RP GR "Adventures in GunRunning" ACT 16 by DireKtorsSmeagol

MERZ move

LOCATION - BRIDGE As...

WASH
Ok, now… how do you wanna teach us to shoot this here new thingy?

MERZ just closes her eyes. “This thingy, is a Mark 17 Medium power Laser Cannon. It is military-grade ordinance. Because we managed to wire it fully into the system,” as she walks over to the new controls and slides off a small box that appeared to be integral to the console, “this trainer tool will function as intended.”

She motions to ZOË to take her place in the gunner’s station. “ZOË I want you to do me a favor. That *pagal pilot of yours can do as he likes, but I would ask that anytime you sit in this chair, you get used to using the straps. If something comes up fast, you may not take time to use them and that could be unfortunate, for more than just yourself.”

She steps forward and turns so that she is addressing both. “I have two choices here – I can set the simulator to run ZOË through her paces, or we can train both of you together. As installed here, this cannon will have a 180-degree arc of fire centering on Serenity’s forward facing. That means if it is necessary to destroy a maneuvering target, WASH is pretty much going to have to follow it down. For multiple targets, a third party is needed to coordinate the pilot, gunner and the multiple targets, but we will not start that complex.” MERZ turns to WASH. “If you feel safe enough at this time to use the auto-pilot to keep our current heading, I can set this baby up to disconnect the steering and give you simulated targets, easily distinguishable from real world radar readings. You can practice chasing a target while ZOË practices leading and aiming. Might as well coordinate you two from the start. In this mode, she cannot get a firing solution unless readings indicate you have Serenity in the right place. And you can still make sure that we are clear in reality. Sound good to you?

EOM

*pagal = crazy (Nepali)

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

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Monday, May 10, 2004 3:05 AM

ASTRIANA

ZOË'S MOVE:
LOCATION - BRIDGE
Timestamp: The same as everyone else...

At MERZ's suggestion, ZOË settles herself in the gunner's chair and straps in.

MERZ: "If you feel safe enough at this time to use the auto-pilot to keep our current heading, I can set this baby up to disconnect the steering and give you simulated targets, easily distinguishable from real world radar readings. You can practice chasing a target while ZOË practices leading and aiming. Might as well coordinate you two from the start. In this mode, she cannot get a firing solution unless readings indicate you have Serenity in the right place. And you can still make sure that we are clear in reality. Sound good to you?"

ZOË nods and looks to WASH.

ZOË: "Well, dear, you said you wanted to be more involved..."

Tossing him a sardonic grin, she prepares herself for the first round of training.

END MOVE.

~A~

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

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Monday, May 10, 2004 8:10 AM

CHANNAIN

i DO aim to misbehave

Rowan's Move
LOCATION - INARA'S SHUTTLE
TIME: The thirty minutes between Wash's warning of the atmo blow, and when he actually does it.

INARA:
Rowan, you can sit up here and take the call if you'd like.. [Inara motions to the cockpit area] I'm afraid it's the best privacy I can offer.

Her palms are sweating. They never do that. Well, maybe only that one time but then she was taking steps that promised to change the rest of her life. You really can't take vows to love honor and cherish without sweaty palms. Rowan is pretty sure it has to be some kind of law.

ROWAN (surprised): "You mean...she actually did call back?"

In response, Inara gives her a warm smile and reaches out to squeeze her hand before stepping away. She takes hold of one of the heavy curtains that cordon the rest of the shuttle from the cockpit and gives Rowan an expectant look.

Turning to focus on the small screen inside the cockpit, Rowan finds herself drawn inexplicably. Stepping carefully and soundlessly inside, she barely hears the whisper of the curtain falling closed just before she sits down in the pilot's chair. Running her hands down her thighs first, she touches the key to pick up the message. The screen shows the Selene logo again (subliminal shameless plug advertising) and then her sister's face appears. She's smiling and saying how pleased she is to have received Inara's message. Rowan is somewhat surprised to notice that her sister seems to have aged. Not in anyway that was obvious of course - a Companion certainly couldn't let her actual chronological status show at all - but her eyes told a different story.

AISLIN (brightly): I only hope your travels will bring us within proximity soon so we may speak face to face. I have a few things--"

The message cuts off suddenly and Rowan sees a note for live transmission appear a split second before the image shifts. Aislin is still wearing the green robe, although her thick hair has been freshly released from the complicated up-do. She still has her make up on as well and it's clear that she had expected to be speaking to her friend.

The sisters stare slack jawed at each other for several seconds, before one of them makes the first move.

AISLIN: "Rowan?"

Rowan jumps at the sound of her name and subconciously leans closer to the monitor.

ROWAN: "Aislin. Um... hello. You're looking well."

Just like that her sister is beaming. Aislin's fingers reach up to touch the screen as if trying to physically complete the contact. When she speaks it's as if her powers over the English language have run away from her, letting Chinese spill out as naturally as rain from a storm cloud.

AISLIN (in Chinese): "Baby Dragon - Holy of Holies - I was beginning to despair of ever seeing you! Look at you, more beautiful than ever! Where are you, sister - are you on the same ship as Inara?"

Hearing Aislin's earnestness comes as something of a shock and a relief at the same time. Reaching out, Rowan covers Aislin's fingers with her own.

ROWAN (in Chinese): "I... yes, I've been on board for a couple of days now."

AISLIN (in Chinese): "What fantastic luck! Oh, I can't tell you how I have missed you all these years. When the Independence fell, I - well, we all feared the worst. And look! Your eyes are green again - does this mean you've found it in your heart to forgive the hasty words of a petty child?"

Rowan smiles and decides that perhaps what the sages all said was true - Time does heal all wounds.

ROWAN (switching to English): "It actually only means one of my lenses was ruined, but I'm beginning to warm up to it. I'll have to find a supplier somewhere after we land, though."

AISLIN (teasingly): "Oh but why? The color suits you so well. The little black dragon with fiery green eyes."

ROWAN (with a quick chuckle): "That's what I've been hearing - let's just say it's safer for everyone if I do. I'd say more, but I can't be sure this channel isn't being monitored."

AISLIN (begrudgingly): "I suppose. Well Xiang must be enjoying seeing them all the time. I imagine he was the only one who saw them at all after you left home... Rowan, what is it?"

Rowan had pressed her lips together and glanced away at the mention of his name. She had hoped Aislin wouldn't ask about him. Then, without her having to say a word, Aislin comprehends Rowan's reaction, just as a companion would.

AISLIN: "Oh, xiâo long, I am so sorry. I did see his name on the list when the Alliance announced the Independent executions, but I took it as propaganda. If I'd known..."

ROWAN: "There's no way you could have. Actually I don't know what happened to him. He had me taken out when the Alliance attacked. He was still alive when I saw him last. But, like you said, the Feds love their propaganda, so I'm not sure what to believe."

Aislin's eyes become very serious and her voice lowers to a whisper.

AISLIN: "You believe he's still alive?"

She can't say it because saying it always brought about more hope than she could ever bear. Having that hope and yet also having the uncertainty of his ultimate fate has been tearing up her insides for so long that she can't recall a time when she lived free of it. She's also well aware that it's the motivation behind the brief, meaningless affairs and mindless immersion into the society around the nine-ball tournaments. They at least let her feel something besides the ever pervasive sorrow that fills the quiet times in between.

So instead she simply nods and puts a finger to her lips to signal her sister into silence. Understanding instantly, Aislin returns that nod.

ROWAN (smiling): "Tell me about Mother and Father."

EOM

xiâo long - baby dragon

OOC: I must have been storing it up. I could write buckets more, but I think this post is just about long enough.

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

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Monday, May 10, 2004 8:24 AM

RAVENWHYTEWING

Slights move:

Slight yawns, as he leaves the shuttle and wanders down to the cargo bay again. It's amazing how this whole place seems like a ghost town. Back on the other Firefly, seemed like everyone was every whichaway.
Slight sets down the five beers he'd bought on Hera next to him as he sets down. He lets his legs dangle over the edge of the catwalk. An ashtray is next to him, empty at the moment. Slight smiles. That's gonna have to change.
Slight lights his cigarette, taking a deep drag and sighing with relief as it leaves. He bought four cartons of smokes on Hera-best to build a surplus-and had already sprayed the specialized substances necessary to dull his senses onto the paper. Nanytes had spread their way into the filter, helping to cleanse the smoke and extend his life expectancy.
He hears the captain making his way down, and smells the cigar. The captain plunks down on the steps, his own ashtray built into the railing.
"So, senor, what sends you to New Hokkaido?"
His eyes aren't devious, merely curious.
Slight shrugs. "I messed up on a job on Hera. Gotta tell my boss face to face."
"Your boss? Senor, you seem to be the sort of man who has no boss."
Slight chuckles at the goodhearted jibe. "Amigo, even I have to work. If nothing else, to keep from getting bored. Hell, I prefer dirtside to space. Don't like have so little room."
"But a man like you. . .how do you say, albino. . .such a man does not enjoy bright lights, no?"
Slight is taken aback. "You aren't bothered by it?"
Seraph laughs in return. "Not at all, amigo. Just another way of being born, like getting fat or bald. Even beautiful women get saggy after a while." He chuckles, checking around for anyof his relatives. Then he leans towards Slight. "Are you bothered by it, Brink? After all, it is a part of you, whether or not it hurts to be in the sun. Or the looks one gives about those ojos de oro*. On Earth that Was, only the fiercest-and most noble-of birds had eyes of gold."
Slight shakes his head. "They weren't always gold. They used to be the color of blood. I. . .had a hard life," Slight allows. "I cried a lot, as a child. Eventually, something broke. The doctors said my swollen eyes had ruptured so many times that my irises had scarred. So if you put on golden-eyed man next to me, who do you think is gooing to be more scared? I already know the answer."
Seraph taps the ash off his cigar, and leans back. "But you changed back, amigo. It is rarely so important where you come from. It is more important to reconozca el futuro, see what's coming. You walk backwards, you're gonna hit something."
"But I have so much missing, capitan. So many parts of my humanity are gone." Slight ashes, and vreathes in a long drag. "I know not my birthday, my age is impossible to guess. I know I have a child in the hands of monsters, and it's impossible to get my son out of theirs at the moment. I have no wife, no family besides that little boy. And I don't even know his name."
Seraph shrugs, as he puts out his cigar. "Perhaps so, amigo. But I believe this man with golden eyes can do anything."
Seraph stands, and walks away.
Slight takes another drag of his cigarette, and stares pensievely at the hold.

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

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Tuesday, May 11, 2004 11:10 AM

MANIACNUMBERONE

Book's Move
LOCATION - GALLEY

The slight jarring motion of the ship followed by Wash's Awooga's, and Book looks up from the Bible verse he is staring at, to one of the starboard windows. He lowers his gaze to River, who is staring into her cup as though reading the future in the remains of the cocoa.

EM

OOC - sorry, I just realized I need to go get ready for work. Aaugh!

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Tuesday, May 11, 2004 11:17 AM

BOOMERGOODHEART

Kaylee's Move
Location: Galley

Kaylee hurries forward into the galley, joining Book & River in the corner.

River makes a couple of obscure comments as people work their way through, then falls into silence, staring into her mug. Book is silent as well, reading his Bible.

"Sheperd, I...." glancing at River, Kaylee's not sure if she should broach this subject about Simon.

River glances up at her. "Simon that was needs you."

Startled, Kaylee decides to tell Book all of her suspicions. She's confident that River can handle just about anything concerning her brother.

"Sheperd, I think Simon's in real trouble. He's been actin' weird, as ya know, but his message was...well, it SOUNDED like him, ya know? But there seemed to be somethin' else goin' on, too. Oh, I'm not sure how ta explain it!" Frustrated, she stares down at the deck. "He's gone 'n done somethin' foolish, I know it."

End Move

BoomerGoodheart
"I love my Captain."

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Tuesday, May 11, 2004 1:16 PM

MERZ move

LOCATION - BRIDGE

WASH
Well, that don’t sound too involved since I’ve had her on autopilot for a while. Let’s set this up Merz… (to Zoë) Lover, let’s try it this way, I’ll call out the targets I’m steering for, and you kill them, ok? It’s like real life, you killing targets, and me, well, I’m still on the bridge…

MERZ continues to talk as her pupils ready themselves.

“I trust you will please bear with me. I am not a trainer or a teacher, I simply know how to run the equipment. I fully believe you are both experts in your fields and will pick up this additional training with a minimum of interference on my part.

I did say you have a firing arc of 180 degrees on your forward facing. That is your optimum targeting field. Because of Serenity’s silhouette you will have slightly more to the side before the engine pods become an issue and you have a small targeting area to the rear. But the rear facing is small and only available for targets approaching from below. If you have a spotter, they can guide you for those targets if need be. It is far better if you face your foe – your targeting potential is much greater.

I am not going to show you any attack maneuvers. Captain Reynolds does not strike me as the type to go off half-cocked just because he has a new pistol in his pocket, and I seriously doubt he is going to start playing pirate. Serenity is still a very small fish in a very large pond. And if I were he, I would not go waving this piece of ordinance around often.

All right then, we should be ready to begin. You will get 30 minutes this time. Does not sound like much I know – but the intensity will surprise you and you will not believe the fatigue factor.”

She stops fiddling with the controls and looks up at WASH and ZOË holding the box aloft.

“Hit it!” she says, and punches the button.

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

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Tuesday, May 11, 2004 2:25 PM

Wash's Move:
Location - Bridge

Merz: "If you feel safe enough at this time to use the auto-pilot to keep our current heading, I can set this baby up to disconnect the steering and give you simulated targets, easily distinguishable from real world radar readings. You can practice chasing a target while Zoë practices leading and aiming. Might as well coordinate you two from the start. In this mode, she cannot get a firing solution unless readings indicate you have Serenity in the right place. And you can still make sure that we are clear in reality. Sound good to you?"

Zoë: "Well, dear, you said you wanted to be more involved..."

Wash (to both): “Well, that don’t sound too involved since I’ve had her on autopilot for a while. Let’s set this up Merz… (to Zoë) Lover, let’s try it this way, I’ll call out the targets I’m steering for, and you kill them, ok? It’s like real life, you killing targets, and me, well, I’m still on the bridge…”

Merz: “Hit it!”

(the battle begins slowly… a single ‘blip’ on the scope comes swooping in from the port side… just out of the arc of fire… Wash banks Serenity towards the target, which Zoë hits with her first shot… Wash thinks that that wasn’t so bad…but then two ‘blips’ appear, on opposite sides of the ship…)

(The antique grandfather clock in Simon & River’s parents house starts to chime 1400 AMT (02:00pm) (I know this because I’m the pilot, and because the whole universe is wired for this)

EOM

Decoy, they make me go first.

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Wednesday, May 12, 2004 4:40 AM

Keep the Shiny side up

Thorne's Move:

Location: Bridge/Passageway/Galley

MAL:"Its been too long since we shared a sit on the catwalks. I hope we have time to do it again soon. I miss those times ... ... If it is OK with you, I'll catch up with you later, after my business with Mr. Thorne is complete."

INARA:
[her voice lowered, tuned for his ears only] "of course, Mal...I've a bottle of Kaylee's wine left--I think this batch is a bit less...fresh. Come by the shuttle when you're in the mood to try it."

Thorne can't help notice the exchange of words and glances between MAL and INARA. INARA's feelings are pretty obvious, but he can't figure out MAL's problem. Maybe the boy just doesn't understand about Companions, and the mindset they must adopt to separate their personal and professional lives. Well, nobody's asked him to butt in.

He follows MAL towards the galley, waiting while he dogs the fore hatch to the hold. As they walk down the passage, he considers discussing the drop, but decides to wait until ZOE can be present too. She seems to be the governor that keeps MAL's plans from spinning out of control.

Entering the galley, he heads for the coffee and gets a cup. As he pours the klaxon sounds and the ship lurches as WASH blows the air in the hold. Not a drop of coffee is spilled.

ZOE is off in the bridge to learn the laser, so there's no point in talking to MAL. Thorne notices KAYLEE and BOOK in animated discussion, worry coming off KAYLEE like heat waves off a white-hot ingot of steel.

EOM

"Keep the Shiny side up"

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Wednesday, May 12, 2004 6:24 AM

ASTRIANA

ZOË'S MOVE:
LOCATION - BRIDGE
Time: 1400/2:00pm

WASH (to ZOË): "Lover, let’s try it this way, I’ll call out the targets I’m steering for, and you kill them, ok? It’s like real life, you killing targets, and me, well, I’m still on the bridge…"

MERZ: "Hit it!"

WASH banks Serenity towards the target, and ZOË hits it with her first shot. Two more 'blips' appear on opposite sides of the ship. ZOË leans into the chair, hands on the controls. Hearing WASH call out the targets, she settles into the rhythm of locating the target, firing, and locating the next target - all the while trusting WASH to bring the ship around while she brings the cannon to bear.

END MOVE.

OOC: Do we want to do exposition of the entire 30 minutes of training, or just assume the time has passed?

~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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Wednesday, May 12, 2004 12:06 PM

RAVENWHYTEWING

Slight finally stands, and releases a mighty yawn. Finishing the last of the beers, he enters the shuttle, and drops into the cot. He's earned some rest. When he awakes, he'll inform Serenity that he's almost there, and arrange a rendezvous. Slight closes his eyes.

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

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Wednesday, May 12, 2004 3:07 PM

LOCATION - GALLEY
As ...

Mal enters and moves over to make a late lunch sandwich. He turns to Thorne.

Mal
"Want a protein hoagie ...pauses for Thorne's reply... What is your full assessment of this coming drop?"

Before Thorne can speak, Mal moves over to the counter.

MAL
Oblivious to Thorne's irritation
"Go ahead, I am listening, just that I am a mite hungry."

He pulls out a box of Blue Sun Protein Puffs and munches a handful as he constructs the mighty big sandwiches.

EOM

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

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Wednesday, May 12, 2004 3:58 PM

Wash's & Merz’s Move:
Location - Bridge to Location - Front Hall

Wash (to the ladies on the bridge, in his characteristically subdued voice): “That was fun! Did you see that last barrel roll! I was inverted when I pulled her around! What was the score?”

(Merz answers, deadpan): “Sixty-five percent hit ratio.”

Wash (looks slightly bleakened at this, but then says): “I know we’ll be better, it was our first time… You watch bâobèi, it’ll be a bang-up sim next time…” (Looks at clock on the console) “Uh-oh we’d better get ready, Mal called a meeting at three in the cargo bay… I guess I’d better close it up, and put air back in it… It’ll need time to warm up in there, too…” (Wash flips three switches on his console… there is a quiet hiss from the direction of the bay.)

(To Zoë): “Please let me play with your console for just a minute xin gan… Mal might need to look at these maps that printed up while we were playing space invaders…” (he gets them together, and he puts them in a binder, which he pulls from under the console) “Ok, that’s all set… Let’s go down to the Galley, and get some coffee and a Blue Sun chocolate food substitute synthetic protein pill… I’ll buy. It’ll be just the thing after a long hard starship combat drill. Do I sound like a commercial to you bù kê néng? I’m sorry, lover…“ (to Merz): “Wanna come along?”

Merz (looking slightly cryptic): “No, not right now. Is Rowan still on the Communicator in the shuttle? I need to speak to Inara” (Wash checks his console)

Wash (to Merz): “Yes she is, so I guess our companion is free… Oh, I better unseal everything, including the shuttles…” (Flips three more switches on the console) “Ok, everything’s back to normal… What do you need with Inara, if it’s any of my business?”

Merz (to Wash, direct): “No, it is not. I must change my clothes to look presentable to the rest of the crew, speak to Inara, and then report your sixty-five percent success rate to the captain. Do not despair, that was a good first time, I think, for a non-military trained pilot and gunner” (she quickly passes both Wash and Zoë, and opens the hatch to the rest of Serenity, and goes down the hall… sixty seconds later, as Wash and Zoë step into the hall, Merz steps from her dorm ladder and goes off in the direction of Inara’s shuttle)

At a non-descript (but impeccably neat and orderly) barracks, somewhere out in the black, a uniformed man checks his clock on his desk, in front of a file folder that is titled: Troy, Mercedes… He sighs as the clock ticks to: 1430 AMT (02:30pm)
(Because the whole universe is wired for this)

EOM

Notes:

bâobèi = precious (item); ie: precious jewels (endearment)
bang-up = first rate. "They did a bang-up job."
xin gan = sweetheart, darling
bù kê néng = (exclamation) no way!

Decoy, they make me go first.

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Wednesday, May 12, 2004 5:46 PM

CIARA

INARA: SUPPLEMENTAL
STILL IN SHUTTLE

Inara glances toward the heavy curtain between herself and the control area where Rowan currently sits. She can hear soft mumbled words, a snatch of chinese here and there. Assuring herself that she indeed has a private moment, Inara rests on the couch, a small, nondescript box perched on her knee.

With a sigh, Inara slowly removes the box lid, revealing rows upon rows of gleaming amber vials. Removing one of the vials, syringe attatched, Inara leans back and bares one pale arm. She watches, transfixed, as the small blue vein pulses just beneath the skin. She presses the needle to her flesh, noting how the steel dimples the skin, waits for the tiny pinprick that she's felt so often these last few years. Inara depresses the plunger, and sends her salvation coursing through her vein. With a weary sigh, she gets up and disposes of the vial and syringe, being sure to hide the evidence of her weakness. Watching the syringe tumble into the waste receptacle, Inara makes a mental note to discuss Simon with Book--the young man's blue eyes swim inside her memory--she worries for him. Inara settles herself into the couch once more, and waits for Rowan. As she gets comfortable, Inara hears the soft click announcing that her shuttle door is now unlocked--"hopefully the cargo bay has stopped smelling like Jayne after shore leave"

EOM

Just a humble supplicant in service to all things Joss

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Wednesday, May 12, 2004 7:12 PM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - DINING ROOM

Damon sits tucked in a corner of the galley, leaning against the cold, brightly painted walls, oblivious to the others talking around him as he sleeps.

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

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Wednesday, May 12, 2004 10:52 PM

MANIACNUMBERONE

Book's Move
Location: Galley

The space trash floats by the window of the ship unnoticed. Book is staring hard at Kaylee, thinking. She gets emotional beyond the ability to resolve herself sometimes... and I love her for it. Of course there's nothing to distract her... the ship is fine, no Simon, but the ever-present lingering thought of him missing. I doubt the boy said goodbye to her. She needs to know, but I can't be the one to tell her.

Book lowers his voice and motions Kaylee to sit in the chair on his other side. He waits until River seems adequately distracted and turns to Kaylee. "I think he's in trouble too." Book sighs and looks at the open Bible in his lap, opened by default to a place where a page is missing, because it's been looked at so many times. "The tone in his voice... and the way he treated Damon. It's not him at all."

Book looks sympathetically at Kaylee. Her eyes so longing for Simon, so uncertain of what's to come. I wish I could help her more.

EM

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Thursday, May 13, 2004 6:30 AM

Keep the Shiny side up

Thorne's Move:

Location: Galley

Mal: "Want a protein hoagie? What is your full assessment of this coming drop?"

Thorne really wants Zoe in on that conversation. As Mal moves over to the counter, he replies:

Thorne: "None for me, thanks. I already ate. You go ahead and I'll fill you in when you're done."

But Mal won't be disuaded.

MAL: "Go ahead, I am listening, just that I am a mite hungry."

Hoping to stall a little, Thorne starts with some deep background, pausing often to sip coffee, hoping Zoe will arrive before he gets to the tactical requirements.

Thorne: "I met Hlastoni several years ago. He and a bunch of ex-Alliance have been roaming the far Rim in a Dragonfly class ship they put together out of scrap. They were looking for terraforming equipment, water systems and the like that they could get off the books, so someone put them in touch with me, and I set it up. From time to time they'd come for other stuff. Ground transports, light aircraft, pre-fab shelters, and now weapons. You can probably figure what they're up to.

I did a little background check on him and his crew. They all left the Service right after the battle on Hera, and under less than honorable circumstances. Mechanics, combat troops, even a lawyer. A couple just barely escaped prison. They eventually teamed up and spent a while building their ship, and have been moving out from the Core ever since. Hlastoni was the organizing force behind it all.

He's a good commander and a good man in a fight, if a little stiff, in my opinion. Seems to have a sense for danger, or maybe just a well tuned paranoia. His crew are tough and experienced. Some have their peculiarities, but you'll figure those out if you meet 'em."

Thorne notices that the intermittent hum of the laser and slight dimming of the lights has stopped. Maybe practice is over and Zoe'll be back here in a while. Just a bit more stall.

Thorne: "And apropos of nothing, it's good that you're getting someone else trained on the laser, in my opinion, anyway. Can't have too may folk rated on your weapons systems. Never can tell when your primary'll be out of action for some reason. Why, I recall during the battle off Charon when I had the engine wiper, second class, mind you, in charge of a whole..."

Thorne pauses as Wash and Zoe enter the galley. Good. Maybe now he can quit babbling and provide some serious intel.

Thorne: "Zoe. Sounds like you were really getting the hang of your new pea shooter. I was just filling the Captain in on the probable situation at the exchange site tomorrow. Please join us."

As soon as the words leave his lips, Thorne realises he's giving orders again. Damnit Rosie, it's not your ship!

EOM

"Keep the Shiny side up"

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Thursday, May 13, 2004 7:10 AM

ASTRIANA

ZOE'S MOVE:
LOCATION - GALLEY
Timestamp: 1430/2:30pm

As they enter the galley, ZOE grins and puts her hand on WASH's arm.

ZOE: "I'm thinkin' maybe you've had enough coffee, dear. Maybe you should think about something less... stimulating."

Hearing THORNE talking with MAL, ZOE turns her attention to the pair and sees THORNE looking distinctly uncomfortable.

THORNE: "Zoe. Sounds like you were really getting the hang of your new pea shooter. I was just filling the Captain in on the probable situation at the exchange site tomorrow. Please join us."

ZOE moves over to the two men, crossing her arms over her chest.

ZOE: "Sixty-five percent, not bad for a first try, I guess. MERZ says we did well for our first outing. What's this about a probable situation at the drop?"

ZOE's manner instantly becomes all business as she waits for THORNE to continue.

END MOVE.

~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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Thursday, May 13, 2004 9:44 AM

LOCATION - GALLEY
As ...

Thorne: "And apropos of nothing, it's good that you're getting someone else trained on the laser, in my opinion, anyway. Can't have too may folk rated on your weapons systems. Never can tell when your primary'll be out of action for some reason. Why, I recall during the battle off Charon when I had the engine wiper, second class, mind you, in charge of a whole..."

Mal thinks to himself as he slathers on some of his private stash of hot honey mustard on his two hoagies ...Windy old geezer, ain't he. Don't seem willing to get to the pertinent info. Heh, what should I expect from an arrogant know-it-all ex-Officer. Still, he is the client...

Mal listens to Thorne ramble on further for awhile while he finishes up the fixin's and then moves to get a drink of ice water. He then sits down at his place at the table and begins to eat. All the while making acknowledging sounds to Thorne's tales of yore and his fabled heroics.

All the while Mal wonders what circumstances the man had faced that made Thorne seem to have no courtesy or respect for anybody but himself.

...Well, unless it was a woman, of course. Then he sounded like Saffron did when she was playing at the little lost yet literate gal. Never trust someone who attempts to charm everyone they meet. Found out the hard way. Sheeesh ... good bible, ha!!! Mal inadvertently snorts a tiny bark of laughter through his nose - because his mouth is still full of the excellent hogie.

EOM

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

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Thursday, May 13, 2004 11:01 AM

LOCATION - WHAREHOUSE OF SIMON'S MINDSCAPE
Timless Void
As ...

Simon wakes in a tiny frigid cube - just enough for him to curl up in. His mind races ...'Where?' ... He suddenly realizes he is in a cryro-box and the hum he hears is a sign that it is operating.

Fear explodes across his cortex. Childhood traumas and old angst floods over Simon in a burning gout of lava. He retreats, using his mantra he shared with River in times like these ... 'Fear is the mind killer. Together we can allow the fear to wash over us and fade in the distance of time and only we will remain'... , However, he cannot sense River and thus his mantra rings hollow in his mind. Utilizing this weakness, the Fear begins to stake it's claim and devour Simon's very soul.

EOM

OOC: Thought you'd like to see what Simon is going through ... with apologies to the makers of the films "Mindscape" and "Dreamcatcher". And to the very excellent author, Frank Herbert!

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

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Thursday, May 13, 2004 1:52 PM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - GALLEY

Book’s voice: “Don’t worry, captain, the boy doesn’t know how to get them off.”

Mal’s voice: “Good.”

Damon opens his eyes to find himself in one of the dinning chairs in the galley. He looks up to see Mal standing in front of him with his arms crossed. Jayne stands on Mal’s left and Zoe on his right, all three of them glaring angrily. Book steps up from behind him, his face expressionless.

Damon starts to stand, but quickly realizes that his hands are bound behind him. Anger boils up as he tries to pull his arms free of the chair.

Damon: “What the diyu is going on?”

Mal: “You lied to us.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Mal: “I’m talkin about this.” Mal points to the brand on Damon’s arm. “You don’t belong on my boat.”

Jayne: “Gorram right he doesn’t. This goushi buru nu li belongs in Fed custody.”

Zoe: “I say we hand him straight back to Crofton Trihn. We could put some decent food on the table with the amount of money he’s offerin.”

Damon: “No! You don’t understand, I-”

Wash walks in: “I already waved his ship. We’re all about to become a lot richer.”

Damon pulls at the restraints, yelling in Chinese: “Let me go!”

“Hello, Damon.”

Damon feels a knot solidify in his gut, his blood drains from his face in instant recognition of the voice. He looks toward the door to see Crofton entering the galley.

Crofton: “Looks like your little escapade is over…”

Damon practically trips over his feet scrambling to get up. He pushes himself against the wall of the galley, drenched in sweat and whiter than a sheet. His hand fumbles to pull his gun free of its holster.

Quote:
"Sixty-five percent, not bad for a first try, I guess. Merz says we did well for our first outing. What's this about a probable situation at the drop?"

“Stay the hell away from me!” he yells in Chinese. He cocks his gun and holds it up defensively.

diyu - hell
Goushi buru = lower than dog shit
nu li = slave

OOC: for any observant people in the galley, Damon's safety is on...

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

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Thursday, May 13, 2004 3:07 PM

MERZ move
LOCATION – SHUTTLE As . . .

MERZ walks back and forth for a minute, uncertain if this is a proper course. She does not want to intrude . . . . no, must meet her, only way

Suddenly deciding MERZ spins and knocks on the door.

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

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Thursday, May 13, 2004 4:18 PM

SAINT JAYNE

Jayne's Move:
LOCATION - COMMON ROOM

Jayne steps out of the infirmary, tugging at the uncomfortable wrap job he's done on his injured hand. It really doesn't need to be bandaged anymore, but Jayne still keeps the scars hidden. Scars from a bite. Well, I'm feelin' fine. Guess she don't got rabies, Jayne jokes to himself.

DAMON
Echoing from above, in the galley
"Stay the hell away from me!"

Jayne knows that could mean any manner of trouble was happening. Urgently and stealthily he moves up the stairs and stops at the top landing, staying concealed as he listens closely, and slowly edges his head around the corner to take a look. Unconsciously his pistol has already migrated into his left hand.

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Thursday, May 13, 2004 4:50 PM

LOCATION - GALLEY
2518 AD ~ Day 024/January 24 ~ 1431hrs/2:31 PM AMT {fer those chrono-philes}
As ...

Damon practically trips over his feet scrambling to get up. He pushes himself against the wall of the galley, drenched in sweat and whiter than a sheet. His hand fumbles to pull his gun free of its holster.

Quote:
ZOE: "Sixty-five percent, not bad for a first try, I guess. Merz says we did well for our first outing. What's this about a probable situation at the drop?"

“Stay the hell away from me!” Damon yells in Chinese. He cocks his gun and holds it up defensively.

Mal leaps to his feet, food forgotten. He gulps down the last bit in his mouth as he races to get Damon's attention. Mal raises his arms akimbo, elbows floating over his hips and upper arm parallel to his body. His hands are open and empty to show he is carrying no weapon. When Damon blearily focuses on him and wavers his weapon in Mal's general direction, Mal speaks -- looking Damon dead in the eye. Mal's own radiating a steely calm.

MAL
softly terse
"Son, no needin' to wave your shooter around. We're all ... acquaintances here, but good ones. Real good."

Mal looks around quickly, knowing Damon's gaze would be a fraction behind his. Nodding his head in a friendly manner, Mal looks for visual support of his words.

Not willing to turn and lose sight of Damon, Mal knows Thorne will play back-up quite well.

He nods to Wash on the very edge of his peripheral vision and continues on.

Briefly locking eyes with Zoe he flicks his eyes in a glance to Damon's left flank, she knows the cap'n. She nods minutely, her plan already formulated.

River and Mal share a understanding look and nod. She is very intent on Damon. But something else seems to be distracting her. Not concerned, Mal's gaze moves on.

He beams at Kaylee in an effort to calm her, she always hated guns and for her to see Damon waving one around - a though shoots thu Mal's mind:..."Damon won't get the chance, she AIN'T gonna be shot again, GORRAM it!!!"...

Shaking off the anger, his gaze reaches Book. Mal fires off a tiny twitch of a frown to on the left corner of his mouth, hoping to indicate to Book that he should cover Damon's right flank. Besides, Book seemed to be real respectable at reading signals. After Mal receives Book's minute response, he swings his head back to again lock eyes with Damon.

MAL
softly as if speaking to family or crew
"Mr. Damon, I request that you please put away your piece. ...with intense strength and power, but nearly a whisper... Now.

EOM

OOC: Teela - see the Simon update for the source of the 'distraction' I mention in this Mal post. River barely, barley hears - a ghost of a whisper of the 'mantra'.

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Thursday, May 13, 2004 5:18 PM

Wash's Move:
Location - Galley

“Stay the hell away from me!” Damon yells in Chinese. He cocks his gun and holds it up defensively.

Wash (to himself, as Mal jumps to his feet to confront Damon): “Never a dull moment around here…” (He edges slowly behind Zoë, and cheerfully nods as Mal looks at him.)

At a small, run-down decrepit spaceport, a big man by the name of “Slim” checks his used and obviously well loved pocket watch… it reads 1431 AMT (02:31pm)

EOM

Decoy, they make me go first. (Maybe not this time, though...

)

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Thursday, May 13, 2004 7:19 PM

Damon’s turn:
LOCATION - GALLEY

Quote:
Originally posted by CapnRahn:
Mal speaks - looking Damon dead in the eye. Mal's own radiating a steely calm.

Mal softly terse: "Son, no needin' to wave your shooter around. We're all ... acquaintances here, but good ones. Real good."

Damon watches Mal for a moment, his heart thundering wildly in his chest, but doesn’t lower the gun. As soon as Mal looks away, Damon’s eyes dart around the room, picking out the threatening faces. Zoe, Thorne, Book…

Only three? Where did he go? He was here.

Quote:
MAL
softly as if speaking to family or crew
"Mr. Damon, I request that you please put away your piece.” ...with intense strength and power, but nearly a whisper... ”Now”.

“I’m NOT going back!”

He tries to back up, but only manages half a step before he bumps into the wall. His breathing increases in rising panic. He scans the room again, his gaze already shifted from anger to fear.

Tzao gao, where’s the door? I need a door.

He aims his gun from Zoe back to Mal as he slowly moves along the wall toward the aft hall.

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

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Thursday, May 13, 2004 10:20 PM

MANIACNUMBERONE

Book's Move
LOCATION - Galley

Time slows. From his point of view, everyone seems to be moving and talking too slow. They aren't, of course, but it seems that way for a few moments to Book due to the release of certain chemicals in his brain, triggered when the gun appeared unexpectedly in Damon's hand.

The captain gives him a signal, but due to the odd nature of his perpective at the moment, it seems to take too long. Book observes the scene with interest, the voices, Damon, irrational, the gun, the safety on, and himself, rational, feeling in certain control. As Damon bumps into the wall and turns around for a moment, Book drops quickly out of Damon's sight and appears a few seconds later, in Damon's blind spot. Damon swings the gun around at them, confusion and anger painted on his face.

--------------------
Damon scans the room again, his gaze already shifted from anger to fear.

Tzao gao, where’s the door? I need a door.

He aims his gun from Zoe back to Mal as he slowly moves along the wall toward the aft hall.
--------------------

Book hears Damon's intake of breath as Damon notes his obvious absence. Deciding to stop Damon before he can hurt anyone or himself, Book only has to wait a second as Damon backs into him, then he steps into him, applies a non-wrist-breaking wrist lock and deftly takes the gun from Damon's hand.

"It's alright son... No one here's gonna hurt you."

EM

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Friday, May 14, 2004 2:24 AM

Keep the Shiny side up

Thorne's Move:

Location: Galley

Thorne thinks: "Damn. Off on another tangent. If it ain't one thing on this boat it's another. Next time I have a delivery I'll just call UPS."

EOM

"Keep the Shiny side up"

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Friday, May 14, 2004 9:47 AM

Damon's move:
LOCATION - GALLEY

Damon continues to move along the wall, trying to keep everyone in view. Something nags at the back of his mind, telling him something isn't right.

Time enough to sort that out when it's safe.

He aims for Mal and Zoe as they move closer.

Where's Crofton? ... where's Book?

Before he has time to look, he backs into someone behind him. His muscels tighten instantly, ready to defend himself, but his attacker moves faster.

Quote:
Originally posted by ManiacNumberOne:
Book only has to wait a second as Damon backs into him, then he steps into him, applies a non-wrist-breaking wrist lock and deftly takes the gun from Damon's hand.

Damon turns to face Book and yanks his arm free.

Quote:
"It's alright son... No one here's gonna hurt you."

He's lying. The others are behind. Don't fight, run. Only one between me and the door. I can make that.

It's a technique he has down better than any other: evade the enemy and run like hell. Perfected after years of practice, he pushes passed Book, keeping his arms and cloths free from the other man's grip, and runs for the door.

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

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Friday, May 14, 2004 1:52 PM

TEELABROWN

Posting, wow!
___________
River walks out a little and focuses on Damon. She says in a clear voice, as if acting:

"To sleep, perchance to dream. Awaken from this dream, Damon, and enter into this brave new world."

She waits for a reaction from Damon.
____________

Okay, reference time!

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

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Friday, May 14, 2004 3:16 PM

SAINT JAYNE

Jayne's Move:
LOCATION - GALLEY

It's a technique he has down better than any other: evade the enemy and run like hell. Perfected after years of practice, he pushes passed Book, keeping his arms and cloths free from the other man's grip, and runs for the door. Damon sprints at an unbelievable speed, fueled by his powerful build and instinct for survival. Moving so fast, it is difficult for him to stop or dodge as the menacing, bear-like form of Jayne steps out from around the corner.

Jayne thrusts forward his empty hand, catching Damon ruthlessly by the throat. Damon's head is held motionless as his legs flail out from under him, and he plumets to the metal floor decking aided by the strength of Jayne's arm.

Recovering in an instant on his back, Damon claws at Jayne's iron grip and maneuvers one arm around Jayne's to pry it off. It would take more than being choked and stunned to stop him. The knee digging heavily into his chest and the sound of a pistol cocking round off the list nicely, however, and Damon stops resisting to stare up at the serious expression on Jayne's face.

JAYNE
"Goin' somewhere?"

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Friday, May 14, 2004 4:09 PM

CIARA

Inara rises to her feet at the curt knock at her door--the small metallic sound seeming very loud in the silence that had fallen over her shuttle.

Realizing she's been studying the nondescript box on her leg, Inara hurries to secret it away, and moves to the door.

Inara straightens her robe and opens the door.

****that was a teaser! teehee****

Just a humble supplicant in service to all things Joss

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Friday, May 14, 2004 5:51 PM

Damon’s turn:
LOCATION - GALLEY

Damon’s mind is already trying to figure out the fastest route to his shuttle. He barely hears River’s voice behind him:

Quote:
"To sleep, perchance to dream. Awaken from this dream, Damon, and enter into this brave new world."

Before he has time to process her words, Jayne jumps out in front of him. A collision is prevented as Jayne thrusts his empty hand forward, catching Damon ruthlessly by the throat.

The next thing he knows, Damon hits the hard floor of the galley with Jayne’s hand still gripping his throat. He claws at Jayne’s hand and maneuvers an arm around Jayne's to pry it off. Just as he manages to loosen Jayne’s hand enough to pull a breath, Jayne’s knee drives it from him as it lands heavily on his chest. His already broken ribs scream in protest to the weight being forced on them.

Come on, don’t do this now…

The sound of a pistol cocking breaks his concentration. He looks up to see Jayne’s gun only inches away from his head.

Tzao gao…

He stares up at Jayne for a few moments, not moving. But seeing the lethal look in Jayne’s eyes gives him pause and he slowly lowers his hands. He feels his veins pulsing rapidly beneath the large hand threatening to crush his windpipe.

Quote:
Originally posted by Saint Jayne:
JAYNE: "Goin' somewhere?"

Part of him is tempted to just let Jayne shoot him. Dying in a fight for your freedom seems like a much better way to go than any death on Dis. Dying of his injuries in a stuffy mine, by Crofton’s hand, or perhaps even his own… But no, the fight isn’t over, not yet. He will continue to fight as long as there is breath in his lungs. But despite his determination, he cannot keep the fear from his eyes. Once again, his life is in someone elses hands.

tzao gao = shit/damn it

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

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Friday, May 14, 2004 10:10 PM

LOCATION - DINING ROOM
As ...

Mal slides forward, unwilling to interfere with Books gambit. However, Mal moves right to block Damon from rabbiting the that direction. In a flurry, Damon spins from Book and begins to hop up the stairs. Mal, facing the aft hatch, gets only a split secound to begin to run before Book can fully turn to engage in pursuit. Before either of them reach the stairs Jayne materilizes outside the hatch and catches Damon by the gullet in one meaty hand.

With ease, Jayne literally lifts Damon up into the air and holds him there. Jayne then takes a single step over the sill and proceeds to bodyslam Damon to the upper landing, pinning the boy to the deck with a knee to the chest and a gun between the eyes. Damon's head bounces on the landing tread edge with a painful sounding hollow 'boink'.

JAYNE
"Goin' somewhere?"

MAL
...guffaws with hilarity as he allows his run turn into a walk. He moves over tho the base of the AFT Stairs...
"Whoo Hoo Ahhhh ... Whew ... ha ... mighty fine and hi-larious greased pig chase my fine young man, what ya got for an encore?"
...Mal puts one foot on a lower step and leans in near Damons head. Seeing him upside down, Mal searches Damon's eyes to see if this change of atmo is calming him down. Damon's panicked breaths seems to have slowed, but that might be caused by Jayne kneeling on Damon's chest...

"Heh, I best call Inara and Mz. Rowan before you gain strength for your next act of wonder. ...pauses and then looks comically grim... But I warn ya, they are going to be pretty annoyed they missed this excellent little chicken run. They jus' might take it into their pretty heads to give you one of those famous ...looks to Jayne pointedly, yet with a smile... Evil Companion makeover whoozits. Mal leans in closer to Damon... Bet ya could clean up an' be pretty in pink ...Mal wiggles eyebrows in silly suggestive fashion, then throws a grin to Kaylee over his left shoulder... Kaylee, you think ole Damon here could borrow your shindig dress for a spell? Since Jayne landed him I suppoz Jayne gets the honor of escorting Damon to the next fancy party."

He winks at Kaylee's flutter of a grin and he turns back to Damon and leans down to do a stage whisper in Damon's ear. Although everybody in the Galley can still hear Mal fairly clearly. His voice containing more than a smidgen of mock indignation.

"Not time to be shuffled off yet my boy. I got a nice cozy bunk all picked out for you. If you up and get yourself deceasified, I'll have wasted a good minute of my valuable time thinkin' and planning your decor. And that makes me a tad tetchy and I don't wanna be tetchy!"

Mal smiles his biggest crooked smile yet and looks to see if Damon is finally back to reality.

MAL
...as he stands, still a carrying a shadow of a crooked grin...
"It 'peers you might have been nibblin' on the medicinal peyote solider. That a fact? Or do you just live to make folks laugh?"

The shadow grin still dances around Mal's mouth, contained - for the moment.

EOM

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Friday, May 14, 2004 11:55 PM

DRAGONFLYDIRECTOR

DireKtor's Scene

LOCATION - BRIDGE
As...

A the "incoming live wave" console indicator flickers, briefly lighting up the empty bridge with a wan orange glow. As quick as it sttuters on, it fades away to darkness. The readout scrolls to show -

# MISSED LIVE WAVES : 001
RECIPENT : SERENITY - ANY CREWMEMBER
SENDER : SHEPHERD BOOK
NO MESSAGE
CORTEX ADDRESS : BLOCKED
AUTHORIZATION : ALLIANCE COMMUNICATION AUTHORITY #JGB44THX1138SB OMEGA

EOD

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Saturday, May 15, 2004 10:54 PM

Damon’s turn:
LOCATION - GALLEY

Damon’s gaze shifts from Jayne’s gun to Mal’s upside down face as it appears above him. Mal smiles, apparently finding something funny. Damon tries to move into an easier breathing position from under Jayne’s knee, but shifting his legs only tightens Jayne’s grip on his throat, moving his arms only brings the gun closer, and moving anything else is impossible and trying only amplifies the pain he’s already in.

Quote:
Originally posted by CapnRahn:
A long Mal speech that you can reread for your pleasure in the post above

By the time Mal finishes, Damon’s breathing has greatly slowed and his fear has been replaced with a strong look of confusion. Though Mal’s words come across as a joke, or maybe mockery, his eyes betray a look that Damon cannot place. Again, something tells him that something isn’t right. Where is Crofton, he would have been here by now to gloat. When and how did Kaylee, Thorne and River suddenly appear in the room? More questions run through his mind, none of them having any logical answer, until he remembers River’s words:

Quote:
"To sleep, perchance to dream. Awaken from this dream, Damon, and enter into this brave new world."

His thoughts come to a screeching halt. He lies motionless, unaware that he has stopped breathing, the pieces starting to fall into place. The realization finally dawns on him.

It was just a dream.

He looks back up at Mal, looking for the reassurance he isn’t getting from Jayne. He slowly releases his breath and begins to relax his muscles. A slight grimace passes over his face as Jayne’s weight shifts, or maybe it is just his adrenaline finally abandoning the fight. But despite the pain, he doesn’t dare move with Jayne’s gun still hovering above him. The large and heavy man doesn’t look the slightest bit shy about pulling triggers.

Deciding that now might be a good time to say something, he tries to ask Mal a question, but only manages a few muddled words around Jayne’s hand.

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

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Sunday, May 16, 2004 2:13 AM

LOCATION - GALLEY
As ...

Deciding that now might be a good time to say something, he {Damon} tries to ask Mal a question, but only manages a few muddled words around Jayne’s hand.

Mal leans over to hear Damon's words, but nothing intelligible comes out. Looking up, Mal raises his left eyebrow at Jayne and a suppresses a chuckle.

MAL
"Jayne, you mind easin' up on your kung-fu grip there a skosh? Seems our boy here finally wants to parley and I can't understand the mush comin' out his pipes you are a crushin'.

EOM

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

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Sunday, May 16, 2004 4:23 AM

SAINT JAYNE

Jayne's Move:
LOCATION - GALLEY

MAL
"Jayne, you mind easin' up on your kung-fu grip there a skosh? Seems our boy here finally wants to parley and I can't understand the mush comin' out his pipes you are a crushin'.

Jayne has had his steely, unblinking gaze fixed on Damon the whole time, his face betraying none of the confusion he feels. Damon is unarmed now and seems to have collected his wits again, and Jayne is happy to release his disabilitating grip on his throat and remove the solid tonne crushing down on his chest. He stands with a sneer, leaving Damon to cough and sputter on the floor.

JAYNE to Mal
"Fer future reference, the grease is s'posed ta be on the pig, not lubin' up the mech'nism of a gun."

Jayne explained his views on ship-board gun contol as subtly as he could, not realising that he was serving to lighten the mood even further. He would have gone on with a suggestion of strip searches for the passengers (he would do Rowan, of course), but Mal wasn't finished with Damon.

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Monday, May 17, 2004 1:17 AM

Blended post, MERZ and INARA

LOCATION – INTERIOR, INARA’S SHUTTLE
2518 AD ~ Day 024/January 24 ~ 1435 hrs/2:35 PM AMT

As . . .

The door swings open in front of MERZ and there INARA stands. MERZ is uncertain how to begin, what to say.

INARA gazes out at her new visitor--framed as she is within her door, the grimy metal of the catwalks behind her, she seems at perfect home there. Hard surroundings, an even harder woman. Until she reaches the eyes . . . for all her tough exterior, and a stance of complete surety, the woman's eyes belie a bit of doubt.

Realizing she's been staring for a moment INARA gives a start . . .
Truly, where have my manners gone? Come in if you'd like.

She stands back, motioning the woman in, and realizes that for some reason she expected to have to look up at MERZ. Her presence and her stature are incompatible to each other. Looking down on her is almost unexpected.

MERZ walks somewhat uncertainly into a world that is wholly outside her experience. More used to barracks and the unadorned walls of most functional transport craft, this lush décor takes her aback somewhat. She stalls in the middle of the room after treading most carefully upon the carpeted floors within Inara’s shuttle, afraid to sit or even move. There is so much that can be broken here. And in an way unaccountable to MERZ, INARA seems to fit her surroundings perfectly.

INARA precedes the woman into the room, then turns to face her, and extends one slim hand.

INARA
I am Inara Sera--I suppose you'd call me the welcoming committee. It's always a pleasure to welcome a visitor to Serenity--Has our crew been accommodating?

MERZ carefully takes the slim hand offered her. She has never felt skin so soft.

MERZ
I am Mercedes Troy. Thank you, I have found the crew of this vessel quite friendly. And I think my status has been elevated to crew.

INARA
Ahh a new crewmember, then! We truly must celebrate your arrival. I was just considering having a bit of tea, Mercedes...would you like to join me?

MERZ
Yes, that would be appreciated.

INARA
Have a seat there--make yourself at home. I'll prepare the tea.

INARA busies herself with the now-familiar ritual of tea preparation...and muses on how busy her little shuttle has become. ROWAN and AISLIN’s soft voices still flow into the room from behind the curtain, the pleasant mumble occasionally punctuated by a laugh.

INARA watches MERCEDES, as she prepares the water, removes the cups from their velvet box . . . the petite woman is perched carefully on the edge of the divan, hands folded between her knees . . . as she works, INARA occasionally catches MERCEDES with her eyes closed, delicate nostrils flaring as if searching for a scent.

While INARA is preparing their drink, MERZ closes her eyes and inhales deeply. She can smell perfume and incense, the paints and lotions, and one vaguely chemical/medicinal smell she cannot quite place and does not like in this context. But there are more important things to be done.

One by one she edits out the assorted, unimportant odors in the room. Once she has gotten the chaff out of the way, what is left – ROWEN certainly. MERZ takes in ROWEN’s essence and realizes that she is . . . happy. Something is happening that is making her smile. MERZ glances in the direction of the covered doorway behind which ROWEN sits, speaking too soft for MERZ to pick up the words. No matter. MERZ edits ROWEN from her conscious olfactory sensing.

What is left, is just INARA. MERZ is carefully adding her to the database when she also smells the fresh, hot tea coming into the room. MERZ opens her eyes, her face as expressionless as ever.

INARA finishes the tea, placing the pot on the table, and seating herself to Mercedes' left. She carefully pours a cup for her guest, taking the cup in hand and offering it to her. Mercedes warily takes the cup, fingers resting lightly on the ceramic, as if afraid any pressure may fracture it.

After pouring her own cup, INARA settles back into the cushions and waits for her new visitor to speak. MERZ sips and appears to savor the hot liquid, but makes no move to initiate conversation.

After what seems like a terribly long stretch of quiet, in which INARA begins to seriously doubt her skills as a hostess, MERZ speaks.

MERZ
I wanted to meet you. You are part of this crew – Serenity’s crew, yes? You are JAYNE’s friend and ROWAN’s also, I think. These people have made me welcome here. This places a certain . . . responsibility upon me. So I wanted to get to know everyone. And, I have a . . . question.

INARA shifts forward in her seat—nodding, Of course . . . any answers I can offer are yours.

MERCEDES tilts her head and gazes into INARA’s eyes. What is 'pretty'?

Before INARA can stop herself, a soft laugh escapes her lips. INARA meets MERCEDES’ eyes—holding them...trying to judge their sincerity . . . in that steady regard, she finds nothing but earnest curiosity.

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

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Monday, May 17, 2004 6:17 AM

CHANNAIN

i DO aim to misbehave

Rowan's Move
LOCATION - INARA'S SHUTTLE
TIME: Before, during and after the atmo blow.

Rowan can't remember the last time they talked like this - like sisters. Aislin fills her in on how the space station construction business is booming, and that their father has handed the day-to-day business dealings over to the same young man who had once been Rowan's suitor. Their mother is still involved in the arts on Osiris, still full steam ahead. But of their brother there is still absolutely no word. It's as if Ru has fallen into some black hole in space.

AISLIN: "I've put out as many feelers as I dare to among my clientele from Blue Sun and the Alliance, and the strange thing is they all say the same thing - isn't ru the Chinese word for scholar? I'll admit, I'm not sure what to make of that."

ROWAN: "Usually, a programmed answer like that means they know what you're talking about, but are sworn to secrecy. Xiang's mole in Blue Sun used to do that when he thought we were being monitored, only it usually accompanied a written note that said something entirely different." (Rowan sighs, frustrated) "We'll just have to keep looking, I guess."

AISLIN (smiling): "Do you know what you just said?"

ROWAN (returning the smile) : "I said we."

They sit together that way for some time, smiling warmly, still almost touching through the monitor.

Hearing the loud THRUM that would accompany an atmo blow, Rowan glances about the shuttle for a second, then returns her attention to the screen.

ROWAN: "Sounds like the clean up is finished." (glances at the chronometer on the console) "I've got a crew meeting in about ten minutes."

Returning her gaze to her sister's, she sees the reluctance in Aislin's eyes and returns it in kind.

ROWAN: "I wish we had more time."

AISLIN: "We will, xiâo long. Sooner than you think, in fact. I'm hopeful you're attending the tournament on New Hokkaido this week?"

ROWAN (blinking in astonishment): "How would you know about that?"

AISLIN (smiling with delight): "It so happens that Captain Arshagouni is a tremendous fan of yours. He plans to attend the tournament when we reach orbit and he has retained me as his escort."

Joy is something Rowan hasn't felt in some time - she'd almost forgotten what it was like to experience so much pleasure that she was sure she might burst from it. To see Aislin in the flesh for the first time in more than ten years? It was ten times more than she had ever hoped for. Leaning forward, Rowan holds back unexpected tears and nods.

ROWAN: "I'll be there. I don't know my bracket number yet, but--"

AISLIN: "Don't worry. I'll find you."

ROWAN (beaming): "Right. Of course you would. Then I'll see you there."

AISLIN (with conviction): "If I have to hijack the captain's yacht to do it--wo ai ni xiâo long"

ROWAN (tears falling now): "wo ai ni."

They reach for the controls at the same time and Rowan watches the cortex screen shut down. Trembling, she spends a moment composing herself, wiping tears aside until finally they stop. Taking a couple more long breaths, she nods decisively and rises to exit just as she hears another voice and realizes MERZ has come to visit.

MERZ: "What is 'pretty'?"

EOM

wo ai ni - I love you

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

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Monday, May 17, 2004 8:56 AM

Keep the Shiny side up

Thorne's Move:

Location: Galley

Even as he considers alternate shipping options for future deliveries, Thorne notes Damon's drawn gun and immediately finds a piece of hard cover to get between him and it. Revolver instantly in his hand, he exposes only one eye and his gunhand as he draws a bead on Damon's forehead, but eases up on the trigger as he notices that the pistol the boy is waving around still has the safety on. He watches Book move in, maintaining his point of aim in case something goes wrong. It doesn't, and by the time Jayne has slammed Damon to the floor, Thorne is back in his chair, revolver holstered, and a cup of coffee in his hand.

He looks across the table at Zoe, who is staring at him, and asks:

THORNE: "What? Don't you people ever take cover during gunplay? I found long ago that I'm not anywhere near as bulletproof as a steel bulkhead. Anyway, you ready to hear about the tactical situation for tomorrow?

EOM

"Keep the Shiny side up"

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Monday, May 17, 2004 9:35 AM

LOCATION - GALLEY
As ...

JAYNE to Mal
"Fer future reference, the grease is s'posed ta be on the pig, not lubin' up the mech'nism of a gun."

Mal's other eyebrow raises to join the other in the climb for his hairline. He frowns slightly at Jayne's comment - it would have been funnier if Mal had not known that Jayne didn't mean it to be a joke. "Always a barking match with him, has to act a *curly wolf our Jayne" Mal thinks as he peers into Jayne's face looking for any sign of humor. "Nope, no humor, better nip this now."

MAL
softly and still in a light banter, but underpinned with menace
"I bet you would'a been happy if that ladder you got intimate with earlier had been lubed up. Keep up the attitude and I'll see you get a second date with your mighty steel lover. And the next time she'll put you through the ringer, dong ma?" ...Mal holds his flinty gaze on Jayne until he is sure the message has sunk in... 'He's got a point about the shooter"

Quote:
{From SaintJayne}Jayne purses his lips and glowers back at Mal. Now everyone on the ship would realize what happened to his face. He stifles a snarl and casts his eyes down to look at Damon.

till looking at Jayne, Mal begins to speak. Until Mal hears Thorne's voice.

THORNE: "What? Don't you people ever take cover during gunplay? I found long ago that I'm not anywhere near as bulletproof as a steel bulkhead. Anyway, you ready to hear about the tactical situation for tomorrow?

Mal realizes at that very moment that Thorne doesn't understand the dynamics on Serenity. ..."So much for the great military genius' observation skills"... Mal wryly thinks.

MAL
over his shoulder to Thorne
"Not when it concerns a member of my Crew while on my boat. ...pauses in brief thought... Been shot many times, bullets come out almost as easy as they go in."
...Mal pauses for another split second...
"We'll discuss the drop as soon as we help out Damon with his problem here. Drop is tomorrow, this is now."

Quote:
{From Maniac}As Mal and Thorne stare each other down briefly, Book remembers visiting the ruins of the Thorne farm and ponders a moment over Rosie Thorne's possible life... a life that leads a person to become more than what they thought they were meant to be. He's come a long way from the farm. Book thinks.

Mal turns his head to look at Book.

MAL
"Shepherd, you mind caretaking that ... with irony...fine piece of iron until we can suss this out."

Quote:
{from Maniac}"I know a safe place for it." Book responds, but he does nothing more with the gun immediately besides hold it a little tighter in his hand.

Mal nods at Book's answer and then moves up to the landing next to Damon. Damon has gotten up to his elbows and is breathing deeply of the air to his starved lungs. He massages his bruised larynx while leaning on the opposing elbow. Mal looks down at the now breathing Damon. Mal extends his hand towards Damon to help him up.

MAL
"You done scrapping and runnin' like a *Kilkenny cat and tell me what the gorram hell is going on? I bet it is a doozie of a tale."

EOM

LINGO
{* Curly wolf ~ real tough guy, dangerous man.}
{ Fight like Kilkenny cats ~ fight like hell.}

EOM

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Monday, May 17, 2004 1:20 PM

Keep the Shiny side up

Thorne's Move:

Location: Galley

MAL: "Not when it concerns a member of my Crew while on my boat. Been shot many times, bullets come out almost as easy as they go in. We'll discuss the drop as soon as we suss out the problem with Damon here. Drop is tomorrow, this is now."

Thorne has seen the shellshocked ride a dream into wakefulness before. He knows that if you just take cover and leave them for a few seconds they separate the dream from reality. No need for risky moves. He's also well aware how easily a bullet goes in, and what it feels like, and how easily it can end you. But it's not his ship, or crew.

Thorne: "Okay, Cap'n. First things first. Looks like the kid's got a touch of PTSD* to me. You ever wake up back in the war? Same thing here. Probably something mucho unpleasant in his past."

Thorne rises and walks over to look down at Damon, who is finally catching his breath.

"Is that it, Son? You fighting those old devils? I doubt you're the only one here who's been in that fight." He glances at Mal and Zoe...and Book. He reaches out amd places a hand on Damon's shoulder. "Come on. Settle down and get some more coffee inside you. Otherwise you'll miss my brilliant tactical brief." and to MAl. "No harm, no foul, eh, Cap'n?"

EOM

PTSD = Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

"Keep the Shiny side up"

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Monday, May 17, 2004 8:21 PM

Damon’s turn:
LOCATION - GALLEY
As ...

Quote:
JAYNE to Mal
"Fer future reference, the grease is s'posed ta be on the pig, not lubin' up the mech'nism of a gun."

MAL
softly and still in a light banter, but underpinned with menace
"I bet you would'a been happy if that ladder you got intimate with earlier had been lubed up. Keep up the attitude and I'll see you get a second date with your mighty steel lover. And the next time she'll put you through the ringer, dong ma?"

THORNE: "What? Don't you people ever take cover during gunplay? I found long ago that I'm not anywhere near as bulletproof as a steel bulkhead. Anyway, you ready to hear about the tactical situation for tomorrow?

MAL
over his shoulder to Thorne
"Not when it concerns a member of my Crew while on my boat. ...pauses in brief thought... Been shot many times, bullets come out almost as easy as they go in."
...Mal pauses for another split second...
"We'll discuss the drop as soon as we help out Damon with his problem here. Drop is tomorrow, this is now."

Damon lies on the floor, still relishing the air finally flowing into his lungs between coughs and gasps. Crew? Did he say crew? He pushes himself up onto an elbow, rubbing his throat, and watches Mal as he talks to Book. Not a minute earlier there were guns at his head and hands at his throat, but the threats and uncertainty disappeared the moment Mal jumped to his defense. Twice, without a second thought.

Quote:
Mal waits for Book's answer and then moves up to the landing next to Damon. Damon has gotten up to his elbows and is breathing deeply of the air to his starved lungs. He massages his bruised larynx while leaning on the opposing elbow. Mal looks down at the now breathing Damon. Mal extends his hand towards Damon to help him up.

MAL
"You done scrapping and runnin' like a *Kilkenny cat and tell me what the gorram hell is going on? I bet it is a doozie of a tale."

Damon looks up at Mal’s outstretched hand and hesitates only for a moment before taking it. He gets to his feet, finding his bearings while trying to come up with a suitable answer to Mal’s question.

“I think I went and dozed off while sittin’ there… guess I woke up with a bit of a start.”

Quote:
Thorne: "Okay, Cap'n. First things first. Looks like the kid's got a touch of PTSD* to me. You ever wake up back in the war? Same thing here. Probably something mucho unpleasant in his past."

Damon shifts his weight uncomfortably as Thorne starts talking like Damon was some malfunctioning engine part. What the guay is PTSD* anyway?

Quote:
Thorne rises and walks over to Damon, who is finally catching his breath.

"Is that it, Son? You fighting those old devils? I doubt you're the only one here who's been in that fight.”

Damon decides to take Thorne’s questions as rhetorical. The man seems confident with his observation and assessment and until faced with a direct question, Damon’s perfectly happy to leave things as is. Devils from the past that can’t be beat are best avoided and ignored.

Quote:
Thorne: “Come on. Settle down and get some more coffee inside you. Otherwise you'll miss my brilliant tactical brief." and to Mal. "No harm, no foul, eh, Cap'n?"

Damon’s gaze flickers over to Mal. As eager as he is to be done with this whole ordeal and find somewhere quiet to sit and rethink everything that has happened in the last few minutes, he doubts Mal is just going to drop it. He may have more questions and then there’s the fate of Damon’s gun to discuss.

Guay = hell
PTSD = Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

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

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Tuesday, May 18, 2004 12:59 AM

Mal
"Yes, no foul. Damon we will turn this kettle of fish over later."

Mal goes over to the intercom

"Inara, we are having the meeting in the Galley, please bring Rowan with you. If you see Merz, let her know the change in plans"

Looks to Thorne.

"We got around 10 minutes before our other distaff members arrive. That OK with you?"

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

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Tuesday, May 18, 2004 10:10 AM

Keep the Shiny side up

Thorne's Move:

Still in the Galley

MAL: "We got around 10 minutes before our other distaff members arrive. That OK with you?"

Thorne: "Fine with me, Cap'n. If you'd like, when they're here I'll provide the skinny on the landing site, and the folks we'll meet, and you can decide how you want to play it from there.

EOM

"Keep the Shiny side up"

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Tuesday, May 18, 2004 3:40 PM

Wash's Move:
Location - Galley to Location - Front Hall to Location - Bridge

Wash leaves the Galley, munching on a Blue Sun chocolate food substitute synthetic protein pill that he picked up. He walks through the Front Hall, and steps up into the Bridge, which is completely deserted. He sits down at his console, and runs a diagnostic, out of habit, and notices on the communications monitor:

# MISSED LIVE WAVES: 001
RECIPIENT: SERENITY - ANY CREWMEMBER
SENDER: SHEPHERD BOOK
NO MESSAGE
CORTEX ADDRESS: BLOCKED
AUTHORIZATION: ALLIANCE COMMUNICATION AUTHORITY #JGB44THX1138SB OMEGA

Wash (to Rex, as he looks at him): “Ok, now that’s weird, I just left our friendly Shepard down in the Galley… (More thoughtful) How is he calling Serenity from somewhere else, and how is he able to get an Alliance wave blocked, wish I could do that. What to do…” (Wash reaches over and toggles the intercom to the Galley) “This is Wash, Captain you’ll wanna come up here to the bridge, and bring Book with you, ok?” (Switches off the intercom, then addresses Rex again): “I’d better get all of the maps in the binder, just in case Mal needs them for the meeting… I wonder how bad this mission’s gonna end up? I’ll no doubt have to save everybody’s rump again, like I always do… How come I never get an easy piloting job, like ‘just slowly land in this marked circle’ or ‘just dock at the space station, at the large airlock, the one with auto-guidance’? Oh, well, at least I’m getting stretched”

(Wash’s dorm room clock, the one in the shape of a firefly that his mother gave him as a wedding gift reads 14:50 AMT (02:50pm) Hanging just to the side of the clock, but within arms’ reach is the walnut handled double-barreled shotgun that his father had made especially for Zoë, for her present.)

- EOM -

Decoy's battle cry: "Not the face, not the face!" When he goes first, naturally.

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Tuesday, May 18, 2004 4:19 PM