GR RP "Adventures in Gunrunning" Act 20 by Channain

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - BRIDGE

Quote:
Originally posted by MercedesTroy:
KAYLEE looks at him thoughtfully. Tell you what. If you aren’t doin’ anything pressing and are willing to help, I need to be in two places at once – and I never mastered that trick. Right now, I have somethin’ tore down that’s gotta be fixed right now, and this needs cleaned right now too. If you wanna follow me down and let me give you some cleanin’ stuff I would be might grateful if you would wipe WASH’s dinner off the inside of that piece o’ equipment so’s I can fix the damage when I get done downstairs. D’ya mind?

I had to ask... shouldn't complain though, least I'm gettin paid.

"No, don't mind. Just tell me where I can find the cleaners and I'll be fine."

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

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Thursday, August 19, 2004 12:21 PM

KAYLEE’s move

LOCATION - BRIDGE

DAMON
No, don't mind. Just tell me where I can find the cleaners and I'll be fine.

KAYLEE starts out the door, and back down to finish her current job. The stuff is down in my storage, my storage is in the engine room and that is where I am goin’. Coming?

She keeps right on walking. He is either gonna come along or not, but she has work to do. Oh, and I heard that MERZ talking about moving that cannon. If ya got that done, probably will wanna run a fresh diagnostic on that also, make sure she’s sittin’ pretty. KAYLEE pauses and looks back at DAMON. Think that ROWAN be willin’ to take that on again? Would be mighty helpful and I would take it as a kindness. Think I mighta been a tad harsh with her too.

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

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Thursday, August 19, 2004 3:11 PM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - BRIDGE to ENGINE ROOM

Quote:
Originally posted by MercedesTroy:
The stuff is down in my storage, my storage is in the engine room and that is where I am goin’. Coming?

Damon nods and follows her down the hall toward the galley and engine room.

Quote:
Oh, and I heard that MERZ talking about moving that cannon. If ya got that done, probably will wanna run a fresh diagnostic on that also, make sure she’s sittin’ pretty. KAYLEE pauses and looks back at DAMON. Think that ROWAN be willin’ to take that on again? Would be mighty helpful and I would take it as a kindness. Think I mighta been a tad harsh with her too.

"Yeah, I went out there with Merz and Jayne and we moved it to the sensor pad up top. Got the cover on too so it should be pretty hard to spot." He smiles at the memory. "It was fun."

Damon spots Rowan coming toward them from the galley.

"Hey, Rowan, you think you could run another diagnostic on the cannon?"

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

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Thursday, August 19, 2004 3:34 PM

MERZ move

LOCATION – MERZ DORM to LAUNDRY

With most of the activity shifted up front towards the bridge and no one paying any special attention to her, it is not too hard for MERZ to get herself to the laundry area without speaking to anyone, if not without being seen. After all, who is she hiding from … today?

Mindful of the sensitivities of others, now that it has been pointed out to her, she is careful to close the door behind her before slipping out of her clothing and quickly into her blanket. Once she is covered, she prepares the cleaning unit, more correctly this time.

Now knowing how long it would take, she is able to allow herself a little deep meditation and possibly clear herself of at least a bit of confusion and emotional drag. While learning the ability to feel genuine emotional responses is one of her current goals, it is a hard road and she is drained. She could use a bit of centering.

She sets her internal clock for fifty-five minutes, and breathes deeply, once, twice, thrice. Shifting into a comfortable lotus seat, blanket wrapped over her shoulders, she rests, immobile; hands on her thighs, back perfectly aligned and eyes shut.

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

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Friday, August 20, 2004 8:10 PM

CAPNRAHN

LOCATION - MALs DORM
As ...

WASH
Over intercom
"Kaylee! You'd better make up a good one as to why my ship is at pink alert! It's supposed to be a RED ALERT! I didn't know we had a red alert... Captain, everything's just fine, no problems at all..."

Mal droops his head and shakes it. He allows his thoughts to get a tad darker ... "Meebe it's a lost cause like Mr. High an' Mighty suggests. Runs were going smooth until this last year or so. Makes a man question his resolve... his decisions...

Mal shunts these depressing ponderings as a waste of time and mental effort. Day to day effort was all that they needed. Live in the moment. Hope for the best but plan for the worst. It always worked before.

MAL
"Just get that gôu pì bì zuî*. The noise is makin' my ears bleed!''

He then filps the intercom to off. After a second of thought he flips the switch to ALL.

MAL
"Jobs better be done by 6 AM or I'm spacing the slackers!"

He shuts the comm off and goes back to the drudge paperwork of being a ship captain and owner. Without looking, he drifts his hand over to check the secret compartment that holds the Lassiter. The multiple catches are secure. Knots in his back perceptably loosen at this inspection. Mal squints his eyes at the badly printed Chinese ideograms on an invoice and continues with business.

EOM

*gôu pì bì zuî = bullshit to shut up

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

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Saturday, August 21, 2004 4:10 AM

MERZ unmove
LOCATION – LAUNDRY ROOM

The intercom crackles to life.

MAL
Jobs better be done by 6 AM or I'm spacing the slackers!

No response… .

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

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Saturday, August 21, 2004 4:22 AM

KAYLEE’s move

LOCATION – TRAVELING: BRIDGE TO ENGINE ROOM

DAMON
Hey, Rowan, you think you could run another diagnostic on the cannon?

Good, let him handle it. I have enough on my mind right now. Damon knows where I’m going right enough; he will follow when he’s ready. First priority is getting that gravity compensation unit maintenance finished, checks run and the whole system back online ASAP. Second is running new wire and lights through the nav console as needed and checks on the whole thing. Won’t be hard, but will be time consuming.

KAYLEE keeps right on walking, running schematics through her conscious mind.

At least MAL has given me ‘till morning to finish. Good thing too! Probly gonna need it.

Deep in thought KAYLEE approches the Engine compartment.

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

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Sunday, August 22, 2004 12:35 PM

RAVENWHYTEWING

Slights move:

Slightcan't speak for a moment. Then he remembers.
"He can't attack me. The nanytes are no doubt in full sarcophigus-mode. Nothing can get through that cloud."
"He has hired a troy. Incredible," muses Helsing. "My son, you are indeed a mental marvel. An unarguably screwed marvel, but none the less. . ."
"Just tell me about the Troys."
Helsing gives his skeletal grin again.

"We don't understand much about the Troys. They are trained to be an assassination force, nearly unrivaled. We have classes within the Blue Sun, and each class is unique; each Troy is a unique individual, with specific talents towards each. One Troy could survive in a forest for months on end. Another Troy, just as old, would die within hours. As far as we can tell, they each have a name. But so much is uncertain about them. We have so little. Sometimes we just have to turn the wheel a little."
Slight frowns, confused. "Huh?"
Helsing responds by holding up two tarot cards. One features a giant hand spinning a wheel, with two people on the wheel. The other depicts a man, bandaged, sitting under seven coins. "The Wheel of Fortune. Means take whatever comes, and don't get lazy about it. The othe is the seven of pentacles. Help in what was the enemies land. Remember these things, Slight. Remember, and you may live. . ."

EOM

You see I cannot be forsaken/Because I'm not the only one.

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Monday, August 23, 2004 6:17 AM

SAINT JAYNE

JAYNE'S move
LOCATION – CARGO BAY

MAL
"Jobs better be done by 6 AM or I'm spacing the slackers!"

Jayne had just stepped into the cargo bay to see who was about. Nobody. Well, fine. Jayne prefers a little quiet time right now, and heads over to the half-finished skeletal drop arm that lies near the airlock door. After a brief moment of face-scrunching and temple-rubbing, he snaps on a pair of welding googles and gets back to work.

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Monday, August 23, 2004 11:09 AM

Book's Move
Location: Bridge to Cargo Bay.

Nothing like a false alarm to get your heart pumping. Book thinks to himself with an inward chuckle. Turning back around without entering the bridge, he walks back down the hallway and turns down the fore stairway. much to do still. He says to himself as he enters the cargo bay and sees Jayne's down on the Bay floor, partially obscured behind some crates, the arc of light from his welding intermittently causing the crates to glow.

Back in Book's Room, in a small container in a drawer, an even smaller communication device begins to pulse purple. It flickers for 18 seconds before stopping.

In a remote undisclosed location, surrounded by thick walls and armed men and powerful machines, an operator looks up from the terminal in front of him to the operative waiting impatiently nearby.

1st Operator: "Our communication is hours early, sir. He's not expecting it."

Operative - Turning to a 2nd Operator, waiting by another internal comm. "We can no longer wait. Send him, now."

2nd Operator: "Yes sir. Following standard procedure for continued illegal use of an underground Operative's indentity in and through restricted areas." 2nd Operator types a code into a keypad and nods. "Operative Malachi has been dispatched to regain the identity and eliminate the carrier."

EM

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Tuesday, August 24, 2004 9:48 AM

I found this in a different thread and thought it'd make a shiny commercial interlude.

by tenthcrewmember:

Quote:
Blue Sun anti-persperant commercial with Mal and Commander Harken!

Harken: "Just because you spend the afternoon fighting Reavers *ducks as a Reaver swipes at him and Mal takes him down*, doesn't mean you should let your men see you sweat. *holds up product*"

Mal: *stepping back into scene* "Anything less wouldn't be civilized..." *forced smile*

*cut to scene of derelict being destroyed as prduct image appears over the scene*

Announcer: "Remember, when in the Black, always use the Blue! The best protection aside from the Alliance itself!"

...and now back to your regularly scheduled programming

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Wednesday, August 25, 2004 7:37 AM

CIARA

Meanwhile...in Inara's shuttle......

Inara moves about her shuttle, making subtle adjustments to the decor'; making sure everything is more than presentable. She wears a long red-and-gold shift with kimono sleeves, her small waist cinched by a wide obi. The long sleeves bare her shoulders and hang gracefully down to her fingertips. Her hair is drawn up in a loose twist, curly tendrils brushing her face and neck Her face is made up simply, with dark eyes and dewy skin, naturally-dark lips accentuated with a slight gloss. Her usual lily-of-the-valley perfume has been replaced with a more exotic blend of orange spice and sweet magnolia.

Hearing the soft knock on her door, Inara crosses the room and opens it. Thorne, dressed in a rather conservative but obviously expensive suit, stands outside. Over his shoulder is a bulging, weather-beaten, duffle bag. ”Qing jin” She says with a smile, stepping back to welcome him graciously in. She curiously eyes the bag, but says nothing.

Thorne
“Good evening, My Lady. I hope I am not late.” Entering, he thinks: ”She’s more beautiful every time I see her. How is that possible? “

Inara
"Of course not, Thorne...you're perfectly on time."

Thorne hands Inara an unsealed envelope. Guild law states that payment for a Companion’s services must be made in advance. Guild tradition says that when the encounter ends, the Companion must return the envelope, sealed. If the Companion returns part of the payment, it symbolizes her consent to see the Client again. If the envelope is empty, the Client must not contact the Companion any more. As is also traditional, the exchange occurs in silence. Inara takes the proffered envelope and places it in a small box near her hourglass...she touches the glass surface gently, then almost reverently turns the glass upside-down.

Thorne
“How lovely you look this evening. I have a fondness for that style of dress. However did you know?” Although he knows quite well how she knew...Companions certainly do their homework.

Inara gives Thorne an innocent look, spoiled by her mischevious smile."why whatever do you mean, Mr. Thorne?"

“Excuse me for just a moment.” He says, “I need to ready something for later. ” Thorne passes through the drawn curtains of the control area, there are metallic sounds, and he returns a moment later, without the bag. Still terribly curious, Inara begins arranging the tea pot and cups.

Folding back the long sleeve of her shift, Inara gestures gracefully for Thorne to sit across from her. While he was in the control area, she activated a fountain near the seating area, and the soft sound of running water meshes seamlessly with the music in the background.

Inara lingers over each cup and utensil, her long fingers turning the small cups this way and that until they are in the perfect position, she moves with absolute purpose and grace. She lifts the steaming kettle and pours the water into a small bowl. Scooping a scant amout of dark green powder into the bowl, Inara wisks it thoroughly, making the tea froth and bubble..a heady scent emerges with the copious steam. Blotting the wisk daintily on a linen cloth, Inara holds her sleeve back with one hand as she pours a portion of the aromatic brew for Thorne, then herself. Rising to her knees, and grasping the cup in her palms, Inara raises it in a toast to Thorne, "gan bei" then waits for him to take the first drink.]/i]

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

Just a humble supplicant in service to all things Joss

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Wednesday, August 25, 2004 9:45 AM

River
LOCATION - RIVER'S ROOM to BOOK'S ROOM

"NO!"

River bolts off of her bed, hair flying behind her, and races into Book's room. Knocking over anything in her path she rips open the drawer and pulls out the small communicator.

"NO! SIMON! HE DIDN'T DO IT!"

She paces back and forth frantically in the small room, yelling at the communicator, her voice echoing through the ship.

"SIMON! LOOK OUT! THEY'RE COMING!"

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

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Wednesday, August 25, 2004 10:51 AM

Operative Malachi's Move
Location: Undisclosed

Already a quarter of the way to his quarry, Operative Malachi sniffs in derision and flings away the computerized paper showing only a portion of the information he requested. Who the hell is this Book? he snarls angrily, intent upon taking his anger out upon whomever holds the identity card.

Snapping on the autopilot, Malachi stands in the confined space of the single-seater and begins to pace. One, Two, Three, Turn. One, Two, Three, Turn. If I knew more about this Book, I could more easily find whoever has his card now. Why would they withhold information from me? I have complete clearance. One, Two, Three, Turn. The pacing stops. A question for another time. Once this current mishap is contained.

Turning back to his sophisticated bank of high-tech equipment, Malachi engages the display function on a large monitor and an audible ticking begins. A map of the known 'verse appears, 2 points stand out, one his own location, the other - the last known confirmed transmission location made using the wayward ident card. Smiling with malice, Malachi sits in front of the monitor and waits. You can't hide forever.

EM

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Wednesday, August 25, 2004 6:00 PM

CHANNAIN

i DO aim to misbehave

Rowan's Move
LOCATION - FORWARD HALL TO LOCATION - BRIDGE

Giving the display on her hand-held a wry smile, Rowan heads on up the steps to the Bridge just as the shepherd passes by, going the other direction. They exchange a quick long-suffering look as she steps onto the bridge. Glancing upward, she takes in the panorama of the star field and breathes a sigh as she turns to Damon.

DAMON: Hey, Rowan, you think you could run another diagnostic on the cannon?

ROWAN: "I'll have to go down and get my gear, but that shouldn't be a problem. So what's with the general quarters test anyhow? We expecting trouble?"

MAL (On the All Ships): "Jobs better be done by 6 AM or I'm spacing the slackers!"

Hearing the terseness in the captain's voice, Rowan's eyebrows lift with speculation.

ROWAN: "Sounds like our captain could do with a little shore leave." She gives Damon a parting wink as she turns and heads back out the way she came. "Be right back, Zhao di di."

EOM

OOC: wow - light posting weekend, huh? Too late in the day for color tags, y'all. The lab bouncers are kicking me out!

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

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Wednesday, August 25, 2004 6:50 PM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - FRONT HALL to ENGINE ROOM

Quote:
Originally posted by Channain:
ROWAN: "I'll have to go down and get my gear, but that shouldn't be a problem. So what's with the general quarters test anyhow? We expecting trouble?"

Damon smiles as he watches Kaylee continue down to the engine room. "No, not unless you bring food onto the bridge. Kaylee'll have words for you."

MAL (On the All Ships): "Jobs better be done by 6 AM or I'm spacing the slackers!"

Six? I should be done by six easy. Less Jayne's got more work for me. The To Do list on this boat doesn't seem to have an end.

Quote:
ROWAN: "Sounds like our captain could do with a little shore leave." She gives Damon a parting wink as she turns and heads back out the way she came. "Be right back, Zhao di di."

Damon watches Rowan disappear down the stairway and then jogs down to catch up with Kaylee in the engine room.

"Rowan's gonna run a diagnostic on the cannon. You got that cleanin stuff for me?"

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

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Wednesday, August 25, 2004 11:50 PM

KAYLEE’s move

LOCATION - ENGINE ROOM

Arriving in the engine room, she goes first back to her equipment locker. Having been through this before, there are already ample supplies of the proper sort available and starts laying things out as DAMON enters behind her.

DAMON
Rowan's gonna run a diagnostic on the cannon. You got that cleanin stuff for me?

KAYLEE
Yeah, I have your stuff, she says, making a pile on the deck. There is a metal canister with a screw-top, a couple of soft lint-free cloths, some swabs on long handles, and a pair of heavy latex gloves. I been through this before with WASH and I have what you need. That cleaner is real friendly-like to the electronics and ya won’t have ta worry about it drying. It will pretty much dry up real fast on it’s own. All you need to do is get that cleanin’ fluid on anything under there that is spillage. Wear the gloves, ‘cause it is seriously unfriendly to anything organic. Wet the cloths and stuff and wipe down everything sticky. Shoot, you will probably find a couple meals in there, bein’ as how that console flip-top’s been stuck since I been aboard.

She smiles up at Damon. Yup, been here before. And I thank you for helpin’ me. Don’t know what I would have done today without a couple extra hands. That WASH picked a fine time ta go dribbling his dinner about.

There are sounds coming in through the open engine room door. KAYLEE cannot quite make out what the commotion is. But, unless it is space pirates, she has too much to do to investigate it. That grav unit must come first.

KAYLEE
I appreciate ROWAN given me a hand too. You can tell her that if you like. I don’t know if she will still be around when I get up there to re-wire that helm. Tell you what. You get that clean and unless MAL has anything for you, you are all done s’far as I need you. How’s that? You best get some rest, tomorrow’s gonna be busy.

KAYLEE stands, ready to go back to her task.

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

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Thursday, August 26, 2004 1:21 AM

MERZ move

LOCATION – LAUNDRY ROOM

Deep inside herself, MERZ rests; calm though not serene, quiet though not relaxed, peaceful though not at peace. But it is as close as she ever comes.

She becomes aware of commotion outside. Even through the closed door she can hear crashes and shouting.

Faintly she just hears NO! SIMON! HE DIDN'T DO IT! {pause} SIMON! LOOK OUT! THEY'RE COMING!

It is enough to bring her up out of the trance. Pulled to her feet and out the door by the sounds of distress and possible danger – she can no more ignore this than she could cheerfully remove a limb – MERZ flings open the laundry room door and heads towards the sounds, her one concession to conscious thought to make sure her blanket is securely wrapped. For now. If need be will drop the alachina thing, and apologize later.

The shouting is coming from the shepherd’s room. But it is not his voice at all.

EOM

Alachina = unholy (damned in this usage) Nepali

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

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Thursday, August 26, 2004 8:39 AM

RAVENWHYTEWING

Slights move:
Location: Mind exchange

Slight clenches his fists, and the raven on his shoulder rustles his feathers. "I have no time for riddles, nor any respect for figments of my mind. Enough! It is time to be of the living again, you worthless father! Father. Such a pathetic term. You raised me with death! I've seen children. They're parents teach them about right and wrong, not major arteries and the weakest points in the skeleton. They give them gifts of toys, and send them to schools to learn about humanity! They don't give their children deadly swarms of robots, or teach them with RNA treatments."

We can't all be heroes, since some of us have to sit at the curb and clap as they go by.

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Thursday, August 26, 2004 9:09 AM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - ENGINE ROOM

Damon starts gathering up the cleaning materials as he listens to Kaylee's explanation. His first reaction to the gloves is that he wouldn't need them but when he hears Kaylee's warning about the cleaner, he decides otherwise.

Quote:
Originally posted by MercedesTroy:
KAYLEE
I appreciate ROWAN given me a hand too. You can tell her that if you like. I don’t know if she will still be around when I get up there to re-wire that helm. Tell you what. You get that clean and unless MAL has anything for you, you are all done s’far as I need you. How’s that? You best get some rest, tomorrow’s gonna be busy.

"I still got a job to finish in the cargo bay with Jayne an I don't know how long it will take." He decides to leave the bit about him not sleeping much unsaid. "I'll be on the bridge if you need me."

Cleaner, rags and gloves in hand, he heads back for the bridge.

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

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Thursday, August 26, 2004 9:35 AM

River
LOCATION –BOOK'S ROOM

River's sudden outburst escalates as she starts throwing anything in reach across the room. Clothes, pillows, blankets, books, shoes- even the box on the bed ends up over turned on the floor. The communicator remains clutched in her hand.

"SHOULDN'T HAVE GIVEN IT IT TO HIM! SHOULDN'T HAVE LET HIM DO IT!"

She suddenly turns out of the room and runs straight into Merz in the hall. River lets out a small cry of alarm at the collision but continues running toward the cargo bay. Marching right up to Book, she throws the communicator at his feet, her eyes locked on to Book's full of tears and anger.

"SHOULDN'T HAVE GIVEN IT IT TO HIM! SHOULDN'T HAVE LET HIM DO IT!"

OOC: the communicator isn't broken, Maniac, unless you want it to be

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

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Thursday, August 26, 2004 2:27 PM

Book's Move
LOCATION - CARGO BAY

River's shouting had fallen on deaf ears in the Cargo Bay. Book was too involved helping Jayne... the sound of the welding drowning out River's shouts. Her approach was sudden and unexpected, and she was becoming more unexpected over time.

Book instantly recognizes his communicator on the floor, and River's shouts solidify in Book's mind what must have happened. "River, tell me what happened. Did someone call on the communicator? Did you speak with someone?"

EM

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Thursday, August 26, 2004 2:47 PM

MERZ move

LOCATION – OUTSIDE BOOK’s DORM

MERZ does not make it all the way to Book’s room before someone comes hurtling out of the door in a flurry of movement and sound. It is RIVER. One hand is clenched tightly around something MERZ cannot see.

RIVER
SHOULDN'T HAVE GIVEN IT IT TO HIM! SHOULDN'T HAVE LET HIM DO IT!

RIVER runs head-on into MERZ and for one short instant is staring her in the eyes. She cries out as they bump together before sliding off to one side and continuing her mad rush up the corridor. MERZ is too afraid of hurting her to make any attempt to stop her and merely turns to watch her passage.

The child continues her cry of distress as she approaches the Shepherd and casts what she is carrying at his feet.

MERZ is completely at a loss. Children and young persons are a mystery to her. She has a feeling, a belief that there is something important in all this. Simon is the name of the Doctor – the one everyone was so concerned about leaving. But MERZ does not have enough hard data to understand anything of the situation. Does not, can not have anything to do with her.

Having spoken to BOOK, it is MERZ’ belief that RIVER is in good hands and her attempting to do anything at all would only confuse the situation.

She does however glance into BOOK’s room, to judge if there is any damage control that needs to be taken care of right now. The room has been pretty well trashed, but there appears to be no danger of fire or other hazard. Sufficient for this moment.

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

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Thursday, August 26, 2004 2:58 PM

KAYLEE’s move

LOCATION - ENGINE ROOM

Once DAMON has headed off with his supplies, KAYLEE is free to go back to her wiring job. He’s mostly a nice enough one. she thinks. Glad MAL kept him on.

Soon enough she has fallen back into the repair routine and is busy communing with Serenity and her generator. She was glad this came up, a lot of the wiring was rattier than she liked. Well this should take care of that for a whole lotta months.

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

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Thursday, August 26, 2004 6:21 PM

River
LOCATION - CARGO BAY

Quote:
"River, tell me what happened. Did someone call on the communicator? Did you speak with someone?"

River pulls her glare from Book and begins pacing. She hugs her arms to her body as her eyes stare intently at the floor passing beneath her feet.

"Only voices. Stupid voices! Don't know what they say. Didn't take it. Getting closer." She sinks to the floor and picks up the communicator again. "Simon, run!" she pleads at the communicator, "they're coming..." She looks up at Book, tears running down her cheeks. "Shouldn't have given it to him... shouldn't let him have what he didn't understand."

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

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Thursday, August 26, 2004 6:29 PM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - BRIDGE

Damon gets back to the bridge and sets his supplies down next to the computer console. He opens the console and looks around inside before pulling up his sleeves and pulling on the gloves. After he unscrews the cleaner top and wets one of the cloths, he sets to work.

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

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Friday, August 27, 2004 4:49 AM

SAINT JAYNE

JAYNE'S move
LOCATION – CARGO BAY

RIVER
"LOOK OUT! THEY'RE COMING!"

Jayne turns down the welder to get a listen at this point, and turns to look down the cargo bay. Book is there, he can handle her. Along with the dozen other sardines in this can, Jayne mutters outloud.

After a minute he realizes she's just having another one of her trips away from reality. That pretty much sums up Jayne's entire day. A flick of his thumb makes the blue flame from the hand-held welder brighten and grow. Good thing there's no more tequila sloshing around here. He crouches down and gets back to work.

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Friday, August 27, 2004 8:08 AM

RAVENWHYTEWING

Slights move:

Slight is out of breath, screaming in a rage against his phantom. "I've heard of parents who beat their children senseless, whose crimes, unspeakable, twisted the children. None of them measure to the torment I endured. I was buried alive for one week, not even as punishment, but as a training exercise. And the rape I was forced to do at fifteen-"
Slight can't even speak. No matter how many times he has this dream, he can never say everything. "My mother was a progenitor vat, my real father a computer, using retro-viral therapies to create a DNA strand. That little girl, the Tam child. The Daughter of the Sun. She was a real child. You merely twisted the embryo, left your mark. You poison everything. And for what? A slice of power in the Alliance?" Slight glares with the fury of a sun at the skeletal grin of his father-figure.

EOM

We can't all be heroes, since some of us have to sit at the curb and clap as they go by.

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Friday, August 27, 2004 9:22 AM

GEEZER

Keep the Shiny side up

Thorne's Move

Location: Inara's Shuttle

Rising to her knees, and grasping the cup in her palms, Inara raises it in a toast to Thorne, "gan bei" then waits for him to take the first drink.

At her invitation, he bows, lifts the bowl of tea, and places it on his upturned left palm. Turning it slowly, he admires the artistry of the potter who threw it, and faces the ‘front’ edge of the cup away from himself. Slowly and deliberately, he raises the cup to his lips and drinks. Emptying the cup, he lowers it, rotates it to its original alignment, and sets it on the mat in front of him. As ever, the choreographed movements of the tea ceremony clear his mind and set him at ease.

The ritual of greeting is over, and the two sit for a few moments in relaxed meditation. Inara moves to a cubby to retrieve a light silk robe. In the background, the music changes from neo-traditional Japanese to ‘Variations on Jethro Tull’s Wond’ring Aloud’, by Luddites at Large.

"I've been told my massages are even more relaxing than my tea ceremonies, Mr. Thorne...would you care to partake?"

“That would be wonderful, my dear. I’ve developed a few kinks over the last couple of days, and would love to relax them.”

Inara can't help but raise an eye and smirk impishly at the mention of Thorne's "kinks", as she moves to help him remove his clothes. His shirt comes off and she can see that he carries a few extra pounds around his middle, but she senses that the softness hides well-toned muscle. A couple of old wounds that have healed without medical attention furrow the skin of his chest and thigh. A tattoo of an outraged Daffy Duck covers his right shoulder.

Inara chuckles and pushes Thorne onto his back on the light cushions. She traces her fingers along his neck…chest, feeling the springy hair there...rubs her fingers lightly over his scars, up to his tattoo, where she pauses and looks at the marking with a childlike smile.

She asks “Is this ancient fowl some strange fertility symbol?”

Thorne thinks of how, long ago, his troopers talked him into getting the tattoo. “No, sweet one. My old…friends used to tease me for my foul temper, so I wear an image of the foulest-tempered fowl in the ‘verse in remembrance of them.”

At her request, Thorne lies facedown on the cushioned portion of the floor. Inara gently straddles his back, shift puddling around her knees. She retrieves the small bottle of scented oil she'd previously placed on the side table. Dabbing a few drops into the center of one palm, she rubs her hands together and smiles as the oil heats. Reaching down slowly, not wanting to rush the first touch, she lightly presses her fingers into Thorne's back.

As she expertly works her way from shoulders to lower back, he thinks, “This is heaven. How does she to know where every knot of tension is, and just how to relieve it?” His muscles relax and even his bones seem to turn to butter under the ministrations of her gentle fingers.

Inara leans forward. She presses a kiss to the left side of his neck, and then to the right.

Lightly caressing the wound where Thorne's right ear once was, she asks, "Was it terribly painful?"

“Oh, I had dealings with our mutual friend Niska once before. It’s nothing.”

Inara stiffens momentarily, fighting her rising anger at hearing Niska's name. Her legs tighten almost imperceptibly on Thorne's sides. He feels the change as she tenses for a second, and then relaxes.

She takes up the massage once more, using a perfect combination of softness and force. Although he thinks he’d want this to go on forever, her last touch on his neck is the perfect grace note, leaving him feeling relaxed but revitalized. After a few contented moments he sits up and dons his robe.

“Alright.” He says, “My turn to do you now.”

“Massaging a client has a very relaxing effect on me, there is really no need.”

“Yes, but I want to. I’d enjoy returning the favor. Besides, it’s my dime.”

“What’s a dime?”

“Never mind.”

Yielding to his insistance, Inara chuckles and begins unbelting her shift.

The shift falls from her, and she lies facedown on the cushions, still warm from Thorne’s body. Thorne kneels beside her, then pauses a moment and lets his empathic ability come to the fore, sensing what needs to be done. “I should start with…” suddenly he realizes he’s answered his earlier question. Inara is a natural empath. Untrained but instinctive. Two empaths making love should be …interesting. But this is not the time. Waiting is. Now where’s that oil?

As Thorne touches her bare back for the first time, Inara smiles. Soft lights flicker behind her closed eyelids. Slowly becoming aware that he can read her reactions, she also muses on the compatibility of two empaths. In her mind's eye, she sees a map of her own body, with his hands as travelers roaming from one destination to another. Thorne’s fingers explore the muscles of her shoulders, and he soon realizes that he’s being influenced by the feedback from her mind, stronger than he’s ever felt before. Pleasure when he hits just the right spot; slight irritation if he ‘rubs her the wrong way’. As he becomes attuned to the impressions, he gives up conscious control of his hands and allows her feelings to guide the massage. Unaccustomed to this level of pampering by a client in the bedroom, Inara floats in a soft haze of pleasure as strong, gentle fingers release every trace of tension from her muscles and mind.

As he finishes the massage with a caressing touch…”Ding” A soft chime sounds from the control area.

EOM

"Keep the Shiny side up"

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Friday, August 27, 2004 3:33 PM

CAPNRAHN

LOCATION - MALs DORM As ...

Finally finished with the paperwork, Mal sits up and stretches. His back creaks and pops and finally settles down, relieved of the strained position.

He glances at the clock and sighs. Other things await his attention this day, and putting them off will not make anything easier. Reaching for the intercom once again he announces.

MAL
“Damon. After you finish your chores please come to my bunk. We have some … discussin’ to do.”

Mal flips off the intercom and sits back. Suddenly remembering that Book still has Damon’s pistol, Mal makes a sour face. … "Gorram it! Better take care of that too … He hopes that he does not have to use Damon’s pistol as a carrot to lead him to talk truth. But in order to do so if need be, he’d best get it back from Book. He reaches for the intercom once again.

MAL
“Preacher; next time you pass an intercom, give me a yell. Sooner the better.”

EOM

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

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Friday, August 27, 2004 3:56 PM

Book's Move
Locale: Bay

Book moves forward and with the practice of years enfolds River in his caring Shepherd's arms. "It's ok River, It's ok." Looking over River's shaking shoulders to a point in space somewhere beyond the walls of Serenity, he hopes that the words are true.

Following his momentum, Book leads River out of the bay, into the common area and on to a cushy chair, where she continues to sob and direct obscure warnings to Simon through his communicator. Not so obscure. he thinks as he listens to her. "Who's coming for Simon, River?"

EM

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Friday, August 27, 2004 4:31 PM

River
LOCATION - COMMON AREA

River lets herself be led by Book, not really aware of where they go.

Quote:
Originally posted by ManiacNumberOne:
"Who's coming for Simon, River?"

She stares blankly at the empty infirmery, her voice taking on a distant tone. "Following standard procedure for continued illegal use of an underground Operative's indentity in and through restricted areas."

Her gaze falls down to the the communicator in her hand. "Hours early. Didn't wait." She gives Book the communicator and looks up into his eyes. "Voices must be stopped."

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

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Friday, August 27, 2004 5:37 PM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - BRIDGE

Damon had only just started cleaning when Mal's voice starts talking from the intercom.

MAL
“Damon. After you finish your chores please come to my bunk. We have some … discussin’ to do.”

Not two seconds later, he comes on again.

MAL
“Preacher; next time you pass an intercom, give me a yell. Sooner the better.”

"Oh, juh jun shr guh kwai-luh duh jin-jun... "

He sighs and mutters something about stupid mistakes being the end of him.

Oh, juh jun shr guh kwai-luh duh jin-jun = Oh, this is a happy development...

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

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Friday, August 27, 2004 6:56 PM

Book's Move
Location: Common Area

Book's numb hands receive the miniature comm from River as her words roll over and over in his mind. Following standard procedure for continued illegal use of an underground Operative's indentity in and through restricted areas.

Stumbling backwards toward the open infirmary door, River's face locked into his gaze, Book trips and falls over the doorjam of the infirmary and lands on his back. A grunt of air expells from his chest and he's left breathless, floating. Following standard procedure for continued illegal use of an underground Operative's indentity in and through restricted areas.

Staring blankly through the ceiling, the reality of the situation stabs him through the heart. I sent the boy to his doom. My past has caught up to him. Book hears River's soft feet patter across the floor, and soon her face appears leaning over him, the tears still fresh, but her look of worry is forgotten for a moment and replaced by one of curiosity, as is so often the case. Following standard procedure for continued illegal use of an underground Operative's indentity in and through restricted areas. The words smash into him again.

Book rises and walks haltingly to the comm. "Captain. This is Shepherd Book. I'm here."

EM

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Saturday, August 28, 2004 7:09 AM

MERZ move

LOCATION – PASSENGER AREA TO OUTSIDE INFIRMARY

MERZ turns back around and watches BOOK and RIVER pass. The girl is still in distress, and MERZ is reminded of times past and stormy seasons with the twins. Different in degree perhaps, but still familiar. She drifts behind the pair of them, remembering Veila and the ways of comfort she never had a chance to practice.

RIVER's words have almost as great an impact on her as they do on BOOK, although MERZ believes she hides it better.

RIVER
Following standard procedure for continued illegal use of an underground Operative's identity in and through restricted areas.

... Underground operative ... underground operative ... She fades back out of the way as BOOK falls into the infirmary, a shocked expression on his face. … He lied to me. I trusted him, told him secrets ... Intelligence ... Spook ... Enemy ... Danger ... Danger ...

RIVER bends over the fallen Shepherd with what appears to be curiosity. MERZ still does not understand the child at all, all the more so since she is still so interested, so curious and concerned about BOOK. Is he not a danger to them all?

Over the Comm: MAL
Damon. After you finish your chores please come to my bunk. We have some … discussin' to do.

And once again almost immediately.

MAL
Preacher; next time you pass an intercom, give me a yell. Sooner the better.

Recovering a bit from his shock, BOOK rises to his feet and addresses the nearest comm.

BOOK
Captain. This is Shepherd Book. I'm here.

RIVER is still watching BOOK; tears remain in her eyes. MERZ stalks behind BOOK silently and waits for MAL to be done with him. She holds out one hand to RIVER, attempting to project the image of comfort to her, to pull her out of range, out of danger, and waits for BOOK to turn around.

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

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Saturday, August 28, 2004 10:11 AM

River
LOCATION - INFIRMARY

River seems somewhat comforted now that Book finally understands what she's been trying to tell him for the last five minutes. She looks down at him on the floor wondering if he'll finally call the voices and set things right. He gets up and starts talking to Mal on the infirmery intercom.

Out of no where, Merz appears in the doorway of the infirmery behind River. River, unaccuston to being snuck up on, gets a start and jumps back a step into the infirmery.

Quote:
MERZ stalks behind BOOK silently and waits for MAL to be done with him. She holds out one hand to RIVER, attempting to project the image of comfort to her, to pull her out of range, out of danger, and waits for BOOK to turn around.

River frowns at Merz, paying no notice to her attempted comfort. She slowly steps up to Merz and stands on her toes to stare Merz in the eye, her face only an inch away. "I can't see you. Where did you go?"

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

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Sunday, August 29, 2004 2:01 AM

MERZ move

LOCATION - INFIRMARY

RIVER ignores MERZ outstretched hand. Approaching MERZ very closely, she forces her to divide her attention between BOOK and the girl before her.

RIVER stares her in the eye with that same unsettling gaze MERZ has seen before; the one that makes MERZ feel the child is staring at the inside of her skull. RIVER is frowning at her. Once they are nose-to-nose and eye-to-eye, River speaks.

RIVER
I can’t see you. Where did you go?

MERZ opens her mouth, because a question requires a reply. But no reply is forthcoming. She concentrates on the question and quickly comes to the conclusion that once again, she has failed to understand. Frustrated, she sighs.

MERZ
Child, I am right here. I can see you. Why can you not see me?

A strange thought crosses her mind. Does it have some relevance here?

SLIGHT Quote:
But you, Merz, are a blank. It's like you're immune to me.

She had answered him rather absently then, telling him he did not want to be in her head. Yes, that is what she had said, but MERZ had not believed BRINK to be telling truth. It is possible that she had been mistaken?

MERZ
River, is it my thoughts you cannot see?

Unsettling, unpleasant thought. MERZ was never taught such potential existed, or that she could be located by such blankness. It may not be something she can correct. How then can she learn to blend in with such a glaring flaw? How many people can 'see'? How can she recognize them?

EOM

OOC: edited to correct a word usage in her last line.
If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

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Sunday, August 29, 2004 11:56 AM

CAPNRAHN

LOCATION – MALs DORM As ...

Mal sits back in his chair after putting a call out for the Shepherd. His mind is still full of grim foreboding. Everything feels skewed right now, on the edge of being out of control.

He is still sitting quiet, brooding when he gets a response.

Quote:
Captain. This is Shepherd Book. I'm here.

With a weary hand, he toggles the comm on again.

MAL
Preacher, can you come to my bunk? Please bring Damon’s property with you.

His voice is tired, and there is something in his speech Book has never heard before. Mal sounds almost as if he has given up, as if his very confidence in himself has fled.

EOM

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

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Sunday, August 29, 2004 1:05 PM

Book's Move
Location: Infirmary

--------
MAL
"Preacher, can you come to my bunk? Please bring Damon’s property with you."
--------

Stepping back a foot from the comm, Book suddenly feels the weight of Damon's gun in his pocket, and he draws it out. He knows I'll come. No answer is needed. Turning to the door, he finds Merz in his way with a wary look on her face, and River protectively shielded behind her.

She thinks I'm a threat, Book lets the thought float through his mind for a moment before quickly taking the clip out of the gun and returning it to his pocket. "Sorry about that." he says, trying to play off her look as something other than what it seems. "I shouldn't be waving guns around."

EM

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Sunday, August 29, 2004 3:54 PM

MERZ move

LOCATION - INFIRMARY

Having received a response from the Captain, BOOK is turning around to go. MERZ quickly moves RIVER behind her, and stands between the Shepherd and the girl.

While turning he has taken a firearm out of his pocket and is holding it rather carelessly in his hand. MERZ is aware of it, but that is not the hazard she fears.

Seeing her standing before him, he strips the magazine and pockets both pieces.

BOOK
Sorry about that. I shouldn't be waving guns around.

Once his hands are empty, and before he can make a move to step around her, MERZ halts him with her left hand, stiff fingers tented over his sternum. Her right arm is to the side and behind, sheltering RIVER.

MERZ
Stop. Wait. The gun is of no consequence.

She pauses for his compliance.

MERZ
I am going to ask you three questions. I will require an answer for each. I will know if you are lying to me.

Pause.

MERZ
Do you represent a danger to this child?

Pause.

MERZ
Are you a danger to this ship and her crew?

Pause.

MERZ
Have you spoken of my presence or mentioned my name to your fellow ‘operatives’?

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

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Sunday, August 29, 2004 5:28 PM

Book's Move
Location: Infirmary

Admirable, that. Already a part of the crew. An easy and practiced smile comes to Book's lips. "I can answer all three questions with one answer... I am probably the best friend anyone on this ship could have."

Quickly sidestepping her outstretched hand, Book slides out the door faster than his age and demeanor should allow. Turning back as Merz starts to follow, he speaks a few more words just for her ears. "Your instincts are sound, but misplaced. Don't worry. We'll speak more... soon. I promise. It's not as though there's anywhere for us to go."

EM

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Sunday, August 29, 2004 9:01 PM

River
LOCATION - INFIRMARY /COMMON AREA

MERZ
River, is it my thoughts you cannot see?

River drops back to her normal height but keeps her eyes fixed on Merz. This woman is a puzzel to her. She only knows what she can see with her eyes and hear with her ears. But even normal senses can serve the young genius and she can sense that there is more to Merz's uniqueness than just her immunity to River's reading.

"Physical presence is here. Rest is missing." She states simply, as if giving a diagnosis. Her stare is slowly replaced by curiosity. "Where did you go?"

MAL
Preacher, can you come to my bunk? Please bring Damon’s property with you.

River's attention is drawn to the com as she hears Mal. --tired. so much hurt. giving up.--

Reality slowly comes back into focus and River finds herself standing behind Merz, who is talking to Book. She dismisses them. Not relevant. Slipping behind them with graceful ease, she hurries over to the com and turns it on. She smiles at it as if she can see exactly who she's talking to.

"Still flying..."

She walks out of the infirmery beaming as if she had just solved everyone's problems. She sees Merz starting to follow Book to the stairs and runs to take hold of her by the wrist, pulling her to a stop.

"Helping Mal." She looks at Book and smiles at him. "Helping bhaai."

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

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Monday, August 30, 2004 1:31 AM

MERZ move

LOCATION - INFIRMARY and CORRIDOR OUTSIDE As ...

River backs up a step and sinks down still holding MERZ eyes with her own.
RIVER
Physical presence is here. Rest is missing. Where did you go?"

There is only curiosity in her eyes. MERZ moves her back, behind the shelter of herself. River goes peacefully.

MERZ drags her attention back to the Shepherd, back to the danger. He has considered her questions and his answer is swift and untroubled.

BOOK
I can answer all three questions with one answer … I am probably the best friend anyone on this ship could have. He smiles at her, utterly confident that his words will be understood.

… he is telling the truth. i must believe him. but does not compute … insufficient data …

He steps around her hand and out the door more swiftly than she would have given this civilian credit for. How could she have misjudged him this badly? She shifts to follow him and hears him speak again, very softly, for her alone. Your instincts are sound but misplaced. Don’t worry. We’ll speak more … soon. I promise. It’s not as though there’s anywhere for us to go.

She wants to follow, needs answers now. But two things pull her up short. The first is RIVER who has taken her by the hand, tugging her to a halt. Helping Mal, she states cheerfully, Helping bhaai. RIVER is smiling towards BOOKs retreating back.

The second thing is the blanket now pooled at her feet. In freeing both hands for action, to protect the child and stop the Shepherd, MERZ has ignored her lack of conventional clothing, and has paid the price. And BOOK, whom MAL had advised her would be upset at such a lapse, had shown no indication of notice.

… i cannot cope with this. too much, too fast, too … strange. i cannot, no, will not go back either. i must learn to cope. i have no choice. and i do NOT surrender …

She drops and retrieves her covering. RIVER is still next to her, head tilted to one side, watching her.

MERZ
I have no answer for you child. I am what I am and I am here. When you find the rest of me, please let me know where it is. Perhaps it will assist me to understand. MERZ tilts her head back at RIVER and asks her, Does the Shepherd consider MAL to be his bhaai, his little brother?

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

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Monday, August 30, 2004 9:43 AM

River
LOCATION - PASSENGER DORMS or COMMON AREA

MERZ
Does the Shepherd consider MAL to be his bhaai, his little brother?

River laughs and shakes her head. "No, helping your bhaai." She walks over to the washing machine and sits down in front of it cross-legged. Realizing she is likely taking Merz's spot, she moves over a little.

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

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Monday, August 30, 2004 1:22 PM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - BRIDGE

Damon rubs his already dirty cloth over the even dirtier computer console. From the looks of it, it hasn't been cleaned in a very long time. His thoughts had just begun to drift away from Mal and their unavoidable disscussion when Book responds over the com.

Quote:
Originally posted by CapnRahn:
Captain. This is Shepherd Book. I'm here.

MAL
Preacher, can you come to my bunk? Please bring Damon’s property with you.

"Tzao gao..." He drops himself in Wash's chair and shakes his head in disbelief. "This just keeps getting better and better."

He pulls off his gloves, letting them drop to the floor beside the cleaner, and massages his tired right shoulder. His gaze settles on his reflection in the black vid screen, the bruises on his face bringing an unfriendly reminder of the day before.

"How do you always manage to get yourself into this ma lashi?" He sighs. If Mal doesn't give him back his gun, he'll have to spend the money to buy a new one. But money is the least of his concerns. Mal will have questions. They always have questions. Lying to Mal is a risky solution but telling the truth has always gotten him in trouble.

Quote:

“What is that?” Trigger points at Damon’s brand. “You a slave?”

Damon looks up from his work at Trigger and then down at his burn. Somehow the fact that people out here in the verse don’t have brands managed to slip his mind.

“I was. Escaped about a week ago. But don’t worry, he doesn’t know where I am.”

Trigger eyes Damon’s brand and then his other scars before smiling. “Well that’s good.” He turns to a cupboard and starts pulling out various tools. “This Trihn one of those stuck up rich fellows?”

Damon picks up a wrench and turns back to his work. Crofton is one subject he will never talk about with anyone.

“I’ll take that as a yes?” A pistol cocks behind Damon.

Damon feels his muscles tighten in automatic response, an iron grip forming on the wrench in his hand.

“You have a price on your head, nu li?” Trigger takes a careful step closer, looking rather nervous carrying the gun. “Drop the wrench and stand up.”

Damon turns his head to glare at Trigger over his right shoulder, his left hand remaining out of sight and slowly moving down to his boot. The wrench falls to the floor with a heavy clunk.

Trigger takes a shaky step closer, his gun aimed at Damon’s head. In his other hand he carries a pair of crude handcuffs. “I said stand up!”

Damon’s left hand carefully fingers the knife in his boot as he holds up his empty right hand and climbs to his feet. Trigger holds out the handcuffs and takes another step closer. Too close.

With surprising speed, Damon grabs Trigger’s gun, pushing it into a safer direction. A shot is fired over his shoulder. Damon’s left hand comes up with the knife and slices Trigger’s arm. The gun is released and Damon swiftly moves the handle into his palm.

He watches Trigger step away from the gun now aimed at his throat, trying to decide. “Where’s your shuttle bay?”

Trigger glares at Damon. “Chur ni-duh, hwoon d-.”

Damon’s finger moves without a second thought. The room is filled with a loud crack and Trigger drops the ground in a lifeless heap.

“Wrong answer.”

The sound of approaching footsteps pulls Damon back from his dark memories. He quickly stands up to get back to work and sees Book heading for Mal's bunk. He gives the older man a nervous glance before picking up his gloves and turning back to the computer.

ma lashi = horse shit
nu li = slave
Chur ni-duh, hwoon dahn = screw you, jerk

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

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Monday, August 30, 2004 4:54 PM

DECOY

Wash’s and Zoe’s Moves:
Location – from Upper Front of Serenity, to Lower Rear, and back again.

(Wash is sitting on his bunk, thinking that he’s the most terrible person onboard, then he hears a calm, serene voice wash over him… “Still flying…” Wash realizes that yes, the ship is still flying, and that everyone is still in formation with the ship… still flying. Wash gets up, and spots the memory stick from Simon lying on the floor next to the bed, where Zoe had dropped it. He starts checking off names on his fingers, and says: “Jayne”. Wash leaves the Dorm, and goes below decks to where Jayne is welding the rails, and waits until he is finished with joining two pieces together, he holds out another piece of rail to Jayne, and then hands over the memory sick. Wash goes to the bridge, now deep in thought, trying to think of nothing but the upcoming mission… he sits down at the Navigation/Gunnery console, and begins to program in a series of ‘reminders’, for the run… He glances at Zoe, who had moved over to him, and says to her: “Still flying… nothing is better than flying, especially with you”. He goes back to work, Zoe looking on in amazement, as a series of bright yellow arrows starts to flash rapidly on the screen on the console, she slowly rubs Wash’s neck and back.)

EOM

The 4th dimension of the universe that this whole gorram universe is in is right now currently reading 17:25 AMT (05:25 pm). Really. The whole thing. Right now.

Decoy, they make me go first.

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Monday, August 30, 2004 11:33 PM

KAYLEE’s move

LOCATION - ENGINE ROOM

The job is going well, if not swiftly. There is satisfaction in the routine maintenance. KAYLEE snips off another piece of 18-gauge wire, and bends to solder it into place. ‘Nother 30 minutes should see it done and then tackle the helm.

She chuckles to herself. I’ll pull WASH back up to help with that. An evening spent wiring and layin’ lights should give him a bit more respect for his station.

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

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Tuesday, August 31, 2004 12:23 AM