"Very nice meeting you sir. Everything will be just fine, you'll see."

THE STORY SO FAR:
Shen is lying in a hospital recuperating from a suicide attempt. Doctors say with a months rest she should be fine, though they were right angry we left her there. Reckon they think we wont be paying them for their services.

Brina left us with a tearful goodbye and a promise for work shippin’ Pa's Moonshine. She said we's welcome at the bar anytime she was spinning her tunes. Dropping a bag of coin with Xiao Li, she stated she'd be back for it one day. Maybe she isn't truly gone for good.

Xiao Li is her usual self, angry at all those that are leavin’ but loyal to a fault and stickin’ around herself. Girl's gotta give herself more credit some day.

Good news is, we got ourselves a doctor, from the core no less. We're checking him out as it seems the doctors always have stories that are a little suspect. We also got ourselves a mechanic, claims he's the best in the verse. Vertigo vouches for him sayin’ that he's saved plenty of lives, though the guy seems more bent on flirtin’ than anything else. Going to be interesting to see "Xing Li" straighten him out.

We're still in the rears with Mr. Big cause of his delivery going sour. Buddah knows how we'll make it up and get out of debt. Maybe something will come up.

OUR STORY CONTINUES:

Anton Machin arrives grinning a toothy grin. "Well if it ain't my favorite bunch of space monkeys... 'cept you, Ariel... you ain't no monkey."

Rae Overholt watches the new guy approach, taking measure of him.

Tristan Pennell: We need a gig.

Ariel Liveoak nods at Anton and smiles slightly.

Xiao Li Marshal eyes Anton warily.

Rae Overholt: We'll get a job. Just takes time.

Ariel Liveoak shrugs her shoulders, settling her wraps.

Tristan Pennell: You said there was an "issue" last time.

Anton Machin: A gig? Well then it seems that this is a lucky day for us both. It just so happens that my boss is looking for a capable crew to handle some delicate cargo. I told him I didn't know any capable crew, but that I would ask you guys...

Rae Overholt: Yeah well, that's all done with. We'll work it out.

Ariel Liveoak rolls her eyes, and then covers it by watching a bird go by.

Rae Overholt: And who might you be? Rae Overholt continues to give him the eye.

Anton Machin eyes her. "You're kidding me, right?"

Rae Overholt: Nope, can't say as I am, seeing as I haven’t met you before.

Anton Machin smiles and looks around. "I don't recognize all of you... but your friends here should've told you about me. I'm sure Ariel remembers."

Tristan Pennell: ..he has work....

Rae Overholt shoots Ariel and questioning look.

Anton Machin: In any case, my identity is none of your concern. You want a job or not?

Gabriel Keats looks up at Anton. "Certainly do remember you." He smiles. It doesn't reach his eyes.

Rae Overholt: Might could use some. What's the catch?

Tristan Pennell: he has W O R K

Xiao Li Marshal: So do a lot of people. Some more trustworthy than others.

Anton Machin: No catch. I wouldn't trust you guys with a complicated job again after last time. This is a simple ferry mission. Pick up and set down.

Sean M. Writer quietly sizes everyone up, trying to match the faces with the medical records

Rae Overholt: Ah. You guys. Alright, where do we go?

Tristan Pennell: finally

Anton Machin: The pickup is to be made at my boss's estate. I'll give the coordinates to your pilot.. if you think you can handle the job.

Tristan Pennell: phhpt

Rae Overholt: Reckon we can.

Anton Machin looks around at all the men. "Which one of you is the pilot of that flying can?"

Rae Overholt nods her head at Xiao li.

Xiao Li Marshal: That would be me. And that 'flying can' is named the Raven.

Sean M. Writer rolls his eyes.

Tristan Pennell: and she's NO CAN!!!

Anton Machin walks over to Xiao Li and looks her up and down. "So you're the pilot, huh? I bet you know your way around a joystick..."

Gabriel Keats: "This ain't the time Tristan..."

Ariel Liveoak snorts, covering it with a cough.

The crew of Raven and transport themselves to the Boss’s estate on Meridian.

Itachi Xeno: Raven, get yourself and your lousy gorram piece of shit crew up here.

Xiao Li Marshal: Ain't you cold in that getup, Cap'n?

Rae Overholt: Nah.

Anton Machin bows slightly at the waist. "Boss, this is the crew I told you about."

Gabriel Keats: "Better to see you with." He frowns.

Tristan Pennell: hello Lena

Xiao Li Marshal shrugs. "Your frostbite, I guess."

Lena Lei looks at the crew a little disgustedly.

Itachi Xeno chuckles. "So I can see...sit your lousy ass down and bring your so called 'crew' over here to I can take a look at em."

Tristan Pennell: boss?

Anton Machin gestures for the space monkeys to come over as he goes to take a seat... on the FAR side of the couch from the boss's niece.

Rae Overholt smirks at Lena

Xiao Li Marshal opts to stand

Itachi Xeno: So...this is the crew that screwed the gorram pooch so fracking bad?

Tristan Pennell takes a spot behind and with good visibility.

Ariel Liveoak glances between Anton and Lena, a small smile showing.

Sean M. Writer circles around the back of the group, looking over the customers.

Xiao Li Marshal raises an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"

Anton Machin: Yeah... but I already showed 'em what happens if they screw up again, boss.

Rae Overholt sighs, "You got a job or not?"

Tristan Pennell grunts softly.

Lena Lei sighs, "Is this going to take long, Uncle?"

Itachi Xeno smirks. "Don't cop attitude with me woman, else I'll have a job for my boys here to dismantle that flying case of tetanus you call a ship."

Gabriel Keats coughs slightly hands resting near his guns.

Tristan Pennell: Boss?

Itachi Xeno: What?

Rae Overholt raises an eyebrow.

Anton Machin shoots Lena a sour look beneath his sunglasses, dreading the ride ahead.

Tristan Pennell: Not you..she's the boss of us, mate.

Xiao Li Marshal 's fists clench, but she doesn't speak.

Rae Overholt looks to Tristan, "yeah?"

Itachi Xeno: Care to explain to me exactly what happened with the last bit of cargo I trusted you with?

Tristan Pennell looks at Alycia....

Rae Overholt: Looks like someone filched it off a half dead crew member. You'd have to ask them, I wasn't there. Reckon now though I am and you'll either give us the job or you won't.

Ariel Liveoak: “Fairly simple, as I understand it. We were robbed. We got it back.” Ariel Liveoak shrugs.

Tristan Pennell: So that's good!

Xiao Li Marshal: The goods was delivered as promised. What's the problem?

Anton Machin: The goods were delivered with a few items missing. Somebody lost a finger over that...

Itachi Xeno: If you were keeping to your JOB then you wouldn't have had to get it back in the first place. That shit is valuable and I don't take very kindly to people losing my shit and risking it.

Gabriel Keats crosses his arms and looks over the top of his glasses, eyes cold.

Rae Overholt: Well, not enough was missing that we can't make it up.

Itachi Xeno chuckles. "Oh, you'll make it up alright darlin’..." Itachi Xeno eyes her up and down.

Rae Overholt: Don't think so.

Gabriel Keats: "The deal's done. We gonna waste the entire day jawing about it--" He cuts off at Itachi's words

Ariel Liveoak murmurs "oh dear."

Itachi Xeno: Here's how you're gonna make it up... Niece, stand up darlin’.

Rae Overholt turns and looks at her crew, then looks back to the three in front of them. She smirks.

Xiao Li Marshal mutters to herself "Shen hadn't been so yuben de, we wouldn't have this problem."

Ariel Liveoak: What a lovely dress, dear!

Lena Lei stomps her foot, "Uncle! Can we just get this over with? I'm bored!"

Anton Machin looks over at Lena and realizes that she'd be attractive if she weren't his boss's niece... and demanding... and spoiled...

Gabriel Keats puts a hand on Rae's back, traces his finger across it idly.

Rae Overholt turns to look at Gabe, eyes curious.

Tristan Pennell looks at the girl and wonders a bit....

Ariel Liveoak notes the look in Anton's eyes.

Rae Overholt shakes her head once at Gabe.

Ariel Liveoak notes the look in Tristan's eyes as well.

Itachi Xeno: Say hello to my niece captain, you'll be transportin’ her for me...

Anton Machin stifles a yawn as the warm fire and the soft sofa remind him that the boss lives better than he does.

Lena Lei looks at Ariel, "What are you doing with them, anyway?"

Tristan Pennell quickly looks at Xiao li and back to the captain.

Ariel Liveoak smiles. “Traveling, dear. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement.”

Rae Overholt gives the girl a look, "What's your name niece?"

Itachi Xeno: Now, let me make something VERY crystal clear for you darlin’...

Sean M. Writer looks at Lena. He shakes his head, wondering exactly what kind of trouble he's managed to get himself into this time,

Gabriel Keats smirks and walks back behind Tristan and Xiao Li.

Lena Lei sighs, "My name is Lena"

Rae Overholt: I'm Captian Overholt.

Ariel Liveoak smiles. "What a pretty name. Hello, Lena, I'm Ariel."

Lena Lei: Charmed, I'm sure

Tristan Pennell stutters a bit..."I'm Tristan"

Xiao Li Marshal just grunts.

Lena Lei looks away, bored


Ariel Liveoak glances at Tristan and almost giggles.

Sean M. Writer walks over to Keats. "Better check her shots before we let her board," he whispers.

Gabriel Keats nods. "Ain't a bad idea."

Tristan Pennell looks at the doc confused.

Itachi Xeno nods towards Lena. "Lena here is my pride and joy...you're takin’ her to Newhall...to get married." He sighs slightly then continues. "I don't like sending her off like this, but its gotta be done... So let me make sure we're square on something. If ANYTHING, happens to her, someone's gonna be loosing ALOT more than a finger.”

Ariel Liveoak: Oh dear. An "arrangement", then?

Rae Overholt: Got her papers? Rae Overholt stands stock still, arms crossed and a neutral look on her face.

Itachi Xeno: Pffft...papers...

Tristan Pennell looks away fast.

Lena Lei glares at Sean M., "Excuse me?!"

Sean M. Writer: Does she at least have a health record?

Lena Lei: I assure you, I am much cleaner than any of you!

Itachi Xeno: She's up on everything. Thats all you need to know.

Sean M. Writer: I just want to make sure you don't catch anything from the crew, dear.

Ariel Liveoak raises an eyebrow and says nothing.

Tristan Pennell looks sideways at the companion.

Sean M. Writer: Or from the landing workers.

Rae Overholt shrugs a shoulder, "Fine then, where's your stuff Lena?"

Anton Machin mutters under his breath. "She's too mean for a disease to stay alive in her blood..."

Itachi Xeno: Think you can manage something that simple darlin’?

Lena Lei glares at Anton, "I heard that!"

Sean M. Writer smirks.

Ariel Liveoak laughs out loud and quickly covers it with a coughing fit.

Xiao Li Marshal smirks at Anton's comment.

Anton Machin smiles sweetly. "Heard what, ma'am?"

Gabriel Keats laughs. Doesn't hide it.

Itachi Xeno glares at Anton.

Tristan Pennell studies his boots.

Anton Machin: Sorry, boss... It was just a little indigestion. I didn't say nothin’...

Itachi Xeno: Best not have...

Lena Lei crosses her arms, "Are we done here yet?"

Rae Overholt: Yeah, are we uncle?

Sean M. Writer: "Of course, sir, if you're willing to let her travel without the benefit of up-to-date immunizations....I'm not going to be held responsible when she comes down with plague.”

Itachi Xeno: No Alliance...no 'losing' her...no bullshit...easy ride. Think you can manage?

Tristan Pennell slides his hand down to his rausch.

Rae Overholt: Uh huh.

Itachi Xeno: Like I said, she's up on everything. No worries there.

Anton Machin snaps his head around and glares at Tristan. "You wanna reconsider the southern drift of your hand there, son?"

Itachi Xeno: If she ain't than I'm shooting her doctor.

Tristan Pennell: Boss?

Sean M. Writer nods, making a mental note.

Tristan Pennell slips his hand north.

Itachi Xeno: Lena, go get your stuff.

Ariel Liveoak: Do you need any help, dear?

Itachi Xeno: Darlin’...don't make me follow through with what I said...if ANYTHING happens to her...

Rae Overholt nods to Tristan. "It's all OK, everyone's fine. Who you callin’ Darlin?”

Tristan Pennell: I think he meant me Boss

Itachi Xeno: Alright, Sugartits it is then.

Lena Lei: Yes, Ariel, I could use someone to carry by bags down for me.

Rae Overholt stands there wondering what the after-burn of a firefly would do to the walls of this house. “That's more like it. Although I prefer love muffin.”

Anton Machin: You would all do well to remember that the boss here chooses to remain low-profile by hiring an obsolete Firefly, but he can afford to hire a much faster ship... one with teeth. So don't think of screwing this up in any way.

Ariel Liveoak smiles. Tristan? Would you mind helping with bags, please?

Gabriel Keats debates the much less intangible consequences of a bullet through Itachi's head.

Rae Overholt: Oh I'm sure.

Tristan Pennell: Like I should be a porter now?

Xiao Li Marshal contemplates strapping Xeno to the Raven's undercarriage right before breaking atmo.

Sean M. Writer keeps mumbling "first do no harm" under his breath.

Lena Lei motions towards her bags, "There aren't many. Just these 6."

Itachi Xeno: Good. Then I'll see you when you come back Sugartits.

Xiao Li Marshal idly considers doing something nasty to Xeno's bank accounts after this job is over.

Ariel Liveoak calls down the stairs. "Tristan? Anyone? Could use a hand here!"

Itachi Xeno smirks.

Tristan Pennell: that's me right?...sugar tits?

Gabriel Keats heads over to where Ariel stands.

Sean M. Writer rolls his eyes. "Coming up!"

Rae Overholt smirks. "Thats right Tristan."

Tristan Pennell: Where are the bags again boss?

Rae Overholt: Don't think you can miss them. She brought half a cargo bay of them.

Anton Machin looks at Tristan with something borderline between sympathy and contempt as he picks up Lena's bags. "She usually travels with twice that many..."

Itachi Xeno stands up and walks over close to the captain to whisper into her ear.

Anton Machin goes out to wait by the ship... relieved for once not to be Lena's bellhop.

Tristan Pennell: so ...uhm... hi

Ariel Liveoak: Wonderful! Alright, here we go.

Sean M. Writer: OK, let me grab something..

Ariel Liveoak takes a small bag and heads downstairs.

Xiao Li Marshal heads toward the Raven, grumbling about having to wait on this liumang and his pofu niece.

Rae Overholt stands there, face still neutral.

Gabriel Keats snaps up two of the bags without a word, keeps an eye on Lena, smiling.

Tristan Pennell looks for something big

Lena Lei: Be careful with those, they're new. If anything gets damaged, I'm holding you personally responsible.

Sean M. Writer: Oh, I'll be careful.

Tristan Pennell: I'll be careful...I'll be very careful love

Anton Machin smiles at Xiao Li. "So... a little girl like you must have trouble seeing over the control panel. I'll let you sit on my lap while you fly if that'd help."

Rae Overholt waits.

Sean M. Writer hoists up a bag, looking at it to note any pre-existing marring.

Itachi Xeno leans in, his words only a little louder than his breath. "Remember, if anything happens...that sweet ass of yours belongs to me...and your crew will have a permanent stay in the Orbital Hotel..."

Gabriel Keats doesn't respond, heads down the stairs, carrying the bags with a normal amount of care.

Sean M. Writer: Come on there,

Tristan Pennell grabs what he can.

Xiao Li Marshal smiles in a horrible parody of sweetness. "Only if you don't mind not gettin' your 'joystick' back at the end of the flight, sweetheart."

Ariel Liveoak slips nonchalantly between Itachi and the Captain, smiling radiantly, saying "Very nice meeting you sir. Everything will be just fine, you'll see."

Gabriel Keats stands behind Itachi and gives Rae a fleeting, nasty grin.

Rae Overholt looks him dead in the eye, face oddly calm as she whispers right back, "My ass belongs to no one and don't threaten my crew or there wont be enough left for the orbital hotel" She turns and stalks off with a polite smile on her face.

Anton Machin grins. "I like a girl with a touch of fire in her."

Lena Lei looks at her uncle, "Goodbye Uncle."

Sean M. Writer: This bag isn't getting any lighter..

Tristan Pennell struggles under his load.

Ariel Liveoak: What an...interesting fellow. Well, shall we go?

Tristan Pennell: Boss... put the girl in the loading bay and let's go.

Gabriel Keats's muscles are strained, but he doesn't say anything, eyes dark.

Rae Overholt: Yes, we shall, Make sure not to knock over any of his planters when we leave Xiao Li. *smirks at her*

Anton Machin looks at the guys carrying bags and smiles.

Lena Lei: Loading bay?!

Xiao Li Marshal murmurs to Rae, "If he stiffs us on this one, I'm drainin' his credit account. Hell, might do it anyway."

Rae Overholt nods at Xiao Li with a smirk, "long as you can do it quiet like."

Tristan Pennell: Geez boss this is killing me!

Xiao Li Marshal looks smug and heads for the cockpit.

Tristan Pennell watches Xiao li walk up the ramp. “Boss I could put up a few wall over there... make a space for her”

Rae Overholt: Take her stuff to ...*she looks at Lena* Passenger quarters.

Lena Lei looks around the cargo bay with disgust, "You have got to be kidding! This is a ship?"

Anton Machin: She'd fit in one of them crates marked "toxic."

Rae Overholt: I imagine she would, she can't help who she was raised around though can she.

Tristan Pennell looks depressed....

Anton Machin eyes Lena. That's what I said, honey..."

Rae Overholt: Watch your mouths.

Gabriel Keats: "Girl, your uncle said y'had to be safe. He didn't say you had to be pampered."

Rae Overholt: Ship might decide to spit you both out mid flight if you keep bad mouthing her.

Lena Lei glares at Anton,"I am not your honey, Anton!"

Rae Overholt: Everyone upstairs.

Anton Machin: That's the damn truth... ain't -nobody's- honey, near as I can tell...

Rae Overholt: Might as well be relatively comfortable during this haul.

Tristan Pennell grabs a pile of bags and starts for the ramp

Rae Overholt looks closely at the girl, she suddenly gets a mock innocent look and asks her, "So, you cook Lena?"

Anton Machin almost lets out a burst of laughter.

Rae Overholt ignores Anton.

Lena Lei looks at the Captain, You're kidding, right?!"

Tristan Pennell grunts and drops bags.

Gabriel Keats stows the bags reasonably carefully.

Rae Overholt: Why would I kid on that? We lost our cook recently, seems none of us know how. Less'n you want to eat protein bars the whole way.

Tristan Pennell: Its easy girl... hot water and noodles I'll help.

Anton Machin: Cap, she don't know a thing about pots and pans... nor baking. But if you mention pot and -getting- baked.. well, I suspect she's a might better at that.

Rae Overholt: Well, I'm afraid we don’t have that kind of pot. So the other will have to do. Tristan will help her out. Said so.

Lena Lei looks at Anton with hate, "Shut up!"

Gabriel Keats narrows his eyes at Anton's comment.

Rae Overholt looks at Gabe.

Anton Machin bows slightly to Lena. "Yes, ma'am."

Tristan Pennell smiles.

Lena Lei: Somebody get me something to drink.

Rae Overholt: See there Lena? What better way to shut him up than to prove him wrong... course if you can't cook... that's another story.

Anton Machin walks over to Ariel. "What say you and I take a tour of the ship, starting with that little shuttle of yours?"

Gabriel Keats nods towards one of the cabinets. "Can you open a can?'

Tristan Pennell watches the gangster and the companion closely.

Ariel Liveoak seems not to have heard, and bustles to the galley. "Tea would be nice, don't you think?"

Tristan Pennell: Ariel... are you … thirsty?

Anton Machin watches her walk away, but is undeterred.

Xiao Li Marshal pulls down the comm. "This is your pilot speaking. We're five minutes from take-off, so I suggest that certain persons get their pampered pigu strapped in."

Anton Machin: Why don't you let me make that tea for you, lovely? You shouldn't be getting your hands dirty.

Tristan Pennell: You'll be joining us on this trip then?

Gabriel Keats grabs on to a ledge

Rae Overholt: Yeah, the passenger is asking for a drink.

Anton Machin looks over at Tristan. "Yeah... somebody's gotta make sure you people don't screw up."

Rae Overholt nods to Ariel, "Sure thing Anton, I need a word with Ariel anyway."

Tristan Pennell holds the counter tightly.

Lena Lei sighs loudly, "I said I want something to drink! Now!"

Rae Overholt: Strap in Lena.

Gabriel Keats: "There's plenta' drink in the cabinet, if'n you can rouse yourself to walk the five feet."

Anton Machin looks down at the tea and the water coming to a boil, wondering if the ship has any rat poison to add to Lena's cup.

Ariel Liveoak brings Lena a cup of tea.

Rae Overholt: STRAP in everyone!

Tristan Pennell: Boss, let me build a cage in the bay.

Ariel Liveoak: There you go. Just the thing for staring a journey.

Rae Overholt: Don't tempt me Tristan.

Lena Lei smiles at Ariel, smells the tea, "What is this?"

Rae Overholt resists the urge to tell her its Rat tea.

Lena Lei: This doesn't smell like tea.

Anton Machin reads the package the tea came from. "Mo... moli... moleee? Moli hua cha... something with a picture of a flower on it. Drink it."

Lena Lei puts the tea down without taking a sip.

Ariel Liveoak gives a silvery laugh.

Tristan Pennell mutters to himself, “Where are the engines?.. those I understand.”

Rae Overholt: She's not tough enough for the flower tea.

Lena Lei: You drink it. I have better taste than that.

Anton Machin picks up the cup and goes to sit by Ariel. "Fine. I hope you don't get too parched."

Rae Overholt: “Girl, you'll eventually do with, or do without. I'll still get you there in one piece. No nevermind to me.” Rae Overholt straps in.

Tristan Pennell: Captin...I'll be back here banging on stuff. Ready Pilot?

Lena Lei sticks her tongue out at the Captain.

Rae Overholt: “Alright Tristan!” Rae Overholt crosses her eyes at Lena.

Anton Machin looks over at Ariel and then at the Captain. "And I'll be up here banging on stuff..."

Rae Overholt raises an eyebrow but refuses to comment to Anton.

Tristan Pennell: lets get this bug airborne!

Anton Machin puts down his cup and smiles at Ariel. "You'll have to excuse my crude sense of humor. The company back home isn't exactly... refined." Anton Machin looks at Lena.

Lena Lei looks away from Anton and crosses her arms

Rae Overholt: DON'T call my ship a bug Tristan!

Xiao Li Marshal: 7...6...5... 4...3...2...1...

Rae Overholt watches as the tea in Anton's hand splashes and sloshes in its cup, a tiny smile on her face.

Xiao Li Marshal pulls back on the throttle and, with a mighty rumble, the Raven is airborne.

Tristan Pennell: Yes sir!

Lena Lei puts her hands over her ears, "Is it always this loud!"

Rae Overholt: That it is, if it ever goes silent you start worrying cause the only place its taking us is to the crash site.

Anton Machin does his best to hide the pain from the hot tea splashing on his hand for a moment, then decides that the safest course of action is to dump the tea out on the floor beside him, since he can't trust the cup to sit still during takeoff.

Lena Lei: And what is that rattling? It sounds like something's falling off.

Xiao Li Marshal banks into a sharp turn and buzzes Xeno's house just for the hell of it.

Rae Overholt laughs with delight.

Tristan Pennell takes out his tool kit and gets "familliar" with his charge, “Brina did a nice job here!”

Rae Overholt: That she did, don’t screw it up!

Xiao Li Marshal: Breaking atmo in 3...2...1...

Tristan Pennell pops off a cover plate

Xiao Li Marshal: *the roaring abruptly dies*

Rae Overholt: You're cleaning that up Anton.

Tristan Pennell: Oooh... looky!

Rae Overholt eyes the mess on the floor.

Gabriel Keats heads back to the bunk, changes, and comes back.

Lena Lei leans her head back and closes her eyes, "Wake me up when we're there"

Tristan Pennell: Xing Li? is that light on where the Atomo Scrubber Alert is?

Xiao Li Marshal: Ladies and gentlemen, we are in the Black and en route to Newhall. Passengers are free to move about the ship, just stay the hell outta the cockpit.

Anton Machin stands and ignores Xiao Li's instructions immediately.

Tristan Pennell: “Pilot?” Tristan Pennell takes out a huge spanner and starts whacking a delicate device.

Gabriel Keats starts rooting through the cabinets.

Rae Overholt shrugs, figuring if Lena sleeps the whole time things will go smoother. She walks to the galley, picks up a rag and tosses it to Anton. “I'm gonna kill him if he messes up my ship.”

Anton Machin enters the bridge and stands behind Xiao Li's chair. "So... you gotta be up here all alone?"

Lena Lei opens her eyes, "Urggh! I can't sleep here!"

Gabriel Keats grins at Rae. "You want some lunch?"

Rae Overholt calls up to the front, "He ain't alone, I'm five steps behind him. Got that??"

Lena Lei: Isn't there anything to do here! Besides Cooking!

Rae Overholt: That's be great Gabe. No Lena, we got cleaning, of course.

Gabriel Keats: "You read, girl?"

Lena Lei: Of course I read

Anton Machin smiles. "Even better!"

Gabriel Keats starts going through protein packs.

Xiao Li Marshal: “B'sides, I like bein' alone on the bridge. Only bit of piece an' quiet I get on this ship.” Xiao Li Marshal looks pointedly at Anton

Gabriel Keats: "I have plays, if you'd be amenable to readin' 'em. Classics."

Anton Machin reaches out toward a button. "What's that one do?"

Xiao Li Marshal: That's for spacin' folks who go pokin' at my consoles.

Lena Lei looks at Gabriel, "I'm not sure your idea of a classic would be the same as mine. What do you have?

Gabriel Keats puts the mixture over the cooker, frowns.

Anton Machin withdraws his hand and bows. "Miss, I wouldn't dream of poking at your consoles without your consent. But you don't know what you're missing."

Xiao Li Marshal: Shenme?

Tristan Pennell: So...uhm...passenger?

Gabriel Keats: "Chekov. Ibsen. Strindenburg. Some of the later stuff by Mamet, Neil Simon. . ." He narrows his eyes at the mixture, takes something out of a foil pack. "Shakespeare, 'course. Ruttin' hell...”

Anton Machin laughs. "You can't tell me you never get lonely out in the black with only these boys to keep you company."

Tristan Pennell: You have business with the pilot?

Anton Machin: I'd like to have business with the pilot...

Lena Lei raises an eyebrow, "You have Neil Simon? I'm surprised. That's a bit refined."

Tristan Pennell: Maybe when she ain't busy.

Xiao Li Marshal: No. You wouldn't. Trust me.

Tristan Pennell: See?

Lena Lei: Shakespeare is garbage, of course.

Tristan Pennell: Now I got business with her...flying business.

Anton Machin sighs. "Oh I see.. you two are... heh. I beg your pardon."

Gabriel Keats: "Marlowe's better. S'got its place historically, though, don't it?"

Tristan Pennell mutters a cures "nanshung"

Gabriel Keats dumps the contents of the foil packet in, stirs.

Lena Lei shrugs, "I suppose."

Xiao Li Marshal opens her mouth to correct Anton, then closes it again. Let him think that if it keeps him out of her hair. “So whaddaya want?”

Tristan Pennell: I got lights on the Atmo Scrubber Panel.

Gabriel Keats reaches into one of the empty drawers, comes out with a book, tosses it to her.

Anton Machin walks up to the captain. "So you always dress so nice, or was this a special outfit for me?"

Xiao Li Marshal: Yellow lights or red?

Tristan Pennell: And I don't like him... yellow.

Lena Lei looks at the cover of the book, "Which one is this?"

Xiao Li Marshal smirks at that. "Well, you got SOME taste, at least."

Gabriel Keats has tossed her "You Can't Take It With You."

Xiao Li Marshal: Yellow lights mean we got a filter that needs to be changed within the week. We got any spares in storage?

Gabriel Keats looks at Anton. "Do you have a reason for being here?"

Anton Machin: I'm here to make sure that girl... and I use the term loosely... doesn't get lost or hurt on her way to get hitched.

Tristan Pennell: I'll look...call me if he comes back...I can help a bit...not that you need it.

Xiao Li Marshal nods. "Thanks."

Gabriel Keats: "I mean in this room. Breathing my air.'

Lena Lei opens the book and begins to read, "At least someone on this crew isn't completely worthless. Thank you."

Anton Machin shrugs. "I'll go somewhere else then." Anton Machin goes off to that room with the big noisy spinny thing.

Gabriel Keats: "You touch any of the women on this boat, and I will end you." Gabriel Keats doesn't look up from what he's cooking.

Xiao Li Marshal leans back in her chair

Tristan Pennell hurries back to the engine room, “What do you want here?”

Anton Machin looks around. "Oh nothing... I just thought I'd check out where a man like you spends his time. I might learn a thing or two about how to land a girl like that firecracker of a pilot if I understand the man who shags her."

Tristan Pennell: Touch my bug and I'll rip an arm off...

Anton Machin winks at Tristan. "So... how is she?"

Tristan Pennell: She's fine. Go away.

Xiao Li Marshal sighs as her stomach grumbles. Time to brave the kitchen. “Got anythin' cooking or should I forage?”

Tristan Pennell: My friend Brina did good work in here...I’m proud to be able to make this girl go.

Gabriel Keats has something cooking. It looks horrific but smells good.

Tristan Pennell: Something a dandy like you might not appreciate. I have a big wrench too.

Xiao Li Marshal smiles exaggeratedly at Lena. "How's our 'guest' like the accommodations so far?"

Tristan Pennell puts his wrench on his lap.

Gabriel Keats grins as it finishes. It's a bowl of. . . well. . . it's like a very firm bread pudding. It *smells* like chicken and herbs though.

Tristan Pennell: hmm... I stand by my ripping your arm off statement.

Xiao Li Marshal: ...I'm no expert, but shouldn't chicken soup have water in it?

Lena Lei grins at Xiao Li, "Oh, the accommodations are just peachy"

Gabriel Keats: "Ain't supposed to be soup. Soup doesn't have enough energy."

Rae Overholt closes her eyes and sniffs. "Mmmm... heavenly."

Xiao Li Marshal pokes the chicken-bread-thing gingerly with a spoon.

Gabriel Keats frowns. "It should taste all right. I know it don't look like. . . well, food."

Tristan Pennell: Me too... you can go have tea now...

Xiao Li Marshal stares at it for another long moment, then shrugs and starts filling her bowl.

Gabriel Keats has endeavored to make enough for everyone.

Tristan Pennell shouts: Lena! The man here wants tea...do you have someone to show you how to boil water?

Lena Lei looks up from her book, "Is that edible? It actually smells like it might be."

Gabriel Keats: "Only one way to find out, ain't there?"

Lena Lei ignores Tristan

Tristan Pennell: They are a bit enchanting. But I'm not a sharing kind of guy.

Anton Machin: Should this one rumble so much?

Tristan Pennell: I like the rumble...I put it there myself.

Lena Lei thinks for a moment, "Ok, someone bring me a bowl. I'm hungry."

Anton Machin: Well that hardly seems fair. You got the engine all to yourself... the pilot all to yourself. You're a greedy fella.

Gabriel Keats: "If you wanna try it, you're gonna have to get it yourself."

Tristan Pennell: Its our boat mate.

Xiao Li Marshal glances toward the engine room, glad that Tristan is keeping Anton occupied for the moment.

Gabriel Keats: "I'm too busy workin' on dessert."

Anton Machin: You don't know how easily this boat can be made somebody else's if you don't play your cards right, do you? Stow the attitude, mister.

Tristan Pennell: Its the Captain's boat... she can worry about politics.

Lena Lei sighs loud enough for everyone to hear, "Fine."

Tristan Pennell: I worry about guests in my space. She pays me to.

Anton Machin: Yes, well... I'm going to go check on the cargo.

Tristan Pennell: Toodle-oo.

Lena Lei gets up and grabs a bowl and fills it, a look of disgust crosses her face.

Anton Machin takes Lena's bowl. "Thanks for getting me some, dearie."

Tristan Pennell: Did I hear someone mention food?

Lena Lei's jaw drop and she stares at Anton, "Hey!"

Rae Overholt: “Why Anton, what's it going to do? Talk to you? You one of them zen folks, meditate hear voices?“ Rae Overholt smacks Anton and takes the bowl back from him and goes to return it to Lena.

Anton Machin: She didn't want it!

Gabriel Keats: "There's enough for you. Get your own gorram bowl."

Rae Overholt: “Don't start with me!” She points at Anton.

Xiao Li Marshal grimaces at the texture of the chicken-bread monstrosity.

Anton Machin grumbles and gets his own bowl.

Gabriel Keats is going through a large paper sack he brought with him from the bunk.

Lena Lei scowls at Anton, "Jackass"

Rae Overholt frowns at Lena, "Ladies don’t speak like that."

Anton Machin speaks through a mouthful of food. "She ain't a lady..."

Xiao Li Marshal: I'll be glad when Shen's outta the hospital. She's a romantic ben dan, but MAN can she cook.

Gabriel Keats's food should taste surprisingly okay--there're real herbs and bouillon in it

Tristan Pennell: Those lights are gone Xing Li.

Lena Lei: Whatever.

Xiao Li Marshal rolls her eyes. "It's XIAO Li."

Tristan Pennell: oh...did I not say that?

Rae Overholt: MmHmm, Ya hear that? Already made an impression. *she goes to fix her own bowl and sits down to eat hungrily, eyes closed.*

Xiao Li Marshal: No. You didn't. It ain't that hard to get a name right.

Lena Lei sits back down with her bowl, sniffs it apprehensively.

Gabriel Keats: "It ain't gonna bite."

Tristan Pennell: I'll remember.

Anton Machin looks back and forth between Tristan and Xiao Li. "You mean to tell me you're hitting that, but you don't know her name?" He smiles and winks at Tristan. "You space dog... I have a lot to learn from you."

Tristan Pennell: I got, like a problem with names sometimes.

Lena Lei shrugs, lifts the spoon to her mouth and tries the concoction.

Xiao Li Marshal: Or d'you want me to call you 'Trisha' from now on?

Rae Overholt nods to gabe and says around a mouthful of food, "Thanks Gabe."

Tristan Pennell: If you want you can call me Bob.

Anton Machin turns to Xiao Li. "You can call me whatever you like, Ling Ling"

Tristan Pennell: You can be quiet.

Xiao Li Marshal: XIAO LI.

Rae Overholt snickers to herself and waits for Xiao li to start swinging.

Lena Lei looks surprised, and her head snaps around to look at Gabe, "This is actually . . . not . . . horrible."

Rae Overholt: I know your name Xiao Li.

Tristan Pennell: Mister, this is not a cruise ship, mate.

Xiao Li Marshal stands up and saunters over to where Tristan is sitting.

Gabriel Keats grins at Rae's thanks, then comes out with some foil wrapped packages. He hands one to everyone except Anton. "Got real herbs; not that synthetic chemical go se."

Tristan Pennell: Xiao Li is my friend.

Anton Machin: That is abundantly clear.

Rae Overholt: Ooh!

Anton Machin: Oh.... so not lovers? Just friends with benefits?

Rae Overholt takes it and opens it, sniffing.

Xiao Li Marshal makes a show of sitting next to Tristan.

Tristan Pennell: Just friends... and crew mates. Do you have any sense of that?

Rae Overholt sets the bowl down, forgotten and takes a bite of the chocolate, expression heavenly.

Xiao Li Marshal leans close and whispers into Tristan's ear, "I'm just playin' along so that hun dan will leave me be. You try anything funny I'll tear your arms off."

Anton Machin looks around at the foil packets. "Oh, I see how it is... well... you sure know how to make a guy feel welcome. I'm headed down to that companion's shuttle to see if she's got any sweets for poor Anton."

Gabriel Keats: "You get sweets when you quit tryin' to rut with the crew."

Tristan Pennell whispers to Xiao li..."He just bugs me...let me have this moment."

Lena Lei laughs at Gabriel's comment

Anton Machin sneers. "Ain't like there's any other form of entertainment on this ship 'sides ruttin with the crew. I ain't much for reading..."

Tristan Pennell: She's crew too, you know?...The companion. We keep her as a friend too.

Gabriel Keats: "And I will be bringing her hers when she's ready for it."

Anton Machin reads sexual innuendo in Gabe's statement.

Tristan Pennell puts a smallish spanner on the table.

Xiao Li Marshal suspects that Anton would read innuendo in a list of the ship's specs.

Rae Overholt raises an eye brow at Anton, "You askin for some hurting Anton?"

Anton Machin reaches out and touches the spanner. "This thing's greasy. You shouldn't put that on the table."

Lena Lei finishes eating and goes back to reading.

Tristan Pennell: Don't touch my tool, mate.

Rae Overholt reads sexual innuendo into that.

Anton Machin: Don't worry. I don't swing that way.

Rae Overholt snickers.

Gabriel Keats smirks.

Rae Overholt: Why were you eyein’ it then?

Tristan Pennell: Yet you couldn’t help yourself.

Anton Machin smiles at the captain. "And no. I don't reckon I'm aiming for a hurting. Because nobody on this ship is going to do a damn thing to me. I'm the boss's right hand man, and he expects me back. With a report that you were all as hospitable as can be."

Tristan Pennell grabs his tool and stands it upright. “Touch it now?”

Xiao Li Marshal sniggers. "It's so big and hard. You know you wanna get your hands on it."

Lena Lei puts the book down, "I'm bored! How long is this trip?"

Rae Overholt: I don't remember hearing hospitable. I remember hearing, "not lost” and “unharmed” or “alive"

Tristan Pennell: “Yes boss.” He takes his spanner back

Anton Machin glares at her. "You gotta learn to read between the lines with the boss. He values respect as much as efficiency. You like having ten fingers, lady?"

Rae Overholt: Weren't my fingers he was looking at. *she smirks at Anton*

Anton Machin feels a rumble through the deck plates. "I think that engine of yours needs a delicate touch. More than this ham-fisted oaf can manage. Why don't I go take a look?"

Tristan Pennell: I told you!

Rae Overholt: Don't touch my engine.

Anton Machin: Calm down, lady. I know what I'm doing.

Rae Overholt: Why do I think you're boasting again?

Lena Lei looks at her nails.

Tristan Pennell: Stay out.

Gabriel Keats: "It's gonna be a while longer yet. Black gets borin', I know. Why'd you think I got plenty of readin' material?"

Rae Overholt: HEY, better not get boring!

Xiao Li Marshal: I think we got a set of Mah-Jongg tiles someplace.

Rae Overholt gives Gabe a slightly wounded look.

Gabriel Keats: "She ain't got the diversions I do."

Tristan Pennell slips his hand down to his dagger.

Lena Lei: The book is fine, but I can't read the whole trip!

Tristan Pennell: I think the girl is safe here.

Lena Lei: Isn't there anything to DO here?!

Gabriel Keats gives Rae a warm smile.

Rae Overholt: Like what? Go look out a port, see space up close. You think we have nightly vids playin?

Anton Machin takes a step toward the engine room. "Don't you want to get rid of this girl? Lemme just speed up your engines a bit. I work on the boss's personal shuttle all the time. I can handle it."

Xiao Li Marshal: Can set you up with a cortex console if ya want. *mutters* Whatever stops you from complainin'...

Tristan Pennell: Nope.

Lena Lei looks at Xiao Li, "Fine."

Xiao Li Marshal: Okay. Be right back.

Tristan Pennell: Captain, ask the guest to sit.

Xiao Li Marshal heads for her quarters, where her extra hacking gear is stashed.

Anton Machin ignores Tristan's objections and goes back to the engine room.

Lena Lei wines, "And I'm not complaining"

Anton Machin reaches out and points at the catalyzer. "That piece there looks like it ain't hooked up too firm. Let me just give it a shove, and... um... uh oh... shit... was it supposed to break off like that?"

Lena Lei: I'm just used to being treated like a human being.

Rae Overholt: WHAT THE HELL DID THAT PIGU DO TO THE SHIP??

Gabriel Keats calls down to the engine room. "Did I just hear 'oh shit'?"

Rae Overholt reaches out and lays a punch upside Anton's head.

Anton Machin comes back with the catalyzer in his hand. "It's no big problem, people. Just this little part."

Anton Machin sees stars.

Gabriel Keats draws his guns instinctively.

Xiao Li Marshal drops the laptop in her hands on the floor. "What happened? What's 'oh shit'?”

Tristan Pennell: give me that you ..

Rae Overholt: HE BROKE MY SHIP!

Xiao Li Marshal: What the tian xiao de did you DO??

Rae Overholt raises her fist to take another swing.

Anton Machin hands the part over. "It snapped off! It was obviously in need of replacement! Just put in a spare...”

Rae Overholt: “Your boss ain’t gone be happy to find out you broke our ship and possibly got his niece killed!! Stupid lugnut!” She swings at him again.

Xiao Li Marshal growls. "Want me to go over YOU and see what snaps off?"

Anton Machin takes the blow to the side of his head and staggers off to the other side of the table. "Calm down, lady! What is that part, anyway? Looks like something we can do without..."

Gabriel Keats: "We got a spare?"

Rae Overholt: I doubt it, Brina left without stocking up!! What’s the damage Tristan!!!

Tristan Pennell: I have the spare in already.

Xiao Li Marshal relaxes. "Oh thank God."

Tristan Pennell: Captian...trust me here... I rigged it. She did good work...this guys knows squat.

Rae Overholt: How long your rig will hold???

Tristan Pennell: Long enough...let me near him.

Anton Machin: I can't help it if your ship ain't like a new shuttle. This thing probably has vacuum tubes in its computers.

Gabriel Keats: "That ain't gonna solve anything."

Lena Lei looks at the Captain, "Have you guys ever actually flown a ship before?! God!"

Rae Overholt: I swear to BUDDAH, I am going to make you unrecognizable to your momma if you touch another thing in my ship!

Xiao Li Marshal: If you wouldn't FUCK WITH THE ENGINE she'd run fine!

Gabriel Keats looks at Lena. "Actually it was him who broke it." He nods at Anton.

Tristan Pennell: Xiao Li... take it and toss it here...please?

Xiao Li Marshal looks to Tristan. "We gonna make it to Whitehall or do we need to stop somewhere closer?"

Lena Lei looks around, "Looks like this ship would have broke without his help anyway."

Tristan Pennell: Closer would be good.

Xiao Li Marshal plucks the catalyzer out of Anton's hands and tosses it to Tristan.

Tristan Pennell: “Thanks.” He turns and runs back to his baby.

Xiao Li Marshal sighs.

Lena Lei stares at Anton, "And you! Stop helping them!"

Xiao Li Marshal: Okay. I guess we're making a detour.

Tristan Pennell mutters and fumes.

Gabriel Keats: "Here's the think you gotta understand about ships--it don't matter what they look like. So long as people who care about it work on it hard, it'll fly true. 'Course once you get a hwun dan like that in engine room.."

Anton Machin SHRUGS.

Lena Lei mutters, "Uncle always said you were an idiot."

Rae Overholt reaches out and slaps the monitor for an incoming wave*

Tristan Pennell shouts “Someone hit him now!!!!”

Anton Machin: Uncle always said you were a bitch. Actually, that's not true. I always say that.

Lena Lei sticks her tongue out at Anton. “I hate you!”

Tristan Pennell: “Again...Someone hit him?” He struggles to balance the flow. “Captain?”


Xiao Li Marshal hollers back toward the engine room. "Tristan! I can't change course 'less you give me some power!"

Tristan Pennell: Stop sooner.

A giant thunking can be heard as the rigged pieces fly apart and shoot about the engine room, it is obviously a patch job wont do it. A new part is needed. A search of the ship turns up nothing. The engine stops and the crew begins to float dead in space.*

Tristan Pennell takes out his tools kit and starts tracing the network

Xiao Li Marshal: ...Ni tamade tianxia suoyou de ren dou gaisi...

Rae Overholt curses at the engine stopping and the information on the wave.


Cimorene Ronmark: Incoming wave from Washtown.

Rae Overholt: *slaps a button to open up the wave screen* Yeah??

Cimorene Ronmark: Recommendation from Tillery is to "stay up a bit" He has heard some scuttlebut about the shipment you're picking up.

Rae Overholt: Don't got a choice, got a busted catalizer. Thanks for the warning though.

Cimorene Ronmark: And there's an Alliance member who's making noises about arresting the crew. Just a head's up. Any relay back besides the catalyzer issue?

Lena Lei groans, "How long is this gonna take?"

Anton Machin stands still for a moment as the ship goes silent... then breaks the silence by looking over at Xiao Li. "Soo... now that the ship ain't going anywhere... you're not busy."

Tristan Pennell: I can't fix it...

Gabriel Keats: "Ni tamade tianxia souyou de ren dou gaisi. . ." He continues in english. "You stupid ruttin' son of a bitch.."

Rae Overholt turns to give Anton a death glare.

Xiao Li Marshal: Shit. We got ANY power? Life support, even?

Tristan Pennell: Has anyone hit him yet?

Rae Overholt looks to Tristan.

Tristan Pennell: I can get us air.

Rae Overholt: We got the shuttles if all else fails.

Anton Machin: Hey now... name calling and finger pointing will get us nowhere. Any of you could JUST as easily have broken that part if you had gone into the engine room and tugged on it like that.

Gabriel Keats does as Tristan suggests, goes to deck Anton, swinging.

Rae Overholt: Should be able to send out a distress call.

Anton Machin backs up and runs around the counter.

Xiao Li Marshal stares at Anton...

Gabriel Keats: "Except we WOULDN'T have been so FOOLISH!"

Rae Overholt: Lena

Tristan Pennell: Fool

Lena Lei laughs, “Won't do any good to hit him in the head. He hasn't got a brain!"

Rae Overholt looks to Lena.

Tristan Pennell: Hit him again, please.

Xiao Li Marshal suddenly SCREAMS and launches herself over the counter at Anton.

Rae Overholt: You want boxin’ lessons Lena?

Anton Machin: FOOLISH?! You guys are the ones who took a job carrying a spoiled brat and a womanizing gangster halfway across the system!"

Rae Overholt: Might be good incase your new husband ever fusses at you.

Anton Machin gets tackled by Xiao Li.

Tristan Pennell: The pilot has a suggestion for you.

Gabriel Keats: "And you're the one who screwed it up."

Rae Overholt watches Xiao Li beat on Anton.

Lena Lei: I can handle myself

Tristan Pennell grins and watches.

Xiao Li Marshal knocks Anton to the floor and starts wailing on him, screaming obscenities the whole time

Gabriel Keats's accent is completely gone now; never a good sign.

Tristan Pennell: Want my spanner Xiao li?

Rae Overholt: Then go handle Anton.

Anton Machin seems to be perversely enjoying having Xiao Li squirming and punching on top of him, even as his face puffs up.

Rae Overholt: Someone get Xiao Li off him. Lena's going to show us what she's got.

Gabriel Keats walks over and grabs the back of Xiao Li's shirt.

Tristan Pennell: Wait...he still has an unbruised spot.

Gabriel Keats: "He's *enjoying* it... Of course, after that little display with Ariel. . . I suppose we can't be surprised."

Xiao Li Marshal flails in Gabriel's grip.

Lena Lei gets up from her seat, walks over to Anton, "I've wanted to do this for so long!"

Tristan Pennell takes a long broad swing at Anton.

Gabriel Keats: "And beating him--though satisfying--won't solve anything!"

Lena Lei knees Anton in the groin.

Xiao Li Marshal: Let me at 'im, I don't care about the ruttin' job, I'ma kill him!

Rae Overholt: Good girl Lena.

Gabriel Keats holds fast to her shirt.

Tristan Pennell: Captain... Let me get to work back there.

Anton Machin starts laughing maniacally but abruptly stops laughing and gasps for air when Lena kicks him in the groin. His expression goes from one of false bravado to twisted pain.

Xiao Li Marshal 's jaw drops at Lena's attack.

Tristan Pennell grins at Anton's pain.

Xiao Li Marshal: ...damn, girl. I might get to liking you after all.

Lena Lei smirks, and slaps Anton as hard as she can across the face.

Anton Machin lays on the floor rolling around pitifully as his face puffs and turns colors with bruises and cuts. Flowering patches of broken blood vessels mark his body where he has suffered repeated blows.

Rae Overholt steps away from the wave again. "We have warnings from Till not to go into town unless we're crew. Alliance is about looking to arrest folks"

Gabriel Keats's eyes go wide.

Lena Lei crosses her arms and smiles, "Well, at least I'm not bored anymore"

Rae Overholt: Well Anton, enjoy the float. Leave him be. Doc can look at him later. Unfortunately, he wont die.

Xiao Li Marshal reaches back and pulls her shirt out of Gabe's grip. She's no longer *quite* as mad, but she's still panting with rage.

Gabriel Keats doesn't really stop her from grabbing it back.

Rae Overholt: Xiao li, you go work on sending out a distress call.

Xiao Li Marshal nods, still panting.

Anton Machin rolls over on his side and spits out teeth and blood as he coughs. It isn't clear whether the blood came from his mouth or deeper in his throat.

Rae Overholt: Everyone back to your stations, see what we got left, close off areas and conserve air.

Tristan Pennell: I can get us air Captian.… for a time.

Gabriel Keats's face goes calm again. "Cap'n--where d'ya need me?"

Xiao Li Marshal: 'M not... not goin' back to the bridge. I can rig a distress signal from here.

Anton Machin hears Xiao Li but can't protest that a distress signal is likely to attract Alliance.

Lena Lei returns to her seat.

Tristan Pennell mutters and starts pounding things in the engine room with abandon.

Xiao Li Marshal is well aware of that, but what choice do they have?

Rae Overholt: Alright, someone gather blankets and emergency supplies..pick us a spot to hold out.

Gabriel Keats: "Shuttles'll be our best bet."

Tristan Pennell starts flipping open covers and tracing conduits.… looking at Sabrina’s hard work and despairing he let her down.

Rae Overholt: Yeah, someone has to stay to watch for rescuers though. Cockpit or cargo. I'll do it.

Gabriel Keats: "Rae.."

Rae Overholt waves a hand at Gabe. "Go get our stuff gabe."

Tristan Pennell slides close the door to engineering and seals it.

Xiao Li Marshal: Any luck at all, Tris?

Rae Overholt: Find us a heat source wont burn oxygen.

Tristan Pennell: Pilot are you there? yes? good.

Gabriel Keats narrows his eyes. "You ain't stayin' up there cold and alone."

Rae Overholt: We got anything? Life support? We have gravity obviously. Any backup?

Tristan Pennell: I got a few options... he said uncertainly

Rae Overholt smiles at him, "I'll think of you to stay warm. Give me them then Tristan.”

Gabriel Keats: "That ain't gonna cut it."

Rae Overholt: Go Gabe, we don’t have much time!

Gabriel Keats storms off to the bunks to gather supplies.

Tristan Pennell shouts: I got Life Support!!

Rae Overholt: Well, least there's that!

Tristan Pennell shouts: Not much else!

Xiao Li Marshal breathes a sigh of relief.

Rae Overholt: How long will it stay up and running?

Anton Machin hears the sounds of people bustling around him, but can't comprehend where he is or what is going on. He passes out on the cold floor.

Tristan Pennell: I can make it last Captain...if we can get help.

Lena Lei looks relieved, "Does this mean we're not going to die?"

Rae Overholt looks down and calls Anton the chinese version of wuss.

Gabriel Keats: "Lena? Can you take him downstairs, please?"

Lena Lei: Do I have to?

Xiao Li Marshal: That's still open for debate, Lena.

Gabriel Keats: "No you don't. . . but it'll help things along if he don't die."

Rae Overholt: Might as well Lena, but wow, didn't that feel good?

Tristan Pennell: Captain.… please hit him some more... more!

Lena Lei: Yes. Yes, it did.

Rae Overholt: You wanna sell it as you were the one that roughed him up we'll play along. Be right funny to boast about it to his friends.

Xiao Li Marshal grimaces at Anton's blood on her clothes. "Man, I just *got* these pants."

Gabriel Keats walks back in with a bundle of blankets, voice hoarse from shouting.

Anton Machin mutters through his swollen mouth in a half stupor. "ammnd i wantsh to get into thozje pantsh..."

Gabriel Keats spreads two of the blankets on the table, starts rooting the cabinets, throws some protein bars and warming packs on each of 'em

Xiao Li Marshal: Oh Jesus Christ... Gabe, we got life support, for now at least...

Lena Lei gets up and walk over to Anton

Gabriel Keats: "Yeah, well, it don't hurt to be ready."

Xiao Li Marshal: That it don't.

Gabriel Keats: "And I could remove some choice parts if'n you wanted to fit better."

Lena Lei leans down and swings at him again before helping him to his feet.

Anton Machin grunts as Lena hits him then hoists him to his feet.

Tristan Pennell: Ok...life support is stable...we can stay for as long as we need to...as long as we don't move.

Tristan Pennell: Xiao Li... Ai Ya!

Xiao Li Marshal blinks in surprise. Did Tristan actually get her name right for once?

Tristan Pennell: Please don't move us.

Xiao Li Marshal: How the gorram hell 'm I s'posted to move us without engine power?

Tristan Pennell smiles.… just don't try... ok? When I was a boy we used to bring hay in for horses. It was held with wire, that's what I'm using back there. Don't move us.

Xiao Li Marshal: I won't.

Tristan Pennell slumps int a chair, “Is he bleeding?”

Anton Machin is, in fact, bleeding.

Xiao Li Marshal retreats to a corner, pulls down her goggles, and starts working on that distress signal.

"So long.. family."

THE STORY SO FAR:
In our last episode, the Captain and crew were re-aquatinted with the mysterious stranger, Jenna Kasei, whom they suspected responsible for Shen’s violent attack. Upon tying Jenna up and generally intimidating her, Ariel determined that Jenna was telling the truth when she claimed not to have even seen Shen on her last visit to Burnet’s Moon. Feeling protective and suspicious, Rae and Sabrina allow Jenna to see the unconscious Shen, they are taken aback at Jenna’s offer to pay whatever it takes to find Shen treatment on the planet below. With Jenna stored safely for takeoff, Shen awakes to reveal that she sustained her injury in a suicide attempt. Faced with the specter of her two lovers finally meeting, Shen fell on her sword. Shen also reveals that the diamond neckless she had given to Sabrina was stolen from Jenna as Shen fled in response to a marriage proposal. Sabrina, with a broken heart asks Ariel to return the neckless to Jenna.

THE STORY CONTINUES:


Rae Overholt walks in, looking for Shen and hoping she's a little better in the care of some real doctors.

The doctors give you a lot of grief about leaving a wounded person with them...

Rae Overholt shakes her head, "Thats what they're for."

Sabrina McGee sighs and looks harried

The doctors fuss with clipboards and X-rays...

Xiao Li shifts restlessly from foot to foot

Doc #1: “Looks like she'll need to be in bed for at least a few weeks...”

Sabrina McGee gets up and starts pacing..

Vertigo Hawks fidgets, he doesn't like hospitals.

Rae Overholt looks at the doctor, "How long's a few weeks? She going to live?"

Gabriel Keats takes a sidelong look at Rae's back, makes a note to speak to her in private later.

Doc #2: "Yeah, you're lucky you got her in when you did, any longer and she wouldn't have made it."

Rae Overholt nods. Resisting the urge to pace herself and waiting for clear cut answers.

Doc #2: "She'll be back on her feet like nothing happened in about a month's time."

Sabrina McGee stops pacing, crosses her arms, and sighs.. "Captain?"
Rae Overholt: Yeah Brina?
Rae Overholt gives her a worried look, as if she expects something bad.

Sabrina McGee: I... I won't be coming back to the Raven.

Xiao Li: ...what?

Gabriel Keats: "This ain't because. . ."

Rae Overholt blinks a few times, "You can't desert us Brina!! We'll get this straightened out, don't you worry. Just give us time!"

Vertigo Hawks shifts his feet and looks up at Sabrina.

Sabrina McGee: What am I gonna do, Cap'n?

Rae Overholt: You're gonna travel the verse with us.

Sabrina McGee: Leave her here? Or try and stay cooped up and not dwell?

Rae Overholt: We'll be in so many spots you'll meet someone else in no time.

Sabrina McGee: I can't do that.. Can't do that to her either.

Rae Overholt: Just you wait.

Xiao Li: You're GOING to suck it up and do your job.

Rae Overholt: Well, I reckon she made her own bed and can deal with things when she gets on her feet. Just cause she went and messed up don't mean you gotta pay for it.

Gabriel Keats: "Brina. . . you shouldn't let one jian huo kick you off the Raven. . . but. . ." He closes his eyes, tries to block everything out. "It ain't as though I don't understand the notion."

Sabrina McGee: I can't do it.. Pa's moving his warehouse and distilling operations down here, away from Washtown.. The owner of the bar sounds like he'll give me a job bar-tending.

Rae Overholt: So, that's it then.

Gabriel Keats: "You gonna be happy without a boat to tinker with?"

Rae Overholt: Your mind 's made up. Nothing to do to change it.

Sabrina McGee: No, probably not, but at least it'd be happier than tinkering on the boat nonstop 'cos I can't leave the engine room.

Rae Overholt: You got four weeks.

Gabriel Keats: ". . . this ain't the Core, you know."

Xiao Li walks out of the room, muttering something unprintable under her breath

Sabrina McGee: I know it's not the core. But if this is what my dreams of romance and love on the core are gonna get me, I'd rather just stay here and keep doing what I was doing. Instead of seeing folks get shot or stabbed or hurt..

Gabriel Keats: "You'll see plenty a that out here. . . but I'm fair certain you know it."

Vertigo Hawks watches the Cap'n pace back and forth.

Rae Overholt: You're leaving me in a lurch Brina. We've taken care of each other.

Gabriel Keats puts a hand on Rae's arm as she walks by

Rae Overholt stops and looks at Gabe, her frustration and sadness leaking through.

Sabrina McGee: No.. you take care of me. I just take care of that goh-se boat of ours.. can't fight, shoot..

Rae Overholt: That's all we need you to do Brina.

Sabrina McGee sighs and puts her head in her hands

Gabriel Keats: "Just keep us floating and away from the Black..." He tries not to get overwhelmed by the emotions, quashes them down. "But you gotta take care of your family."

Sabrina McGee: Mechanics are a dime a dozen.. how many of 'em kept showing up wanting my job?

Rae Overholt: You's one of my first crew Brina.

Vertigo Hawks shifts uncomfortably and notices something outside, he steps out to investigate.

Xiao Li sits just outside the door and sulks

Rae Overholt: That's awful hard to let go of.

Sabrina McGee: You think this is easy for me? You think I like walking away from my baby?

Rae Overholt: No. I know it isn't. I reckon you're between Alliance and a Reaver.

Sabrina McGee: She's MINE, gorammit!

Rae Overholt: Then who're you gonna get to replace you?

Xiao Li: "She's really leaving, isn't she?" Xiao Li murmurs in an undertone to Vertigo as he walks out.

Vertigo Hawks nods to Xiao Li, "Looks like"

Sabrina McGee sighs and puts her palms up

Gabriel Keats: "We'll find someone. She's right 'bout one thing--mechanics are replaceable."

Rae Overholt: Some mechancis.

Gabriel Keats: "Crew's a harder notion. You ain't gonna stop being crew no matter what."

Sabrina McGee mumbles under her breath.. "Or family.."

Gabriel Keats: "Least not to my thinking. Can't speak for the Cap, of course."

Rae Overholt nods.

Gabriel Keats seems almost surreally calm.

Xiao Li shakes her head. "Ta ma de..."

Rae Overholt: That mean we get free drinks if'n you stay down here?

Sabrina McGee nods. Well, y'know you've always got my Pa's blessing.. Dunno 'bout the bar.. but I'll make sure Pa keeps you supplied..

Xiao Li: Love's nothin' but trouble, Hawks. If I ever get like that over somebody, shoot me.

Rae Overholt: Then I reckon you'd better start tonight. I'm going to need a few drinks myself after it. *she gives the doctors a final look before walking out*

Gabriel Keats: "You just gonna sit here, 'Brina?"

Sabrina McGee shrugs and gets up... “Well, dunno what else to do, Gabe.. Everyone hates me right now.”

Gabriel Keats looks at the chair, focusing on the empty space a moment, then heads outside.

Vertigo Hawks: I don't know about the rest of you, but I need a drink.

Sabrina McGee: I've got some coin stashed away.. maybe I could buy everyone a drink..

Xiao Li refuses to meet Sabrina's eyes as she steps outside

Rae Overholt: I dont HATE you Brina!! Crazy fool.

Sabrina McGee: Sure does feel like it..

Gabriel Keats: "She doesn't. You can take my word for it."

Rae Overholt: Well I don't! You're not some reader so don't play it!

Sabrina McGee: I'm sure there'll always be work here to bring you back... at least, seems there's more work here than we were seein' in Washburne..

Gabriel Keats: "You better be gettin' us work. You're a bartender now; it's your job to drum up contacts."

Sabrina McGee: Well, I know Pa's been getting more orders since he moved out here. Plus, lotta folks come through the bar, looks like..

Gabriel Keats: "He still gonna pay us to move his 'shine?"

Sabrina McGee nods

Vertigo Hawks grins, "That's a good thing."

Gabriel Keats laughs. "Says you. I still ain't allowed to touch the go se."

Vertigo Hawks nods to Xiao Li, "Come on, I'll buy the first round"

Xiao Li: Best thing I heard all day.

Sabrina McGee: Look.. I know it's hard.. but I can't stay.. I can't make you guys choose one or the other.. and it'd tear me apart every day.

Rae Overholt nods, crossing her arms and staring at something interesting on the ground.

Gabriel Keats: "Rae, you want to borrow my vest? It's a mite chilly." He keeps his voice casual.

Rae Overholt glances at him, uncomprehending for a moment.

Sabrina McGee: Those memories are gonna stay in my head a long while.. I haven't been sleeping well lately 'cos I keep seeing her laying there with the sword.. or that other lady..

Vertigo Hawks: C'mon, mei mei... they can catch up...

Xiao Li: "M'nobody's mei mei," she mutters, but follows Vertigo anyway.

Gabriel Keats mutters under his breath, Chinese that translates to, 'that girl has got to be more careful.' "Rae. . ."

Rae Overholt glances back at him, "Gabe?"
Rae Overholt looks at the stranger, wondering if he has any shipworthy talents. “You, got a job?” *she looks at Fenris*

Fenris Gausman nods to the strangers and smiles as they pass

Over in the bar:

Sabrina McGee blinks

Vertigo Hawks places some credits on the bar, "You really work here?"

Sabrina McGee hrmms..

Vertigo Hawks: "I'm buying the lady her first drink..."

Alycia Unknown removes her gum and sticks it to the side of her goggles. “Okay, but I'm only acceptin' 'cause I ain't takin' 'Brina's money.”

Sabrina McGee: Yup.. Barkeep said he'd hire me on... What'll you have?

Alycia Unknown: Somethin' strong an' cheap.

Sabrina McGee: House Martini it is!

Vertigo Hawks looks around the bar, "Kinda quiet on a Monday night..."

Sabrina McGee mixes up a martini with Nack's special house bathtub gin. “Not open on Mondays..”

Vertigo Hawks: Make that two...

Alycia Unknown: Yeah, that'll do it.

Vertigo Hawks sets his empty glass down and looks around, his eyes kinda focusing on the man sitting across the room.

Tristan Pennell looks around at the crowd gathering...a memory flits past his mind

Vertigo Hawks's eyes focus on Tristan...

Tristan Pennell: I know you... Hawks?

Vertigo Hawks: hey wait... weren't you...? Tristan?

Xiao Li: Cap'n, c'n you do me a favor?

Rae Overholt: What ya need Xiao li?

Sabrina McGee: Get you a drink, Cap'n?

Xiao Li: 'f I ever get that moon-brained over somebody, shoot me.

Tristan Pennell: NanShung!!!! Ai-YA ...YES!! You look well!

Vertigo Hawks: Gorram it all to hell!!!! How the hell?

Tristan Pennell: you look rich! Buy me a drink!

Vertigo Hawks chuckles, not very... hell yes!

Gabriel Keats mutters, "great.…”

Sabrina McGee: Oh thanks, Xiao Li..

Rae Overholt: Same goes here Xiao Li, now buy me a drink.

Gabriel Keats: "Xiao Li, you have my word. I'll shoot ya."

Vertigo Hawks: 'Brina... some of the finest for this gentleman... Oh, I guess the Cap'n and gabe too...

Tristan Pennell: unbelievable...what are you doing? Captain?
Tristan Pennell looks around at the crowd

Sabrina McGee: Right..

Tristan Pennell: McGee?

Vertigo Hawks: Well, this here is my crew... well the Cap'n crew...

Gabriel Keats crosses his arms.

Xiao Li: Fine. 'Brina, 'nother one o' these house martinis for the Cap'n.

Sabrina McGee pulls out the hidden bottle of scotch

Vertigo Hawks: Rae Overholt meet Tristan Pennell.
Tristan Pennell: Captain...

Vertigo Hawks: We were in the war together...

Sabrina McGee mixes up a special Martini for the Cap'n..

Tristan Pennell: my god that is so much better than the swill I’ve been drinking

Rae Overholt: Yeah Vertigo?

Xiao Li looks over her shoulder at the man Vertigo is talking to. "Whozis?"

Sabrina McGee: Another house special.. Chocolate Martini..

Vertigo Hawks: this is one hell of a great guy!

Gabriel Keats moves to stand behind Rae, blocking her back from view.

Tristan Pennell: We met...ages ago now...

Vertigo Hawks: Hell, he must'a saved my but two or three times!!!

Tristan Pennell: he's a flier...no sense putting him on the ground

Rae Overholt: That so?

Vertigo Hawks: When I was shot down and behind lines...

Tristan Pennell: I sort of showed him a couple a of trick is all.

Vertigo Hawks: Hey Tristan, remember that Amazon Corporal?

Rae Overholt: Kinda, shifty eyed lookin’. You trouble Tristan?

Vertigo Hawks: what was her name...? Roe... Zoe?

Tristan Pennell: Zoe... no... trouble

Vertigo Hawks: Man I wonder what ever happened to her... I had such a crush!

Tristan Pennell: she was flying in a Firefly last I heard

Vertigo Hawks: 'makes two of us... well, more like five or six of us...

Tristan Pennell: What?

Xiao Li looks thoughtful. "Zoe... Zoe... name sounds familiar, but I can't quite..."

Rae Overholt: Yeah, does doesn't it Xiao Li.

Gabriel Keats: "Ain't like it's an uncommon name."

Tristan Pennell: This crew is a Firefly crew?

Vertigo Hawks nods. “Not a bad bunch.”

Tristan Pennell: Oh! Wait... McGee~~~!!!!! This is RAven's McGee??

Sabrina McGee: Err.. yeah? So?

Tristan Pennell: I heard of you.
Sabrina McGee: Don't see how.. I'm just a wrench is all... was...

Tristan Pennell: Firefly is your boat, no?

Rae Overholt: Raven. She's a firefly yeah.

Sabrina McGee: I kept a firefly in the air. Raven.

Tristan Pennell: and she's yours... oh...gods, ooops Captains Boat

Sabrina McGee: Guess that'll be open, now, though..

Tristan Pennell: how so?

Rae Overholt: Only if you're sure Brina.

Sabrina McGee: Cap'n, you can't let 'em muck up what I did. I know someone'll get in there and wanna re-route everything... And they'll.. ::breaks down crying::

Tristan Pennell: uhm...maybe I should just sort of sit down over there.

Rae Overholt: Nobody's gonna re-route my ship. gorrammit.. That blasted Kevin done enough to it already!

Xiao Li snorts in disgust. "Your own gorramn fault."

Vertigo Hawks eyes Tristan, then Rae, "Ya know Cap'n... this guy is pretty good with machines..."

Rae Overholt: Is he now?

Sabrina McGee: I didn't ask for this, Xiao Li.

Rae Overholt: What's with them busted knuckles?

Gabriel Keats closes his eyes. "Brina, ain't nothin' gonna happen to the ship. You can breathe."

Tristan Pennell: knuckles get busted when you work

Rae Overholt: Brina's didn't. Guess she had smaller hands to get into tighter spots though.

Tristan Pennell: we all have a style... and work is a big word.

Vertigo Hawks nods, "There was this one time we needed to evac, and there was this shuttle that had a messed up Grav boot..."

Rae Overholt: So, he's good at repairing gunships.

Vertigo Hawks: "He had that thing in the air in fifteen minutes"

Rae Overholt: A wide variety of ships, thats what you're telling me.

Tristan Pennell: I’m good at ‘things’

Rae Overholt: Hmm.

SeanM Writer wanders in.

Rae Overholt: Alright then. You've got a job. First sign of trouble. I'm beating you with your wrench.

Tristan Pennell: I have a big wrench, too.

Xiao Li smirks. "Call me in first so I c'n watch."

Vertigo Hawks chuckles

Gabriel Keats looks Tristan up and down, trying to get the measure of him. He narrows his eyes, shrugs, and turns, keeping himself close to Rae's back

Sabrina McGee: Need to borrow mine, Cap?

Rae Overholt: I might at that Brina.

Sabrina McGee: Touch any of my work and die.

Tristan Pennell: McGee...why? never mind...I’m glad I was here to help out... so...a gig on a bug

SeanM Writer slides up onto a stool at the bar, his eyes on the wall in front of him.

Tristan Pennell: My head will get sore banging bulkheads.

Vertigo Hawks chuckles, "That it will.. I can tell ya!"

Tristan Pennell: Well... wow... I'm yes Captain, thank you.

Xiao Li: Guys ever heard of a thing called "ducking"?

Gabriel Keats eyes the newcomer. "You lookin' for a drink?"

SeanM Writer clears his throat quietly. "I was about to ask..."

Tristan Pennell: Nanshung? yu ever heard of ducking?

Rae Overholt smirks at Xiao Li's comment.

Vertigo Hawks raises an eyebrow.

Xiao Li: Y'know, where you lower your head going through a door so's you don't give yourself a concussion?

Vertigo Hawks looks down on the short red-head and hurrumphs.

Rae Overholt leans back on Gabe.

Sabrina McGee: Help ya, Mr?

SeanM Writer looks to the bartender. "What do you have that won't kill me?"

Sabrina McGee: Well, bar's not technically open right now.. but I'll see what I can get ya'

Rae Overholt works on the chocolate martini, enjoying the taste and getting tipsy.

SeanM Writer: Anything but Xingdao, please. Even hydraulic fluid would be better.

Sabrina McGee opens the bar fridge and pulls out an Iron city..

Vertigo Hawks: So what in the 'Verse are you donig out here anyways T?

Rae Overholt : Guess its good to have you aboard Tristan. *tips her glass to him*

Gabriel Keats chuckles and lets Rae rest against him. "S'long as you're back there, Brina, can I get somethin' without the fun stuff?"

SeanM Writer pops open the lid and pushes some money across the bar.

Tristan Pennell: thanks...its better work than the fliers and crap... so...I heard some tales... about Raven

Sabrina McGee: Heh.. guess if I'm serving, I should log in..

Tristan Pennell: slavers.… drug runners

Rae Overholt smacks and lips her lips as she finishes the martini, turning to request another and tilting slightly. Grabbing the bar she rights herself and blinks.

Vertigo Hawks clears his throat... "We ain't slavers!"

Sabrina McGee mixes up another Chocolate Martini for Rae and sets it in front of her..

Tristan Pennell: hey! its just tales

Gabriel Keats: "Rae. . ."

Xiao Li: Gorram right we ain't.

Sabrina McGee pulls out a mug for Gabe and puts a teabag in it..

Gabriel Keats: "Cap. . ."

SeanM Writer listens carefully to the banter, watching the crowd quietly.

Tristan Pennell: Well... gorram Good!

Xiao Li stares long and hard at the man on the far end of the bar.

Tristan Pennell: I ain't into dealing that way

SeanM Writer: "Thanks for the beer. Gotta love something that foams on the bottom."

Sabrina McGee nods

Rae Overholt blinks at him, "Gabe?"

Vertigo Hawks: Look, not a lot a work out here, sometimes ya gotta take what comes along...

Tristan Pennell: I’ll take it

Rae Overholt picks up the martini and slowly, carefully turns back around to watch everyone and listen.

Tristan Pennell: and I have other "skills" Captain

Gabriel Keats: "Remember what you told me 'bout stayin' sharp?"

Tristan Pennell: I can be quite useful, I think

Sabrina McGee: Evening, Folks! Welcome to Firefly's!

SeanM Writer puts his beer down on the bar. He clears his throat again. "Excuse me, bartender who's not a bartender..."
Sabrina McGee: Yes, Mr.?

SeanM Writer: "You know of anyone looking for a flight surgeon?

Sabrina McGee: And I am actually a bartender here.
SeanM Writer: Ah. well, then. And a fine job you're doing of it.

Vertigo Hawks looks to the stranger... “you're a medic?”

Sabrina McGee: And yes, Raven's been lookin' for a sawbones for a while..

Tristan Pennell: so...Hawks...what are you doing on the boat?

Sabrina McGee: ain't had much luck in that dept. since Rio..

SeanM Writer looks to Vertigo. "Yes."

Rae Overholt blinks at him, "Skills? What skills?" she then jumps and raises a hand to wave in the air, "OO OO, we are, surgeon, we are", as she tilts precariously on her seat again.

Vertigo Hawks: not much, whatever needs doin'... Gun, I guess.

Xiao Li: Just tell me you ain't got any long-lost lovers who're gonna pop up at inconvenient times.

Tristan Pennell: I know a guy who is doing a real bait and switch...he's looking for just you, I know it

Vertigo Hawks: Really?

Tristan Pennell: Remember George?

SeanM Writer drains the beer, and puts it down on the counter.

Vertigo Hawks: George? sure!

Gabriel Keats looks at Rae and sighs slightly.

Tristan Pennell: we were in Du-Khang?

Vertigo Hawks: yeah, I remember George...

Rae Overholt smiles sweetly up at Gabe.

Tristan Pennell: he has this idea.… it sounds hair brained to me... but I bet you and him could pull it off. Want his number?

Sabrina McGee: Howdy Mr. Enoch..

Vertigo Hawks nods

Rae Overholt: Reckon that means vertigo's next.

Tristan Pennell fumbles around with his organizer. “hang on a sec, I have it here somewhere...”

Vertigo Hawks: Well, Cap'n... George is a hell of a pilot...

Gabriel Keats: "Too much chocolate, baobei..."

Tristan Pennell: Goram Right!

Rae Overholt nods, "Sure, fine, go on then."

Vertigo Hawks: Think ya could do without me for a spell?

Rae Overholt puts her drink on the counter, done and down.

Tristan Pennell steps back and surveys the crew a second....

Vertigo Hawks: Cap'n, I think you'd like George... hell of a guy.

Tristan Pennell: he ran an hot zone evac flier

Vertigo Hawks: he was even crazier than I was!

Tristan Pennell: ha...and that says some

Sabrina McGee pours herself a shot of her stashed Drambuie

Gabriel Keats: "We been lookin' for a doctor for our crew. You Core?"

SeanM Writer leaves a tip on the bar. and stands.

Xiao Li puts down her empty glass and pulls the gum off of her goggles again

Sabrina McGee: Le Cheim!

Rae Overholt nods vaguely at Vertigo, already writing him off in her head. "Sure."

SeanM Writer: "I am...at least I have been"

Gabriel Keats: "You got field experience? Military, hospital. . .anythin' cept a pitched tent, really."

Tristan Pennell: McGee? Any more of that water of life back there?

Sabrina McGee: Well, I dunno 'bout the Scotch.. but I got plenty of other stuff..

Vertigo Hawks steps out into the night air.

SeanM Writer: "I was a field surgeon."

Rae Overholt points to Tristan, "You going to give our pilot a run for her money with the booze?"

Tristan Pennell whispers quietly..."Bye Nanshung"

Xiao Li: Heh, maybe he can help me quality-test that hooch we're usin' for fuel.

Tristan Pennell: oh...nice...thanks

Sabrina McGee pours Tristan a shot of SoCo

SeanM Writer: "In other words, I was a saw slinger."

Gabriel Keats: "You interested in bein' part of a crew? Or are you one of those grounded types?""

SeanM Writer: "I wouldn’t have asked if anyone needed a flight surgeon if I was a groundling."
Tristan Pennell: so..."Captain" tell me about Raven...Stuff McGee won't

Rae Overholt: What you want to know Tristan?
Rae Overholt gives him a blurry look.

SeanM Writer: "What have you got for a sickbay?"

Tristan Pennell: the bug is a flighty beast... and McGee has worked hard...she has a rep!!

Sabrina McGee: Her name's Raven.

Tristan Pennell: but I want to know a bit about what you do.… where you plan to go

Gabriel Keats's eyes widen slightly, remembering a few choice moments. He shakes his head. "Some folk's don't get bein' part of a crew. Think it's mostly lie-over between jobs 'stead of bein’ out in the Black. We got it full stocked from a run; our last doctor left most of his supplies too. State of the art Core go se, real fancy. I can show ya around." He looks a little nervous.

Rae Overholt: Right now, we ship shine. For Brina's papa, we run salvage when we can, and pick up odd jobs here and there.

Xiao Li: What kin'a mechanic don't call the ship by 'er name?

Tristan Pennell: She's not mine...She's McGee's

SeanM Writer looks around the bar, and back at Gabriel, "I'm sure it's well enough in order."

Sabrina McGee: Yeah, well, Miss Ana never saw fit to give 'er to me... But she probably belongs more to this crew than anyone..

SeanM Writer: "I'm used to working with whatever there is.…”

Gabriel Keats laughs. "Good quality in a doctor. Seein' as what we have, we mostly steal."

Tristan Pennell: Bao-mei...if you make her fly...she's your lover

Rae Overholt chuckles, "nah, Xiao Li dont 'llow no lovers on board."

Gabriel Keats inhales sharply.

Tristan Pennell: ok...I sense tension!!!

SeanM Writer watches Keats carefully.

Gabriel Keats mutters, "ain't you a regular psychic."

Sabrina McGee: no, that pofu is currently in the clinic..

Xiao Li: Look. Love's cost us one doctor already, an' now it's costin' us a mechanic an' a cook. You wonder why I have a problem with it?

Sabrina McGee: but Raven was my girl, sho'nuff..

Tristan Pennell: yeah. I know what you mean. I'll be good to her, make her purr, rub her belly.

Rae Overholt: Aw now Xiao li, we'll just find you someone on another crew. So you only see each other once in a yin yang.

SeanM Writer laughs with a hard edge at Alycia's mention of love costing them a doctor. “Well, there's a problem I won't have.”

Xiao Li gives Rae a death glare

Gabriel Keats: "Seein' as I seem to be the one doin' the interviewin', if you want the job, you got it. You get a cut of what we take, room and board, and a whole host of issues."

Rae Overholt grins drunkenly at her, oblivious.

Tristan Pennell: Sooo.....McGee.....tell me.… the atmo-scrubbers.....working....

Xiao Li: Love's nothin' but trouble, in my 'sperience.

Sabrina McGee: Yeah, just you wait 'til it smacks you in the head with a wrench... 'course, you'd have to pull your goggles off first...

Tristan Pennell steps back from the two women.

SeanM Writer: "Well, if that means my issues get pooled in... then it sounds like a deal. Let me take a look at your bird."


Gabriel Keats: "Brina? Xiao Li? Can you keep an eye on the Cap'n for me? Personal favor."

Sabrina McGee: Everything's shipshape, Tristan.. I got preoccupied with tearing everything down and rebuilding it.. multiple times.. while my girl was dying.

Tristan Pennell: oh God... ok. Come sit and chat a bit.

Gabriel Keats notes the knife on Tristan's leg, doesn't say anything.

Tristan Pennell: Keats....you're staring

Rae Overholt spins in her chair to prop her elbows on the bar.

Gabriel Keats gives him a flat, passive glance and turns. "I'll show you the infirmary."

SeanM Writer: Very well.

Gabriel Keats walks out, face unreadable

Sabrina McGee: I've got a meeting with the bosses in about 20 minutes..

Rae Overholt: What boss is that? Certainly aint me.

SeanM Writer stands with his hands behind his back, a hint of a military "at ease" bearing to him.

Rae Overholt sits there, sulking, still tipsy.

SeanM Writer: Lead on at your leisure. It's not like I'm going anywhere else.

Tristan Pennell: McGee...the boat sounds a beauty...you call her Raven...I like the image.

Xiao Li stares at the countertop, lost in thought. Or in drink. Whichever.

Sabrina McGee: Actually, Xiao Li gets credit fer namin' her..

Xiao Li: No I don't. I wanted to name 'er "Blackbird." It was the old doc who came up with "Raven."

Sabrina McGee: Was it?
Tristan Pennell: I know a story about Raven... the bird I mean

Xiao Li: That's my recollection.

Sabrina McGee: I must've forgotten that 'cos you painted her raven on the side
Sabrina McGee looks over at Rae and sighs..

Xiao Li shrugs. " 's an old pic I found on the Cortex. Tribal design or some such. So what's the story?”

Rae Overholt: What story's that? *she swings her head to look at Tristan*

Tristan Pennell smiles... you may regret asking me that... maybe one day....out in the black...when we are all bored to death....I’ll tell it.

Rae Overholt nods, "Deal. You like stories Xiao Li?”

Xiao Li: This better be one hell of a story. The good ones, yeah.

Rae Overholt swings her head from Xiao Li, to Tristan again, "'sit a good one?"

Tristan Pennell: I don't really tell stories as much as recount stuff I’ve come across... I can be sort of fun at parties.....you'll see

Rae Overholt: We have to keep the liquor locked up on the boat.

Tristan Pennell: but ...what's the point of telling a bad story?

Xiao Li smirks. "Remind me to tell you the goat story sometime."

Sabrina McGee baaaas

Tristan Pennell: a goat story.… oh, we can compare ours...I’ll tell you mine if you tell me yours

Rae Overholt: I got a story 'bout a pig. Damn near tried to tap dance on my liver nasty ornery thing.

Xiao Li: You mean that, Tris?

Tristan Pennell: Mei-Mei....I mean everything I say.

‘Xiao Li scowls. "I. Am. Not. Anybody's. MEI-MEI."

Tristan Pennell: ok ok ....its a ...word....sorry

Rae Overholt: Aww now Xiao Li, you're not my mei-mei?

Rae Overholt gives her a "look"

Xiao Li: No. I'm not. I haven't been anybody's since...
Xiao Li trails off and stares down at the countertop again

Sabrina McGee: Ha!

Tristan Pennell: new topic!!!1

Sabrina McGee snorts

Rae Overholt shakes her head, resisting the odd overpowering temptation to slam Xiao Li's head into the bar.

Tristan Pennell: McGee... come sit and show me your tools....

Xiao Li: Oh no. You gotta get me a hell of a lot more drunk to get *that* story outta me.

Sabrina McGee: Now that's an interesting way to hit on a girl, there..

Tristan Pennell: is it working? NICE!!!!

Sabrina McGee: Well, you can ask my ex-girlfriend in the infirmary about how to hit on me.

Tristan Pennell: Oh Gods... I keep doing that... please accept my apologies.

Xiao Li snickers

Sabrina McGee: She's lucky she's in the infirmary. If she hadn't done it herself, I would've done it for her once I found out.

Rae Overholt sighs

Tristan Pennell butts out his stogie, “I got me one of those!

Sabrina McGee: Do not piss off the mechanic bitch with the giant wrenches and the ability to decompress your crew bunk.

Tristan Pennell: you see... Captain tell it where to go... but Mech's really own the boat

Rae Overholt reaches out and smacks Tristan upside the back of his head.

Tristan Pennell: ai-ya sorry Capt... didn't see you eves dropping

Rae Overholt gives him a look, sizing him up.

Tristan Pennell whispers at McGee.… "you know I'm right"

Sabrina McGee chuckles, “Well.. I have to get heading back..”

Rae Overholt waves dismissively at Brina, still sulking.

Tristan Pennell: I'll watch the Raven for you

Sabrina McGee: You're just gonna wave, Cap'n?

Xiao Li doesn't even bother to look up at Sabrina as she goes.

Rae Overholt: You want me to cry?

Sabrina gives Rae a big hug. “I been cryin' for a week, Rae...”

Rae Overholt: Reckon I'll do that later in private.

Sabrina McGee: You know I don't wanna do this.

Rae Overholt gives her a hug, hoping to see her again sometime. "I know Brina."

Sabrina McGee: But I can't help it, and I ain't gotta choice.

Tristan Pennell: She's been here a while...on Raven I mean?

Sabrina McGee: Guess a hug won't work, huh, Xiao Li?

Xiao Li just grunts

Tristan Pennell: You're a bit hard...a flyer right?

Xiao Li: Yep.

Tristan Pennell: yep

Rae Overholt reaches up and wipes an eye as she returns to her seat, avoiding looking at anyone.

Tristan Pennell looks past the captain...not wanting to... interfere... Xing Li... you staying or going? Just seems like some folks are going... not many staying.

Xiao Li: I ain't leavin'.

Sabrina McGee tosses something on the bar in front of Xiao Li... it's the last remaining coin of pay from their first job together. “Hang onto that for me, will ya?”

Rae Overholt spins on her chair again, facing Fenris. She picks up some of the bar snacks and throws them at him. "Hey you. Got a name?"

Sabrina McGee: I'll be wanting that back sometime, Xiao Li. Sometime when you come pick me up again.

Tristan Pennell smiles recognizing a symbolic moment when he sees one

Sabrina McGee turns to walk out of the bar.. quietly.. "So long.. family."

Xiao Li waits until Sabrina is out of the building, then quietly pockets the coin.

Rae Overholt: “Damn right.” Rae Overholt nods.

Tristan Pennell looks at his drink and feels a bit uncomfortable

Rae Overholt : We wont kill you right off Tristan. It'll be a slow colorful death.

Tristan Pennell: I look good in colors

Rae Overholt : Hope so.

Tristan Pennell: The pilot...she's ok? Tristan Pennell looks at Xiao Li

Xiao Li: I'm *right here.*

Rae Overholt: She's just fine.

Tristan Pennell: oh...you are...yeah... I see that now...

Gabriel Keats: "We've got a doc, assumin' he don't turn out to be another Jadi."

Tristan Pennell: so a doc, a flier, a capt and Mate, and a mech.… sounds like a crew

Xiao Li: We also got an occasional weapons consultant... wherever the hell he is these days.

Tristan Pennell: I got guns

Rae Overholt: “You use um?” Rae Overholt waves at Gabe. “What do you mean another Jadi??”

Tristan Pennell: I saved Hawks skinny ass more than once.… he'll tell you.

Rae Overholt: He gone crazy killed folks??

Gabriel Keats smiles warmly at Rae, seeming to have calmed some. "You know, I don't believe he has."

Rae Overholt: Good then.

Tristan Pennell: Docs that kill...sorry state of the 'verse

Gabriel Keats: "Jadi weren't a doc."

Xiao Li: Want me to do some checkin' on the Cortex, see what I can find out?

Rae Overholt: Think that might be proper, though, lot good its done us lately. Rae Overholt sighs. “Damn Shen.”

Gabriel Keats: "That'd be appreciated." He takes a packet of papers from his vest, hands them to Xiao li. "That's what he gave me. See if it checks out?"

Xiao Li: “Ain't no amount of research can stop people from bein' stupid for love. Will do."

Tristan Pennell smiles at the pilot.….

Xiao Li: S'why I don't touch the stuff.

Tristan Pennell: no love, Pilot? Makes a cold Cockpit

Xiao Li: Like I said. Love just leads to trouble.

Tristan Pennell: Trouble comes from jealousy, insecurity, lust and faithlessness. Not love.

Xiao Li: You say that like there's a difference.

Tristan Pennell smiles again..." I have a lot of stories for you then, pilot"

Rae Overholt nods, "Stories are good."

Tristan Pennell: It’s not so much stories? Its more...the STORY

Rae Overholt: ah

Tristan Pennell: We all are just part of the STORY... and it changes when we meet new people.

Gabriel Keats refrains from rolling his eyes.

Rae Overholt: Know a man, likes books. Never understood it.

Tristan Pennell: I have a book...a little one...

Xiao Li rubs the bridge of her nose. "Ai ya..."

Rae Overholt: Kept the real things around. Kept telling him the digital ones took up less space. Said he liked the smell.

Tristan Pennell sniffs

Rae Overholt smiles, thinking of Marcus.

Tristan Pennell: the smell is special

Rae Overholt: That's what he thought.

Tristan Pennell: He was right. What are you drinking Xing Li?

Xiao Li: 'Brina called it a "special house martini." Dunno what all's in it.

Tristan Pennell: that's you name ain't it...Xing Li.....I knew a companion named Xing Lee....she had black hair

Xiao Li: It's XIAO Li.

Tristan Pennell: Really?

Xiao Li: And I ain't no Companion.

Tristan Pennell: No I see that.

Xiao Li: I sure hope so.

Tristan Pennell: so...not a companion....I can't afford that anyway. When can I see Raven? When are we heading off? When do I get paid?

Rae Overholt: You get paid when we get a job, till then you get room and board.

Tristan Pennell: Board is good.

Rae Overholt: You can see the Raven whenever you want.

Tristan Pennell: Who's room? Xing Li?

Rae Overholt looks at Xiao Li out of the corner of her eye.

Xiao Li gives Tristan a death glare.

Tristan Pennell looks inocent. “Was it something I said?”

Xiao Li stands up. "I'm goin' back to the ship. To my own, personal, *private* bunk."

Rae Overholt: Why dont you give Tristan a tour?

Tristan Pennell chuckles

Xiao Li: NO.

Rae Overholt: Why not?

Tristan Pennell: its ok Captain. I've seen the bugs insides before...or at least A bugs insides.

Xiao Li: Do I have to draw you a diagram, Cap'n?

Rae Overholt: I'm not gonna let him mess with you Xiao Li. You oughta know that by now. *she glares at Xiao Li*

Xiao Li stomps off, muttering under her breath

Tristan Pennell: night Xing Li! She seems nice, for a pilot.

Rae Overholt snorts