And -what- have you been doing with Miss Christensen’s ship?

Setting: The crew touches down in Washburne for some R&R&R- Refueling, rest, and recreation.
*Int. day: Cargo bay*

Kevin Cliffe: Where’s the captain?

Roland Josephus shrugs, and thumbs toward the ramp, “How am I supposed to know?”

Kevin Cliffe: “Meh...” he hopes the landing wasn’t too hard...didn’t feel like the belly hit, but the ship did feel like it dipped a little far on the shocks...

Roland Josephus nods, “After we shut down I’m going to have ‘er offline for a couple of hours at least.. I’ll take a look at the gear.”

Xiao Li lifts her head off the mattress, realizing they’ve landed.

*The buzzer to the ship’s hold sounds. And again. Must be an impatient guest?*

Kevin Cliffe: Yeah, hopefully I didn’t jounce ‘em. It’s been a while since I took us in to land. Least we didn’t smack the belly. “Ta ma de...”

Roland Josephus shakes his head, and glances back toward the bay door, “We expectin’ someone?”

Kevin Cliffe stabs the door controls. “No, but the captain’ll have my butt if we lose business on a closed door.”

*The door opens, and who should be there, but the long-missing-but-not-missed Jadi Goodnight, with Miss Ana standing behind her!*

Kevin Cliffe: Ms Anastasia, Ms. Jadi?

Xiao Li lifts herself up off the bed and rubs her tear-stained face.

Jadi Goodnight is standing in the lock when the inner doors open, tapping her foot and looking... well, not pleased. “And -what- have you been doing with Miss Christensen’s ship?”

Anastasia Christensen stands behind Jadi peering over her shoulder into the ship, “It isn’t busted is it?”

Kevin Cliffe: “Mostly, the work that we’re given plus trying to keep ourselves alive. The last job we had seemed to turn into something bad...” He looks over at Roland queryingly...

Roland Josephus shrugs, “She’ll fly true.”

Kevin Cliffe turns back to the women on the ramp. “There you have it.”

Jadi Goodnight -eyes- Kevin. “The last -few- jobs if my sources are accurate. Where’s Captain Rae?”

Anastasia Christensen leans over and whispers into Jadi’s ear.

Xiao Li drags herself down the stairs onto the catwalk, looking bruised, disheveled, and generally not presentable.

Roland Josephus: You didn’t pass ‘er? Stepped out as soon as we set down.

Xiao Li: Wha’s goin’ on? ‘M tryin’ t’ sleep...

Roland Josephus: Oh no

Jadi Goodnight’s glare darkens. “Well now. She and I will just have to have our talk later.” My, doesn’t -that- sound ominous. She clicks a communicator at her side, turning her head. “Get started.”

Anastasia Christensen gives a little chuckle.

Kevin Cliffe: Get started with what?

Xiao Li grunts and rubs her eyes again.

Roland Josephus looks over at the pilot, and nods once, “We’re down.. Looks like the bosses are here.”

*From behind the two women on the ramp, boots! Many, many, boots, as a small swarm of toolkit-carrying techie-types clomp into the Raven’s bay, ignoring the crew.*

Xiao Li: ...the fuck?

Kevin Cliffe: Excuse me...what is going on here?

Jadi Goodnight: The Raven has certain assets that we need for the town itself. As the Raven and all of its equipment belongs to Miss Christensen, I -trust- there won’t be any objections.

Kevin Cliffe: Uh huh...which assets?

Xiao Li: An’ since when does ALL the equipment belong to Ana?

Jadi Goodnight raises an eyebrow. “The type that officially, do not exist.” Then takes a long look at the pilot. “Since she -bought- the ship and hired you to crew it.”

Kevin Cliffe: And not ALL of the equipment is hers. I still hold the pinkslip on my tools and machine shop... Okay...STOP. Wait a second.

Xiao Li: An’ anyone who touches th’ stuff in my bunk is gonna regret it.

Kevin Cliffe: And if they start pulling out what I think they’re pulling out, THEY are going to regret it. are you kidding me?! You’re pulling the special equipment out of Raven?

Anastasia Christensen laughs, “They think we want their junk.”

Roland Josephus shakes his head, and crosses his arms across his chest, “We’re going to be down more than a couple of hours now.....”

Jadi Goodnight -sighs-. “Your -personal- effects are yours. But yes, -that- equipment, Captain Cliffe. We need it elsewhere.”

Kevin Cliffe: And that crew is going to be down a helluva lot longer than that. I haven’t been a captain for a long time. Hell, I’m not even an XO. But two things.

Xiao Li: You wanna take that gou-shi, you better be prepared to PAY for it like you should have when we installed the damn stuff!

Kevin Cliffe: One, the thermoptics aren’t going to do this town jack, they weren’t built for that kind of task. Two, that bunch of gao se that you just waltzed in here won’t know the first thing about how to set up the offensive assets.

Jadi Goodnight shoots another look at Xiao Li. “We provided the parts, you provided the labor. I -assume- Captain Overholt has been keeping your personal pay up to date, so I see no issues.”

Anastasia Christensen peeks at man over Jadi’s shoulder, “Well maybe I could just take him instead?”

Roland Josephus pauses, and glances behind him for a moment.

Kevin Cliffe: Um...hang on. You did? I put every nut and bolt into that hardware. Most of it was gutted from my old ship.

Jadi Goodnight looks back towards Kevin. “We have other specialists, -Mister- Cliffe. And I seem to recall our sources providing much of the material. Either way- Consider your payment being allowed to continue -working- on this ship, in leu of the profits you have failed to produce for Miss Christensen.”

Anastasia Christensen sighs, “I think on second thought Mister Cliffe talks to much. He’d run the customers off before I could get any to pay a cent for him. I do need a boy whore though. How many fella’s are working on this ship?”

Xiao Li: Considerin’ this is the first we’ve actually HEARD from Miss Christensen in about half a year now....

Kevin Cliffe: While I’m flattered, you’d better have the right kind of software for the fire control and a fusion reactor to supply plasma for and power the guns.

Jadi Goodnight casually rests a hand on the knife at her back, giving the pilot another Look. “-When- Captain Overholt surfaces, I will be getting the details of what has and has not happened from her.” And she looks rather unworried about Kevin’s warnings.

Xiao Li growls back at the bodyguard. “You. Do. Not. Want. To. Cross. Me. Today.”

Kevin Cliffe: You want to know what happened? Our pilot got abducted. We put our OWN money into getting her back. From Niska. Oh for crying out...

Jadi Goodnight smiles. Faintly. Sure, she’s been considered dead for what- Half a year? More? But she doesn’t really look worse for the experience. “Perhaps you need a drink, Miss Li. Before you do something regrettable.” And lifts an eyebrow at Kevin. “Which is better than spending more of Miss Christensen’s.”

Anastasia Christensen speaks from behind Jadi, “Why don’t any of the cute guys know how to keep their mouth shut?”

Kevin Cliffe: Well, I don’t know...

Roland Josephus moves toward the ramp, “Easy now folks.. I don’t think the lady cares much one way or the other... Like it or not.. Cap’n don’t own this ship.... She can cut it up for scrap if’n she wants.... ”

Anastasia Christensen hides behind Jadi again.

Kevin Cliffe sighs...“what do you want out of Raven? Because...oh for crying out...”

Jadi Goodnight nods approvingly. “Exactly so. This ship is an investment, with an anticipation of profit- And a -lack- of trouble. Investments perform, or they become liquidated.” She lets her glare cross each of the crew present. “Remember, that this ship represents the town. -Your- actions reflect on -us-.”

Kevin Cliffe yells at the techs trying to manhandle one of the weapon assemblies out of the bomb bay....“If you cut that, you’re going to end up with a face full of cryo-coolant! The harness is unplugged below the plasma conduit, and the coolant valve is to your LEFT!”

Roland Josephus nods slowly, “Well profit or not.. Raven is our home.... Let us see to the systems.. We’ll take ‘em offline, and get ‘em loose.. We got a vested interest in seein’ she don’t come to no harm.”

*The tech mutters something unfavorable about Kevin’s mother, before doing a double-take. Another dirty glare follows, and he -does- take the advice.*

Xiao Li: Yeah, well, that cuts both ways, don’t it? If the owner never pays any attention to her prop’rty, what does that say about her?

Kevin Cliffe: And if it says something about the town, then we can say that we stick together and we don’t leave our people to the dogs.

Anastasia Christensen points to Li Mei, “That girl over there, where did she come from? I don’t remember her ever being around.”

Xiao Li: See? SEE? You don’t even know who the gorram crew is!

Li Mei smiles, “My name is Li Mei. I am leasing one of the shuttles on your ship.”

Kevin Cliffe is glad that Li Mei chose to speak for herself...

Anastasia Christensen looks over to Alycia with a chuckle, “Oh I have been paying attention alright. Though what you do out in the black and don’t report to me hmmm, I can only get bits and pieces of. What I have heard I don’t like one bit.”

Jadi Goodnight smiles thinly. “You seem to misunderstand the reputation we are aiming for with this town. I trust you are familiar with the term, ‘free port’?”

Xiao Li: Funny. You never thought to mention that to US ‘til now.

Li Mei glares at Jadi, “Are you referring to my business?”

Anastasia Christensen burst out in laughter, “Why there are lots of things I don’t mention to you. Why should I?”

Kevin Cliffe: Roland, can you see that the guys working on the dorsal hardware can tell a wiring harness from a coolant line? I don’t think it’d help if they froze their faces off...

Xiao Li: Uh, because you’re our boss? In theory, at least.

Anastasia Christensen knods, “Yes I am your boss, you should report to me not me to you.”

Jadi Goodnight looks over at Li Mei slowly. “And which business would -that- be, Miss Mei?”

Roland Josephus: Well I offered to take it loose for ‘em.. If’n he cant’ figure it out... Well.. He looked like he had a fair set of tools....

Xiao Li: Why the tian xiao de are you HELPIN’ these guys, Kev?

Kevin Cliffe: Ever seen what coolant can do to human flesh?

Xiao Li: An’ that’s our problem how? This ain’t OUR ship, remember?

Kevin Cliffe: I put a lot of work into those weapons, Xiao. Sabrina and I both put this ship back together. So pardon me.

Li Mei smiles sweetly, “My business is just that ... my business. But rest assured, none of it is conducted in this town.”

Jadi Goodnight smiles back, thinly. “Just see that if your business attracts attention of the undesirable sort- For example, Alliance, or double-crossing an employer- That it -doesn’t- reach town.”

Li Mei chuckles, “I do not do business with undesirable sorts. Ever.”

Anastasia Christensen looks over to Li Mei, “If you are on this boat then it does become my business.”

Xiao Li glares at Jadi and Ana. “Then maybe you shouldn’t be on this ship, Li.”

Li Mei looks over to Ana. then back to Xioa Li, “I can speak for myself, thank you. And as far as my business being your business, I agree, which is why I pay rent.”

Roland Josephus lets out a long breath, “Alright folks.… Lets step back here.” He nods to Jadi, and Ana, “They’s jest lookin’ after their money.. Raven ain’t home to ‘em like she is us.” He steps forward, “We been on the ragged edge here lately... The black will jest plumb make a person crazy.. Reckon we need some land time, and some alcohol..... We free to get ‘er back in flyin’ shape and take the gig comes our way?”

Jadi Goodnight: “Good.” Dropping that matter, she looks over at the ship’s techies. “If you can expedite the process, by all means. And yes- Currently, we have no intention of grounding you longer than necessary.” Another of those thin, humorless smiles. “And by all means, we encourage you to find, take, and complete work in as -professional- a manner as possible.”

Kevin Cliffe: Ms. Christiensen, if it’s all the same to you, you don’t need to be speaking through your bodyguard.

Anastasia Christensen motions towards the door, “I think we should all go have a drink.” She turns back around to look at Kevin, “She over sees my interests so that I can spend time on the things I do enjoy, which isn’t metal.”

Roland Josephus shakes his head, and looks down at the deck.

Xiao Li stares at the two women for a long moment. “Fuck this. I need a drink.”

Kevin Cliffe: Yeah, you can bet I do too.

Xiao Li storms off down the ramp, cursing in two languages.

Li Mei shrug, “Why not. A drink does sound good.”

Anastasia Christensen laughs, “I think you need more then a drink Mister Cliffe. Why you’re wound up tighter then an empty clock. Ya know I got just the thing for you.”

Jadi Goodnight turns slightly to watch those of the crew leave who are, and nods. “I see there is an understanding.” Not a -liking-, but really, since when has -that- been needed for business?

Kevin Cliffe: Yeah. Well, you pretty much just gutted my role out of this ship too. We’ve already got a pilot, an XO, and an engineer.

Anastasia Christensen smiles, “Well then perhaps you do need something to take your mind of things.”

Li Mei grins and mutters under her breath, “Wow ... she’s not very subtle”

Kevin Cliffe: Yeah, like a bottle of single malt.

The crew and owners of Raven, make their way to the New Hoban, passing a few locals on the way.

Dui Zhang: Hrm... new load of freighter trash in town?

Elise Capalini: Doesn’t smell remotely fresh.

Jadi Goodnight casts a dubious eye on the citizens as she passes- Hey, wasn’t she on a poster?

*At the New Hoban*

Anastasia Christensen: You know this ain’t something I wanted to do. I hate unpleasantness.

Roland Josephus picks up the first shot glass he can find, and tosses down its contents without looking.

Kevin Cliffe: Yeah well, buying back our pilot from Niska isn’t exactly a fun time either.

Xiao Li orders the biggest, most potent drink on the menu, and sits nursing it, looking at no one.

Li Mei orders a cup of green tea.

Jadi Goodnight takes up her post, doing her ‘usual’ job- Keeping an eye out for unauthorized trouble.

Anastasia Christensen: tsk tsk, Now how in the world did you ever get yourself into that mess? why I’d think the least you could do is keep your own crew from being stolen.

Kevin Cliffe: Oh, I don’t know, maybe it’s because we were trying to do the right thing?

Anastasia Christensen smirks, “Well the right thing always has a price tag.”

Kevin Cliffe: You think I don’t know that?

Roland Josephus doesn’t say anything, and tips a nearby bottle into his glass.

Li Mei laughs, “It also helps to do the right thing with the right people ... not the wrong ones.”

Kevin Cliffe: Yeah, well, Raven’s got no need for a tac guy.

Anastasia Christensen points to Li Mei, “I may like her after all. She seems to have some smarts about her.”

Xiao Li just grunts.

Roland Josephus empties his glass and sets it back on the bar.

Li Mei smiles, “Thank you. The guild is not in the habit of allowing people without brains to be a member.”

Anastasia Christensen smirks, “The guild huh... you know you could make much more money without them.”

Kevin Cliffe sighs...he wouldn’t insult a companion like that at all.

Anastasia Christensen looks over at Kevin, “Is something wrong Mister Cliffe?”

Li Mei frowns a bit, “I doubt I could do better than the guild.”

Anastasia Christensen smirks, “Oh I beg to differ. One can do very well if they are willing to take the chance. To each their own though.”

Li Mei: Besides, there are other benefits to being a guild member.

Anastasia Christensen eyes Li Mei, “Oh I am well aware of the guild and what it offers and what it doesn’t.”


Li Mei takes a sip of her tea, the looks back at Ana, “Oh? You are familiar with the guild?”

Kevin Cliffe looks at Anastasia... she just tore out the parts that made him matter on that ship as part of the crew and she asks “what’s wrong?” He turns back to his drink

Anastasia Christensen laughs, “I am very familiar with the Guild Miss Mei. Though have chosen a path I find much more to my liking.”

Rae Overholt walks up and peers around, keeping her face blank at the appearance of Jadi.

Jadi Goodnight smiles thinly at Rae- Oh, a greeting? It vanishes clear off her face when she speaks, though. “Captain Overholt- We need to talk.”

Dui Zhang swaggers in to the Hoban, headed towards a table with a view.

Roland Josephus looks up from the bar, and glances over to Rae, “Cap’n.”

Xiao Li grumps over her drink, not bothering to look up upon hearing Rae.

Rae Overholt nods at Roland,“Evenin.”

Elise Capalini studies her nails and wonders if she’ll meet her next column deadline.… surely there’s a story somewhere here...

Kevin Cliffe: Cap’n.

Li Mei smiles at Ana, “We each must choose the path that is best for us. I hope we have both chosen wisely.”

Anastasia Christensen moves over towards the bar to get a glass of wine, “I have no doubt I have. Can you say the same Miss Lei?”

Li Mei’s smile fades briefly, then returns, maybe a bit less than before, “I believe I can.”

Anastasia Christensen takes a sip of her wine as she eyes Li Mei, “Well then that is what counts. Though if you ever decide to take a different path, you know where to find me.”

Li Mei: I do Miss Ana ... thank you.

Jadi Goodnight a-hem-s. “-Captain- Overholt.” She’s looking impatient.

Roland Josephus glances over to Jadi, and back to the Captain.

Rae Overholt lets out an inaudible sigh and turns to Jadi, “Yeah, that’d be me.”

Xiao Li, it should perhaps be noted, didn’t bother to put on gloves or a jacket when she got up, so her slave brand is clearly visible.

Kevin Cliffe: You know...Xiao...maybe the doc can remove that?

Xiao Li looks up belatedly, finally realizing she’s being addressed. “Hm?”

Kevin Cliffe nods at the brand. “that mark.”

Xiao Li: What of it?

Kevin Cliffe: Just saying...the doc could probably take it off.

Jadi Goodnight smiles thinly. “You could at least -pretend- to remember me, Captain. Though I would prefer it if our deals, if nothing else, remained in your mind.” She gestures towards a door behind the bar. “Privacy may be best for what needs to be said.”

Roland Josephus reaches back to the bar for another drink.

Xiao Li: An’ you really think that’ll stop Wallace from comin’ after me again?

Kevin Cliffe: No. Maybe I should go out, find him, and put a bullet in his head.

Xiao Li: ...not so sure that’d do any good either.

Rae Overholt: I’m a little dealed out lately Jadi. The only deal I’d like right now is a drink.

Jadi Goodnight drops her pretense of a smile. “I’m well aware of that, Captain. This wasn’t a request.” She shoots a Look at Kevin’s back, on overhearing a bit of conversation, then transfers it back to Rae.

Rae Overholt: Fine then. Lead on.

Jadi heads towards a back room behind the bar, and holds the door for Rae.

Rae Overholt enters, turns to face Jadi and keeps a wary hand on her waist.

Jadi Goodnight closes the door behind Rae, muffling the voices inside. If someone were to deliberately eavesdrop, they might be able to make it out...

Rae Overholt hopes Xiao Li is enough of her old self to do her job and snoop.

Jadi Goodnight: Now, Captain... There’s a certain matter of profits to be discussed. The lack of, more precisely.

Rae Overholt crosses her arms. “We’ve kept her flying and we’ve kept food in the pantry. Thats the best we could do with the convicts we’ve worked with lately.”

Jadi Goodnight “ah-hmms” slowly. “What -I- have heard has been something different. Crossing certain employers, failing to deliver the goods as advertised- A reputation is a valuable thing, Captain Overholt.”

Rae Overholt: Well guess you heard wrong. They all got the goods they asked for.

Jadi Goodnight doesn’t sound particularly amused. “Indeed. Perhaps it’s time you tell me some stories, Captain. It would only be,” the corner of her mouth twitches. “Fair.”

Rae Overholt: What particular story you wantin’ to hear Jadi?

Jadi Goodnight: Hmm. Perhaps the one where a passenger was to be delivered, intact, to an arranged wedding. And where the groom failed to receive his intended, with rumors of aid from the delivering ship, based out of Washburne?

Rae Overholt: I’m afraid you’re mistaken, only an idiot would have aided that snotty woman in running off with that rat bastard Anton. Right under the groom’s nose. He got his bride. We shook hands on it and he sent us for some R&R. Not my problem he couldn’t keep her.

Jadi Goodnight ah-hmms. “And the rumors of certain accounts being, what was the term...” She rolls her eyes up as she remembers it. “‘Scoured’, I believe my report said. Shortly after this certain ship departed.”

Rae Overholt: “Guess that girls uncle shouldn’t have trusted Anton as much as he did should he? Does it look like we got the money?” She gives her a wry look, annoyed at this line of questioning from the absent Jadi, figuring if she dislikes her actions she can have her firefly back.

Jadi Goodnight smiles thinly. “Truth does not concern me, Captain. Reputation has very little bearing on facts.” She looks Rae in the eyes. “Perhaps more recently, then, hmm? Where the Raven has been -directly- connected with theft from a certain Mister Wallace.” Pause. She gets a -distinctly- irritated expression. “Who is, might I add, a not inconsiderable business partner of certain establishments here.”

Rae Overholt: That so Jadi? Didn’t realize you’d be consorting with slavers considering you were one yourself. Slave that is.

Jadi Goodnight goes silent, and -stares- at Rae. In a particularly low voice. “I do not know where you gained that particular piece of information, but I would recommend you distrust it in the future.” There’s an odd little tick at the corner of one eye...

Rae Overholt: “Uh huh.” She smiles, almost chipper, “Sure thing Jadi.”

Jadi Goodnight clenches and unclenches her right hand, silvery eyes boring into Rae. “The issue at hand, -Captain- is not my past.” Her voice is tight, holding back something that should probably -stay- held back. “I would -recommend- your concern remain with your future.”

Rae Overholt nods again, still smiling, “Point taken. So you got a job for us or you taking us off ship and sticking on another crew?”

Jadi Goodnight: “Do not tempt me, Captain.” She regains control enough to smile back humorlessly. “Remember that as the Raven represents this town, -you- represent the Raven. And after certain... ‘heroics’,” her mouth twitches at the word, “I am disinclined to trust some of our more delicate jobs to yourself or your crew. As are -many- of my contacts who would otherwise be providing such work.”

Rae Overholt crosses her arms, “Well now Jadi, I can’t be blamed when unsavory folks have someone turn on them. Folks are unsavory enough its bound to happen sooner or later. I can’t control that. I also can’t control if it seems we got bad timing and folks like to use us as scapegoats.”

Jadi Goodnight: “Never the less, Captain. The Raven was -intended- to show a certain amount of profit, and be a reliable agent for the town. If it cannot...” Another of those not-a-smiles. “- Well, Mister Wallace will not attempt anything while you remain flying under our name. But he has also extended an attractive monetary offer.” Her face goes hard again. “You do not want me to take him up on that offer, Captain. See to it that you and your crew are worth more in our employ than as cargo.”

Rae Overholt: Well, I’d hate it to come to that myself Jadi.

Jadi Goodnight smiles again. “So, do we have an understanding?”

Rae Overholt: “I reckon you could say that.” She nods and walks past Jadi, intending to leave.

Jadi Goodnight steps aside, letting her.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Dui Zhang mumbles quietly at the table with Elise, looking back over her shoulder on occasion at the spacers that occupy the bar.

Anastasia Christensen looks over to Roland who is standing next to her, “How about you? Have you chosen wisely?”

Roland Josephus glances up, at the question, and shrugs, “Ask me tomorrow.” He lifts his glass to drink , “Don’t seem so right now.”

Li Mei takes another sip of her tea, lost in thought

Elise Capalini leans toward Dui, then points behind her shoulder. “Wanna arm wrestle?”

Dui Zhang headshakes, “Not really... I feel like the reavers got me and et all the good parts. I still gotta shake this damn bug.”

Anastasia Christensen shrugs, “I guess the cat has his tongue.” She looks over her shoulder at the footsteps, “Why evening Mister Juran.”

Kevin Cliffe: You gonna eavesdrop on ‘em, Xiao?

Xiao Li smirks at Kevin and tapps her earpiece.

Sanpierre Juran: Good evening, Ana. Quiet group tonight.

Li Mei looks over at the well dressed gentleman at the bar, “Good evening, Sir. You look a bit well dressed for this establishment.”

Sanpierre Juran shrugs. “When it’s the only establishment in town, there’s no place else to go no matter how you’re dressed.”

Li Mei nods, “My name is Li Mei. And you are ...?”

Dui Zhang pulls out a small pair of dice and begins to play. She shakes them in one hand and tosses ‘em out on the table before Elise. “Fives . The point is five”

Sanpierre Juran takes another look back at the woman who addressed him. “You, on the other hand, are not only better dressed than we usually see here, but an entirely unexpected class of patron altogether.”

Roland Josephus grunts, and takes his glass, moving out from the middle of the conversation.

Sanpierre Juran belatedly extends a hand. “My deepest apologies, Ms. Li. I should have introduced myself earlier. Sanpierre Juran, I’m a local businessman, or I should say, a businessman with local dealings.”

Li Mei takes Sanpierre’s hand, squeezing it gently, “It’s a pleasure to meet you Mr. Juran.”

Sanpierre Juran notes the strength under Mei’s light touch. “An honor to make your acquaintance, Ms. Li.”

Li Mei looks around the bar before returning her gaze to Mr. Juran, “And what sort of business are you in, Mr. Juran?”

Dui Zhang chuckles, “Alright.... alright... I’ll teach. We’ll play for drinks.” She slides the dice closer to Elise and begins to explain the rules of the game with a gleam in her eye.

Roland Josephus lifts his glass to drink.

Sanpierre Juran smiles at Ms. Li. “Very pedestrian sorts of things. Hauling. Clean-ups. A little bit of environmental restoration. I have teams that do all the work, and I mainly take meetings and make small talk.”

Li Mei nods at Mr. Juran, “Environmental restoration? That sounds like a euphemism.”

Dui Zhang takes the dice up again, blowing across them for luck before giving them a fling. “C’mon five!”

Sanpierre Juran ‘s eyes travel unbidden up the slit in Mei’s dress. “Oh, it’s hardly a euphemism. Environments get damaged. There are all kinds of reasons. When they do, someone often needs them taken care of...and the more quickly, the better.”

Xiao Li , listening in on her comm, suddenly goes pale. “Wo de tian a...”

Sanpierre Juran’s ears perk up, hearing talk of a fellow ex-slave...but he stops himself from turning around.

Roland Josephus picks up his glass, and looks at it carefully, “Anyone remember where we parked?”

Kevin Cliffe: What, what is it?

Li Mei notices the direction of Mr. Juran’s gaze and smiles, taking another sip of her tea.

Xiao Li hisses to Kevin, “Wallace.”

Dui Zhang points to the high dice, it’s five dimples filled with black facing upwards to the sky. “I win, of course.”

Kevin Cliffe lowers his voice...“what about him?”

Xiao Li whispes, “He’s got business interests here.”

Roland Josephus shrugs, “I guess not.” He empties his glass.

Kevin Cliffe: Ta ma de...

Li Mei looks up from her tea in Ana’s direction, “Miss Ana? How has your business been lately? Other than the ship, of course.”

Sanpierre Juran realizes drink has made him incautious, and orders an espresso. “I’m sure my line of work must seem extremely dull to either of you two ladies.” He glances at Ana. “Other than the ship? Obviously I’ve been out of touch.”

Kevin Cliffe mutters...“He comes near you, me, or Raven again, and he’ll have business with the next life.”

Xiao Li clenches her drink tightly and fights to control her breathing. Trapped on this moon with no transport and Wallace’s people are here...

Li Mei looks back at Mr. Juran, “No, not at all, Mr. Juran. I find your line of work fascinating ... if a bit cryptic.”

Sanpierre Juran smiles back at her. “You’re flattering me, and I appreciate it! I get so little of it here. And if I’m cryptic, it’s only in order to sound a little more interesting and mysterious. You’ll humor me for that, won’t you?”

Dui Zhang sinks in disappointment. “Eh. You lucked out anyway. I need to be takin’ care of some business anyhow.”

Li Mei laughs, “Of course, Mr. Juran.”

Sanpierre Juran nods at her. “You have all the charm and graciousness of your profession. And a good deal more that comes naturally, I’m sure.”

Kevin Cliffe: “You stay calm, Xiao. We’re not letting him take you again.” He realizes that said, they didn’t let him take her the last time, either... his agent had to gas them all and screw with their nav board.

Li Mei grins, “Now you flatter me, Mr. Juran. Feel free to do that all evening.”

Xiao Li takes another gulp of her drink, perhaps to steady herself.

Sanpierre Juran cocks an eyebrow. “*All* evening? I can’t believe a woman such as yourself can have an opening that large on her social calendar for months and months.” He adds. “clearly you must be very selective in your choice of engagements.”

Li Mei shrugs, “Under normal circumstances, that might be true. Lately, however, it seems my circumstances have been... unpredictable.”

Kevin Cliffe keeps his voice low. “You packing, Xiao?”

Xiao Li: I can’t shoot for shit, remember?

Kevin Cliffe: Ta ma de. We’ll have to rectify that, won’t we?

Sanpierre Juran notes a change in Mei’s tone and decides to keep the conversation light. “We all experience unpredictability...I know it as well as most. But that only means your luck can change for the better.”

Li Mei mutters under her breath, “It sure as hell can’t get any worse.”

Sanpierre Juran lowers his eyes and his voice. “I know I was meant to hear that, Ms. Li. Though we’re strangers, I’d like to know if there’s any way in which I can be of help to you.”

Li Mei looks up a little sheepishly, seemingly a little embarrassed, “I appreciate the offer, Mr. Juran. I will be fine. I was just hoping that the Raven would be good for my ... business. And so far, it has not worked out that way.”

Xiao Li: Ni tamade tianxia suoyou de ren dou gaisi.... We gotta get out of here. Permanent-like.

Kevin Cliffe: Xiao, what did she say?

Xiao Li: That if we don’t turn a profit as crew, we’re gonna be cargo.

Kevin Cliffe slams his glass down on the bartop...then, takes some breaths to get himself under control. He lowers his voice...“you know, I wonder if we can get her, Wallace, and Niska all on the same skyplex before we blew it up?”

Anastasia Christensen can’t help but over hear the conversation between San and Li Mei, “Then I suppose all your decisions have not be fruitful.”

Li Mei nods, “No, they haven’t. But I’m sure not every business decision you’ve made has turned out as you had hoped.” and Li Mei looks around at the crew.

Sanpierre Juran smiles at Mei. “Whatever the situation with the Raven, I’m certain it can’t keep a woman like you down for long. I have full confidence that things will change soon. Yet I wonder why you yourself are not taking a more active hand in changing them, if they are not to your liking. Something about the situation must suit you.” He glances sidelong at Ana. He knows she has her sources of information. He wonders what they say.

Anastasia Christensen chuckles, “Or maybe they just appear to not be as I want them Miss Mei.”

Li Mei raises an eyebrow at Ana’s last comment, “Maybe I have underestimated you.”

Anastasia Christensen laughs, “You wouldn’t be the first person to have done so Miss Mei.”

Li Mei nods, “That I believe. And please, call me Li.”

Sanpierre Juran turns his attention from the women to his drink. He doesn’t know what Madame Ana has against Li Mei, but he knows he’d rather stay clear of it. Nobody needs extra hornet’s nests.

Roland Josephus blinks several times, and looks over to Kevin. He pulls a bottle away from the man putting his arm around it, and looking at the man indignantly.

Xiao Li: I’ll settle for getting us all outta here ‘fore Jadi decides that ‘cargo’ option is worth exploring.

Roland Josephus: “Can’t go nowhere.. They’s guttin’ the Raven as we speak.”

Xiao Li looks grim. “More than one ship in port right now...”

Kevin Cliffe: If worse comes to worse, I’ll raid the junkyard for a hulk and make it gorram fly.

Sanpierre Juran sips, and cocks an ear towards the crew. He knows a little about salvage himself.

Roland Josephus looks up at the Captain comes back out.

Jadi Goodnight nods. “Good. Spaceport technicians are taking certain components that do not officially exist from the Raven, to be repurposed for defense of the town. Estimates are you will be down for between a few days to a week. Mister Cliffe will give you the details.”

Rae Overholt looks to Xiao Li, catching her eye before turning to Roland and giving a “carefree” smile.

Xiao Li nods grimly at Rae.

Roland Josephus turns his attention back to his drink.

Rae Overholt: So Kevin, what are we losing?

Kevin Cliffe lowers his voice and leans in towards the captain...“main weaponry.”

Xiao Li wraps her arms tightly around herself, hiding her slave brand from view

Rae Overholt: Anything else?

Kevin Cliffe: Didn’t stick around, and I don’t think I could have done much if we did. Sounds like she’s got our hands tied.

Anastasia Christensen, “Very well then Li it is. You may call me Ana.”

Li Mei smiles, “Thank you, Ana.”

Kevin Cliffe: Cap’n...I dunno what’s up. But she just yanked out probably my job on Raven.

Rae Overholt: So we don’t know what all we might be missing.

Roland Josephus: We won’t know till we get back there Cap’n.. If’n they’re careful might be a couple of days before we can lift off.. If’n they jest ripped it out... We could be here a month or more.

Kevin Cliffe keeps his voice low...“ain’t much use for a tac officer without ordinance.”

Xiao Li: You want my advice? Next time we take off from here, we don’t come back. At all.

Rae Overholt: We still got guns and suits and things need taking care of Kevin.

Sanpierre Juran silently calculates the pros and cons of a Raven-less Washtown. More cons than pros, but he’s made the best of bad situations before.

Kevin Cliffe: You also got an engineer, a pilot, and an XO. I’m pretty much redundant.

Anastasia Christensen smirks, “If your stuck here for awhile Li, why I could let you stay in a spare room over at the ranch if you have a mind to.”

Li Mei grins, “That might be nice, Ana, assuming I don’t have to -pay- for that room by doing any ... work.”

Anastasia Christensen catches bits and pieces of the conversation going on behind her, “I’d advise you not to go making any hasty decisions where the ship is concerned.”

Rae Overholt turns to face Kevin. “I got some crew yeah, I lost more crew than I got. You saying you’re leaving then do it and get it over with. If not shut up and deal with what we got handed to us. Dong ma? Cause I’m not in the mood for whinin’. I lost just as much as you on this run.” She looks around as if making the point there’s no Gabe there anymore.

Anastasia Christensen laughs at Li’s words, “I’d not think of soiling your reputation nor mine with having you work in my establishment. You would be my guest.”

Roland Josephus crosses his arms across his chest, and glances down at the ground.

Xiao Li leans close to Rae. “Cap’n... if we *don’t* leave here for good, you might be losin’ me, too. Safer for everyone that way.”

Rae Overholt gives Xiao Li a glare.

Kevin Cliffe: I’m not holding to anyone getting snatched again. That’s just me. Maybe it’s my usual gun-happy solution but if I see Wallace again...

Sanpierre Juran gives Ana a warm glance while saying to Mei, “when Ana offers hospitality, I promise you there is none finer to be had, nor more honestly offered.”

Li Mei laughs, “I didn’t think so, Ana, but I don’t have a good record lately of knowing what I’m getting myself into, so I wanted to be certain. I’d be honored to be your guest for however long we’re here.” She looks over at Mr. Juran, “I’m sure that’s true, Mr. Juran.”

Anastasia Christensen laughs, “Understood, the bedroom downstairs is all yours if you wish to take it while your land locked. Just tell one of the boys what you need from the ship and they would be more then happy to fetch it for you.”

Li Mei: Thank you, Ana, I will.

Xiao Li: What, you’d rather I stay here and put y’all at risk with the bounty on my head?

Rae Overholt shakes her head and resists the urge to storm off.

Kevin Cliffe: Xiao, I’m a gorram fugitive from the core. No bounty, just kill me and everyone who’s seen me. I ain’t running anymore. And we need you to check out the helm. Cap’n, by your leave, I’d like to take Roland and do a rundown of the ship’s systems. See if we still have feathers in Raven’s wings.

Xiao Li: Gorramit, I--I *care* about you. An’ everyone else on this crew. I don’t wanna see you hurt or worse ‘cuz of me.

Rae Overholt: Go on then. Well Xiao Li, guess we care too and you’re stuck with us.

Kevin Cliffe: We’re don’t leave our people behind.

Anastasia Christensen looks over at the crew in the cluster, “They ain’t a bad lot, you coulda’ done worse.”

Roland Josephus turns back to the bar, and grabs a bottle of clear liquid, “All this excitement.. Ain’t sure I can stand it..” He nods over to Kevin.. “Alright lets see what they did to ‘er.”

Li Mei nods, “They have good hearts, I only meant that, so far, my decision has not been beneficial to my business.”

Kevin Cliffe: Let’s get moving, we’ve got a ship to get up to spec.

Rae Overholt: Good luck with it Rol.

Roland Josephus: I’ll work for free for a year if you let me choke him.. Just for a little while....

Rae Overholt whispers as they walk off, “I’d pay you triple for a year to choke him”

Kevin Cliffe: Xiao, you coming?

Xiao Li: ...you’re a stubborn pofu, y’know that, Cap’n?

Rae Overholt: “Get your pigu to that ship Kevin, you ordered folks round you be there with ‘um.” She glances at Xiao Li, “Must be to put up with you this long Xiao li, be thankful.”

Xiao Li nods and hurries after Kevin.

Anastasia Christensen smiles at the two left at the bar, “Well if you both will excuse me. I’ll go see that the room is up to standard incase Miss Li decides to come stay a night or so.”

Rae Overholt reaches around, grabs a bottle of clear liquid and slaps the last of her dwindling cred supply on the counter. Not concerned at this point how she’ll eat tomorrow, just determined to drown out the regrets and solitude for the time being as she turns and storms off.

Sanpierre Juran grins. “Come now, Ana. Would your rooms ever _not_ be up to standard?” He turns his head to watch the captain go.

Anastasia Christensen laughs, “Well that room hasn’t been used... at least not in the last few hours.”

Li Mei smiles, “Thank you, Ana, and I will be staying, until the Raven is ready to leave.”

Sanpierre Juran: Then I suppose I should leave the two of you to get settled.