RP: "Adventures in Gunrunning" - Act 12 by FrauDirektor

Keep the Shiny side up

Thorne's Move

Location: Galley.

[THORNE listens to MAL handle the problem of the missing doctor and settle down the crew. Kid's got the right stuff, just a little rough around the edges. Thorne resolves to talk to MAL tomorrow and try to resolve the discomfort between them. Right now he needs to talk to someone else. INARA is standing alone near the aft stairs, and now's as good a time as any. THORNE walks to her side.]

THORNE: "The Captain's right. We could all use a good night's rest. Tomorrow evening, though, I would beg the favour of some time alone with you, if that is acceptable?"

EOM

"Keep the Shiny side up"

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Wednesday, March 17, 2004 4:37 PM

Keep the Shiny side up

MAL's Move:

Location: Galley

[As MAL lifts the tequila bottle to his lips, he sees MERZ tentatively raising her hand, like a school kid that needs to go potty.]

MERZ: “Begging your pardon Sir, but all I require is about 5 feet of deck and a place to stash my belongings. A bunk is . . . not necessary. And, may I ask, what should I call you sir?...Oh, and pardon my presumption. If I might visit the engine room for a short time, I request permission to speak to Miss KAYLEE.”

MAL: "My name is Malcolm Reynolds, an' none of my crew sleeps on the deck! We'll find a place for you to doss, don't worry. An' if you want'a talk to KAYLEE, go right ahead, this ain't no Purple-belly slaveship. Just come runnin' to that laser if I call. Now get some chow if you want, an' go see 'Miss KAYLEE'."

EOM.

G'nite

"Keep the Shiny side up"

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Thursday, March 18, 2004 2:09 AM

MERZ move

LOCATION - DINING ROOM
to ENGINE ROOM

i have dossed on the deck for as long as i can remember and i am not going soft now. But i won’t argue with you about it either

MERZ stands and carefully makes her way across the busy room to where ROWAN is minding DAMON. ROWAN seems to be handling things just fine and while DAMON looks far from well, he also does not look like death is breathin’ on his neck either. Satisfied that no one needs her right now, she makes her way to the corridor that KAYLEE vanished down and looks for the engine room. glad to get out of that crowd, i’ll see if there is any food in a minute. the ‘verse knows i can’t cook to save my life

Not too hard to find, what with KAYLEE humming and working in there. MERZ has never seen anything quite like it, somewhere halfway between a mechanic’s nightmare and the most audacious engineering she could possibly imagine. heropa would want to adopt this girl KAYLEE is tinkering with something and looks up brightly when MERZ knocks on the doorframe. “Oh Hi!. Can I help you?”

“Hello. No I am fine, I just had a couple of things I need to say to you. I’m MERZ by the way.”

KAYLEE stands and comes over hand outstretched, “KAYLEE. Pleased to meet you I’m sure. What’s up?”

MERZ shakes the offered hand, not sure if that is what is called for, but it appears to satisfy KAYLEE, who waits for her to respond. “First off, I was in the Valley when you came in and I heard Serenity long before I saw her.” MERZ actually smiles. “I wanted to meet whoever loves her, those engines sing!” KAYLEE beams.

“Second. I have a confession to make. DAMON did a find job with that cannon and he knew how to fix the sighting error, where I would have spent time firing and correcting. It was me who bungled up the wiring. I don’t know Fireflys at all, and this one . . . is special anyway. I would greatly appreciate it if you would take the time to show me what I did wrong sometime. Then I will never repeat the same error. Do you mind?”

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

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Thursday, March 18, 2004 4:34 AM

ZOE'S MOVE:
LOCATION: GALLEY
As...

ZOE see MAL's eye canvas the room, looking for KAYLEE, but she's already gone back to her engines. He sets the data stick on the table, grabs a bottle, and starts looking for food.

ZOE (to herself): Good to know we still think along the same lines - By rights, KAYLEE should be the next one to see that stick...

As she levers away from the wall and reaches for the data stick, ZOE hears MAL give MERZ permission to go talk to KAYLEE. MERZ leaves the galley, headed for the engine room, and ZOE tucks the data stick into her shirt pocket.

ZOE (to MAL): "I'll see that KAYLEE's the next one to see the doc's message, as soon as MERZ's done with her. Meantime..."

ZOE turns to BOOK, sitting at the table and looking for all the world like he thinks SIMON goin' missing is his fault. She puts a hand on his shoulder, offering what little comfort she can.

ZOE: "SHEPHERD, why don't you work some o' your magic in the kitchen? I imagine we got a mess o' folks all worked up and needin' a meal - and we got plenty o' rosemary."

ZOE smiles at BOOK and turns back to MAL.

ZOE: "Sir, I suggest we have MERZ settle into the empty crew quarters next to WASH's and my bunk. She'll be close to the bridge there, case we need her to man the laser. Shepherd already made up bunks for ROWAN an' THORNE, so that leaves DAMON here. Looks like it'd be best to have him bunked in the infirmary for now, wounded as he is."

As usual, ZOE puts her suggest forward and waits for MAL's decision before springing into action.

End Move.

OOC: Sorry this took me so long, folks! Lots of RL stuff takin' up my valuable RP time!

~A~

...I'm still free,
You can't take the sky from me.

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Thursday, March 18, 2004 4:56 AM

Keep the Shiny side up

Mal's Move:

Location: Galley

ZOE: "Sir, I suggest we have MERZ settle into the empty crew quarters next to WASH's and my bunk. She'll be close to the bridge there, case we need her to man the laser. Shepherd already made up bunks for ROWAN an' THORNE, so that leaves DAMON here. Looks like it'd be best to have him bunked in the infirmary for now, wounded as he is."

[MAL realizes he had completely forgotten the empty crew quarters. He really does need to get some sleep. Well, ZOE suggested it, so she gets to do it.]

MAL: "Se-niou! Forgot all about those quarters. After you take KAYLEE the message stick, why don't you show MERZ where it is, an' then get DAMON down to sickbay. I better get my head down 'fore I fall over.

[MAL takes a final swig of tequila, sets the bottle down, and heads for his bunk.]

EOM

Se-niou = Crap-piss

OOC: See what happens when I leave my Serenity floorplan at home?

"Keep the Shiny side up"

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Thursday, March 18, 2004 6:57 AM

i DO aim to misbehave

Rowan's Move:
LOCATION - DINING ROOM

Slipping on purple rubber gloves, Rowan takes out some antiseptic and cleans the wound, gingerly touching the open area. Upon a quick inspection, she gives it a begrudgingly positive nod. All things considered, it could be a lot worse.

ROWAN: "Well, it doesn't look too awful. You managed to spring a couple stitches, though. I'll have to mend that."

Taking a syringe and a vial of local anesthetic out of the bag. She measures an exact dose, then expels a bit of it through the needle to eliminate air bubbles. Holding it upright, she leans in to meet Damon's gaze directly, hoping the sight of the needle will put him more in the mood to listen rather than give attitude.

ROWAN: "You strike me as the type who's not used to sitting still for very long, so I imagine you won't like hearing this, but unless you want this to turn completely septic and lead to your untimely demise, it would be in your best interests to try out the leisurely life for awhile."

EOM

We have art so as not to die of truth ~ Neitzsche
http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=7922

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Thursday, March 18, 2004 7:44 AM

ZOE's MOVE:
LOCATION - GALLEY to ENGINE ROOM

As MAL heads for his bunk, ZOE grins outright and heads down to the engine room.

ZOE arrives in the engine room just in time to hear MERZ's comment about KAYLEE's love of Serenity and her request to be shown the wiring error.

ZOE (to herself): "That outta put her in good with our girl."

She grins widely and pauses to make sure she's not interrupting.

ZOE: "KAYLEE, here's that data stick the doctor left. Why don't you have a look at your message while I show MERZ her bunk? Lemme know when you're finished, and I'll come get the stick - I'm a bit curious to know what the doc had to say to me that needed encryptin'."

ZOE hands the data stick to KAYLEE and turns to MERZ, looking to give KAYLEE some privacy.

ZOE: "MERZ, did you bring any gear aboard? We can pick it up on the way to your bunk. Follow me."

ZOE steps out of the engine room and waits for MERZ to follow.

Interim Location: Back Hall just outside Engine Room door

End Move.

~A~

...I'm still free,
You can't take the sky from me.

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Thursday, March 18, 2004 8:00 AM

CIARA

Inara's move--short
sorry guys, been out of the loop.

THORNE: "The Captain's right. We could all use a good night's rest. Tomorrow evening, though, I would beg the favour of some time alone with you, if that is acceptable?"

Inara lowers her lashes demurely, soft fans of black against her newly-pinkened cheeks.

You would be most welcome, Mr. Thorne. I should be ready to recieve you in my shuttle say...tomorrow, late afternoon? I fear we may need that much rest to recover from today. Inara smiles sweetly, reaching to clasp Thorne's hand as she passes.

Until tommorow then.

Inara glances toward Mal as he leaves the room. She turns and follows, grabbing two small protein bars from the sideboard as she passes. Determined to speak to him...about what, she's not quite sure yet.

Inara finds Mal wending is slow way down the hall toward his bunk, and stops him just outside his door.

INARA
"Mal....can we speak?" Inara calls. Mal turns to look at her with a weary expression. Inara steps back, smoothing her dress, realizing for the first time she still looks a bit dishevelled and smells a bit like a brewery from her escapades in the common room. Holding a protein bar out to Mal as she begins to speak:

"Do you know what Simon's off to do, Mal? Shepherd gave me the meme stick, but I never got a chance to read it. I truly worry for River...apparently I'm to care for her, but I'm not sure how she'll be without her brother...

much is left unsaid in Inara's eyes....Mal can read her concerns there...what are they to do with River if Simon never returns?

End Inara's turn

Just a humble supplicant in service to all things Joss

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Thursday, March 18, 2004 8:39 AM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - DINING ROOM

Quote:
Originally posted by Geezer:
MAL: "My name is Malcolm Reynolds, an' none of my crew sleeps on the deck! We'll find a place for you to doss, don't worry. An' if you want'a talk to KAYLEE, go right ahead, this ain't no Purple-belly slaveship. Just come runnin' to that laser if I call. Now get some chow if you want, an' go see 'Miss KAYLEE'."

Several thoughts tumble through Damon's mind as he digests this bit of information from the captain. Crew? How did we go from being bun tien-shung de ee-duai-ro strays to crew?
He doesn't say anything; being crew would probably mean coin at some point. More coin is always a good thing.

Zoe: "Sir, I suggest we have MERZ settle into the empty crew quarters next to WASH's and my bunk. She'll be close to the bridge there, case we need her to man the laser. Shepherd already made up bunks for ROWAN an' THORNE, so that leaves DAMON here. Looks like it'd be best to have him bunked in the infirmary for now, wounded as he is."

Jien tah duh guay. I'd sooner choose the floor of the cargo bay.

Mal: "Se-niou! Forgot all about those quarters. After you take KAYLEE the message stick, why don't you show MERZ where it is, an' then get DAMON down to sickbay. I better get my head down 'fore I fall over.

Mal turns to leave and Damon quickly speaks up before he gets too far.

"If its all the same to you, I'd prefer to sleep in the shuttle."

Mal nods. "Can't say I blame you, wouldn't want to sleep in there my own self."

Damon turns his attention back to Rowan who now has a pair of purple gloves on.

ROWAN: "Well, it doesn't look too awful. You managed to spring a couple stitches, though. I'll have to mend that."

She takes a syringe and a vial of local anesthetic out of the bag. She measures an exact dose, then expels a bit of it through the needle to eliminate air bubbles. Holding it upright, she leans in to meet Damon's gaze directly.

Damon tenses up the moment the needle leaves the bag, glaring at it like it was a poisonous snake. He relaxes a little when he sees her fill it with anesthetic but still doesn't look too happy with it.

ROWAN: "You strike me as the type who's not used to sitting still for very long, so I imagine you won't like hearing this, but unless you want this to turn completely septic and lead to your untimely demise, it would be in your best interests to try out the leisurely life for awhile."

Leisurely life? The concept was as strange to him as the sky to a fish. She's damn right I don't sit still for long. Life doesn't slow down just because you get injured. You get beat up by a guard, you dust yourself off and go back to work. You try to escape and break your arm, you dust youself off and get back to work. You get shot in the leg for trying again, you close it up and go back to work. And you don't close it with no stitches either. Just cuz I'm free doesn't mean I can go soft. Hell, spending the morning in a bar nearly got me caught this morning. I have coin to make and Feds to avoid and I'm not going to get either of those things done sitting on my ass.

Damon gives Rowan a hard look. "Leisurely lives are for those who can afford them. How about we forget the stitches and just put a hot knife to it so I can continue earning my keep?"

Jien tah duh guay = like hell

OOC: Geezer, I assume that Damon using the spare shuttle isn't a problem, so I had Mal answer for you. Hope that flies.

I'm not broken, in my dream I win...

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Thursday, March 18, 2004 9:02 AM

Keep the Shiny side up

Mal's Move

Location:Upper Passageway

[The events of the day have suddenly hit MAL like a blackjack. It takes a herculean effort just to stop and turn when INARA calls his name]

INARA: "Do you know what Simon's off to do, Mal? Shepherd gave me the meme stick, but I never got a chance to read it. I truly worry for River...apparently I'm to care for her, but I'm not sure how she'll be without her brother...

[Even half-asleep, MAL can read INARA's concern. Too tired to think of a caustic comment, he replies.]

MAL: "Said he's on the trail of a cure for RIVER. Not much detail. May get in touch later. And RIVER? I don't know, 'NARA. I reckon as we'll all be lookin' out for her. She didn't seem too shook when she heard SIMON's gone, but is that a good or a bad thing? See about gettin' her bedded down for now, please, an' we'll talk on it tomorrow. You should prob'ly get some rest too. G'nite now."

[MAL turns away and staggers to his quarters, half-falling down the ladder. Still fully dressed, he collapses onto the bed, asleep before he stops bouncing.]

EOM

"Keep the Shiny side up"

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Thursday, March 18, 2004 9:06 AM

RAVENWHYTEWING

Slights move:
Slight goes on to the Cortex. He logs in under the special encoding he'd created, long ago. He finds Serenity, and is pleased to see the Alliance ships only sent one message, the typical log of an unauthorized vessel. With simple ease, he erases the mention of it. Serenity shouldn't show up on Alliance radar for a while.
Slight hacks through, and sends a message to Serenity. He leaves it in Blue Sun coding, so that only Thorne will be able to open it. "Agent Slight, reporting to Thorne. All is well. Simon Tam is unboard with me, but quite focused, and not very social at the moment. There's," Slight allows a proud smile, "no mention of an unauthorized Firefly-class in Hera." He pauses, not sure what else to say. "To all of the crew, I salute you on exceptional flying and shooting. Well done. Reply to this message with a return date, if you'd like to pick up your wayward doctor. If not, and with Captain Reynolds permission, I can have us off-planet with a day."
Slight ends the recording, then adds two attachments. One to Thorne, explaining about the sticky, and it's current place of hiding. He starts a second one to Merz, but pauses. What in the world can he say? He decides. "When we meet again, m'lady," he says, unconciously touching the screen with his hand, "There is much I would like to discuss. I will return."
He sends his emblem, a merlin with razor wings.

Slight closes the message, touching the screen with a gesture that's almost a carress. "Until we meet again," he whispers, and settles back for the long ride there.

I'm talking about geese.

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Thursday, March 18, 2004 10:01 AM

i DO aim to misbehave

Rowan's Move:
LOCATION - DINING ROOM

Forget stitches and utilize a time-honored tradition of cauterizing a wound like they were stuck on some battlefield on Earth that was? Rowan answered that with a glare.

ROWAN: "Don't tempt me."

Noticing his apprehension - actually the absolute fear in his eyes - she holds back before starting to numb the area.

ROWAN: "I'm actually pretty good at this. Even with one eye, I never miss a target. If you want something to put you under, though, you're entitled to it."

EOM

We have art so as not to die of truth ~ Neitzsche
http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=7922

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Thursday, March 18, 2004 10:30 AM

Book's Move

LOCATION - Galley

Book rises from the table and goes into the back alcove. Out of site of everyone for a moment, he goes over Simon's message again in his mind, with worry etched on his face. If the doctor gets what he thinks he may, things are going to change very soon for River... and for the rest of us as well.

Assorted foodstuffs in his arms, Book re-emerges from the pantry alcove and goes to the main counter to deposit the load. "I forget how good it is to cook for a large group sometimes." Book says smilingly, as he looks at all the food, the likes of which they haven't had in a while. "Back at the abbey, we often got the chance to cook for all of the brethren.'

Book looks up at the emptying galley, about to tell the story of when one of the brethren accidentally dumped a large jar of olive oil onto his head. They'll be back when they start to smell this, he thinks.

Book, suddenly a one-man whirlwind of activity, begins preparing the various foodstuffs, and soon has a mass of steam and delicious smells wafting throughout the ship.

EM

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Thursday, March 18, 2004 10:31 AM

LOCATION - DINING ROOM

Quote:
Originally posted by Channain:
ROWAN: "Don't tempt me."

Noticing his apprehension - actually the absolute fear in his eyes - she holds back before starting to numb the area.

ROWAN: "I'm actually pretty good at this. Even with one eye, I never miss a target. If you want something to put you under, though, you're entitled to it."

Damon shakes his head. "I don't mind needles as long as I approve of what's in them. Do whatever it is you think you should do, but if it opens again, I'm closing it my way. Thing's not worth the hassel."

An idea occurs to him and he stops her hand before she injects him. "I got a better idea. How about you give me some of the magic the doctor had me on before instead. That'll everything quite for a few hours at least."

I'm not broken, in my dream I win...

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Thursday, March 18, 2004 10:43 AM

BOOMERGOODHEART

Kaylee's Move
Location: Engine Room

When the blonde woman from the bridge comes into her engine room, and asks to be shown what she'd missed, Kaylee had to smile to herself.

"No problem...Merz, was it? I'll be happy ta show my girl to ya. Get some rest 'n we'll talk again later."

Zoe comes to the doorway and hands Kaylee Simon's memory stick.

"Thanks, Zoe. Whoever's next in line for this thing might hafta wait a bit. Don't know as I'm in tha mood ta hear what th' doctor hasta say righ' now."

Kaylee tucks the stick into one of the many pockets on her jumpsuit and watches the two women walk away. With a small sigh, she turns to crawl into her hammock where she falls asleep instantly.

End Move

BoomerGoodheart
"I love my Captain."

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Thursday, March 18, 2004 12:44 PM

Keep the Shiny side up

Thorne's Move:

Location: Galley/Engine room/Quarters

INARA: "You would be most welcome, Mr. Thorne. I should be ready to recieve you in my shuttle say...tomorrow, late afternoon? I fear we may need that much rest to recover from today.
Until tommorow then.

[THORNE is not sleepy at all. He's too keyed up from the fight and the anticipation of tomorrow. Could use some food, though. The Preacher has something going that smells pretty good. He sips on the tequila until BOOK starts to spoon up a bowl, then walks over and picks it up.]

THORNE: "If it's all right with you, I'll take this down to our engineer, and come back for some myself.

[At BOOK's nod, he stuffs a spoon in his pocket, grabs a Blue Sun to go with the stew, and heads for KAYLEE's domain. He smiles as he sees her already asleep in her hammock.]

THORNE: "You sleep, little KAYLEE-girl. You did real good today. Daddy'd be right proud of you."

[KAYLEE smiles in her sleep. THORNE can't see any reason to return to the galley, since he already has a bowl of stew, so he heads to his quarters to eat. Five minutes later the half-empty bowl is left on a side table, and he is asleep, dreaming of INARA.]

EOM

"Keep the Shiny side up"

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Thursday, March 18, 2004 12:47 PM

i DO aim to misbehave

Rowan's Move:
LOCATION - DINING ROOM
------------------------------
DAMON: How about you give me some of the magic the doctor had me on before instead.
------------------------------

ROWAN: "That's assuming I know what he gave you, which I don't. There's no easy way to do this, xiâo dì dì, but it does need doing."

He's so young, still so convinced he's immortal, even when the wound is already bordering on infection. Had she ever been that impetuous? Probably - in fact probably worse. She didn't realize the enormity of what they were doing, not until the end.
------------------------------
FLASHBACK

It was over. The capital itself was being overrun - assault troops were at their door again and they would shoot to kill this time. The Alliance had had its fill.

He turned to her, showing his unabiding love for her with the most intense stare she had ever seen. Then his eyes switched to a point somewhere behind her and he nodded once. "Take her."

Her eyes widened as she realized what he meant. The bodyguard's large came around her from behind and a cloth was pressed to her mouth. She breathed in something horrible, struggled to break free. His eyes never left her, and as the darkness folded in around her, she saw the sorrow mingle with his determination to sacrifice himself. For her.
------------------------------
ROWAN to herself: Sonofabitch already decided to die for me. Why couldn't he have tried to live instead? He could have tried.

Rowan held Damon's gaze with even more determination than before.

ROWAN: "If you think your life's not worth any hassle, I will stop - I have exactly no time for an obstinate sonuvabitch. But when you wake up with a temperature of a hundred and six and start hallucinating about giant purple spiders, you don't get to come running to me, dong ma?"

EOM

We have art so as not to die of truth ~ Neitzsche
http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=7922

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Thursday, March 18, 2004 1:31 PM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - DINING ROOM

Rowan holds Damon's gaze with even more determination than before.

ROWAN: "If you think your life's not worth any hassle, I will stop - I have exactly no time for an obstinate sonuvabitch. But when you wake up with a temperature of a hundred and six and start hallucinating about giant purple spiders, you don't get to come running to me, dong ma?"

Damon's dark eyes harden into a look of dead seriousness that none of the others have seen in him. He speaks calmly, making sure that his words are understood. "Don't ever make the mistake of thinking that I don't know what my life is worth. My life is worth a lot of hassel. I said the stitches aren't worth the hassel. But if you don't have time for them then I'm perfetly happy to take care of myself."

I'm not broken, in my dream I win...

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Thursday, March 18, 2004 2:15 PM

i DO aim to misbehave

Rowan's Move:
LOCATION - DINING ROOM

Feeling her mouth curve in a smile - much the same way Xiang's once did when she gave him a piece of her mind - Rowan nods in satisfaction.

ROWAN: "You've got spunk - all right then. You keep that shirt up and try not to squirm. Wouldn't want to stick you any more than I have to."

Quickly securing her hair in the collar of her shirt, Rowan bends down and focuses on the area around the small open section of the wound. Damon twitches on the first prick of the needle, but less on the second until finally he's perfectly still. Finished, she lays the syringe aside and takes up the sucher kit; a curved needle with sturdy black silk and two clamps.

ROWAN (mostly to herself): "Now, so long as I don't sew my glove to your gut, it'll all be shiny."

Hearing Damon's intake of breath, she smiles slyly and begins.

EOM

We have art so as not to die of truth ~ Neitzsche
http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=7922

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Thursday, March 18, 2004 2:22 PM

LOCATION - TRAVELING

Quote:
ZOE: "MERZ, did you bring any gear aboard? We can pick it up on the way to your bunk. Follow me."

MERZ followed her into the hallway. “You are Zoe, yes? My baggage is still in the cargo area. I would appreciate getting it stowed at least. Do you arm aboard or should I stow my sidearm as well? And then . . ” she inhaled deeply “dinner?”

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

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Thursday, March 18, 2004 2:49 PM

ZOE'S MOVE:
LOCATION - TRAVELING

ZOE stomach grumbles a little at the smell of whatever delicious concoction the Shepherd is preparing in the galley. She turns to MERZ and smiles.

ZOE: "Yes, I'm ZOE. That sounds like a good plan. I'll introduce you to the rest o' the crew soon's we get back to the dinin' room. As far as arming, we generally don't arm when we're on board, so I'd suggest stowin' your sidearm for the time bein'. Believe me, if it's needed, you'll know it."

They enter the cargo bay and MERZ picks up her gear, then they continue up to the aft hall to the crew quarters. As they walk, ZOE talks.

ZOE: "You were a pretty good shot against those Feds - steady, too. Where'd you come by a skill like that?"

End Move.

~A~

...I'm still free,
You can't take the sky from me.

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Thursday, March 18, 2004 3:09 PM

MERZ Move

LOCATION – TRAVELING

Quote:
ZOE: "You were a pretty good shot against those Feds - steady, too. Where'd you come by a skill like that?"

“Honestly Zoe. I come by it honestly.” i am just going to have to tell someone something, or it just is not going to stop

MERZ can tell ZOE is just not going to accept that response, and makes a quick decision. As ZOE opens up to, probably, demand more, MERZ holds up her hand. She glances around – they have moved away from the dining area where most of the crew/hitchers are currently located. Listening, she can’t hear anyone close enough to listen to the two of them talk.

“OK. Fair enough. This really is not something I want to discuss, but you have the right to know this. Yes, I have a military background. No, you have no need to know where. Yes, I am no danger to you in and of myself.” She stops for a moment and rubs her eyes. “I have dishonored myself in the worst way I could have chosen and I had no choice. I am a deserter. But, I am not your enemy. I am not an enemy of Serenity or Captain Reynolds or anyone else present or recently departed. I am not an agent. I am not a plant.” She sighs. “If you look I am sure there is a reward for me out there somewhere, and I have not the slightest clue what the story would be. I have not cared to look. And now my fate is in your hands.”

She puts her hands on her hips and looks ZOE square in the eyes. “So, please either just kill me or feed me. I’m too tired for games.”

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

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Thursday, March 18, 2004 3:38 PM

ZOE'S MOVE:
LOCATION: CARGO BAY

ZOE crosses her arms over her chest as she listens to MERZ's explanation. When MERZ winds down, ZOE gives her an understanding look.

ZOE: "You might've noticed we got no lack o' people on this boat who ain't lookin' ta have their past brought up or discussed in committee. Don't think they're like to ask many questions - an' those few that would usually only do if ya show a need to talk. That'd be KAYLEE, INARA, and SHEPHERD BOOK. Folks lookin' to stay under the radar tend not to pry. Long as you're not a danger to the ship an' crew, you might could make a place for yourself here. 'Course, Cap'n has the final say in those things."

ZOE uncrosses her arms and relaxes her stance.

ZOE: "Now let's see 'bout gettin' you settled and see what the Shepherd's put on for dinner."

She turns and heads up the aft stairs to the catwalk, leading MERZ to the empty bunk next to her and WASH.

ZOE: "This'll be your place. WASH an' I are right next door, an' it's close to the bridge, should we need your hand on that laser. Galley's right through there."

ZOE points down the hall toward the source of the delicious smells.

ZOE: "I'll let you settle in. Come join us when you're ready - and maybe you'll give me a lesson or two on that cannon later."

Sensing MERZ's need for privacy, ZOE opens the door to the empty quarters, then nods to MERZ as she heads back down to the galley.

End Move.

~A~

...I'm still free,
You can't take the sky from me.

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Thursday, March 18, 2004 3:40 PM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - DINING ROOM

Quote:
ROWAN to DAMON: "You've got spunk - all right then. You keep that shirt up and try not to squirm. Wouldn't want to stick you any more than I have to."

Satisfied that they have come to an understanding, Damon leans back in his chair with his right leg stretched out in front of him to give Rowan plenty of elbow space. He lifts up his shirt just enough to be out of her way, trying to keep as many scars covered as possible.

Not long after the first two injections, his wound goes numb- well, mostly. The infected tissue doesn't completely numb over, leaving a little sesation that is more weird than painful.

ROWAN (mostly to herself): "Now, so long as I don't sew my glove to your gut, it'll all be shiny."

Damon draws a breath to ask her if she's done this before, but stops when he realizes that she's kidding. He lets his gaze wander the galley as she starts sewing up his wound, noticing the purple and blue flowers that could only be Kaylee's work. His stomache growls angrily at being denied the wonderful smelling food coming from the kitchen. He turns to see Book busy behind the stove. River stands near him, completely fasinated by what he's doing.

"Hey, do you know what's up with her?" he asks Rowan softly.

I'm not broken, in my dream I win...

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Thursday, March 18, 2004 4:14 PM

i DO aim to misbehave

Rowan's Move:
LOCATION - DINING ROOM

The stitching goes pretty smoothly. Making a note to get Damon into the infirmary to get him an antibiotic and check and make sure the wound is healing, she works the first stitch, then starts the other.

Quote:
DAMON (softly): "Hey, do you know what's up with her?"

Glancing up as she sets the initial knot, Rowan follows his gaze and sees River watching Book work his culinary ministry the way small children watch wind up toys. Thinking of the girl's blithe reference to nine-ball when they hadn't even met, how she commented on Ru when Rowan had only been thinking of him, and how she seemed to know the details of that weird ass dream, she can only shrugs with a shake of her head.

ROWAN (softly): "Well, if I had to guess, I'd almost say she's a reader. We heard rumors about them - scientifically engineered by Blue Sun with Alliance funding. Couldn't prove it, though, so nothing was ever released about it. I never believed it, personally."

Glancing up again as she finishes, she catches River's eyes staring right at her. The girl gives her a slow, mysterious smile that is at once charming and chilling.

ROWAN (softly): "But I'm starting to."

EOM

We have art so as not to die of truth ~ Neitzsche
http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=7922

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Thursday, March 18, 2004 4:54 PM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - DINING ROOM

Quote:
Originally posted by Channain:
ROWAN (softly): "Well, if I had to guess, I'd almost say she's a reader. We heard rumors about them - scientifically engineered by Blue Sun with Alliance funding. Couldn't prove it, though, so nothing was ever released about it. I never believed it, personally."

ROWAN (softly): "But I'm starting to."

Damon looks down at Rowan. "Reader? You mean psychic?"

She nods.

Damon glances up at River uneasily and then looks away, figeting with the hem of his shirt. He doesn't like the idea of anyone being able to 'read' him. In fact, he really doesn't like it, though he can't think of a specific reason why.

He looks down to see Rowan starting on her third stitch. "How many more of those am I going to need?"

I'm not broken, in my dream I win...

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Thursday, March 18, 2004 7:07 PM

LOCATION - MERZ DORM

MERZ enters the empty quarters and shuts the door behind her. Luxury indeed; she has a door. And a bunk. And a piece of furniture. Just for a moment, MERZ sits carefully in the absolute middle of the bed. She bounces a little – this is nice. Then she shakes her head old girl, you will get soft in the head and in the behind, if you give in to this temptation

Merz stows her gear under the bunk and her gun under the pillow. She still has a little water left in a demijohn in her pack and uses it to wipe the worst of the dust and dirt from her face and hands. Fetching a hairbrush (considerably the worse for wear) from her pack she removes her hat, unbraids her hair and brushes the worst of the tangles and dust from it before carefully braiding it again. Unbound it falls clear to the bunk. She puts her shades on the pillow, hesitates for a second and then adds the hat. A clothes brush does the best it can with her only shipsuit and she is as ready as she is going to be for (more or less) polite company in the dining room. There is a small mirror and she checks herself out before leaving. Wiping just one more smudge from her nose, MERZ goes in to eat.

There are people in the room, most noticeably ROWAN who is finishing up repairing DAMON, and another girl who is watching. She is young, pretty and . . . rather intense. But she is paying MERZ no mind, and MERZ returns the favor. Captain Reynolds is nowhere to be found and neither is the other gentleman. The one she has not yet met. The one with the command voice.

The food is on the stove and a pile of bowls and spoons on the counter. MERZ helps herself to a generous portion and retires to a table by herself to enjoy it. She has no table manners to speak of and gradually goes from a careful spoonful at a time, to what can only be described as ‘shoveling’. For someone of her height and size, she puts away an amazing amount of dinner. well, maybe i can catch a break. zoe'll tell captain reynolds what he needs to know and in the mean time i have - all this. so this is what content feels like Finding nothing in the cooler that is not alcoholic, she finds a tumbler, fills and drains it several times with simple water. Followed as can be expected by a belch of epic proportions. MERZ shrugs to the room at large. “Sorry”. The whole procedure has taken maybe ten minutes at most.

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

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Thursday, March 18, 2004 11:14 PM

Book's Move
LOCATION - GALLEY

Book finishes cooking and watches as people start to eye the cookpot. He laughs and tells the room that the food is done. Taking a few bowls, he quickly fills them, gives one to River standing right next to him, and takes the other two over to Rowan and Damon. "Ready when you are."

Going back to the stove, Book fills another bowl for himself and goes to sit at the table. "I am reminded of a time back at the Abbey, when one of the brethren, nervous at his first attempt to give a sermon, took a shot of vodka before beginning to speak. He made quite a mess of things, as I recall. He was giving his sermon about David, and when he got to the part about David getting hit by a rock and being knocked off his donkey, instead..." Book pauses and looks around the room with a mischievious look on his face. "...he said David got stoned off his ass."

EM

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Friday, March 19, 2004 4:03 AM

Keep the Shiny side up

Mal’s Move

Location: His Bunk

[MAL tosses in his sleep. He dreams]

-----------------------------------

Mal has been out working in the fields all day. This year’s planting of catalyzers is coming along fine. Looks like it’ll be a good crop. The stalks are already bowing under the weight of the shiny metal blossoms. He can probably start a harvest of early catalyzers for the small ship market within a week.

The valley is beautiful at sunset, the last rays of light glinting off the Alliance fighters strafing in the distance. As he gazes at his homestead, Inara calls from the porch. “Dinner’s ready, sweetheart. Come and wash up.”

Mal walks back to the house, passing the rusting Firefly up on blocks in the yard, and the men lined up at the front door. He stops to wash his hands and face in the basin outside the kitchen door. Drying off with with a piece of flour sack, he enters the kitchen and sits down at the table. The interior of the house is one big room. The kitchen side has rough bare board walls and floor, with plain but sturdy furniture and a wood-burning stove. The parlor side is different. Wainscoting and crimson hangings adorn the plastered walls. Erotic art hangs from the picture rail. The parquet floor is covered in beautifully woven rugs. Fine sofas and chairs upholstered in red velvet beckon one to sit. A strange man does sit on one of the sofas.

Inara, dressed in a low-cut red ball gown, is standing at the stove. She ladles up a bowl of stew, plops a spoon in in, and sets it in front of Mal. A pitcher of cider and a hot loaf of homemade bread are already on the table. She pours him a mug of cider. “ Here you are darling. Please go ahead, I’ve already eaten.”

As Mal digs in to the delicious horsemeat stew, she goes to the other side of the room, takes the stranger’s hand, and leads him to the bedroom. The door closes and soon sounds of lovemaking can be heard. A couple of minutes later they emerge arm in arm. “…Oh, no. It was my pleasure, sir.” Inara escorts the man to the back door. “Thank you, and please come again.” As the door closes, she turns to Mal.

“How was your day, honey?

‘The catalizers are comin’ along real well. Looks like a bumper crop. What with the war an’ all, the market’s good this year. Should turn a tidy profit. How about you?”

‘Well, that’s…” She pulls a pad from her pocket and looks at it, “a hundred and forty eight so far today, and I have a couple of hours yet to go. Don’t wait up for me, dearest, but leave the light on.”

“Alright, sweet. You think you’ll be able to take a break here soon?

‘Soon as I don’t have a line outside the door, I promise, we’ll have some time for ourselves.”

She checks the clock in the parlor, and bends to kiss Mal on the cheek. “Well, back to work, love.”

Returning to the parlor, she shouts, “Next!” and the front door opens to admit another man.

Suddenly Mal’s viewpoint soars through the ceiling into the sky. He can see the line of men extending from the door to the horizon. As he gets higher, he sees it stretching out of the valley, and then branching into three. Each of these lines forks again and again. Some go to cities and towns around the planet. Others go to spaceports, where a constant stream of ships brings more and more men from all over the ‘verse.

-----------------------------------------------

[Mal awakens with his heart pounding, sitting bolt upright. He can’t remember what he dreamed, but it was frightening. Must have been about the war. Gotta lay off that tequila when he’s tired. He lays back down and tries to sleep.]

"Keep the Shiny side up"

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Friday, March 19, 2004 4:08 AM

ZOE'S MOVE:
LOCATION - DINING ROOM/GALLEY

ZOE enters the galley just in time for BOOK to be handing out bowls of steaming hot food. She takes a bowl for herself, and one for WASH, picks up a couple of spoons and napkins, and heads to the bridge, chuckling at the tail end of the Shepherd's story.

ZOE (to herself): "Sure has a lot o' funny stories for a Shepherd."

LOCATION - BRIDGE

ZOE walks onto the bridge and sees her husband sitting at his accustomed post, looking out at the stars. Carefully placing the bowls, spoons, and napkins where they won't be disturbed, she lays her hand on WASH's shoulder and looks out into the black. With a slow, deep breath, she relaxes, releasing some of the tension of the last couple of hours... no days. She runs her fingers through the hair of the wonderful man she's chosen to share this life with, drinking in the feeling of home he brings.

End Move.

~A~

...I'm still free,
You can't take the sky from me.

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Friday, March 19, 2004 5:02 AM

RAVENWHYTEWING

Wash looks up to see Zoe wandering in, with two plates of chow. With a grumble more audible than the engines, Wash realizes how hungry he is.
Zoe puts the plates down on the console, and puts her hand on his shoulder. Automatically, he reaches up and places a hand over hers. As she moves it up to run her fingers through his hair, he leans into it, sighing heavily. "Xei-xei, bao bei," he whispers, for the first time totally relaxed since this damn trip started.
Wash leads Zoe around with his hand, so that she can sit on his lap. He wraps his arms around her as she leans her head on his shoulder. For now, they can both easily relax.

EOM

I'm talking about geese.

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Friday, March 19, 2004 6:08 AM

CIARA

Inara's turn

LOCATION: SEVERAL PLACES.

MAL: "Said he's on the trail of a cure for RIVER. Not much detail. May get in touch later. And RIVER? I don't know, 'NARA. I reckon as we'll all be lookin' out for her. She didn't seem too shook when she heard SIMON's gone, but is that a good or a bad thing? See about gettin' her bedded down for now, please, an' we'll talk on it tomorrow. You should prob'ly get some rest too. G'nite now."

Inara nods to Mal--seeing the mantle of exhaustion pushing at his shoulders. He kicks open the door to his bunk and begins to descend. Inara turns and heads back to the dining room, to fetch some of whatever's smelling so good, and retires to her shuttle.

Entering her shuttle, Inara sets the warm stoneware bowl on her low table and reaches her arms up in a slow stretch. Taking the remaining pins from her hair, she removes her shift and changes into a robe. Making herself comfortable, Inara takes a few bites of Book's fine stew, then sets the bowl aside again. Before she's even settled back, her eyes are closed and her breathing is slow and heavy.

End Inara's turn

Just a humble supplicant in service to all things Joss

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Friday, March 19, 2004 6:35 AM

i DO aim to misbehave

Rowan's Move:
LOCATION - DINING ROOM

Quote:
Damon looks down to see Rowan starting on her third stitch.

DAMON: "How many more of those am I going to need?"

With the tip of her tongue sticking out slightly, Rowan makes quick work of the third and final stitch, and looks up before clipping the ends.

ROWAN: "I was just getting the hang of this. Sure you don't want one more?"

Seeing Damon's glare, she smiles and gives him an awkward wink - she's a right-side winker normally - before setting down the clamp in favor of medical scissors. Snipping off the silk, she sits back to admire her work.

ROWAN: "A fine piece of knitting, if I do say so myself. Heck, now I hope you do go do yourself a harm so I can get a little more practice in."

Seeing his ears turn red just before he's about to protest and go on about that ludicrous hot knife business again, she gives a placating nod while putting the instruments away.

ROWAN: "Yeah, yeah, I know (lowers her voice in a tough-guy Damon imitation) 'I can fix it my own self'. Kids today, I tell ya."

Straightening again, she takes a long deep breath of the amazing aroma of whatever Book's making in the kitchen with his garlic, rosemary and basil. No sooner does her mouth literally begin to water, than the Shepherd is walking over with two bowls full of his ingenious concoction.

Quote:
BOOK: "Ready when you are."

Smiling gratefully, Rowan snaps the gloves off and shares a smile with Book before he strides away again. Wondering at how a preacher gained the bearing of a king, she lets Damon choose a bowl first, then takes the other. After a taste, her eyes roll in deepest appreciation while Book settles himself down at the table employs his sermon-making voice, gaining all the attention in the room.

Quote:
BOOK: "...he said David got stoned off his ass."

Laughing appreciatively, Rowan takes another spoonful and savors.

ROWAN: "Shepherd, you have definitely got the gift. If I wasn't any the wiser, I'd marry you just for your skills in the kitchen."

She raises her spoon to him and continues to eat, wondering when she's ever felt quite so at home, on a ship or anywhere. Eyeing the table where Book is sitting, she considers a few measurements in her head and figures the holo-billiards system will work nicely, once everyone's bunked down. Even Damon is likely to collapse soon, albeit with protests bodering on the manner of a two-year old. I'm not tired...*YAWN* I don' wanna go to bed.

EOM

We have art so as not to die of truth ~ Neitzsche
http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=7922

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Friday, March 19, 2004 7:34 AM

Keep the Shiny side up

Thorne’s Move

Location: His Quarters

[Thorne sleeps peacefully. It’s been a good day, and tomorrow promises to be better. Although he is asleep, his empathic ability is working overtime. He dreams.]

------------------------------------------

The coach arrives at the opera house. A footman in knee breeches and powdered wig opens the door. Thorne emerges, handsome in Alliance dress purple. The severe, almost black color of the uniform is interrupted only by the rows of service ribbons and decorations on the left breast. He steps from the coach and turns to offer his hand to Inara. She takes it and descends the step, her white silk dress rustling slightly. A tiara of sapphires and diamonds adorns her elaborate coiffure. Matching earrings and necklace shine against her skin. Long white gloves cover her arms to the elbow.

Inara and Thorne walk arm in arm to the opera house door. Kaylee and River, dressed as handmaidens, strew their path with rose petals. Jayne, in a janitor’s coverall, follows with a broom to sweep them up. Rowan and Damon, also in Alliance uniform, snap to attention and pull open the double doors. Inside, Merz, in a 1930’s usherette uniform, takes the tickets that Thorne proffers. They are warmly greeted by Book, who wears white tie and tails. He escorts them through the ornate, empty, lobby to their box, uncorks the chilled bottle of champagne, and departs.

They are the only people in the theater until the orchestra files into the pit. Simon Tam walks to the podium and raises his baton. The houselights dim as the overture begins. Swept up in the music, it seems to them only a moment until the curtain parts and the performance begins. It is a series of pas de deux, two dancers on the bare stage. Nijinsky dances with Fonteyn, Barishnikov with Mei Lin. As pair after pair perform, Inara and Thorne sip champagne and watch, enraptured.

Another couple take the stage, dancing around a straightback chair set in the center of a spotlight beam. Slowly, as they dance closer to each other, their forms change, until they are recognizable as Zoë and Wash. Now their clothes disappear and they are dancing naked. Now they’re…well, they’re not exactly dancing anymore, but the chair is still involved.

Thorne turns to Inara, who smiles at him suggestively. He draws the curtains and reaches for her…as a buzzer sounds.

-------------------------------------------

[A buzzer? It’s the comm, flashing to indicate he’s received a wave. Who the F*** would call him here? And why right now? Damning the caller to the same hell as that to which Coleridge had condemned his ‘person from Porlock’, Thorne switches off the alarm and tries to go back to sleep.]

"Keep the Shiny side up"

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Friday, March 19, 2004 8:38 AM

BOOMERGOODHEART

Kaylee's Move
Location: The Heaven & Hell of the Mind

Pictures flash across Kaylee's subconscious; moving memories in a flip book...

*click!* She is 8, and her dad is lifting her high into the air. She's just fixed a piece of equipment that's been vexing him for days now. She laughs down at him...could anything be better than being loved?

*click!* She is 15 and in the middle of her first serious love. The boy works on a neighboring farm, and is 16. The night is hot & dry; young, sweaty bodies slide together as the allusions of youth pass on amidst the pleasures of adulthood.

*click!* She is 17 and the same young man is yelling that she's a freak. He doesn't want to see her ever again. Her eyes well with tears as her fragile heart hardens.

*click!* A man she's never seen before is offering her a job. Who knew that a somewhat satisfying encounter could lead to a life away from this rock?

*click!* Shot in the stomach. The Captain & Simon yelling. Pain.

*click!* Simon kissing the daylights out of her. Adult love at it's strongest. Simon fading from her sight.

She begins to stir restlessly.

*click!* The Captain yelling at her.

*click!* The crew dying around her. Too slow.

*click!* Strapped to a chair. Simon wearing Blue Gloves. Her brain open.

*click!* River staring. Her turn for insanity.

*click!* Blackness.

The young woman with the heart of a child crys in her sleep.

End Move

BoomerGoodheart
"I love my Captain."

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Friday, March 19, 2004 8:54 AM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - DINING ROOM

Damon lowers his shirt as Rowan begins to put her medical suplies away. He sits up as Book approaches with two bowls of food and takes the nearest one as soon as it comes within reach. He blows on the first bite a couple times, but it isn't long before he's inhaling the wonderful contents of his bowl like tomorrow will never come.

He half listens to Rowan and Book, too occupied to busy himself with conversation and too tired to get jokes. He finishes his bowl before they are even half way through with theirs and gets up to get another.

I'm not broken, in my dream I win...

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Friday, March 19, 2004 2:02 PM

RAVENWHYTEWING

OOC: sorry gunrunners. Spring break is upon me, and I feel the surges of youth flow through my blood. And so, over the next week or so, posting will erratic, at best.

I'm talking about geese.

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Friday, March 19, 2004 3:27 PM

i DO aim to misbehave

Rowan's Move:
LOCATION - DINING ROOM

Watching as Damon refills his bowl and begins to wolf that down as well, Rowan considers cautioning him against a potential stomach ache. Deeming that a bit too motherly, and pretty much guaranteed to get ignored, she finishes her own meal instead and rises to put the bowl into the dishwashing unit.

JAYNE (with a mouthful of food): "Much obliged."

Straightening, she looks at him, remembers the kiss in the cargo bay and smiles wistfully.

ROWAN: "Your turn to do the dishes is it?"

He nods and resumes eating, shoveling in a spoonful as his eyes roam over her from somewhere around her throat down as far as her hips and back. Not to hard to tell what was on that mercenary's mind.

Turning slowly to give him a rear view as well, she moves out of the kitchen grotto and heads out to the back passage way. She pauses for a moment, almost sure she can hear the sound of crying coming from somewhere. Unable to locate the source, she heads down the aft stairs again, wondering which of Serenity's systems would make a sound like that.

Quickly heading up to her dorm room, she pulls the attaché out again and opens the large pouch on the side to remove a black mesh bag with a zipper on top. Inspecting the contents through the mesh, she reaches back in for a small hand-held device and then shoves the attaché back under her bunk. Pulling out her cue case, she slings that over her shoulder. Checking for the money pouch again - successfully - she heads back out and up the stairs, returning to the dining room. Book is still at the table, but seems to have finished his meal and she approaches him.

ROWAN: "Excuse me, Shepherd, I'm in need of some practice time - you don't think anyone would mind if I set up here, do you? The table's a little narrow, but it'll do in a pinch."

EOM

We have art so as not to die of truth ~ Neitzsche
http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=7922

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Friday, March 19, 2004 3:58 PM

MERZ move
LOCATION - GALLEY to MERZ DORM

She sits quietly at a table for a while, just letting the conversation roll over her. She is puzzling over something the one pointed out to her as Shepard Book had said:

Quote:
”...he said David got stoned off his ass.”

everyone laughed. why? so he got knocked from his riding beast by a rock - that is funny? It must have been how he said it, something MERZ missed. Doesn’t seem particularly amusing to her.

The evening seems to be winding down, and she is tired. Beyond tired, she is weary down to the bone. MERZ takes her empty bowl, spoon and glass to the sink, rinses everything and retires to her very own room. She looks again rather wistfully at the bunk, and then stretches out face down on the floor, her head pillowed on her hands.

She is asleep almost immediately.

The room is dark. There is nothing in the room but a chair and a table. On the table a disassembled firearm appears –broken down completely into all of its component parts including one magazine. The manual for that particular weapon appears next to it.

There is a voice ‘this is your final test. In 15 minutes your enemy will arrive. Assemble your weapon and defend yourself.’ MERZ seats herself and begins to assemble the gun. Should be easy, she has done this uncounted times, and under worse conditions.

But not this time. This time, try as she might, nothing seems to go right. She can’t remember how to start. The pieces fail to connect properly. She reaches for the manual to see what she is doing wrong, and finds that the pictures have been removed and the text is gibberish. She moves faster and faster, hands blurring, to try to get it right, but is unsuccessful.

‘Time’ says the voice, and MERZ feels a large hand descend on her shoulder. There is a new voice, a familiar voice, warm breath tickling her ear. . . ‘Little Mercedes, I have found you at last.’ She tries to jerk away, but cannot move under the pressure of that touch. ‘Yes, it was me that you saw, and you did not lose me. Oh no‘

She wants to reach for the gun, to try again. But she cannot move and the pieces have turned to small piles of rust.

‘Make new friends, hide among strangers, makes no difference to me Mercedes – when I am ready I WILL take you home.’

He moves his hand and she is free to go, to turn around. But she cannot bring herself to move while he is still there. She can sense him moving off before he pauses, ‘Oh yes, I met a friend of yours earlier and I have brought you a present.’ Something comes flying over her shoulder to land among the dust on the table. A pair of dark glasses. ‘He does not need them anymore.'

MERZ pulls herself awake. And sits a long time shuddering and staring into the darkness.

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

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Friday, March 19, 2004 10:02 PM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - DINING ROOM to CARGO BAY/SPARE SHUTTLE

Damon leans against the kitchen counter, finishing the last couple bites of his second bowl of food. As welcoming as the chair looked, he didn't think that he'd ever make it to his feet if he sat down in it again, especially with a full stomache.

He sets his empty bowl in the sink as Rowan returns with a mesh bag.

Quote:
ROWAN: "Excuse me, Shepherd, I'm in need of some practice time - you don't think anyone would mind if I set up here, do you? The table's a little narrow, but it'll do in a pinch."

"I'm headin' for sleep," Damon says to no one in particular.

He helps himself to a cup of water and then heads for the cargo bay. After picking up his bag of possessions from where he had dropped it a couple hours earlier and making sure that everything was still in it, he climbs the stairs up to the catwalk.
He opens the shuttle door and closes it again behind him.

He lets out a tired sigh as he looks around the small shuttle again. Pale light drifts through the half covered window at the front of the cockpit, just enough for him to be able to see where he's going.

There is something about this shuttle that makes him feel at peace. Actually, the whole ship does, but the shuttle offers him a freedom that he finds to be extremely relaxing: he could take this shuttle and go anywhere he wanted with it. Not that he would; just having the option availible was liberating.

Turning to his bed, he puts his bag on the floor and takes off his weapons belt. He puts his gun under his pillow before lying down and falling asleep.

I'm not broken, in my dream I win...

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Friday, March 19, 2004 10:41 PM

Book's Move

Location: Galley

Book is staring away at nothing, thinking about everything, when Rowan approaches him.

-----
ROWAN: "Excuse me, Shepherd, I'm in need of some practice time - you don't think anyone would mind if I set up here, do you? The table's a little narrow, but it'll do in a pinch."
-----

Damon stands

---------
"I'm headin' for sleep"
---------

"Sleep well, Damon." Book says and watches him go.

Book is suddenly very interested and awake.
"I don't think anyone would mind. Everyone seems to be going to their bunks. I could certainly do with some sort of diversion, though." Book pauses and chuckles. "I may not be much of a match, but if you want, I'll give you a game."

Standing up and gathering as many dishes into his hands as he can, Book looks to Rowan. "Help me clear these dishes and things off of the table, would you Rowan? We'll make some room."

EM

OOC Geezer, Boomer, Merz.... great dream stuff lately. I love the background I am imagining for your characters.

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Sunday, March 21, 2004 3:57 AM

LOCATION - MERZ DORM to CARGO BAY

MERZ move

Finding herself completely unable to return to sleep, MERZ decided to get a workout instead, while everyone is asleep. In the darkness, she strips off her shipsuit and dons a loose tank top and drawstring trousers, in grey cotton. She grabs the sticks from the pocket of the shipsuit and quietly opens the door. She stands barefooted in the doorway for a short time, listening and breathing deeply. She can hear voices and odd clicking noises from the common area, but senses no one else near.

MERZ pads quietly to the cargo bay where there is a bit of floor space large enough for her to use. She stands motionless in silence for a space – again using her senses, but detects no one near. There is a heat trace near each of the shuttles – but both doors are closed.

Good enough. Merz begins slowly. It is part dance, part art, part kata. She starts with one stick, with one hand, with feet, knees, elbows – fighting dream opponents. For a while MERZ is still actively aware of her surroundings. But gradually she is taken by the art; by the peace of total concentration, and she loses contact with all but her actions. She speeds up pushing herself harder and harder. It has been too long since she had a chance to really let go. She holds at top speed for nearly an hour striving to push for just one more ounce of strength, one more fraction of speed. (At top speed, MERZ is a blur – too fast for the human eye to separate individual motions.)

After almost two hours, MERZ feels her muscles beginning to quiver, and slows to a halt. She is breathing more deeply than hard, and sheathed in sweat. But her mind is calm and focused. She can sleep now.

She stands silent and motionless for a time, dissipating the heat from her exertions. She will walk back to her doss and sleep in just a minute more. But for the moment she is one with the darkness and the calm.

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

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Sunday, March 21, 2004 6:18 AM

Keep the Shiny side up

Mal's Move:

Location: His Bunk/Catwalk

[MAL can't get back to sleep. He's not too sure he'd want to rerun that dream again anyway. Since he's still dressed, he decides to have a little look-around. He heads for the bridge to check on WASH, but the noises he hears when he gets near the door let him know that WASH is awake, if not very watchful. Grinning and envious, MAL turns to check out the cargo bay.

As he steps onto the catwalk, he sees movement below, and freezes, hidden behind a bulkhead. Peering around the corner, he sees MERZ doing some sort of martial arts routine. She moves slowly and deliberately at first, but soon speeds up, long hair flying as she spins and twists. Mal can't help but admire her skill, as well as the way the sweat-sodden tank top clings to her figure. Mighty handsome woman, and no weakling for sure. Bet she'd clean up real nice.

Just watching her workout has tired MAL, so he quietly heads to his bunk, puts on his pajamas, and goes back to bed, hoping for better dreams.]

EOM

OOC: Hey, I can't remember ever seeing what MAL sleeps in, so pajamas is as valid as anything.

"Keep the Shiny side up"

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Sunday, March 21, 2004 3:59 PM

i DO aim to misbehave

Rowan's Move:
LOCATION - GALLEY

Quote:
Damon: "I'm headin' for sleep."

Rowan: "Nite xiâo dì dì. Sleep tight and pleasant dreams."

Quote:
Book is suddenly very interested and awake.
"I don't think anyone would mind. Everyone seems to be going to their bunks. I could certainly do with some sort of diversion, though." Book pauses and chuckles. "I may not be much of a match, but if you want, I'll give you a game."

Standing up and gathering as many dishes into his hands as he can, Book looks to Rowan. "Help me clear these dishes and things off of the table, would you Rowan? We'll make some room."

ROWAN (Smiling): "I'll take any game you have, Shepherd, and gladly."

Setting the bag and cue case down on the table, she moves quickly to assist. Stacking up bowls and collecting silverware, she follows Book to the little grotto and leaves the stack near the opened dish washer. Jayne is finishing up his own meal, licking the last of the tastiness out of his bowl before setting it in the rack and starting on the rest. He seems to have a system all his own that apparently doesn't include rinsing. As fresh water is bound to be at a premium, that may or may not be a good thing, Rowan decides.

Returning to the table, she opens the bag and starts sorting the hardware like the pieces of a puzzle. No less than six portable holographic projectors, each designed to provide maximum resolution from their respective angles. Looking up at the ceiling, she makes a quick calculation and sets each projector according to its expected position. Then she pulls a chair out, slips off her sandals and steps up. The Shepherd takes her hand and supports her elbow as well as she climbs up to stand on the table - an unnecessary gesture, but a welcome and most gentlemanly one. Swiftly, she sets the projectors using the magnetic buttons on the bottom of each unit. First the corners, diagonally, then the center units, using her own arms and a little eyeballing from the Shepherd to get them set mostly straight. Hopping back down, she picks up the hand held unit and touches the screen while the Shepherd finishes pulling the chairs away to the sides. All four units come to life, and a holographic billiards table is suspended in mid-air, three feet above the dining table. A few lightly touched adjustments, and the billiards table appears to be resting on the table top. Another touch and a nine-ball rack appears, then the balls themselves, with the white cue ball last.

Pleased, Rowan tucks the hand-held device into the front of her trousers for the time being and picks up the case, moving to lay it across two of the chairs. Opening the latches, she draws out the two pieces of her simple black-lacquer cue stick. Twisting the pieces tightly together, she turns it until the Chinese symbols for luck and fortune appear. Kissing them both, she twirls it once at her side and then hands it out to the Shepherd.

ROWAN: "Why don't you break, Shepherd?"

EOM

We have art so as not to die of truth ~ Neitzsche
http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=7922

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Sunday, March 21, 2004 6:11 PM

ZOE/WASH MOVE:
LOCATION - BRIDGE

ZOE settles easily into WASH's lap, resting her head on his shoulder and wrapping her arms around his neck. She cups his face in her hand, sliding her thumb along his cheek lovingly, almost playfully. WASH closes his eyes, enjoying her caress, and pulls her closer. He turns his head to look at her, and finds himself caught as she returns his gaze. He lifts his hands, burying them in the silky curls framing her face. As she leans in to kiss him, he runs his fingers through her hair, to the back of her head, and removes the comb holding that luxurious hair in place. Her hair falls freely; their lips meet, mingle, and she presses herself closer to him still. They kiss and caress leasurely, unhurriedly, until she pulls her head back slightly. He brushes her hair away from her face; she runs a finger down his cheek and smiles. Looking deep into his eyes, she gives a small, resigned sigh; he echoes it.

WASH: "I know. He'll be awake soon."

ZOE: "Not soon enough."

ZOE rises from WASH's lap and reaches for the bowls, willing to accept cold food for the few moments stolen in the midst of chaos. He watches her appreciatively, as she bends slightly, letting him appreciate the view. Passing him bowl, spoon, and napkin, she pulls the second chair closer to him, unwilling to be out of reach for long. They eat together in contented silence, smiling as each catches the other's eye. When they've finished, ZOE collects the remains of their meal. As she turns toward the door to take their dishes back to the galley, she throws him an inviting look over her shoulder.

ZOE: "I'll be waiting."

She leaves the bridge, trailing almost palpable anticipation behind her. He can't wait for MAL to wake.

End Move.

OOC: Hey folks! Since I didn't know when Raven was going to be able to get back to me, I wen t ahead and posted the scene between Zoe and Wash. I'll edit it later if need be.

~A~

...I'm still free,
You can't take the sky from me.

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Monday, March 22, 2004 3:45 AM

Keep the Shiny side up

Mal's Move

Location: His Bunk/Bridge

[The alarm buzzer sounds, waking MAL from a better dream than his first one. Time to relieve WASH on watch. MAL slips off his PJs and gets dressed. Leavng his bunk, he detours to the catwalk, but MERZ is no longer in the hold. No excuse now, back to the bridge. At least WASH's alone now, and probably eager to get to bed, if not to sleep.]

MAL:(grinning evily)"Pretty slow night, eh? Think I'll go make some coffee before I take over. That slow drip kind that takes 'bout 30 minutes, maybe. You don't have anything else to do, do ya?"

WASH: (yawning hugely)"Well, I'd love th hang around, but I'm awful tired, MAL. Hate to think of dozin' off while you were in the galley, and havin' Reavers catch us unawares. Maybe, just for the safety of the ship, you should take over now and I'll bring you a cup later on?"

MAL:"Oh, go to your wife, you ruttin' liou mahng. Just keep it down, so everybody else can sleep."

[WASH smiles and almost runs for the door as MAL settles down in the chair. Looking over the controls he sees that the comm has logged a private message for THORNE. He could call him about it, but tomorrow's soon enough. He leans back to watch the stars.]

EOM

Liou mahng = Bastard

OOC: I moved WASH along a bit too. Can't keep Zoe waiting.

"Keep the Shiny side up"

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Monday, March 22, 2004 10:12 AM

Book's Move

Location: Galley converted to pool hall

Shepherd Book watches as Rowan initiates the last few holoprojectors and the table snaps into focus. She puts together her cue, twirls it and hands it out to Book.

--------
ROWAN: "Why don't you break, Shepherd?"
--------

"Thank you" Book quirks his head as he takes the offered stick, stretches his arms behind his head and steps up to the table. He leans down preparing to break then pauses.
"It's been a long time, mind." Book says looking over his shoulder, with a somewhat worried look on his face. Then his face breaks into a wide smile and turns back to the shot.

Book taps the cue ball a little to the left, pulls back the cue stick and slams away at the ball. Unfortunately, the concealed wrapping on his hand catches at the stick and the shot goes astray. The cue ball flies high over the rack of balls and as it passes beyond the edge of the table, it disappears.

Book stands a little guiltily from his shot and turns back to Rowan offering her the cue. "Looks like I wasn't meant to break."

EM

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Monday, March 22, 2004 3:00 PM

i DO aim to misbehave

Rowan's Move:
LOCATION - The Serenity Pool Hall, a.k.a. Galley

Quote:
The cue ball flies high over the rack of balls and as it passes beyond the edge of the table, it disappears.

Watching the cue ball make its graceful arch over the table and vanish into the air beyond the termination of the holographic field, Rowan gives the preacher a questioning look.

Quote:
Book stands a little guiltily from his shot and turns back to Rowan offering her the cue. "Looks like I wasn't meant to break."

Rowan has to bite her lips together to keep from laughing. Rather than take the cue, she waves the preacher back.

ROWAN: "We'll call that a warm up. That kind of enthusiasm warrants a do-over."

Taking the hand-held pad from her trousers, she taps a couple keys and the cue ball appears right where it was before the Shepherd eliminated its very existence. When he gives her a dubious look, she waves toward the table.

ROWAN: "You might as well get your licks in while you can, Shepherd. I've never let anyone win, so if I start this game, I will finish it."

EOM

We have art so as not to die of truth ~ Neitzsche
http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=7922

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Monday, March 22, 2004 3:25 PM