GR RP "Adventures in Gunrunning" ACT 21 by CapnRahn

LOCATION - MALs DORM
As ...

Mal pauses a moment
"It'd be best if the crew loosen up a tad before the run tomorrow ... check with Kaylee and tell her to "open up the cabinet". She has got a mighty fine inter-engine brandy that should be ready to uncask. Let 'em have fun t'nite."

From the bunk, Book looks over his steepled fingers at Mal. Both Book's eyebrows slowly climb towards his hairline, as if Book is unsatisfied with Mal's evasion. Meeting Book's eyes, Mal remains resolute. His mind made up, he slaps his thighs and stands up.

MAL
Not only as if convincing Book, but himself as well.
"Yep, fun is what we need about now." ...he stops a moment then adds with a wry grin ... "Well, leastwise it will be, after work is done."

EOM

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

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Thursday, September 30, 2004 11:08 AM

i DO aim to misbehave

Rowan’s Move
LOCATION: BRIDGE

Seeing the girl's electric smile fade somewhat, Rowan becomes aware that not all is as well as it might seem on the surface. Complicated dynamics, she figures - small ship, small crew. They usually go one of two ways; either they hate each other and certain individuals find themselves tossed into the black for just breathing, or they grow close during long tedious hours in space, becoming more like a family than business associates. Rowan has only seen the former version once, and managed to survive it by getting on the executive officer's really good side right before the mutiny. Serenity is showing itself to be by far the latter dynamic, cranky frustrated captain or not.

Only one thing could dim Kaylee's thousand-watt smile, or that is to say, one person. Question is, which crew member is she holding in her heart?

KAYLEE: Go ahead ROWAN, do your stuff.

Rowan nods at the permission given and moves to drop down into the gunner's chair, putting her feet up on the console as she brings up the interface to Serenity on her source pad.

EOM

OOC: Shorty-post!

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

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Thursday, September 30, 2004 4:00 PM

JAYNE'S move
LOCATION – CARGO BAY

DAMON
"So how many of these are we going to make? Could we braid three braids or...?"

JAYNE
"Shee-oot, ya really found some, didn'tcha? And yer braidin' em up like ya been doing girls' hair fer years." Jayne's obviously not making too fine a point about his sarcasm. He walks towards Merz and Damon with slow, tired strides. "Yer mama'd be proud."

He stops at the bungee braid and a curious expression crosses his face. Jayne sniffs twice at the air with flaring nostrels. Is that...? Nah, must just be the rubber. He stoops down and pokes in with his finger, then squeezes it in his hand, getting a sense for its structure and strength.

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Thursday, September 30, 2004 9:33 PM

Damon’s turn:
LOCATION - CARGO BAY or CATWALKS

JAYNE
"Shee-oot, ya really found some, didn'tcha? And yer braidin' em up like ya been doing girls' hair fer years." Jayne's obviously not making too fine a point about his sarcasm.

Damon is squatting in front of the pile of cords, pulling an end free one arm length at a time. He can think of a few replies- most of which have to do with make-up- but he decides not to say anything and smiles at his own unsaid comment.

Jayne walks towards Merz and Damon with slow, tired strides. "Yer mama'd be proud."

Damon’s gaze breaks from his work, slipping to some distant point below the metal grate under his feet. The smile has already faded.

Quote:
Damon awoke to the sound of the phone ringing and found a wall staring him in the face. He started to turn over and immediately regretted it, as pain shot through his small, broken body from seemingly everywhere at once, hitting him like a bucket of ice water. He relaxed and lay there until the sharp pains melted into one dull ache, but even then it was difficult to breathe without the tears forcing their way into the corners of his eyes.

He was prepared for the pain the second time, and managed to sit up. He looked around. The wood floor was littered with empty bottles, crumpled cans and used napkins. The vid tables were over turned along with the dishes and dinner that had been interrupted the night before. The vid unit was still on, though it had been muted. Snoring could be heard from the kitchen. His mother lay passed out on the sofa with a bottle of whiskey tucked safely under her arm.

Damon quickly got up, no longer caring about his injuries, and walked over to his mother. He was glad to see that she didn’t appear to be injured; the alcohol had done more damage than anything else. He placed a hand on her shoulder and shook it gently.

“Mom,” he whispered. No response. He shook her again, raising his voice slightly. “Mom, wake up.”

She moaned softly and slowly opened her eyes. She muttered something about a drink and let her eyes drift closed again. Damon took the bottle from her hand and slowly made his way to the kitchen, trying to rub some feeling back into his stiff limbs. The big man lay hunched over the kitchen table, snoring loudly, still clutching a mostly empty bottle. Damon entertained the idea of putting a cup of Tabasco sauce in his bottle, but decided against it. He quietly filled a cup with water and returned to the living room.

“Mom,” he shook her again, trying to encourage her to sit up. After a few attempts, he managed to get her into a mostly upright position. He gave her the cup and watched her drain it greedily. She lay back down, letting the cup fall to the floor. When he stood up, she took his hand and looked up at him. “Don’t go… please.”

He looked at the stairs longingly. His room was up there, where he could lock the door and fall safely asleep on his bed. “I was just grabbing the remote.” He picked up the remote control, eased himself down onto the floor with his back to the couch and flipped to the Saturday morning cartoons.

He would like to think she’d be proud, or grateful but in all honesty, and with the experience with alcohol he has now, he doesn’t think she was even aware half the time. Her sober moments were spent in the stores buying more booze. She had given up the fight but he couldn’t. Somewhere along the way, he made a promise to both her and himself. It was never spoken, but it never needed to be. Now, more than 15 years later… Now things are different. He is different- so much has changed. But she is no doubt the same- always will be. Just like them…

Quote:
Damon sits up as more slaves continue to enter the barracks, one more starved and beaten than the last. The room becomes a bit brighter as a few more dim, barely functioning lights are turned on. Damon forces his eyes to take in as much light as they can handle, trying to pull his aching head out from whatever depth of sleep or unconsciousness he had been in. He does a quick check to make sure nothing is broken- nothing important anyway- but the only thing that stands out is a burning pain on his right arm. Dismissing it, he returns his attention to the men settling onto the cots around him.

“Who is this Crofton guy anyway?” He looks around when they suddenly stop and stare at him. “What?”

“You better watch your mouth, new boy. The guards catch you callin Master Trihn by his first name and that beatin will look like a pat on the back.”

Damon’s gaze is pulled to the backs of the men as they pull off their sweat-soaked, bloodstained and dirt-covered clothing. Not one of them is without at least a few scars- long thin ones that definitely didn’t come from a fist. But what really catches his attention are their brands. TRIHN, in Chinese. All on their right shoulders without exception. Damon frowns as memories of earlier that day seep back into his mind.

“Tzao gao…” He lifts his right sleeve to see that his shoulder now carries the name Trihn too. His fingers feel like fire against his wounded flesh and he quickly pulls them back with a wince.

“Don’t worry,” one of the men says, “it’ll be sore for a while, but then it’ll heal over in a week or so and you won’t feel a thing.”

“Don’t worry??” Damon stares at him incredulously. “They stuck a ruttin white-hot iron on my arm! This isn’t gonna heal over ever!” He stands up, almost too fast.

The man gives him a confused look, which is soon mimicked by the others. “Where are you going?”

He sticks his hands in his pockets, fishing for anything useful. He pulls out a pin. “What’s it look like? Gettin the guay out of here.”

It’s quiet for a moment and then they start laughing. “With a pin? You are 300 feet below the surface and they shut down the lifts at night. Besides, you’d have to get through that door.” He nods toward the door that is now shut and locked.

Damon eyes the security lock for a moment before getting up and walking over to it. Hundreds of eyes stare at him as if seeing a monkey fixing an engine with a toothpick. He pulls off the cover and scans the circuitry. Main power, secondary systems… override. The wires are almost too thin to handle and his pin comes in handy a few times. Several minutes later, the door clicks. Damon grins and looks over his shoulder at which ever of the slaves not already asleep.

“Who’s with me?”

The closest one shakes his head and lies down. “Y’re out of y’r gorram mind, kid. Take my advice an git some sleep while ya can. Work starts at four AM.”

Damon looks at the others, most of which turn over to go to sleep- the ones that don’t just continue to stare at him. “There are guards out there you know… you step outside that door and you’re asking for a whip.”

Damon rolls his eyes and quietly opens the door. “Guards are just overpaid, lazy assed idiots… they won’t even notice I’m gone til the morning.”

“It already is morning, son, you have less than 4 hours to dig through 300 feet of solid rock with a pin. Best of luck.” He lies down, others follow his lead.

“Look, I’ve found ways out plenty places before. I’ve been a slave for 3 years and I know what I’m doin.”

“Try adding 30 to that and you’ll be where I’m sittin.”

“Or 40,” someone shouts out. More voices shout for them all to shut up.

Damon lets out half a laugh and turns back to quietly opening the door. “There’s no ruttin way I’m stayin here for that long…”

“You’re right, you’ll be dead in less than a week.”

“You want to get out don’t you?”

“Yeah, but I want to be alive when I do it.”

“If death’s the only way out of here, then I’ll take it. But you stay here and you’re already dead.”

A voice calls out from the back of the packed room: “Shut up and let us sleep, you moron! Go get yourself killed on your own time.”

“I’ll give him five minutes before they catch him…” another mumbles.

Damon lets out a silent sigh and opens the door to peer into the tunnel. They want to spend the rest of their lived here, let them. He is just about to step out when a voice is heard down the tunnel. “Hey, which one of you left the door open?”

Damon’s mind races. Run? Stay? Will I make it? Will I get another chance? His feet take off. He speeds down the tunnel faster than the condition of his wounded body should be able to take him. Don’t slow down. Keep running. Don’t slow down. He turns a corner and runs straight into a guard.

“Actually, I don’t think she gives a shi.” The words are out before he realizes he has spoken them and for a split second, he doesn’t move. Oops… Not knowing what else to do, he stands up and continues working, hooking the end of his cord to the railing next to the first three.

shi = shit

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

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Friday, October 1, 2004 6:13 AM

ASTRIANA

ZOË'S MOVE:
LOCATION - BRIDGE As...

KAYLEE giggles, then pulls out small blister pack and - carefully hiding what she's doing - opens up the pack.

KAYLEE: "I got something even better than a red switch. I found this down in parts storage when I first came aboard. Reckon my Captain isn’t the only one who considered arming this boat."

KAYLEE beams, and ZOË feels WASH's shoulder tense with excitement under her hand.

WASH: "Wow! Hook it up! Hook it up … ! Shiny! Thanks Kaylee! I owe you one, or several."

ZOË chuckles at WASH's enthusiasm, then laughs out loud as he snatches a kiss.

WASH: "Now that has a really high cool factor, don't you think, baobei*?"

ZOË: (barely stifling a giggle) "That it does, dear."

As WASH grins and begins planning where he'd like to put his new toy, ZOË taps the comm at KAYLEE's request, then shuts it off when the conversation is obviously over.

ZOË's begins to sober as she starts thinking about the implications of having such a "toy" on the bridge - not to mention the idea of her WASH having to use it. However, she's still wearing a soft smile at WASH's excitement when ROWAN enters the bridge to run the diagnostic on the new laser cannon. That wipes what's left of the smile right off ZOË's face, and she's instantly every inch the soldier again - all business and taking care of her crew.

ROWAN: "Makes one wonder what else a girl would have in her locker. I believe I was asked to do a diagnostic on the captain's new big damn gun. Is this a good time?

ZOË sees KAYLEE's face fall - obviously she was thinkin' 'bout SIMON and what he might'a got himself into.

KAYLEE: "Can’t see any reason why not, s’long as ZOË is done, and since she already stood up – go for it. And appreciate the hand. Been such a busy day I don’t know what we would have done without all you extra folks.

No, no, WASH. That don’t go there. Haul it back out and move it back a notch. OK, better.

Go ahead ROWAN, do your stuff.

ZOË watches the look on ROWAN's face as the newcomer takes in KAYLEE's subtle mood shift, and sees a chase of emotion running there. ZOË nods as ROWAN drops into the gunner's chair and begins the diagnostic.

ZOË: (internal) Seems like that girl's seen a bit o' trouble herself, maybe even found herself longin' for someone who ain't around - how else could she see what KAYLEE's goin' through so easy? I'm thinkin' I'd like to sit her down for a talk sometime soon... Assumin' she stays with us long enough - seems like she might be the kind to disappear when the ride's through, too..."

ZOË crosses her arms and leans back against WASH's section of console, careful to stay out of his and KAYLEE's way and watching ROWAN all the while.

END MOVE.

*****
Chinese:
baobei: term of endearment, i.e.: baby, darling, sweetheart, sweetcakes, lambytoes
*****
OOC: Woo hoo! I actually managed to post - twice! In the same scene!!

~Astriana~
~Mostly-Invisible Long-Winded Goddess of Inter-Board Communication and Diplomacy a/k/a El Jefe Magnifico's Mistress... of Communications and Harems~

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

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Friday, October 1, 2004 10:31 AM

JAYNE'S move
LOCATION – CARGO BAY

DAMON
"Actually, I don't think she gives a shi."

Whoops, it sounds like Damon is just about ready to get all mushy and talkative. Jayne decides to put an end to that quickly by commenting under his breath, "Yeah, her an' me both. I'll be back in half a shake, gotta go bleed the lizard an' find some more bars." Jayne pulls himself back to his feet and turns to leave.

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Sunday, October 3, 2004 6:25 AM

Book's Move
Location: Mal's Quarter's

Certain that Mal was going to finally tell him a little more about himself, Book had been prepared to also divulge a portion of his own life in return... but following Mal's que, Book stands. Perhaps tonight... after inter-engine brandy. "Very well, Captain." Cracking his serious demeanor, Book lets out a soft laugh. "Perhaps you're right. A little fun is maybe just what we need."

Going to the ladder, Book quickly ascends and looks up and down the hallway. He notices Kaylee bustling amongst a crowd on the bridge and walks unobtrusively to stand at the back of group and peer down at the Rowan in the Gunner's chair. Folding his arms across his chest and making a somewhat concerned look appear on his face, he leans over and whispers to Zoe. "What are we doing?"

EM

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Sunday, October 3, 2004 5:35 PM

LOCATION - CARGO BAY

MERZ continues to lay out the cords for a second braid, while Jayne and Damon speak to each other. For one moment, she thought Jayne was sniffing something, smelling something unusual, but the moment passed.

Jayne’s final comment before he turns and … flees … the area.

JAYNE
Yeah, her and me both. I’ll be back in half a shake, gotta go bleed the lizard an' find some more bars.

Once again, MERZ finds herself baffled. All of the words are in English, but the syntax is not clear to her. Jayne has a lizard? That needs to bleed? She sighs. She is never going to understand …

Once she and Damon have the cords ready, they start the second braid; this time MERZ handles the braid and DAMON gets to rest his hands and control the cords.

Halfway through, MERZ breaks the silence. OK, Damon. You have questions. Please ask them, if you would care to. If I can answer, I will.

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

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Sunday, October 3, 2004 8:29 PM

LOCATION - MALs DORM
As ...

Book ascends the ladder, Mal allows a frown to settle on his features. Feeling like he has missed an opportunity Mal wait till Book has cleared the ladder then he hits the close button. Dimming the lights, he sits down to make a call - This Hlastoni, or Jax fella need to be updated. And Thorne was ... Mal clamps down on his jealousy ... Thorne was ... engaged. Even more weary, Mal punches up the 'Received Waves' queue and selects the one Thorne received from a ship called ... 'Rubicon' and the sender ID of 'Squire'.

He punches up the address and has the auto-comm set to beep him when the connection was made.

Mal looks again to the closed hatch, wondering. "Why is it the only person I can trust for a clear perspective is probably an Alliance spook," he ponders. Still lost in thought he strokes at his neck. Right at the place where his old crufix used to hang. Sadly he shifts his gaze back to the closed hatch.

MAL
sighing softly & whispering unconsciously...
"Guide me Shepherd, for I have strayed..."

EOM

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

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Sunday, October 3, 2004 8:34 PM

Damon’s turn:
LOCATION - CARGO BAY or CATWALKS

JAYNE
"Yeah, her an' me both. I'll be back in half a shake, gotta go bleed the lizard an' find some more bars." Jayne pulls himself back to his feet and turns to leave.

Damon can’t help but give a slight smile. Jayne’s becoming more and more comfortable to be around, being so familiar to the kind of men Damon spent the previous eight years living with- though many had mouths that would probably make even Jayne blush.

Returning to his work, Damon sets his mind on figuring out the best way to tie these cords to the container. He doesn’t get far before Merz breaks the silence.

MERZ: OK, Damon. You have questions. Please ask them, if you would care to. If I can answer, I will.

Questions?

Damon has to backtrack for a moment. Remembering what they had been talking about- him asking what bhaai means- brings some of the questions back to mind. How did she know? He frowns, wondering for a brief moment if she’s a reader like River. But he dismisses the idea- if she could read minds, she’d understand more than she does about… well, the weird stuff most people seem to get, like wearing clothes or how to show gratitude or the concepts of freedom and liberty.

No, not a reader, just… very observant. He remembers her list of smells. Very observant. Shi, I gotta watch how I breathe and what I think on this boat.

Questions… He hates questions; they tend to lead to answers and then more questions. He repeats her words over in his mind, not even sure if they were a request or a demand. There are so many questions he has- some of which he is saving for Mal- but the ones concerning Merz? There are a lot of those too, but like all the other questions he doesn’t ask, they aren’t important. Just questions that fill in gaps of curiosity mostly- the kind of questions you ask yourself, not expecting to ever get an answer, if there even is one. But more importantly, most of them are questions he would dread answering himself. She has already bared so much of herself to him, and the fact that he is unwilling to do the same makes asking questions seem… unfair and hypocritical.

He is silent for several seconds as this tumbles through his mind. Finally, he decides he’d be ok to give the family topic a try. His pride has taken beatings far worse than alcoholic parents and if he’s ever going to get comfortable with talking about any of his past, he might as well start with the easy stuff.

He pauses his work to give her a sincere smile, if not a little nervous. He can’t help but feel like he’s setting himself up to be shot, but then, she probably feels the same way. “So will I, if you have questions I mean. Jus let me know if I cross a line and I’ll do the same. Deal?”

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

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Monday, October 4, 2004 11:27 AM

i DO aim to misbehave

Rowan’s Move
LOCATION: BRIDGE

Rowan has the diagnostic running even before she leans back in the chair.

SERENITY (in Rowan's earpiece): "Diagnostic of primary and secondary systems engaged."

Watching the on-screen display, Rowan watches Serenity's systematic self-diagnostic of all her internal systems, starting oldest to newest. A few notations appear along the way, documenting Kaylee's modifications, but all in all it goes about as she hoped. With the strange bunch of folk they've hand on board of late, it wouldn't surprise her to see something strange appear. Happily, it seems no one had any mischief planned toward the ship. At least, not yet.

Glancing at Wash and feeling Zoe behind her, Rowan finds some interest in a pair who seem as different as night and day and just happen to be husband and wife.

ROWAN: "He's a colorful fella, that husband of yours."

Then she hears Book's voice from somewhere in the rear.

BOOK: "What are we doing?"

ROWAN: "The diagnostic is running. Anything special I should be keeping an eye out for?"

EOM

I draw...therefore I am.
http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=7922

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Monday, October 4, 2004 11:56 AM

Book's Move
Location: Bridge

A proud smile appearing on his face, Book steps forward and looks at the monitor with the diagnostic information zipping by. "Not likely, unless the newly installed gun has caused some undue stress on the secondary power relays. Something like that won't show up on this diagnostic, only the implication of it. We'll see. Someone small may need to crawl into the belly of our beast and make a visual inspection."

Turning around to survey the damage of his words on the mood of the crew, Book laughs. "But like I said, unlikely, very unlikely. Especially since..." he turns to Kaylee with a sly grin. "the Captain has ordered the opening of the cabinet. Tonight." Turning back to include the rest of the crew and getting slightly dramatic. "By popular demand, we shall all be fortunate enough to swell ourselves with our own Kaylee's recipe. Spoken of before usually only in hushed tones, delighting travellers, lovers and preachers (ahem) the verse over, the finest inter-engine brandy to ever fill a snifter."

EM

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Monday, October 4, 2004 1:59 PM

JAYNE'S move
LOCATION – COMMON AREA

Jayne stalks into the common area, pausing at the landing to toss his shirt into the laundry machine, but - someone's closed the door. Jayne's stature slumps a little out of disappointment, but after a moment he hoists the sweaty, balled-up shirt to eye level and launches it.

The shirt lands with a splatter of moisture, slides across the laundry machine and wedges between it and the wall. Jayne gives an approving grunt. If helpin' out was always this much fun, I'd do more of it.

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Tuesday, October 5, 2004 12:56 AM

LOCATION - MALs DORM
As ...

Mal sits up abruptly in the dark. Realizing that he is beginning to wallow, he vows to get back to basics. To focus on the current, the future will have to sort itself out when it gets here. Still in the dark, he moves towards the ladder and ascends. The hatch opens on his approach and the harsh light of the front hall pours down, stinging his eyes.

Quietly climbing up to the deck, he notices laughter and Book's bass story telling voice rolling down the stairs. Unconsciously smiling a tiny smile at the mood Book can generate, Mal closes his hatch and seals it. Even more unconsciously, he heads down the fore starboard gangway.

Passing near Inara's shuttle, he resolutely refuses to look at the tightly shut portal. That fish will have to be fried later. ...None'o my business... that very thought nearly shatters his newly shored up resolve. Too many blocked shut doors had been broken into these past few days. ...Gettin' my priorities confused... Mal chews that idea over slowly.

Fighting this setback, Mal meanders over the upper transverse catwalk, from below he hears Damon's voice drift upwards ...

DAMON
“So will I, if you have questions I mean. Jus let me know if I cross a line and I’ll do the same. Deal?”

These words piquing his curiosity, Mal steps back out of view from those below. He settles his rump on the top rail and hooks his left bootheel over the mid-rail. Quietly he balances on the deck with his right leg. Mal settles in and gets comfortable. He then focuses on listening to the voices from down below in the bay.

EOM

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

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Tuesday, October 5, 2004 11:07 AM

i DO aim to misbehave

Rowan’s Move
LOCATION: BRIDGE

BOOK: "Not likely, unless the newly installed gun has caused some undue stress on the secondary power relays. Something like that won't show up on this diagnostic, only the implication of it. We'll see. Someone small may need to crawl into the belly of our beast and make a visual inspection."

Wishing there was an audio interface, Rowan hastily keys in a search parameter and adds it to the diagnostic.

SERENITY (in Rowan's earpiece): "Addition of parameter acknowledged. Resuming diagnostic of primary and secondary systems."

BOOK: "But like I said, unlikely, very unlikely."

Of that, Rowan has no doubt. Kaylee kept a tight ship.

ROWAN to Book: "Thanks Shepherd. I'll keep an eye out."

BOOK: "the Captain has ordered the opening of the cabinet. Tonight." Turning back to include the rest of the crew and getting slightly dramatic. "By popular demand, we shall all be fortunate enough to swell ourselves with our own Kaylee's recipe. Spoken of before usually only in hushed tones, delighting travelers, lovers and preachers (ahem) the verse over, the finest inter-engine brandy to ever fill a snifter."

Still watching the display on the source pad, Rowan grins, as much over the shepherd's delivery than the prospect of getting to taste Kaylee's special brew. Maybe she'll get some sleep tonight after all. Seems the only way to do that these days--without dreaming--is through over-consumption of alcohol.

FLASHBACK

She was tipsy - was that the word? No, not quite. What did Walker used to say? Hammered--yes, that was the word. Only if she really was, would she be aware that she was?

"Madame, you should probably take it easy."

After her fourth long drink of the scotch--which Li had surrendered after taking his fill to numb the pain in his side--Rowan wiped her mouth with the back of her hand as she glared at him and shook her head.

She put a hand over her heart, where the ache was the worst. In her mind was the last thing she'd seen when Li took her out of Revolution control--those beautiful eyes, laden with sorrow and determination. He'd planned it all along. He had said that they would face whatever came together, but in the end he had her taken away. Now she was supposed to face the reality of life without him?

Tamade húndàn. How dare he?

"Not yet," she said. "I can still feel something."

"Madame." Li's eyes were looking sluggish. "He wanted...he wanted me to take you to Osiris. To your parents."

"He wanted--who gives a holy hump what he wanted. HE isn't here, is he?"

"Madame. The bleeding...it isn't going to stop."

He started to topple over, and just like that, she was sober again. "Li!"

He fell gracefully to the deck and landed with a thud. Other passengers in the compartment with them took note that something was amiss, but not a single one came forward. They were content to only stare and quietly comment amongst themselves

Li was a giant of a man, and she had a hard time getting him turned over, which is why she had blood all over her hands and clothes once she did manage it. Holding him in his arms, cradling his close-shaven head against her breast, she put her hand down over the bandage he'd manufactured after the got out of the compound. It was soaking wet. "Li?"

He stared up at her, his eyes already growing dim, and swallowed with some difficulty. "Never...in all my life...have I seen such love as he had...for you."

And even as the last remaining life went out of his eyes, she felt her heart torn asunder. The tears that refused to come before crashed forward. She was still sobbing when the conductor tore her from him.

END FLASHBACK

Rowan swallowed hard and fought to keep her eyes open. Her head twitched involuntarily as the pain arched through her head again. She kept her eyes on the display in front of her, hoping no one noticed.

EOM

Tamade húndàn = fucking bastard (remember, she's mad at him)

I draw...therefore I am.
http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=7922

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Tuesday, October 5, 2004 2:57 PM

Blended post for Damon and Merz:
LOCATION - CARGO BAY or CATWALKS

Quote:
He pauses his work to give her a sincere smile, if not a little nervous. He can't help but feel like he's setting himself up to be shot, but then, she probably feels the same way. So will I, if you have questions I mean. Just let me know if I cross a line and I'll do the same. Deal?

Merz nods. “Acceptable.”

Damon takes a moment to formulate his first question, the most obvious in his mind. "Why do you call me bhaai?"

"I ... am not sure. I have been thinking about that. Does it offend you?”

He shakes his head. "No, it's just... surprising I guess."

"I have left my team; my family. I have never been … alone before. It is new, and I think perhaps I do not care for it."

"And I remind you of your brother?"

Merz almost smiled at that. . “You are nothing like Corvair. I think that is a point in your favor."

"What was he like?"

Merz sighs. Almost she does not speak. But what can it hurt now. They can do no more damage to her than she has already earned. “He is large. He is the largest of us as I am the smallest. My size has been an issue with him, I am despised for being … substandard. He is smarter than I am, and stronger. I am faster. He cannot trail me efficiently. This disturbs him that I should excel at anything. He is my leader." … he is coming …
" You are more like Ben-Wa. I ... miss him."

"Who is he?"

Her face is vacant. He is also family, he is Or'Sha's scout, as I am Corvair's. If we could be said to have friends, Ben'Wa is my friend. She looks at Damon curiously. “Query? How many persons are in a family?”

"How many? Depends I guess. Some families live together as parents and children, other families also live with grandparents and uncles... I'd say three minimal: mother, father, child."

"What is it like, knowing a mother, a father? Do you have … parents?”

Tzao gao, there it is: the inescapable result of indulging in conversation. He lets out a humorless chuckle and sighs, letting the seconds pass as he carefully forms a response. "Yeah, I have parents, technically at least, but I wouldn't base your opinion of anything on the general scale off of my answer cuz..." He swallows, obviously having a hard time getting the words out. His face reddens, though no clear emotion can be read. "Well, my parents weren't normal, they... drank. He got drunk and violent and she drank some more and let it happen..." He pauses before continuing, speaking a little softer. "I was just caught in the middle... an accident. I don't think she ever intended to get pregnant but..."

That is a lot for Merz to digest. Quite a lot is just words … drunk … accident … pregnant. She places the entire speech in the databank for later consideration. Damon is clearly tense and upset. What would a sister do? One hand starts to extend and then halts before any true movement can be detected. No, that is not right.

She cannot comfort him as she did River. She begins to understand that different situations require different reactions. But what is correct here?

Damon takes a slow breath, keeping himself focused on his work. But that doesn't work too well when Merz stops braiding. He waits a second and then raises his gaze to meet hers.

“Damon, I am sorry … That was intruding.”

He shakes his head and picks up the cords again, already starting to calm down. "Told you I'd let you know if you crossed a line- you didn't. And don't worry about it, not your fault. Anyhow, that was a lifetime ago."

… a lifetime? … could that really be? … A thought takes her, hard enough to bring a noticeable intake of breath with the thought of the implications. This weakness is … bad. But she does not want to change … Perhaps admitting it would bring a solution. “I believe I owe you an apology. Something has just occurred to me. I suspect I have been using both you and… Rowan in an inappropriate capacity."

Damon's brow draws down in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Merz turns to face him. “We are raised inside our group in cells of three units. I have always been one-of-three. It is what I am … Having deliberately turned my back on Corvair and Shelby, I am displeased to find I have turned around and replaced them with you and Rowan. This places a burden on you that is not yours to bear. I must learn 'alone'. You must not be dragged into my destiny."

So many questions surface, he doesn't know which to start with. He thinks it over a moment and decides to address the most important issue first. "There is nothing to apologize for, least not from where I'm standing. Some of my best achievements- well, really my only achievement in this verse was accomplished cuz I had help."

Merz shakes her head. “What comes for me I do not ask you to help. Teach me, yes. I would learn to be … ah, what is the alachina word … normal, human? You live in a confusing world. Mine was much narrower. But my karma must NOT be shared with you. That is not a point for discussion, Damon."

Damon's not sure he understood most of that, but he understood the last part: not up for discussion. He nods, still holding a cord in his hand. "You believe in destiny, fate, karma and all that?"

“I have no beliefs, except in this.” Merz extends her right hand, fisted. And then drops it to her side, utterly limp. . “Heropa tried to teach me his beliefs. Karma; destiny. As I live more in the civilian world, there is a small sense of … comfort? … perhaps, in the idea of karma. I have much to make up for.”

"You mean for leaving your family? Leaving the ones who..." He trails off, unsure of what to call it. "It was the Alliance wasn't it? Kinda like the girl?"

All of a sudden, Merz is at attention, the cords dropping from her hands. Her face locks, her eyes have gone cold again, like chips of ice. "What girl?" Even her voice is stone.

"River. I don't know the whole story but I know They took her, experimented, messing with her brain. They made her what she is."

Merz remembers. She can still feel under her fingers the small ridges, the healed intrusions in River's cranium. Now she understands, and she understands why Rowan reacted as she did. They used River as well. It would be nice if Karma could be served by … human hands. "I don't know who owns us now. Our minders are still Alliance. But others use our ... services as well."

Damon feels his anger beginning to boil. Typical Alliance, treating lives like disposable napkins. Use one, throw it out, blow your nose in another, throw it out. His gaze hardens. "And you think you deserve this bad karma stuff because it was wrong to leave this family of yours?"

Merz laughs. It is a particularly ugly sound and utterly without humor. “My leaving the family was the best karma I have accrued. My tasks before this have earned me ... much to answer for.” She hesitates and something crosses over her face. "I do not choose to return to them. If given a choice."

Damon picks up the cords again and starts braiding. "Well, I sure as hell, ain't waiting to be given the choice. Cuz they wouldn't give it to me and I don't think the hwoon dahns would give you a choice either." He looks at her for a moment and continues braiding. "Time for us to make our own decisions now and that's the only destiny or karma I believe in."

Merz picks up the cords and assists Damon. “You are right, bhaai. Do you mind me calling you that? It is a ... comfort."

Damon smiles. "No, I don't mind." His smile widens a little as he looks up at her. "If you ever call me somethin I don't like, you'll know it."

"Acceptable".

EP

tzao gao = damn it
hwoon dahns = bastards

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

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Tuesday, October 5, 2004 4:18 PM

BLENDED POST, KAYLEE AND WASH

LOCATION - BRIDGE

KAYLEE works happily aside WASH, and the job goes quickly. But his eyes keep straying to the shiny chrome box of power on his console. Kaylee is watching him out of the corners of her eyes, sure she will spot the minute his will begins to break.

After ROWAN has started her diagnostic, BOOK also enters the bridge area. It might be getting a bit crowded, but everyone is in a splendid mood and everything is fine.

BOOK
Especially since the Captain has ordered the opening of the cabinet. Tonight, by popular demand, we shall all be fortunate enough to swell ourselves with our own Kaylee's recipe. Spoken of before usually only in hushed tones, delighting travelers, lovers and preachers (ahem) the verse over, the finest inter-engine brandy to ever fill a snifter."

KAYLEE stops and looks at BOOK. Truly, Preacher? Whoo! Hoo! I will be pleased to share this tonight, has been a long day of many jobs. She thinks for a second. Ya know, I think I have something else I can share tonight too. No promises, but lemme look around. She pauses. I don’t think we have any snifters, though.

Just a bit more time, a little more wire and this job is now over. Wash smiles and settles back into his chair, while Kaylee replaces the tools in their box. He takes another, non-distracted look at the new coolness on his console. When he finally realizes what he is seeing and before disappointment can cripple him, Kaylee has stepped in. I believe you need a key for that, and holds it out to him.

His smile could ignite a sun. He takes the key reverently and turns to ZOË. She has given me the key. Now I have real power!He glances at BOOK. I'm sorry, but this is something I must do... Bless me Shepherd, for I must sin. as he slowly moves the key towards the empty slot. He looks over at KAYLEE who is already looking at him.

KAYLEE
Here’s the deal. That is for emergency use only. You play around with that and I will disconnect it and make it go away again, OK? But it does have to be tested. So … you get one shot. Hang on.

She dips back into her toolbox and comes up with a cordless drill, which she proceeds to carry over to the intercom. With one hand on the trigger and the other on the comm, KAYLEE announces to the ship at large: Attention crew. This is a drill. She then places the drill next to the speaker and sends the sound of it running all over Serenity. Grinning widely at WASH she turns off the tool and addresses the ship once again. WASH grins at ZOË. He knows what is coming. Now that I have your attention, this is also a drill.

WASH pushes the little silver key into the slot, and watches as the wide lid pops up from the glowing red light. He presses the ‘button of power’, holding REX close so he can see too.

Well, they have wired it correctly and Serenity once again booms the need for the crew to assume their battle stations all around the ship. Once it is established that it functions, WASH turns it off and closes the lock down, contented.

KAYLEE was looking up, at that pink light behind it’s clear shield. The one WASH was so offended by. She turns to ROWAN, busy enough with the diagnostic but distracted by the wire check.

KAYLEE
Serenity should pick up the changes in that helm, and diagnose them too. ROWAN, by any chance, do you have a whole LOT of red nail polish I could buy?

EOM

OOC: edited because I left out some WASH stuff and he was not a happy camper.

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

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Tuesday, October 5, 2004 4:33 PM

i DO aim to misbehave

Rowan’s Move
LOCATION: BRIDGE

KAYLEE: Serenity should pick up the changes in that helm, and diagnose them too. ROWAN, by any chance, do you have a whole LOT of red nail polish I could buy?

Seeing the pretty girl standing before her in mechanic's overalls, smudges on her face, with her hair bound up and out of the way as was best for working on engines--that was one thing. Hearing her ask for nail polish, RED no less, was something else. And yet, Rowan had a sneaking suspicion that the girl's intentions for the polish had nothing whatsoever to do with prettying up the tips of her fingers.

ROWAN: "I have three different shades. Are we talking about Danger red, Look at ME red or, Hi Spacer red?"

SERENITY (in Rowan's earpiece): Helm modifications detected. Additions to diagnostic accepted.

ROWAN (absently): "Our girl's running like a top."

Realizing she said "our" and not "your" Rowan looks up at Kaylee. Mechanics tended to be posessive of their ships. Crew or not, Rowan had no intention of making presumptions.

EDITED: To add the last paragraph.

EOM

I draw...therefore I am.
http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=7922

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Tuesday, October 5, 2004 4:50 PM

Mal's Move

LOCATION - UPPER TRANSVERSE CATWALK
As ...

DAMON
"No, I don't mind." His smile widens a little as he looks up at her. "If you ever call me somethin I don't like, you'll know it."

MERZ
"Acceptable".

Suddenly the shipwide clicks on and Kaylee's voice rings throughout the ship

KAYLEE
"Attention crew. This is a drill." ...her voice is replaced by the cantankerous sound of an electric drill droning on next to the mic ... "Now that I have your attention, this is also a drill.

ALERT VOICE SYNTH
sound begins to skip - as if a needle is jumping on a phonograph, then settles down to the normal calm cadence
"RedRedRed Reeed Alert ... All Crew to Battle Stations ... Red Alert ... All Crew ..." the shipwide, just as suddenly, clicks off.

Mal chuckles silently ...I suppose I should get around ta assignin' these suppose'd 'battle stations'...

Settling back comfortable again Mal mulls over the implications of Merz and Damon's words so far.

EOM

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

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Tuesday, October 5, 2004 7:38 PM

JAYNE'S move
LOCATION – COMMON AREA

"... All Crew to Battle Stations ... Red Alert ... All Crew ..."

The noise always gave Jayne a spiraling, dropping feeling for an instant. His mind flashes back to one of his first big jobs where he and some fellas blew an airlock to get to at a ship's cargo - and the men that had locked themselves up with it, desperate to defend their livelihood.

Jayne had dropped in first. The tension of the situation mixed with the flashing lights and droning computer voice had made for an unhappy combination. He was jumpy. None of the crew were armed, as it turned out, but he didn't know that at the time. When one of them charged out from a hatchway and surprised him, well...

In a fluid motion, Jayne pulls out his piece, aims and empties it. When done, he pushes the toilet back into the wall and slaps cooling water across his face, chest and arms. Felt good.

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Tuesday, October 5, 2004 9:28 PM

Damon’s turn:
LOCATION - CARGO BAY or CATWALKS

Damon looks up from his work when Kaylee’s voice comes on over the com.

Attention crew. This is a drill. She then places the drill next to the speaker and sends the sound of it running all over Serenity. Now that I have your attention, this is also a drill.

The battle stations alert sounds once and then switches off.

“Ha. Drill, very funny. At least they warned us- damn near gave me a heart attack the first time.” He resumes braiding and soon reaches the end. He hooks it onto the crate next to the first. Looking down the length of the braids, he spots the remaining two cords still coiled on the floor. Can’t braid with only two, but Kaylee said six cords so they might not need to do another. He sighs, running a hand through his hair as he stretches his fingers.

“Well, I guess that’s that. Kaylee said six cords… I gotta go talk to Mal before he notices I’m avoiding him, though I’d just as soon braid bungees all night.” He walks over to the remaining cords, still not in any hurry, and picks them up. “How long have you been on the run, Merz?”

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

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Tuesday, October 5, 2004 11:21 PM

MERZ move,

LOCATION - CARGO BAY

SERENITY
RedRedRed Reeed Alert ... All Crew to Battle Stations ... Red Alert ... All Crew …

Even knowing it was a drill, MERZ tenses as the alert goes off. But it is of very short duration, and she controls the urge/need to rush back to the bridge for no apparent reason.

She is no longer needed for the cording; DAMON has reached the point where he can finish without assistance. While he finishes up, she stretches and while DAMON has his back to her, casts a casual glance upwards, towards the one who has been listening to their conversation. Did he really think he had sneaked up on her?

DAMON
Well, I guess that’s that. Kaylee said six cords… I gotta go talk to Mal before he notices I’m avoiding him, though I’d just as soon braid bungees all night. He pauses. How long have you been on the run, Merz

She has caught MAL’s eyes and quietly returned his gaze. He nods gently at her, in acknowledgement. She turns back to DAMON to answer the question, knowing that MAL would also have some interest in her response.

MERZ
I left the “Geste” a little over 6 months ago. I have been moving ever since. I won’t be able to stay long. These people, she considers her words. You people don’t need the kind of heat I could bring down. But … She sighs.

She does not look back to MAL, allowing him to remain lurking, if that is his desire. His face, his attitude, his scent however, so familiar. He was fairly radiating that kind of pre-battle feeling she has known before. Not among the TROY’s, which is different altogether, but certainly among the APE’s. Tomorrow’s run has him worried.

She looks towards DAMON then, to judge the reaction to her next question. She has a feeling that “line” he spoke of may be going to be crossed.

How long have you been running, DAMON?

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

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Wednesday, October 6, 2004 4:25 AM

JAYNE'S move
LOCATION – COMMON AREA

Jayne sinks into the couch for a moment's rest. As he rubs his temples, he sees that there is someone in the infirmary, lying on the table. He knows those feet. And he's glad River will be sleeping it off while he is busy finishing up his work.

Jayne stands and steps slowly into the doorway. Yup, it's her, sound asleep. He only hopes she isn't awakened by his rummaging for parts in the storage area that encircles the infirmary.

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Wednesday, October 6, 2004 8:30 AM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - CARGO BAY

How long have you been running, DAMON?

Damon kneels down in front of Kaylee's locker and opens it. Unlike Merz, he is completely unaware of Mal's presense. He drops the cords in the corner of the locker where he got them from and closes it before he can be tempted to sneak a chocolate bar out of Kaylee's stash.

His eyes light up a bit as he smiles pridefully at her and stands. "One year, one month, three weeks, five days and counting. Course, one of these days it'd be nice to not have to run."

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

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Wednesday, October 6, 2004 11:04 AM

Book's Move
Location: Bridge to Cargo Bay

Pleased at everyone's reception of his announcement, Book decides to leave the heathens to their diagnostics and go to his quarters to do something about the purple-lit comm that keeps tormenting him. Very inopportune moment for that thing to go off. he thinks as he exits the bridge. What must the captain have thought? Turning back for a moment, he calls into the bridge with a smile. "Finish your work quickly, so we can tap that cask!"

Whistling down the hallway to the fore stairway, he rolls quickly over what he still needs to do. Contact "them" and get them to stop waving him - imperative. Meditate and change for the night's festivities - I have just the thing in mind. and, ah yes, one more thing," He thinks as he steps off the bottom step to the metal grating of the higher catwalk and sees the Captain, a little lower than him on a catwalk and Damon and Merz on the Cargo Bay floor. "Excuse me, Captain, is there anything else you'd like me to do before I prepare for the cabinet opening?"

EM

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Thursday, October 7, 2004 8:40 AM

JAYNE'S move
LOCATION – COMMON AREA

Jayne's face is nearly burried into the floor as he gropes in a crawlspace for just a few more steel bars. If he can't find anything out here, he might have to canablize what he needs elsewhere. The slide-out trays in the infirmary's storage closet might do the trick.

Aha! A light grunt of approval escapes Jayne's mouth as his eyes flash across the storage area and spy some more metal lying trapped under a stack of flats. He replaces the crawl space cover and moves over to collect them.

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Thursday, October 7, 2004 2:15 PM

KAYLEE’s move

LOCATION - BRIDGE As...

ROWAN looked up at her, a very slightly puzzled look in her eyes.

ROWAN
I have three different shades. Are we talking about Danger red, Look at ME red or, Hi Spacer red?

KAYLEE thinks about it for a moment, hands on her hips, biting her lip in concentration.

KAYLEE
I like the sound of Danger red, but I don’t know as it matters. Whatever you have the most of or are willin’ to part with. ‘Cause it’s not like I can give it back.

KAYLEE places the rest of her tools, and the drill back into her toolbox. Well, it is not as critical as other things I have to do before we can have some fun and let our hair down, so to speak. I’ll see what you have later. Right now, I gotta go check on Damon and whoever’s working on our brake for that conex. With any luck we are just about there – that and Jayne’s little project is the last we have to finish.

She heads for the door and then pauses and looks back at Rowan. You said “our” girl’s running like a top. Want you to know; it’s OK. I have been unfair and I appreciate all the help I have had today. Thanks.

She holds out her free hand to Rowan.

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

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Thursday, October 7, 2004 3:02 PM

River
LOCATION - INFIRMARY

Quote:
River sits on the floor of the cargo bay, studying the ball in her hand and the jacks on the floor in front of her. Not far away, Mal, Simon, Book and Jayne are playing cards on a crate. Things are as they should be. River smiles and looks up at Kaylee.

“This time, I’ll get four.”

Kaylee laughs kindheartedly. “Jien tah duh guay!”

River holds up the small ball. “Watch.” She lets it drop from her hand and begins scooping up jacks as it bounces. She looks up at Jayne for a moment, her hand still moving. “No cheating.”

Jayne’s expression feigns innocent. “Cheating! I don’t cheat. Mal, tell ‘er how I don’t cheat.”

River grabs her forth jack and grins at Kaylee as she hands her the ball.

Mal puts a card on the crate but doesn’t look up as he speaks. “Jayne? Jayne never cheats.” Jayne grins and reaches for his beer. Mal puts another card on the table. “He just likes takin’ advantage of those who aren’t payin’ too close attention. Full house.”

“What?!”

Mal flashes Jayne a smug smile and reaches for the chips.

“Pardon me, captain, but I believe the winnings are mine.” Simon lays his cards on the table.

Jayne stares and points a finger. “Now that’s cheating. I think we oughtta-”

"RedRedRed Reeed Alert ... All Crew to Battle Stations ... Red Alert ... All Crew ..."

Before anyone has time to react, the air lock door swings open. Two Blue Sun agents step into the bay, each carrying a gun. The sound of metal scraping against the floor echos through the walls. Simon, Book and Mal are only halfway to their feet when a shot goes off, hitting Simon straight in the head.

River screams as she sits up from the med bed with a start.

“SIMON!"

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

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Thursday, October 7, 2004 3:03 PM

DECOY

Wash's Move:
Location - Bridge of his Spaceship

Kaylee (to Rowan): "You said “our” girl’s running like a top. Want you to know; it’s OK. I have been unfair and I appreciate all the help I have had today. Thanks."

(Wash spins a 360 degree arc in his helm chair, and says to both Kaylee and Rowan): "You know better, Kaylee... It's my girl. From her shiny new laser, to the best little engineroom in the verse... It's all mine... and no, you haven't been unfair, I know that you've had a lot on your mind lately, and I haven't been the best of help... Let's try to make it all better tonight, ok?"

Out in the 'verse... past the farthest planet ever even glimpsed by aided human vision, a small rift forms... a glowing neon yellow sign pops into existance... written there, as if it were the secret to life itself: 19:00AMT (7:00pm).
The rift closes, and the sign naturally glows no more, being cut off from it's natural universe... It falls into the planet below, to be forgotten... As time is still passing as it should... And all is well in the 'verse again.

... 1-1... actual probability established...

Decoy, they make me go first, because I have my towel always at the ready.

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Thursday, October 7, 2004 6:55 PM

JAYNE – COMMON AREA

Five... six... seven... he counts as he collects lengths of sturdy metal rod.

RIVER
"SIMON!"

JAYNE
"Na shi shen me?"¹

Jayne leisurely grabs a couple more rods, pretty sure that there's nothing more than a bad dream causing that ruckus. Girl's old enough to be screamin' out other boys' names, he thinks callously, and makes his way to the side of the infirmary where he pauses to look in on her through a window.

¹ What is that?

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Thursday, October 7, 2004 8:11 PM

RAVENWHYTEWING

Slights move

Slight rolls over, blind. He feels a shift in his stomach, slowly moving up his chest. It's warm.

Slight hacks up blood as his organs try to function again. But a lot is torn, and there's a lot of damage.
He grits his teeth, as he tries to focus. What happened?

In a rush, he remembers his life. His training, his epiphany, the years underground. Researching the Academy.
Dying.
Slight growls. And then he realizes he can't see.
He gently probes around his eyes, and feels the fine, metallic threads leading from his eyes into nowhere. Slight swallows the sudden terror.

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, October 7, 2004 10:58 PM

MERZ move

LOCATION – TRAVELING: CARGO BAY TO INFIRMARY

RIVER
SIMON!

Once again, as soon as the voice and the stress is determined MERZ is on the move. She drops everything and sprints for the infirmary, going around anything and anyone between them with a totally unconsious grace, and at her best speed.

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

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Friday, October 8, 2004 10:50 PM

LOCATION - UPPER TRANSVERSE CATWALK
As ...

DAMON
Well, I guess that’s that. Kaylee said six cords… I gotta go talk to Mal before he notices I’m avoiding him, though I’d just as soon braid bungees all night. He pauses. How long have you been on the run, Merz?"

Mal suddenly had 'that' feeling. The prickle that warned that he was about to be caught spying. Mal flashed back to the time the Pit Boss caught him eavesdropping on the planned assault on a no-so friendly neighbor of Mal's Mom - Mal barely got out of that one with his can intact.

At that same moment Damon turns to collect some thick braided bungee cords that are coiled on the floor. Mal thinks ...OK, meebe my instincts are more'n a tad rusty... On the heels of that thought, Merz, in precise motion, turns her head and locks eyes with Mal. Only slightly startled, Mal nods his head once at Merz. She returns the favor and inclines her head back in Damon's direction.

MERZ
"I left the “Geste” a little over 6 months ago. I have been moving ever since. I won’t be able to stay long. These people, she considers her words. You people don’t need the kind of heat I could bring down. But …

A soft sigh from Merz drifts upward, then she continues after a few moments pause. In that pause, Damon carries the coiled bungees and disappears into the Passenger section.

MERZ
... increasing her voice strength just enough to reach Damon...
"How long have you been running, DAMON?

From somewhere near the lockers, Damon's voice rolls with pride.

DAMON
"One year, one month, three weeks, five days and counting. Course, one of these days it'd be nice to not have to run."

Mal notices Book entering the starboard upper gangway and proceed to the stairs. As Book begins to descend, he hails Mal.

BOOK
"Excuse me, Captain, is there anything else you'd like me to do before I prepare for the cabinet opening?"

Before Mal can answer, River's voice shatters the momentary silence.

RIVER
SIMON!

Suddenly Merz is in motion towards the Infirmary. After sharing a knowing look with Mal, Book is barely a second behind her as he charges down the stairs. Mal jogs aft to the mid platform stairs. Disdaining the stairs Mal drops down to the next level and hops over the back rail. He lands just outside the Dorm hatch, using his knees to absorb the impact and then accelerate him through the portal.

EOM

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

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Saturday, October 9, 2004 4:21 AM

MERZ move

LOCATION - INFIRMARY

There is no one between her and her destination and it takes very little time for MERZ to reach RIVER’s location. River is sitting upright on the bed, hands flailing and her head scanning from side to side as if looking for something.

Merz moves in and takes her hands gently, trying to engage her attention, to return her mind to the present instead of where her dreams have taken her. Stilling her motion somewhat Merz attempts to pull her in close again, to show River she is protected and safe; wordless communication.

Others are approaching. MERZ, in this protective mode that is wholly novel to her, turns her head to face these incoming individuals. She is not concentrating on her mask, only on River, on making sure nothing will harm her. Facing River, her expression is gentle; when she turns there is a change - warning those approaching that certain lines will not be crossed. Her expression is … feral.

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

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Saturday, October 9, 2004 7:44 AM

River
LOCATION - INFIRMARY

River's frightened gaze darts around the dark room, unsure of where she is. Before she has a chance to get off of the bed, a door opens and form comes running toward her.

"Simon?"

No, it's not Simon. She tries to fight off the hands reaching for her.

"No, Simon!"

The hands finally take her arms, gently pulling her into a comforting embrace. River recognizes this person, the invisible stranger. She burries her face in Merz's shirt and cries.

"Move too fast... couldn't save him. Jayne's cheating but he lost. They're coming... always coming... Simon's gone. lost. Can't escape." She opens her eyes to see more people entering the room. "Too dark."

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

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Saturday, October 9, 2004 7:55 AM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - CARGO BAY

Damon thought he heard someone on the catwalks but the noise is interrupted by a scream from the next room.

"SIMON!"

Suddenly, everything is moving. Merz runs passed him in a dead run. Footsteps can be heard running down the stairs and Mal drops from the air, landing with practiced ease before running after Merz. Apparently this ship has multiple alarms.

Damon lets Book past before he gets run over and walks into the common room. He stands on the top of the stairs, where he'll be out of the way, and watches the commotion below him.

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

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Monday, October 11, 2004 11:09 AM

INARAESQUE

INARA’s move.

Note: The flashbacks are lifted almost entirely from a post Ciara sent me that she and Geezer wrote, but didn’t get the chance to post as it was set the next morning. I’m extrapolating from their content and restructuring it in order to get Inara back into the game…

Location(s): Shuttle One, Cargo Bay, Infirmary.

INARA is stretched out on her side, watching a sleeping THORNE, idly running her fingers along his arm. He was an incredible lover, tender and powerful, and she enjoyed herself more than she has done with a client in a very long time. But more than that, they connected – something extremely rare. Something healing… In more than one sense of the word.

Quote:
Flashback:

Inara snuggles down into the crook of Thorne’s arm, pulls the coverlet up once again, and sighs contentedly.

“I had wondered if your natural empathy and my store-bought version would complement or clash, but I never expected anything so intense, so complete. The bond was amazingly deep. I hope that you felt the same?”

A soft chuckle emerges from the depths of the coverlet; Inara's face appears from a fold to give Thorne a significant look of agreement.

The two lay quiet for a while, and then Thorne becomes serious, as though he has made a difficult choice. He rolls on his side to face Inara and speaks.

“When minds and souls are as close as ours have just been, sometimes other things can be sensed. I ask this only because I wish to help. What else is it that troubles you, besides your love for the Captain?”

The pleasantly satisfied glow seeps from Inara's face, and she sits up in bed, resting her head against the high pillows. Refusing to meet Thorne's eyes for a moment, Inara shrugs. "Love? The Captain? I don't know what you mean, Thorne." There are some things a Companion should never discuss.

“Please. It doesn’t take an empath to see you love him, and he you. Everyone who’s been on the ship for more than a day knows, except the Captain. There’s probably some stray Puritan gene in his makeup that won’t allow him to admit it. The same one that doesn’t allow him to separate love from sex.”

Indifferent to her nakedness, Inara slides from the bed and retrieves her long robe. When she turns around, Thorne has donned a robe as well.

"It's not right, you know...to love someone when you know it can never work…” Inara picks at the edge of her robe sash, eyes downcast.“...To let them know how much you love them...when you know both your hearts will be broken eventually. It's easier, and kinder to just suffer it all alone.”

Thorne walks to her and takes her hand.

“I have had some experience with unrequited love, and wish now that I had acted on it. The heartbreak of never knowing what could have been is far worse, and lasts longer.” He releases her hand and begins to dress. “You and I will be great friends, and may share good times together. We have much in common and enjoy each other’s company. But the feelings between you and the Captain can be on a whole other level. It would be a shame not to give them a chance to blossom. I do sense, though, that you’re not yet ready to make that decision.”

With a tiny nod, acknowledging Thorne’s point, Inara replies. “I don't share my true emotions lightly, Thorne...I don't generally share them at all. But, when one empath comes in contact with another...perhaps it’s fate? You do have the truth of it, but my other problem may make it a moot point anyway.”

Inara strides over to the bedside table. Roughly pulling the drawer open, she throws a box of syringes and tiny vials onto the bed. As one vial rolls across and off the bed, Throne catches it surely, holding the label up to the light. With a harshness he can scarcely credit, she continues.

“Van Dreen’s Syndrome. A little genetic gift from earth-that-was. If I can stay on my drug regimen I do all right, but miss a dose and the nosebleeds start, and the headaches. Miss two and there are seizures. Miss three and you’re in a coma. Four…No one ever misses more than four...”

“I’m familiar with Van Dreen’s,” he replies, “but it can be cured now…”

“If you’re wealthy, yes,” Inara turns away, hiding her despair.

INARA presses a kiss to the sleeping THORNE’s shoulder, smiling, but feeling faintly tearful at his generosity. She’s still not entirely sure that there’s not going to be a catch, a twist at the last minute, but it has been so long since she’d felt a sense of hope that she might eventually have control over her life again. And she didn’t feel any deception coming from THORNE…

Quote:
Flashback:

“When it first manifested, House Madrassa loaned me the money for the stabilization, and then made me leave. Even though Van Dreen’s isn’t communicable and shows no symptoms if treated, they didn’t want the slightest rumor of illness within the House. Now most of my money goes to Madrassa to cover the loan, and for the drugs. I have enough to take a liner from New Hokkaido to Ariel, but then I’ll have to beg charity from the Chapter House there just to afford the minimum treatment. And I can’t let my friends here know. They’d just try something rash to raise the money, and they need to be looking for Simon…”

Thorne considers for a moment, and then makes another decision.

“As you may have guessed, I’ve taken quite a liking to you. After this little caper ends…” Thorne smiles, trailing off on that thought, and starting on another. “Gunrunning is a sort of hobby for me, a small part of my usual business, and I have more resources available that you might guess. I think that insuring the continued health of one of the wonders of the ‘verse is a worthwhile use of a small portion of my ill-gotten gains, and can only improve my karma.”

Inara is intrigued by the offer, but for the first time is suspicious of Thorne’s motives.

“Many men in your position would expect much in return for such a gift. An exclusive contract at least, more likely indenture or slavery. You would have my gratitude, or course, but I must know your full price before I agree. There are things more precious than life to me, and I will not give them up.”

THORNE had spoken of her living freely, thriving when her health was restored, keeping in touch if she so desired, being happy. INARA flushes a little with the memory of breaking down in his arms, of weeping the way she hasn’t done in years at his kindness, his support. And he’d held her throughout.

Quote:
Flashback:

“We should at least consider it a loan,” Inara demurs. The medicine he proposes to send costs more than Serenity herself. She knows this only too well; she’s been saving as much as she can… “It might take me some time to pay you back, but…”

“No.” He interrupts. “Don’t even suggest it. Just think of it a favor between friends.”

“If you’re really sure.”

“I am. And that settles it.”

Inara can no longer keep up her calm façade. First, her eyes fill with tears, then her chin starts to quiver, Suddenly, sobbing with relief, she throws herself into Thorne’s arms and buries her face in his chest, tears streaking her carefully applied cosmetics. He holds her gently, protectively; chin resting on her head, left hand softly patting her shoulder. Just this one moment is all the payment he needs. As her crying subsides, Thorne releases her, with a last gentle caress of her cheek. He gives her a moment of privacy as she ineffectually tries to restore her ruined makeup.

“And what of you and the Captain? I could intercede for you…try to open his eyes. Or perhaps I should just get out my Stupid stick and beat some sense into him.” He leans forward and kisses her lightly on the forehead, like a father kissing his daughter.

Inara shakes her head, not quite ready to think of Mal, not ready to let Thorne leave yet. “No. One problem at a time.” She kissed him again, deeply, tenderly, and they fell once again into each other’s arms, into her bed…

INARA is deeply relaxed; content, even. She is lost in thought, quite humbled and content, half-prayerful – thanking the universe for bringing such a friend into her life. She rises from the bed in one graceful movement, plucking her orange and gold silk robe from the floor where it had been discarded prior to their more recent encounter, and wrapping it about herself. Her meds, which still sat audaciously on the bedside table are put away, and she wanders over to the low table where THORNE’s envelope sits, containing her payment.

INARA leaves 499 plat in the envelope, a gentle smile playing across her lips.

RIVER’s sudden scream startles her, cutting through INARA’s sense of peace like a scalpel. She is suddenly on edge again, worried for the girl. INARA pulls on her slippers and hurries out of the shuttle.

INARA emerges in time to see MAL leap from the lower catwalk, and can’t suppress a gasp, even as he lands gracefully. He’s going to hurt himself one of these days, she thinks, flying down the steps herself, her hand gripping the rail tightly, not wanting to take the tumble she was convinced he was due.

Hurrying through the dorm hatch, she sees that quite a crowd has gathered. MERZ – holding RIVER --, MAL, BOOK.

INARA

River, sweetie? What is it?

INARA meets MERZ’s ferocious gaze and recoils a step, steadying herself on the infirmary doorframe. She drops her voice to a soothing level, holding out her hands in a gesture of harmlessness – MERZ is fierce as a mother lion, and INARA will not risk provoking her.

INARA

No one here is going to hurt her, Merz. I promise. Is she alright?

EOM

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Monday, October 11, 2004 4:05 PM

MERZ move

LOCATION - INFIRMARY

RIVER
“Move too fast... couldn't save him. Jayne's cheating but he lost. They're coming... always coming... Simon's gone. lost. Can't escape. Too dark.”

MERZ does not understand. But she understands enough. She understands that the driving force behind making her a predator is the same as that which has hurt RIVER. This disturbs her. No civilian should be treated in such a manner. They are not … strong enough.

The doorway and the corridor outside, is filling with people. RIVER’s people, MERZ knows this. These are the persons that RIVER and her SIMON trust to take care of her. The people with the right to do so.

MERZ holds RIVER, carefully, one hand on her cheek. She turns to face the oncoming crowd, her head slightly lowered between her shoulders. She simply stares at them.

INARA is the first to speak, concern evident on her face. "RIVER, sweetie? What is it?" She checks all motion for an instant and then holds out empty hands. "No one here is going to hurt her, Merz. I promise. Is she alright?”

MERZ
"What is all right? How am I supposed to judge what is all right for her? For any of you?" Unconsciously MERZ is rocking RIVER gently, as she has seen others do, but never done herself. It just seems … right.

MERZ
"DAMON says that things have been … done to her. Bad things. If she has been in Alliance hands, then we are KIN. I have an obligation to her." MERZ lifts her voice, trying to make a point, to respond as one of them. Maybe she can make herself understood. "How can I help her? What do I need to do? How can I protect her?" . She lowers her head and her voice, but it carries to the back of the surrounding crowd anyway. "Help me."

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

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Tuesday, October 12, 2004 10:33 AM

RAVENWHYTEWING

Slight can taste the bile of fear around the taste of blood.
Again, he prods his eyes. He is totally blind. His mind tells him his eyes are open. He still can't see anything.
He tries to refocus his eyes. Tries to see thing on the slight. Slowly, the ship around him takes form. He bases it from heat.
Most of the obs craft is cold, but variations of heat, pockets of air help him to see the world in a bubble-like format.
"I'm in a lot of trouble here."
His voice is ragged, reflecting his damaged insides. What's more, the auto-tourniquet has restricted his breathing, holding him together, but also prisoner. He can feel it.
He staggers to what seems like a consol, and realizes the wires lead to it. He understands-the DeepRED is recharging his power cells. Fine. It should only be a little while longer.
Using the feedback systems, he has the nanyte swarm form a sort of "speaker." He uses his mind, shaping it into a clear, coherent command to review the past few hours.
"Biologic (that's me, Slight thinks) became unresponsive. Fourteen procedures were attempted to revive and repair biologic. Failed. Fifteenth attempt used nueral interface to re-enact death, using Gestalts psychological theory of association through memory overlay. At twelth attempt, power was reported failing. optical extension was calculated to be the most efficient means of recharging.
"Probes were extended from the ring and little finger of both hands, to observe and analyze to environmental conditions."
Slight has the nanytes return to their duties. He frowns. Luh-suh.

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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Tuesday, October 12, 2004 8:26 PM

Book's Move
Location: Infirmary

Book takes a deep slow breath. The infirmary lights flicker uncharacteristically. Help her? Indeed. But who needs more help? Merz continues to rock back and forth, cradling River in her arms. River appears almost sleepy and content... as if she has just woken from a dream and is settling back in again. I should have seen it before. What is making me so blind to other people's needs?

Stepping in between Mal and Inara, Book slowly approaches Merz and River, his arms held slightly out to his sides in a very real show of an open, trusting gesture. "Inara is telling you the truth child, no one here would hurt her... or you." Book blinks and lowers his eyes for a fraction of a second even if we wished, only words seem to penetrate her deeply. "You don't need to do anything to protect River right now. I'm afraid the future is quite uncertain though... we may all need you then."

EM

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Tuesday, October 12, 2004 8:49 PM

Malachi's Move
Location: Nearby the vessel containing Brink Helsing's body

A pleasant itch tickles his mind as he watches his spatial flow analyzer retrieve several probable destinations for the ship that deserted this one not long ago. Someone went to a bit of trouble to conceal leaving the area. Likely a trap waiting inside. He would of course go into this ship. The signal from the homing beacon was strong. He would locate card and holder soon. The drifting, vacant-looking ship was bad though.

Standing from the hunched position he had adopted, he growls inwardly at the close confines of the ship. He had never liked being in a small ship. At the back of his tiny ship, he opens an access port and deploys one of three miniature surveillance robots (msr). Quick and safe. I love quick and safe. Returning to his console bank he switches on another screen and watches the progress, in streaming data, of his msr. Soon the data stream changes consistency and knowing the cause is his msr's success, Malachi flips over to video mode to inspect the inside of the "beast" he hunts.

EM

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Wednesday, October 13, 2004 7:14 AM

RAVENWHYTEWING

Slight sighs. Well, at the moment he's stuck. Until his cells recharge, he can't move very far. Only thing to do now is wait.
Suddenly, he feels the cold breath behind his shoulder. He looks up, and sees the bright blob of heat. Another ship. Largish. the shape is too amorphous to see the model, and too blurred to see how many could be inside. He sighs again. A weapon. He needs a weapon. Could be hostile. For the first time, he inspects his chest wound with his hand. Some sort of pipe. No, a handle. To the engine compartment. In his mind, he inspects his surroundings. best point for a throw-he figures that's the best option-is in the engine doorway, angled towards the hatch when it swings inwards. He reformats the nanytes-most are in his hand quickly, creating a tri-bladed throwing weapon. Lightweight, and it'll correct to inflict the most damamge to the target. Slight waits to strike.

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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Wednesday, October 13, 2004 10:46 AM

i DO aim to misbehave

Rowan's Move
LOCATION: BRIDGE

Kaylee (to Rowan): "You said “our” girl’s running like a top. Want you to know; it’s OK. I have been unfair and I appreciate all the help I have had today. Thanks."

Wash: (spins a 360 degree arc in his helm chair, and says to both Kaylee and Rowan): "You know better, Kaylee... It's my girl. From her shiny new laser, to the best little engine room in the verse... It's all mine... and no, you haven't been unfair, I know that you've had a lot on your mind lately, and I haven't been the best of help... Let's try to make it all better tonight, ok?"

As Wash speaks, Rowan's eyebrows rise over his assumption of ownership. You'd think a pilot would know better. Everyone who works in space knows who really owns the ship. The captain may or may not have his hands on the deed, and the pilot may have control on where it goes, but when it comes down to it, if the engineer deems the ship isn't going anywhere, that's the be-all, end-all. Looking up at Kaylee, she shares a look with the young mechanic that she finds agreeable and reaches out to take that slim, capable hand in her own firm grip. The handshake is one part acknowledgement, one part reassurance. Rowan knows the score and by her return look she knows that Kaylee does too. Their hands come apart and Kaylee adds a little pat on Rowan's shoulder.

Rowan: "I appreciate that, Kaylee - you haven't been unfair so much as protective. I never met an engineer who wasn't. And Wash, I look forward to lifting a cup or two with you while we discuss the laws of possession."
And if she lifts a cup or two with all the crew--with the possible exception of Merz--she stands a good chance of passing out for the rest of the evening and into tomorrow. Rowan wonders how the captain would take the notion that she could be indisposed for a few hours in the morning.

Glancing back at the source pad screen, she takes note of Serenity's diagnostic progress.

SERENITY (into Rowan's earpiece): "Diagnostic ongoing. Results compiling. Please stand by."

Rowan (smiles): "She's thorough, isn't she? You must have hung on to the Solo Systems package. Funny how folks quit using it because it's slow. It's still the best diagnostic for a ship like this. Checks out all the nooks and crannies, whether you've been in them or not."

Rowan crosses her right ankle over her left, and leans back to get a look at the view out the forward window. She finds herself trying to recall if black is the absence of all color, or the inclusion of all color. It had to do with light versus matter.

EOM

I draw...therefore I am.
http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=7922

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Wednesday, October 13, 2004 2:06 PM

Damon’s turn:
LOCATION - COMMON AREA

Quote:
INARA is the first to speak, concern evident on her face. "RIVER, sweetie? What is it?" She checks all motion for an instant and then holds out empty hands. "No one here is going to hurt her, Merz. I promise. Is she alright?”

Damon makes his way down the stairs, now that the rush is over, and stands near the couch in the common room, looking through one of the windows into the infirmary. Merz is in there, holding River protectively. River looks upset, a look Damon is all too familiar with- her dark eyes still haunted by the nightmare that interrupted her sleep.

Quote:
MERZ
"What is all right? How am I supposed to judge what is all right for her? For any of you? DAMON says that things have been … done to her. Bad things. If she has been in Alliance hands, then we are KIN. I have an obligation to her." MERZ lifts her voice, trying to make a point, to respond as one of them. Maybe she can make herself understood. "How can I help her? What do I need to do? How can I protect her?" . She lowers her head and her voice, but it carries to the back of the surrounding crowd anyway. "Help me."

Book moves into the infirmary, trying to talk to Merz. Damon watches silently, wondering if there’s something else he should be doing- after all, there’s not much he can do here anyway. He’d be more useful in the engine room. He glances at Jayne, noticing the metal bars in his hands. Maybe Jayne will need some help but then again, Mal’s done talking to Book- maybe he’s wanting to talk soon. Not knowing what else to do, Damon decides to wait until things are settled here before making plans.

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

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Wednesday, October 13, 2004 3:35 PM

JAYNE – COMMON AREA

Jayne's brow raises at the mention of his name. He wonders what cheating River's refering to, but keeps watching silently from outside the infirmary. His face shows something more like disgust, but he doesn't feel any - only a little confusion as he thinks through what could be wrong this time. He pays close attention to Merz's strange behaviour. It's not so much mother-like any more; perhaps a little more wild.

There is an exchange between Inara and Merz. "No one here is going to hurt her, Merz. I promise. Is she alright?"

"What is all right? How am I supposed to judge what is all right for her? For any of you?"

Whoa-kay, things seem to be getting a little more emotional now. Jayne slowly circles to the front of the infirmary, still eying the going-ons inside with a modicum of concern, and nearly bumping into Damon on his way in.

After Merz says "help me", Jayne decides his particullar skills aren't going to be of much value here. He turns to Damon. "That's my cue ta skeedadle."

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Wednesday, October 13, 2004 5:56 PM

River
LOCATION - INFIRMARY

River sits comfortably wrapped in Merz's arms, lost in her own thoughts. Most of them revolve around Simon, it kills her to not know where he, or how he's doing. After a few minutes she seems to have calmed down. She sits up from Merz's embrace and looks around the infirmery sadly.

"He's gone again. It's the second time he's had to leave home for me." She looks at Mal. "If the letters stop coming we must find him."

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

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Thursday, October 14, 2004 2:19 AM

MERZ move

LOCATION - INFIRMARY

She listens to River’s words, retaining them, but for the moment letting them pass without comprehension. That’s easy, there are many things she has failed to comprehend today. As RIVER straightens up and pulls away from her, Merz lets her go. She is no longer needed here, if she ever was.

The room and the hallway are a miasma of conflicting scents, the emotional content is high and overwhelming. MERZ is not used to such a concentration of feelings; that her’s are among them does not signify as MERZ is all but oblivious to her own scent most of the time. ~ help me ... i have never asked for help before. what is wrong with me? is this what being a civilian is? confusion, pain, conflict, fear … ~

MERZ steps back from RIVER, and straightens up. She looks at the assembled crew, noting their positions, who is here, who has moved off. Jayne circling around the edges of the area, concern on his face. Concern for River? She considers INARA’s words, and BOOK’S, each in the context of their gestalt as she sees it. There is nothing there but sincerity – for the stranger in their midst, as well as for River?

BOOK … no one here would hurt her... or you. You don't need to do anything to protect River right now. I'm afraid the future is quite uncertain though... we may all need you then."

She considers his words, her thoughts very slightly chasing across her face, as emotion and confusion have lowered her control. Some of it is unimportant; she is not sure any person here could hurt her significantly. Her training was too intense. She does not want to consider these civilians put into any position that would require her brand of help – that would make them in more danger than she chooses to contemplate right now. Coupled with the fear that the reason might be her fault … .

MERZ straightens up, air passing through her clenched teeth, not a hiss, but not missing it by much. The mask drops back across her features, not so much calm as blank. She scans across the crowd catching each eye in turn. When she reaches MAL, she stops for a moment, caught in the odd expression on his face. She address him directly.

“The interruption in my duties was an momentary occurrence. I will return to work now.”

She pushes forward through the assembled crew, rather trusting them to get out of her way rather than attempting to avoid them. Never realizing that she turned her face briefly toward RIVER as she left and smiled gently at her.

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

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Thursday, October 14, 2004 3:08 AM