so. I will look into acquiring additional wardrobe in New Hokkaido if there is time. That takes credit, does it not? I have heard Captain Reynolds about and it is time that I saw about my expected duties. Shepherd Book, I am – glad – that you spoke with me. I hope we may speak again.”

Once again, and understanding that the Shepherd said he is not a superior, she cannot change her oldest responses, and the salute escapes her.

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

MANIACNUMBERONE

Thursday, April 8, 2004 7:17 AM

Book's Move
LOCATION - BOOK'S ROOM

Book rises to his feet as Merz does. Listening to her make her excuses, it's obvious to him that he's failed in his initial attempt to reach her, but he doesn't let his disappointment show.

-------
Mercedes - "Shepherd Book, I am – glad – that you spoke with me. I hope we may speak again."
-------

"I'm glad you spoke with me as well. It's plain that we have more to talk about, I will be available to give you my help... if you want it."

Mercedes saltues him, and Book half raises his arm to return Merz's salute, then covers his action by quickly bringing his other hand up as well, clasping them together and giving a nod to Merz.

Walking her to the door, he can see that she is eager indeed, like she said, to see about other ship business... she is practically bouncing on her feet. Merz walks briskly away in search of Mal, and Book looking over her departing shoulder notices River's door is open and the light is off. River's awake. he thinks.

EM

RAVENWHYTEWING

Thursday, April 8, 2004 2:32 PM

Wash's move:
Wash continues the checkup, finally satisfied that besides the port burner, everythings hunkydory.
Wash leans back, ready to arrive in New Hokkaido already. Blue Sun operatives, robotic naked women, Alliance gunboats. . .Wash starts to contemplate starting a beagle farm. Might be nice change of pace.

You see I cannot be forsaken/Because I'm not the only one.

MERCEDESTROY

Thursday, April 8, 2004 7:23 PM

MERZ move

START LOCATION – OUTSIDE BOOK’S ROOM

that went well

MERZ is content as she hurries back into the galley. Although she did not report to the Captain as soon as she probably should have, she feels more able to cope for having spoken to BOOK. maybe there is something is this religion philosophy after all. must give it some study later, time permitting.

The common area is beginning to look a bit livelier as the morning actually begins. Merz steers straight for the coffee pot first; there is less than a dribble left. No problem. She dumps the dregs of the pot into recycling and starts a fresh one. Does not take long to locate what is needed, there is a certain logic to placing coffee supplies near the coffee pot. Soon enough she has a fresh pot going. Now to try to blend in.

She remembers this pose, has seen it more than once. She has her own empty cup in hand, was waiting by the pot. She turns, and leans back against the wall, arms crossed, cup in hand and legs crossed at the ankle. he always looked so relaxed this way. he thought it was charming, whatever that is. can’t hurt to try

MERZ scans the room, noticing everyone. ZOE with her cup, KAYLEE still lost in thought, and the Captain, looking relaxed and contented. She catches MAL’s eye. “Good morning again Captain. I think I am ready now. What do you need from me today?”

EOM

END LOCATION - GALLEY

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

SQUEE

Thursday, April 8, 2004 8:29 PM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - INFIRMARY

Damon finishes with the graze on his arm and rinses off the rag in the sink to begin washing the rest of his body. Not many ships have working showers so when he gets the time to bathe, it's usually just a small towel and cold water. At least this ship has soap- being covered in dirt, sweat and blood is second nature to him, but it is nice to be clean whenever he can.

He works carefully, trying not to hurt his broken ribs and bruises that are turning various colors. As soon as he is finished, he sticks a Rapiheal patch on each of his wounds and pulls his clothes back on. Now all he has to do is shave and he'll be ready to get on with the day.

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

CIARA

Friday, April 9, 2004 4:00 AM

LOCATION - INARA'S SHUTTLE

Inara and Rowan relax into the luxe cushions of the sofa, both nursing steaming cups of strong tea. Laughing and chatting with one another, Inara feels more at home than she has in quite some time. Inara watches as Rowan sips her tea, warm familiarity creeping over her again--she wonders how long it's been since Rowan has seen Aislin...she knows the woman thought the world of her little sister.

ROWAN: "I am feeling better - it's nice to have both eyes back. But I'll need to reformulate the disguise once I get to New Hokkaido, and I wondered if you could give me some help with that."

"I'd be most pleased to help you with a new disguise, Rowan...though if you divulge any of my Companion makeup secrets, I'll have to kill you" Inara says in a serious tone, a mischevious glint in her fathomless eyes.

Inara rises for a moment, fetching a large case covered in scarlet brocade. Removing various and sundry brushes, pots of color, and powder, Inara sits back to ponder the canvas of Rowan's skin.

"you look just like her, you know...except for the eyes of course." says Inara, assuming if Rowan wishes to discuss her sister, she'll pick up the subject.

Inara gently brushes the hair away from Rowan's injured eye, and runs her fingers over the skin there. Rowan turns her face slightly into Inara's hand, those matchlessly beautiful green eyes sliding closed.

EOM

giving Rowan a chance to speak: hope it's OK I acted Rowan a little, Channy.

Just a humble supplicant in service to all things Joss

MANIACNUMBERONE

Friday, April 9, 2004 8:49 AM

Book's Move
LOCATION - Leaving his room

Book waits until Merz has ascended the aft stairs before he clicks off the light in his own room and walks to River's door.

Double-checking that she isn't in her room, regardless of the light being off, (you never know with that girl, she could be curled up in a ball in the corner) Book quickly walks through the common area and glances through the window of the infirmary. Damon is inside with a towel around his neck looking dubiously at a shaving implement and appearing to be ready to cut his thumb checking it's sharpness.

As Book walks through the doorway to the cargo bay, continuing his search for River, the purple light in the small container in his room begins to pulse again.

"River?" Book calls as he goes towards to stairs at the back of the cargo bay. He walks halfway up the stairs to the small landing and stops. "River?"

EM

GEEZER

Friday, April 9, 2004 12:49 PM

MAL's Move

LOCATION: GALLEY

MAL has just finished his first muffin when ZOE enters and pours herself the last of the coffee.

ZOE: "Thanks for the wake up call, Capn. Didn't much need it, but it's nice to be thought of."

MAL: "All part of the service, Ma'am. Besides, WASH'd sleep the clock 'round if I let him. Not like our new folk. They've been up an' about for a while.

ZOE nods and sips her coffee. MERZ glides quietly through the aft entrance and makes a bee-line for the empty pot. MAL watches as she finds the fixings and starts another brewing. Holding her empty cup, she turns, pauses, and carefully arranges herself in a pose that would look relaxed...if her effort to maintain it wasn't so obvious.

It looks like she's washed her ship suit, anyway. It's now two or three shades lighter, and has shrunk a bit, making it tight in interesting places. Maybe he should have KAYLEE or ZOE show her how to use the washer properly, and maybe find her some other clothes from the slop chest.

Apparently satisfied with her 'relaxed person' imitation, she finally acknowledges his presence and speaks.

MERZ: “Good morning again Captain. I think I am ready now. What do you need from me today?”

MAL: "Nothin' much. If you'd like to check out the lazer, that'd be good. I asked DAMON to rig up some seat belts for the bridge chairs so you don't go flyin' if we have to 'Ivan' again. You might get with him on that."

"By the way, I decided that you, he, an' ROWAN have earned a half crew share for this trip. I'll pay you off at New Hokkaido, an' you'll at least have some walkin' around money."

"Now sit down an' have a muffin"...and as he sees her start to straighten up..."An' dont salute!"

EOM

"Keep the Shiny side up"

TEELABROWN

Friday, April 9, 2004 2:40 PM

River, as I last remember was using the handrail as a balance beam. Very nice touch, Geezer! Maniac, borrowing Book.
___________
River lightly leaps off the handrail, her eyes still closed. She opens them, and becomes aware of the outside world.

BOOK: River?

She walks towards the voice, and almost runs into him.

BOOK: River, where-

RIVER: (cutting him off) How can you find me when I wasn't lost?

She walks towards her room, leaving Book in a half-stunned silence.
_____________
Maniac- you can stop her if you want.

_____________
"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, April 9, 2004 3:24 PM

Rowan’s Move:
LOCATION - INARA'S SHUTTLE

Quote:
INARA: "You look just like her, you know...except for the eyes of course."

Arching her head a bit against Inara’s fingers, Rowan indulges in the smallest form of bliss - a true treasure for someone who has been alone as long as she has. Such a soft touch leads Rowan to fantasize a bit about a full body massage, lingering a bit on the notion of what a companion’s warm, sensuous hands can do. What would cause such a lovely creature to venture so far from civilization, let alone keep company with a crew who gets shot at every other day?

Reflecting on Inara’s words give Rowan cause to smile, though, wondering if being out in the black hasn’t disoriented Inara’s perceptions just a bit.

ROWAN: "So you and Aislin were acquainted?"

Opening one eye, she sees Inara smile and nod. Nodding with her, Rowan closes that eye again.

ROWAN: "Then I guess I can forgive you a little generosity. Aislin was always the true beauty. Everybody always said it would get her somewhere. Last I heard of her, she was vying for second priestess at the house on Sihnon. That was before...well, before the war."

She almost said before the wedding. Interesting how a companion's very presence had the ability to pull out hidden truths.

ROWAN: "There's times now that I think she might have been envious of my relationship with our brother - and Father too for that matter - they both indulged me quite a bit. Probably more than they should have. I was always able to connect with them better, probably because I always felt inferior to her. She dazzled me from my first memories. I remember I once thought she was an angel."

She sighed, hearing ugly green-eyed troll ring in her ears as she always did, eventually, on the few occasions she thought of her sister.

ROWAN: "That's what probably caused the falling out we had. She said something awful to me once when I was eight years old, and we never really got past it. We got along better after her first session at the Academy, but we were never what you would call close."

Feeling the light touch of a makeup brush reminded Rowan of watching Aislin sit in front of their mother's mirror, experimenting with the colors, trying on earrings and testing perfumes. Rowan had always been more inclined to try working her way into her father's source box, and she always managed to discover his new password within three tries or less. Eventually he gave up changing it at all, since it wasn't much of a deterrent. It lessened the challenge somehow.

ROWAN (almost to herself): "I wonder where she is now?"

EOM

OOC: Ciara - I don't mind your acting Rowan a bit if you don't mind my doing the same for Inara. I'll be sending you a refresher on Aislin's current status. Later baobei!

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

SQUEE

Friday, April 9, 2004 7:13 PM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - INFIRMARY to CARGO BAY to DINING ROOM

Damon runs his hand over his freshly shaven jaw and starts gathering up his supplies. He quickly puts everything back where he found it and throws away the empty patch wrappers.

Walking out into the common room, he pulls out his clean laundry and drops it off in his shuttle before returning to the cargo bay and his pile of boxes. Deciding to work around the heavy box, he resumes his search for the straps.

He finally finds it tucked away in a forgotten corner and pulls it out. Pulling off the lid, he finds a large bundle of tangled straps. Looks like every stray strap had been thrown in the box and mixed around for several weeks.

He runs a hand through his hair with a sigh. Untangling this mess will be a project all on its own. Best do it somewhere comfortable. He picks up the box and heads up to the galley.

END LOCATION - DINING ROOM

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

MERCEDESTROY

Saturday, April 10, 2004 1:31 AM

MERZ move

LOCATION - GALLEY

Quote:
Nothin' much. If you'd like to check out the lazer, that'd be good. I asked DAMON to rig up some seat belts for the bridge chairs so you don't go flyin' if we have to 'Ivan' again. You might get with him on that.

good idea that. glad he thought of it

Quote:
By the way, I decided that you, he, an' ROWAN have earned a half crew share for this trip. I'll pay you off at New Hokkaido, an' you'll at least have some walkin' around money. Now sit down an' have a muffin an' don't salute

MERZ nods and manages not to salute at what sounds to her like a direct order not to salute. Have another muffin so that is a muffin don’t need to twist her arm. Tasty, that was. “Yes Captain, can do. Also ZOE wanted to learn how to use the cannon, and it has a built-in training simulator. We can work on that today too.”

MERZ glances over at ZOE. “Does that work in with your schedule?” And at KAYLEE. “Kaylee, do you have a rivet gun I could borrow?”

She tilts her head at MAL. “Half share? Does that mean . . . payment? I was not expecting that, I thought I was working to pay my passage. Interesting.” Pause “Thanks.”

When the coffee pot falls into silence, she pours another cup, grabs another muffin and sits down to savor both in peace. confusing world, but i could get used to this, in time

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

BOOMERGOODHEART

Saturday, April 10, 2004 1:46 AM

Kaylee's Move
Location: Galley

Coming out of her reverie, Kaylee looks over at Merz.

"Sure thing. Come on back ta the engine room when ya need it 'n I'll get ya all set up."

Rising from the table, Kaylee moves towards the bridge. She needs to talk with Wash about the Crazy Ivan yesterday.

End Move

BoomerGoodheart
"I love my Captain."

MANIACNUMBERONE

Saturday, April 10, 2004 8:26 AM

Book's Move
LOCATION - COMMON AREA

As River walks away through the doorway to the common area, Book turns around to watch her go, and tilts his head to one side. I'll never get used to that, he thinks.

"River! Wait a moment." Book jogs to River and catches her as she passes the door to the infirmary. Damon exits, freshly shaven, and walks by them on his way to the cargo bay.

River turns abruptly and Book almost runs into her. "I... actually, Simon..." Book stammers.

Book reaches into his pocket to produce the memory stick. Starting to explain to her what it is, she quickly recognizes it and takes it from his hand, rattling off a technical description of the device that defies normal comprehension. Book has a sudden feeling that River may very likely know what is going on much more than he does.

"You should probably give it back to me when you've heard what it has to tell you. I'll see that it gets to who it needs to."

Book leaves River alone, turning the memory stick over and over in her hand, and walks sedately back to his room and clicks on the light to it's lowest illumination.

The purple light from the communicator in the small container has just recently stopped flashing.

EM

GEEZER

Monday, April 12, 2004 12:03 PM

Mal's Move

Location: Galley

[That's a good idea, getting ZOE checked out on the cannon. MERZ has a fine grasp of military necessities. Someone does need to teach her to peel the paper off a muffin before eating it, though.]

MERZ: “Half share? Does that mean . . . payment? I was not expecting that, I thought I was working to pay my passage. Interesting.” ... “Thanks.”

MAL: "You're welcome. Should be thankin' THORNE, though. It was his suggestion...an' his money. Figgered that fightin' us out of atmo was above an' beyond normal duties, so he chipped in some extra for ever'body. I think he jus' enjoyed gettin' to play Space Captain again."

[MAL thinks: 'Played Space Captain pretty good, too. And has enough money to not worry about giving a good bit away.']

MAL: "Oh, an' if you're lookin' for work after we get to New Hokkaido, he said he might be able to line somethin' up. You might ask when you see him."

EOM

"Keep the Shiny side up"

ASTRIANA

Monday, April 12, 2004 12:47 PM

ZOE'S MOVE:
LOCATION - GALLEY

ZOE sits quietly sipping her coffee as MERZ enters, and nods approvingly as MAL and MERZ talk.

Quote:
MAL: "By the way, I decided that you, he, an' ROWAN have earned a half crew share for this trip. I'll pay you off at New Hokkaido, an' you'll at least have some walkin' around money. Now sit down an' have a muffin an' don't salute."

MERZ:
(to MAL) "Yes Captain, can do. Also ZOE wanted to learn how to use the cannon, and it has a built-in training simulator. We can work on that today too."

(to ZOE) "Does that work in with your schedule?"

(to KAYLEE) "KAYLEE, do you have a rivet gun I could borrow?"

(to MAL) "Half share? Does that mean . . . payment? I was not expecting that, I thought I was working to pay my passage. Interesting." Pause "Thanks."

KAYLEE: "Sure thing. Come on back ta the engine room when ya need it 'n I'll get ya all set up."

MAL: "You're welcome. Should be thankin' THORNE, though. It was his suggestion...an' his money. Figgered that fightin' us out of atmo was above an' beyond normal duties, so he chipped in some extra for ever'body. I think he jus' enjoyed gettin' to play Space Captain again. Oh, an' if you're lookin' for work after we get to New Hokkaido, he said he might be able to line somethin' up. You might ask when you see him."

ZOE waits for MAL to finish his explanation, then blinks but otherwise keeps her face neutral in her surprise that THORNE offered up additional payment for that piece o' action; most clients would've just figured it was "part o' the service". She mentally chuckles at MAL's description of THORNE as "playing Space Captain." With all the stress, and MAL's possessiveness with Serenity, ZOE figured MAL would be fit to be tied this morning.

ZOE: "That's a nice gesture, and by the looks o' things, I'm sure some of our new arrivals could use that cash."

ZOE stands, nearly empty cup in hand, and heads to the coffee pot. She makes a cup for WASH, with just the amount of creamer he likes, then pours another cup for herself and heads toward the door. She turns to MERZ as she steps through.

ZOE: "MERZ, let me know when you're ready to talk about that cannon. CAP'N, I'll be on the bridge if you need me."

End Move.

~A~

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

SQUEE

Monday, April 12, 2004 7:53 PM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - GALLEY

Damon looks around as he walks into the galley, listening to everyone discuss various things.

Quote:
MAL: "You're welcome. Should be thankin' THORNE, though. It was his suggestion...an' his money. Figgered that fightin' us out of atmo was above an' beyond normal duties, so he chipped in some extra for ever'body. I think he jus' enjoyed gettin' to play Space Captain again. Oh, an' if you're lookin' for work after we get to New Hokkaido, he said he might be able to line somethin' up. You might ask when you see him."

Damon stores this bit of information away. If the captain doesn't need him after they reach New Hokkaido, then he should keep a look out for more job opportunities.

Pulling one of the empty chairs to the side of the room, he sets his box down next to it and sits down. He pulls out a knot of straps from the box and starts working it loose.

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

RAVENWHYTEWING

Monday, April 12, 2004 9:01 PM

Wash's move:

Wash finishes diagnostics, and can hear Zoe approach. He can almost smell the coffee approach.
Wash smiles. Home indeed.

You see I cannot be forsaken/Because I'm not the only one.

MERCEDESTROY

Tuesday, April 13, 2004 12:23 AM

MERZ move

LOCATION - DINING ROOM

MERZ watches DAMON sit down with his box. That being the next step, and pretty much finished with her meal, she stands and moves over to him to help.

"ZOE, I will be on the bridge in a little. Just going to assist DAMON here with his project first. Once we get the straps done, we can get down to work. Give you some time to wake up."

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

SQUEE

Tuesday, April 13, 2004 12:47 AM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - DINING ROOM

Damon looks up when he hears his name mentioned to see Merz walking toward him with her mug of coffee.

At least she's dressed this time, he thinks to himself. He can't imagine what he'd do if he had to work with her the way she was.

As soon as she is close enough to talk to, he gives her a slight nod. "Hey."

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

MERCEDESTROY

Tuesday, April 13, 2004 10:30 AM

MERZ move

LOCATION - DINING ROOM

"Morning DAMON. Could you use a little assistance, or maybe just some company?"

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

RAVENWHYTEWING

Tuesday, April 13, 2004 4:45 PM

Wash's move:
Wash hears Kaylee come in first.
"Mornin', Kaylee. Sleep well last night?" Wash can't keep a grin off his face. Without waiting for a response, he continues, "Port afterburner seems to be rattling like Jayne's stick. think you could take a look for me?"

You see I cannot be forsaken/Because I'm not the only one.

BOOMERGOODHEART

Tuesday, April 13, 2004 5:29 PM

Kaylee's Move
Location: Bridge

Kaylee walks onto the bridge as Wash asks her about the port afterburner.

Smiling at the shirt Wash had decided on today, she replies, "Sure thing. I'll git right on it. That was a helluva Crazy Ivan yesterday, Wash. Ya know how ta take good care o' meh girl. But if ya break her at some point, Zoe'll be mournin' certain body parts."

Grinning, she turns to leave as Zoe enters with 2 cups of coffee. "Oh, hey, Zoe...".

End Move

BoomerGoodheart
"I love my Captain."

RAVENWHYTEWING

Tuesday, April 13, 2004 6:32 PM

Wash's move:

Wash glances at Zoe as she enters the bridge. "Did you hear that reckless threat? our marital bliss would take a terrible toll." Wash gulps a little. Kaylee wouldn't hurt a fly. . .so long as it did nothing to the ship. Wash would hate to see what would happen if he actually did break down Serenity one of these days.

Slight's move:

Slight comes back on board, trying hard not to glance at Candy and read into her. The two duffels he carries are completely loaded-so to speak-so he should be ready for anything.
Slight drops his bags on the floor of the shuttle, and looks around. Whoever rented this shuttle before was farely utilitarian. A table with two chairs, a long cot in the corner, a chest with a lock. Should do fine.
Slight hangs his coat over one of the chairs, and unloads everything he'd just bought.
First he assembles the MUCB. A mini Uzi, it carries 32 rounds. He hadn't been able to find the military uranium rounds. He liked the classics. He checks the breach, switches on the safety and screws on the silencer. Then he checks the Glock 26. He slides in one of the clips, chambers a round, the slides it back out and puts a full clip inside. 13 shots out of this one.
Satisfied, he locks up the weapons. Next, he slides his belt off. Unzipping it, he pulls out several vials, lock picks, and several memory sticks. He puts together the collection of parts he's bought, and slides the stick into the working terminal. As he gives the terminal time to access the stick he's selected, he starts to put together one last device.
The terminal beeps once, and reviews the information. "Candy Pullman, code named Shadow. Physical upgrades: body movement, strength and coordination, senses of sight, smell and hearing. Typical of Vampire class. Albino. Aged twelve when brought in for programming and training." Torture and brainwashing, Slight translated. Twelve was actually fairly old. "Mental upgrades: reaction speed, memorization. Unexpected ability of "cloaking" from readers. External upgrades: Chips implanted within the brain, to release serotonin and methamphetamines. Amigdala (guessed with spelling) removed, but cybernetic system in place to rate control. Adrenaline-boost nanytes, self-mainatining.
"Orphaned at seven, and uncovered from an orphanage in Londinium. Pullman family held significant stock in the Blue Sun. Shadow will be unable to access the stock until 20, as dictated by the will left by the mother, Sara Jameson Pullman.
"Shadow is scheduled to complete three rituals," missions, Slight translated. "Believed to resist Blue Sun doctrine. Therefore, there will be no faith restructuring. End information."
Slight sat back heavily. Poor girl. the ability to control body functions took a heavy toll. It made you afraid to sleep sometimes, wondering if you would turn yourself off inadvertantly. Suddenly, there's a soft knock at the door of the shuttle. Slight turned to see Candy walk in. "Hi, Brink. We're dusting right now. We want all passengers in the common area, so that we can meet 'em." Slight frowns a bit. "Call me Slight, Shadow." The look of rage that clouds over Candy's face is brief. "Who are you, hwoon dahn?"
"My name is Brink Helsing," Slight responds quietly. Candy begins to look afraid. "You're. . .the Son, aren't you?"

You see I cannot be forsaken/Because I'm not the only one.

CHANNAIN

Tuesday, April 13, 2004 6:56 PM

Rowan’s Move:
LOCATION - INARA'S SHUTTLE

ROWAN (almost to herself): "I wonder where she is now?"

Saying the words brings her sister's face to mind - the elegant beauty who had always dazzled her, even when she was feeling small and inferior in her presence. Invariably, the last time she saw Aislin drifts in.

Quote:
"It's on a coded Independent channel. She's not on the approved users list, but she insists on talking to you. She called you by name, not your alias."

She followed Xiang back into the main operations center, annoyed at being interrupted from composing the latest missive from the Revolution. "Did she say who she was?"

"She did."

Waiting for the name, she implored him. "And?"

He turned to her with those serious eyes. "I thought you should see for yourself."

Bringing her to the console, they stood together as he gestured to the comms officer. She folded her arms, waiting expectantly.

The hold screen blinked away, bringing up the face of a woman that seemed to be illuminated only by the glow of the monitor on her end. To her shock, she recognized her sister instantly, and the jaws of both women dropped at the same time.

Rowan stepped forward. "Aislin. What are you doing?"

"There is no time, mèimei - you must listen. I have information that an Alliance death squad is on its way to your current location. Their orders are to eliminate all Revolution personnel and destroy the facility."

Rowan frowned. "How did you know to contact me?"

Aislin's mouth curved softly with a smile. "Did you think I would not know whose eyes were staring out at me from the Revolution transmissions?" She nodded once, as if confirming something for herself, then went on. "You must leave where you are, as soon as you can."

"What about you?" Rowan found herself asking. "What if someone finds out you informed?"

Aislin shook her head dismissively. "The Guild confidence code will protect me. Please, mèimei, whatever you think of me, you must trust these words." Her eyes drifted to Xiang. "It would not do to have you all killed before I can be formally introduced to the man who won your heart."

Rowan turned to Xiang and they shared one of the silent moments of communication they had become well known for. All he needed was for her to nod once before he moved to another comms console to give the order. Listening to him command the evacuation, Rowan returned to her sister's image. Lifting a hand, she placed two fingertips on the screen. After all the time that had passed between them, Rowan found herself without the words to properly say farewell. "Xièxie ni jèi jei."

Aislin smiled and touched two fingertips to the monitor on her side. Tears glistened in her dark eyes. "Méi guanxi, xiâo long."

EOM

Xièxie ni jèi jei - thank you big sister
Méi guanxi, xiâo long - It's all right, little dragon

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

SQUEE

Tuesday, April 13, 2004 7:46 PM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - DINING ROOM

Quote:
Originally posted by MercedesTroy:
"Morning DAMON. Could you use a little assistance, or maybe just some company?"

Damon looks down at the mess in the box. "Well, by the looks of it, I could be here for a while, so I guess some help would be nice."

He pulls his first strap free of the knot and sets it down on the floor next to him.

"I'm looking for two good seat straps for the bridge chairs. I figure we should go ahead and sort them all into groups as we go."

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

ASTRIANA

Tuesday, April 13, 2004 8:38 PM

ZOE'S MOVE:
LOCATION: BRIDGE

Quote:
KAYLEE: "Sure thing. I'll git right on it. That was a helluva Crazy Ivan yesterday, Wash. Ya know how ta take good care o' meh girl. But if ya break her at some point, Zoe'll be mournin' certain body parts."

Grinning, KAYLEE turns to leave as ZOE enters with 2 cups of coffee. "Oh, hey, ZOE...".

WASH glances at ZOE as she enters the bridge.

WASH: "Did you hear that reckless threat? our marital bliss would take a terrible toll."

ZOE chuckles as KAYLEE leaves the bridge, then walks over to WASH and hands him a cup of coffee, made up just the way he likes it. Leaning lazily against her favorite corner of the console, back to the windows, she smiles broadly as she raises her cup.

ZOE: "Well, then, I suggest you don't go breakin' her ship, husband."

As the steam rising off the coffee reaches her nose, ZOE breathes in the aroma... and jerks her head back in surprise.

ZOE: "What the..."

ZOE carefully raises the cup and takes a small sip, then puckers her lips in an expression of distaste. Then she reaches over and takes WASH's cup out of his hands.

WASH: "Hon, why...?"

ZOE: "Stronger'n battery acid, dear. I'll go make some fresh and bring you some o' that - I don't think either of us could handle another sleep-deprived trip into the Black."

Grinning fondly at her husband, ZOE levers away from the console and heads back to the galley, cups in hands.

End Move.

OOC: Whew! I'm glad I read Merz's note about the coffee! Can you imagine Wash on stims???

~A~

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

MERCEDESTROY

Wednesday, April 14, 2004 12:18 AM

MERZ move

LOCATION - DINING ROOM

Quote:
I'm looking for two good seat straps for the bridge chairs. I figure we should go ahead and sort them all into groups as we go.

MERZ settles on the other side of the box and takes a deep drink of coffee before joining him in searching and sorting.

"If you do not mind a suggestion, lets find four matching. Seat belts are not going to be of much help during maneuvers. A 4-point harness will be safer. Crossed belts is as close as we can come."

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

SQUEE

Wednesday, April 14, 2004 1:11 AM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - DINING ROOM

Quote:
Originally posted by MercedesTroy:
"If you do not mind a suggestion, lets find four matching. Seat belts are not going to be of much help during maneuvers. A 4-point harness will be safer. Crossed belts is as close as we can come."

"Not sure whether we'll find two matching harnesses, but using two 4-points probably isn't a bad idea."

He finally manages to loosen the rest of his knot and begins pulling out the individual straps and putting them into piles.

"Did you guys get as banged up on the bridge as we did in here?"

Damon listens as Merz gives a short summary of what happen. He's impressed by the way the crew seemed to handle the situation and by how well they could do their jobs.

"Well, I'm glad we have such good commanders, pilots and gunners on board. Don't think anyone would have been very happy if we had been boarded. Where'd you learn to shoot like that?"

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

MANIACNUMBERONE

Wednesday, April 14, 2004 9:00 AM

Book's Move
Location: His Room and thereabouts.

Book leaves his room in search of River again. Maybe I should have stayed with her while she used the memory stick. I suppose I thought of it as a private thing.

He has decided who he will give the memory stick to next. Book goes to River's room and peers in the open door. Empty. As was the common area when he passed by. Where is she?

EM

MERCEDESTROY

Wednesday, April 14, 2004 10:52 AM

MERZ move

LOCATION - DINING ROOM

Quote:
Don't think anyone would have been very happy if we had been boarded. Where'd you learn to shoot like that?

aahhhh. it never bloody ends

MERZ pulls a knot of strapping into her lap, and shakes her head while starting to unravel it. “I think we all would have handled being boarded well enough, there were not that many pursuers this time. You are right, Serenity has a good crew and you and I are lucky to have fallen in with such good companions. As I mentioned before, *petit frère, I have been in the military. There is really no need to be more specific than that; I had a difference of opinion with the powers-that-be. They taught me to shoot, among other things.”

Pause

“I did not mean to step on your toes – Captain asked me to man the cannon. Otherwise you would have done it, and probably as well. No hard feelings I hope?”

She pulls two straps out of the mess in her lap, and starts separate piles on the table.

“Now, I have a question for you. I would have spent some time sighting that cannon by the tried and true method of firing at a target, and adjusting until it was right. How did you do that? If I knew your method, it could save me much time in the future.”

EOM

*petit frère = little brother (French)

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

CIARA

Wednesday, April 14, 2004 3:47 PM

LOCATION - INARA'S SHUTTLE

Inara is lost in her own thoughts as she applies brush and color to Rowan's face. Her mind wanders back to the Academy...to a face not dissimilar to Rowans....

__________________________________
"There now....you're a vision!" Aislin chuckles and settles onto her heels, placing her pot of rouge and blending brush to the side. The older woman holds up a mirror for Inara to take. Inara lets out a peal of girlish laughter when she sees her own face in the mirror. Her hair is pulled into a multitude of tiny tails around her face, to hold the strands away from Aislin's work.

Aislin and Inara are on the floor of Aislin's private quarters surrounded by cases of makeup and brushes...the soft tapestries on the wall absorb the sound of Inara's mirth. There are dozens of soft cushions on the floor, Inara and Aislin perched in the middle--islands of flesh in a sea of red brocade and white satin.

"--hahaha-- silly!" Aislin scolds, pulling the barretes from Inara's wavy hair and rearranging the curls.

She is transformed...the young woman who entered Aislin's room for an impromptu makeup lesson has gone, in her stead is a grown Companion...dark eyes stare back at Inara, rimmed with khol and shining with a dark mystery that frightens her a little.

Inara glances up at Aislin, who smiles sadly back...it's strange isn't it? What these dyes and powders can do...." Inara nods mutely, memorizing the mask of a Companion.
__________________________________

Inara sits back and amires her handiwork--Rowan's face is now almost unrecognizable, it is now the face of a very young woman...though she had no contacts to cover Rowan's jade eyes, Inara did her best to detract from their color with clever masking.

Rowan's once-full lips are now concealed and drawn in thin...the tilt to her asian eyes disguised by expert use of a lining pencil, and her lashes lengthened to shadow her eye color...her skin has taken on a pinker cast, and a smattering of freckles covers her nose. Inara has clipped false earrings to Rowan's upper ears, and rearranged her long dark hair.

Appraising her work with the end of a blending brush pressed to her lips, Inara sighs.

This is all that I can do with what I have, Rowan...unless I cut and color your hair. Inara winces at the thought, tucking a silky strand behind Rowan's ear.

OOC got some time, I'll delete it if you have something else in mind, Rowan

Just a humble supplicant in service to all things Joss

SQUEE

Wednesday, April 14, 2004 7:41 PM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - DINING ROOM

Quote:
Originally posted by MercedesTroy:
“I think we all would have handled being boarded well enough, there were not that many pursuers this time. You are right, Serenity has a good crew and you and I are lucky to have fallen in with such good companions. As I mentioned before, *petit frère, I have been in the military. There is really no need to be more specific than that; I had a difference of opinion with the powers-that-be. They taught me to shoot, among other things.”

Pause

“I did not mean to step on your toes – Captain asked me to man the cannon. Otherwise you would have done it, and probably as well. No hard feelings I hope?”

Damon picks up another bundle of straps.

"Actually, I don't have much experience with shooting those things, I just put 'em together and take 'em apart."

Quote:
“Now, I have a question for you. I would have spent some time sighting that cannon by the tried and true method of firing at a target, and adjusting until it was right. How did you do that? If I knew your method, it could save me much time in the future.”

Damon can't help smiling. He takes a moment to consider his response, chosing his words carefully.

"I worked at one of the fatories that made those things. I had my own issues with the powers-that-be and decided to pull a prank. Each of those cannons has a targeting system designed to be 100% accurate, but I got my hands on the modules and changed the default setting to throw off the readings. That's why most of those models are off by 15 to 25 degrees.

"So to answer your question, I simply accessed the targeting system and set the default back to the original setting. Most people can't fix it that way because they assume that the default is correct, and even if they do figure out that the default is wrong, they'll only be able to fix it if they know the original setting."

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

RAVENWHYTEWING

Wednesday, April 14, 2004 11:01 PM

Wash blinks as he turns back to the ship. Now terribly paranoid, he checks one last time. Should arrive in New Hokkaido in a day.

Slight's move:
Slight closes his eyes. He answers quietly.
"I am."
He remembered the joke of fear. "He's the Blue Son."
There's a moment of tense silence. "What the gorram hell are you doing here." Candy says in icy tones.
Slight explains quietly. "I left the Sun. One day, I was ordered to rape a girl. I'd been dry for seven days." Although his eyes are still closed, Candy nods. His eyes have shifted into a hunter mode of heat-sight. She knows what sort of things the younger soldiers were ordered to do. The Sun recognized the sexual drives of humans, and ordered a sexual performance once every three days. These were eventually regarded as a family ritual, a habit. But when you were ordered to go "dry," to not have any sex for eight days, you knew you were going to have sex with a norm. Raped, or inviting the act-either way, you would get laid.
"I. . .I saw my soul that day." He opens his eyes to see Candy tilt her head in confusion. His eyes return to normal. "The woman was somehow sensitive enough to help. She was able to read enough to break open the firewalls in place. I saw the energies inside everyone."
Candy sits down, unable to blink. "But when I looked at the zealot guarding, I saw nothing. Like a candle that wasn't lit. So I left. I started to break some of us free, started to help those inside out. I broke some of the operatives free first.
"Most went their way. A couple-new op's, barely a week into the world-told me about an Academy, some sort of school. Only they were playing with the brains of the 'students.' When I got there, security was considerably tighter. Apparently, one of the students had been broken out by some radical terrorist group. I was taking the schematics for the building when two zealots attacked. They used the Blackout drugs."
Neither he nor Candy felt like discussing the Blackouts. It was used on true believers because they were the only ones able to focus on the mission once injested. Simple put, it activated your andrenaline, boosted the serotonin, and just about shut down your concious mind. You became an unstoppable machine with only one thought-if it moves, kill it. Even if you blew the legs off someone in Blackout, they would crawl to you faster than you could run, and try to gnaw off your head.
"I got one of them, but the other was too fast. He knocked me out the window. I hit the ground from about eight stories. The zealot broke his neck on his way down. I was in no condition to fight," Slight remember the doctor telling him almost every bone had been broken, "and so I moved out to the borders, and tracked down the girl who broke out."

You see I cannot be forsaken/Because I'm not the only one.

MERCEDESTROY

Thursday, April 15, 2004 12:42 AM

MERZ move

LOCATION - DINING ROOM

Quote:
I worked at one of the factories that made those things. I had my own issues with the powers-that-be and decided to pull a prank. Each of those cannons has a targeting system designed to be 100% accurate, but I got my hands on the modules and changed the default setting to throw off the readings. That's why most of those models are off by 15 to 25 degrees . . . .

look at that smile; he is proud of himself

MERZ just looked at DAMON for a second, then emptied her mug and shook her head.

“Interesting. Let me give you something to think about. Blowing up a factory hurts the powers-that-be and those-who-lead. Sabotaging a gun sight mostly kills grunts. Sometimes checking the equipment has to wait. So you have someone missing the target and getting blown up for it. Hitting a friendly by accident. Grunts who may be no more responsible for, or pleased by where they are and what they are doing than you were. I know. I have been there.”

MERZ scrubbed at her eyes. “And I cannot even take you to task for it – you believed you were standing up for yourself; and I have been assigned to enough shadow OPPS to be just as guilty of the same wretched actions. Just one more reason why I am here and not . . . elsewhere.”

“I can remember a lot of years. The more I see of this world that I am in now, the more I realize I have lived a entire lifetime and accomplished nothing of which I can be proud.” Pause “Except perhaps yesterday. To defend these good people from – anything is the most worthy thing I have done in my life to date.” MERZ tilts her head and looks at DAMON. “Should I be depressed by this?”

She dumped more loose straps into the piles and picked up her empty mug. “Want some coffee?”

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

SQUEE

Thursday, April 15, 2004 1:36 AM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - DINING ROOM

Quote:
Originally posted by MercedesTroy:
“Interesting. Let me give you something to think about. Blowing up a factory hurts the powers-that-be and those-who-lead. Sabotaging a gun sight mostly kills grunts. Sometimes checking the equipment has to wait. So you have someone missing the target and getting blown up for it. Hitting a friendly by accident. Grunts who may be no more responsible for, or pleased by where they are and what they are doing than you were. I know. I have been there.”

MERZ scrubbed at her eyes. “And I cannot even take you to task for it – you believed you were standing up for yourself; and I have been assigned to enough shadow OPPS to be just as guilty of the same wretched actions. Just one more reason why I am here and not . . . elsewhere.”

Damon gives her an even look. He doesn't need to think about his responce.

"The soldiers who were going to use those weapons were Alliance and the more of their grunts and friendlies who died because of my faulty equipment the better. I don't know what wretched things you think you've done, but I've seen my share of wretched actions, and sabotaging enemy equipment isn't one of them."

There is a moment of silence before Merz speaks again.

Quote:

“I can remember a lot of years. The more I see of this world that I am in now, the more I realize I have lived a entire lifetime and accomplished nothing of which I can be proud.” Pause “Except perhaps yesterday. To defend these good people from – anything is the most worthy thing I have done in my life to date.” MERZ tilts her head and looks at DAMON. “Should I be depressed by this?”

Damon is quiet for a long moment, thinking of his own life and how little he has accomplished in it.

"Sometimes one accomplishment is worth everything," he says softly, not looking up. "You may not accomplish much, but you should be proud of everything you can manage."

Quote:

She dumped more loose straps into the piles and picked up her empty mug. “Want some coffee?”

Damon nods.

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

MANIACNUMBERONE

Thursday, April 15, 2004 8:35 AM

Book's Move
Location: Common Area

Book walks up the stairs leading to the cargo bay, and makes a small detour down the hallway behind the infirmary to see if River is back there hiding in the small nook. "River?" he calls as he pokes his head around the corner. No one. Book has a sudden insight, remembering who he is searching for, and he takes a moment to look questioningly above him into the darkness of the pipes and ducts. Still no one.

Still not completely convinced that she isn't hiding up above the ducts, Book walks into the cargo bay and scans around. Crates of various sizes, the weight bench, stairs, much open space. I should find the captain soon too. Book thinks, It's past time I told him.

Book goes to one of the many hidden panels on the walls of the cargo bay, gets down on a knee and knocks. He knows River's favorite hidden panel. "River?" No answer. Book straightens up and looks into the rafters of the cargo bay. She likes to jump around up there too. he thinks with a shake of his head. River is no where to be found.

Book decides to check the upper deck and walks towards the fore stairway.

EM

MERCEDESTROY

Thursday, April 15, 2004 11:04 AM

MERZ move

LOCATION - DINING ROOM

MERZ rummages around and comes up with another empty coffee cup. Filling both, she turns back to the table and sets one in front of DAMON. She stands there a minute looking down at him, a peculiar expression on her face.

When she speaks again, she has changed stance, expression and vocal inflection – it is an eerie version of DAMON himself, repeating back to him words he spoke only yesterday.

‘I missed the war. It started and ended without me. And now I'm traveling this verse, completely ignorant of what went on or why. The small part I did participate in only makes me more confused. I gave up trying to decide which side I was really on. So it's just one of those topics that I avoid so as to keep from getting beat up by Alliance and Independents.’

pause

‘The soldiers who were going to use those weapons were Alliance and the more of their grunts and friendlies who died because of my faulty equipment the better.’

She relaxes back to herself. “Enemy is a point of view. Apparently ignorant does not prevent you from having an opinion. I would say you definitely have chosen a side, whether before or since. I admit I was in the war. I had no choice in participating in the blessed war, and I made a choice to abandon my unit and my life when I realized just how much I have been lied to.”

MERZ takes a deep drink, and resumes her seat and her task. “And for the record – the Alliance friendly I brought down with your precious gun was a non-combatant: a medical transport. Don’t bother telling me there were soldiers on board. Once they are wounded, they are just people in pain and out of the battle. It makes a difference to me. It is one of my flaws.”

pause

"I despise wetwork."

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

CHANNAIN

Thursday, April 15, 2004 2:20 PM

Rowan's Move:
LOCATION - INARA'S SHUTTLE

Quote:
INARA: "This is all that I can do with what I have, Rowan...unless I cut and color your hair."

ROWAN (shaking her head slightly): "No, I'd like to avoid that. The press corps following the pro-billiards league would make too much hoopla out of it."

Opening her eyes as she feels a strand of hair tucked behind her ear, Rowan looks up at Inara and sees she is holding out an ornate hand-mirror. Looking at the reflection staring back at her, at first Rowan thinks the mirror is equipped with internal imaging until she blinks and realizes the eyes in the reflection are still green.

Feeling her jaw drop with utter astonishment, she lifts a hand to the mirror, and the other to her face. Her skin even feels smoother somehow, and there is absolutely no trace of the bruising left over from her injury.

ROWAN: "Lìngrén jingyì - all I wanted was to cover up the bruising, and you went and turned me into a swan. Tianna I look ten years younger. You're a bona fide miracle worker, that's for sure and for certain."

As Inara beams over Rowan's girlish effusiveness, Rowan turns her face from side to side, checking the effects from as many angles as she can and smiles with continued amazement.

ROWAN (softly): "Tianna... I almost do look like her."

EOM

Lìngrén jingyì = stunning, amazing

OOC:

Ciara, you never cease to surprise me.

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

SQUEE

Thursday, April 15, 2004 5:26 PM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - DINING ROOM

Damon stares at Merz as she recites what he said yesterday word for word.

Quote:
Originally posted by MercedesTroy:
MERZ takes a deep drink, and resumes her seat and her task. “And for the record – the Alliance friendly I brought down with your precious gun was a non-combatant: a medical transport. Don’t bother telling me there were soldiers on board. Once they are wounded, they are just people in pain and out of the battle. It makes a difference to me. It is one of my flaws.”

pause

"I despise wetwork."

Damon leans forward and looks hard at Merz.

"I may not know much about the war, I may not know which side I was helping more while working for that factory, but that doesn't mean I don't know which side I was rooting for.

"So don't try to make me feel guilty about that accident," he says, trying to keep the anger from his voice. "I did what I did and nothing you can say will make me regret it. And don't try to lecture me about innocents and bystanders either. I've seen more innocents killed and burried than I can count. Shit happens. You want to survive, you accept that reality and do whatever you can to fight it."

OOC: I have to go now, Debs, but Damon will be tasting that coffee next post

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

RAVENWHYTEWING

Thursday, April 15, 2004 5:28 PM

Slight's move:

For a long time, Candy can't seem to speak.
"If you're the Son, you must have gotten all of the upgrades."
Slight considers for a moment.
"Not all, no. With any pale, it's generally decided that a Vampire-class upgrade is the best. And my biology is. . .stranger still. I was the first experimental body. My father, when creating his private army, wanted to make sure of loyalty from his walking weapons. He was brilliant."
"He was a sick, perverted old man."
"Any difference?" Candy simply slits her eyes.
"So he left it up to Second Power Davis to find ways of doing it. Davis came up with the faith of the Blue Sun, spreading lies that one day we would rule all the 'Verse. And there's no one more faithful than a converted believer. So they created 'faith restructuring,' brainwashing. The doctrine, "Two by two, hands of blue. To the Void, we are true. Two by two, hands of blue, we are the few, we are the true. They made Blackout drugs, and this armor." With a mental thought, Slight forces the armor into the wing configuration. Although cramped in the tiny shuttle, it still displays the powers inside.
"And with all these soldiers running around-"
"I have a question. What were the Powers' intentions with these things? Supersoldiers, unkillable?"
Slight sighs. "Not really. From what I dong ma, more like tailor made. Designed for specific purposes. Vampire-class was one of the three elite."
"The other two?"
"Drake and Nemesis class. Drakes were intended for speed, with the fastest reaction times and greatest senses. Two Drakes working together could give an Alliance fleet a run for their money. As for the Nemesis-class, they are the supersoldiers. Pray to the Void you never see a Nemesis within a mile. Blackout, cybernetic strength enhancers, gas pores and immunity to every poison in the world. They were unstoppable. Then you have the zealots, and the priests. I have yet to understand fully what the Academy was gearing towards. As for us Vampires, we are the hunters. Boosted speed, stronger senses and great endurance. Good hand-eye coordination, and deeper empathy.
"Those are the soldiers I know of."
Candy stands. "I have to fly the ship. I'll tell the captain you are not to be disturbed."
"Gracias, senorita. I'm sorry to dump all of this on you."
"You broke me out, didn't you?"
"Si." Slight nods. "How'd you know?"
"You're on a mission of penance. One minute, I'm killing three children, the next I'm in the middle of Beaumont, holding three hundred plat and remembering my humanity. Aweful coincidence."

EOM
OOC: Thought I'd do some character developement, and some Blue Sun background. Once "Pale Moonlight" starts, you'll understand why this is necessary to explain.

You see I cannot be forsaken/Because I'm not the only one.

BOOMERGOODHEART

Thursday, April 15, 2004 6:09 PM

Kaylee's Move
Location: Roving

Kaylee smiles as she leaves the bridge, Wash's response to Zoe as amusing as ever.

Slowly walking towards the engine room, her thoughts turn once again to Simon. The feeling of unease grows inside of her. Something is very, very wrong.

Somewhat absentmindedly, she sets out the tools that she thinks Merz might be needing.

Her thoughts are far away, with her troubled doctor.

End Move

BoomerGoodheart
"I love my Captain."

MERCEDESTROY

Thursday, April 15, 2004 11:16 PM

MERZ move

LOCATION - DINING ROOM

“Not attempting to make you feel guilty or anything else. Not trying to cause you to regret anything. I will handle my own guilt and regrets, and you tend to yours. However you choose to is up to you.”

“I have learned that nothing one does is without consequence. My trick, my new trick is to try to arrange it so I can live with the results of my actions. All of them. And if I can go the rest of my existence without harming another innocent – then I will have something to be proud of.”

She digs back into the box of straps, muttering to herself ‘*la mierda sucede, solamente no mi mierda, no más.’

EOM

*shit happens, but not my shit, not anymore (Spanish)

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

SQUEE

Friday, April 16, 2004 1:24 AM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - DINING ROOM

Damon reaches down and picks up his mug of coffee. He looks at her, this older woman who doesn't know when to wear clothes or how to wash them yet still manages to make him feel like an ignorant little kid. He always knew that you are supposed to respect your elders, but this is the first time that he feels compelled to do so.

A question worms it's way into his mind. "What is an innocent? How do you determine whether someone is innocent or not?"

He takes a sip of his coffee and almost spits it out. He manages to swallow it, his face scrunched up in disgust.

He shakes his head as if it would help get rid of the taste and the memories of the stuff being forced down his throat with the "drink it or breathe it" threat.

"Ohh man... that stuff's strong enough to make your peck... uh... just about anything stand on end."

He puts the cup back down, still trying to get the taste out of his mouth.

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

MERCEDESTROY

Friday, April 16, 2004 11:29 AM

MERZ move

LOCATION - DINING ROOM

She is busy with untangling, but can’t help but notice DAMON shake his head, mouth pursed. His expression is – unpleasant as he stares into his cup before putting it down. MERZ is puzzled – aren’t they drinking the same thing? She picks up her cup and tastes it again. Well, what she had earlier was . . . tasty, but this is the way she has always drunk it. MERZ sighs and takes DAMONs mug.

“Sorry *petit frère. Apparently I made this pot for me. I shall find out who made the last one and have them show me the correct method. I honestly thought the last pot tasted so good because the pot and/or the beans were different. Silly me. I just hope you people don’t get tired of straightening me out.”

She pours what is left in his cup into hers, and sets both on the table, and gets to her feet, to dump the remaining coffee into recycle before someone else gets into it. She winces, remembering ZOE pouring 2 cups earlier. “Must apologize to them later, too.”

whatever does not kill us, makes us stronger. well if i can get to new hokkaido without this gang killing me, we will all be stronger for it.

EOM

* little brother (French)

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

ASTRIANA

Friday, April 16, 2004 2:37 PM

ZOE'S MOVE:
LOCATION - DINING ROOM

ZOE enters the dining room, cups in hands, and sees the look on DAMON's face.

ZOE (to herself): "Looks like he's tasted the coffee..."

Shaking her head in amusement, ZOE sees MERZ dumping the coffee left in the decanter into the recycle and hears her apologize.

Quote:
MERZ: "Sorry petit frère*. Apparently I made this pot for me. I shall find out who made the last one and have them show me the correct method. I honestly thought the last pot tasted so good because the pot and/or the beans were different. Silly me. I just hope you people don’t get tired of straightening me out. *wince* Must apologize to them later, too."

ZOE's smile softens as she moves to the sink and dumps the contents of the cups.

ZOE: "Apologize to who? You ain't done a thing needs forgiveness - 'less you're talkin' 'bout that coffee. An' even the Cap'n's made more'n' a few bad pots in his time. Here... everybody learns it when they first get on board - seems like it's your turn."

Seeing that the decanter is empty, ZOE reaches and takes it from MERZ, and sets about making a new pot, taking her time to make sure MERZ can see everything she does and ask questions as necessary.

End Move.

*petit frère = little brother (French)

~A~

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

GEEZER

Friday, April 16, 2004 4:02 PM

Mal's Move:

Location: Galley/His Bunk

Looks like everyone else has work to do, so MAL decides he has to get onto his as well. Polishing off the last of his muffin, he cleans up the table where he was sitting and heads for his bunk, stopping at the fridge for a bottle of Sunny D. "Strange how nobody knows what's in the stuff, but everyone drinks it" he thinks, "And what the tzao gao is a 'Sunny D' anyhow?"

This is the job MAL hates most. He folds down the small worktable and opens a lockbox stuffed with slips of paper, which he begins to sort into piles.

"Let's see. Fuel, ammo, docking fees, rebuilt catalyzer, lithium grease, batteries, food, water, toilet paper. We spend that much on gorram toilet paper? License fees, bribes, Cortex access. Huh? 200 hours to Jayne's bunk? That bun tien-shung de ee-duai-ro been downloading techno-porn again? Med supplies, beer, tampons (sigh), laundry soap, water recycler filters, spool of 10 gauge wire, spool of 14 gauge wire, spool of 18 gauge wire. Damnit, Kaylee, pick a size. Duct tape, chop sticks, light bulbs, rope. Never have too much rope. An' tequila. Half of which is still sloshin' around under the hold."

"Now the credit side. Inara's shuttle rent, an' Thorne's deposit for this trip. still got the balance and his sweetener pending. This plus that, carry the 7, oops, thats a 5 there. An' the total is... Go-se! Whoever said freedom's not free sure had the right of it. But at least we can keep flying' for a while yet."

Tzao gao = Shit
Bun tien-shung de ee-duai-ro = Stupid inbred sack of meat
Go-se = Dog crap.

"Keep the Shiny side up"

SQUEE

Friday, April 16, 2004 5:43 PM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - DINING ROOM

Damon waves off Merz's appology and gets up to follow her to the kitchen. He reaches the sink, slurps up a mouthful of water and sloshes it around his mouth. After spitting it out and repeating the process, he drys his face on his sleeve and walks back to his box. He puts the last of the straps in their appropriate piles and starts tieing the bundles together.

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

DRAGONFLYDIRECTOR

Saturday, April 17, 2004 4:35 AM

LOCATION - WAVE INTERCEPT STATION
0700 AMT {Alliance Mean Time}
As ...

After he brief change of command, the Watch Captain sat in the darkened control center. His face was illuminated by the scrolling text of daily log on his hand comp. He had to catch up on the previous Watch's notes and unusual items.

"Sir!", one of the numerous wave technicians called out. His call breaking the cadence of clicks and beeps issuing from the equipment in the vast chamber.

After toggling his hand-comp to his incomplete entry in progress, he responds, "Yes, Station 42?"

"Operative THX-1138 is not responding to our hails."

The WC frowns as he states, "Isn't ... ", what was his cover name? the WC thinks, Rev B ... Bem or somesuch? After moment the Captain continues, "...er ... he supposed to be on total wave-break - no contact."

"Yessir, but his ident card was used in a level Nexus-Omega communication. Protocol states that a wave-check with the operative be preformed in the case of NOCs.

"Was it?"

"Yessir! He gave the appropirate countersigns. Wave duration was a concern, so at his aknowledgement, we cut contact."

The Captain furrowed his brow. "What is the problem then?"

"InternSec have since decoded a fragment of the orginal NOC. We have attempted to re-connect with 1138 to verfy, but he is not responding."

"Problem with the decode?!"

"Nosir ... we needed him to verfy the content I.S. did decode."

"So?", The Captain spat.

The technician gulped, "Um, it seems... from the fragments... that Adelai Niska is finally making his move on the Enclave and maybe using 1138's ident-codex."

The Commander gaped at the tech in total stupfication. After a timeless moment, He sighs in a great burst and reaches for the hot-line.

End Of Scene

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

DRAGONFLYDIRECTOR

Sunday, April 18, 2004 3:20 AM

Interlude 2 Part III
LOCATION - NEW HOKKAIDO / UCHIGATANA CITY DOCKS
Docking Bay 54, Cargo Tug Rubicon
0713 AMT
As ...

Corzaire Jax, ESQ. sits on a small milkcrate. He is muttering and making small sharp gestures. His movements tilting the crate in such a manner that it threatened to dump him on the Rubicon's small cargo bay floor. Jax pays no heed, he is pondering murder.

"Such a simple thing... " he thinks, his mind concocting wonderful images of a full blown torture and murder of scruffy, self-important officials. He shakes off the idea of ending a sentient's life with a deep frown - "Takes too much trouble to neutralize all the crime scene evidence. " He blows a halfhearted raspberry and lowers his head to his hands.

"Smutbunnies!" He explodes. Anger vented, he sighs, "As Milla would say."

Jax grumbles further to himself in a silly brogue, "Why canna things ere ga smooth?!!!"

Hlastoni drops down from the cockpit with his usual grim expression. Seeing Jax bent over, he pauses. After a few moments, it becomes apparent that Jax is not going to look up.

Hlastoni's jaw firms as he grits his teeth at Jax's frailty of spirit. Slightly shaking his head, he speaks in a booming tenor, "Squire, maps are done."

Jax finally totters off the crate at the report of Hlastoni's voice. He falls on his back with a thud to the deck. Ironically, flat on his back he is looking up at Hlastoni.

With no sign of his pratfall coloring his voice, Jax says, "So, I suppose you want me to wave Thorne with the choices?"

"Yes, you know the history between he and I." Hlastoni rumbled with a stony expression.

"It wasn't that bad. You didn't know his family estate was in Serenity Valley. Well, at least you didn't know it was his when you strafed it in your skiff." Jax replies innocently.

With no change of expression or acknowledgment of Jax's barb, Hlastoni hands Jax a memory rod. "The choices for a drop and exchange are on New Hokkaido's moon. Over half a dozen prime locations. All criteria are noted -- timing of orbital traffic, cover, escape routes and the like. Tell him to wave his decision to both the Rubicon and Chimera." Hlastoni grates. Without waiting for an answer, he does an about-face and ascends back into the cockpit.

Jax tilts his head back to follow Hlastoni's progress. When the pilot disappears, Jax sighs softly, lips twist in a wistful grin, he whispers, "Never forgives, never forgets, loves his pain."

Jax relaxes back to the cool deck with a big grin at his friends foibles, "What a smeghead."

EOS

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

MERCEDESTROY

Sunday, April 18, 2004 1:01 PM

MERZ move

START LOCATION - DINING ROOM

She watches DAMON rinse his mouth out with a small sense of amusement, without ever taking her attention off of ZOE making fresh coffee. Next time . . . it will be correct.

Once ZOE has shown her the way, she heads back to the table. DAMON is bundling up the sorted straps and returning them to the box.

“Go ahead and pick us a selection of straps about 2 ½ to 3 inches wide. Get a couple more than we need in case we need to switch something out for some reason. I will catch KAYLEE and get us some of the tools I am not carrying and meet you on the Bridge. Tell Wash he should have fresh coffee soon. We will do the other station first and give him a chance to see what we are doing and if he wants it done that way or a different way.”

She grabs their empty mugs, carries them to the sink, and heads off to the engine room.

END LOCATION - TRAVELING: DINING ROOM TO ENGINE ROOM

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

SQUEE

Sunday, April 18, 2004 6:59 PM

Damon's turn:
START LOCATION - DINING ROOM to CARGO BAY

Quote:
“Go ahead and pick us a selection of straps about 2 ½ to 3 inches wide. Get a couple more than we need in case we need to switch something out for some reason. I will catch KAYLEE and get us some of the tools I am not carrying and meet you on the Bridge. Tell Wash he should have fresh coffee soon. We will do the other station first and give him a chance to see what we are doing and if he wants it done that way or a different way.”

She grabs their empty mugs, carries them to the sink, and heads off to the engine room.

Damon watches Merz leave the room and sets aside the bundle of 4-point straps. There aren't very many of them but at least they have a couple extra to work with.

With the rest of the bundles neatly back in the box, and the 4-pointers hanging around his neck, he closes the lid and lifts the box from the floor.

"Merz, I'm takin' these down to the cargo bay," he calls down the hall as he turns for the stairs.

END LOCATION - CATWALKS

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

GEEZER

Monday, April 19, 2004 5:05 PM

Thorne's Move:

Location: His cabin/Galley/Cargo bay

Checking the comm, THORNE sees it's lunchtime. He has finished his preparations for this evening and has some time to kill. Maybe a light snack and then some excercise. He remembers seeing a weight bench in the hold. He changes into shorts and a sweatshirt and heads out.

The galley is empty, although the coffeemaker is just sputtering the last few drops of a new batch into the carafe. "Had enough caffine for the day. Maybe just some water with lunch.", he thinks. A quick search turns up a loaf of bread and some cheddar cheese. A little of this will do to keep hunger away. and there'll be better later.

Alternating bites of bread and cheese with swigs of water, he walks to the cargo bay. The storage boxes have been stowed away again, and the floor is clear. Might as well let the food settle a bit before starting on the weights. He props a molded plas pallet against the bulkhead and backs away a few steps. Reaching to the back of his neck, he removes three flat throwing knives from their sheath inside his collar, and begins to juggle them.

Noticing a short, heavy hammer clipped to a beam, he grabs it and adds it to the mix. the pallet has a shipping label on it, about the size of a short card. "That'll be the target", THORNE decides. Still juggling, he closes his eyes and turns his back to the pallet. After a moment, he whirls, eyes still closed, and throws the three knives in a continuous blur of steel. They hit the label almost as one, left edge, center, right edge, penetrating the tough plas at least an inch. Before the sound of their impact dies, the hammer hits the center knife headfirst, driving it completely through the pallet.

"Not bad for an old man", THORNE says quietly. He'd not likely throw away a perfectly good knife in an actual fight, but this little routine is a good test of his dexterity and kinesthetic sense. he recovers his knives and the hammer and returns them to their places. After a few stretches, he begins his tai chi. Need to wait for someone to come by who can spot him before he starts on the weights.

EOM

"Keep the Shiny side up"

SQUEE

Monday, April 19, 2004 7:29 PM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - CARGOBAY

Damon stares down from the catwalk as Thorne goes from juggling knives to throwing them at a lable with his eyes closed.

"Tzao gao..."

He knows that there are people who spend their whole lives practicing knives but something about this is just down right unnatural. He makes his way down the stairs as Thorne mutters something inaudible.

"I think my list of people not to piss off just got longer," he says, reaching the floor. He walks over to the pile of boxes and sets his down.

OOC: Well, if I was at home I could have looked up something more profound for Damon to say in Chinese. Something like "Holy mother of God and all her whacky nephews" but I guess I'll have to make do with what I know.

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

TEELABROWN

Tuesday, April 20, 2004 12:14 AM

_________
River goes to her room, looking at the memory stick.

"Time to stop playing, no more games."
_________

Filler post, write more later.

_____________
"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

MERCEDESTROY

Tuesday, April 20, 2004 12:36 AM

MERZ move

LOCATION - BRIDGE As...

Merz slides back to her own dorm, to gather her tools before dropping by the engine room to gather some additional tools from KAYLEE. She is almost . . . happy with work to do and no current worries. Once she acquires her own tools, she buckles on the belt and practically bounces down to the engine room.

Once she has arrived, she sticks her head in to announce that she is there. KAYLEE is standing with her back to the door, looking/listening to Serenity’s engine, her thoughts very far away. MERZ notices a small pile of tools on the floor near the door, precisely what she would have requested to borrow. Assuming that they were set out for her, and very reluctant to interrupt KAYLEE and wherever her thoughts have taken her, MERZ carefully and quietly gathers up the tools and scarpers off toward the bridge.

Outside the bridge she listens carefully for any indication that WASH may be busy and hearing nothing untoward, heads through the door. Once again, she addresses WASH before doing anything else.

“Mr. WASH, Captain Reynolds has put in a request for belts on the chairs in the command room, in case of future maneuvering such as experienced yesterday. I was planning to rig a cross belt arrangement for the gunner station. I can do the same for you since I consider a lap belt to be inadequate for the task. However if you have a preference, DAMON and I can rig your station to your satisfaction. Please let me know.”

She pauses to let him speak before turning away.

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

MANIACNUMBERONE

Tuesday, April 20, 2004 8:56 AM

Book's Move
LOCATION - CARGO BAY to GALLEY

Book goes slowly up the fore stairway, missing Thorne coming down the other stairs, and stops in the hallway outside the galley. He looks up past the crew quarters to the bridge and see's Merz talking to Wash. No River on the bridge.

Book turns away from the hallway to the bridge and steps through the doorway and down the few steps into the galley. He glances quickly around the room, lowers himself into a padded chair in the corner. Closing his eyes for a moment, he thinks to himself. This is a small ship. She can't have gone far.

EM

RAVENWHYTEWING

Tuesday, April 20, 2004 5:56 PM

Wash raises his eyebrows in frank confusion. Command room? Future manuevering?
Mr. Wash?
Wash stands easily, holding up his hands.
"Umm, for one thing, only my mother and the feds get to call me Mr. Wash. Wash, or that crazy guy behind the wheel will do shiny. Pilot, if you're feeling too orderly to be onboard this ship. And this is just a bridge. Only commands done in here is the captains commands on where to go, and my commandin' the ship to get there. As for the gunner chair, patch it up if you feel like it. However, I don't like belts clipping my, uh. . .thigh." Just as the engine room is Kaylee's turf, this is Wash's homestead, and he's made it just the way he likes it. "So do what you feel like doin' on the gunners chair, but I'm comfortable with this chair. You'll be the one doin' the shooting here, I just push three buttons and get us wherever we gotta go."
Wash sits back down, flipping through the NavCom of the dropsite. "Where are you headed, anyway?" Wash asks easily. Might as well get to know the previously naked woman.

You see I cannot be forsaken/Because I'm not the only one.

MERCEDESTROY

Tuesday, April 20, 2004 11:31 PM

MERZ move

LOCATION - BRIDGE

well, apparently that flowery, shirt thingie i have not be able to make heads or tails of is not a uniform. so, drop the mr. i can do that.

MERZ gives WASH a long look. “Being as how we can be plain spoken folk here and now, I do have something for you to consider. You do not have to wear a restraint all of the time you are in that chair, and I have every sympathy for a belt “clipping” anatomical bits, considering no chest belt was EVER designed to make a woman comfortable. But please consider that if you do a roll in this bird during a fight, and your ever beloved ZOE is in the gunner chair safely strapped, you got no one holding you down. When you land on your head, don’t come crying to me.” Pause “If you let me install them now they will be there when you need them even if it is 10 years from now. Bet it’ll make ZOE feel better.”

that is a low blow and i should never have used it. but he won’t believe me so it can’t matter

Quote:
Where are you headed, anyway

that is a safe enough question, bein’ as how i got no answer for it

Content to chat for a moment, DAMON having the straps with him, MERZ considers her answer for a second. An opportunity to learn to talk to people can’t be passed up. “Out there, somewhere,” she says motioning out the view port with her head and holding up one hand. “No I am not being difficult or secretive. I really don’t know where I am going. Somewhere, I have no idea where to look, I have . . . friends, I hope. Until I find them or a lead to them, I suppose I am just . . . driftin’.”

She gazes off into nowhere. “Sooner or later I will find a reference to a new ship, Chimera, or to Captain Marovech Rahn, or Hlas, or someone. I can be patient.” like i have a choice

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

RAVENWHYTEWING

Wednesday, April 21, 2004 5:51 PM

Wash can't help but be amazed. The robot can speak plain English, and she has a fine point.
"Alright, put it that way, I would like to see my kid's later on."
Wash considers her response.
"Well, I can well relate to drifting jus' fine. We've been sailin for more'n six years, and I don't think we've ever settled on a place more'n two weeks, and that was just cuz we had to repair somethin'." Wash smiles fondly at the memory. "That was actually where we picked up Kaylee. Since then, never had a so much as a rattle that she couldn' fix. But hey, we're always driftin about. You talk with the captain, he might make you a home here." Wash stares plaintively out into the black. "I mean we've got enough strays as it is. You've proven you're a fair hand in a fight." Wash figures she don't much want to discuss that, so he changes the subject. "How's the voyage so far? Meet any drinkin buddies?"

You see I cannot be forsaken/Because I'm not the only one.

CHANNAIN

Wednesday, April 21, 2004 9:54 PM

OOC: Moving things along as I promised.

Inara & Rowan Blended Post:
LOCATION - INARA'S SHUTTLE
ROWAN (softly): "Tianna...I almost do look like her."

Quote:
FLASHBACK
She was watching again – always from the doorway and always without barely breathing for fear of making some noise. Aislin was trying on her gown for her presentation at the Academy while a seamstress waited nearby to hear the results of her trade.

"It has to be perfect." Aislin turned for probably the tenth time to examine herself from all angles. "There can’t be any flaws."

How many times had she said that? She can’t remember now. It seems Aislin has always kept herself neater and cleaner and prettier than anyone has a right to. Rowan had overheard their father say what a noble profession it was, what a tremendous opportunity, to be chosen to become a Companion.

What can it be like to have to strive so hard for perfection every minute of every day?

Inara watches as surprise and delight melt slowly into regret. With a sigh of resignation, Rowan turns her glittering eyes upward again. Catching reflected light from the mirror, they flash with green fire.

ROWAN: "Much as I’d like to keep it, I’m afraid the press corps would have a field day with this too. Is there an easy way to get all this off and start over?"

Inara smiles generously and reaches for a pack of facial cloths. Opening one, she spreads the soft fabric across her palm and holds it up.

INARA: "Close your eyes."

She does, but not before lifting a suspicious eyebrow first. Holding her face upward, she reminds Inara of a small child awaiting a quick cleaning after spreading ice cream all over. Gently, she removes the makeup and then applies a light toner smelling of citrus, followed by a light cream. Finished, she realizes Rowan and Aislin may have the same elegant beauty blended from Irish and Chinese bloodlines, but that Rowan's natural beauty is somehow more appealing than the applied splendor Aislin always accomplished.

INARA (to herself): Two sisters – so similar, and yet so vastly different.

INARA: "There – you're just you again."

Opening her eyes, Rowan looks and seems surprised. Seeing the green eyes still staring out of the mirror at her, she makes a face.

ROWAN: "Wode tìan they're obnoxious, aren't they?

INARA: "Actually I think they're quite lovely. Moreso than I had been told."

Rowan's look is more indicative of the notion that Inara may have quietly lost her mind.

ROWAN: "You must be kidding. Why in the 'verse would she talk about the ugly green-eyed troll?"

EOM

OOC: I'm hoping for one post per day for the next week or two. Wish me luck!

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

SQUEE

Wednesday, April 21, 2004 11:53 PM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - CARGO BAY to BRIDGE

After dropping off the box of straps in the cargo bay, Damon makes his way back up to the bridge. Merz is already there talking to Wash. Not wanting to interrupt, he waits near the door and starts examining the straps.

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

MERCEDESTROY

Thursday, April 22, 2004 2:10 AM

MERZ move

LOCATION - BRIDGE

Quote:
How's the voyage so far? Meet any drinkin buddies?

She considers his question quite carefully. Not an easy one to answer on several levels.

“Interesting question, Wash. There hasn’t been time for me get to know anyone much, and I am perhaps not very skilled at meeting new folk. Some are out of my league, like Roosevelt and Rowan and definitely that Inara. That Damon is a tough one. Nice enough, but I think we are on opposite sides in the long run. Still, would trust him to guard my back – nice feeling, that. Captain Reynolds; he is a captain and I am a grunt. Jayne I have only seen in passing and don’t look to turn my back on till I know him better. Never met the little girl or your missing Doctor. Zoe is my kinda woman, wish I could hang around long enough to get to know her better. We might just be friends. Kaylee is nice enough, and I understand her need to fix things, but she’s got somethin’ weighing her mind a lot right now.”

She pauses a second, listening. Then raises her voice, turning her head toward the door, “Come on in DAMON, not talking about anything you can’t hear.”

MERZ looks back at WASH with a tilt to her head. “Drinking buddy. Alcohol, right? I understand the term, but . . . I have never had a drink. Never had a drinking buddy either I suppose.” not in a long time. hlas would have drunk with me, ditto maro, ditto others. if only i could . . . well breaking all the rules now aren’t i. maybe i will just let go one of these days . . . Softly. “Wish that Brink Helsing had stayed around for a time . . . wanted to talk to him a bit longer. Oh yes.”

MERZ makes that grimace that she believes is a smile at WASH. (She looked at it in a mirror once – not sure it is quite right yet.) “Guess I have to get back to work now. Can’t spend all day jawin’. Before you know it, the Captain will be coming in here wondering why I’m just standing around.” She turns her smile on DAMON. “So let’s see the straps you selected and get started.”

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

SQUEE

Thursday, April 22, 2004 7:49 AM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - BRIDGE

Damon stands in the doorway, fiddling with the straps, not paying much attention to the conversation until he hears Merz mention his name.

Quote:
Originally posted by MercedesTroy:
"That Damon is a tough one. Nice enough, but I think we are on opposite sides in the long run. Still, would trust him to guard my back – nice feeling, that. Captain Reynolds; he is a captain...

Merz continues but Damon's thoughts take him away from what she's saying. That had to be the nicest thing anyone has said to him, even if she wasn't speaking to him directly. He was used to people calling him a stubborn, ignorant, ass who only looked out for himself.

Frankly, he can agree with that. He learned the hard way on too many occasions that you need to look out for #1 or you're shooting yourself in the foot. That bar tender was clearly anti Alliance but that didn't stop him from letting the Feds walk in and pound the go se out of Damon yesterday morning. The guy could have at least given him a heads up, or maybe he did and Damon was too hung over to hear. Either way, goes to show what happens when you let your guard down.

Quote:
“Come on in DAMON, not talking about anything you can’t hear.”

He takes a couple more steps into the room as Merz turns back to Wash. When she finishes, she turns him with a smile.

Quote:
“So let’s see the straps you selected and get started.”

He nods and holds up two of the straps. "I think these look to be the best pick of the bunch, though I could be wrong. It's been a while since I worked on anythin' with a harness and it's not coming back to me as fast as I expected it to."

go se = ... I think everyone knows what this means by now and if you don't, you haven't watched your DVDs enough yet.

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

MANIACNUMBERONE

Thursday, April 22, 2004 8:37 AM

Book's Move
LOCATION - Galley

Book sits in the corner of the galley thinking. Hands pressed together and drawn close to his lips. His eyes open and he squints. What is Niska doing with my ID card? How did he manage to steal it from Simon? Or is it Simon? Or Simon under the influence of Niska? Book inhales deeply and exhales slowly. Simon's in some sort of trouble, or the card wouldn't have been used. Either way, I should tell Mal a few things. I've delayed too long with other things this morning.

Book sits up in his chair and notices a spare coil of rope on the floor under the table. He stands and goes to the rope, picks it up and carries it with him on his way out the door towards Mal's quarters. He notices Damon and Merz intent on beginning to install some cross-straps to the gunner/co-pilot chair. Wash sitting in his own chair, pretending not to watch. Wash jumps around a lot when he flies. I wonder if he's allowing them to put one on his chair too... he thinks.

Focus. Trying to remain inobtrusive, Book walks half the length of the hallway, stops quietly at the captain's door-hatch and knocks. Book shakes his head and looks down at the rope in his hands. I wish I'd brought my Bible instead.

EM

CAPNRAHN

Thursday, April 22, 2004 12:02 PM

Mal's Move
LOCATION - MALs DORM
12:15 PM AMT
As ...

Mal sits back in his bench, away from all the gorram paperwork littered across his desk. He scrubs his eyes and exhales a mighty sigh. He then glares at the nearly empty coffee cup on his desk. With trepidation, Mal takes a sip and gags on the cold nastiness from the mug. After spitting the offending coffee into the sink, Mal looks at the clock to see how much time he has wasted on paperwork.

"Ahhhgh, go-se, past noon!" he grunts.

A knock sounds at his hatch.

Mal stands and hits the intercom. "Better be important, like space monkey Reavers or the like."

EOM

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

DRAGONFLYDIRECTOR

Thursday, April 22, 2004 1:00 PM

Director to Wash
LOCATION - BRIDGE
As...

On the wave receiver panel in front of Wash, a small green light begins to flash.

End Of Direction

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

RAVENWHYTEWING

Thursday, April 22, 2004 6:05 PM

Wash turns from the two, giving the final word to Merz. "well, anytime you want to find a Drinkin buddy, just find me in the galley after supper. I usually have a glass of fresh wine or three."
Wash is distracted by a blinking diode on the console. Another wave. Huh.
Wash opens the Cortex, and checks who the Wave is aimed at. He grabs the mike. Might as well give a little announcement. "Hi folks, this Wash. We'll be landing at the dropsite in four hours. So buckle up. And on a side note, Thorne, you have a wave."

You see I cannot be forsaken/Because I'm not the only one.

MANIACNUMBERONE

Thursday, April 22, 2004 7:13 PM

Book's Move
Location: Crew hallway outside Mal's room

Noticing the door-hatch is not locked, Book pushes it open as he hears the captain's voice.
Book climbs down the ladder into the captain room. "Reavers may be the least of troubles before this is over, captain." Book says as he reaches the bottom rung.

Mal's room is littered with all manner of equipment. He's apparently sorting it and doing some inventory. Book turns to look Mal directly in the eyes. "I fear I may have done something foolish." Book watches the look on Mal's face turn from minor annoyance to severe displeasure. "When Simon left, I gave him one of my ID card's to help him if he needed to get out of a tight spot." Book pauses and watches Mal crumple a sheaf of papers in his hand. "I can't tell you how I know, but he's used it... and I don't think he would have unless something went very wrong."

EM

CAPNRAHN

Thursday, April 22, 2004 11:49 PM

Mal's Move
LOCATION - MALs DORM
12:15 PM AMT
As ...

Mal's hatch opens and Book descends.

BOOK
"Reavers may be the least of troubles before this is over, captain."
Book turns to look Mal directly in the eyes.

"I fear I may have done something foolish."

Mal begins to get the sinking feeling that things are going around the twist -- yet again.

"When Simon left, I gave him one of my ID card's to help him if he needed to get out of a tight spot."

ID card! Mal thinks, qingwa cào de liúmáng*! THAT card! ... wait ... ONE of Book's ident cards? Mal continues to listen, but with the distinct feeling that Book may have more in common with Niska. Naw, if he was a criminal, he must have reformed - he is now my crew and has been fer a fair bit. quickly crosses his mind.

BOOK
"I can't tell you how I know, but he's used it... and I don't think he would have unless something went very wrong."

After Mal realizes he has just crumpled the fuel tallies, he drops them to the desk and turns back to Book.

MAL
in a tight voice tinged with irony
"Lìngrén jingyì chûn* Shepherd. That boy is smart, but not in the ways of the wild. We better hope that Slight fella can reign our Doc in. Other that that, I see as we are stymied until one or the other contacts us. Less'n you got other info that you ain't spilled yet."

As Mal crosses his arms over his chest, he stares hard into Book's eyes. Mal's right eyebrow nearly disappears into his hairline as he waits for Book's response.

EOM
{*qingwa cào de liúmáng = frog-humping sumbitch}
[*lìngrén jingyì chûn= stunningly stupid}

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

MERCEDESTROY

Friday, April 23, 2004 12:25 AM

Merz Move

LOCATION - BRIDGE

Quote:
Well, anytime you want to find a Drinkin’ buddy, just find me in the galley after supper. I usually have a glass of fresh wine or three.

MERZ pauses in the act of responding to WASH's remark; something on his console captures his full attention. Further comment can wait for a time. She reaches for the first two straps DAMON hands her and finds them barely worn and fully acceptable. For all that he is a bit out of practice, DAMON gets the idea of where she is going with the straps and they have a full rig set on the gunner station in no time. KAYLEE’s rivet gun and other assorted clamps and cutters being of unmistakable help.

Quote:
Hi folks, this Wash. We'll be landing at the dropsite in four hours. So buckle up. And on a side note, Thorne, you have a wave.

MERZ sighs. Looks as if her short vacation is about to end. Who knows what comes next.

She glances at Wash. “Too bad – I was going to take you up on that drink, only . . . I seem to recall someone saying something about tequila. I’ve heard of that and I smelled it when I came in. An interesting aroma, to be sure. I was lookin’ forward to having someone introduce me to that. Go ahead guys, talk some more. I can listen and work at the same time. DAMON, how’s about you hop up on that chair and we will see how these set.”

MERZ stands up next to the chair and prepares to help DAMON strap in and check for ‘pinchin’.

too much more of this homey talk and i am going to wake up screamin’ tonight. good thing they taught me ‘colloquial’ as a separate language. ‘least WASH likes it better, but it is beginnin’ to rub off something awful

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

SQUEE

Friday, April 23, 2004 5:35 AM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - BRIDGE

Damon hesitates for only a brief moment before sitting down in the gunner chair. Despite Merz's invitation to talk with Wash, Damon remains quiet. He doesn't particularly want to talk about his love - hate relationship with alcohol. Besides, all this talk of arriving at NH reminds him that his contract on Serenity will be over by the end of the day.

Part of him is happy to be able to add more money to his stash but the other half is wondering where he's going to be sleeping tonight. He won't have to worry about dinner if he gets a good meal before leaving the ship, but he knows next to nothing about NH. He'll have to do a little research after he finishes with Merz.

After they finish adjusting the straps and get them secured properly, Damon gets up and looks down at Wash.

"We doing your chair too?"

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

MANIACNUMBERONE

Friday, April 23, 2004 8:02 AM

Book's Move
LOCATION - MAL'S QUARTERS

Book looks at Mal's expectant stance and sighs. "I would like nothing better than to be able to give you the answer you're looking for captain, but there are... choices I made that prevent me." Book watches the expression on Mal's face turn from anger to slight astonishment. "But I can tell you that the card was used for illegal communication purposes, and it was used to access a place that Niska is known to want control over."

Book spots the stack of coiled ropes in the corner, walks over to them and drops the one in his hand onto the top of the pile, leaving his hands free. "I know this may not mean much or make much sense, but you remember how Simon was acting before he left... he was behaving differently."

Mal grudgingly nods his head and Book continues. "I know for a fact that he initiated a very dangerous and experimental procedure involving his own mind and Niska's. I wasn't aware of what he tried to do until it was too late... but you saw the effects.
Simon was like Niska for a time, he had his anger, he spoke with his accent and used his mannerisms. I can see you know where I'm going with this line of thought."

Book stops and looks hard at the captain's incredulous expression. How can I tell him straight out that I think Niska's mind may have somehow copied a portion of itself onto Simon's mind? Book thinks.

EM

GEEZER

Friday, April 23, 2004 1:44 PM

Thorne's move:

Location: Cargo bay/Bridge

Thorne has finished his tai chi set and still no one has wandered by to spot him on the barbells. He decides that maybe he should set up a weight date with someone next time. Might as well head for the Bridge and see if his customers have gotten in touch yet.

As he enters the bridge door her hears WASH:

WASH: "Hi folks, this Wash. We'll be landing at the dropsite in four hours. So buckle up. And on a side note, Thorne, you have a wave."

Four hours? Even with the best pilot in the 'verse, a Firefly can't make Hera to New Hokkaido in less than 48 hours, and they're only halfway into the trip. They should arrive tomorrow. But let's check the mail first.

THORNE: "I'm here, WASH. let me see that message, please."

WASH cues up the wave and THORNE enters the password. The grinning face of Corzaire Jax appears.

JAX: "Hey, Rosie, you old pirate. How they hangin'? Fearless leader commanded me to contact you with a list of locations for the hand-off. All choice pieces of nothing on Hokkaido's gloomy satellite, and far from the pleasures of civilization, or what passes for it out here. Why can't we ever do a deal in a brothel, or a five star restaurant? Anyway, get back to me with your preferred chunk of desolation, and we'll see you on the dark side of the moon. Jax out."

THORNE looks over the list of coordinates while thinking ruefully of the context in JAX's message. It would figure that HLASTONI'd want to meet as far from folk as possible. Just not the sociable type. Makes the Puritans look like flaming libertines. Good at what he does, though.

Deciding on a location, THORNE flips the switch to 'record' and begins to talk.

THORNE: "Squire, still as big a ponce as ever, I see. Afraid you'll never know how they're hangin', just that they don't swing your way. Looked over your list of prime real estate, and number three looks O.K. to me. Dry and empty as HLASTONI's heart. Not my idea of a pleasure palace either. Maybe after the deal's done you and I can hit Hokkaido City and have a good carouse before you head home. But don't bring your boss. All in all, he's just another brickhead in the wall. THORNE out."

Now for the other issue.

"Wash, could you send this out right away? And what's this 'four hours to the drop point' stuff? First, you don't even know where the drop point is, second, we're still a day away from there. I find myself puzzled."

EOM

"Keep the Shiny side up"

RAVENWHYTEWING

Friday, April 23, 2004 5:32 PM

Wash shakes his head. He needs that coffee much more than he realized. That tequila Merz mentioned might be more inviting than usual, on the other hand.
"Sorry, meant to peg that eight on the end. And I count a moon as a drop sight, cuz anywhere on a planet I can make in four minutes. But that wave'll be out in a minute."
Wash leans back in the chair, sighing. Without even looking, he sends the wave, closing his eyes.

You see I cannot be forsaken/Because I'm not the only one.

GEEZER

Friday, April 23, 2004 7:44 PM

Thorne's Move:

Location: Bridge

Watch me work without a net!

WASH: "Sorry, meant to peg that eight on the end. And I count a moon as a drop sight, cuz anywhere on a planet I can make in four minutes. But that wave'll be out in a minute."

THORNE: "Oh, right, 48 hours. I forgot that you'd be off the usual flight path for Hokkaido and be clipping the edge of the time distortion. Interesting how setting up the 1G field on all the terraformed planets caused that to happen in this part of the black. And even stranger, tomorrow morning ship time we'll just be a couple hours out. Crazy old 'verse, ain't it?

And, yeah, just get that wave out and we're good to go."

OOC: and at no time did my hands leave my arms.

"Keep the Shiny side up"

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