In our last episode, the Captain and crew were re-aquatinted with the mysterious stranger, Jenna Kasei, whom they suspected responsible for Shen’s violent attack. Upon tying Jenna up and generally intimidating her, Ariel determined that Jenna was telling the truth when she claimed not to have even seen Shen on her last visit to Burnet’s Moon. Feeling protective and suspicious, Rae and Sabrina allow Jenna to see the unconscious Shen, they are taken aback at Jenna’s offer to pay whatever it takes to find Shen treatment on the planet below. With Jenna stored safely for takeoff, Shen awakes to reveal that she sustained her injury in a suicide attempt. Faced with the specter of her two lovers finally meeting, Shen fell on her sword. Shen also reveals that the diamond neckless she had given to Sabrina was stolen from Jenna as Shen fled in response to a marriage proposal. Sabrina, with a broken heart asks Ariel to return the neckless to Jenna.
THE STORY CONTINUES:
Rae Overholt walks in, looking for Shen and hoping she's a little better in the care of some real doctors.
The doctors give you a lot of grief about leaving a wounded person with them...
Rae Overholt shakes her head, "Thats what they're for."
Sabrina McGee sighs and looks harried
The doctors fuss with clipboards and X-rays...
Xiao Li shifts restlessly from foot to foot
Doc #1: “Looks like she'll need to be in bed for at least a few weeks...”
Sabrina McGee gets up and starts pacing..
Vertigo Hawks fidgets, he doesn't like hospitals.
Rae Overholt looks at the doctor, "How long's a few weeks? She going to live?"
Gabriel Keats takes a sidelong look at Rae's back, makes a note to speak to her in private later.
Doc #2: "Yeah, you're lucky you got her in when you did, any longer and she wouldn't have made it."
Rae Overholt nods. Resisting the urge to pace herself and waiting for clear cut answers.
Doc #2: "She'll be back on her feet like nothing happened in about a month's time."
Sabrina McGee stops pacing, crosses her arms, and sighs.. "Captain?"
Rae Overholt: Yeah Brina?
Rae Overholt gives her a worried look, as if she expects something bad.
Sabrina McGee: I... I won't be coming back to the Raven.
Xiao Li: ...what?
Gabriel Keats: "This ain't because. . ."
Rae Overholt blinks a few times, "You can't desert us Brina!! We'll get this straightened out, don't you worry. Just give us time!"
Vertigo Hawks shifts his feet and looks up at Sabrina.
Sabrina McGee: What am I gonna do, Cap'n?
Rae Overholt: You're gonna travel the verse with us.
Sabrina McGee: Leave her here? Or try and stay cooped up and not dwell?
Rae Overholt: We'll be in so many spots you'll meet someone else in no time.
Sabrina McGee: I can't do that.. Can't do that to her either.
Rae Overholt: Just you wait.
Xiao Li: You're GOING to suck it up and do your job.
Rae Overholt: Well, I reckon she made her own bed and can deal with things when she gets on her feet. Just cause she went and messed up don't mean you gotta pay for it.
Gabriel Keats: "Brina. . . you shouldn't let one jian huo kick you off the Raven. . . but. . ." He closes his eyes, tries to block everything out. "It ain't as though I don't understand the notion."
Sabrina McGee: I can't do it.. Pa's moving his warehouse and distilling operations down here, away from Washtown.. The owner of the bar sounds like he'll give me a job bar-tending.
Rae Overholt: So, that's it then.
Gabriel Keats: "You gonna be happy without a boat to tinker with?"
Rae Overholt: Your mind 's made up. Nothing to do to change it.
Sabrina McGee: No, probably not, but at least it'd be happier than tinkering on the boat nonstop 'cos I can't leave the engine room.
Rae Overholt: You got four weeks.
Gabriel Keats: ". . . this ain't the Core, you know."
Xiao Li walks out of the room, muttering something unprintable under her breath
Sabrina McGee: I know it's not the core. But if this is what my dreams of romance and love on the core are gonna get me, I'd rather just stay here and keep doing what I was doing. Instead of seeing folks get shot or stabbed or hurt..
Gabriel Keats: "You'll see plenty a that out here. . . but I'm fair certain you know it."
Vertigo Hawks watches the Cap'n pace back and forth.
Rae Overholt: You're leaving me in a lurch Brina. We've taken care of each other.
Gabriel Keats puts a hand on Rae's arm as she walks by
Rae Overholt stops and looks at Gabe, her frustration and sadness leaking through.
Sabrina McGee: No.. you take care of me. I just take care of that goh-se boat of ours.. can't fight, shoot..
Rae Overholt: That's all we need you to do Brina.
Sabrina McGee sighs and puts her head in her hands
Gabriel Keats: "Just keep us floating and away from the Black..." He tries not to get overwhelmed by the emotions, quashes them down. "But you gotta take care of your family."
Sabrina McGee: Mechanics are a dime a dozen.. how many of 'em kept showing up wanting my job?
Rae Overholt: You's one of my first crew Brina.
Vertigo Hawks shifts uncomfortably and notices something outside, he steps out to investigate.
Xiao Li sits just outside the door and sulks
Rae Overholt: That's awful hard to let go of.
Sabrina McGee: You think this is easy for me? You think I like walking away from my baby?
Rae Overholt: No. I know it isn't. I reckon you're between Alliance and a Reaver.
Sabrina McGee: She's MINE, gorammit!
Rae Overholt: Then who're you gonna get to replace you?
Xiao Li: "She's really leaving, isn't she?" Xiao Li murmurs in an undertone to Vertigo as he walks out.
Vertigo Hawks nods to Xiao Li, "Looks like"
Sabrina McGee sighs and puts her palms up
Gabriel Keats: "We'll find someone. She's right 'bout one thing--mechanics are replaceable."
Rae Overholt: Some mechancis.
Gabriel Keats: "Crew's a harder notion. You ain't gonna stop being crew no matter what."
Sabrina McGee mumbles under her breath.. "Or family.."
Gabriel Keats: "Least not to my thinking. Can't speak for the Cap, of course."
Rae Overholt nods.
Gabriel Keats seems almost surreally calm.
Xiao Li shakes her head. "Ta ma de..."
Rae Overholt: That mean we get free drinks if'n you stay down here?
Sabrina McGee nods. Well, y'know you've always got my Pa's blessing.. Dunno 'bout the bar.. but I'll make sure Pa keeps you supplied..
Xiao Li: Love's nothin' but trouble, Hawks. If I ever get like that over somebody, shoot me.
Rae Overholt: Then I reckon you'd better start tonight. I'm going to need a few drinks myself after it. *she gives the doctors a final look before walking out*
Gabriel Keats: "You just gonna sit here, 'Brina?"
Sabrina McGee shrugs and gets up... “Well, dunno what else to do, Gabe.. Everyone hates me right now.”
Gabriel Keats looks at the chair, focusing on the empty space a moment, then heads outside.
Vertigo Hawks: I don't know about the rest of you, but I need a drink.
Sabrina McGee: I've got some coin stashed away.. maybe I could buy everyone a drink..
Xiao Li refuses to meet Sabrina's eyes as she steps outside
Rae Overholt: I dont HATE you Brina!! Crazy fool.
Sabrina McGee: Sure does feel like it..
Gabriel Keats: "She doesn't. You can take my word for it."
Rae Overholt: Well I don't! You're not some reader so don't play it!
Sabrina McGee: I'm sure there'll always be work here to bring you back... at least, seems there's more work here than we were seein' in Washburne..
Gabriel Keats: "You better be gettin' us work. You're a bartender now; it's your job to drum up contacts."
Sabrina McGee: Well, I know Pa's been getting more orders since he moved out here. Plus, lotta folks come through the bar, looks like..
Gabriel Keats: "He still gonna pay us to move his 'shine?"
Sabrina McGee nods
Vertigo Hawks grins, "That's a good thing."
Gabriel Keats laughs. "Says you. I still ain't allowed to touch the go se."
Vertigo Hawks nods to Xiao Li, "Come on, I'll buy the first round"
Xiao Li: Best thing I heard all day.
Sabrina McGee: Look.. I know it's hard.. but I can't stay.. I can't make you guys choose one or the other.. and it'd tear me apart every day.
Rae Overholt nods, crossing her arms and staring at something interesting on the ground.
Gabriel Keats: "Rae, you want to borrow my vest? It's a mite chilly." He keeps his voice casual.
Rae Overholt glances at him, uncomprehending for a moment.
Sabrina McGee: Those memories are gonna stay in my head a long while.. I haven't been sleeping well lately 'cos I keep seeing her laying there with the sword.. or that other lady..
Vertigo Hawks: C'mon, mei mei... they can catch up...
Xiao Li: "M'nobody's mei mei," she mutters, but follows Vertigo anyway.
Gabriel Keats mutters under his breath, Chinese that translates to, 'that girl has got to be more careful.' "Rae. . ."
Rae Overholt glances back at him, "Gabe?"
Rae Overholt looks at the stranger, wondering if he has any shipworthy talents. “You, got a job?” *she looks at Fenris*
Fenris Gausman nods to the strangers and smiles as they pass
Over in the bar:
Sabrina McGee blinks
Vertigo Hawks places some credits on the bar, "You really work here?"
Sabrina McGee hrmms..
Vertigo Hawks: "I'm buying the lady her first drink..."
Alycia Unknown removes her gum and sticks it to the side of her goggles. “Okay, but I'm only acceptin' 'cause I ain't takin' 'Brina's money.”
Sabrina McGee: Yup.. Barkeep said he'd hire me on... What'll you have?
Alycia Unknown: Somethin' strong an' cheap.
Sabrina McGee: House Martini it is!
Vertigo Hawks looks around the bar, "Kinda quiet on a Monday night..."
Sabrina McGee mixes up a martini with Nack's special house bathtub gin. “Not open on Mondays..”
Vertigo Hawks: Make that two...
Alycia Unknown: Yeah, that'll do it.
Vertigo Hawks sets his empty glass down and looks around, his eyes kinda focusing on the man sitting across the room.
Tristan Pennell looks around at the crowd gathering...a memory flits past his mind
Vertigo Hawks's eyes focus on Tristan...
Tristan Pennell: I know you... Hawks?
Vertigo Hawks: hey wait... weren't you...? Tristan?
Xiao Li: Cap'n, c'n you do me a favor?
Rae Overholt: What ya need Xiao li?
Sabrina McGee: Get you a drink, Cap'n?
Xiao Li: 'f I ever get that moon-brained over somebody, shoot me.
Tristan Pennell: NanShung!!!! Ai-YA ...YES!! You look well!
Vertigo Hawks: Gorram it all to hell!!!! How the hell?
Tristan Pennell: you look rich! Buy me a drink!
Vertigo Hawks chuckles, not very... hell yes!
Gabriel Keats mutters, "great.…”
Sabrina McGee: Oh thanks, Xiao Li..
Rae Overholt: Same goes here Xiao Li, now buy me a drink.
Gabriel Keats: "Xiao Li, you have my word. I'll shoot ya."
Vertigo Hawks: 'Brina... some of the finest for this gentleman... Oh, I guess the Cap'n and gabe too...
Tristan Pennell: unbelievable...what are you doing? Captain?
Tristan Pennell looks around at the crowd
Sabrina McGee: Right..
Tristan Pennell: McGee?
Vertigo Hawks: Well, this here is my crew... well the Cap'n crew...
Gabriel Keats crosses his arms.
Xiao Li: Fine. 'Brina, 'nother one o' these house martinis for the Cap'n.
Sabrina McGee pulls out the hidden bottle of scotch
Vertigo Hawks: Rae Overholt meet Tristan Pennell.
Tristan Pennell: Captain...
Vertigo Hawks: We were in the war together...
Sabrina McGee mixes up a special Martini for the Cap'n..
Tristan Pennell: my god that is so much better than the swill I’ve been drinking
Rae Overholt: Yeah Vertigo?
Xiao Li looks over her shoulder at the man Vertigo is talking to. "Whozis?"
Sabrina McGee: Another house special.. Chocolate Martini..
Vertigo Hawks: this is one hell of a great guy!
Gabriel Keats moves to stand behind Rae, blocking her back from view.
Tristan Pennell: We met...ages ago now...
Vertigo Hawks: Hell, he must'a saved my but two or three times!!!
Tristan Pennell: he's a flier...no sense putting him on the ground
Rae Overholt: That so?
Vertigo Hawks: When I was shot down and behind lines...
Tristan Pennell: I sort of showed him a couple a of trick is all.
Vertigo Hawks: Hey Tristan, remember that Amazon Corporal?
Rae Overholt: Kinda, shifty eyed lookin’. You trouble Tristan?
Vertigo Hawks: what was her name...? Roe... Zoe?
Tristan Pennell: Zoe... no... trouble
Vertigo Hawks: Man I wonder what ever happened to her... I had such a crush!
Tristan Pennell: she was flying in a Firefly last I heard
Vertigo Hawks: 'makes two of us... well, more like five or six of us...
Tristan Pennell: What?
Xiao Li looks thoughtful. "Zoe... Zoe... name sounds familiar, but I can't quite..."
Rae Overholt: Yeah, does doesn't it Xiao Li.
Gabriel Keats: "Ain't like it's an uncommon name."
Tristan Pennell: This crew is a Firefly crew?
Vertigo Hawks nods. “Not a bad bunch.”
Tristan Pennell: Oh! Wait... McGee~~~!!!!! This is RAven's McGee??
Sabrina McGee: Err.. yeah? So?
Tristan Pennell: I heard of you.
Sabrina McGee: Don't see how.. I'm just a wrench is all... was...
Tristan Pennell: Firefly is your boat, no?
Rae Overholt: Raven. She's a firefly yeah.
Sabrina McGee: I kept a firefly in the air. Raven.
Tristan Pennell: and she's yours... oh...gods, ooops Captains Boat
Sabrina McGee: Guess that'll be open, now, though..
Tristan Pennell: how so?
Rae Overholt: Only if you're sure Brina.
Sabrina McGee: Cap'n, you can't let 'em muck up what I did. I know someone'll get in there and wanna re-route everything... And they'll.. ::breaks down crying::
Tristan Pennell: uhm...maybe I should just sort of sit down over there.
Rae Overholt: Nobody's gonna re-route my ship. gorrammit.. That blasted Kevin done enough to it already!
Xiao Li snorts in disgust. "Your own gorramn fault."
Vertigo Hawks eyes Tristan, then Rae, "Ya know Cap'n... this guy is pretty good with machines..."
Rae Overholt: Is he now?
Sabrina McGee: I didn't ask for this, Xiao Li.
Rae Overholt: What's with them busted knuckles?
Gabriel Keats closes his eyes. "Brina, ain't nothin' gonna happen to the ship. You can breathe."
Tristan Pennell: knuckles get busted when you work
Rae Overholt: Brina's didn't. Guess she had smaller hands to get into tighter spots though.
Tristan Pennell: we all have a style... and work is a big word.
Vertigo Hawks nods, "There was this one time we needed to evac, and there was this shuttle that had a messed up Grav boot..."
Rae Overholt: So, he's good at repairing gunships.
Vertigo Hawks: "He had that thing in the air in fifteen minutes"
Rae Overholt: A wide variety of ships, thats what you're telling me.
Tristan Pennell: I’m good at ‘things’
Rae Overholt: Hmm.
SeanM Writer wanders in.
Rae Overholt: Alright then. You've got a job. First sign of trouble. I'm beating you with your wrench.
Tristan Pennell: I have a big wrench, too.
Xiao Li smirks. "Call me in first so I c'n watch."
Vertigo Hawks chuckles
Gabriel Keats looks Tristan up and down, trying to get the measure of him. He narrows his eyes, shrugs, and turns, keeping himself close to Rae's back
Sabrina McGee: Need to borrow mine, Cap?
Rae Overholt: I might at that Brina.
Sabrina McGee: Touch any of my work and die.
Tristan Pennell: McGee...why? never mind...I’m glad I was here to help out... so...a gig on a bug
SeanM Writer slides up onto a stool at the bar, his eyes on the wall in front of him.
Tristan Pennell: My head will get sore banging bulkheads.
Vertigo Hawks chuckles, "That it will.. I can tell ya!"
Tristan Pennell: Well... wow... I'm yes Captain, thank you.
Xiao Li: Guys ever heard of a thing called "ducking"?
Gabriel Keats eyes the newcomer. "You lookin' for a drink?"
SeanM Writer clears his throat quietly. "I was about to ask..."
Tristan Pennell: Nanshung? yu ever heard of ducking?
Rae Overholt smirks at Xiao Li's comment.
Vertigo Hawks raises an eyebrow.
Xiao Li: Y'know, where you lower your head going through a door so's you don't give yourself a concussion?
Vertigo Hawks looks down on the short red-head and hurrumphs.
Rae Overholt leans back on Gabe.
Sabrina McGee: Help ya, Mr?
SeanM Writer looks to the bartender. "What do you have that won't kill me?"
Sabrina McGee: Well, bar's not technically open right now.. but I'll see what I can get ya'
Rae Overholt works on the chocolate martini, enjoying the taste and getting tipsy.
SeanM Writer: Anything but Xingdao, please. Even hydraulic fluid would be better.
Sabrina McGee opens the bar fridge and pulls out an Iron city..
Vertigo Hawks: So what in the 'Verse are you donig out here anyways T?
Rae Overholt : Guess its good to have you aboard Tristan. *tips her glass to him*
Gabriel Keats chuckles and lets Rae rest against him. "S'long as you're back there, Brina, can I get somethin' without the fun stuff?"
SeanM Writer pops open the lid and pushes some money across the bar.
Tristan Pennell: thanks...its better work than the fliers and crap... so...I heard some tales... about Raven
Sabrina McGee: Heh.. guess if I'm serving, I should log in..
Tristan Pennell: slavers.… drug runners
Rae Overholt smacks and lips her lips as she finishes the martini, turning to request another and tilting slightly. Grabbing the bar she rights herself and blinks.
Vertigo Hawks clears his throat... "We ain't slavers!"
Sabrina McGee mixes up another Chocolate Martini for Rae and sets it in front of her..
Tristan Pennell: hey! its just tales
Gabriel Keats: "Rae. . ."
Xiao Li: Gorram right we ain't.
Sabrina McGee pulls out a mug for Gabe and puts a teabag in it..
Gabriel Keats: "Cap. . ."
SeanM Writer listens carefully to the banter, watching the crowd quietly.
Tristan Pennell: Well... gorram Good!
Xiao Li stares long and hard at the man on the far end of the bar.
Tristan Pennell: I ain't into dealing that way
SeanM Writer: "Thanks for the beer. Gotta love something that foams on the bottom."
Sabrina McGee nods
Rae Overholt blinks at him, "Gabe?"
Vertigo Hawks: Look, not a lot a work out here, sometimes ya gotta take what comes along...
Tristan Pennell: I’ll take it
Rae Overholt picks up the martini and slowly, carefully turns back around to watch everyone and listen.
Tristan Pennell: and I have other "skills" Captain
Gabriel Keats: "Remember what you told me 'bout stayin' sharp?"
Tristan Pennell: I can be quite useful, I think
Sabrina McGee: Evening, Folks! Welcome to Firefly's!
SeanM Writer puts his beer down on the bar. He clears his throat again. "Excuse me, bartender who's not a bartender..."
Sabrina McGee: Yes, Mr.?
SeanM Writer: "You know of anyone looking for a flight surgeon?
Sabrina McGee: And I am actually a bartender here.
SeanM Writer: Ah. well, then. And a fine job you're doing of it.
Vertigo Hawks looks to the stranger... “you're a medic?”
Sabrina McGee: And yes, Raven's been lookin' for a sawbones for a while..
Tristan Pennell: so...Hawks...what are you doing on the boat?
Sabrina McGee: ain't had much luck in that dept. since Rio..
SeanM Writer looks to Vertigo. "Yes."
Rae Overholt blinks at him, "Skills? What skills?" she then jumps and raises a hand to wave in the air, "OO OO, we are, surgeon, we are", as she tilts precariously on her seat again.
Vertigo Hawks: not much, whatever needs doin'... Gun, I guess.
Xiao Li: Just tell me you ain't got any long-lost lovers who're gonna pop up at inconvenient times.
Tristan Pennell: I know a guy who is doing a real bait and switch...he's looking for just you, I know it
Vertigo Hawks: Really?
Tristan Pennell: Remember George?
SeanM Writer drains the beer, and puts it down on the counter.
Vertigo Hawks: George? sure!
Gabriel Keats looks at Rae and sighs slightly.
Tristan Pennell: we were in Du-Khang?
Vertigo Hawks: yeah, I remember George...
Rae Overholt smiles sweetly up at Gabe.
Tristan Pennell: he has this idea.… it sounds hair brained to me... but I bet you and him could pull it off. Want his number?
Sabrina McGee: Howdy Mr. Enoch..
Vertigo Hawks nods
Rae Overholt: Reckon that means vertigo's next.
Tristan Pennell fumbles around with his organizer. “hang on a sec, I have it here somewhere...”
Vertigo Hawks: Well, Cap'n... George is a hell of a pilot...
Gabriel Keats: "Too much chocolate, baobei..."
Tristan Pennell: Goram Right!
Rae Overholt nods, "Sure, fine, go on then."
Vertigo Hawks: Think ya could do without me for a spell?
Rae Overholt puts her drink on the counter, done and down.
Tristan Pennell steps back and surveys the crew a second....
Vertigo Hawks: Cap'n, I think you'd like George... hell of a guy.
Tristan Pennell: he ran an hot zone evac flier
Vertigo Hawks: he was even crazier than I was!
Tristan Pennell: ha...and that says some
Sabrina McGee pours herself a shot of her stashed Drambuie
Gabriel Keats: "We been lookin' for a doctor for our crew. You Core?"
SeanM Writer leaves a tip on the bar. and stands.
Xiao Li puts down her empty glass and pulls the gum off of her goggles again
Sabrina McGee: Le Cheim!
Rae Overholt nods vaguely at Vertigo, already writing him off in her head. "Sure."
SeanM Writer: "I am...at least I have been"
Gabriel Keats: "You got field experience? Military, hospital. . .anythin' cept a pitched tent, really."
Tristan Pennell: McGee? Any more of that water of life back there?
Sabrina McGee: Well, I dunno 'bout the Scotch.. but I got plenty of other stuff..
Vertigo Hawks steps out into the night air.
SeanM Writer: "I was a field surgeon."
Rae Overholt points to Tristan, "You going to give our pilot a run for her money with the booze?"
Tristan Pennell whispers quietly..."Bye Nanshung"
Xiao Li: Heh, maybe he can help me quality-test that hooch we're usin' for fuel.
Tristan Pennell: oh...nice...thanks
Sabrina McGee pours Tristan a shot of SoCo
SeanM Writer: "In other words, I was a saw slinger."
Gabriel Keats: "You interested in bein' part of a crew? Or are you one of those grounded types?""
SeanM Writer: "I wouldn’t have asked if anyone needed a flight surgeon if I was a groundling."
Tristan Pennell: so..."Captain" tell me about Raven...Stuff McGee won't
Rae Overholt: What you want to know Tristan?
Rae Overholt gives him a blurry look.
SeanM Writer: "What have you got for a sickbay?"
Tristan Pennell: the bug is a flighty beast... and McGee has worked hard...she has a rep!!
Sabrina McGee: Her name's Raven.
Tristan Pennell: but I want to know a bit about what you do.… where you plan to go
Gabriel Keats's eyes widen slightly, remembering a few choice moments. He shakes his head. "Some folk's don't get bein' part of a crew. Think it's mostly lie-over between jobs 'stead of bein’ out in the Black. We got it full stocked from a run; our last doctor left most of his supplies too. State of the art Core go se, real fancy. I can show ya around." He looks a little nervous.
Rae Overholt: Right now, we ship shine. For Brina's papa, we run salvage when we can, and pick up odd jobs here and there.
Xiao Li: What kin'a mechanic don't call the ship by 'er name?
Tristan Pennell: She's not mine...She's McGee's
SeanM Writer looks around the bar, and back at Gabriel, "I'm sure it's well enough in order."
Sabrina McGee: Yeah, well, Miss Ana never saw fit to give 'er to me... But she probably belongs more to this crew than anyone..
SeanM Writer: "I'm used to working with whatever there is.…”
Gabriel Keats laughs. "Good quality in a doctor. Seein' as what we have, we mostly steal."
Tristan Pennell: Bao-mei...if you make her fly...she's your lover
Rae Overholt chuckles, "nah, Xiao Li dont 'llow no lovers on board."
Gabriel Keats inhales sharply.
Tristan Pennell: ok...I sense tension!!!
SeanM Writer watches Keats carefully.
Gabriel Keats mutters, "ain't you a regular psychic."
Sabrina McGee: no, that pofu is currently in the clinic..
Xiao Li: Look. Love's cost us one doctor already, an' now it's costin' us a mechanic an' a cook. You wonder why I have a problem with it?
Sabrina McGee: but Raven was my girl, sho'nuff..
Tristan Pennell: yeah. I know what you mean. I'll be good to her, make her purr, rub her belly.
Rae Overholt: Aw now Xiao li, we'll just find you someone on another crew. So you only see each other once in a yin yang.
SeanM Writer laughs with a hard edge at Alycia's mention of love costing them a doctor. “Well, there's a problem I won't have.”
Xiao Li gives Rae a death glare
Gabriel Keats: "Seein' as I seem to be the one doin' the interviewin', if you want the job, you got it. You get a cut of what we take, room and board, and a whole host of issues."
Rae Overholt grins drunkenly at her, oblivious.
Tristan Pennell: Sooo.....McGee.....tell me.… the atmo-scrubbers.....working....
Xiao Li: Love's nothin' but trouble, in my 'sperience.
Sabrina McGee: Yeah, just you wait 'til it smacks you in the head with a wrench... 'course, you'd have to pull your goggles off first...
Tristan Pennell steps back from the two women.
SeanM Writer: "Well, if that means my issues get pooled in... then it sounds like a deal. Let me take a look at your bird."
Gabriel Keats: "Brina? Xiao Li? Can you keep an eye on the Cap'n for me? Personal favor."
Sabrina McGee: Everything's shipshape, Tristan.. I got preoccupied with tearing everything down and rebuilding it.. multiple times.. while my girl was dying.
Tristan Pennell: oh God... ok. Come sit and chat a bit.
Gabriel Keats notes the knife on Tristan's leg, doesn't say anything.
Tristan Pennell: Keats....you're staring
Rae Overholt spins in her chair to prop her elbows on the bar.
Gabriel Keats gives him a flat, passive glance and turns. "I'll show you the infirmary."
SeanM Writer: Very well.
Gabriel Keats walks out, face unreadable
Sabrina McGee: I've got a meeting with the bosses in about 20 minutes..
Rae Overholt: What boss is that? Certainly aint me.
SeanM Writer stands with his hands behind his back, a hint of a military "at ease" bearing to him.
Rae Overholt sits there, sulking, still tipsy.
SeanM Writer: Lead on at your leisure. It's not like I'm going anywhere else.
Tristan Pennell: McGee...the boat sounds a beauty...you call her Raven...I like the image.
Xiao Li stares at the countertop, lost in thought. Or in drink. Whichever.
Sabrina McGee: Actually, Xiao Li gets credit fer namin' her..
Xiao Li: No I don't. I wanted to name 'er "Blackbird." It was the old doc who came up with "Raven."
Sabrina McGee: Was it?
Tristan Pennell: I know a story about Raven... the bird I mean
Xiao Li: That's my recollection.
Sabrina McGee: I must've forgotten that 'cos you painted her raven on the side
Sabrina McGee looks over at Rae and sighs..
Xiao Li shrugs. " 's an old pic I found on the Cortex. Tribal design or some such. So what's the story?”
Rae Overholt: What story's that? *she swings her head to look at Tristan*
Tristan Pennell smiles... you may regret asking me that... maybe one day....out in the black...when we are all bored to death....I’ll tell it.
Rae Overholt nods, "Deal. You like stories Xiao Li?”
Xiao Li: This better be one hell of a story. The good ones, yeah.
Rae Overholt swings her head from Xiao Li, to Tristan again, "'sit a good one?"
Tristan Pennell: I don't really tell stories as much as recount stuff I’ve come across... I can be sort of fun at parties.....you'll see
Rae Overholt: We have to keep the liquor locked up on the boat.
Tristan Pennell: but ...what's the point of telling a bad story?
Xiao Li smirks. "Remind me to tell you the goat story sometime."
Sabrina McGee baaaas
Tristan Pennell: a goat story.… oh, we can compare ours...I’ll tell you mine if you tell me yours
Rae Overholt: I got a story 'bout a pig. Damn near tried to tap dance on my liver nasty ornery thing.
Xiao Li: You mean that, Tris?
Tristan Pennell: Mei-Mei....I mean everything I say.
‘Xiao Li scowls. "I. Am. Not. Anybody's. MEI-MEI."
Tristan Pennell: ok ok ....its a ...word....sorry
Rae Overholt: Aww now Xiao Li, you're not my mei-mei?
Rae Overholt gives her a "look"
Xiao Li: No. I'm not. I haven't been anybody's since...
Xiao Li trails off and stares down at the countertop again
Sabrina McGee: Ha!
Tristan Pennell: new topic!!!1
Sabrina McGee snorts
Rae Overholt shakes her head, resisting the odd overpowering temptation to slam Xiao Li's head into the bar.
Tristan Pennell: McGee... come sit and show me your tools....
Xiao Li: Oh no. You gotta get me a hell of a lot more drunk to get *that* story outta me.
Sabrina McGee: Now that's an interesting way to hit on a girl, there..
Tristan Pennell: is it working? NICE!!!!
Sabrina McGee: Well, you can ask my ex-girlfriend in the infirmary about how to hit on me.
Tristan Pennell: Oh Gods... I keep doing that... please accept my apologies.
Xiao Li snickers
Sabrina McGee: She's lucky she's in the infirmary. If she hadn't done it herself, I would've done it for her once I found out.
Rae Overholt sighs
Tristan Pennell butts out his stogie, “I got me one of those!
Sabrina McGee: Do not piss off the mechanic bitch with the giant wrenches and the ability to decompress your crew bunk.
Tristan Pennell: you see... Captain tell it where to go... but Mech's really own the boat
Rae Overholt reaches out and smacks Tristan upside the back of his head.
Tristan Pennell: ai-ya sorry Capt... didn't see you eves dropping
Rae Overholt gives him a look, sizing him up.
Tristan Pennell whispers at McGee.… "you know I'm right"
Sabrina McGee chuckles, “Well.. I have to get heading back..”
Rae Overholt waves dismissively at Brina, still sulking.
Tristan Pennell: I'll watch the Raven for you
Sabrina McGee: You're just gonna wave, Cap'n?
Xiao Li doesn't even bother to look up at Sabrina as she goes.
Rae Overholt: You want me to cry?
Sabrina gives Rae a big hug. “I been cryin' for a week, Rae...”
Rae Overholt: Reckon I'll do that later in private.
Sabrina McGee: You know I don't wanna do this.
Rae Overholt gives her a hug, hoping to see her again sometime. "I know Brina."
Sabrina McGee: But I can't help it, and I ain't gotta choice.
Tristan Pennell: She's been here a while...on Raven I mean?
Sabrina McGee: Guess a hug won't work, huh, Xiao Li?
Xiao Li just grunts
Tristan Pennell: You're a bit hard...a flyer right?
Xiao Li: Yep.
Tristan Pennell: yep
Rae Overholt reaches up and wipes an eye as she returns to her seat, avoiding looking at anyone.
Tristan Pennell looks past the captain...not wanting to... interfere... Xing Li... you staying or going? Just seems like some folks are going... not many staying.
Xiao Li: I ain't leavin'.
Sabrina McGee tosses something on the bar in front of Xiao Li... it's the last remaining coin of pay from their first job together. “Hang onto that for me, will ya?”
Rae Overholt spins on her chair again, facing Fenris. She picks up some of the bar snacks and throws them at him. "Hey you. Got a name?"
Sabrina McGee: I'll be wanting that back sometime, Xiao Li. Sometime when you come pick me up again.
Tristan Pennell smiles recognizing a symbolic moment when he sees one
Sabrina McGee turns to walk out of the bar.. quietly.. "So long.. family."
Xiao Li waits until Sabrina is out of the building, then quietly pockets the coin.
Rae Overholt: “Damn right.” Rae Overholt nods.
Tristan Pennell looks at his drink and feels a bit uncomfortable
Rae Overholt : We wont kill you right off Tristan. It'll be a slow colorful death.
Tristan Pennell: I look good in colors
Rae Overholt : Hope so.
Tristan Pennell: The pilot...she's ok? Tristan Pennell looks at Xiao Li
Xiao Li: I'm *right here.*
Rae Overholt: She's just fine.
Tristan Pennell: oh...you are...yeah... I see that now...
Gabriel Keats: "We've got a doc, assumin' he don't turn out to be another Jadi."
Tristan Pennell: so a doc, a flier, a capt and Mate, and a mech.… sounds like a crew
Xiao Li: We also got an occasional weapons consultant... wherever the hell he is these days.
Tristan Pennell: I got guns
Rae Overholt: “You use um?” Rae Overholt waves at Gabe. “What do you mean another Jadi??”
Tristan Pennell: I saved Hawks skinny ass more than once.… he'll tell you.
Rae Overholt: He gone crazy killed folks??
Gabriel Keats smiles warmly at Rae, seeming to have calmed some. "You know, I don't believe he has."
Rae Overholt: Good then.
Tristan Pennell: Docs that kill...sorry state of the 'verse
Gabriel Keats: "Jadi weren't a doc."
Xiao Li: Want me to do some checkin' on the Cortex, see what I can find out?
Rae Overholt: Think that might be proper, though, lot good its done us lately. Rae Overholt sighs. “Damn Shen.”
Gabriel Keats: "That'd be appreciated." He takes a packet of papers from his vest, hands them to Xiao li. "That's what he gave me. See if it checks out?"
Xiao Li: “Ain't no amount of research can stop people from bein' stupid for love. Will do."
Tristan Pennell smiles at the pilot.….
Xiao Li: S'why I don't touch the stuff.
Tristan Pennell: no love, Pilot? Makes a cold Cockpit
Xiao Li: Like I said. Love just leads to trouble.
Tristan Pennell: Trouble comes from jealousy, insecurity, lust and faithlessness. Not love.
Xiao Li: You say that like there's a difference.
Tristan Pennell smiles again..." I have a lot of stories for you then, pilot"
Rae Overholt nods, "Stories are good."
Tristan Pennell: It’s not so much stories? Its more...the STORY
Rae Overholt: ah
Tristan Pennell: We all are just part of the STORY... and it changes when we meet new people.
Gabriel Keats refrains from rolling his eyes.
Rae Overholt: Know a man, likes books. Never understood it.
Tristan Pennell: I have a book...a little one...
Xiao Li rubs the bridge of her nose. "Ai ya..."
Rae Overholt: Kept the real things around. Kept telling him the digital ones took up less space. Said he liked the smell.
Tristan Pennell sniffs
Rae Overholt smiles, thinking of Marcus.
Tristan Pennell: the smell is special
Rae Overholt: That's what he thought.
Tristan Pennell: He was right. What are you drinking Xing Li?
Xiao Li: 'Brina called it a "special house martini." Dunno what all's in it.
Tristan Pennell: that's you name ain't it...Xing Li.....I knew a companion named Xing Lee....she had black hair
Xiao Li: It's XIAO Li.
Tristan Pennell: Really?
Xiao Li: And I ain't no Companion.
Tristan Pennell: No I see that.
Xiao Li: I sure hope so.
Tristan Pennell: so...not a companion....I can't afford that anyway. When can I see Raven? When are we heading off? When do I get paid?
Rae Overholt: You get paid when we get a job, till then you get room and board.
Tristan Pennell: Board is good.
Rae Overholt: You can see the Raven whenever you want.
Tristan Pennell: Who's room? Xing Li?
Rae Overholt looks at Xiao Li out of the corner of her eye.
Xiao Li gives Tristan a death glare.
Tristan Pennell looks inocent. “Was it something I said?”
Xiao Li stands up. "I'm goin' back to the ship. To my own, personal, *private* bunk."
Rae Overholt: Why dont you give Tristan a tour?
Tristan Pennell chuckles
Xiao Li: NO.
Rae Overholt: Why not?
Tristan Pennell: its ok Captain. I've seen the bugs insides before...or at least A bugs insides.
Xiao Li: Do I have to draw you a diagram, Cap'n?
Rae Overholt: I'm not gonna let him mess with you Xiao Li. You oughta know that by now. *she glares at Xiao Li*
Xiao Li stomps off, muttering under her breath
Tristan Pennell: night Xing Li! She seems nice, for a pilot.
Rae Overholt snorts
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