Lena Lei: Hello Tristan
Tristan Pennell: He's up is he?
Lena Lei: Who?
Tristan Pennell: Anton...doc had him down last time I checked. Hello Anton.
Xiao Li Marshal heads for the cockpit to make sure everything's still in good working order.
Anton Machin grunts.
Tristan Pennell slips a blade out of his holster. “I won't let you near the engine again.”
Lena Lei yawns, where are we?
Anton Machin looks at Tristan with boredom.
Tristan Pennell: Don't make me kill you.
Anton Machin puffs his smoke, "Don't make me fall asleep."
Tristan Pennell: Go sit and have tea... and put that goramm thing out!
Xiao Li Marshal pulls down the comm. "Setting a new course for... where the gorram hell were we goin' again?"
Lena Lei sighs, "Somebody get me some tea too, I'm thirsty"
Rae Overholt: Water planet...what’s its name?
Tristan Pennell: Maybe you could look after your charge, Anton? Can you boil water on that attitude?
Anton Machin gestures to the Galley, The water is right there Babycakes...
Gabriel Keats: "Pressurized cabin. You can boil whatever luh suh y'want."
Tristan Pennell call the comms...Anton is self medicating Doc!
Lena Lei looks at the Galley, then back to Anton, "Well, boil me some water then! I'm not doing it."
Tristan Pennell: I have a ship to shovel coal into
Gabriel Keats looks at Rae. "You want me to take care of this, Cap?"
Rae Overholt: I swear to buddah. SOMEONE get that PIGU some water for her tea!! You're better at it than I am Gabe.
<<<******spurt****** A Wave from Meridian comes in over the cortex>>>
Xiao Li Marshal: Cap'n, we got a wave comin' in from Meridian, you might should be up here for it...
Rae Overholt: “ANTON YOU PUT THAT THING OUT MORON! You know what you could do with it?? Ok Xiao Li.” She heads up to the cockpit.
Anton Machin takes a sweet drag from his joint and looks over his glasses at the Captain.
Lena Lei mutters under her breath, "I can't wait ‘til I'm off this ship."
Gabriel Keats walks to the kitchen, pours two cups of water.
Rae Overholt: I will implant those glasses permanently in your face you keep that up!
Gabriel Keats puts one on to boil. He walks over to Anton with the other, and, with a quick, decisive motion, dumps it over his head, and the joint. "No smokin' on the ship, dong ma?
Lena Lei laughs, "Serves you right, Anton"
Anton Machin is unhappy with Keats and pulls his gun.
Lena Lei: Put that down, Anton!
Tristan Pennell: I jut put more power to the atomo scrubbers
Gabriel Keats: "Thats six kinds of stupid."
Tristan Pennell: Anton.… don't make me kill you.
Gabriel Keats: "If you got a problem, I will pay for what I ruined. But you ain't smokin' on the ship."
Rae Overholt looks back down the hall at the ruckus. "You shoot that here and I'm dumping you out the cargo hold. Threats or no."
Gabriel Keats's hands stay near his guns, but he doesn't draw.
* * *
Rae Overholt walks up and opens the wave.
Xiao Li Marshal picks up the wave when Rae arrives in the cockpit.
<<< Xeno Here... what in the Gorram Hell took you so long getting to Newhall!!!>>>
Rae Overholt smirks into the camera, "Well, I reckon it was the … poor mechanical help you sent us."
Xiao Li Marshal is more blunt. "Your ben tiansheng de yidui rou of an escort thought it'd be a good idea to poke around in the engine room."
Rae Overholt: “That he did.” She nods at the camera. “Reckon you owe us for a catalyzer he broke. Almost killed your niece. Might want to pick a new bodyguard for her next time.”
<<< Xeno: Well Ole' Anton always does manage to get himself into a little trouble, put him on!>>>
Rae Overholt grins and chuckles, "We let her pay him back for it though." She looks back and calls over her shoulder, "ANTON, get your pigu to the cockpit, boss wants ya."
* * *
Anton Machin: “Sounds like my boss...”
Tristan Pennell pulls a thin metal dagger out of his holster.
Gabriel Keats seems supremely unconcerned about this, and goes to get the now-boiling water on the stove.
Tristan Pennell: You managed to make the political one leave. I'm still here.
Anton Machin swings his piece on Tristan... "Now I think you should put that letter-opener away Haus!"
Gabriel Keats: "Tristan... We don't gotta escalate this. He aint' gonna shoot."
Tristan Pennell: "Yes, Sir"
Lena Lei rolls her eyes, "The testosterone in here is a bit high, don't you think boys?"
* * *
<<< Xeno: I want to speak to my man!>>>
Xiao Li Marshal: Thought you said you wanted to speak to Anton.
Rae Overholt: “Can't make him move faster than he'll move, maybe he don’t respect you as much as you think and is loitering.” She calls over her shoulder, "I SWEAR ANTON, PUT THAT THING OUT"
Xiao Li Marshal: Lao tian ye...
Rae Overholt nods at Xiao Li and shoots her a mischievous grin.
Xiao Li Marshal checks over the consoles while she's waiting, making sure Anton's little escapade didn't do any damage.
* * *
Tristan Pennell: Ain't making him any less idiotic.
Gabriel Keats prepares the tea. "Well, we ain't givin' him an IQ test, are we/"
Tristan Pennell: Aren't we? Idiot nearly stranded us... now he wants to puncture the hull.
Gabriel Keats gives Lana a cup; he offers the other to Anton with a steely look. "Then I'd say he already done took the test."
Tristan Pennell: I say duct tape him to the cargo bay floor.
Anton Machin: excuse me, I think the Captain wants to talk to me.
Lena Lei takes the cup and grunts, "Thanks"
Tristan Pennell: I really doubt it.
Anton lights another joint as he walks to the bridge.
* * *
<<< Xeno: That you there Anton?>>>
Anton Machin grunts at the screen.
<<< Xeno: What in the hell have you people been playing at on that boat??? You should have been there a week ago!!!!>>>
Rae Overholt waves her hand in the air and mutters a comment about henchmen playing with wacky weed.
Xiao Li Marshal scowls at Anton. "I told you, blame *him.* An' NO SMOKIN' ON MY BRIDGE!"
Anton Machin looks to the Monitor, "Well boss... these here Ravenites took me on a little detour..."
Rae Overholt: THESE HERE??? *she reaches out and cuffs anton on the back of the head*
Xiao Li Marshal yanks the doobie out of Anton's mouth, drops it on the floor, and grinds it under her heel.
<<< Xeno watches the exchange..."When did you start letting little girls hit you Anton?">>>
Anton Machin rubs the back of his head...
Xiao Li Marshal: Since he PULLED THE CATALYZER OUT OF OUR ENGINE, that's when.
* * *
Lena Lei takes a sip and looks disgusted, "Ugh, I'll be glad to get to Newhall and get something decent to drink"
Tristan Pennell: Hi Lena.
Lena Lei looks over her cup at Tristan, "What do you want?"
Tristan Pennell: Just saying hi... you don't remember me do you?
Gabriel Keats: "I got some honey if'n y'want."
Anton Machin saunters to the bridge..."Hello'Captain’... what gives?"
Tristan Pennell: I was at the bar... Hoban... before your uncle gave us this gig. We danced one night...I guess its ok.
Lena Lei: Oh, that crappy place? I was probably drunk
Tristan Pennell: yeah....me too
Lena Lei: I usually have better taste in dancing partners.
Tristan Pennell: But I remember your perfume, it was spicy, not sweet.
Lena Lei rolls her eyes, "Whatever."
Gabriel Keats shrugs, preps the cup he was gonna give to Anton, and saunters up to the bridge.
* * *
Anton Machin laughs, "And they like to make up stories... what can you do..."
Gabriel Keats clears his throat. "Stories?" He stands in the background, having just come up to the bridge, and sips his tea.
Xiao Li Marshal gives Anton a death glare.
<<< Xeno "Look here Anton, let me make this perfectly clear.... You're late, perhaps Sugartits and her little wisp of a "pilot" have been taking you for a joy-ride, but if Lena doesn't make that Marriage, you'll only be able to count to eight!! Dong Ma?"
Anton Machin looks nervous and swallows, "Yes S... s... Yes Sir!"
Xiao Li Marshal looks smug.
Rae Overholt giggles.
Gabriel Keats manages to mostly hide his annoyance at Xeno's comments and pretends to inspect an instrument panel
<<< Xeno: "Now what in the gorram hell have you girlies been doing with my Niece?">>>
Rae Overholt: I reckon we've kept her stocked with books and tea. What do you expect for us to do?
Xiao Li Marshal: *We* haven't done anything. She's fine.
<<< Xeno: "I rekon if you wanna get packed by old Anton there, that's your issue, but you will not mess up this business arr...er marriage!!!">>
Xiao Li Marshal: I told you, THIS asshole is the only one messin' things up.
Rae Overholt: Whatever it takes to help you sleep at night Boss.
<<< Xeno: I will see to it you never land on Meridian again, or that pathetic dust-ball you call Burnet!!!>>>
Gabriel Keats turns away from the vidscreen and rolls his eyes.
Anton Machin coughs, "You didn't mention the Alliance..."
Rae Overholt: I'm sure you will. We ah.. seem to be getting a little interference with the wave now though, must be system malfunction. *She kicks Xiao Li lightly as a signal*
Xiao Li Marshal turns a dial and the screen fills with static. "Yeah, you're breakin' up..."
<<< Xeno:"Did he say ALLIANCE???!!!">>>
Rae Overholt: Looks like we gotta turn this off, might be draining precious resources from elsewhere Boss. Talk to you when the deal is done.
Xiao Li Marshal quickly disconnects the wave.
Rae Overholt turns and leans back on the console, crossing one leg over the other and crossing her arms. "You know Anton, I think you might be draining precious resources too."
Anton Machin gently traces his fingers over his piece, "heh"
Gabriel Keats clears his throat behind them.
Rae Overholt: I don't think you'd be able to get us all before Xiao Li here made this bug unflyable for you.
Anton Machin: Well I guess youse gots some 'splainin' to do when you get home...
Xiao Li Marshal grabs the comm. "We're approaching our destination. Everybody get strapped in. An' somebody get this waste of sperm off my bridge."
Rae Overholt plops in the copilots chair and buckles in.
* * *
Tristan Pennell: So...we're alone now...can you not be a bit nice, miss?
Lena Lei laughs, "And why should I be?"
Tristan Pennell: I gave you whiskey...better 'n that one Gabe managed to find.
Lena Lei shrugs, "That's true."
Tristan Pennell: See..I got some style, not just a monkey.
Lena Lei laughs, "Too bad, I kinda like monkeys."
Tristan Pennell: And our dance was good...close and slow, remember that?
Lena Lei shakes her head, "I don't remember a thing, I must have been pretty blitzed."
Tristan Pennell: “'s OK. I had fun, no matter where you are going now...a water planet..that should be fun, lots of bathing.” He looks a bit shy.
Lena Lei shrugs, now looking a bit worried, "I suppose."
Tristan Pennell: I like a bit of water...it's so different from the black, you know?
Lena Lei nods, takes a sip of her tea and puts the cup down on the table.
Tristan Pennell: I heard today on the wave...it's raining in Washtown... rain... so amazing... clouds crying.
Lena Lei looks away, and seems lost in thought, "Yes . . . amazing."
Tristan Pennell: Clouds crying...what do you think they cry about?
Lena Lei shrugs, "I don't know. Maybe they aren't where they want to be."
Tristan Pennell: I think they cry because we left them behind, because we went to the black and left them.
Lena Lei: Maybe. Or maybe they just didn't want to be clouds.
Tristan Pennell chuckles, “Like you don't want to go to your wedding?”
Lena Lei looks away and frowns, "I don't know what you're talking about."
Tristan Pennell: Yeah you do, you’re going to be a bit .… owned aren't you?
Lena Lei glares at Tristan, "No one, and I mean NO ONE, owns me!"
Tristan Pennell: A price for gansgsters to brag about.
Lena Lei looks down and whispers to herself, "I have to get out of this."
Tristan Pennell: “You will...I see that. Come one...lets have a drink.” He pulls a flask out of his hip pocket and passes it to her. “Are you so against it you want to run?”
Lena Lei takes the flask and takes a sip. She hands the flask back to Tristan, "Yes, I think I might."
Tristan Pennell: Don't tell Xiao Li...it's our secret OK? We could talk to the captain... she's great and won't send you to a thing you can't manage.
Lena Lei leans back and crosses her arms, "I dunno. Maybe it won't be so bad. This guy's got money, right? Maybe he won't be an asshole."
Tristan Pennell: “Maybe.” He passes the flask back.
Lena Lei takes another sip and hands the flask back to Tristan. “Don't give me anymore, I don't need to be drunk right now.”
Tristan Pennell grins..."you’re a real lady, ain't you? Really? I mean that.”
Lena Lei shrugs, "I don't know what a ‘real lady’ is, but thank you."
Tristan Pennell: Yeah...I ain't met many...but you fit it. You and Xiao Li. Thing you have, it’s a... its a thing you have... special.
Lena Lei: Xiao Li? She's the pilot right?
Tristan Pennell looks a bit lost.."yeah, my other half... her... she points it, an I push it."
Lena Lei: Sorry, I'm not very good with names.
Tristan Pennell: We have a ...symbiosis... she points and I push...simple, yeah?
Lena Lei laughs, "Is that what they call it now?"
Tristan Pennell: don't ask her.… she'll call me annoying. I took over from Bina, you know... I'm a bit outside too.
Lena Lei looks confused, "Who's that?"
Tristan Pennell: She ran this bug for a long time.… she had to go... I’m an outsider trying to fit in and trying to make her purr.
<<
Xiao Li Marshal: This is Firefly Raven. We have locked on to your landing beacon and are proceeding as instructed.
<<
ON THE SANDS OF NEWHALL:
Anton Machin walks up to Sadi, "Hello, this is Lena." He gestures to Lena... "Lena... oh Lena..."
Lena Lei follows Anton, "Charmed."
Rae Overholt watches the exchange.
Sadi Minion nods once, to Anton, and smirks, "Looks like you made it... Who hit you?" He looks over to Lena, and takes her arm turning her as if to check a piece of property.
Rae Overholt glances over her shoulder at the observer.
Lena Lei frowns, "Hey! Get your hands off me!"
Anton Machin rubs the shiner that all of the doctor's skill couldn't hide...
Rae Overholt narrows her eyes slightly. “No one hit him, he fell.”
Tristan Pennell: Lena?
Rae Overholt: Gets slippery on them catwalks sometimes.
Xiao Li Marshal watches, an even bigger scowl on her face than usual.
Anton Machin: “Well... see some things are a group effort...” He takes a drag on his joint and blows the smoke at Rae.
Rae Overholt gives him a smirk.
Sadi Minion blinks once at the outburst. The back of his hand moves quickly, striking her across the mouth, "Speak when you're spoken to!" He jerks her closer to prove his point, before looking at the rest of them, 'Heir Maelstrom is waiting... He doesn't like to wait."
Gabriel Keats watches, eyes icy, arms crossed.
Tristan Pennell: Captain... we're done... let me kill him.
Rae Overholt looks to Tristan, "Down boy."
Tristan Pennell slips a dagger out of his holster.
Anton Machin pulls his gun and points it at Tristan.
Lena Lei puts her hand to her face, and glares at Sadi, but keeps quiet.
Tristan Pennell: I can move faster than you...
Anton Machin: "Now now, you don't want to mess up this business arrangement..."
Sadi Minion glares at the two men, "Put them away .. Now.. You kill each other on your own time."
Rae Overholt: Yeah, we want anton to be able to count to nine now don't we?
Anton Machin holsters his gun.
Tristan Pennell: Captain said no... captain said no... no other reason.
Sadi Minion: "You're all on the clock.. Let got talk to the Boss."
Anton Machin: Lead the way...
Lena Lei looks scared and rubs her face.
Tristan Pennell: Be strong girl.
Sadi Minion jerks Lena into step beside him, half dragging her along, as he leads them across the sand.
Lena Lei follows Sadi, glancing back at Anton.
Rae Overholt: S'pose this is the lucky groom.
Tristan Pennell: Hey... be nice mate...
Sadi Minion deposits Lean in front of Heir, "She’s got a mouth on 'er Boss."
Heir Maelstrom extends his arms out to his sides in mock greetings, head tipping forward ever so slightly to nod his hat towards the ground. "Greetings my most honored associates and welcome to my world..." His eyes dart from each member of the crew before seeing Lena, face a tapestry of pleasant, if not fake, emotions. "Come here girl, let me have a closer look."
Lena Lei opens her mouth to say something, but closes it quickly. She moves cautiously closer to Heir.
Tristan Pennell: Lena?
Sadi Minion looks back at the crew, “Shhhhh."
Lena Lei glances back at the crew and at Anton, a pleading look in her eyes.
Tristan Pennell: Lena?
Heir Maelstrom appraises her a moment, the physical abrasions quite visible and slightly disturbing considering. He knew she wasn't going to be used by his son anyway, so as upsetting as it may seem, he felt nothing, but on his face a veneer of happiness shown. Time tested business moxy it was, always give them your best.
Rae Overholt raises an eyebrow at Lena and gives her a contemplative look. Shifting from one foot to another.
Lump Maelstrom wanders up to the gathering, eyeing the men slowly.
Xiao Li Marshal clenches her teeth and runs her hand over her left forearm, over and over and over...
Anton Machin looks back at Lena with detachment.
Tristan Pennell: Lena!
Rae Overholt casually leans so that she puts her arm on one of Xiao Li's shoulders, bent and draping off.
Xiao Li Marshal looks sharply at Rae
Heir Maelstrom: Son, get over here... we have a marriage license that need signing... *a thickly rolled piece of parchment seemingly emerges from his hand as if from no where...*
Sadi Minion looks back at Tristan, "Shut up.. She's with the Boss."
Tristan Pennell: phht
Lump Maelstrom gazes at Tristan's bicepts, "Aww... Dad!!!! Do I got to?"
Tristan Pennell: not my boss
Sadi Minion is about to say something to Tristan, but his attention is drawn to the drone of engines coming from the water. He looks over, “Excuse me Boss? You're afternoon appointment. He's late."
Lena Lei looks at the groom to be, eyeing up and down, realizing that this may not be the kind of man who would make the best husband.
Lump Maelstrom walks up to Lena and extends a fishy hand, "Er, Hi..."
Heir Maelstrom were he less controlled, one might have heard a sigh of disappointment, the whore’s egg must have ruined the value of his seed. This much was obvious from looking at the offspring before him. "She's a good match for you and a valuable asset to us..."
Lena Lei squeezes his hand and forces a smile.
Lump Maelstrom checks Gabe out.
Tristan Pennell: Lena?
Rae Overholt watches all the checking out with a hidden smile.
Gabriel Keats arches his eyebrows at Lump.
Sadi Minion walks toward the docks, as a boat speeds up. Two men emerge from it, dragging a third man, with a hood over his head. Sadi walks over to the hooded man, and drags him to the sand. He puts a foot in the mans back, and pins him to the sand., while reaching down, and taking the man's hood off.
Lump Maelstrom: Dad, do I gotta marry her?
Rae Overholt: Well, looks like the wedding is going to have to be on hold. Seems you got visitors. *She motions to the men in the sand behind her*
Heir Maelstrom rolls the parchment back up a moment, turning his head to look out across the beach towards his associate. His jaw visibly inclined from one side to the other as if aggravation and loathing were roiled beneath his calm exterior.
Lena Lei looks a bit relieved.
Gabriel Keats suddenly laughs, a little red, tries to hide it.
Tristan Pennell: Lena?
Rae Overholt: “Tristan. Go check on those repairs to our ship.” She gives him a meaningful look.
Heir Maelstrom glares at his son a moment, his eyes firm and unyielding. "You, stay put..."
Sadi Minion keeps the man face down in the sand with a boot in the middle of his back. He looks up at the group for a moment.
Heir Maelstrom turning to the rest of the assembled party... "My apologies valued clients, one moment of your time..."
Rae Overholt turns to look Anton square in the eyes.
Sadi Minion looks up at Heir, and shrugs, "He was late."
Lena Lei turns around and looks at the crew one by one, then at Anton.
Tristan Pennell: Lena?
Heir Maelstrom extends an open gloved hand to the henchmen, fingers curling in that time honored 'gimmie motion'. "One musn't be late to their own funeral... Baituo, Anjingeedyen..."
Sadi Minion reaches down, and unholsters a pistol, spinning it to hand to the man.
Tristan Pennell: Lena, you don't need to follow.
Rae Overholt continues to look Anton straight in the eyes, face neutral.
Lump Maelstrom smiles at Gabe, "Pa calls me 'Lump'."
Gabriel Keats: "Are you excited about getting married. Having a *man* made out of you?" He gives a mysterious smile.
Xiao Li Marshal shifts from foot to foot, rubbing her arm and wishing she were anywhere but here. And also that she had some alcohol.
Tristan Pennell: Mate! Is that appropriate? She's being sold! Can we mange that?
Anton Machin returns Rae's gaze, face poker neutral.
Rae Overholt says Tristan's name sharply.
Tristan Pennell: yeah?
Heir Maelstrom holds in firmly, gripping the handle tight as he places it to the top of the mans head, almost digging it against the flesh covering the skull. Reaching down he cocked the gun right there. Without a second thought he pulled the trigger, small amounts of particulate brain casing and bloody matter showering the sand behind him. "Dispose of these..." was all he said, dropping the gun on top of the mans dead body.
Lump Maelstrom: Dad! why did you make such a mess?
Rae Overholt turns from Anton back to Heir.
Gabriel Keats winks at the one called "Lump."
Lump Maelstrom smiles back at Gabe
Sadi Minion nods once, and reaches down to retrieve the pistol. He grabs one of the dead man's pants legs, and starts to drag him towards the boat.
Heir Maelstrom pulling his glove slightly tighter over his hand, he smoothly returned to the gathering crowd, face a little less friendly and slightly more cold. Reaching to his waist, he pulls out the parchment once more and holds it out between both hands. “Sign, both of you. I trust you can find the dotted lines.…”
Lump Maelstrom looks at Heir reluctantly... "Oh alright!"
Lena Lei looks at the parchment and hesitates.
Gabriel Keats tries to subtly catch Lump's eye. It's all he can do.
Lump Maelstrom takes the pen from Heir and signs the paper. He smiles at Lena, "Go ahead..."
Rae Overholt: “She throws a mean left hook, make sure she signs with her left hand.”
Sadi Minion kicks the body into the open boat. He takes a moment to pay the boat crew, and whisper some instructions before making his way back to the ceremony.
Tristan Pennell: Lena?!
Gabriel Keats mutters something unintelligible.
Lena Lei takes the pen, looks back at Anton, then signs the paper.
Anton Machin slides his hand along his pistol.
Tristan Pennell looks at his boots.
Heir Maelstrom smiles quite openly, that pleasantness returning to his demeanor. "Ah, yes, quite splendid..." Turns the paper over to inspect the names.
Xiao Li Marshal 's fists clench.
Tristan Pennell: Lena?
Lump Maelstrom sighs, "Dad, can I be... well are we done?"
Lena Lei looks at Tristan briefly, then looks down.
Rae Overholt nods and smiles at Gabe, rather fakely.
Tristan Pennell: Life happens around us Lena.
Heir Maelstrom: It seems that all is in order... Be sure that the Raven crew’s payment is delivered to their ship, I do imagine the trunk near the dock to be sufficient to carry it all, with extra in leu of gratuity...
Anton Machin grunts "Congrats you two."
Lena Lei mumbles, "Sometime life happens to us"
Tristan Pennell: Lena? Remember us? OK?
Xiao Li Marshal: Smack Anton around for us a few times.
Gabriel Keats: "Lena, girl? You still got my anthology?"
Tristan Pennell grins.
Lena Lei looks at Gabriel and nods.
Sadi Minion nods, 'Right Boss." He smirks, "Looks like you're done here Raven... Who wants to get paid?"
Lump Maelstrom slides up to Heir, "They can stay a while, right?" he eyes Gabe.
Tristan Pennell: I need some party time.
Rae Overholt: I reckon we're ready to get paid and get out of here. Got other business, here there's work in Landing.
Gabriel Keats: "Mind takin' me to it right quick? I left some notes in there. . ."
Tristan Pennell: Yeah a good gig from what I hear.
Heir Maelstrom turns a moment to look down the beach, a solid second spent contemplating the future of his son, and a smiling return back to the Raven crew. "Before you go, do spend some time here on my property... It is an ever so lovely beach and guests are always welcome..." Looking to Sadi a second, eyes trailing down to his firearm, "Within accepted reasoning of course..."
Rae Overholt: Time of the essence though.
Gabriel Keats gives Lump a quick, confident smile.
Tristan Pennell: Time is a manufactured thing, Captain.
Rae Overholt: Sure it is Tristan. Well Anton, guess we gotta get you home.
Tristan Pennell: Leave him to sharks.
Heir Maelstrom: I insist you stay, I would take it as a personal insult otherwise... *those last words seem to hide somewhat of an ulterior meaning*
Sadi Minion nods, 'Let get you loaded.. Then you can have clearance whenever you want."
Lena Lei looks at the crew, and at Anton, pleading in her eyes.
Anton Machin nods to Rae and under his breath he says "don't rush..."
Rae Overholt: You'd prefer we missed our next job?
Tristan Pennell: Captain?
Gabriel Keats: "I don't see why we can't stay a bit, Cap. . ."
Tristan Pennell: I don't want to watch this!!!!
Heir Maelstrom: You would risk insulting me and my organization, dashing hopes of further... work...
Xiao Li Marshal is silent.
Anton Machin whispers, "Really... don't rush."
Rae Overholt: Fine, lets get our boat loaded, then we can take a break.
Anton Machin sighs and smiles.
Tristan Pennell sighs.
Rae Overholt eyes Heir, "You got something special planned for us?"
Lena Lei looks relieved at hearing the captain say they're not leaving just yet.
Rae Overholt gives Anton a "look."
Anton Machin returns the look.
Sadi Minion just shakes his head, "Who's callin’ the shots here anyhow? Helluva way to run a ship."
Lump Maelstrom makes a small wave at Gabe, like 'c'mon here.'
Rae Overholt: “That would be ME!” She looks over her shoulder at him.
Xiao Li Marshal marches toward the ship, muttering "I need a drink..."
Heir Maelstrom: Have you seen the sunset on a beach that goes on forever? It is to be dreamed of, I can assure you that half my clientele will never see it...
Rae Overholt raises an eyebrow at Heir, "Then I don't guess we can turn it down."
Anton Machin: Well, this sure beats the hell out of Burnet!
Gabriel Keats tips his head as he walks over to Lump.
Tristan Pennell: Pilot? Got more than one back here?
Rae Overholt grins at Gabe.
Heir Maelstrom turns his head ever so slightly, accentuating both a single eyebrow and the firm grin of a winning smile thats crossing his lips. "No, I suspect you cant."
Gabriel Keats: "Congratulations, sir, on bein' indoctrinated into a world of *womanly* pleasures." He gives Lump a wry grin.
Lump Maelstrom blushes...
Rae Overholt follows Xiao Li to the ship, shooting Heir a disarming wink.
Tristan Pennell follows Xiao Li..hoping to get a bi drunk.
Gabriel Keats extends a hand. "I'm Keats."
Lump Maelstrom meets Gabe's firm grip with a fishy shake and smiles, "Pleased to meet you..."
Tristan Pennell: Xiao Li, this happens a lot? We work as salvers?
Lena Lei looks around the beach, forgetting for a moment the slap from earlier, "Somebody get me a drink. I need one."
Rae Overholt glares, "We ain't no slavers."
Tristan Pennell: “We sold her off.” He looks at his boots.
Heir Maelstrom vanishes down the beach, heading off to another functionary of his business further along. Trusting his current staff of servants and guards to handle the Raven crew in his stead...
Rae Overholt turns and walks out in search of Anton.
Gabriel Keats: "You got somethin' on your mind? Wedding night jitters?"
Tristan Pennell winces and tries not to pull a knife clear.
Rae Overholt walks up to him and grabs his ear, dragging him after her to the ship.
Lump Maelstrom looks at the beach... "Perhaps I could show you the sunset... I like this bonfire, would you sit with me?"
Gabriel Keats smiles. "If'n you wish for company, who'm I not to oblige?"
Sadi Minion walks over to Lena with a smirk, "I'll get you a drink girly. " He grabs her arm again, and walks her towards the bar.
Lena Lei tries to yank her arm back, "I told you, don't touch me!"
Sadi Minion Thats all it takes for Sadi to backhand her again. This time hard enough to snap her head back, "You best learn quick girly... How things work around here."
Lena Lei look hurt and scared, her hand up to her face.
Gabriel Keats leans in close. "You ain't gonna let him hit her like that, are ya?"
Tristan Pennell: Pilot, save me.
Xiao Li Marshal: Save ya from *what*?
Tristan Pennell: I'm lost here, can we let her go? Into slavery? You should Know Xiao Li.
Xiao Li Marshal: "Ain't up to me," Xiao Li mutters into her drink.
Lena Lei looks down, a tear rolls down her cheek.
Anton Machin whispers to Rae... "Wait for the right moment."
Sadi Minion takes Lena's arm again jerking her towards the bar, "Now ask nice.. I might get you a drink."
Lena Lei follows Sadi to the bar, looking defeated, "Please …”
Gabriel Keats hears the note of defeat in Lena's voice. It's all he can do not to reach for his gun.
Tristan Pennell: Captain?
Rae Overholt gives Tristan a death glare. "Stand down."
Tristan Pennell: Captain...its slavery!
Anton Machin shoots Tristan a "Don't fuck this up" look.
Rae Overholt: It's a marriage.
Tristan Pennell: Yeah, right...you know this Xiao Li? Marriage right?
Rae Overholt gives Xiao Li a "look."
Sadi Minion smirks, "Thats better... You might even get to like it here." He reaches over takes a handful of Lena's hair, "Pretty too... " He reaches over the bar, and grabs a bottle.
Lena Lei grimaces as Sadi pulls her hair, but says nothing, staring down at the sand.
Anton Machin wanders over to the bar, "Hey Barkeep, one for me?"
Lump Maelstrom snuggles closer to Gabe.
Gabriel Keats murmurs. "C'mon now, boy. You're way too much of a man to let him treat your property that way. " He grins, leans in, whispers, "unless, of course, she isn't what you want."
Lump Maelstrom looks up, "Hmm?"
Anton Machin slaps Sadi on the back, "Looks like you really made out on this deal..."
Sadi Minion takes little notice of Anton, taking the cap off the bottle, and tossing it aside. He grunts at Lena, "Open yer mouth Pretty, and tilt your head back."
Lena Lei shuts her eyes and does her best to keep her mouth closed, trying not to drink.
Rae Overholt looks to Xiao Li, "You got those specs worked out for our trip?" eyes speaking volumes.
Xiao Li Marshal: "Workin' on it, Cap'n."
Anton Machin , not deterred helps himself to a Mai Tai...
Gabriel Keats tries to subtly--very subtly--stroke his hair. "She isn't what you want, is she?"
Anton Machin: So, Um, do you hang around here for fun, where does a guy take his new property these days on Newhall?
Sadi Minion reach up suddenly catching Lena's face in one hand., "What’s the problem? I thought you wanted a drink?"
Lena Lei shakes her head and whines, "hmm . . . . mmm . . . no!"
Anton Machin shoots Lena a knowing look that says "Don't Panic."
Sadi Minion pauses, and looks back to Anton, "Huh?"
Anton Machin: Well, I was just wondering where the hot spots are 'round here... looks like you're getting ready to paint the town red...
Sadi Minion looks back to Lena a moment before letting her go, and taking a pull on the bottle, "Maybe...There’s huts all over.... I get my pick."
Tristan Pennell: Anton...do you remember that smacking she gave you? Do you remember us trying to genderfy you?
Anton Machin grins and nods to Tristan, "Good times..." He turns back to Sadi, “Well, huts, yeah, but ain't there someplace to show off your new toy? Heck, first drink will be on me!” He grins at Sadi.
Tristan Pennell: Pompous ass!
Sadi Minion rubs his chin, "I didn't think about that.... Can she dance?"
Anton Machin: “Heck yeah she can dance...” He nods to Lena.
Xiao Li Marshal: I'd better go... check an' make sure the cargo's secure, Cap'n...
Rae Overholt: You do that Xiao Li, plenty of time to relax after.
Xiao Li Marshal saunters, rather quickly, toward the ship.
Tristan Pennell: Lena don't dance.
Lena Lei glares at Anton.
Anton Machin tosses his eyes at Lena in a "Say yes" fashion.
Tristan Pennell: Don't Lena...
Lena Lei looks at Anton, and decides to trust him, "Yes, I dance."
Sadi Minion looks over to Tristan, "You don't have to watch... Shut up."
Anton Machin grins at Sadi, "That's right he don't."
Tristan Pennell: I'm not small. I can stand up yo you.
Anton Machin shoots Tristan another "Don't fuck this up" look.
Xiao Li Marshal, some time later, returns and sidles up to the Captain. "Got our 'course' all planned out."
Tristan Pennell: Fuck what up? a slavery purchase?
Sadi Minion looks at Tristan, "You want to take a boat ride too?" Lena's words snap him out of it, "I bet she'd be a helluva dancer."
Xiao Li Marshal hands Rae a datapad, face-down.
Anton Machin grins, Come on you two, let's go get some more civilized company.
Rae Overholt shakes her head at Tristan as she takes the datapad and glances at it, nodding and slipping it back.
Tristan Pennell gabs a blade. “You think you can take me? Slaver?”
Sadi Minion shrugs, "So what? Good money in slaves."
Anton Machin looks to Rae...
Rae Overholt gives Anton a helpless look. "Tristan, I could use some help with stowing some cargo."
Anton Machin clears his throat. “I think your Captain needs you Tristan...”
Tristan Pennell: Captain...unless the argo has feet I'M BUSY!
Anton Machin whispers in Tristan's ear "Busy endangering your crew?"
Rae Overholt: Tristan. The cargo is precious to me.
Tristan Pennell: The Captain doesn't need me Anton.… she wants me to be nice. Do you think I'm Nice?
Anton Machin whispers, "I've got this covered."
Rae Overholt: TRISTAN!
Tristan Pennell: “Aye captain!”
Xiao Li Marshal has a whispered argument with Rae, then walks away with a scowl on her face.
Tristan Pennell: He's an ass and need an ass whipping.
Rae Overholt: You can whip his ass after you help me with my cargo.
Anton Machin: That would be bad for business.
Lena Lei gives Tristan a look as if to tell him to cut it out.
Xiao Li Marshal walks up behind Tristan. "Trish. Cap'n needs you. NOW."
Sadi Minion laughs, "You best listen to your friends.. You're about to get in some real trouble."
Tristan Pennell: fine.... this will not be my last stand.
Xiao Li Marshal: So... Anton...
Tristan Pennell: He needs a bit of handling.
Xiao Li Marshal hands the datapad to Anton, making sure Sadi can't see the screen.
Anton Machin glances at the data pad, "Yes... Yes... OK thank you... I think that will work just fine..."
Tristan Pennell leans in to Anton's ear..." you suck.… I'll make sure its vacuum."
Rae Overholt: “Tristan, follow.” She points in front of her. He follows the Captain out of earshot of those by the bar. “Tristan, you're new to my crew, so I'm gonna give you a freebie. Do not question my orders.”
Tristan Pennell: I'm no slaver
Rae Overholt: Do not question my orders. because of your actions tonight, I might not be able to do any good for that girl.
Tristan Pennell: I could.
Rae Overholt: You do what I say. If you payed enough attention you'd noticed the rest of the crew. Hell even Anton and what they was doing. You think we all aren't tryin’ to pull somethin’ off? You ain't stopped yappin’ long enough ta watch and listen and learn. We're gonna go back to that group, you're gonna keep up your insults, cause thats what they expect now, but don’t you lay a hand on Anton.
Tristan Pennell: Fine, and so I'm too new to know?
Rae Overholt: What's to know Tristan? You want me to stop in front of Heir and his henchman and say "HEY EVERYONE got a plan to YANK OUT THAT BRIDE?"
Tristan Pennell: You sneak around to the rest.
Rae Overholt: Ain't no plan circulatin’ ‘cept between Xiao li and I. If'n you'd watched people's body language you'd have figured out my crew knows me fairly well and just did what they could.
Tristan Pennell: If you want me to follow, you have to lead.
Rae Overholt points a finger in his face and glares, "The rest of my crew seemed to know how to follow my lead. Don't you ever accuse me of not leadin’, you don’t know me well enough."
Tristan Pennell: You have no right to accuse.
Rae Overholt: NEITHER do you!
Xiao Li Marshal walks up to where Tristan and Rae are talking. "You OWE me for this, Cap'n."
Rae Overholt: Yeah Xiao Li, I think you'll be OK with it in the end.
Tristan Pennell: Wonderful.
Rae Overholt: You realize, we get linked up in this Tristan we could all be dead, this pigu is poised to take over this system! We're going to play it stealthy. Don't reckon you're going to let us though, so you do as you were, go back there and scream and yell. Let them think you hate that boy but don’t touch him.
Tristan Pennell: That's not the point.
You: Then what IS the point?
Sadi Minion shouts: "We're takin’ yer wife dancin’...That OK?"
Tristan Pennell: We're playing slavers here, I can't... Xiao li... can you?
You: Then we'll drop you off at the first spot. Cause you ain’t getting it.
Xiao Li Marshal: The operative word there is "playing," Tristan.
Tristan Pennell: Show me how we get out of it then.
Rae Overholt looks to Xiao Li, "I'll let you do this, diplomatic don’t seem to be doing it." She storms off.
Tristan Pennell: And give me a swig Xiao Li.
* * *
Anton Machin hands the pad back to Xiao Li...
Sadi Minion in the meantime, has sidled back up to Lena, trying to get her to drink again.
Anton Machin looks to Xiao Li, "Hey Red, we're gonna hit the hot spots... wanna go dancing?"
Lena Lei takes a drink and leers at Sadi, hoping to keep him distracted.
Xiao Li Marshal scowls at Anton. “What the hell makes you think I'd dance with you?”
Sadi Minion grins, "There you go girly.. You'll get to like it here... We're gonna have a good time."
Anton Machin grins remembering Xiao Li straddling him, "Oh, just a thought..."
Lena Lei forces a grin, but it looks more like she just drank toilet water.
Xiao Li Marshal: Don't make me beat you up again, little man.
Anton Machin laughs, "So.... rain check then! Sadi, are we gonna blow this Bao Stand?"
Xiao Li Marshal tosses the datapad in Anton's lap and walks away.
Sadi Minion nods, 'Lets see what she looks like under all that."
Lena Lei tries not to, but looks at Sadi with disgust.
Anton Machin places the pad in his pocket, "I seen her since she was a kid... kinda scrawny..."
Sadi Minion reaches over, and grabs her arm laughing, "Come on. .. You don't want me mad."
Lena Lei frowns at Anton, and silently mouths, "Scrawny?"
Anton Machin grins, “Are we gonna dance or not? Sadi, you must know where there are some babes..."
Sadi Minion nods, 'Place near the landing pad.." He shouts: "We're takin yer wife dancin...That ok?" “Come on.” he orders Lena.
Lump Maelstrom looks up from Gabe, "Whatever"
Lena Lei follows Sadi and Anton.
Anton Machin produces small packet of powder..."For the trip" he says as he sniffs some and hands the bindle to Sadi.
Sadi Minion looks over at Anton, and back down at the packet, "What is it?" He sniffs it anyhow, handing it back."
Gabriel Keats murmurs. "If she isn't what you truly want. . . then you should let 'er go. Free yourself."
Anton Machin: Rae, we're going out... don't wait up...
Rae Overholt nods at the packet, "You're not givin’ that stuff away are you Anton, thats worth prime creds."
Anton Machin scoffs, "Provincials! Let's go somewhere sophisticated, you two..."
Rae Overholt scowls at him, "Sure, and I’m the rude one." She turns and stalks off.
Sadi Minion grabs Lena's arm again and drags her back towards the landing pad, "This way..."
Lena Lei follows Sadi to the landing pad, almost tripping from the rough treatment.
Anton Machin gestures to the small ship sitting next to Raven, "That your ride Sadi?"
Rae Overholt: I'm thinking we had enough fun, I've seen the sunset. You guys ready to head out?
Anton Machin follows Sadi to the landing pad...
Sadi Minion shakes his head, "Naw.. Thats the Boss’s shuttle."
Rae Overholt grabs Gabe's hand and drags him to his feet.
Lump Maelstrom frowns at Rae.
Rae Overholt: Sorry Lump, I got work for Gabe here.
Lump Maelstrom pats Gabes knee and smiles, "I guess you gotta go be Cap'n Pet ‘night"
Gabriel Keats seems to be doing an impression of a long-departed crew member as he stands, smiling. "Remember what I told you." He winks, wets his lips, then turns away, eyes closed.
Sadi Minion pauses, "We won't be gone long... Can you fly?"
Anton Machin 's face bursts out in a wide grin, "Why I think I've been behind the wheel of one of these before..."
Rae Overholt rolls her eyes at Anton's statement.
Sadi Minion smirks, and drags Lena up the ramp of the shuttle, "Come on Girly."
Anton Machin expertly presses the buttons opening the doors and powering up the shuttle...
Lena Lei stumbles up the ramp behind Sadi.
Anton Machin straps in to the seat, and helps Lena with her safety restraint.
Anton Machin: "You'll be fine right there Sadi" Anton says as he engages the Main Grav coupling...
Sadi Minion: Don't get comfortable.. You ain't gonna be in that seat long Pretty..
Lena Lei folds her arms across her chest and looks away.
Anton Machin leers at Sadi, "That's right, we've got a big night planned for you, don't we?” he winks at Sadi as the shuttle lifts off."
Sadi Minion sits down in a seat, and fumbles with the safety harness.
Lena Lei sits quietly, watching Anton intently.
Anton Machin takes the shuttle to a height of 20 Meters, and before Sadi can buckle in he sweeps over the water and pops open the door, Tipping Sadi into the surf. "Hope you can swim.!!!"
Sadi Minion looks over that the hatch, before looking back just in time to see Anton kick him out. The cursing can be heard even over the roar of the wind.
Lena Lei watches Sadi fall out of the shuttle and smiles.
Xiao Li Marshal grins broadly as she watches Sadi drop into the water.
Anton Machin winks at Lena. He spins the shuttle over the Raven crew and wags the wings as he rockets off into the sunset.
Lena Lei smiles at Anton, "I was starting to think you were going to let that maniac have me."
Anton Machin smiles at Lena, "Nah, he had to think it though..."
Anton Machin: "Marry me kid, although..." He hands Lena the Data pad, "this is yours even if you say no."
Lena Lei looks at the pad, "What is this?"
::The Datapad shows a bank account with lots of credits in it::
Anton Machin: "Let's call it a wedding present. Hey wait, I guess you're already married..." He grins as he puts his arm around Lena and the two fly off together.
Lena Lei grins broadly and looks up at Anton, "The answer is yes."
Rae Overholt: Guess we should head on out now?
Xiao Li Marshal: Guess so. I'll go warm up the engines.
Lump Maelstrom watches as the shuttle flies off with Lena, "Hunh."
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