RP: "Adventures in Gunrunning" - Act 13 by Channain

Keep the Shiny side up

THORNE's MOVE:

Location: Laundry

MERZ: “Mr Thorne. I suppose I appreciate your assessment of my abilities. I am not sure I understand or agree. However my life and my past are my own. At this time, I decline to share it in a haphazard manner. To the best of my knowledge there is nothing that should have any bearing on you, this ship, or your mission. Therefore there is nothing that you need to know right now. Should the situation change, I will be sure to speak.”

THORNE: "If you do not care to discuss your past, I will certainly respect your wishes. I suspect, though, that in any place with a substantial Alliance presence your charming combination of arrogance and naivete will draw the attention of those less willing to let you keep your secrets. It might be well for you to have friends when that occurs.

In any case, I'll leave you now. When you're finished here, please let me know so I can wash some things too. Just knock on the far door of the right corridor. Oh, and the washer goes into an automatic vacuum dry cycle after the spin. Don't try and open it until the blue light comes on, or it'll suck your wet clothes right out of the ship before the failsafe can activate."

"Keep the Shiny side up"

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Monday, March 29, 2004 3:29 PM

Kaylee's Move
Location: Engine Room (roughly the same time as Book starts coffee)

Kaylee slowly swims up from the nightmare. She can't really remember what it was about, but her sense of unease about Simon has grown.

Sleepily, she takes the memory stick out of her pocket and holds it to her eye. Simon's face shimmers into view. He says 2 things to her, then fades away again.

Smiling somewhat, she slips back into a doze. In time, a frown creases her brow.

The nightmare is back.

End Move

BoomerGoodheart
"I love my Captain."

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Monday, March 29, 2004 4:08 PM

MERZ move

LOCATION – LAUNDRY AREA

MERZ waits until Roosevelt has left the room before she slumps from her rigid pose. i don’t want you to get hurt. i don’t want anyone to get hurt. the fewer people who know about me, or care about me, the less likely someone will do something foolish when they come looking for me. better i should be misunderstood.

She punches the deckplate beside her with her right fist. and you, brink helsing. when we meet again, if we meet again. will i be able to bring myself to anger you too, to drive you away for your own good?

What THORNE said about the washer and her clothing sounded – odd. If they are properly reclaiming the water, her clothes should be safe enough. If there is time enough in the next day or so she will look over the system and see how it is working. Or ask KAYLEE to show here the system. Can’t waste a valuable commodity like that. Oh and must find time to show ZOE how to work the simulation system on the cannon – teach her how to use the new gun. And install some fighting straps on both chairs on the bridge. Going to need them now.

Good to keep busy. Don’t think so much when you are busy.

roosevelt, I hope we both live long enough for you to forgive me . . . someday. you would have made a good commander and i respect you for that

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

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Monday, March 29, 2004 4:34 PM

OOC: sorry Capn, things have been hectic lately, got Smegol mixed up. thanks for getting me back with the group.

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - BRIDGE

Quote:
Originally posted by Geezer:
MAL: "I figger you've been on the books since you helped get that cannon workin', an' crew don't pay room an' board on my ship. Guess I could charge for the hop from the docks to the Valley, but the bookkeepin' would cost more than the fare. If you're willing to work 'til we get rid of the cargo at New Hokkaido, you'll get a half share of this caper, an' then you're on your own. Sound fair to you?."

Fair? I gave up on judging fair a long time ago.

Damon nods. "Sounds fine. Is there anything you want done in the mean time?"

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

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Monday, March 29, 2004 6:29 PM

CAPNRAHN

GYRFALCON - IN TRANSIT
As ...

SLIGHT looks over his shoulder at the SIMON. He seems to have fallen back asleep, but in an uncomfortable looking sprawl across the seat. Sensing only a normal, well mostly normal dreamstate - SIMON's passion was not his to experance. So much this doctor holds inside. SLIGHT shakes his head with warm humor and turns back to check on the controls.

Dream Location - Serenity's Engine Room
As ...

SIMON
softly and with a very slight hesitation in his pace
"Umm, I would very much like to talk with you. If you have the time"

KAYLEE self-consciously rubs a spot of molyB lube off of her nose and gestures him in with a warm but wary smile.

SIMON enters and absently mindedly pulls the door 3/4 closed. He looks like a man on the verge of a cliff, perched as he is on the top step into the engine room. KAYLEE has a brief memory of a cute cliff-diver on some planet or other. Suddenly she feels strange ... the teen diver ... while it was fun, just didn't, feel the same. Didn't make her feel the same as being near SIMON did.

This feeling was too new, too different. It surpassed her initial puppy love infatuation with the young doctor by leaps and bounds. Too confusing. Especially since these strange bouts of anger SIMON displayed recently. KAYLEE hated yelling and anger in general. Folks just needed to see the positives side and not get so twisted up over stuff. She looks up to SIMON and cannot help but feel comfortated, warm and tingly all at the same time.

Shaking her head ruefully at SIMON's hesitance, she allows her good feelings to be reflected in her smile.

SIMON returns the smile tenfold. It is full of boyish charm and relived happiness.

He moves over to her and with every step closer to KAYLEE, his bearing becomes assured and very confident. He absolutely knows this is the right thing to do, for the both of them.

Looking directly into KAYLEE's curiosity filled gaze, he gently and firmly takes her hand and says...

SIMON
with a small sigh and in a deep breathy whisper, barely heard...
"It is time for me to be honest..."

EOM

"Remember, there is only ONE absolute - There ARE NO absolutes!!!"

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Monday, March 29, 2004 10:12 PM

Kaylee's Move
Location: Adrift in Dreamland

Kaylee's face tenses in her sleep as Dream Simon says "It is time for me to be honest..."

End Move

BoomerGoodheart
"I love my Captain."

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Monday, March 29, 2004 11:24 PM

Book's Move
LOCATION - GALLEY

After brewing coffee and pouring a cup, Book settles himself at one of the side couches in the Galley, Bible sitting next to his mending right hand, coffee in his left and some cut fruit on the small table in front of him.

The rich smell of the coffee under his nose seems somehow nonexistent, his thoughts a million miles away, on a ruined doorstep. A single flower in honor of his loss. A ritual. Book watches himself in his mind's eye, placing the flower on the doorstep again. The image harsh and uncomfortable, he forces himself to hold up his guilt and examine it.

Thinking back to what he read of Earth-that-was, in many Buddhist countries you offer flowers to the Buddha image. Not simply because you wish to adorn the image with flowers, but to remind you that flowers fade. And so, just as flowers fade, so life is impermanent. Sinking deep into meditation again, Book's eyes close and the coffee becomes cold in his cup.

EM

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Tuesday, March 30, 2004 2:51 AM

MERZ move

STARTING LOCATION - LAUNDRY AREA to THORNE’S DORM

MERZ waits until the machine is completely silent, no lights, no activity. At that point, it is a reasonable conclusion that her wash is safely finished. She reaches in for all three pieces of clothing. Laying the exercise suit aside, MERZ takes the chance that no one will enter this room for a couple of seconds, drops the blanket and quickly slides into the jumpsuit.

todays lesson: no two situations, places, groups of persons, operate by the same set of rules.

todays challenge: how to figure out these unacknowledged rules before one makes a *muji of themselves.

ah, life in the ‘verse . . . is going to be the death of me

Gathering up her clothing and blanket she opens the laundry and glides out toward the passenger area. She knocks softly twice on THORNE’s door. “I’m finished Mr. Thorne. And thank you for the assistance.”

Not waiting for a reply she moves on toward her own room. Once there she re-makes the bunk, folds up her clothes and leaves them on the bunk with her hat and glasses. Checks the sidearm under the pillow. And exits once again into the corridor to head back to the bridge and instructions.

END LOCATION – CORRIDOR OUTSIDE MERZ DORM

EOM

*ass (Nepali)

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

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Tuesday, March 30, 2004 8:02 AM

Keep the Shiny side up

THORNE'S MOVE

LOCATION: HIS QUARTERS/LAUNDRY

[THORNE is re-reading Return of the King for the umpteenth time when he hears a knock on his door.]

MERZ: "I’m finished Mr. Thorne. And thank you for the assistance."

[THORNE places a 10 plat bill between the pages as a bookmark, and walks out the door to the laundry. MERZ has left, but signs of her presence remain. The light is still on, the soap box and washer are both left open, and the lint filter has not been cleaned. She apparently has no idea of the basics of proper shipboard manners. THORNE cleans the filter, carefully measures laundry soap, moves his neatly folded colored washing from his laundry bag to the machine, turns the selector from 'cot' to 'perm press', latches the lid, and presses start.]

"How strange about MERZ", he thinks. "Someone with her obvious military training should have at least some inkling of how to act correctly on a spacecraft. Come to think of it, the few social skills she has displayed seem like they're book-learned rather than gained from experience. Like that dead-fish handshake."

[Since he can't read her emotions at all, it's an interesting puzzle for THORNE, to learn about someone from external signs only. What scenario would create a skilled and disciplined warrior, who didn't know how to do laundry or shake hands?]

EOM

"Keep the Shiny side up"

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Tuesday, March 30, 2004 8:27 AM

i DO aim to misbehave

Rowan's Move:
LOCATION - GALLEY

Entering from the aft hallway, Rowan steps inside the Galley to find Jayne has moved along and Book sitting eyes closed in the corner. Softly as she can, she moves into the kitchen grotto and takes a cup down from the cabinets to pour herself some of the Shepherd's robust brew. Taking a long whiff of the rich aroma, she sips carefully and nods in appreciation. Something to be said about a fella that can make decent coffee - the kind that tastes like it smells, rather than like hot water with brown food coloring in it.

Starting for the side couches, she's aiming for the same chair Jayne was schlumped over in when she looks up and sees the Shepherd's dark eyes are open and looking right at her.

Resisting the urge to lift her hand to cover her eyes, she gives him a nervous smile.

ROWAN: "Mornin' Shepherd." (lifts the mug) "Good coffee."

At a complete loss for words, she continues to the chair and settles in. Slipping off her sandals, she folds her legs under and holds the mug close, carefully avoiding the Shepherd's gaze.

ROWAN (to herself): "Even if he doesn't say anything, how long before someone figures it out?"

EOM

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

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Tuesday, March 30, 2004 10:04 AM

Keep the Shiny side up

THORNE's Move:

Location: Laundry/Galley

[First load done, THORNE pulls his dry clothes, dumps in the whites with soap, sets the machine to 'cot' and starts it. He takes a moment to neatly fold the clean clothes. Smelling fresh coffee, he heads up the aft stair for the galley, where he finds BOOK and ROWAN.]

THORNE: "Good morning, ROWAN, Preacher. Guess I'll grab some coffee. Anyone need a warmup?"

[He fills a cup and waves the pot toward the others, but no one seems interested in more so it goes back on the hotpad. As he walks past ROWAN on his way back downstairs, he comments:]

"Glad you decided to lose the lenses. Your natural color suits you better."

"Keep the Shiny side up"

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Tuesday, March 30, 2004 11:05 AM

RAVENWHYTEWING

Slights move:
Slight shakes his head, trying to clear the fogginess of the chemicals coursing through his veins. As he shifts his neck and shoulders, dozens of pops can be heard. He moves his hand up to his head, realizing the splitting headache that has nested into his brain.
With a sigh and a mental urge, Slights armor shifts, injecting into his body some painkillers and stimulants. It's time to wake up.
As he stands, the armor makes several clicking noises, arranging itself into a simple, fishnet-like "shirt" that reaches up to his wrists. It won't garner too much attention, if seen, besides the numerous tattoos across his back and chest.
He smiles as he moves back, looking for a waterjug. Those tats had been part of his rejection of the Blue Sun. It was practically blasphemy to mar a perfect body like his with primitive ink. As he had delved into the underground of the Core, he had done what he had to in order to blend in. As a result, the black wings across the his shoulders had appeared, as well as a celtic knot on the back of his neck. The raven spread onto his chest, beak open in fury. What made the raven special, though, was the white edge running along each of the wings.
Slights smile widened, remembering that choice. The black sheep went white on the edges that no one would see, were the wings folded. No one ever had seen him defecting from the Sun.
His smile dropped, as he remembered why.
It was a simple enough mission. Rape the girl, and wait for her child to be born. Slight had felt niether proud nor disgusted by it. It was a mission, meant for the betterment of the 'Verse, it was preached, but he didn't believe that. He didn't believe anything.
He went with one other. His partner, Angel, was to have no part in it. Angel was a fool, a zealot, the worst kind of fool. He stood at the door, as Slight overrided the controls and slipped inside. He never spoke as she screamed, he never smiled as he finished. But he did do the one thing he ever enjoyed. He stretched into her mind, finding memories and pulling them as he pleased.
As he headed towards the door, he heard the girl whisper. "You're a monster."
He chuckled. "As will be your child." She shook her head, even as tears ran down her face. "Not about that. When you were. . .here." She tapped her head, not sure how to describe what she had felt.
Slight blinked. She couldn't be able to feel that it was him. "When you were in there. . .it was worse than what you did. This body is just a body. But you played with my soul. With my f---ing SOUL!"
Slight felt his breath leaving him, replaced only by a cold frost, covering his heart, his lungs, his skin. "No," he whispered. "Not your soul, just your brain."
"You think it matters?" She was hissing now, covering herself as best she could. He had seen no need to be violent, but she had resisted. "I couldn't control what I thought. That's why we have souls, to know what we think and feel."
He fell to his knees. Right there, at the door. Suddenly he couldn't look at her. "You feeling ashamed? That's your soul," she sobbed. "That's what makes us human. That's what makes life worth living."
"Shut up." Slight couldn't breath. He could see right through her, to her bones. He could see beyond her, into Osiris. But he saw something there he had not before. It was stronger in some than others. A light. Hovering inside everyone. He snapped to Angel. There was no light. There was nothing there. He brought his head around, forcing himself to look at the girl with this new sight. The light there had dimished, was almost gone. But it was still there.
He looked down at himself.
A light began to grow inside of him. It was faint, it was dark, and he could almost feel the scars inside. But it was there.
Slight stood. He could feel himself again. He felt ashamed at himself. Suddenly a rage bellowed through him. He walked out the door. "So," Angel smiled, "you took your time. That much fun, huh?"
Slight smiled in response. "Yes," he replied, snapping his hand forward through the weak skin on his stomach. He reached around till he felt the heart. Angel stared at him, uncomprehending.
Slight squeezed, and felt the life drain out of him.
His body dropped. "That much fun," he snarled quietly. He turned and stared at the executive building rising above the rest of Osiris. Blue Sun Offices. He watched the girl, smiling and drinking a beer, on a massive holo banner across the building. As he walked away, he could hear in his voice a song he had heard, a long time ago. It was ancient, from Earth that Was.
"I'm over it
You see I'm falling in the fast abyss
Clouded by memories of the past
At last I see

I hear it fading, I can't speak it
Oh yes you will take my grave
You feeling, finding, always whining
Take my hand now be alive

You see I cannot be forsaken
Because I'm not the only one
We walk amongst you feeding, raping
Must we hide from everyone?

I'm over it
Why can't we be together and erase it?
Sleeping so long taking off the mask
At last I see

My fear is fading, I can't speak it
Oh yes you will take my grave
You feeling, finding, always whining
Take my hand now be alive

Slight takes a deep breath. he reaches out and gently shakes the doctors shoulder. "We're almost there, doctor. Much as I would like to let you finish that dream, we must be hurrying."
Slight can feel it, just behind his shoulder. The breath of air that tells him before he descends into some new 'Versal hell.

EOM
OOC: Lyrics are from the song Forsaken, by David Draiman of Disturbed, found on the Queen of the Damned Soundtrack. (love that thing far too much)
Also, sorry it's so long. Figured I could make up for lost time by character developement. Cheap, but it works
So glad to be back.

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Tuesday, March 30, 2004 11:07 AM

Books Move

Location: Galley

"It is a good morning, isn't it?" Book remains unmoving on the couch. "Glad to see you've taken out the lens." Rowan's averted gaze can't hide the large gulping sound she makes as she sips too much coffee.

Thorne enters

-------
THORNE: "Good morning, ROWAN, Preacher. Guess I'll grab some coffee. Anyone need a warmup?"
------
As the pot goes back to the hotpad, Book sets down his cup, lowers his voice and says to Rowan.

"Seems everyone can't help but notice your eyes."

EM

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Tuesday, March 30, 2004 11:58 AM

i DO aim to misbehave

Rowan's Move:
LOCATION - GALLEY

Quote:
BOOK: "Glad to see you've taken out the lens."

Rowan's averted gaze can't hide the large gulping sound she makes as she sips too much coffee, subsequently burning her tongue and the roof of her mouth. Venturing a glance up at the preacher, she sees his gentle smile and nearly responds in kind when Thorne enters.

Quote:
THORNE: "Good morning, ROWAN, Preacher. Guess I'll grab some coffee. Anyone need a warmup?"

BOOK:"I could use one, thank you Mr. Thorne."

Obligingly, Thorne refills the preacher's cup before carting the pot back to the burner on the stove where he found it. He doesn't even look at her on his way back out.

Quote:
THORNE: "Glad you decided to lose the lenses. Your natural color suits you better."

Rowan sighs, trying to decide if both men are just trying to win favor by being kind, or if it's possible they're both color blind.

Quote:
FLASHBACK
"You are an ugly little green-eyed troll, and I wish you had never been born!"

Staring up at her beautiful sister in utter mortification, she ran away that day and stayed hidden in the garden until her brother found her. She was eight at the time.

"Come out, baby dragon," he said softly in Chinese, using the same sing-song tone as when they played hide and seek.

"NO! I will never look at the sunlight again!"

She heard him swear colorfully under his breath and wondered where her twelve-year old brother learned to swear like a space pirate. "She is sorry for what she said. She said as much to me."

"She didn't say it to me!"

"Then why don't you come out so she can?"

"NO!"

So he settled down on the carefully manicured grass instead and began telling her stories about the Little Green Dragon. It was hunger more than his persistence that eventually drew her from under the roots of the bonsai tree. She fell into his arms then and he let her cry herself out before he took her hand and led her up to the house. She fell in love with him somewhere between the fountain and the patio.

ROWAN (to herself: "So now everyone knows, or they will before too long."

The lens on her right eye must have slipped or something when she came back on board after getting her ass kicked by Niska. Fafeng mèi húndàn.

Looking at the Shepherd and seeing his quiet regard again, she sighs and nods slowly, figuring an explanation of some kind is in order.

ROWAN: "I've been hiding the color for so long, it's strange to hear anyone mention it." (she waves a hand vaguely in front of her face) "Kids in school, my sister - they all used it to insult me at some point or other. I was so self-conscious about it by the time I left prep school that I spent a little of my graduation money on the lenses. They were a hassle, but at least they made me look more normal. Nobody looked twice at me and I was able to melt into the crowd. I thought it was liberating."

Staring at a point past Book's shoulder, her smile turns more melancholy.

ROWAN (softly): "Xiang was the first who accepted it. He said they were stunning. How can you not love someone who says something like that?"

EOM

Fafeng mèi húndàn = crazy little asshole

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

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Tuesday, March 30, 2004 4:01 PM

CAPNRAHN

THIS POST IS RATED R or TV-17
FOR: language, adult situations and gore.

LOCATION - GYRFALCON: IN TRANSIT
As ...

... SLIGHT's smile widened, remembering that choice. The black sheep went white on the edges that no one would see, were the wings folded. No one ever had seen him defecting from the Sun. His smile dropped, as he remembered why.

Lost in his reverie, SLIGHT did not notice the sleeping Doctor beginning to shift uncomfortably in his chair.

Dream Location - Serenity's Engine Room
As ...

SIMON
with a small sigh and in a deep breathy whisper, barely heard...
"It is time for me to be honest..."

KAYLEE's face tenses in a quick grimace of concern. Fear washes over her and starts her 'run-away response' to begin to spin up. As she struggles with herself to allow SIMON to say his piece, she hears these painful phantom voices in rapid succession...
DAD
from when she was 10
"Can't play today, Kaylee-girl.

PERRY
from when she was 12
"Sorry, I think of you as a sister, nothing more."

ENISS
from when she was 15
"I'll love you till the stars burn cold!"

ENISS
from when she was 17
"LEAVE ME ALONE YOU FREAK!!! I could have NEVER LOVED any ... THING like you! GO AWAY AND PLAY WITH YOUR TOOLS, YOU LITTLE GORRAM WHORE!"

BYRON
from when she was 18
"It is time we went our separate ways, this just isn't working for me."

GOBSHITE
from the morning after her hellraising 19th birthday party
"Shiiiit lille gurl, it wasn't real"

KAYLEE shakes these ghosts away as she sees that SIMON is looking at her. His calm expression filled with questions. He squeezes her hand gently and with a warm caress that sends a pleasant fiery tingle up her arms, obliterating the shades of her youth with its cleansing flow.

SIMON
with jokingly feigned resignation and a honest quick sweet grin
"Around you, I lose my words ... "

On impulse, SIMON begins to move his head forward slowly. He keeps his eyes on KAYLEE's as he tips his head at THE angle. She looks almost as stunned as she did when SIMON kissed her in the infirmary. And in truth, KAYLEE was immobilized by the unreality of this situation.

SIMON stops his slow approach when they are the barest of spaces apart. His eyes bore into her with an exhilarating intensity. His need for her to connect with him is pouring forth from him. As the waves of radiance sweep over her, KAYLEE is swept up in this gently passionate emotional tide. Their breath mingling and making it feel like both of their thudding hearts were keeping tempo with each other.

She knows he is very different ... her feelings are very different from anything she has felt before ... her 'run-away drive' falters in its power up and is rendered silent in the flood of possibilities. KAYLEE lets go and lets her eyes drift close.

Sensing no barricades between then, SIMON closes the last few millimeters between their lips.

As their lips caress in the fluttering velvet brush of a butterflies wing, a build up of electricity softly makes its presence known. Both move closer as the power of the electricity builds and overflows from SIMON to KAYLEE with each brush and probe of exploration. The thunderous energy flows back again in spasms of heated flashes and bursts of light. They abandon all sense of self and surrender to this emotional coupling of self into one entity. KayleeSimon shares a unity with the stately sensation of overflowing, warm clover honey from one being into the other.

Then from outside, a small frigid voice shatters the connection and blasts the dreamscape ...

VOICE
with a Baltic accent
"Time to bleed..."

SIMON suddenly feels like the ship has spun out of control, images whip about him in a frenzy of color and a crash of sound and fury. KAYLEE's wrenching scream terrifies SIMON as she is nearly ripped out of his embrace by the vortex. She begins to slip out of his grip into the thundering maelstrom. KAYLEE's eyes plead with SIMON - Simon-Simon-please-o-please-help-me-Simon.... He tightens his grip and leans back in the attempt to press their bodies in a desperate tangle.

VOICE
with mirth
"Easy, this will not be, Doctor."

With a thunderclap of silence and darkness KAYLEE is gone. SIMON finds himself blind and only one sensation - disembodied terror. SIMON clamps down on the fear as best as he can. The lights and other fixtures begin to crackle and spark back to life.

As the lights begin to come up, SIMON suddenly becomes aware he has something in his right hand. He moves his arm up to inspect the item in the failing light. KAYLEE's flower decorated wrench in his hand. It is etched differently than he remembers. As the illumination grows stronger, he notices glints of gold floating in a light aura around the head of the wrench. With a rising dread he pulls at the fine strands floating in the air currents. With a soft shrrrip sound of pulling Velcro, the hair pulls free from the backside of the wrench. Simon's heart thunders into the back of his mouth, filling his tongue with the rusty flavor of blood.

Without his consent, his head tips down to stare at his feet. As the darkened figure sprawled there slowly resolves, SIMON's heart, still lodged in his mouth, begins pumping torrents of bitter blood down his throat. Gagging but unable to close his eyes, he sees KAYLEE in a broken heap. She bleeds from several gaping wounds penetrating her skull. Crushed openings show that the gray arachina of her brain is torn and shredded by the jagged bone fragments.

SIMON struggles to scream. He gags on the blood in his mouth and gullet. Still staring at the mutilated KAYLEE, he summons the strength to swallow his fear. His heart retreats and the blood drains from his tongue and throat back to it's proper vessels.

SIMON
shreiking in a larynx rupturing scream
"THIS IS NOT HOW IT ENDED!!!"

In front of his vision, KAYLEE slowly melts into the form of RIVER. Her eyes snap open with a blood red glare reminiscent of SLIGHT. She raises her head from the ground and reveals torn lips, as if from a particularly vicious blow.

RIVER
in a sharp piercing manner
"You can not save anyone ... failure"

Her eyes momentarily clear to their normal color ...
"Behind you..."

At her words, all the light drains to the circle around RIVER's prone body. She has lifted herself to her arms and holds her, again bloody, gaze on SIMON. SIMON stands outside the spot as RIVER begins to shift like sand drifting in an hourglass.

KAYLEE's form returns and with a silent heart-rending "'Why?", she collapses back down, through the circle of light and it pulls the darkness in after her. Only a tiny spark of red and yellow fire mark the spot.

SIMON cannot take a breath nor feel the beating of his heart. His vision and hearing is gone. SIMON senses are closed the world around him, except the lone orange star of light.

VOICE
slowly and with restrained curosity
"The Volcano, Doctor. Must face it, we all do."

What SIMON can sense of the world, spins away as the pinpoint of orange rushes at him with the fury of an exploding sun. Searing winds burn him as he hurtles towards the light.

LOCATION - WAKING WORLD - GYRFALCON: IN TRANSIT
As ...

SLIGHT
takes a deep breath. he reaches out and gently shakes the doctors shoulder
"We're almost there, doctor. Much as I would like to let you finish that dream, we must be hurrying."

SLIGHT can feel it, just behind his shoulder. The breath of air that tells him before he descends into some new 'Versal hell.

SLIGHT is shocked to sense that this is NOT the Doctor. SIMON opens his eyes and speaks two words.

SIMON
with a slight accent
"Pale Moonlight"

Something begins to burn in the back of SLIGHT's throat.

EOM

"Remember, there is only ONE absolute - There ARE NO absolutes!!!"

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Tuesday, March 30, 2004 11:13 PM

Book's Move
Location: Galley

"They are stunning. I'm not just saying that to get you to love me either." Book's face breaks into a smile, and he hides most of it by taking a sip from his cup.

EM

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Wednesday, March 31, 2004 12:57 AM

Kaylee's Move
Location: Engine Room to Galley

Kaylee jerks upright in her hammock, heart pounding and eyes wide. Simon's in danger. She knows he is.

But as she comes fully awake, the urgency fades away. Too much excitement the day before. Mind's playin' tricks on her.

Scrubbing at her eyes like a child, she gets up and follows the aroma of fresh coffee to the galley. Giving a hello nod to Book and Rowan, she rummages around for the last muffin she hid.

Maybe she should share it, but sweets are her weakness. Let the others fend for themselves. Snickering softly, she pours some coffee and heads to the table. Rowan seems nervous; Book seems somewhat amused. Glancing over at them, she catches a quick glimpse of Rowan's eyes.

Her natural curiousity getting the better of her, she moves around the table and gently lifts Rowan's chin up.

"Well now...those have got ta be the prettiest eyes I ever saw. I thought Inara had the best eyes ever, but ya've managed to pass her right by."

Smiling at Rowan's shocked expression, Kaylee wanders back over to the table and gets down to the serious business of demolishing her breakfast.

End Move

BoomerGoodheart
"I love my Captain."

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Wednesday, March 31, 2004 2:13 AM

MERZ move

LOCATION – LANDSCAPE OF THE MIND

MERZ pauses outside of her door, caught in a memory. Triggered no doubt by associations of wrongdoing.

Quote:
She must have been, oh fourteen, the first time they caught her. She slipped away from the mess early, missing a meal to tear down one of the air exchangers that was making a strange noise.

She was wrist deep in the interior of the thing and had pretty much narrowed down the problem, when she heard/felt/smelled/sensed the commander behind her. MERZ came to attention in a flash, aware it was already far too late.

‘Mercedes. Missing a meal is questionable, but you are within your rights, depending on your activities. This activity is not a valid excuse. And missing a training session is unacceptable. We have people here to take care of such mechanical duties; you are not to waste your time in such pursuits. Follow me.’

She follows, unsure of what is to come. It has been 10 years since one of her team rated punishment. He leads her to the gymnasium – acrobatics was the session she was missing. But no one is training, they are mustered, in rank and waiting for . . . her discipline. Rare enough that it becomes an object lesson for all.

He leads her in front of the ranks and leaves her standing there. She is still at attention, staring straight at the team’s ranks in front of her. No one has the slightest expression on their face, no more than she does. But the air smells of excitement and anticipation.

‘Team. We found this unit engaged in deviant behavior. I had believed this to be a thing of the past; it is most annoying to have been mistaken. You will witness her punishment to strengthen your knowledge that difference will not be tolerated.’

He nods and two of her team separate themselves from the ranks and lead her to a corner. Waiting there is a 19-foot I-beam. Merz is puzzled. But not for long.

She is instructed to stand with her arms over her head, palms parallel to the roof. The other two lift the beam onto her hands – it does not take two of them to lift it, but it does to properly balance it for her. Then they stand back leaving her with the weight.

‘24 hours, Mercedes.’ He does not say that she should be standing when he returns. He does not have to.

She shakes her head. “Water under the bridge Mercedes,” she says. “Time now to learn how to cope in the real world.”

She collects her thoughts, finding herself still standing motionless in the hallway. Roosevelt Thorne has definitely put her in a remembering mood. Having a hard time deciding where to go from here, on one hand she needs to report to Captain Reynolds, on the other she definitely can smell coffee. Hasn't had coffee for - over a month. MERZ is spared the decision by a chime from her quarters - sounds like a message alert. She goes on guard at once - no one knows where she is. Better see what it is.

MERZ enters her room once again.

EOM

OOC: if you are interested I looked it up. A steel I-beam 19 feet long, 4 inches wide, 12 inches deep weighs approx 16 pounds per foot and a little over 300 pounds at this length.

OOC2: Having once again put myself in the wrong place at the wrong time, edited last paragraph to correct.

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

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Wednesday, March 31, 2004 2:39 AM

Keep the Shiny side up

MAL'S MOVE:

Location: Bridge

Damon nods. "Sounds fine. Is there anything you want done in the mean time?"

MAL: "Not much to do for a while, an' you'll wanta take it easy after all that floppin' around durin' the Ivan yesterday. Too much floppin' 'round all round. Hey, wait a minute! There's some cam-lock cargo straps down in the cargo bay. Get a couple sets and see if you can rig up some kind'a restraint belts on the seats in here. Seems gorram dumb for the pilot and gunner to be flyin' all over the bridge if we overload the grav generators. Just look in the bin marked 'straps'."

EOM

"Keep the Shiny side up"

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Wednesday, March 31, 2004 8:19 AM

Keep the Shiny side up

THORNE'S MOVE:

Location: Laundry/His Quarters

[Laundry finished, THORNE tidies up the laundry room and returns to his room. The flashing comm reminds him to forward SLIGHT's attachment in his message to MERZ's bunk. He does so now, along with a voice message.]

"MERZ, this is Rosie Thorne. a little earlier I received a message from BRINK HELSING. This one for you came attached to it. Sorry I forgot to mention it earlier. Anyway, here it is."

[That taken care of, THORNE settles in to prepare for his evening with Inara. A surprise or two for her, and then a little meditation to attain the proper state of mind.]

EOM

OOC: and see you Monday.

"Keep the Shiny side up"

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Wednesday, March 31, 2004 8:36 AM

i DO aim to misbehave

Rowan's Move:
LOCATION: GALLEY

Quote:
Book: "They are stunning. I'm not just saying that to get you to love me either."

Rowan blushes at the implication as Book smiles into his coffee.

ROWAN: "I don't think he was either, considering he was more or less my boss at the time."

She's startled to feel a hand on her face, turning it up so she can see its Kaylee, and watches the girl smile in approval.

Quote:
KAYLEE: "Well now...those have got ta be the prettiest eyes I ever saw. I thought Inara had the best eyes ever, but ya've managed to pass her right by."

Rowan's jaw drops of its own volition as Kaylee beams and wanders back over to the table. Curling up in her chair, she pulls the muffin into two parts and then quarters and begins delicately eating the pieces with her fingers.

Maybe she could have worn dark sunglasses or something to the Galley to avoid all the attention - positive and well meaning though it may be. They would have been easy to explain away as a temporary contingent for her injury. She could even have gotten into the tournament with them without too much problem - other players have utilized more dramatic means to create an image. Then again, considering Book and Thorne - and Merz - already knew she was covering something up, it would have been a moot effort.

Catching the girl's smile, Rowan smiles back, narrowing her eyes a little without the slightest idea that she's just made herself look as contented as a cat after a long nap.

ROWAN (to herself): "Might have to take care. Wouldn't do to get too attached to these folk. It'll make leaving that much more troublesome when the time comes."

EOM

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

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Wednesday, March 31, 2004 9:19 AM

Damon's move:
LOCATION - BRIDGE to DINING ROOM

Quote:
Originally posted by Geezer:
MAL: "Not much to do for a while, an' you'll wanta take it easy after all that floppin' around durin' the Ivan yesterday. Too much floppin' 'round all round. Hey, wait a minute! There's some cam-lock cargo straps down in the cargo bay. Get a couple sets and see if you can rig up some kind'a restraint belts on the seats in here. Seems gorram dumb for the pilot and gunner to be flyin' all over the bridge if we overload the grav generators. Just look in the bin marked 'straps'."

Assuming he doesn't have to wait to be dismissed, Damon turns toward the hall and heads toward the galley. He notices the smell of strong coffie first and then sees that more of the crew is awake. Book, Rowan and Kaylee sit in various locations around the room silently smiling for no reason Damon can fathom.

He walks over to the kitchen and pours the last of the coffie into a mug. Coffie is not something he's very fond of, but the caffine is invaluable when it comes to staying active with an injured body.

Swallowing most of it, he's surprised to find that it's actually not that bad. Guess not all coffie tastes like recycled dishwater.

He crosses the dinning room, as he finishes the last of his coffie and sets his mug down on the table on his way out.

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

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Wednesday, March 31, 2004 10:04 AM

i DO aim to misbehave

Rowan's Move:
LOCATION: GALLEY

Catching sight of Damon as he comes in from the direction of the bridge, Rowan watches him, waiting for any sign that the wound is giving him trouble. Seems to be moving well, and not favoring the side any. That's a good sign. Might want to check it out, though, just in case. That would be the least obvious way to get out of the Galley and away from all the attention, whether Damon actually lets her look at the wound or not.

Unfolding her legs, she slips back into her sandals and stands up.

ROWAN: "Hey, xiâo dì dì - how's that hole in your gut? Been behaving?"

EOM

xiâo dì dì = little brother

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

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Wednesday, March 31, 2004 10:52 AM

Book's Move
LOCATION - GALLEY

Standing with his now empty cup, Book crosses to the coffee brewer, sets down his cup and prepares more coffee. While waiting, he takes a white cloth covering off a large basket on the counter, carries it over to the table to Kaylee and offers her the first choice from the full basket of fresh muffins, (another boon from Thorne's cargo) then sets the basket on the table.

"Did you sleep well, Kaylee?"

EM

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Wednesday, March 31, 2004 2:40 PM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - DINING ROOM

Quote:
Originally posted by Channain:
ROWAN: "Hey, xiâo dì dì - how's that hole in your gut? Been behaving?"

Damon stops and turns when he realizes that Rowan is adressing him. Her question reminds him of the ache in his side that he had been ignoring. He looks down into her green eyes, as she walks toward him, realizing that they aren't the same color they were yesterday.

"Haven't looked at it yet, and I haven't looked at the other ones since they got patched up, but all three of em seem to be behaving the way bullet wounds usually do."

He turns back to the door, hoping that she isn't wanting to change the bandages or whatever it is they do. He's had too many people pawing him already.

xiâo dì dì = little brother

OOC: ok, Channain, hope that gives Rowan the exit she needs. Coarse now Damon's looking for one, but I already have his comment on her eyes planned for his change of subject.

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

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Thursday, April 1, 2004 2:59 AM

Kaylee's Move
Location: Galley

Kaylee smiles at Book as he offers her a fresh muffin.

"Thanks, Sheperd...these sure look good."

Taking a still-warm muffin out of the basket, her smiles fades a little as she thinks about the nightmares she's had.

"I dunno, Sheperd. Didn't sleep all that well, and I got a feelin' that somethin' is really wrong. But I couldn't tell ya what it is. Jus' a feelin'. Oh, and here's the memory stick from Simon...you kin pass it on ta whoever's next."

Frowning, she hands the stick to Book.

End Move

BoomerGoodheart
"I love my Captain."

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Thursday, April 1, 2004 8:25 AM

Book's Move
Location: Galley

Book reaches out for the memory stick. "I have the same bad feeling." He pockets the memory stick using his uninjured hand and wonders who he should give the stick to next... the answer comes in a flash, River. Looking back to Kaylee, Book's face matches the seriousness of her own. "I had it before Simon left, and it's only gotten worse since he's been away. I never should have let him go off like he did."

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Thursday, April 1, 2004 9:29 AM

RAVENWHYTEWING

Slights move:

Slight stares at the doctor. "Pale moonlight?"
The words bring back something to him. Something he can't place. A memory of a presence he'd felt, while in the underground. The burning in his mouth has only gotten worse. It's like he swallowed battery acid

Slight makes a decision he hasn't made since he left the Sun and killed Angel. He decides to delve deeper. With a resounding snap, the nanytes inject into his bloodstream stimulants and DNA shifting drugs, turning his blood into the biochemical soup the Sun wanted so desperately. His eyes begin to bleed as he locks his gaze with Simons.
With a flash, and a boom of thunder, he and the doctor are facing each other. Slights armor is gone, and he is wearing only a pair of black leather jeans and boots. The doctor's clothes are the usual-a a shimmering suit, very posh. THey face each other on a black platuea, with a sky of liqued gold overhead.

But something is different about Simon. The face is creasing, drying, becoming older. And the smile of Simon's, once so gentle, is hardening, crystallizing. Whoever this is, he is evil.

Brink Helsing grins. This is his land, now, and no one may touch him.
The tattoo across his chest and back melts, shifts. It seeps out of his skin, becoming the embodiment of his soul. It pulls out of him, like a hand coming out of water. The raven is at first hazy, seeming to be made of smoke. Then it hardens, and the raven is standing on his shoulder. It gives a fierce cry, stretching silver-tipped wings, challenging the intruder in Simon's mind.
The smile has not changed a wit. A smoke seems to explode out of Simons skin, and with a brief flash Slight is reminded of the Gepetto of Earth that Was. But the kindness of this mans face is marred. He is a killer. And he has taken over Simon's mind now.
The raven launches itself from Slights shoulder. With another cry, it goes to remove this evil. The thing laughs, and Slight can feel a rending in his chest. It's like his heart is being pulled and twisted inside of him! The raven falls to the ground. What was once fierce is now something to be pitied, as it rolls in the ground, its wings broken.

Slight opens his eyes slowly. His chest his head, his arms. . .even his clothes hurts. His whole mouth is burning, tingling, like he just threw up. Without moving, Slight can feel the ship has stopped flying.
His armor is buzzing in consternation over his body. The moment he fell unconsciuos, it exploded off of him, became an impregable cloud, protecting him in his weakened state. As he slowly crawls to his feet, exhausted, the armor returns to his body, clicking and snapping in anger, as it injects painkillers into him. He might pass out at any second, his blood is so filled with drugs.
He reaches for his pack of cigarettes, and finds the inhaler Simon gave him. With disgust, he decides to pocket it, and lights one of his regular cancer sticks. The greasy smoke seems to revive him, as he looks around. The doctor is gone. And he seems to have taken a consul or to, making flying the ship impossible. Digging around, he finds a black trenchcoat, leather. If it had cralled out of the Void itself, he would have worn it.
He steps outside, and can see the town far ahead. It's going to be a long walk, and only the Void knew how he was going to get to NH, but he had to find Reynolds. His crewmember was missing, and while Sliht didn't relish the thought-in fact, was downright scared of it-he had to tell the Captain.
Slight took a long drag of the cigarette. As he began the descent down the hill towards the city, the sun set behind him
The sky above it was blood red.

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Thursday, April 1, 2004 10:51 AM

i DO aim to misbehave

Rowan's Move:

Quote:
DAMON: "Haven't looked at it yet, and I haven't looked at the other ones since they got patched up, but all three of 'em seem to be behaving the way bullet wounds usually do."

Taking her cup with her, she joins him at the door, well aware that the last thing he wants is to get checked over again. It was hard enough getting stitches in the boy the first time.

ROWAN: "Well, normally I'd say if you're feeling in the need of pain killers, or something unusual shows up, you should let me know. Considering that would thoroughly ruin that façade of independence you're trying so hard to build, I should probably save my breath, right?"

Her sarcasm at least gets him to stop and turn to give her a dark look. She blows over her coffee as they stare at each other and takes another gulp before continuing.

ROWAN: "I could just follow you around with a couple new Rapiheal patches till you get sick of me, or you could follow me down to the Infirmary and let me put them on now. Then you can just avoid me for the rest of the trip. How's that?"

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, April 1, 2004 12:00 PM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - FRONT HALL

Quote:
Originally posted by Channain:
ROWAN: "Well, normally I'd say if you're feeling in the need of pain killers, or something unusual shows up, you should let me know. Considering that would thoroughly ruin that façade of independence you're trying so hard to build, I should probably save my breath, right?"

Her sarcasm at least gets him to stop and turn to give her a dark look. She blows over her coffee as they stare at each other and takes another gulp before continuing.

ROWAN: "I could just follow you around with a couple new Rapiheal patches till you get sick of me, or you could follow me down to the Infirmary and let me put them on now. Then you can just avoid me for the rest of the trip. How's that?"

Damon continues to watch her as he conciders her proposal. His leg and arm wound should probably be looked at at some point, but that would require getting undressed. He continues down the hall toward the stairs.

"I got nothing against pain killers. I can get my own the next time I pass the infirmery. As for you following me around, wouldn't you get tired or bored or something?"

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

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Thursday, April 1, 2004 12:40 PM

i DO aim to misbehave

Rowan's Move:
LOCATION - FRONT Passageway

Quote:
DAMON: "I got nothing against pain killers. I can get my own the next time I pass the infirmary. As for you following me around, wouldn't you get tired or bored or something?"

Following along behind, Rowan manages to stay about three steps behind to keep from crowding him as they head down the stairs.

ROWAN: "I'm a people watcher - observing all manner of behavior is my thing. You'd be surprised how much of 9-ball involves watching the other player."

They continue downward. Since her sandals are virtually silent, Damon has to turn to check and see if she's still behind him every six steps or so. At the bottom, Rowan decides to give him a break.

ROWAN: "How about I just give you the patches instead and you do with them what you want - or don't. Just make sure you give them back if you don't, okay? Sneak them in or something? Considering this crew's tendency to get shot at, if you don't use them, they definitely will."

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, April 1, 2004 1:24 PM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - CARGO BAY

Quote:
Originally posted by Channain:
ROWAN: "How about I just give you the patches instead and you do with them what you want - or don't. Just make sure you give them back if you don't, okay? Sneak them in or something? Considering this crew's tendency to get shot at, they'll use them if you don't."

Damon reaches the cargo bay floor a few steps ahead of Rowan and turns around to face her again. He's not sure what watching people has to do with anything, or even what Rapiheal patches are, but he holds his hand out for them anyway.

"I'd say thank you, but it would ruin my façade of independence and completely throw off all the behavior observing you've done on me already."

A small smile accompanies his flimsy attempt at humor, as he takes the patches from her and pockets them.

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

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Thursday, April 1, 2004 2:38 PM

START LOCATION - MERZ DORM
As ...

MERZ approaches the comm; that being what is beeping at her. She has a transferred message. It is attached to an internal message from THORNE.

Quote:
MERZ, this is Rosie Thorne. A little earlier I received a message from BRINK HELSING. This one for you came attached to it. Sorry I forgot to mention it earlier. Anyway, here it is.

She fires back a quick response. “Thanks Roosevelt. I received it.”

She is not sure she can deal with this . . . confession, revelation, greeting, whatever. MERZ sighs and shakes her head. One thing she has learned over the years is that refusing to notice something never results in it going away. nothing good is going to come of this She opens the file. It is very short.

Quote:
When we meet again, m'lady, there is much I would like to discuss . . . I will return.

There is so much emotion in his voice. She closes her eyes. She hates the thought of it. She cherishes the sound of it. Were he here, could she ever decide between executing him for the danger he represents, or touching his hand to share – what? She has no idea what.

he looked at me like a starving man at a feast. i have seen that look before, where i was always one of many, many others . . . nothing special just another woman. but this time. this time is not the same, not routine, not casual. and he does not know, does not care that i am . . . flawed

She looks at the comm screen, at the image that came along with the message. A bird of prey, with wings of sharpened steel. An odd image to go with this message.

Quote:
I will return

yes i do believe you will. no idea if it will turn out to be a promise or a threat. we will have much to say count on that.

She wipes the message, no point to save it, she will remember it. As she turns away she looks again at the image that somehow she has decided to keep and leave up on the screen. Without being aware of it, she strokes one of the wings with the same caress she gave to Hlastoni’s fighter back in the Valley.

A sudden decision. There is coffee brewing and that likely means people are stirring. Go get breakfast, mingle with crewmates, try to learn some of the rules. Forget {yeah, right} troubling thoughts for now. Leave it for the night and the silence.

MERZ starts for the galley.

END LOCATION - TRAVELING TO DINING ROOM
EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

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Thursday, April 1, 2004 5:21 PM

i DO aim to misbehave

Rowan's Move:
LOCATION - CARGO BAY and/or INFIRMARY

When Damon holds out his hand, Rowan's quick to react before he has a second to change his mind. Darting into the Infirmary, she opens one of the cabinets, breaks open a fresh box of number ten patches, and zips back out to hand him a handfull.

ROWAN: "Just put these on wherever it hurts. Then call me in the morning." (she grins) "That's earth-that-was doctor humor. Pretty bad, huh? Actually, if one starts to itch, just replace it."

Quote:
DAMON: "I'd say thank you, but it would ruin my façade of independence and completely throw off all the behavior observing you've done on me already."

Rowan lets her gaze slant at him in speculation, returning his smile as he stuffs the patches in the front pocket of his trousers. He's a handsome one, gotta give him that. Would be quite the catch if he shaved of the scruff.

ROWAN: "So where you headed, xiâo dì dì? Toward home or away from 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, April 1, 2004 6:26 PM

OOC: funny that you mention shaving the scruff, Channain, I was going to have him do just that when he replaces his bandages.

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - CARGO BAY

Quote:
Originally posted by Channain:
ROWAN: "So where you headed, xiâo dì dì? Toward home or away from it?"

The question catches him completely off guard. He shifts his gaze, letting it roam for a moment.

Home. Home? It had been so long since he had even thought about home. Although, now that he thinks about it, he remembers dreaming something about home yesterday. Back in the day when a drunk man was the extent of his problems.

"Away, I guess. Haven't been home in... over nine years."

Nine years? Was that all? Seems like so much longer than that. He suddenly finds himself wondering how his mother was doing. Whether she was dead or still trying to drink away her abuse.

Stop thinking that. You go home now and he'll turn you over to Crofton before you take two steps through the door. He sold you once, he'll do it again. Besides, you don't owe her anything.

Still, he can't help wondering if she is okay...

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

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Thursday, April 1, 2004 8:52 PM

CAPNRAHN

LOCATION - GYRFALCON:
Orbit, unknown
As ...

SLIGHT makes a decision he hasn't made since he left the Sun and killed Angel. He decides to delve deeper. With a resounding snap, the nanites inject into his bloodstream stimulants and DNA shifting drugs, turning his blood into the biochemical soup the Sun wanted so desperately. His eyes begin to bleed as he locks his gaze with SIMON's.

SIMON simply stares back. His gaze intense, but face impassive, he sits deeper in the chair. Suddenly SLIGHTs eyes snap shut and he, as if in slow-motion, slumps to the deck. His clothes suddenly fly apart in millions of minuscule particles and envelope his body.

SIMON leans forward to inspect the mummified SLIGHT. Satisfied that Slight is fully imobilized, he smiles a small repitilian grin. SLIGHT is most definitely under the effects of the psychotropic mixed in the chemical mish-mash contained within the inhaler cartridges.

He bridges his fingers together as he contemplates the next move. Smiling, he reaches into the pocket and pulls out a small rectangle. Holding it up to the light he peers at the somber face of Book staring out from the ident card.

SIMON
still with slight Hungarian accent
"Training iz evaporating, yes Shepherd? Dulled are ze instincts zeez days. Ah, time to see if my instincts are dulled. I believe my preparations are corvect, ve shall zee."

He uses Book's card to link to a secure wave frequency and inputs a lengthy code. He then speaks into the microphone.

SIMON
"Corvair Troy, It iz time."

SIMON sits back and looks again at the gently buzzing black mummy of SLIGHT.

SIMON
with genteel humor and sigh
"Waiting iz..."

With another soft sigh, he closes his eyes to consider the coming possibilities.

EOM

"Remember, there is only ONE absolute - There ARE NO absolutes!!!"

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Thursday, April 1, 2004 9:36 PM

DRAGONFLYDIRECTOR

LOCATION - HERA:
The Outback

NISKA huddles next to a small fire in a crook of an old washed-out gully. His fine suit is rumpled torn and very dirty. Sharp and vicious eyes gleam from the edges of the firelight, yet NISKA takes no notice of them. He simply stares into the fire as he goes over his options and desires.

His eyes glitter with the anticipation of setting his full plans into motion. A brisk wind shoots cold needles through his exposed flesh. It brings back the eaisly remembered chill of the cyrobox. NISKA's frown deepens. The faces of the Serenity crew speed by his minds eye to stop on the features of Malcom Renolds.

NISKA
like the report of a shotgun
"GAH!"

The short explosion of sound scatters the predators lurking in the vicinity. NISKA breifly wishes to get the taste of gully-rat out of his mouth. With an internal laugh, he wonders what wine would be best with gully-rat tartare.

Civilization, not much further he thinks. Simple access to a wave set and he will implement his will. Corvair knew the codex and signal skipping pattern. He knows his duty and loyalties ... unlike Early., NISKA nods unconsciously at the thought. He then closes his eyes and contemplates the future possibilities. Possibilities soon to be held in his hands ... his alone.

EOM

"Observe Analyze & Respond"
Motto of the A.P.E.s
Alliance Protean Engineers

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Friday, April 2, 2004 12:08 AM

Book's Move
LOCATION - GALLEY

River. She was still asleep a little while ago. Book nods slowly and paces a little, not realizing what he's doing. He continues to nod, talking quietly to himself, as he walks slowly out of the galley, not really looking at anyone.

Book goes down the aft stairs and stops at the bottom. He makes a check on Rivers door to see if any light is illuminating it yet, not seeing anything, he goes quietly back to the common area and begins to pace again. He takes the memory stick out of his pocket, lets it scan his retina again and once again he hears Simon's message to him... asking him, among other things, to watch out for River as best he could. His voice sounded strange, a little tighter than usual. Stress.

LOCATION - BOOK'S ROOM

Books wanderings take him back to his room, where immediately he notices a light purple glow coming from one of his small containers. Knowing this glow, he immediately pushes all other thoughts out of his mind and goes quickly to the container. He removes a communicator. Placing his thumb to the tiny pad on the front, it spring to life and a small face apppears.

Unknown person: "We detected your signal being used on a secure frequency. We couldn't decipher anything of the message, or we wouldn't have broken silence, but you must know that's why you're being contacted..."

Book:"Yes."

Unknown person: "Yes... your signature was used allowing someone to access certain... restricted areas. I'm sorry, but protocol demanded we contact you. We do not doubt you, Sir."

EM

-------------------------------------------
Inara: Who's winning?
Simon: I can't really tell, they don't seem to be playing by any civilized rules that I know.
-------------------------------------------

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Friday, April 2, 2004 11:13 AM

i DO aim to misbehave

Rowan's Move:
LOCATION - CARGO BAY

Quote:
DAMON: "Away, I guess. Haven't been home in... over nine years."

Seeing the effect that realization has on him, Rowan lets herself sympathize a little. Thoughts of home have always brought strong images to mind for her. The last time she saw her parents in particular.

Quote:
There was no way of predicting when it would happen. Wars start on their own timetable, marching ahead without the slightest care as to who it might inconvenience.

"At least we got the important part done," she said in Chinese. Hearing the urgent rumblings muffled by the bullet-proof glass, she watched the war begin from behind the scenes and didn't really care for the view.

"That, I think, is a matter of opinion," he replied grumpily. Standing behind her, he folded her into his arms and held her close, his mouth near her ear. "I would have rather have spent this night as we planned."

She smiled slowly and turned to see shadows of frustration in his narrowed eyes. "I don't think I've seen you anxious about anything before," she whispered and touched her lips to the corner of his mouth before they shared a sweet and very thorough kiss.

He was still wearing the off white hounds tooth coat, complete with the red orchid boutonnière. She was in red silk, darker than was traditional, with simple black embroidery. Not far away, her parents were huddled together, observing the goings on below with some trepidation.

"I just wish we could have gotten them back to the space port first," she said. Seeing them cling to each other for support, she squeezed the strong arm around her. "It'll be harder to get them back to Osiris now."

"Harder, but not impossible," he assured her. "I will keep them safe, I promise."

"I know." She had always felt safe with him. Before she loved him she had been aware of his strength, that quality about him that made men want to follow where he led, without getting swallowed up by his shadow. He would do great things for the new Independence and she would help see to it. For better and for worse, and into hell and back. She'd promised him.

Rowan smiled softly and nodded.

ROWAN: "It's been about fifteen years for me. I haven't seen my parents in about ten, and my brother and sister left well before that. I've seen my sister, but not my brother - haven't had so much as a clue on where he is." (she gives him another speculative look) "I'd be willing to bet real platinum that you're an only child."

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, April 2, 2004 2:42 PM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - CARGO BAY

Damon thoughts return to the woman in front of him when she breaks the silence.

Quote:
Originally posted by Channain:
ROWAN: "It's been about fifteen years for me. I haven't seen my parents in about ten, and my brother and sister left well before that. I've seen my sister, but not my brother - haven't had so much as a clue on where he is." (she gives him another speculative look) "I'd be willing to bet real platinum that you're an only child."

Damon nods slowly. "Yeah, I would too, but I'm not about to wave either of them to ask."

He turns toward the boxes and crates stacked along the wall, looking for one marked 'straps'.

"By the way," he says, hoping to change the subject, "Like your lenses, they suit you."

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

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Sunday, April 4, 2004 12:02 AM

LOCATION – GALLEY

MERZ reaches the galley without running into anyone else. At the moment it seems pretty much deserted, although heat traces indicate several persons have recently been in the room. KAYLEE is still here, munching on something, with a rather tense and worried look on her face.

There is fresh coffee made. And a basket of still-warm bread of some type. MERZ goes to help herself, nodding to KAYLEE on the way by. She rummages in the cabinet for a mug and pours out some of the coffee. Tasting it, she finds it more than acceptable and, hot as it is, drains the mug. Pouring a second dose, she sits a the table, grabs a muffin from the basket, covers the rest back up, and begins to quietly devote herself to her snack. There is enough coffee for a couple more cups, she decided. If I have any more, I will start another pot. I know how to do that, at least.

She contemplates. i still need to see Captain Reynolds. but i still have questions, that i don’t think he is going to want to deal with. Zoe said that Shepherd Book is one that could be talked to. i don’t know if that would be his area of expertise, but before i talk much to the Captain or anyone else, i think i will sit here and wait for him.

interesting to be able to just sit and have nothing much to do. well, i will give it a few minutes, and then go looking for him. can’t waste the whole day

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

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Sunday, April 4, 2004 3:25 AM

Book's Move

Location: Book's Room

Book sits on the edge of his bunk. The now lifeless communicator pad sitting in his stiff hand. I can't believe what I 've done. I've been so foolish. I should tell the captain... at least... but he'll never trust me again. I am a fool. Such a fool.

EM

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Sunday, April 4, 2004 9:26 AM

i DO aim to misbehave

Rowan's Move:
LOCATION - CARGO BAY

Quote:
DAMON: "By the way," he says, hoping to change the subject, "Like your lenses, they suit you."

Rowan has to chuckle in amazement, finding the notion that Damon is thinking the green is fake almost hilarious. Definitely a switch from the comments upstairs. Then again, how could he have known either way - it isn't as if she'd been wearing a sign, now is it? So some are more observant than others, that's all. Curious that the ones who seemed to know the brown was a disguise the entire time are two that have military action and a powerfully strange preacher - and interesting that four very different people could actually appreciate the same Almighty-awful shade of green.

ROWAN (self-consciously): "Actually, the brown before - that was from contact lenses. This - the green - is... well, I was born with it. The fight with Niska wrecked one of my lenses, so I'm kind of stuck with this now. At least until we get to New Hokkaido and I can find someone who can render new ones for me."

She takes a deep breath, just about as comfortable with this subject as Damon had obviously been when talking about himself or his family. She decides to save her observations of him for another time and offers a smile.

ROWAN (brightly): "So! What're you up to on this fine, extremely awkward morning?"

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, April 4, 2004 11:55 AM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - CARGO BAY

Quote:
Originally posted by Channain:
ROWAN (brightly): "So! What're you up to on this fine, extremely awkward morning?"

"Looking for a box of straps," he replies, still scanning the cargo bay. "Captain wants me to install some on the two bridge chairs."

He walks over to a group of boxes and pulls out several. Most of them are unlabled and he sets those aside.

"With my luck the one I'm looking for will be at the bottom," he says more to himself.

He starts to lift a heavy box but stops when he feels his stitches pulling. He leans against the box, giving his wounds a rest, and notices Rowan smiling at him.

"What?"

OOC: Channain, I could just see Rowan finding Damon's predicament amusing. If you want me to change it I can

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

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Sunday, April 4, 2004 3:25 PM

i DO aim to misbehave

OOC: Squee: She would SO find it amusing. In a big sister, "SEEEEE? I told you so!" Kind of way. Luckily for Damon, Rowan's too cool to point and laugh.

Rowan's Move:
LOCATION - CARGO BAY

Quote:
DAMON starts to lift a heavy box but stops when he feels his stitches pulling. He leans against the box, giving his wounds a rest, and notices Rowan smiling at him. "What?"

ROWAN: "Oh... nothing. Nothing at all. Just remember what I said about the patches, and in case you need, you know, anything, I'll be visiting the Companion for a bit, then I'll probably be back this way, or maybe up in the galley. Might see if I can con Jayne into a rack or two. But carry on with what you're doing there. Wouldn't want to interrupt the insanity."

Turning, she heads for the staircase and in a few long strides is climbing upward on her way to Shuttle One. Pausing on the catwalks, she manages to sneak a peak at Damon, watching him take one of the patches out and work it out of its wrapping.

ROWAN (to herself): Well, the boy's not too hard headed to learn.

Finding the Shuttle accessway open, she pauses at the hatch first and politely knocks.
LOCATION - CATWALKS

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, April 4, 2004 4:28 PM

MERZ move

START LOCATION - GALLEY

Ten minutes.

Ten minutes is all she can take, just sitting – doing nothing but sucking down (some of the best) coffee (she has ever had.) MERZ tried to relax, but it just will not come. A little too much weighing on her mind and no practice at it makes it simply that much too difficult at this time. so let’s just go find mr shepherd and see what he can tell me

he is not in the galley. he probably has a room and if as I believe he is not crew, then his is in the passenger side. will start there.

MERZ nods again at KAYLEE as she leaves in the direction of the passenger quarters, listening carefully. (She seems noticeably quiet today.) There is still a lingering heat signature down this way, leading to one room. MERZ pauses outside the door. She really cannot hear anything inside, but takes a chance anyway and taps on the door and announces herself, rather tentatively.

“SHEPHERD BOOK, are you there? It is Mercedes Troy. May I speak to you for a minute? I have . . . questions.”

END LOCATION – POSSIBLEY OUTSIDE BOOK’S DORM

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

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Sunday, April 4, 2004 5:19 PM

TEELABROWN

*Filler post. Real will come later. I'm trying. I swear.* (I have much, much work)
_____________
After the dance, River decides to leave the room. She wants to feel the ship, hear the heart and soul. The Soul of Serenity-a strong driving force to which these people connect. They just aren't aware. She wanders to the engine room. The beating heart.
______________
Story: Yes, my skit team got to state, so I have tons of work now. (I swear it's a computational error that we got first.) That's it.

_____________
"Freedom is the Freedom to say that 2 plus 2 make 4. If that is granted, all else follws"-Winston, 1984
Teela Brown, keeper of bad typing.
"No one reads these things any way."- Bart on Blackboard

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Sunday, April 4, 2004 6:09 PM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - CARGO BAY

Quote:
Originally posted by Channain:
ROWAN: "Oh... nothing. Nothing at all. Just remember what I said about the patches, and in case you need, you know, anything, I'll be visiting the Companion for a bit, then I'll probably be back this way, or maybe up in the galley. Might see if I can con Jayne into a rack or two. But carry on with what you're doing there. Wouldn't want to interrupt the insanity."

Damon watches Rowan climb the stairs up to the catwalk with a less than pleased look on his face. Insanity? Is working with a bullet wound in your gut insanity? It was a reality he had lived with for over eight years. Back then it had been a matter of survival, but now it was what? A habbit? Did that make him insane, even slightly?

"Jien tah duh guay..."

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out one of the patches. They may have screwed up most of his life but he refuses to believe that he can't put at least some of it back together, and if wearing a Rapi-whatever patch helps, then he'll wear 'em 'till the box is empty.

He pulls the patch free from its wrapper. Looks like a big band-aid. He pulls up his shirt and inspects his wound.

Should probably clean it first. In fact, I could use a cleaning myself. So could my clothes. Haven't shaved in a while either.

Putting the patch back on the wrapper and leaving the boxes where they are, he climbs the catwalk and makes for his shuttle.

Jien tah duh guay = like hell

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

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Sunday, April 4, 2004 8:06 PM