Who Needs Doctors Anyway

Matthew Jiagu pulls out his com-phone and speaks into it, "Yeah, that's right, she's here, and we got her."
Dana Maelstrom looks to Rae, fear in her eyes. She swallows hard.
Xiao Li Marshall , up in the cockpit, yawns and rubs her eyes. The sedatives the doc gave her don't seem to be cutting it.
Rae Overholt maintains her calm, crossing her arms and staring at Matthew. "Imagine that."
Matthew Jiagu gestures to his guards, one of whom closes on Arex, to disarm him.
Rae Overholt: What Matt? Scared of just the two of us?
Matthew Jiagu walks up to Rae, looking her up and down in a rather invasive way, "I just want to make sure you aren't armed as well."
Rae Overholt: Don't touch me, you wont like the results. ::She continues to maintain her ground, arms crossed as he invades her personal space. Her eyes shoot daggers at him::
Arex lets the guard get close. And with a flurry of motion, puts the guard into an arm lock, knife at his throat. - One of the other guards, armed with an Alliance stun-rifle, just shoots them both, and they crumple.
Matthew Jiagu watches the interaction and then returns his attention to Rae.
Matthew Jiagu reaches out a finger and lifts Rae's chin, "Now, is that a way to greet an old friend?"
Dana Maelstrom moves closer to Rae, her eyes quickly scanning the Tiger guards, looking for any opening.
One of the guards speaks up. "Wei, boss- There ain't no orders 'gainst not grabbin' that whole ship, ain't there?" He looks Raven over. "'s a hunka junk, but oughta be worth a bit fer parts!"
Rae Overholt reaches up and grabs at the finger under her chin, completely content with possibly breaking it but mostly wanting it off her body.
Xiao Li Marshall shifts in her seat, feeling edgy and exhausted all at the same time.
Matthew Jiagu , expecting quick movements pulls his finger back quickly.
Several more of the guards level weapons in Rae's direction, though they don't have a clear line of fire with their boss standing so close.
Matthew Jiagu: "Now, what say we go for a little walk, and you can bring your friend there too, please."
Rae Overholt steps closer to him, making sure to keep him between the shooters and herself. "I think we can stay right there."
Matthew Jiagu: You never did seem to understand the nature of things, Sunshine. I'm the one holding all of the cards today, and they look like a good hand.
Dana Maelstrom casually reaches back and hits the intercom button at the door which opens a live mic to the cockpit.
Matthew Jiagu: Now what do you say Rae, I know a nice place where we can be alone.
Rae Overholt smirks, "Things aren't always like they seem. Your brother know you're hooked up with the refuse of the verse?" ::she motions her head to the hired muscles::
Xiao Li Marshall's head jerks up abruptly at the voices coming over the comm.
Matthew Jiagu laughs, "Cute, we'll see if you're saying that when we rule it!"
Rae Overholt: Always was about a free ride to you. These guys know you're using them?
Matthew Jiagu: "Now if you'd just come quietly, without any unnecessary fuss..."
Matthew Jiagu: My dear, I"m accepted into the clan.
Xiao Li Marshall: Ai ya hua le...
Matthew Jiagu: In fact Hera is my little domain.
Rae Overholt: Isn't that sweet. Who's back did you stab to get it?
Xiao Li Marshall grabs the ship's comm and whispers into it. "Thinkin' the Cap'n might need some backup..."
Matthew Jiagu: I've grown a lot... the best thing my big brother did was to kick me out...
Rae Overholt: you definitely didn't learn anything from it.
Matthew Jiagu: Backs get stabbed... people die, that's life.
Rae Overholt: So whats this about Matt? You murdering children now? Kids?
Li Mei hears Xioa Li whispering over the ship's com and looks over at the doctor
Matthew Jiagu: Oh, now, who said anything about hurting anybody? we'd just like this one here to come with us, to see our doc, and you? I don't want to HARM you...
Rae Overholt: That so.
Matthew Jiagu: of course not.
Matthew Jiagu allows his eyes to wander again over Rae's body.
Rae Overholt narrows her own at his, "Not unless you can take me on your own Mat, and we both know that wont happen."
Dana Maelstrom shifts nervously, wishing she had a blade, or SOMETHING on her.
Matthew Jiagu: Well, ::He looks to his men:: who said anything about being alone?
Several of the men grin big, nasty smiles.
Rae Overholt: So I see, coward as usual.
Matthew Jiagu flushes red and impulsively slaps at Rae's cheek.
Luke Hu draws pistol and moves to hatch
Rae Overholt' s head snaps to the side and she reaches up to rub her cheek, her eyes are amused though at seeing how easily agitated he is. "Oh, I'm sorry, you wanted me submissive? I've never been that. Wrong girl."
Li Mei stays with Shen in the med bay
Matthew Jiagu grins, "I can work with that..." He gestures to the road, "now, if you please."
Xiao Li Marshall slaps her own face. C'mon, Xiao Li, wake up, you might have to get us offworld in a hurry...
Luke Hu looks back at Li Mei, “You have a gun?”
Rae Overholt: The girl stays with me, the scum stays off my boat.
Rae Overholt stands there hoping Xiao Li is awake enough to lock all the doors into the ship and plot as she really doesnt want to end up dead by Mathew's hands.
Luke Hu heads to the hatch
Matthew Jiagu: We're really only interested in the girl, to tell the truth, you're just an added bonus, and you probably have armed crew inside, so... this way please.
Shen lies on the table, with her pistol.
Rae Overholt: Not without the girl. My ship is transport, not a gorram alliance cruiser, you leave my crew alone.
Li Mei reaches over and shakes Shen, "Shen ... wake up Shen."
When Li Mei doesn't answer him, Dr. Hu leaves the med bay and heads to cargo bay and to the hatch
Luke Hu draws both guns
Matthew Jiagu: We have no interest in your crew, only the girl, and I thought we could do some 'catching up.'
Matthew Jiagu: you and I
Luke Hu listens through the hatch to conversation
Rae Overholt: Sure Matt, what do you want to talk about? Our last day together, where I shot you in the leg. Fond times those. ::she smiles in an almost daydreaming manner a moment before looking back at him and changing the topic:: "Who's your doctor?"
Li Mei sighs and, noticing Shen's gun, reaches over and picks it up
Matthew Jiagu: "Oh," he rubs his thigh, "The best in the 'Verse, don't worry we'll take good care of the girl, and those were good times, not to forget."
Luke Hu stands at hatch listening ready to step out if anything begins to happen
Li Mei walks out of the med bay and over near where the doctor is. She hides a little off to the side, under the stairs
The guard with the stunner hefts it a bit and waves it at the direction of the hatch. "Boss, let's just zap 'em both and git 'fore someone gets curious!"
Matthew Jiagu nods, "Calm down, I want to savor this. It is a dish best served cold."
Xiao Li Marshall frowns... stands up... goes over to the windows and peers over to see if she can tell where the thugs are...
Rae Overholt smiles a suggestive smile and moves a bit, swishing her hips as she does, "Still craving eh Matt"
Matthew Jiagu grins, "Now that's better, see, if we all just behave..."
Xiao Li Marshall: ...oh-HO.
Li Mei looks down at the gun she's carrying. She shakes her head, frowning, and mumbles to herself, "What the hell do I think I'm doing"
Matthew Jiagu: "Things will go smoothly.."
Xiao Li Marshall scoots back into the pilot's seat...3
Rae Overholt: What do I get if I behave Matt? ::she steps closer again, still trying to stay between dana and the gunners as well as keeping Matt as a shield::
Some of the goons in the back are easily visible, though the standoff right at the hatch, obviously, isn't in view...
Xiao Li Marshall reaches up to flip three switches above her left shoulder, and the Raven's engines start to power on...
Matthew Jiagu grins as Rae closes the distance, "Oh, if you come quietly, you'll be treated like the street trash you are!" He steps back so the goons have a clear shot.
Luke Hu hears the engines start up knowing that will distract them and set them off. He counts to three then open hatch and step out with guns drawn
Rae Overholt raises a fist and slams it towards his solar plexus, hoping to keep him as a shield.
Some of the goons are distracted, yes! One points at Raven's engines. With his gun, no less. "Hey, boss-!" - And then, there's the Doc. Lots of guns out there, and a couple of extra guns at the hatch. And Rae taking a swing at the boss. There's just a brief moment where everything is quiet-
Matthew Jiagu dodges to the side as Rae swings, seeing the Doc come onto the scene. he steps aside to get out of the line of fire from his goons.
Luke Hu fires at goons beside the boss Rae is hitting and yells “GET IN, NOW!!!!”
Li Mei points her gun towards the hatch, her finger on the trigger
Dana Maelstrom instinctively ducks and flattens herself against the side of the airlock.
All hell breaks loose! Matt is out of the line of fire, but the mooks beyond take his bullets, even wildly aimed. And they aren't even wearing red shirts! But two still drop, while the others start getting their guns in line. Bullets spang off the ship's hull, largely un-aimed, though the very edge of the stunner shot clips Dana's arm. It sounds like a nice lil' war right outside, now!
Rae Overholt yells out, "DANA INSIDE" as she tries to work her way backwards, but gives up and goes for a tackle at Matt, her disdain for him and her idiotic protective urges overwhelming her own self preservation instincts as she dives at him in hopes of distracting enough people Dana can also run.
Matthew Jiagu is caught offguard by Rae's attack and is thrown on his back in the dust of the Spaceport. "You'll pay for this bitch!"
Luke Hu: provides cover for them hoping they don't delay in getting inside the ship
Luke Hu: just keeps shooting at goons until they get inside
Li Mei jumps a bit and the noise of all the shooting, but she steps towards the hatch, aiming her weapon at one of the goons and pulling the trigger
Dana Maelstrom has her arm slammed into the bulkhead by the stunner, she shakes it then looks towards the prone Arex, jumping, she closes the distance to him and lands in an Aikido roll. Laying flat, she grabs at his boot, trying to drag him inside.
Xiao Li Marshall: *over the comm* What's goin' on down there??
More goons drop from Doc's shooting, but more bullets are headed his way- Being, naturally, the biggest apparent threat. One, two, ping off the ramp, getting closer- Number three in the burst hits meat, taking him in the thigh. Rae and Matt don't get any fire going their way- Probably from the goons not wanting to risk being the one to shoot the boss and -not- kill him. Lena's shot inspires one goon to go for cover, and an answering one pings off the frame of the hatch near her head. Arex isn't the easiest to move, especially with one arm. - The one with the stunner swears, dropping to one knee, to take better aim at their prize...
Rae Overholt aims a punch at Matt's face and goes to draw her weapon, turning to aim it at the closest target and fire it off. She still hopes to give the crew time to get back into the ship. Her eyes dart this way and that as she presses down onto Matt with as much weight as she can muster, prepared to head butt him if he gives her grief.
Matthew Jiagu feels Rae reaching for her weapon, and reaches to stop her, he grins with perverse pleasure as he feels her press her body against him.
Luke Hu continues to provide cover for them hoping they don't delay in getting inside the ship. “GET...IN....THE....SHIP!!!!!!”
Li Mei ducks and drops to one knee as the bullet bounces of the hatch near her head. She takes aim over the heads of the goons and pulls the trigger again
Dana Maelstrom digs the heels of her boots into the ramp and, using her legs, pulls at Arex, ducking as she sees the stunner being leveled in her direction. Knowing that Arex is the only one who knows how to contact Dr Miles, she pulls with amazing strength.
Xiao Li Marshall hollers into the comm "Can't keep the engines burnin' forever, guys!"
At this point, the goons are more concerned with taking cover than taking out the crew. There's still a scattering of shots, but they are, for the most part, harmless. (The ship's paint scheme is in dire need of first aid, however.) Well, as long as people keep their heads down... - The stunner shot winds up knocking Arex even -further- unconscious, though. And with the way the engines are sounding, they're all ready for full thrust...
Rae Overholt does as she planned and aims a head butt at Matt, then attempts to turn and scrabble her way back to the ship, intending to stop and help drag Arex inside. She yells whether successful or not, "MOVE , MOVE, MOVE, JUST GO"
Matthew Jiagu takes the head butt square in the nose, which, with the back of his head resting on the ground, does a lot of damage. Blood pours from his nose as he fades from consciousness.
Luke Hu continues to provide cover for them to get inside the ship
Li Mei looks over at the doctor, "GET IN!"
Dana Maelstrom pulls at Arex's boot, standing as she does so and attempting to drag him inside.
Xiao Li Marshall bumps up the engines' power another notch...
Most of the goons are either down in the dirt or behind cover. Stunner is still being pretty persistent, though- Down in the dirt, -and- shooting. And with a *pulse*, there's two bodies to be dragged in. Though maybe not much time- Now that they're behind cover, the goons are probably going to get their nerve back -real- soon, and will be able to aim -properly.- ... And yes, in the shooting wild, the Raven caught one right in its artistic chest.
Rae Overholt drags Arex as far as she can, head pounding and spots forming in her eyes as the head butt to Matt was akin to hitting a steel girder since it was flat against the ground. She stands up and staggers inside and hits the close button for the door, hoping the door closes before Matt wakes up and organizes his ragtag group of morons.
Matthew Jiagu rolls his head to the side, drool dripping down his cheek, blood gushing from his broken nose.
Dana Maelstrom falls backwards INSIDE the inner hatch of the airlock.
Li Mei drops her weapon and reaches out to drag Dana inside before the doors close
Xiao Li Marshall feels, rather than hears, the vibration of the cargo bay ramp closing. She grabs the comm again. "We're takin' off, I suggest everybody hang onto somethin'!"
Luke Hu keeps firing until the door is closed and everyone is safe
A spattering of fire opens back up on the Ravenites. Now, most of them are moving (or are low enough to be out of the line of fire,)... but for one. The one who's been doing the most of the shooting, and staying pretty much stationary. So, even with the door closing, he's still a target. Ping! Ping! Splrtch! Ping! - That odd sound? A 10mm round going into the doctor's chest, a little high and to the right.
Luke Hu stagers back...look down at chest and then fall onto floor as I get inside
Rae Overholt turns, spotting the doc falling out of the corner of her eye, she lets out a string of chinese swear words. Still fighting the black spots herself she staggers over and drops to her knees, immediately placing pressure on his chest and hoping the liftoff doesn't shove them through the back wall. "GET US OUT OF HERE" , she cries, hoping that the coms are still on and Xiao li can hear them, "WE NEED A MEDIC"
Matthew Jiagu lays still, the drool and blood mixing in an artistic pattern in the dust of 'his' planet. The whirlwind of the dust from the engines of the departing boat cover his nice expensive shirt with a neat coating of grime.
Li Mei rushes over to the doctor and Rae, "Oh my God! "
Dana Maelstrom , unable to hang on to anything (because she's out cold) rolls on the cargo bay floor as Raven gains altitude. Eventually she ends up wedged under the weight bench.
Xiao Li Marshall holds the comm with one hand and the yoke with another. "Roger that, Cap'n, we goin' offworld or somewhere else here?"
Joining in with the rolling, Arex is kinda stuck in a corner. In that little section between the (space-tight) ramp and the airlock proper, nicely out of the way, and probably unconscious for a good long while.
Li Mei looks over at Rae, panic in her eyes, "What do we do?"
Rae Overholt shakes her head, trying to concentrate, "Stop the bleeding. Quick clot. Gotta, replace the blood. I don't know. Patch till we get to a real doctor."
Xiao Li Marshall: Cap'n? I need a destination here!
Shen Jiutai rolls off the bed in the sick bay, and wakes up. Standing, she looks around and staggers to the cargo bay, "What the...?"
Rae Overholt blinks, staring at the blood bubbling up around her fingers as she tries to put even more pressure on the wound, "Persephone? "
Li Mei does her best to stand up and stumble towards the med bay. She starts opening draws, looking for a first aid kit
Shen Jiutai sees the bodies scattered around the cargo bay, an Rae working on Luke, she rushes forward and looks into Rae's eyes, questioningly.
Rae Overholt shakes her head, "Two non lethals, one critical. Need a medic, a destination."
Li Mei finds a kit, and grabs as many bandages as she can find and rushes back over to the captain and the doctor
Xiao Li Marshall eases off the yoke and the ship's shaking diminishes as they break atmo
Shen Jiutai nods, "We still on Hera? It's my home... my family is here... near Serenity Valley... go there!"
Rae Overholt nods her head, "Tell, Xiao Li, Tell her, Matthew said, he owned it, Hera, its his, not sure its safe."
Shen Jiutai looks at Rae like she's crazy. "No one can 'own' Hera... my family still thrives here, even after Heir killed my father."
Rae Overholt shakes her head, "Tigers, own it."
Shen Jiutai rushes up to the cockpit, "Xiao Li... Serenity Valley! I know a place to set her down..."
Xiao Li Marshall: Okay, got it!

Tin Cans and Guns

Dana Maelstrom plays with 'Whitey" and 'Bandit' quietly on the catwalk.
Dana Maelstrom looks at Bandit, "I'm sooo glad I finally got you away from that nasty cook, I think she was going to serve you for dinner."
Rae Overholt walks into the cockpit and looks at the panels, "We about there yet?"
Xiao Li Marshall: Three hours, give or take.
Rae Overholt nods, "Find anymore damage from that last varmint we have loose in the ship? Any sightings?"
Dana Maelstrom places Bandit and Whitey in the cage that Kevin built, it's an all-out affair, with water bottle and running wheel.
Xiao Li Marshall: Not yet. Still hear the little fucker scrabblin' around in the middle of the night, though.
Rae Overholt: Well at least it isn’t a rat.
Xiao Li Marshall: A rat that the gorram cat would actually catch?
Rae Overholt sighs loudly, "Guess we should have a game plan for when we go to set our guest down eh?"
Johanna Zerbino sends a text wave to the ship Raven: "Greetings. I have an embarrassing confession to make and a question to ask. Due to not finding a caretaker while I was off world, I secreted aboard some small pets. During the confusion of the ship troubles, I had not noticed they had escaped their habitat. They enjoy hiding in small places, but are otherwise harmless. If you see these furry creatures and are back in Downing, I would be glad to pay for their return. Humbly yours, Johanna.
Shen Jiutai goes through the galley, inventorying the goods, making a shopping list.
Xiao Li Marshall turns to the console and calls up the incoming message... "Huh."
Rae Overholt snorts at the message, "pay for our repairs is more like it."
Xiao Li Marshall: You wanna tell 'im that Shen used one for target practice or should I?
Rae Overholt: We'll tell 'im that it crawled into the engine.
Xiao Li Marshall: Gotcha.
Xiao Li Marshall: Guess we really gotta find that last one now.
Shen Jiutai goes into the pantry, and after moving aside a large can of pears, big enough to knock a merc. out cold, she checks the cat's kibble.
Rae Overholt: We'll get Dana on it. She can find it I'm sure.
Shen Jiutai scratches her head, and makes a note, "Damn, that critter can put it away..."
Xiao Li Marshall: Maybe the guy knows how to lure it out?
Rae Overholt Gets up and decides to look for Dana, "We'll check with him if she cant get it. I'm going to find her."
Shen Jiutai takes the list forward in search of Rae, finding her in the hallway...
Shen Jiutai: "I've got a list of food-stuffs, any requests?
Rae Overholt stops short as Shen comes up to her, "Hey, um. Looks like we need more rice. Otherwise nothin specific."
Xiao Li Marshall shouts from the cockpit, "Something that the gorram rodents can't get into!"
Shen Jiutai nods, "Yeah, I got that..."
Shen Jiutai looks back to the cockpit, and with a slight roll of her eyes, "OK, whatever you say Xiao Li."
Rae Overholt: I can't think of anything I'm craving more than any other time. Don't know what creds we got to stock up. Might have to conserve a bit just in case. Ask the others maybe? But be realistic?
Shen Jiutai turns to follow Rae towards the Cargo Bay. "Yeah, until pappy pays us for his daughter, things are tight, we should prolly look for some simple cargo runs for a spell."
Rae Overholt: Yeah, that wouldn't hurt.
Rae Overholt enters the cargo area and looks around, "Dana! Front and center!"
Shen Jiutai: "I'll just go make one last check of the list... " Shen heads back up the stairs.
Dana Maelstrom, surprised and a little excited, pops up straight, a little confused, "Um, Hi?"
Dana Maelstrom: "Where is the front?"
Rae Overholt: Any word on that third space hamster?
Rae Overholt points in front of herself at the walkway.
Dana Maelstrom looks at the cage, "I think I heard him... but I think Nigel's keeping him hiding."
Rae Overholt: well stow the cat, find the hamster then.
Dana Maelstrom stands and walks over to Rae, fidgeting and looking awkward.
Dana Maelstrom nods, "Um, How does one 'Stow' a cat?"
Luke Hu: its called a locker
Luke Hu: :P
Dana Maelstrom a bit confused, but not wanting to look stupid, smiles and wanders off in search of Nigel.
Luke Hu: or an airlock
Luke Hu: either way...
Shen Jiutai grins at Li Mei as she reenters the Galley.
Shen Jiutai: Any special requests while I'm restocking?
Li Mei looks up at Shen as she walk in, "No, I don't think so. What are you grinning about?"
Shen Jiutai: Just bein' all plesant-like, I could grouse like the pilot, if'n ya like...
Li Mei laughs, "No, I think one grump is enough."
Shen Jiutai goes back into the pantry and starts examining the supplies on the lower shelves.

*There's that scurrying sound that's become all too common over the last day and a bit, as Shen is back in the pantry. A greyish-looking fuzzy lil' head pops up over the can of 'Merc Killer' pears... And there's a smug-sounding 'wheek!' before there's a metallic scraping.*

Li Mei shouts, "Shen! Look out!"
Shen Jiutai takes the can to the small of the skull, and passes out cold.
Li Mei jumps up from her seat and goes to check on Shen
Xiao Li Marshall turns in her seat. What was that loud 'clunk' from the galley?
Li Mei shouts for the dcotor, "Dr. Hu! Could you come here please, we've had an accident."
Luke Hu stands down in the cargo bay completely oblivious to the drama unfolding just several feet above him
Luke Hu: on my way
Luke Hu heads up to the galley.
Li Mei gets up and walks over to the sink, looking around for a rag
Shen Jiutai is lying face down in the pantry, a dented can of pears rolling nearby. The shopping list is still clutched in her hand, and a small bead of drool begins to form at the corner of her mouth.
Li Mei finds a rag, wets it in the sink, and kneels back down by Shen, wiping the drool off her mouth
Dana Maelstrom climbs the back stairway and heads aft, looking for Nigel.
Li Mei checks Shen's head for any signs of bleeding while waiting for the doctor to arrive

*Nigel is helpful! He peeks out of his corner to pad over towards Shen and... flops out across her backside.*

Li Mei shoos Nigel away
Luke Hu enters the galley and moves over to Shay's lifeless body lying limp on the floor. Her life force slowly ebbing away. I lift her in my arms and shake a fist to the heavens and cry out WHY? WHY? WHHHHHY?
Luke Hu then notices she is breathing
Luke Hu breathes a sigh of relief, lays her back down gently and says
Luke Hu: Yeah...um ..shes out cold
Xiao Li Marshall raises an eyebrow. Dramatic much, Doc?

*Nigel just whines at Li Mei- But the Doctor's ham and cheese scares 'im away towards Dana.*

Li Mei scowls at Dr Hu, "Help me get her up into a chair"
Dana Maelstrom hears the commotion in the common room and makes her way forward, to rubberneck.
Luke Hu:
Luke Hu: Lifts her eyes and pulls out light pen and shines light and watches pupils contract to light
Luke Hu: She might have a concussion. We should get her to med-bay
Li Mei: I'll help you take her down there.
Dana Maelstrom notices, in the midst of all of this, that Nigel is in the pantry, so she decides that that's as good a place as any to 'stow' him., so she shuts the door, not thinking that Ninjaster might be in there as well.

*Nigel gives a startled yowl! - Then starts purring for some reason.*

Shen Jiutai is carried down the stairs, head lolloing from side to side as Luke decends.
Li Mei follows Dr. Hu and the floppy, unconscious Shen to the medbay
Li Mei: "Watch her head, you don't want to give her a second concussion"
Luke Hu brings her into med-bay and sets her down on the table
Luke Hu begins checking her vitals
Li Mei suddenly realizes Dr. Hu didn't see what happened, "Oh, a can of food fell out from the pantry and hit her on the head."
Li Mei: "It was a big can."
Luke Hu: Ah
Li Mei: It was the strangest thing, the can just kind of slid off the shelf and fell. Almost like it was pushed.
Luke Hu: That explains the the GREEN GIANT logo imprinted on her forehead
Luke Hu: Thought she pissed off a Corporation and they altered her skull to mark her
Dana Maelstrom , after watching Shen being carted away with some concern, decides to move forward, on her hands and knees, looking for the last hamster.
Li Mei looks at the doctor like he's lost his mind
Dana Maelstrom crawls up towards the cockpit, making "shh...shhh" noises.
Rae Overholt follows everyone to the medbay and pokes her head in, "What in the diyu happened?"
Li Mei looks over at Rae as she walks in, "A can fell of the shelf and knocked her out."
Li Mei: "If I didn't know better, I'd say something pushed it off the shelf"
Shen Jiutai begins to snore, rather loudly.
Xiao Li Marshall shifts in her seat in the cockpit, idly wondering what everyone else is up to.
Rae Overholt: A can fell.... Is she okay??? Ahhh DIYU! ::she turns and rushes upstairs to the galley, figuring they have shen well in hand. She bursts in and spots dana yelling,:: "It's in the pantry!!"
Dana Maelstrom looks up in fright, "But that's where I put Nigel!"
Rae Overholt dashes over to the pantry and then looks at dana, not about to open it without dana there to catch whatever flies out.
Dana Maelstrom stands and runs to follow Rae.

*From inside the pantry, there's that contented purring sound...*
*- Loud, too. Can hear it clear through the doors!*

Rae Overholt frowns, "Well, guess we'll just have to see" ::she reaches out and puts her hand on the doors then gives Dana a nod to let her know to get into position::
Dana Maelstrom looks at Rae with a combination of shock and horror.
Dana Maelstrom squats by the door, waiting.
Rae Overholt snatches the doors open, hoping to surprise whatever is inside and get it before it can come flying outside. She automatically reaches for Nigel and hopes Dana gets ninja.

*Inside...! - A sleek (for a hamster) grey rodent is curled up with Nigel's tail around it, one paw resting on the cat's nose, both apparently sleeping. At least until the door comes -flying- open. Both critters freeze and stare at the humans in surprise.*

Dana Maelstrom gasps.
Rae Overholt freezes in her reach and blinks before choking out a laugh and reaching for Ninja.
Dana Maelstrom reaches down and gently picks up the Hamster, petting Nigel behind the ear, and giving a puzzled look to Rae.

*Shock! Horror! - And fleeing! Ninjamster abandons Nigel, who's just a little -too- slow to avoid Rae, and -scampers- straight out! - Towards the bridge and the apparently bored Xiao Li...*

Xiao Li Marshall is playing Tetris on the console screen and not paying any attention to the happenings in the galley
Rae Overholt sighs and puts the cat back down.
Dana Maelstrom goes to follow the hamster to the bridge, "Have you seen...?" she starts to ask Xiao Li.
Rae Overholt closes the pantry, leaving Nigel in for the time being and goes back to check on Shen, "You catch it Dana"
Xiao Li Marshall: mm? Seen what?
Dana Maelstrom is quiet, looking and listening.
Xiao Li Marshall: What's goin' on?

*From somewhere up above... Ninjamster wheeks in a brief panic, before -plopping- right onto Xiao Li's screen, looking kinda stunned.*

Xiao Li Marshall jerks away from the screen with a yelp of surprise
Dana Maelstrom blurts out, in a rapid fire... "Well first this guy, oh here he is..." She goes to quickly pick him up.

*The last of the furry troublemakers finally goes quietly. Nothing like slipping off the overhead cables to settle a critter down!*

Dana Maelstrom continues, "First he knocked Shen out, then I shut the door with nigel inside, then the captain said he was in there with Nigel, then we found them sleeping together, then he ran out here..."
Dana Maelstrom looks at the grey hamster and grins, "Come on, let's find your friends, and some food too, you'd like that Hmmm?"
Dana Maelstrom heads down to the cargo bay to 'stow' the new hamster, forgetting completely about Nigel in the pantry.
Rae Overholt pokes her head back in the medbay, "So, update?"
Shen Jiutai drools and snores some more.
Xiao Li Marshall stares at Dana's retreating back for a long moment.
Xiao Li Marshall rises from her seat and stalks toward the galley. "I am WAY too sober for this goushi."
Li Mei looks up as Rae walks in, "Yes, she's out cold"
Luke Hu: Dabs forhead with cloth....She is still out but alright for now
Dana Maelstrom heads toward her bunk, carrying the hamster cage, looking to find a secure place to stow it, knowing that they will be arriving at Hera any minute.
Rae Overholt: well, everyone get secured we're getting close to Hera and we should be landing soon.
Li Mei finds a seat just outside the medbay and straps in

Meanwhile on Hera, Arex Koltai continues to scan the sky from behind his cover, waiting for the sight of an approaching ship

Xiao Li Marshall stops just as she's about to pour herself a glass of Scotch. Oh, yeah, that's right, she's supposed to be *driving*!
Luke Hu: secures Shay and holds on
Xiao Li Marshall gallops up the fore corridor and hops into the pilot's seat just in time to start the entry sequence.
Rae Overholt secures herself in the cargo bay, leaning back and looking at the ceiling, thinking.

*And... No anti-aircraft rockets fire out from supposedly abandoned warehouses, no interceptors swoop in over the horizon... No random bits fall off of the ship... Though that dented-up can of pears goes rolling down the stairs. Thump-ump-ump!*

Xiao Li Marshall: Touching down in 3...2...1...
Xiao Li Marshall touches the ship down gently
Rae Overholt unbuckles as soon as they land and goes to get Dana. "Dana, grab your gear. You're here."
Arex Koltai watches the firefly touch down safely, but stays stationary and watches the horizon.
Dana Maelstrom looks up, "OK, Um... did anyone call Dr Miles?"
Rae Overholt: You can do it yourself.
Dana Maelstrom nods and looks around, "Um, which cortex terminal should I use?"
Rae Overholt nods towards the cockpit, "That one, make it secure with xiao li"
Li Mei unbuckles and returns to the medbay to see if Shen is still out
Dana Maelstrom heads up to the Cockpit, "Captain says I need a secure terminal to call Dr. Miles."
Arex Koltai satisfied, stands up and walks to the firefly's cargo door, keeping an eye on the surroundings
Xiao Li Marshall: Okay, deng yi mao...
Xiao Li Marshall steps over to the copilot's console and types in a complex sequence of characters.
Xiao Li Marshall steps back. "She's all yours."
Dana Maelstrom punches in the cortex address of her friend, and former testor at the Blue Sun facility on Osiris. She waits impatiently for someone to answer.
Arex Koltai tightens his lips at the still-closed doors, thinking to himself, 'Don't invite me in, I prefer to stay out here as sniper bait...' He takes his kukri out of its holster and absently runs his left thumb over the edge of the blade.

*The signal goes out... Goes out... - And returns with an 'address has been disconnected' automated message.*

Dana Maelstrom looks at Xiao Li, then back at the screen, "Wha? I don't understand... I'm sure I put it in correctly..." She reenters the address.
Xiao Li Marshall's expression is grim. "I'm thinkin' it's not our end that's the problem, girl."
Arex Koltai steps up onto the ramp and looks over the console and pounds his fist against the "Call" button
Rae Overholt heads down to the cargo bay and exits by the side door, not bothering to open the main hanger doors. She looks around at the location for anything amiss.
Xiao Li Marshall pulls down the ship's comm. "Cap'n, I think we got a problem..."
Dana Maelstrom: But I don't understand, this was the only way I knew contact her...
Xiao Li Marshall: Who else knew where she was located?
Rae Overholt doesnt respond to the ships com but stares at the man pounding on her ships call button, "Needing some help there Mr.?"

*And of course, the guy looks Military, and has a big knife...*

Dana Maelstrom begins to panic, slowly her breath quickens, her heart rate speeds up, "No one!!! She was afraid! She thought someone was out to hurt her!"
Arex Koltai raises his eyebrow and turns to face Merasu, "...Koltai. I am here to escort your cargo."
Xiao Li Marshall: And she was probably right.
Rae Overholt: "Doesn't ring a bell. " ::she eyes him steadily, taking in the hardware::
Arex Koltai returns his knife to his holster, and responds cryptically, but with a smile, "I would hope not."
Dana Maelstrom starts to totally freak out... "But if she's hurt... then I'll get sick... alot of people will die!"
Rae Overholt: "fraid I can't help you then."
Arex Koltai narrows his eyes slightly, trying to figure out if he is being tested or not, "I am to escort one Dana Maelstrom to Sarah Miles...does that clear up anything?"
Xiao Li Marshall: Calm down. Is there *any* other means of getting in contact with this woman?
Rae Overholt: Depends, who is Sarah Miles?
Rae Overholt: and, you got any proof?
Dana Maelstrom curls up into a fetal position in the chair, hugging her knees, "No" her voice is quiet, subdued, distant
Arex Koltai parses his lips and juts his jaw off to the side, "...perhaps you should ask Dana if the name is familiar."
Rae Overholt: Uh huh. Wait here. ::she marches back in and up to the cockpit and looks at Dana:: "Do you know a Koltai who might be escorting you to Sarah Miles?"
Xiao Li Marshall sighs.
Arex Koltai rubs the bridge of his nose and inserts an unlit cigarette into his mouth, bringing out a lighter to ignite the item.
Dana Maelstrom: "K...Koltai?" She looks confused, "Does he know where Dr. Miles is?"
Dana Maelstrom: Her address is disconnected!
Rae Overholt: So he says. You want to risk it or not? Your call.
Dana Maelstrom begins to look more hopeful, like she's being brought back from the grave, "He knows where she is?" "Does he look trustworthy?"
Arex Koltai absently picks something out of his teeth with his fingers in a very un-couth way
Dana Maelstrom once again places her life in Rae's hands.
Rae Overholt not in the least, but then again, who does nowdays. Let's give it a go. I'll come with.
Dana Maelstrom gets to her feet, her legs still a little shaky, and follows Rae.
Arex Koltai sighs audibly. At least in the Xi Detachment he didn't have to deal with escort missions.
Rae Overholt makes her way back down to the cargo with Dana in tow, along with her things and out to the Koltai feller waiting for them.
Arex Koltai turns and ambles back out into the open, scanning the surroundings again as he waits
Luke Hu continues tending to Shay
Dana Maelstrom glances back at Raven, and with a small sigh and heads towards the docks outside.
Rae Overholt: I could have snuck right up on you and shot you, what kind of escourt are you?
Arex Koltai holds up his hand to Rae as he focuses on the surrounding land, "...quiet..."
Rae Overholt raises an eyebrow and waits, wondering if the ninja next to her senses something. She'd almost ask about his spidey sense if she had any clue about that old earth movie. Instead she continues to watch him.
Arex Koltai places his hand on the knife holster, flexing his fingers as he does so.
Arex Koltai: ...we aren't alone here
Rae Overholt places her own hand on her gun, flexing those fingers, "Nope, imagine we aren’t. You've been here waiting, what else is here?"
Arex Koltai frowns slightly as he inhales on the cigarette deeply
Arex Koltai exhales and responds tersely, "Someone who was here before me...."
Shiro Jiagu apears out of nowhere, getting the drop on Arex, he grins at Rae and Dana, "Well what have we here? and look who's brought her to my world!"
Shiro Jiagu's eyes linger on the necklass around Rae's neck, "Long time no see, mei mei."
Rae Overholt crinkles her nose, looking a bit disgusted. Rolling her eyes she gets ready to dismiss him, "Oh, him."
Rae Overholt curses.
Xiao Li Marshall shifts restlessly in her seat. She's happy to have Dana off the ship, but things still aren't exactly shiny...
Rae Overholt spits.
Rae Overholt looks at Koltai and says, "Some escort you are."
Arex Koltai tightens his lips as the unseen people come out of the very cover he had been watching absently. God damn escort missions....

Dinner is served?

Rae Overholt makes her way to the common room

Li Mei is passed out on top of the table

Xioa Li Marshall freezes as the lights die. "...I didn't do it."

Shen Jiutai is cursing in the darkness and fumbling around for something that produces light.

Rae Overholt is staying absolutely still so as not to damage any body parts or step on anything furry and squeakish.

Xioa Li Marshall pulls her goggles down and turns them on. A soft green glow emanates from them. "Okay, deng yi mao, I think I c'n fix this..."

Rae Overholt kneels by the grate, waiting for a sign of a spark or a light or something to navigate by.

Shen Jiutai curses "Why DID we bring that gorram cat on board? to get these ruttin' things? does he? NO!!!"

Shen's fingers brush across one of the small furry invaders, but it's moving quickly towards the spilled rice. - And judging by the patter of tiny feets, so are the rest of the mobile ones. There's a bit of a scraping sound as they raid the fallen wok for rice, wheeking in victory.

Li Mei begins to stir awake, groaning

Xioa Li Marshall fumbles in the tangle of wires, trying to find the one she pulled out

Gabriel Keats tilts his head. "They're about as cute as the gorram cat..."

Rae Overholt: If you can catch it you can keep it, Gabe.

Rae Overholt: Hell, get us out of this and I might grapple with you tonight.

Xioa Li Marshall: Anybody wanna rescue our dinner or are we gonna have to eat the rodents?

Rae Overholt: Shen's closest! I cant SEE to rescue!

Li Mei comes fully awake and sits up quickly, slapping at her legs to see if the hamster is still there

Gabriel Keats finds himself suddenly motivated. He stalks over to the sound of scrabbling claws. "Are these tame? D'you have any seeds, Shen?"

Xioa Li Marshall: She has the gorram RICE. That's what they've been eating!

Shen Jiutai pulls her katana out of it's sheath and swings in the dark towards where she thought the rice landed.

Scrabble scrabble- CLANGWHEEKSCREECH! - The end of the katana hits the wok- But doesn't slow it down enough to keep it from going through one of the softer targets.

Rae Overholt winces, hearing the swish of the blade and figuring if she hit one that the rice was a goner.

Gabriel Keats: "Ni tamade tianxia suoyou de ren dou gaisi!" He jumps backwards.

Xioa Li Marshall: HA! Got it! ....now if I can just work out where it was *plugged in*...

Li Mei brings her knees up to her chest and wraps her arms around them, and rocks back and forth, "Let me know when they're all dead. I'll be on the table cowering."

Gabriel Keats: "You nearly cut me in two!"

Rae Overholt stumbles over to Xiao li, holding out her wrist and pressing a button to light up its display, "Not much help am I?"

Gabriel Keats is perhaps overreacting a little.

Xioa Li Marshall: Xiexie, Cap'n. Point it upward, wouldja? Tryin' ta find the socket this came out of.

Rae Overholt swivels her wrist, aiming the dull illumination up.

Gabriel Keats moves back in--QUICKLY--and scoops up a little pile of the rice. Scatters it in a pile at his feet, keeps his hands splayed just above, listening. Yeah. This is going to work.

Xioa Li Marshall: Hold it right there... for just a... THERE!

Xioa Li Marshall sticks the cable back into what she hopes is the right spot.

Rae Overholt lets out a noise of jubilation.

There's still that warm little furry lump on the table next to Li Mei, though thankfully -that- one isn't moving. There's no more rodent sounds... Though on the other side of the door, the cat is all mewling mournfully at being left out.

And of course, that's when the lights flicker back on due to Xiao Li's tinkering. It's... messy. Half of the gold-and-cream hamster has a forlorn look on its face. - The other half is in Gabe's hand, along with the stained rice. It's leaking, too.

Shen Jiutai pulls her sword back and places it at the base of the cabinets, "Sorry!" she reaches for a lighter and flicks it on, the flame lights some of the carnage.

Gabriel Keats looks down at his hands. Looks back up at Shen. Whistles in awed appreciation.

Rae Overholt stands up, nose crinkling at the surprise in Gabe's hand.

Xioa Li Marshall looks back at the murder scene behind her and cringes. "Suddenly I ain't so hungry."

Rae Overholt: I don't think I"m going to be able to sleep after this.

Li Mei looks around as the lights come back on and jumps a little on seeing the furry lump next to her

Gabriel Keats: "Can you use these for anything?"

Xioa Li Marshall: Okay, let's try this again. I think *this* wire controls the doors...

Xioa Li Marshall carefully disconnects a different wire

Shen Jiutai grins as she picks up the sword and wipes it clean, "The places I've lived, heck in the war we ate rats..."

Xioa Li Marshall: 'kay, try opening the door now.

The bandit-masked hamster by Li Mei... Is still stunned. But, if one looks closely enough, is still breathing! - And the doors 'ka-chunk' as the safety lock disengages between the sides.

Gabriel Keats: "They're kinda cute when they're all intact."

Shen Jiutai walks to the table and grabs the "hamster" by the scruff of the neck.

Li Mei shudders as she gets a close look at the little beastie

Rae Overholt: tries to open the door with the panel, waiting for results.

Shen Jiutai picks up one of it's little paws and waves it at Lena, "Anyone still hungry?"

Rae Overholt: AH no way!

Gabriel Keats: "If you're gonna make it wave, it ain't gonna be dinner. . ."

Li Mei scoots back on the table away from Shen and the hamster and shakes her head

Li Mei: Get it away from me!

Gabriel Keats mutters. "It's just a gorram pet. . ."

Xioa Li Marshall: Wonder if we could get any money for these li'l hun dans on the black market.

Rae Overholt: For what? pets? Food?

Shen Jiutai: "Black- Market Hamsters?"

Xioa Li Marshall: Hell, I don't care.

The -panel- is non responsive, due to all the fiddling. But the cat claws at the door on the other side. Scraaaape. With a 'let me in!' mowl.

Gabriel Keats: "There's more meat on the cat."

Gabriel Keats rubs his temples.

Rae Overholt peers out the window and looks down at the cat, "Gorram varmit"

Xioa Li Marshall: Oh for--

Xioa Li Marshall steps sideways and shoves the doors apart

Li Mei: I don't care what you do with them either .. as long as they don't have anything to do with me.

The doors open! Angels chorus! - Well, not really, but the cat bolts for the free meal of hamster-head on the floor over there...

Rae Overholt aims a kick at the cats posterior as it flys past.

Shen Jiutai: Any ideas? I'm sure Kevin would love to make a cage... with a little exercise wheel...

Gabriel Keats gives it the hamster-ass, too

Xioa Li Marshall: Oh sure, and NOW the cat starts doin' its job.

Rae Overholt: Now, how many do you think are left?

The feline purrrrs (and sheds) all over Gabe's leg with the offering, taking it back to the corner to start noisly chomping at it.

Li Mei: Ewww!

Xioa Li Marshall cocks her head to one side, listening to the scrabbling sounds still echoing through the ship

Rae Overholt: Maybe we need a new cat?

Shen Jiutai: Mabye they just had a litter...

The sounds are rather faint, now... But, they -sound- like they're coming from the 'guest' quarters section. Maybe?

Gabriel Keats: "Or a better mousetrap. . .how in the gorram hell is it gonna have a litter if there's nothing for it to rut with?"

Xioa Li Marshall: ...somethin' tells me we oughta check on our 'patient.'

Rae Overholt: Who's going to do that?

Rae Overholt looks around, "Li Mei?"

Gabriel Keats: "Couldn't we just open the gorram door?"

Li Mei shakes her head vigorously back and forth, "No way! I'm not moving from here!"

Rae Overholt: Ok, Ok, I'll go do it. ::she heads for the now open dow, making her way downstairs for the guest quarters:: ((but stays here so she can hear))

A shreak is heard echoing up the stairway from the passenger dorm.

Rae hops down the stairway, going in the direction of the shriek. She is now somewhat enjoying this as evidenced by the big grin on her face.

Shen Jiutai walks to the galley, places the hamster in a jar, and starts to clean up the spilled rice and hamster bits.

Xioa Li Marshall sighs. "I'd better go check an' make sure they haven't chewed the engine apart..."

Xioa Li Marshall tromps toward the engine room

Li Mei looks over at Shen cleaning up, "I'd offer to help, but .. I'm not going to."

Rae stops in her travel, hitting a com on the way down, "Gabe? bring me some rice?"

Gabriel Keats scoops up a handful from the floor silently, jumps down the steps and clatters over to where Rae is standing

Gabriel Keats kneels down, makes what he assumes are hamster noises

Shen Jiutai curses under her breath in a collection of expressions fit for the dock-yards as she tidys up her galley.

Xioa Li Marshall sighs and starts gathering the tools up off of the floor. "Kevin's gonna have *kittens*..."

Dana Maelstrom shrieks again and pounds on her door<"What the?!!!! LET ME OUTTA HERE!!! there's something in here with me!!"

Rae would be all to happy if Kevin had kittens, apparently more are needed. She taps on the locked door and tries to speak to Dana, "Hey we got hampsters, dont go all reaver on us in there over it okay? If you can catch some and keep 'um still for us we'd appreciate it." ::she holds out her hand for the rice and decides to scatter it near the closest vent, after wrenching the cover off. She then stands back waiting::

Dana Maelstrom: Catch one??? What the??? It's in here with me!!!!

Rae Overholt: Well, CATCH IT!

Gabriel Keats: "Do you have any luggage, Dana?"

Dana Maelstrom kicks at the pile of clothes strewn about the cabin floor, "Are you NUTS!!!???"

Dana Maelstrom: Luggage, Yeah I had time to pack as I got in that escape pod...

Rae Overholt: well can you at least count them for us????

Gabriel Keats: "Well, you are a woman."

Rae elbows Gabe at that comment.

Shen Jiutai snorts, "I loaned her a few things."

Gabriel Keats gives Rae a "what" look.

Gabriel Keats: "Do you have anything you can slam down around it?"

Rae rolls her eyes and looks back to the closed door. "Well? How many?"

Dana's quarters: Though it's hard to hear over the shouting and pounding, there's a, well, -tiny- wheeking sound from under some of the laundry. And... Dana's second-best underthings go scurrying towards the other side of the room! -- Of course, the sound of all this echoes up into the engine room, for Xiao Li's amusement during the clean-up. - How'd they get teeth-marks into a screwdriver?! -- Scraaaape, scraaaape. Bandit-mask hamster is awake! And is pawing at the glass barrier about him

Dana Maelstrom pounds at te door with increasing urgency, "Will someone over-ride the lock down and let me out?"

Shen Jiutai picks up the jar and looks at the 'prisoner'

Gabriel Keats: "It's just a gorram hamster!"

Rae bluffs, hoping that xiao li is working on that as quickly as she can, "We're getting there, but we want those hampsters stopped first and you are our last line of defense. Go get 'um hampster girl!"

Dana Maelstrom: Hamster? We've had hamsters onboard the ship the whole time?

Li Mei shudders again, "I hate small furry things!"

Gabriel Keats mouths to Rae, "Hamster girl?"

Dana Maelstrom remembers the hamsters she had as a little girl, which wasn't that long ago.

Rae shrugs her shoulders and gives him a 'help me out' look as she jerks her head towards the door.

Xioa Li Marshall tosses the last wrench into the toolbox and slaps the comm control. "Everything's shiny back here--what the HELL are you guys doin' down there?"

Rae presses the com and says, "Hampster hearding, you working on the override yet?"

Dana Maelstrom sits on the floor making "Shhh-Shhhh" noises as she methodically lifts each piece of clothing.

Xioa Li Marshall: Almost...

Xioa Li Marshall reaches down beneath the engine and fumbles for the panel where the hard reset switch is located

Gabriel Keats: "C'mon, girl. Bet you can catch at least one. Can name 'em after."

Dana Maelstrom sees her panties start to move, she slowly aproaches them and gently cups her hand over the small, white scared hamster underneath.

Rae dashes off to find a container for the ones dana may manage to catch. She comes back hauling an empty cargo container about the size of a large fish tank and sets it outside dana's door.

Xioa Li Marshall flips the panel open and pokes the switch

Dana Maelstrom: "there there she says as she holds the petrified rodent, "Ain't you a cutie!"

Gabriel Keats: "What color is it?"

The cat decides to be helpful- While leaving behind a half-eaten hampster rump -right- on the rug- And leaps up onto the counter, scrabbing a bit to get his furry pi gu over the edge. The bandit-mask is trying to give Shen the 'I'm cute, don't eat me!' eyes... But that turns into panic when being stared at by Nigel, and tries to push the jar over! Escaaaaape! -- There's a skittering from the vent while Rae dashes off- Hey, some of the rice is missing! Unless Gabe is -really- fast... -- The klaxon braps once when Xiao Li hits the switch- Then ker-chunks come from all the doors about the ship, as they once more allow free movement.

Gabriel Keats tries to grab the hamster. Misses.

Dana Maelstrom: thank Budda

Gabriel Keats: "Gorramit, STAY STILL."

Xioa Li Marshall shouts "Okay, I think we're good!"

Rae flips the lid of the cargo container open, "Ok, load 'um up. Dana, looks like you're in charge of hampster rescue."

Shen Jiutai rolls her eyes, "Gorram cat! at least do your job all proper-like this time!"

Mocking hamster sounds come from the vents, going towards the other end of the ship... Dana's captive is trembling all over, though! Not nearly as brave as the other compatriots.

Xioa Li Marshall scrabbles her way back out from under the engine.

Dana Maelstrom opens her door and gently lowers the hamster into the box, "I used to have a white one like you, her name was Snowflake."

Shen Jiutai swats Nigel away, "Hey this 'uns mine!!"

Nigel is affronted! Rebuffed, he lifts his tail in Shen's direction and goes back to 'his' meal.

Something- about the box freaks out the little white hammy- Maybe it smells off? Either way, it tries scrabbling up Dana's arm.

Li Mei looks over at Shen as she swats at Nigel, "You're not keeping that thing are you?"

Li Mei's stomach grumbles loudly

Xioa Li Marshall pokes her head back into the kitchen. "Everything shiny in here?"

Dana Maelstrom catches the hamster and holds it up to her face, something transports her back to a happy childhood on Newhall, where life was simple, "Oo don wanna go inna box, do oo?"

Li Mei: As long as there are no hamsters on the table, I'm shiny.

Rae frowns as she watches the hampster crawl up Dana's arm, "Well you find a spot for it and all its friends. Let me know when you catch them all."

Dana Maelstrom: What?

Xioa Li Marshall: I'ma go check the cockpit, make sure everything's still intact.

Dana Maelstrom: how many is "All?"

Xioa Li Marshall heads across the galley to the opposite door, not waiting for a response.

Rae Overholt: We don't know but I heard them in this vent here. ::she kicks the open vent next to dana's door::

Shen Jiutai places 'Bandit' on a high shelf, out of Nigel's reach, "You know, they ate Guinnea pigs on Earth that Was, I think I have a few recipies..."

Shen Jiutai: Spice 'um right... they're kinda scrawny, though...

Shen Jiutai: these things, I mean.

Li Mei groans, "Oh wonderful. Now I'm going to starve."

Li Mei: I am not eating a furball!

Shen Jiutai: Well, I'll take the fur off first won't I

Xioa Li Marshall tentatively pokes her head into the cockpit, afraid of what she might find there.

Shen Jiutai looks at Li Mei as if she were stupid.

Li Mei: You can take the fur off .. but that doesn't change the fact that it's a furball.

In the cockpit... It's terrible! The horror! - The only damage seems to be that the comms are receiving the Best of Blue Sun infomercial stream. And it's on that -really- annoying one.

Xioa Li Marshall: ...SON of a...

Dana Maelstrom picks up one of the T-shirts on the floor that has her scent on it and places it in the box with one hand, then resumes stroking 'Whitie' under the chin, and calming it down.

Dana Maelstrom tries again, slowly lowering the hamster into the box, "There, is that better?"

Xioa Li Marshall leans under the console and starts reconnecting loose wires, cursing under her breath.

Shen Jiutai surveys the damage overall, inspects Nigel's progress on the but end, and finds the rest of the hamster and tosses it in his direction.

Shen Jiutai goes to the sink to wash her hands before attempting to salvage what's left of dinner.

Li Mei looks around the galley, scanning for anymore live hamsters roaming around

The white hamster finally submits to her capture, all snuggled up in warm/safe. Oh, how little she knows... -- The wok's a little dented, and the rice was all over the floor and/or bled on, but other than that...! Nigel keeps doin' what he does. Which is be a lil' pig, apparently. -- Annnnd, up on the bridge, the damage is easily fixed, at least. More of just furry menaces running around than actually chewing.

Li Mei decides it's safe, and climbs down off the table

Shen Jiutai curses as she finds the dent in the wok, she immediately pulls her katana out and inspects the edge.

There's a slight skittering sound in the ducts, but it sounds like it's from a central point somewhere. And isn't really going anywhere...

Li Mei begins to relax and takes a seat

Dana Maelstrom grins as 'Whitie' settels into the crate. Shanding she approaches Rae, "Where DID these things come from, anyway?"

Xioa Li Marshall connects the last wire, and breathes a sigh of relief as the infomercial babble cuts off.

Shen Jiutai: satisfied that no damage occurred to her weapon, she re-sheaths it and starts dinner over from scratch.

Rae shrugs and gives her a 'ya got me' look before again asking, "So you round up as many as you can catch ok?"

Dana Maelstrom grins, happy to have something to do, and feeling useful and *almost* as if she is a part of the crew, "OK."

Rae nods and turns to head back up to the cabin, "We probably got one upstairs you can get from shen too."

Dana Maelstrom: Really?

Dana Maelstrom follows Rae up the stairs, beaming.

Rae nods and continues, going through the galley and into the walkway to the cockpit, she calls out, "Xiao Li, whats the status?"

Xioa Li Marshall: Got 'er back up and running on this end, Cap'n!

Rae Overholt: Shiny, we can head on out to our destination then?

Xioa Li Marshall: Dang ran, jus' lemmie make sure we're still on course.

Dana Maelstrom approaches Shen tentatively, "Um, the Captain said you might have another..."

Shen Jiutai ignores Dana as she busies herself with dinner.

Xioa Li Marshall taps a few controls to correct for the drift. "We're good!"

Dana Maelstrom swallows, blushes and sits next to Li Mei.

Xioa Li Marshall: ...if any o' those rats got inta my booze...

Dana Maelstrom noticed the Jar-O-Hamster, but is still quite a bit frightened of the cook, and decides to grin at Li Mei instead.

Rae Overholt: "How far out are we from our destination Xiao Li?"

Li Mei smiles weakly at Dana, "You're not scared of hamsters?"

Xioa Li Marshall: Same as it was 'fore this whole mess started, Cap'n.

Rae sighs, having hoped maybe they'd made it a little farther, "Alright then. Guess we finish finding Hampsters, have some dinner and maybe play some cards."

Dana Maelstrom grins, "Me? no! I love them, I used to have a few on Newhall growing up."

Li Mei nods her head slowly, "I had a friend when I was young who had hamsters. He used to torment me with them. I have a phobia about small furry things"

Xioa Li Marshall sags back in her seat. She's not getting near the galley again for a while.

Shen Jiutai grins, and hides it.

Dana Maelstrom: That's awful!!

Li Mei shrugs, "I got him back. He was scared of blood. I dumped a whole lot of cans of tomato soup into his bed one night. While he was in it"

Dana Maelstrom is shocked, apparently her assessment of Li Mei needs fine tuning.

Dana Maelstrom sighs, any brief feelings she might have had of being a part of this family were dashed by the cold shoulder she received from the cook.

Shen Jiutai looks up at Li Mei's last comment, "Tomatoe Juice! how does a Ragu sauce sound?"

Li Mei's stomach grumbles again, "Oh, that sounds delicious. Um .. unless .. what meat are you serving?"

Shen Jiutai busies herself with the pots and pans, humming to herself, "Why not the basic Blue Sun 'beef flavor' protein?"

Li Mei laughs, "Not the most flavorful meat, but better than hamster."

Li Mei wonders why the doctor's been so quiet through all this commotion

Rae plops down in the copilots chair and props her feet up, staring out at the stars.

Dana Maelstrom shifts nervously in her seat, then stands and looks around, "Anyone have any idea how many of those..". her eyes land on Nigel and his 'treat'

Li Mei shakes her head, "I was too busy being scared senseless to count."

Dana Maelstrom suppresses the urge to vomit and turns away.

Luke Hu: I doubt they've had time to establish a breeding colony

Shen Jiutai chuckles silently at Dana's distress.

Luke Hu: then again the gestation period is 16 days so if any came on board WHILE pregnant...

Dana Maelstrom looks to the Doctor, "Heck, it doesn't take them long to have babies..."

Li Mei shudders, "Oh God no, I hope those things haven't bred here."

Luke Hu: nope

Li Mei looks at the doctor and gives him her best puppy dog look, "I don't suppose you would go check my shuttle and make sure it's hamsterless, would you?"

Luke Hu: so if there is a mother hidden somewhere we will have another pack running aorund in a bout a month

Dana Maelstrom: I can do that for you, unless...

Luke Hu: Sure. I am feeling generous today

Li Mei: Oh thank you, Doctor

Dana Maelstrom glances at the doctor to see if Li Mei is putting the moves on him.

Dana Maelstrom: never-mind.

Luke Hu: gets up and leaves to go to shuttle

Dana Maelstrom: I guess i could look around the rest of the ship, if you people don't mind my looking, that is..

Shen Jiutai ignored Dana again.

Li Mei: That would be up to the captain

Dana Maelstrom: She did want me to catch them.

Dana Maelstrom sighs heavily, and gets up, "well... I'll just start in the Cargo bay, no body would mind that, I'm sure."

Li Mei: I'd offer to help, Dana ... but I think I'm safer here

Dana Maelstrom sighs and stands, leaving the room and descending the stairs crestfallen compared to the way she bounced up them.

The Companion's shuttle is... well, not -really- all that bad. Though there's something rather shiny and purple slightly covered by a corner of blanket. Rather eye-catching, in fact! - Is that glitter?

Luke Hu investigates the shiney object.

Amazing! One might never expect Li Mei to be interested in canine anatomy. Though the rest of the model seems to be missing, with just the phallus there. A rather remarkable recreation... But still. Why the glitter embedded into the surface? Not scientific at all.

Luke Hu carefully replaces the cover, checks the rest of shuttle and leaves.

Shen Jiutai contunies to fix dinner, without any 'special' ingredients.

Li Mei breathes a sigh of relief, "Thank you doctor."

Terrifyin Space ... Rats?

Shen Jiutai rummages through the extra storage in the cargo bay, looking for more flame cubes.

Xioa Li pushes back from the pilot's console, stands, stretches, and walks down to the galley for a pick-me-up.

Li Mei is sitting in the galley, sipping tea and reading a book

Shen Jiutai finds the cubes and collects a handful to take upstairs to the Galley.

Li Mei looks up from her book as Xioa Li walks in

Xioa Li strides over to the cabinet where the Fruity Oaty Bars are stashed. "How was the harem?" she comments as she pulls out a bar and fumbles with the wrapper.

Rae Overholt sits on the work bench in the cargo bay, leaning back and thinking. Her eyes watch Shen as she rummages for fire cubes.

Li Mei laughs, "They were a bit .. inexperienced, I think."

Li Mei: But they'll be ok.

Shen Jiutai walks into the Galley, noticing Li Mei, she grins, "Yeah, they did seem that way, we all were young once."

Li Mei raises an eyebrow at Shen's comment, "Young once? I'm not old yet!"

Li Mei: How far are we from Hera?

Luke Hu: lays down and takes nap on couch

Xioa Li: 'nother day an' a half, so long as we don't run into any more girls what need rescuin'.

Shen Jiutai smirks and pulls the brazer pot from the cupboard and sets it in the middle of the table, seting a cube underneath.

Li Mei laughs

Li Mei takes a sip of her tea and goes back to reading her book

Xioa Li takes a big bite out of the Fruity Oaty Bar and chews pensively.

Li Mei's stomach growls, "Do we have anything to eat other than those disgusting fruit bars?"

Shen Jiutai checks the rice in the cooker and places a wok on the burner, bringing up the gas.

Shen Jiutai: "Dinner will be in about 15 minutes.

Li Mei: Oh, good. Do you need any help?

Shen Jiutai: Nah, I got it covered.

Rae Overholt slowly stands up and makes her way to her bunk, pressing the latch to open the door so she can climb down into it. She closes it once inside and goes to sit on her bunk a moment before leaning over and rummaging under it. She pulls out a small box, opening it and finding a few things inside, mostly rocks of various sizes, collected from all over. There is also a tiny envelope, resting safely atop the rocks, in it there is a chocolate wrapper and a few other scraps of paper. She smiles as she takes it out and holds it between her fingers a moment before sliding it back in. She takes stock of the various rocks, turning them and labeling them again in her head. This one came from, ah yes, and that one..hmm. She mumbles to herself as she works, face frowned in concentration.

Xioa Li: Whaf wrong wif fruit bars?

Li Mei looks up from her book at Xioa Li, "What's wrong with them? What's not wrong with them?"

Rae Overholt shoves her box back under the bunk and stands, stretching before heading to the galley to socialize.

Xioa Li: Hey, I *lived* on this stuff when I was startin' out on my own. Not all of us get a space whore's salary, y'know.

Li Mei: They taste like cardboard and have the consistency of Yak jerky

Li Mei shakes her head and mumbles, "not a whore"

Shen Jiutai pulls out some protein that is made to resemble tofu and throws it into the hot oil at the bottom of the wok.

Rae Overholt plops in a chair and stretches her legs out, "Hey folks, where's our passenger?"

Li Mei looks around and shrugs, "Good question."

Just as Dr. Hu gets comfortable and his eyes close, he feels like something light just -runs- up his leg and chest, and something whisks the air by his face a half-moment later.

Nigel meanders out towards the engine room, tail swishing.

Shen Jiutai: I think she's passed out again.

Rae Overholt: hope this whole thing works out.

Shen Jiutai: that one can sleep...

Li Mei nods, "I do too, captain. It would be nice for things to work out for a change."

Rae Overholt: Buddah wishes I could sleep that well.

Luke Hu looks around to see what it was

Luke Hu looks for the cat

Shen Jiutai pulls some freeze dried vegetables from the cupboard and sets about re-constituting them.

Luke Hu: looks in corridor and stairs

Rae Overholt watches the cat wander out, "hope that cat's smart enough not to get stuck in the engine. I'm not cleanin it if she does."

Luke Hu: leans into medbay looking for source of noise

Xioa Li takes another bite of her Fruity Oaty Bar... then makes a face and spits it out. "What the tian xiao de--?!"

Li Mei laughs, "I thought you liked those?"

In the medbay, a bottle of painkillers, the lid popped off, rolls across the floor, scattering the lil' goodies in a trail behind it.

Luke Hu: closes med bay doors and locks it from outside

Rae Overholt lets out a disgusted sound and reaches back to touch the back of her head, "UGH XIAO LI YOU SPIT ON ME??"

Luke Hu: mumbles that the cat needs to be locked up. Now have proof that it is a hazard

Xioa Li: Sorry, Cap'n, but looks like SOMEbody 'sides me has been eatin' on this...

Luke Hu: Turns from med bay and begins to walk to stairs

Rae Overholt: That's just, gorramit, what does that cat eat??????

Li Mei looks perplexed, "Another good question. Does anyone feed it?"

Xioa Li grimaces at the marks on the other end of the bar. "Not sure it *was* the cat."

There's a low feline growl from the engine room. Followed by a clatter, a YOWL!, and the beastie -bolting- out, down the stairs past Dr. Hu, and to the cargo bay.

Luke Hu: reaches stairs and heads up them to talk to others for someone to get the cat and decide where to lock it up at

Rae Overholt: What the di yu??

Luke Hu jumps as cat flies by

Luke Hu: "What the..."

Xioa Li: ...the hell was that?

Luke Hu: heads up stairs

Li Mei sits up straight, sets down her tea and looks over towards the engine room

Rae Overholt: We got RATS??? WE GOT RATS?? What the hell use is that cat if we got rats?????

Luke Hu: OK. When did we get 2 cats?

Xioa Li raises an eyebrow. "Musta been one ruttin' big rat..."

A socket wrench skitters across the floor of the engine room, spinning with a little grating sound before clunking into the other side.

Li Mei laughs, "Ok, is it another cat? Or big rats?"

Rae Overholt: Someone go check that noise, I'm not going in there, rats disgust me. Li, you do it! ::she grins widely::

Luke Hu: I thought the cat was in the med bay and I closed door and locked it but then the cat came down the stairs

Luke Hu: Rats?

Xioa Li: *I* ain't goin' in there.

Li Mei shakes her head, "Oh hell no, No way am I going in there!"

Luke Hu: If we have rats or even cats rummaging through the medical supplies then THAT has to be addressed immediately

Li Mei stares at Dr. Hu, "Well then, address it!"

The lights flicker for a brief moment, following a soft *FZZT* sound.

Rae Overholt nods, "I'd go check Dr. Hu, and hope they ate some sedatives and not antibiotics"

Rae Overholt: Ohh hell.

Rae Overholt: I'm going to shoot that cat.

Luke Hu: sighs

Rae Overholt: Worthless as tits on a boar hog.

Luke Hu: turns to head back down to med bay

Rae Overholt pulls her gun and heads back towards the engine, not planning on firing it but, having a vague hope it'll make her look intimidating.

The pressure warning goes off, sealing the doors out of the galley. Good ol' safety measures!*

Rae Overholt: Aw hell.

Xioa Li: SON of a--

Rae Overholt looks to Xiao li, "Would that lock Dana in?"

Luke Hu: turns to head through front of galley and through cargo bay to get back to med bay

Li Mei sighs, "This is beginning to get tiresome"

Rae Overholt: Yeah. You want first dibs on the cat?

Xioa Li: If she's still in her room, then yeah. *turns to the doc* IS she still in her room?

Luke Hu: heads to back table and sits

Luke Hu: Last I saw

Rae Overholt: Well, suggestions on how we get out of this? After we eat of course.

Rae Overholt reaches out to stir at whatever Shen was cooking.

Li Mei: I suggest someone get the doors open.

*Flicker. *FZZT* The warning stops, though the doors are still closed. ... Something scritches about in a cabinet under the wok.

Xioa Li: GorRAM it. I better not have to redo all the wiring again.

Rae Overholt kicks the cabinet, not about to open it and reach for a rat.

Rae Overholt: HEY, good news is we got plenty of fresh meat probably.

Rae Overholt kicks the cabinet again, peering nervously down at it.

Li Mei turns around, hearing the noises from the cabinets, "What's in there?"

Xioa Li: It's not THERE anymore, Cap'n!

Rae Overholt: It's not WHERE?

There's a mournful kitty yowl from down in the cargo bay.

Rae Overholt watches the last spot she heard skittering from, still and tense, mumbling to herself about it not being a big rat.

Li Mei looks up, "Oh that doesn't sound good."

Luke Hu: Alright. Everyone into the suits. Draw the breathing air back into the tanks, then break open the airlocks and suck out what ever is running around. It has to breath...right?

Luke Hu: looks ate everyones stunned reaction

Rae Overholt: What could it be? its too small for terrible space monkeys and if it ate everything else I bet it ate holes in our suits.

Luke Hu: Joking!.....

Xioa Li: Yeah, an' so do WE. Suit tanks ain't gonna last a day an'd a half!

Li Mei stares at the doctor in disbelief and shakes her head

*MEEEER! MEER MEER MEER!* - Followed by a scratching at the door leading to the cargo bay.

Xioa Li peers out the window, then looks back. "We got anythin' might be used for a crowbar?"

Rae Overholt holds up a ladle.

Li Mei: I have a crowbar .. but it's in my shuttle

Luke Hu: Do we still have any of that Tack Bread Sticks that we couldn't eat

Xioa Li: ...cap'n, next time we get paid, c'n we budget some money t' get crowbars put in every room?

Li Mei looks at the captain, "And don't ask"

Luke Hu: hard enough to break a frying pan

Rae Overholt: sure, crowbars, grenades and some pop rocks.

Xioa Li: Thought we used the tack bread as ammo.

Luke Hu: Ahh....Well I know we put it to some good use

Xioa Li 's eyes drift toward the paneling next to the door...

... Meeer! Scratch, scratch.

Xioa Li: Hang on. I *might* be able to get that open.

Xioa Li pulls a screwdriver out of her belt and starts to work on opening a panel next to the door

Rae Overholt: Leave that cat's pigu out here till it eats some rats anyway!

Li Mei's brow furrows, "Are we sure it's rats?"

Rae Overholt: Well, what could it be? small hairy children?

Xioa Li manages to get all of the screws loose (ha!) and lifts the panel off to reveal a mess of wires

A tiny little face, with cream-and-gold fur peers -right- at Xiao Li once she gets the panel off. All out of proportion to its size, the critter goes 'WHEEK!'. - Like a very, very loud hamster, really.

Rae Overholt crinkles her nose, then raises her eyebrows, "HEY lets put it in a tank and keep it for a pet!"

Xioa Li yells in surprise, jumps back about six feet, and chucks her screwdriver at the furry thing, all at the same time.

Li Mei: What is it, Xioa Li?

'Wheek!' Skitterskitter. The fuzzy lil' intruder skitters back down in the paneling until it's out of sight.

Rae Overholt contrarily darts forward, belaying her earlier comment about rats freaking her out.

Xioa Li: ...I HAVE NO RUTTING IDEA.

Rae Overholt: Is it a guinea pig?

Rae Overholt: I've heard tell of them?

Rae Overholt: Thought they'd have less hair though.

Xioa Li presses herself against the pillar next to the stove until her heart rate gets back to something approaching normal.

Rae Overholt leans over, peering into the open hatch.

Luke Hu: Theres something by the Wok

Li Mei squeals and jumps up on the table, "Where?!"

Rae Overholt looks at the wiring, making sure there aren't any breaks or spots she can get electrocuted on. She then leans further in, trying to slide the wires away so she can peer in.

Xioa Li jumps back away from the stove

Sitting right in the middle of the cooking rice? Another gold-colored rodent, though it has a black 'mask' of fur covering half its face. And it's holding a glob of your dinner between two paws. Smugly: 'Wheek!'*

Rae Overholt lets out a screech that would shame a banshee before she reaches up, trying to grab whats on her head.

Li Mei looks around the room, rapidly glancing from the wok, to the floor, over to the paneling, and back, "How many are there?"

This one was actually pure black, that landed on Cap'n's head- And -runs- down her back before making a -leap- for the table. ... And running right for that floral-print cover it sees. Which, unfortunately, belongs to Li.*

Xioa Li picks up the ladle from earlier and FLINGS it at the black hamster as hard as she can

Li Mei screams and begins jumping up and down, swatting at the furry black thing

Li Mei: "Get it off!! Get it off!! Get it off!!"

Li Mei's eyes roll back in her head as she faints, falling down onto the table

The black one dodges! It skitters! - It wheeks in panic, before Li Mei faints on top of it. - It doesn't wheek, after that.

Xioa Li scrambles over to the opened panel and yanks on a wire at random, hoping to disengage the door lock...

The lights go out. And the wok topples over with a loud clatter.

Xioa Li: Daxiang baozhashi de laduzi...

"We got us a passenger all right, might bring us Tigers and Dragons on our tail. We're the pearl stuck between them.

THE NOBLE BOAT 'HORNET' IS STRANDED, DEAD IN SPACE, WITH A FEW STUDENT COMPANIONS AND THEIR CHAPERONE, WAITING FOR ASSISTANCE FROM OUR HEROS ONBOARD 'RAVEN'.

Johanna Zerbino: Good day Captain

Shrio Takaaki: Good day, indeed

Sillery Motherhen: Hello, Captain.

Shrio Takaaki: Ahhh, evenin', Sillery.

Sillery Motherhen sniffs at the sight of the dirty mechanic.

Shrio Takaaki chuckles.

Vertigo Hawks: Captain, I got word, it looks like me ole' boat, Raven is nearby!

Sillery Motherhen: Remember your place, Johanna dear.

Johanna Zerbino: Sorry sir.

Shrio Takaaki: The Raven? Well, send them a wave, see if they have time to swing out here, and lend a hand. I will be in the back. Let me know what they say.

A curse emanates from the back of the boat, where Derek is having difficulty with the engines.

Sillery Motherhen: Watch your language! There are ladies present!

Vertigo Hawks: Already did, they're comin'.

Derek Nimian walks up to the doorway and sticks his grease-smeared face out into the hallway, "Hey! You wanna run this thing?"

Shrio Takaaki nods, smiling, relief in his eyes. "Good. How long before they arrive?

Sillery Motherhen: Just get us moving again.

Johanna Zerbino: Sir, I'm scarred!

Derek Nimian shakes his head irately and goes back to work on the ship's drive.

Johanna Zerbino: What about those Reaver stories?!

Shrio Takaaki: We are working on that. Now please, everyone who isn't part of my crew, kindly have a seat, and we will be able to get more done. I would offer drinks, but we don't have the best selection at the moment."

Sillery Motherhen pat's Johanna's shoulder. "Don't worry, dear. Everything will be fine."

Shrio Takaaki: And pay no never mind to them stories, miss. We'll be fine.

Vertigo Hawks coughs, then takes another puff of his cigar, blowing a billow of blue smoke throughout the closed life-support system.

Johanna Zerbino sits quietly but nervously.

Sillery Motherhen restrains the urge to cough, "Must you smoke that right now?"

Vertigo Hawks looks at Sillery, grunts and makes his way to the cockpit.

Shrio Takaaki: Right. Time to see how those engines look...

Sillery Motherhen sighs.

Shrio Takaaki: Well, how we looking?

Derek Nimian flies backwards as the part he is working on heats up rapidly and flies off with an enormous bang. Clunks and shudders emanate out of the engine room as he rubs his head and curses.

Shrio Takaaki ducks back into the doorway, a chunk of metal barely missing his head. "Gorram it! You ok?"

Derek Nimian rubs the back of his head and tilts it slightly as he looks at Shiro with something of disbelief, "That's it! I TOLD you this was going to happen!" He stands up and goes over to the now-smoldering piece of machinery, ignoring the smoke coming from his beanie.

Shrio Takaaki: Yes, fine. You told me. That doesn't mean you can blow my gorram ship up out here. At least have the decency to wait until we're closer to a port.

Sillery Motherhen: What kind of ship do you have here, Captain? I was thinking this was safe!

Johanna Zerbino pouts, " I don't know what my parents would make of this. Stuck in the middle of space."

Sillery Motherhen: Not only is my charge losing education time, she's being exposed to.... him.

Shrio Takaaki turns his head towards Sillery. "Listen, this is an unexpected delay. Think of it as a unique opportunity for a different sort of lesson. Now, please... Have a seat, have a drink, but trust in me and my crew."

Derek Nimian waves the smoke away as it dissipates and looks over the primary compression coil with great disdain, "I'm trying to keep the ruttin' thing from doing that..." He pounds his fist against the hull lightly and shakes his head, "Primary compression coil's out. And the S-Heat valve is shot to all manner of hells..."

Shrio Takaaki: Right. And that means what again, in Captain-talk?

Vertigo Hawks yells to the back of the boat, "Hey Derek, what's de trouble agin?"

Mei Ying sighs and sits down trying to be unobtrusive.

Derek Nimian whips around and shakes his hands, fighting the urge to strangle Shiro where he stands. He speaks slowly, keeping the built up anger from weeks of telling him the coil was going to break, "We...don't...move....no...more....!"

Sillery Motherhen fusses over Johanna's dress.

Derek Nimian shouts as loud as he can down the hallway, "PRIMARY S-HEAT VALVE IS DEAD, AND THE GORRAM COMP COIL JUST BLEW!"

Shrio Takaaki sighs, and slams his fist into the bulkhead beside him. "I figured that much out. Raven and her crew are comin'. You able to keep us straight till they get here?"

Johanna Zerbino tries to lean around the corner to look down at the engine room.

Derek Nimian waves his hands around slightly and digs in his bag, "The atmo is fine. Grav drive is solid too. Just. Don't....Do anything!"

Mei Ying stands up and heads to the back of the boat.

Shrio Takaaki turns, and starts making his way out of the engine room, wondering why they hadn't picked up spare parts.

Mei Ying: Hmm nothing there...

Sillery Motherhen: My girls aren't in any danger, are they?

Mei Ying: This boat is very small...

Sillery Motherhen: Darling, don't get involved with that.

Mei Ying shrugs and sits again.

Sillery Motherhen: Perhaps you girls can meditate on the lesson from our last stop.

Shrio Takaaki turns, chuckling softly. "Now, would I go and put such lovely ladies in danger? We are fine. Consider this a long stop. We have another ship coming to lend a hand. Friends."

Sillery Motherhen: "Are they like..?" he points at Derek.

Johanna Zerbino is transfixed by the grease and grime down the hall. She sighs "Yes, sir."

Mei Ying smiles a bit and nods.

Shrio Takaaki yells up towards the front of the ship. "Any word from the Raven?" Turning back to Sillery, he smiles. "They are all manner of decent folk. I vouch for them, same as I vouch for my own here."

Vertigo Hawks yells back, "I see dem now... we're gettin' ready to dock!"

Sillery Motherhen: No offense, Captain. That doesn't fill me with confidence right now.

Johanna Zerbino runs through the tea ceremony in her mind.

Shrio Takaaki: It's about gorram time! Listen, I don't mean to be rude, but remember, it could have been a lot worse. Now, please, take a seat.

Derek Nimian swaggers into the galley, his hat still smoking from the slow burn, "Hooo...damn coil nearly took my arm off." He looks at Shiro and motions down the hall, "Think I got the engine all stabilized and prettified..." He looks over the three other people in the galley and raises his head in something of an acknowledgement.

Sillery Motherhen tries to find a place to wedge himself in.

Johanna Zerbino looks shyly at the filthy man.

Shrio Takaaki eyes his mechanic carefully. "You ok? We're docking with the Raven finally."

Mei Ying nods to Derek as if she's seen dirtier people before.

Sillery Motherhen sees the look. "Johanna!"

Mei Ying almost snickers at Sillery and turns it into a mild cough.

Johanna Zerbino looks to the floor.

Derek Nimian forcibly grins, comically showing his oddly clean teeth, "Abso-gorram-lutely cap. Won't be goin' nowhere for sometime. 'least we ain't gonna cook from the heat and such..." He raises his eyebrow at Sillery's obvious disapproval and grips his jeans, pulling them up as if to say, 'wanna tell me somethin'?"

Sillery Motherhen sighs. "I should have know it was far too early in your training for this trip."

Shrio Takaaki glances towards the women and their chaperone, grinning. "Besides, Sillery. It's said that a Companion on a ship is supposed to be good luck. So we are doubly lucky today!"

Mei Ying: So this boat it is, dead, as they say?

Shrio Takaaki: Well, we had some minor mechanical issues, and are taking a slight... Yep, she's dead.

Sillery Motherhen: That doesn't sound too lucky to me.

Shrio Takaaki shoots a look towards Sillery, before yelling back towards the front. "How long until we're docked?"

Derek Nimian shrugs, "Could be loosin' grav-containment..."

Mei Ying smiles widely at Sillery, "Perhaps we were

Sillery Motherhen: You seem happy about that, Dear not meant to get there on time, sir. "

Derek Nimian tilts his head towards the Companions, grinning wryly, "You ever seen a super-compressed rat? Looks like a little suga' cube..."

Sillery Motherhen gasps. "Do you mind!"

Shrio Takaaki grins, eyes closing briefly as the ship shudders, contacting the Raven.

Mei Ying squeaks at the feeling of the ship docking.

Johanna Zerbino gulps.

Mei Ying shrugs. "It is as the gods will it. "

Shrio Takaaki only partially hopes his wrench turner doesn't have one of those rats to display.

Sillery Motherhen looks nervously around.

Mei Ying: it is not a companions place to question the verse.

Derek Nimian raises his eyebrows despite Sillery's speech, "Yeah...they don' show you that on Alliance shuttles..." He smiles, not understanding fully why anyone would be surprised by the thought.

Johanna Zerbino turns a little green. "Rats?"

Shrio Takaaki hides his chuckle, turning towards the front of the ship.

Mei Ying: "I hope we will not be matching gravity in another plane?" She looks at the furniture that isn't bolted down.

Sillery Motherhen starts to turn a shade of puce.

Shrio Takaaki: OK, people. We're bumping the Raven. Let's all play nice. It's been too long...

Sillery Motherhen: I won't argue with that.

Johanna Zerbino: Will we be floating, sir?

Shrio Takaaki: Nah, you feel that little bump? Another ship is docking with us, little miss. We're fine now.

Derek Nimian raises his eyebrows as the jolt of a ship docking refocuses his attention, "Oh....just fan-ruttin' tastic...more guests."

Johanna Zerbino giggles at the language.

Derek Nimian raises his goggles to rest them on his beanie, just now feeling the heat from a slow burn and slapping his head quickly to put out the flame. His face twists a little from hitting his own head.

Sillery Motherhen: You don't want a chance to show off your people skills?

Mei Ying smiles easily at Derek's words, "As long as they bring parts they are welcome, no?"

Shrio Takaaki: "You got a problem with the Raven and her crew, go wait back there with the engines. They're gorram good folk, and they are here to pull us out of this." He grins towards Sillery. "People skills? I was thinkin' of callin' him our new ambassador..." He chuckles, looking at his mechanic. "You, uh, missed a spot..."

Shen Jiutai: I think they're upstairs.

Derek Nimian looks down at his smoldering pant leg and shakes head, "Muh? Oh, that?" He reaches down and extinguishes it by gripping the fire patch with his heavy gloves

Rae Overholt: Don't tell me they're all up having tea while we dock and try to rescue them?

MINUTES EARLIER ONBOARD RAVEN:

Shen Jiutai goes to the comm, Xiao Li, how far out are we?

Xiao Li Marshall: We'll be able to dock in ten minutes, give or take...

Rae Overholt presses the closest com switch to her, "Nothing odd showing up yet is it?"

Xiao Li Marshall: Negative, Cap'n. If there are any surprises they ain't showin' up on our scanners.

Rae Overholt presses the comm again, "Good to know. Well, guess we need to get ready for our guests. Everything squared away you guys know of? Nothing naughty out in site?" She gives Li a grin as she asks this question.

Li Mei smiles and shakes her head. "I understand the importance of discretion, Captain."

Vertigo Hawks pulls down the comm and waves Raven, "Red, is dat you I'm seein' on my screen?"

Xiao Li Marshall mutters quietly to herself "I better not have to share my bunk with some space hooker..."

Dr Luke Hu: I'll be in the sickbay prepping in case anyone needs medical attention.

Xiao Li Marshall responds in the comm "That's us, Hawks. We're 'bout five minutes away."

Vertigo Hawks: Dat's shiny! Deese here womin' folk is gettin' antsy!

Xiao Li Marshall: Well, tell 'em help is on the way. Anything we need to know 'fore we dock?

Kevin pulls down the comm, Xiao Li, did they give any indication as to what the problem is?

Xiao Li Marshall: "Like what exactly took your engines down, maybe?"... "Workin' on it. Got Vertigo on the line right now."

Vertigo Hawks: Hang on, I'll check...

Rae Overholt: Hope that girl decides to lay low and not give us away.

Over the open comm chanel, Vertigo's voice reverberates as he yells to the back of Hornet, "Hey Derek, what's de trouble agin?"

Rae Overholt heads up to the cockpit and steps in, leaning over Xiao Li's shoulder.

Xiao Li Marshall drums her fingers on the console as she waits for Vertigo to respond.

Vertigo Hawks mutters as he switches on the comm, "Heck Red, I dunno, and Derek is all ... wait... he says de Grav drive..."

Xiao Li Marshall: What about it? You'd ruttin' well *know* if the gravity wasn't workin'.

Vertigo Hawks: De drive you little... ah... never mind... I see ya now... looks like we should line ourselves up... I'll try an' hold her steay, but you gotta do most a de maneuvering...

Xiao Li Marshall: Not a problem. See you on the other side of the airlock.

Vertigo Hawks clicks off.

Xiao Li Marshall pulls down the ship's comm. "We're approaching the ship and preparing to dock. This could get a little bumpy..."

Shen Jiutai grabs hold of the railing near the airlock.

Rae Overholt looks to Xaio Li, "Whats all that grav boot business??"

Kevin, "Makes sense... it their Grav Drive is out... they'd be dead in the water."

Xiao Li Marshall: "Hell if I know. 'Somethin' wrong with the grav drive' could be a dozen different things that I know of. 'Course most of 'em would have the ship's gravity acting screwy too... You better strap in, Cap'n."

Rae Overholt nods and sits in the copilot seat, buckling up.

Xiao Li Marshall leans over the yoke, murmuring encouraging syllables to the console as she eases the Raven into docking position. "C'mon... just a little further... almost..."

*an echoing CLONG resounds through both ships as the hulls make contact*

Xiao Li Marshall: We're docked!

Rae Overholt: Anything you can walk away from I always say.

Shen Jiutai checks the airlock to confirm a proper seal.

Rae Overholt lets out a dramatic sigh and stands up to go tromp downstairs and greet their new guests. She slides down the stairs on the guard rail and lands loudly on the cargobay floor then faces the door, hands on her hips and an overly large smile plastered on her face.

Shen: OK, Looks good... should I open her up?

Rae Overholt: Go for it Shen. Stand aside when you do, make sure they don't feel we're trying to run them over.

Xiao Li Marshall looks over the gauges one last time, then jogs down the hall and down the stairs to the cargo bay. She'll never admit it, but she's looking forward to seeing Vertigo again.

Shen Jiutai presses the green button, and the cargo bay doors open onto the cargo bay of Hornet. She looks into the empty cargo bay... "Guess they're upstairs."

Rae Overholt: Don't tell me they're all up having tea while we dock and try to rescue them?

RAE, KEVIN AND SHEN MAKE THEIR WAY FROM THE CARGO BAY UP TOWARDS THE HORNET'S COMMON ROOM

Sillery Motherhen: Are those our heros?

Shrio Takaaki grins. "That sounds like the Raven's crew, yes."

Mei Ying coughs a bit at the acrid smells coming form Derek's smoldering garments.

Derek Nimian leans over to get a look at the newcomers, jutting his jaw off to the side as he looks them over.

Shen Jiutai enters the Hornet common room, followed by Kevin, the Mechanic for Raven.

Rae Overholt crosses her arms, giving them all the once over and wondering where their manners are.

Shrio Takaaki: Well, well, well. Been a long time...

Dr Luke Hu: Does anyone need medical attention?

Shrio Takaaki: Might take a look at my mechanic, but otherwise, I think we're fine, Doc.

Mei Ying shakes her head as she eyes the crew of the Raven carefully.

Derek Nimian rolls his shoulders and shakes his head as a negative, "Ain't nothing what a few beer pints won't fix"

Kevin eyes the room of Companions, "Er... Perhaps I should help out with the engines..."

Sillery Motherhen: Except Captain for the shock of being trapped on this ship.

Shrio Takaaki smiles at the Raven's captain, his voice quiet. "Been a long time."

Sillery Motherhen: Hello, Captain... ?

Shrio Takaaki grins, "Good to see you again."

Rae Overholt blinks at Shrio. "Yeah, it has"

Shrio Takaaki: Playing tour guide for a Companion class. Had some mechanical troubles. What you doing this far out?

Rae Overholt shakes her head, "My job to be here Shiro."
* * * * * *
Xiao Li Marshall gets back to the bridge and goes over the gauges again. Nothing appears to be out of the ordinary... she frowns and taps in a code for an encrypted connection to the Hornet's cockpit. "Vertigo? You still there?"

Vertigo Hawks picks up the comm, "Yeah Red, What's up?"

Xiao Li Marshall: How come nobody was waitin' in the cargo bay?

Vertigo Hawks: Hey Red... sorry 'bout dat, we gots our hands full. I kin come over dere ta keep ya company if ya like.

Xiao Li Marshall: With *what*?? Thought you were eager to get those womenfolk outta your hair, so why didn't anybody come to meet us? Is there somethin' else goin' on over there that we might ougta know about?

Vertigo Hawks: S'all crazy here... sorry again Red, I can come over dere, 'wouldn't mind seen Raven again.

Xiao Li Marshall 's scowl is evident in her voice as she replies. "We ain't makin' a *social call,* cigar boy. I want to know *what* my Cap'n is walkin' into, and I wanna know NOW."

Vertigo Hawks is taken aback.... "Woah, calm down Mei Mei... Nothin' but a broken boat... we're all happy, well 'cept thems dat ain't"

Xiao Li Marshall is used to not trusting people, as you might have noticed by now. She stares at the comm silently for a long moment... maybe she *is* being too paranoid about this. She sighs. "Fine. But if anything happens to the rest o' the crew 'cuz you didn't tell me somethin', that's on *your* head, Hawks." She cuts off the transmission.

Vertigo Hawks scratches his head at Xiao Li's reaction, turns off the Comm, gets up and heads towards the common room.
* * * * * *
Dr Luke Hu looks the mechanic over. "Do you have pain anywhere?"

Derek Nimian raises his eyebrow, "A comp coil just blew up in my face." He pauses for a few seconds and points to his feet, "Foot hurts since it done landed on it"

Dr Luke Hu: pulls out scanner and checks Derek's foot.

Derek Nimian flexes his bruised toes as he examines the device.

Dr Luke Hu: Nothing broken. Looks like just bruised tissue.

Derek Nimian sighs slightly, thinking to himself, 'Could've told you that myself...'

Kevin takes a look at Derek's engine part, "This the problem?"

Dr Luke Hu: Toenail might fall off though, but it will re-grow.

Derek Nimian points to the pipe on his leg, "This? Nah...this is my Lucky Pipe..."

Johanna Zerbino wonders what makes a pipe lucky.

Sillery Motherhen: Li Mei?

Li Mei smiles at Sillery, "Hello Sillery. It's been a long time."

Sillery Motherhen: Li Mei, is that you?

Sillery Motherhen: My goodness! What are you dong out here?

Li Mei laughs, "That would be a very long story, Sillery. I'm renting a shuttle on the Raven."

Sillery Motherhen: Well, come meet our newest class.

Mei Ying looks at the woman Sillery is talking to.

Li Mei walks over to Sillery and gives him a big hug, then turns to the other companions.

Sillery Motherhen gives Li Mei a tight hug back.

Johanna Zerbino: Good day, my Lady.

Li Mei smiles at the girls and bows her head slightly, "My name is Li Mei. It's a pleasure to meet you all."

Johanna Zerbino curtsies.

Sillery Motherhen: Girls, this is one of the best graduates of your house.

Mei Ying bows her head with her palms together, "Namaste, Lady."

Paris Greenspan watches from where she is, a curtsy is given to Li Mei, bowing her head a moment longer. "I'm so pleased to meet you."

Derek Nimian rolls his eyes at the pleasantries, "Last time I checked, we WEREN'T MOVING..." He closes his mouth quickly at the increase in volume in his voice.

Li Mei looks at Sillery in disbelief, "Best graduates? Your memory must be failing you, Sillery."

Sillery Motherhen: Never, my dear. We all miss you back on Persephone.

Li Mei smiles brightly, "I miss you too, though I must admit I don't miss everything about the training house."

Johanna Zerbino glances at the mechanic behind Sillery's back.

Derek Nimian shrugs, "Don't know... Cap pays me to keep it runnin'"

Shrio Takaaki looks to the floor quietly for a moment, before raising his eyes again. "So, where you headed after pullin' us out of this bind?"

Rae Overholt looks over everyone present before turning back to him, "First place we can drop you people that has what you need."

Shrio Takaaki nods. "You OK? You look like you're ready to stare down a Reaver. C'mon, this is me you're talking to..."

Rae Overholt: Uh, huh. Well. Where were you headed?

Shrio Takaaki: Once we are moving again, we're headed to Persephone, so they can move on, and I can get paid.

Sillery Motherhen: Just seeing you makes this horrible situation so much better.

Li Mei looks back at the three young companions again, "Are you all OK?"

Johanna Zerbino: Yes ma'am.

Derek Nimian rolls his eyes at Sillery's melodrama, making note to put up a hammock in the engine room next time they're carrying companions.

Mei Ying smiles as she hears the conversation. "And where were you headed that you came upon us so fortuitously?"

Shrio Takaaki shakes his head.

Derek Nimian looks up at the ceiling and speaks very quietly, mostly to himself, "... Does it matter?"

Paris Greenspan was glancing at the other people around when she was addressed, her eyes snapping back to play on Li Mei, "Yes madam, thank you for your concern."

Rae Overholt looks to Derek, "No it doesn't. Just on our way is all."

Kevin takes the busted machine part from Derek, "I think we could find a spare part or two onboard Raven."

Derek Nimian nods, "Need to replace that S/H valve too..."

Paris Greenspan glances over at Derek when he speaks. She lowers her head as she smiles.

Shrio Takaaki nods, overhearing the conversation. "We'd sure appreciate anything you can do."

Li Mei nods, "I'm glad to hear you three are OK. And please, call me Li. I'm not one of your instructors."

Sillery Motherhen looks over at his charges. "Oh, my I believe it was too early to bring them out of the house."

Kevin grins and takes the part over to Raven, to make sure his spare will fit all proper-like.

Derek Nimian leans his head to the side to look at Sillery, "Yes...the real word is just so damn...grungy and such..."

Li Mei notices Paris's behavior and nods at Sillery, "Yes, I do believe they may not be ready for this."

Johanna Zerbino giggles.

Mei Ying shrugs, "Things happen for a reason, All things happen in time."

Shrio Takaaki: I tried tellin' 'em it was a different kind of learnin', out here, but, well, you know...

Paris Greenspan raises her head and looks towards Li again.

Rae Overholt: "Well, We'll do what we can, maybe we can borrow your mechanic for a bit ourselves, have him look things over before we go? We're without ourselves. Well, mostly without." She turns to eye Kevin.

Sillery Motherhen: "We just had this opportunity on Hera with one of the monks."

Li Mei chuckles, "Al things do happen in time, this is true. And some of them are bad."

Mei Ying blushes a bit.

Shrio Takaaki nods. "Sounds fair enough to me. After all, what are friends for?"

Rae Overholt nods.

Johanna Zerbino tries to stare at Derek under her lashes.

Rae Overholt notices all the Derek staring and snickers to herself, thinking the guy must have a fan club.

Li Mei notices the attention two of the girls are paying one of the crew, "You two... what are your names?"

Derek Nimian frowns again, as he steps over to Rae, speaking to himself, but loud enough for Sillery and the others to hear, "You're welcome for not allowing the ship to go supernova...."

Mei Ying smiles at Li Mei. "Well, circumstances have led us to meet you, This is a good thing, yes?"

Johanna Zerbino: Johanna, ma'am.

Vertigo Hawks stops by Shen on his way to the common room, "Hey Little One, how are ya?"

Shen Jiutai grins up at Vertigo, "Great to see ya V!"

Mei Ying: I am Mei Ying

Paris Greenspan: Paris, my lady.

Shrio Takaaki chuckles, reminded not for the first time, how "popular" his mechanic can be at times...

Rae Overholt turns her eyes to Derek and asks, "Think you could give our engine a once over? Eye her a bit tell me if anythings about to fall off?"

Li Mei smiles. "Well, Paris and Johanna … you need to remember your place. Please try not to flirt with the crew."

Johanna Zerbino: Sorry, ma'am.

Vertigo Hawks snorts, then coughs.

Shrio Takaaki looks to Rae. "So, after being big damn heroes out here with us, where ya headed?"

Paris Greenspan opens her mouth and then closes it. She nods her head, then goes on and says, "I was just laughing."

Derek Nimian raises his eyebrows and nods, glad to be anywhere but on a ship filled with fanciful people, "Yeah...no problem..."

Rae Overholt: Just a few moons over, make a stop, dump a crate or two. Then back home. Where were you going?

Shrio Takaaki: Persephone, where I can let these Companion trainees and their... chaperone... go about their business.

Johanna Zerbino whispers, "I've just never seen a man like that before."

Mei Ying eyes the small girl with the wild hair as if considering something then turns back to Li Mei.

Li Mei laughs, "Paris … I know that laugh. I've been guilty of it before. It's called flirting."

Derek Nimian looks to the door and to Rae, "Just...go over...or you wanna show me where it is...?"

Rae Overholt Turns her eyes to Derek, "My pilot is over there. Go to the cargo bay, hit the coms down there she'll escourt you"

Paris Greenspan smiles at Li Mei, "With all respect my lady, I know what flirting is."

Li Mei glares at Paris, "Then do not tell me you were just laughing."

Mei Ying listens quietly to the conversation.

Derek Nimian nods as he begins to stride out of the room, "Awesome..."

Johanna Zerbino says under her breath, " I wonder if he sleeps in all that grease?"

Paris Greenspan's smile increases at the glare. "As you wish, I will not tell you things you already know."

Vertigo Hawks enters the common room, "Wei, Rae."

Rae Overholt: Wei Vertigo. Hard times?

Vertigo Hawks: "Not bad, takin' on deese here ladies," he gestures with his cigar, "tings are good."

Shrio Takaaki: So, what news you bring? Anything going on with Reavers in these parts we should know about? Or the Alliance?

Rae Overholt shakes her head, "Nothing but Dragons and Niskas maybe a few others like that. No Reavers though at least, though I hear Niska comes close." She gives Vertigo a smirk, "Thought you were tired of all the women folks surrounding you."

Dr Luke Hu: Well if no one here needs any medical attention I'll be heading back to the Raven.

Shrio Takaaki chuckles quietly. "I sometimes think Niska IS a Reaver... But then again, I reckon it could always be worse."

Rae Overholt: Could be. Could be better too.

Shrio Takaaki nods. "Yeah. I suspect you're right on that."

Li Mei laughs, shaking her head, "Oh to be young and impertinent. Was I that bad, Sillery?"

Mei Ying sighs at the minor tiff around her and stands up.

Vertigo Hawks: Dese guys wer sayin' you was dere when Ole Xavier Able bit it, Dat true?

Rae Overholt nods, "Unfortunately. We happened to be passing."

Shrio Takaaki lowers his eyes to the floor, at the mention of an old friend.

Vertigo Hawks shakes his head, "Dat's raw!"

Rae Overholt nods, "Looked pretty bad"

Shrio Takaaki: Never got details of that mess... Wouldn't mind hearin' it from you, if'n you be willin' to tell it.

Rae Overholt eyes them, a veiled look in her eyes, "Rumor had it, tigers did it."

Mei Ying: "Li, might I enquire as to wher you are headed? Maybe one day we shall bump into one another?"

Shen Jiutai looks sideways and kicks the floor, not making eye contact with anyone.

Li Mei smiles at Mei Ying, "At the moment, I am headed where the Raven is headed."

Shrio Takaaki clenches his fists, his eyes smoldering. "Tigers...? Doesn't make sense. Looks like I might have to look into this. He was a friend."

Rae Overholt: Where the Dragons and Tigers are concerned, best to stay out of it. Too many of them controlling too much.

Mei Ying: It must be a fascinating life, not to be living in one place all the time.

Li Mei: "I do get to Persephone on occasion... I'm sure our paths will cross again." She chuckles, "Fascinating … yes, I suppose you could call it fascinating... or terrifying... either would be accurate at times."

Mei Ying: "Terrifying?" She looks at the crew of Raven. She almost whispers, "Are they really that bad?"

Li Mei shakes her head. "No, the crew of the Raven are good people. Unfortunately, the rest of the universe is not full of good people."

Mei Ying: Ah, that can be true. Though even bad people can teach us something. Mostly to stay away from them I think.

Johanna Zerbino sits in awe of Li Mei. "Have you traveled to the rim?"

Li Mei nods, "I have travelled many places. I lived on a remote moon for a couple of years." She nods at Mei Ying, "Yes, sometimes avoidance is best." She sighs, suddenly lost in thought. She lowers her head

Shrio Takaaki nods, pensively. "Yeah, but he was a good man. Heard you all picked up a passenger, bound for Newhall."

Vertigo Hawks looks up at the mention of his home-world.

Rae Overholt tilts her head, "Why you ask?"

Mei Ying coughs a little, "Umm well on to happier thoughts. Let's see... Is the place you hare headed to nicer than the last? "

Rae Overholt shuffles from foot to foot, playing the poker game of 'don't let them guess what you're thinking' as she tries to hide her nervousness at them questioning her route so much with such delicate cargo and the troubles she has lately.

Shrio Takaaki: Just that I overheard, is all. Water's been calm around Newhall, but that can change in the wink of an eye, as you know. You need any help, spare hands, more guns, for the drop?"

Rae Overholt reaches up to run her fingers through her hair, moving it from her eyes, "We should be okay. What kind of guns you got on this space bullet?"

Li Mei finally hears Mei's question and smiles at her, "You are the inquisitive one, I see."

Mei Ying shrugs, "I am stuck in a tin can in the middle of a vacuum with no telly... Stories are all I have."

Li Mei laughs.

Shrio Takaaki grins, with a wink. "Well, it's been enough to keep us out of sticky situations so far. You helping us, least I can do is offer."

Li Mei: Well, I'm afraid the story of our next destination would bore you, most likely.

Johanna Zerbino is fascinated with the thought of travel. "I would love to hear stories, ma'am."

Mei Ying laughs, "Oh headed to some rock with a load of pachinko balls?" She leans against the table and smiles. "It is better than sitting and going to school most likely."

Li Mei smiles and shakes her head. "You girls remind me of myself when I was younger. The universe seemed like such an exciting place. And parts of it are."

Kevin begins to return from Raven with a spare part machined to match the specs for Hornet. He meets Derek in the Cargo bay, "Here, I think this might do it."

Derek Nimian points his finger accusingly at Kevin as if he has murdered someone, "Are you *trying* to bleed fuel? Your Cap wanted me to look over your engine, and dear sweetness did I need to. Your drive timer is all manner of..." He shudders and shakes his hands, "Ok...right, I went ahead and retimed it. Better tach, fuel expenditure. You can thank me later." He snatches up the two parts and heads upstairs.

Shrio Takaaki chuckles, shaking his head, as his mechanic makes his way aft.

Rae Overholt: Place to speak in private Captain?

Shrio Takaaki nods. "Of course."

Derek Nimian sticks his head out of the hallway door, "Hey Vert. Go ahead and close off the Gas Pump to the Drive...Don't wanna go fryin' nothin' 'til supper"

Li Mei: But be careful, the temptation of that excitement can lead to heartache.

Johanna Zerbino: Oh sir, Lady Li Mei has such amazing stories she was going to tell us.





Shrio Takaaki leads Rae into his quarters, just off of the common room, "Have a seat."

Vertigo Hawks nods and heads forward.

Shrio Takaaki: Ok, I am listening. What's on your mind, Captain?

Rae Overholt speaks quietly, "You don't want our troubles. I'll stand"

Derek Nimian bangs on the bulkhead and shouts down the hall, "Let's kick this pig back int'a gear..."

Rae Overholt shakes her head, "We got us a passenger all right, might bring us Tigers and Dragons on our tail. We're the pearl stuck between them. Tiger wants her crushed into dust, the dragon wants to swallow her whole."

Shrio Takaaki nods quietly, listening, thinking this "passenger" must be some piece of work, to be in between those two groups.

Mei Ying smiles and nods as she goes to sit on the sofa next to the open door to the Captain's quarters. "Life is like that sometimes. I am towering here, let me find someplace to sit quietly."

Li Mei looks over at Sillery, "I don't think I should be telling any of my stories to these girls."

Sillery Motherhen: At least not yet.

Paris Greenspan smiles over at Li Mei "wouldn't want to spoil your reputation."

Sillery Motherhen: Well, Li Mei, if they have learned something from you, then this voyage was not in vain.

Li Mei grins at Paris, "Yes, a reputation is everything to a companion. Do try to remember that when you're flirting with the crew."

Paris Greenspan curtsy's again to Li Mei, "IF I flirt with the crew," her eyes meet level with the companion. "I never admitted that I did such a thing."

Sillery Motherhen gives Paris the "Look."

Johanna Zerbino pouts, "Was just looking, not flirting, honest."

Mei Ying giggles a little at Paris' denial.

Paris Greenspan glances at Sillery, and lowers her head smiling.

Sillery Motherhen: Don't try to deny what was obvious.

Li Mei stares at Paris a moment, then laughs, shaking her head. "Girl, Sillery's right. Denying something that obvious just makes you look silly."

Paris Greenspan lifts her head to Sillery, looks almost exasperated. "Honest Sir, I was not flirting. I was merely lushing at a comment he made. I can almost be sure that most of the room did not her it."

Li Mei turns her attention back to Sillery, "Is she serious?"

Sillery Motherhen: Considering the man she's referring to, it's very possible. That's been another trial on this trip.

Rae Overholt shifts, crossing her arms and watching Shiro for a reaction.

Shrio Takaaki just nods quietly.

Rae Overholt: Already cost one ship its life. You don't want to be in that.

Shrio Takaaki: How in the hells does a girl get both of them groups comin' down on her? She a Companion who step on someone's manicured toes? And hearing what they did to a friend, I figure I owe him that much."

Rae Overholt shakes her head again, "Tigers and Dragons dont have manacured toes, what they got is offspring and folks what want that offspring dead."






Li Mei nods, "It sounds like it's been an educational experience for everyone."

Sillery Motherhen: Oh yes.

Johanna Zerbino is still wondering about if he sleeps in that grease.

Paris Greenspan sighs, wanting badly to glare but hold the urge back. Instead she folds her hands together and stands silent.

Johanna Zerbino is trying to keep her eyes to the floor.

Sillery Motherhen: But when an opportunity like the monastery comes along.

Li Mei nods, "Was it at least a worthwhile trip?"

Sillery Motherhen glares down the hall at the mechanic. "For the most part."

Shrio Takaaki: What? She is either a Dragon or a Tiger? Gorram it. I don't envy you, Captain. But envy or not, my offer stands. Where y'all headed, in case you need help?

Rae Overholt: Hera, to get her patched up and then Newhall to take her to her daddy.

Shrio Takaaki: Hera, to get her patched up? Your Doc can't help her?

Rae Overholt: No, we don't have that kind of technology.

Shen Jiutai looks at all of the companions, eyes lingering on their finery, thinking of an old friend.

Sillery Motherhen: That mechanic has been especially trying.

Shrio Takaaki nods slowly. "I ain't even gonna ask. Air feels, well, funny, somehow, around Hera. And you are just going to drop her off, with her kin? Must be one hell of a price tag..."

Rae Overholt: "The air feels funny? What the diyu does that mean?" She scoffs, "Price tag is my crew's life."

Li Mei cocks her head to the side, looking at Sillery, "Oh? What's he done?"

Sillery Motherhen: "You know how these... people on the rim can be." He rolls his eyes.

Derek Nimian smiles widely as the coil stabilizes and reaches out with his hand to signal a 'high five' to Vertigo, "Lay some skin on me, bro!"

Johanna Zerbino: He does have a funny way of talking.

Vertigo Hawks looks at the part Kevin fabricated... "Whew! Dat Kevin does nice work!!" he slaps Derek's hand.

Li Mei nods her head, "I do, Sillery. I did live out on the rim for a while. But he looks harmless enough. Has he done anything to be worried about?"

Shrio Takaaki shrugs slightly, lowering his voice. "Like, I don't know. Like something is wrong. Could be Alliance, could be Reavers. Or it could be Dragons and Tigers. I don't know. Just a weird feelin' I got while we passed the region." He nods, wondering about a lot of things. "Hell of a price tag..."

Rae Overholt: Ain't it just.

Derek Nimian takes his hand back and bites his lower lip, laughing to himself as he swaggers back to the commons area, his pipe laying over his shoulder.

Sillery Motherhen: using foul language, leering at the girls.

Johanna Zerbino: He seems nice enough, sir?

Shen Jiutai chuckles at Till.

Shrio Takaaki thinks for a moment, before leveling his gaze towards Rae. "Tell ya what. Me and mine are here, to help you and yours. I'm about to gag that chaperone, but if you need hands, we're here. I'd rather dump these passengers, but I can't just pitch them out here, now can I? How can I help?"

Li Mei rolls her eyes, "Well they need to learn how to deal with that."

Mei Ying sighs a little at the dirty mechanic.

Derek Nimian steps down from the hallway and into the galley, playing air guitar on the pipe, "Da da dada da...." He raises his eyebrows at everybody, his face bright from the renewed energy, "Oh snap! Didn't see action like *that* on Osiris...." He shouts out to the captain from the galley, "Hey cap, boats all fixed!"

Sillery Motherhen looks at the filthy mechanic then looks back at Johanna.

Paris Greenspan purposely avoids any sort of eye turn or looking or... anything at Derek, afraid she'll be titles to the 'flirt' forever.

Sillery Motherhen: Yes, but normally they've been further in their studies before they're put into this situation.

Shrio Takaaki nods to no one, thankful the ship is back online.

Vertigo Hawks makes his way up to the cockpit, exhaling blue smoke as he passes the Companions.

Mei Ying smiles, "Back to civilization and soap operas."

Li Mei: Well, the sooner they learn how to handle men leering at them, the better... even if it isn't the sort of men who will be their clients.

Sillery Motherhen coughs.

Derek Nimian stuffs the pipe back into it's holster and continues to smile through his pitch black glasses, "And you were all worried..."

Sillery Motherhen looks at Derek. "Yes, thanks to them."

Vertigo Hawks takes down the comm, "Red? Looks like we're all patched up."

Rae Overholt: Guess this is where we leave you folks.

Shrio Takaaki: Guess so. Need anything before you go?

Li Mei smiles at the three students, "You girls listen to Sillery. And good luck with your studies."

Xiao Li Marshall, who had been half-dozing in her seat on the bridge, snaps awake and grabs the comm. "Wha--you're done? Oh. Okay. Good to know."

Kevin just smiles, "We're happy to be doin' good works."

Johanna Zerbino will dream of the smell of engine grease.

Rae Overholt: Can't think of anything unless you got the urge to give them girls a tour of Hera, might be a bit distracting, if you know what I mean?

Paris Greenspan murmurs under her breath… something about only being worried about being stuck with certain people... but keeps her eyes lowered to the ground.

Mei Ying curtsies to Li Mei.

Derek Nimian pops his hip out, and leans forward, "Oh? I don't see them fixin' the engine..."

Sillery Motherhen: Gods, it will take weeks to get them past this.

Johanna Zerbino: Yes, ma'am!

Li Mei walks up to Sillery and gives him a big hug and a peck on the cheek, "You take care of yourself. It was great to see you again."

Sillery Motherhen hugs Li Mei. "Absolutley. Visit us sometime soon. We can always use more instructors"

Li Mei laughs, "Me? An instructor? Right."

Sillery Motherhen: Your experience is without price, mei mei.

Shrio Takaaki grins. "Be tempting, though. Keep your comm open, and send a wave, if'n you need us. You send a wave, and we'll be there."

Rae Overholt nods at Shiro, "Appreciate it, you shoot us any info you might find out about Hera. Let us know if you see any black unmarked ships flyin' near her. Any alliance too."

Shrio Takaaki: Consider it done. I'll run interference where I am able. Once we drop these girls, we'll double back out this way, just in case.

Rae Overholt leans closer to him and says quietly, "You also watch out for any folks you see has blue gloves on, you vacate the area immediately."

Shrio Takaaki nods, knowing those people better than he cared to admit.

Rae Overholt nods and steps back, leaving his quarters and gathering her crew. "C'mon folks we got business to run."

Derek Nimian sighs audibly, a little hurt that no one seems to care about the fact that he fixed the engine and leans against the wall.

Vertigo Hawks fires up the engines to see that they're nominal, He comms back to the common room, "She's lookin' good deere Cap'n."

Derek Nimian raises his fist in pride, "You know it, Vert!"

Shrio Takaaki walks back towards the front of the ship, and speaks quietly to the pilot.

Li Mei smiles and bows her head slightly, then follows the crew of the Raven back to the ship.

Shen Jiutai runs up to the cockpit to slap Vertigo on the back before heading down to the cargo bay with a quick, "Good to see ya V!"

Shrio Takaaki: Vertigo. Once the Raven is clear, I want us on Persephone, so these good folks can get off. Once we are paid, I want us back out here... We got business.

Sillery Motherhen mutters a long line of Mandarin.

Vertigo Hawks responds, "Roja Dat!":

Shrio Takaaki nods, and moves quickly back to the galley.

Derek Nimian turns to head back into the engine room, shouting over his shoulder as he heads down the hallway, "You're WELCOME!" He shakes his head as he looks over the engine, "No manners...what is the 'Verse comin' to..."

Shrio Takaaki shakes his head, chuckling softly, as he turns to follow his mechanic. "Thank you again, Raven. We'll be in touch."

Sillery Motherhen: How soon are we getting back to Persephone?

Shrio Takaaki: As fast as this old boat will get us there, rest assured of that.

Johanna Zerbino: Thank you kind folks for your rescue.

Rae Overholt nods at Shiro, "Glad to have been of service, safe voyage"

Shrio Takaaki: You too...

Vertigo Hawks gently eases Hornet away from Raven, and sets course for Persephone.

Shrio Takaaki: Derek. Thank you. Can we go full brurn to Persephone and back here, without causing too much trouble?

Derek Nimian nods, his mood much sunnier than before, now that the new parts are working, "Green an' shiny, Cap. Let's grip it and rip it"