Firefly Universe

Virtual Firefly Book continues 3

POSTED BY: Colt999
UPDATED: Monday, January 15, 2024 00:15
VIEWED: 88034
PAGE 2 of 3

ABBEYGIRL

Thursday, April 17, 2008 3:48 AM (P)

*abbey and mobbex return. mobbex stomps off once he's close to the ship. abbey looks up and sees Oram and Brit making fluff balls.*

abbey *squeels*: Ohhhh Fluffies! Can I have one?

*Brit hands her one that is browned perfectly. She takes it and turns around to find a place to sit only to run straight into the Captain. The Captain was surprised at her reaction to the fluff balls. It was so unlike her regular self. She seemed almost... giddy. He pushed it out of his mind and instead tried to pick a fight.*

Colt *sarcastically*: You have a nice walk?

abbey *smiling*: Yeah. Gave him hell for the wine; he got off too easy earlier. We talked about the fineries of how not to steal from your ship mates. I made him so uncomfortable, I don't think he said one word while we were out. I think I got the point across.

Colt: You fight with him too?

abbey *laughs at musical antics of crew*: Not fight, lecture. Fighting takes two people.

*Colt is almost upset that she isn't taking the bait. She was right, fighting did take two.*

abbey: It's been a while since I've seen Oram playing that banjo. And the fluffies! Where did you all get them?

Colt *giving up on the fighting and actually realizes he is enjoying talking to her*: Brit got them somewhere.

abbey (laughing): Why the last time I did something like this was the last family reun... *she stops mid-word and her mood sobers.*

Colt *smiling now too, gazing into the fire*: When what?

abbey *as she chucks stick into fire*: Never mind.

Colt *turning to look at her*: When what?

abbey *sadly*: Doesn't matter. It was a lifetime ago.

*abbey turns towards the ship and walks away from Colt. Colt watched her retreat into the ship.*

Colt *to himself, slightly concerned*: What was that about?

MOBBEX

Thursday, April 17, 2008 4:22 AM (P)

*listens through Abbey's tirade, growing more and more irked with every word that gets past her lips*

Abbey: ...and that's why you will never EVER get those filthy meat hooks of yours anywhere near my belongings again. Am I making myself clear?

*speeds up and quickly distances himself from Abbey*

Who the hell does she think she is, talkin' to me like I'm a third grader or sum'tin...

*heads for the bonfire*

*plunks himself on a pile of rocks a stone's throw away from the blaze, seething with wrath and scowling something fierce*

Girl's lucky the captain's taken a liking for her...

*picks up a branch, aiming to cook himself a few fluffballs to alleviate his mood, but snaps it*

!

ORAM

Thursday, April 17, 2008 12:56 PM (P)

*sits next to Mobbex, sees his failed attampts at the fluff balls*

Here, have mine.

*hands him a freshly made fluff ball*

MOBBEX

Thursday, April 17, 2008 1:12 PM (P)

*looks fixedly at the fluffball for a second*

'That an... olive branch you're proposing? 'Cause I'm takin' it.

*takes the fluffball and gulps it down*

Hmmm... I haven't had one of these since I was a munchkin.

ORAM

Thursday, April 17, 2008 1:41 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by Mobbex:
*looks fixedly at the fluffball for a second*

'That an... olive branch you're proposing? 'Cause I'm takin' it.

Yep, it's an olive branch with leaves of appology.

SHINYBRIT

Thursday, April 17, 2008 3:10 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by Oram:
*Smiles back at Brit, as she understands what she means*

I can teach you to play if you want. It's not hard after a while.

*nods* I'd enjoy that.

Quote:
BTW.. who is cooking and what are we having?

*Brit smiles as she hops up and goes inside of the ship. She comes out with packages of fresh veggies*
I... *coughs*borrowed these from a merchant on Aquila. I asked politely but he told me no. There's a large bump on his head now and he's just awaken from unconsciousness.

*smiles despite the odd details of her story. She takes a few sticks and slides the vegetables on them, making cabobs.*

Vegetables are good for your eyesight and lungs. Especially the green and yellow ones.

*finishes cooking a cabob over the fire and holds it up*

One's done.

*continues to cook more for everyone*

-----------------------------------------------
"You know what the chain of command is? It's the chain I go get and beat you with until you understand who's in ruttin' command here." - Jayne Cobb (Firefly)

COLT999

Thursday, April 17, 2008 4:38 PM (P)

* I take two of Brit's cabobs into the Book. I peak into the Galley*

Abbey?

*I head up to her shuttle. She has a curtain strung across the doorway. I start to push it a side then stop. I knock on the door frame*

*Abbey: Just a minute.

*I lean against the door frame and wait. I can hear the music coming from the campfire. I make a mental note to point out to Sky that some of my skittle brained crew has talent.*

*Then I hear a squish on the floor. Gorramit some of the cabobs slid off. I bend down and scoop up the mess. *Ah thats hot* I spill the rest of the cabob and most of the other on the catwalk.*

*I start tossing the veggies off the catwalk, When I get to the last one the curtain opens.*

*Abbey: Were you trying to peek in my shuttle! What is wrong with you?*

I wasn't peeking I was....I brought you something to eat. *I hold up the cabob sticks. Only one little tomato remains* You got some nerve lady. Peeking into your shuttle..right.

*She grabs the cabob and yells: Well I suppose I should be grateful since you went out of your way. *waving the one veggie in my face*

There were more! They fell off while you had me waiting out here. What took you so long anyway?

*Then I finally get a good look at her face. Shes been crying*

Oh..I'm sorry. Didn't mean...I wasn't trying to disturb you. I just, well never mind. There's more grub by the fire. If you want.

*Abbey leans over the rail and see the mess of veggies below*

*Abbey: Oh..I shouldnt have...I didn't mean to insisuate that you... I'm sorry too.*

Well ok then. Come back down if you like.

http://hometown.aol.com/colt9999/myhomepage/index.html

LTSHEPARD

Thursday, April 17, 2008 4:58 PM (P)

*The slightly beaten up hover mule races up to the Book, coming to an abrupt stop. The shark holding the scroll now visible*

"My god is it good to see you guys! Where is the cap'n"

MOBBEX

Thursday, April 17, 2008 5:36 PM (P)

*Oram is doubled up as Mobbex is sharing an anecdote from his younger days*

...So yeah, I'm just... standing there with these girls and... there's soap bubblin' up all over the place! And.. and then obviously I slip and hit my head, get knocked out old...

Oram: *laughing hysterically* you... you're disgusting!

Yup, 'was quite the womanizer in my days... *smiles smugly*

Quote:
Originally posted by LtShepard:
My god is it good to see you guys! Where is the cap'n

*jumps to his feet* 'That Lt's voice?

*takes stock of his surroundings, and surely enough spots Lt hoping off an old battered hovercraft*

*runs up to Lt and greets him with a forceful slap to the shoulder* How goes it, y' old yegg?

LTSHEPARD

Thursday, April 17, 2008 5:40 PM (P)

"Couldn't be better, you got any grub?"

*Lt walks up to the group with a warm welcome, and joins in the festivities*

"The op was classified High Risk, so we get there and just about immediately Sergeant Normandy has her gun out at this alliance trooper and pulls the trigger... clicks. The damn thing was empty. So she lifts one finger up and ask the guy to wait for a sec, after exclaiming, No Ammoooo!!!!!!!!. She turns around and says, awww hell and hits the baffled trooper over the head, straight unconscious "

SPOTS74

Thursday, April 17, 2008 6:14 PM (P)

Spots:(putting the fiddle down)Hey Capitan Shepard
(after Shepard finishes is story)

Spots:**still laughing** ok so after i got of the reform school. i made my way back to Hera where i ran with a group of miscreants for a while. We were rusling cattle, and we had to get these cows to of a coral in the guys farm. so i sneek over and cut the revuse vectors on his hover mule. so we get the cattle but the owner notices us and comes running out in boxers and a robe waving a shotgun around. we ride off and he hops in his mule but can stop the thing and flies head first into a huge pile of cow

ABBEYGIRL

Thursday, April 17, 2008 6:22 PM (P)

*After awhile, abbey emerges from the ship holding something in her hand that is wrapped in a napkin. She finds the Captain and pulls him a couple of feet away from the festivities*

abbey: I just want to apologize again. I was a little sensitive at the time.

Colt: Me too *realizes the connotation of what he said* Not sensitive... Just sorry...

*She pulls his hand up and puts the napkin-wrapped item in his hand.*

abbey: It's a peace offering. During that drinking bender in the galley, Sky told me you liked then. I got these at a store on Londinium that specializes in them.

*Colt cautiously opens napkin and looks in. He looks back at abbey with a cocked eyebrow.*

abbey *defensively*: That's the way they come!

Colt *caught off guard*: Of course. They come that way...

abbey: I would probably keep this to yourself. *leans in and whispers* You have no idea what this crew talks about.

*Colt pops the gift into his mouth and closes his eyes in delight.*

Colt: It's good... No... More than good. *opens eyes to look at hers* Really tasty... Thanks.

abbey *nervously*: Well... I'm going to... I'm going to find Oram.

*abbey walks away and Colt walks back to fire, enjoying his gift.*

LTSHEPARD

Thursday, April 17, 2008 6:24 PM (P)

"Lt is still fine Spots, one day you gotta meet my mechanic. Best damn mechanic in the verse!"

8Spots looks at Lt*

"I'm not sure about that..."

ABBEYGIRL

Thursday, April 17, 2008 6:45 PM (P)

*abbey finds Oram on the other side of the fire. Oram smiles at her. She had seen the event take place.*

Oram: What'd you give him?

abbey *trying to act natural*: Who?

Oram *nudging abbey*: Who else? The Captain.

abbey: Peace offering. I accused him of peeking under the curtain in my shuttle.

*Oram almost spits drink out of her mouth*

Oram: What!? *accidentally gets the attention of some crew nearby*

abbey: It was totally innocent. He was bringing me a Brit-kabob.

Oram *getting back to subject*: What was it?

abbey: It was a chocolate truffle. Sky said he liked those.

Oram *suspiciously*: Where did you get it? *takes a drink*

*abbey shrugs her shoulders*

abbey: Where else? That place on Londinium. They have the best ones.

*Oram does spit her drink out in surprise.

Oram *a little louder*: They're shaped like hearts!

*Some crew has moved closer to listen to the conversation*

abbey *defensively*: That's they way they come!

*Oram smiles at abbey mischeviously*

Oram: Sure...

*abbey rolls her eyes.*

abbey: Whatever.

*Sky wanders over to the Captain and whispers in his ear*

Sky: Shaped like a heart, Captain?

*Colt gives her a glare.*

MOBBEX

Thursday, April 17, 2008 7:18 PM (P)

*jerks a little as Oram abruptly spills some of her drink oh his trousers*

*pricks up his ears at mention of the word "peeking"*

Quote:
abbey: It was totally innocent. He was bringing me a Brit-kabob.

Oram *getting back to subject*: What was it?

abbey: It was a chocolate truffle. Sky said he liked those.

Oram *suspiciously*: Where did you get it? *takes a drink*

*abbey shrugs her shoulders*

abbey: Where else? That place on Londinium. They have the best ones.

*Oram does spit her drink out in surprise.

Oram *a little louder*: They're shaped like hearts!

*lays a hand over his mouth in an attempt to conceal his glee*

*tilts his head to the left and whispers into Sky's ear* Abbey gave the captain a valentine candy...

*starts howling with laughter, so much that he loses his footing and winds up flat on the ground*

COLT999

Thursday, April 17, 2008 8:21 PM (P)

*Walks up to LT*

Hey Captain glad you could make it. Any luck crewing that old boat of yours.

*Shakes hands and head over to inspect LT's mule.*

LT: She's coming along. I see your crew is doing well.

*Sky comes up and whispers something to me. I see most of the crew trying and failing to control their laughter.*

Oh yeah there a fine bunch. You want em?

*LT just laughs*

Hover type huh? Whats the weight capacity?

LT: Over a ton with driver. Have to offset load for passengers. Can't handle the load of that tank you call a mule, but it's quicker and quieter.

*The sounds of snickering comes from the campfire. I turn and most of the crew looks away, 'cept Brit who makes a heart shape in the air with her hands*

Might a noticed, my crew ain't big on quite. I feel like a drink. You want a drink?

LT: Sure * he heads towards the fire*

Wait. Your mule empty?

LT: Yeah

Lets head to town. Mobbex, Spots, Padre. We're heading into town wanna come?

*Mobbex walks by and starts to climb on the Mule* Hearts

You gonna be mentioning that all night you can stay here.

Mobbex: I ain't! *under his breath* Not all night.

Spots: What are we going for?

Drink

Spots: Don't we have that here?

In or out Spots

Spots: Ok *climbs aboard*

Padre?

Invictus: I think I'll stay here keep an eye on the boat. Maybe the ladies would like to accompany you?

They might, but they ain't. They can use the Mule and find their own drink if they want.

*I load up next to LT*

How far is town anyway?

LT: About 5 miles. Why did you land way our here?

I'll tell you over that drink

**The Independence's mule shoots off into the night. Guys night out has started. Follow along at the Independence thread.
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=17&t=33359 **

http://hometown.aol.com/colt9999/myhomepage/index.html

ABBEYGIRL

Thursday, April 17, 2008 8:47 PM (P)

*Sees what is going on between the other crew members regarding her peace offering. Her face turns red and isn't quite sure if it is from anger or embarassment. Looks over and sees the Captain a little more than agitated over the situation. Sky comes up behind abbey.*

Sky: Didn't see this coming. He really is protesting a lot. A wonder what that means... *smiles and heads towards the ship.*

*abbey rolls her eyes*

abbey: I have 5th Graders for ship mates.

*She looks back over to the guys. They are loading up into LT's hover. She hears the Captain talking about going out for a drink in town. Oram steps over.*

Oram: Sorry about the commotion. I didn't mean to be so loud. It... it was just funny. *she pats abbey on the shoulder* I mean, it was a heart. What were you thinking?

*abbey closes her eyes trying to wish the event away.*

Abbey (defensive): That they were the best in the system? It was totally innocent. I'm not even interested! He's not my type!

*She pulls her inhaler out of her pocket and takes a puff.*

Oram: Well, based on your current situation, I'd keep that with me at all times. It's like to be a little uncomfortable for you... and him.

*Sky pulls up with the Book's mule*

Sky: Hey, the Shepherd is staying with the ship. You girls wanna head to town too?

Oram *turning towards Sky*: I'm in!

*abbey clenches her teeth together.*

abbey: I so need a drink.

*All the girls pile in the mule and head off to town.*

ABBEYGIRL

Thursday, April 17, 2008 10:20 PM (P)

*Girls arrive in town. They walk up to the nearest saloon only to hear raucous laughter from inside. It is definitely the guys. abbey stops dead in her tracks.*

abbey: Let's not go in there. It seems full. *walks further down the road*

Brit: The captain is in there! *Folds her hands together, holding them up to her heart with a moony look on her face.*

*The rest of the girls snicker at the joke. abbey just rolls her eyes and moves away faster.*

abbey *mumbling to herself*: For God's sake! I hope the whole evening won't be like this.

DASHILE

Thursday, April 17, 2008 11:08 PM (P)

*Back on the Independence:
Dashile could sense something was coming, and some people. She recalled the Captain's invitation to meet female crew members from the Book. The idea intrigued her. Female company would do her good she suspected. She felt herself appropriately dressed for an evening out, a simple shift dress and her boots... shoes were generally required...

Before leaving she finds Larry on the bridge.
Dash: "I fixed your thrust switch, it shouldn't stick anymore, I'm going to meet some women, I'll be back."

*Larry tests the switch,
Larry: "Thanks Dash. Be careful out there, LT's not far if you run into trouble."

*Dashi could sense LT. Not far from the saloon was she saw the mule with the shark and scroll. Around a table she saw a girl with dark eyes, a blond woman, a doctor with glasses, and an intimidating looking woman. She moved the table:

The blond woman: "Dash is it? LT told us you might be joining us, have a seat, we just arrived."

*Dash nods and sits.
The intimidating one: "Name's sky, I'm first mate on the Book."
The doctor: "I'm Oram, and this over here is..."

The dark eyed one: "Brit."
*Brit faces the blond.
Brit: "And that's Abbey, our Mrs. Colt."

*Abbey flushes a red, her eyes filled with frustration. Oram sprays her drink across the table, laughing heartily. Dash looks at Abbey, absolutely straight-faced:

Dashi: "They do not all come that way."

*At this the entire table erupts into laughter except for Abbey, who has now changed from red to absolutely crimson.

SHINYBRIT

Friday, April 18, 2008 2:24 AM (P)

*Sits at the bar with her chin on the table, staring at the alcoholic beverage in front of her. She lifts her head up and sniffs it, then cringes.*

How do you drink this stuff? This drink is derived from a Blue Agave plant. It once existed on Earth-that-was, but somehow they found a way to grow it here.

*takes a sip, but has a hard time swallowing it, feeling the burn of it slide down her throat*

The pain is... substantial. *quickly gulps down the rest and sets the glass back down on the table, already slightly buzzed being a lightweight and all. The bartender looks at the young girl in awe*

Hit me. *A cheesy smile crosses her face*

-----------------------------------------------
"You know what the chain of command is? It's the chain I go get and beat you with until you understand who's in ruttin' command here." - Jayne Cobb (Firefly)

DASHILE

Friday, April 18, 2008 2:33 AM (P)

*As the words leave Brit's mouth, she feels a smack on her shoulder, Brit looks at Dash.

Dash: "You said hit me."

SHINYBRIT

Friday, April 18, 2008 2:43 AM (P)

*As the bartender pours her another glass, she looks at Dash with narrowed eyes, seemingly not amused*

Are you trying to conjure up puns to amuse me?

*Stares with a grundgy growl in her voice. She drinks the other glass of alcohol down at once as she did before and stands up, facing Dash, still holding the empty glass in her hand*

Oram: Now, Brit no need to be startin--

*interrupts Oram and continues talking to Dash* Your puns being used to emphasize a different meaning of the same word are not by any means comical, nor with they make me chuckle in hilarity.

*She smacks Dash across the face with the back of her hand and faces the bartender again, setting down her glass with an impish grin on her face*

Hit me again.

-----------------------------------------------
"You know what the chain of command is? It's the chain I go get and beat you with until you understand who's in ruttin' command here." - Jayne Cobb (Firefly)

DASHILE

Friday, April 18, 2008 3:02 AM (P)

*Dash raises her hand, Oram moves to step between them, but Dash just waves at the bartender:
Dash: "I'll take a drink over here."
*She swigs down the drink and turns to Brit
Dash: "I did not conjure the pun, I merely utilized the opportunity to you created to finish it. The effect of the alcohol is very apparent, therefore I might have been willing to excuse your indiscretion. However, you have now increased the amount of force used."

*Dash lands a kick to Brit's head. Brit smashes her glass and a fight ensues. Blow for blow they are even, as each has some idea of what the other might do before it occurs. Well meaning patrons try to part them, but then receive the wrath of both girls. Oram tries to stand between them, but is unable to stop them.

SHINYBRIT

Friday, April 18, 2008 3:18 AM (P)

*A man sneaks behind Dash and Dash pulls her leg back, landing a kick in the crotchal region. Another man runs up behind Brit, and trys to choke-hold her, but she flips him over her back. The two girls continue fighting, and they eventually grab each other by the throat.*

*Sky and Oram rush over*

Sky: ENOUGH! You two calm yourselves already.

*Brit releases Dash's throat as Dash does the same*

She started it.

Sky: I don't give a good gorram who started it! You know mighty well how we don't need any attention drawn to us. You forget we're all theives here?

I haven't forgotten.

Sky: Then what in the hell do you think you're doing?

The ching wah tsao duh liou mahng smited me.

Sky: Hell, girl. I'll smite ya if you don't quit it. We came here to relax, not get into it.

*Brit's tongue slips from her mouth as she walks over to her chair and sits. Dash sits next to her. The two blatantly ignore each other for a moment before Brit speaks to her again*

You're a fair correspondant in combat.

*Dash gives her a "huh" look*

It was fun.

*Brit grins as a the same slightly disturbing grin crosses Dash's lips. Brit and Dash chug down a drink together and set their glasses on the table*

*Brit and Dash in Unison*: Hit me.

-----------------------------------------------
"You know what the chain of command is? It's the chain I go get and beat you with until you understand who's in ruttin' command here." - Jayne Cobb (Firefly)

ABBEYGIRL

Friday, April 18, 2008 5:08 AM (P)

*abbey is not having a good night.

First it was the "incident" at the ship involving her and the Captain. She thought a drink might be the thing to help her relax a little.

Since arriving at the saloon, she'd been reminded of the "incident" at least twice and witnessed a bar fight between two crew members - one from her ship and one from a ship that is closely tied with them. Although it does seem to be resolved now and the two are drinking together.

But she is not relaxed. Not at all. She is still on edge. She fiddles with the inhaler in her pocket and wonders if this was a bad idea.

She decides that she'll hang out for a bit longer, since she doesn't really want to walk the five miles back to the ship alone.*

abbey *muttering to herself*: I wonder if they have taxis nearby...

ORAM

Friday, April 18, 2008 11:17 AM (P)

*It’s later in the evening and most of the crew are half tanked on beverages, with Oram having already entertained them by doing the customary song and dance on the bar table. She sits next to Abbey when done and notices the uncomfortable look on her face, she gives a half sloppy grin as a greeting to her friend*

Abbey: You keep going on about the Captain and me, Oram and I swear….

Shhhh…. Don’t kill the buzz….

Abbey: You’re drunk… again

I'm not think as you drunk I am… I'm pished….

*Abbey simply rolls her eyes at her friends non-restraint and disgusting sense of behaviour*

Abbey: When we get back to the ship, we’re having a talk about you and your ‘drinking’…

*Oram just simply dissolves into giggles*

Abbey: What?

*Half-choking on laughter* I just got the image of you and the Capt’n … and …. And… Oh my god!!! The babies …. *laughs harder, lays her head on the table, settles then watches Abbey … hiccoughs a little* … It’s funny being me… Can I ask a question?

Abbey: *eyeroll* What?

Can I be called Aunty Oram or… do I have to be related to have that honour?

*Abbey has had enough*

Abbey: Right… I'm going.

*comprehension seems to get to Oram's fuzzy mind*

Abbey... wait... I was just joking...

Abbey: *anger slightly rising* When you've had enough and become a decent friend again, I'll be on the Book waiting.

*With that she exits the bar, and makes her, although very long, way back to The Book*

DASHILE

Friday, April 18, 2008 12:45 PM (P)

*Dash walks up behind Oram, having had only one drink, she is more lucid than the others, but still not all there.

Dash: "She's leaving."
Oram: "I know she's going back to the Book she's tired of all the teasing.

*Dash takes a long look after Abbey, and says nothing more. The rest of the gang, following Sky's leave were also exiting. Dash turns to go back to the Indy.

ORAM

Friday, April 18, 2008 1:08 PM (P)

*Surprised that she's the first back onto the ship, Oram goes about making herself a cup of tea (a rare thing to come by, but she feels she deserves it) then heading off to her bunk to sleep the drinks and other merriment off*

COLT999

Friday, April 18, 2008 5:31 PM (P)

*I spot our mule outside a bar down the street and start heading that direction. It dawns on me as I get closer that this is a recipe for more teasing. Captain needing a ride home from...from her.*

*I stop in the street*

Walk five miles or walk in there?

*I cut down the alley next to the bar and into the field behind.*

Someone: Ouch! *Followed by a long string of cursing*

*I look towards the noise and see someone picking theirself up off the ground. I know that voice*

Abbey? *I head her direction and fall into the same drainage ditch she was crawling out of.* Son of a B....

Abbey: Colt? * She turns and slips right back into the ditch landing on top of me*

Goram woman, What are you trying to do?

Let go of me Colt

I ain't holding you.

You're on my arm.

Hey watch you foot.

Mister you need to move your hand right now, if you want to keep it.

It was an accident and.. Ouch watch it..Stop just stop for a second.

*We untangle our bodies and get to our feet*

What are you doing out here? *in unison*

I was heading back to the ship.

Abbey: So was I.

What didnt you just take the mule?

Abbey: Why didn't you?

I wanted to walk.

Abbey: I think you need more practice.

Hey! I seem to recall you were face down in here when I found you.

Abbey: Well...I...I was. *She starts laughing and I join her*

Here let me help you out. We'll both take the Mule back.

*I help her up. She standing in the moonlight covered in mud and I can't remember seeing a prettier site.*

Abbey: What?

Oh nothing. Come on mules this way.

*We walk down the alley towards the bar*

Hold up. *I check my holster. It's empty* Must'a drop my gun in the ditch.

*I turn to go back but two shadows block our path. Two more enter from the other side of the alley.*

http://hometown.aol.com/colt9999/myhomepage/index.html

ABBEYGIRL

Friday, April 18, 2008 9:56 PM (P)

Sorry that this is so long...

*Shadows are moving in closer to Colt and abbey. Abbey squeezes his arm, nervously.*

Colt *whispering as he pushes abbey behind him*: Something tells me were not going to make it to the mule.

Abbey *sarcastically*: You think?

The first guy comes out of the shadows with a mask on his face. He has a gun pointed at them

Guy: Well what do we have here? Visitors to our fair town?

Colt *trying to lighten the mood*: What can I do you for?

Guy: You can hand over all your valuables.

Colt: Don’t have much…

Guy: She does… *He points to abbey, who is wearing a simple but expensive necklace and earrings. Turns to one of his cronies.* Get those and search them both.

*Another guy comes forward and goes toward abbey.*

Abbey *whispering into Colt’s ear*: I have a gun on my ankle…

Colt *whispering too*: Can’t get to it easily, won’t help us.

Abbey: At least I didn’t lose mine.

Colt: And I’m not wearing jewelry that costs as much as that.

Abbey *snorts*: Are you wearing the cheap stuff instead?

Colt *loudly*: NO!

*Second robber, pulls abbey roughly out from behind Colt and pushes her against the wall.*

Colt: No needs for the hands on!

A third guy comes up and pushes Colt against the wall. Colt catches sight of the last guy at the end of the alley, keeping watch.

Guy: Well, what happened to you two? Got yourselves all muddy.

Colt: Spa treatment gone bad? *Colt keeps an eye on abbey. She looks back at him, a plan forming in her head.* Oh, this is so not good.

*The second guy removes her jewelry and steps back to fill the bag he had. Abbey kicks quickly and lands a blow in a very sensitive area. The guy drops to the ground in pain. The first guy lunges forwards and pins her firmly against the wall and puts his gun to her head. Colt shoots her a look that says ‘what the hell are you doing?’.*

Guy: Don’t make me kill you, lady.

Abbey *starting to wheeze*: Planning on it anyway though, aren’t you?

Guy *laughing*: Hell no! We’re thieves, not murderers. Though I do have a plan for the both of you.

*The third guy finishes relieving Colt of any valuables that he had on him, then moves on to abbey as the second guy slowly pulls himself up from the ground. He finds her gun and a wad of cash on her. Abbey draws in a ragged breath. He shows them to the lead thief who whistles.*

Guy: Now what have we got here?

Colt *to abbey*: You walk around with that much cash on you?

Abbey *snaps at Colt*: It’s habit! *She wheezes.*

Colt *looking at her with concern*: You OK?

*abbey shakes her head as the thief finds the inhaler in her pocket and pulls it out.

Guy *looking at inhaler*: What is that? And what is wrong with her?

*Abbey snatches inhaler from the man and takes a quick puff before he wrestles it back out of her hand. The wheezing quickly stops*.

Colt *a bit menacing*: She’s been sick. Just leave that alone. Let her keep it.

Guy *taking it from his fellow henchman and reads the label*: For acute asthma attacks. Hmm. My sister’s kid has that problem. She thanks you in advance for the gift. *Colt starts to step forward, but is put back into his place by the guy pointing the gun directly at abbey’s head.* You seem to care for this lady a bit, so you best stay still. *Colt freezes.*

Abbey *muttering*: Even thieves we don’t know give us grief. Is everyone insane?

Guy *as the third guy hands the bag of loot to him*: Handcuff them and get them into the hover. *Turns to abbey and Colt.* Can’t have you running straight to the sheriff. We’ll drive you a ways out and drop you off. It’ll take you a while to get back.

Colt *as thief handcuffs his hands behind him*: How far? *Abbey is getting handcuffed the same.*

Guy: May take you a day, maybe more. Don’t worry, there is water and the like on the way. You won’t be harmed none. Just a little tired.

Colt *almost pleading*: She needs that inhaler. Walking that far may…

BLACKSPYDER

Saturday, April 19, 2008 12:39 AM (P)

*** MESSAGE FOR INVICTUS ***

HEY... MAN WITH THE VERY FINE HAT,
YOU LOOK A LOT LIKE A MAN I'VE BEEN HUNTING.
A CAPTAIN OF A FIREFLY.
A 'TWIN' SOME MIGHT SAY.
YOU GOT ANYTHING TO SAY OR DO I NEED TO TAKE YOU TO THE 'WASH'?
I THINK THEY MAY BE LOOKING FOR YOU.

Q: So, you're a bounty hunter?
A: That's not it at all.
Q: What are you then?
A: I'm a bounty hunter

MOBBEX

Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:47 AM (P)

*The sun is peeping over the horizon as the Book's male contingent finally reaches the meadows were the ship has made a landing. The three men are suffering from weariness and a slew of minor cuts and bruises.*

Mobbex: Hah! There it is! Is it just me or the trip out seemed a few miles shorter?

*speeds up and gets to the airlock first*

*hits the com* Anyone home?

STRANGEBIRD

Saturday, April 19, 2008 5:31 AM (P)

*Follows the crew onto the meadows where the ship waits. He starts noticeably upon seeing the large series three Firefly class transport sitting peacefully on the soft grass.*

Stan: "That's... your ship?"

Spots: "What? Is something wrong with her?"

Stan: "No I just didn't expect a refurbished vintage Firefly... she quite something I'll give ya that."

Spots: "Yeah, she's something."

Stan: "Still... did y'all have to set'er down so far outside town? Though from the ruckus made in the bar I sorta suspect why."

*Stan arrives at the airlock just behind everyone else.*

ORAM

Saturday, April 19, 2008 6:39 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by Mobbex:

*hits the com* Anyone home?

*The ship opens up revealing Oram at the top of the ramp, she has a cup of tea in her hand, but is still on her PJs*

Mobbex: Morning Doc!

*stares at the bruises and cuts on his, and his friends, face*

What the hell happened to you? And who is this?

*Mobbex and the stranger push past Oram, the stranger taking her hand and politely shaking it before following Mobbex into the infirmary*

Mobbex: This fella is called Stan, you don’t mind patching us up both so early?

The question is, do I have a choice…..

Stan: I kind of don’t like bleeding all over the place…

*Oram motions with her hand for the two to follow her*

Follow me then…

*the three head to the infirmary*

By the way, have you seen the Captain or Abbey on your travels?

MOBBEX

Saturday, April 19, 2008 1:33 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by Oram:
By the way, have you seen the Captain or Abbey on your travels?

Uh-uh. *grins roguishly* Maybe they eloped!

*plunks himself down on the infirmary bed with a sonorous groan*

'Sure would be nice if we had some magic pills to make the headache go away... how come that hasn't been invented already?

ORAM

Saturday, April 19, 2008 1:42 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by Mobbex:
Uh-uh. *grins roguishly* Maybe they eloped!

*plunks himself down on the infirmary bed with a sonorous groan*

'Sure would be nice if we had some magic pills to make the headache go away... how come that hasn't been invented already?

*cleans the cuts and such on Mobbex, who winces and trys to pull away*

That's for the enloping comment. And as for the hangover tablets; they have, but you need to be richer than what all this crew combines and I've checked, we don't have them.

MOBBEX

Saturday, April 19, 2008 1:51 PM (P)

Rats! *hips* I always wanted to be rich, did I ever tell you that?

*Oram rolls her eyes*

I was rich once, 'had all the money a man could want... it's hard to be me...

ORAM

Saturday, April 19, 2008 1:56 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by Mobbex:

I was *burp* rich once, 'had all the money a man could want... it's hard to be me...

*Has hoisted her butt onto the table across from Mobbex and shows general interest*

What happened? You blow it all on space-hookers and such?

MOBBEX

Saturday, April 19, 2008 2:17 PM (P)

*gives a rueful grin* Oh I blew it all right...

I w'z a contract killer, a hit man. 'Killed people for a living. W'z fun, for the most part. I w'z good enough that people wouldn't call me up to knock off their cheating wife, or somesuch. 'Mostly did mob hits and the likes, 'even dipped in some state business once or twice. I had a pretty good thing goin', and then it just... crumbled *hips* Like a house o' cards... A big house with... minefields and... barbed wire...

COLT999

Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:59 PM (P)

*Thinking to myself* Hard to believe not more than a hour ago I thought she was attractive. 'Course she wasn't talking near as much. Maybe it was the liquor.

*Abbey paces back in forth in front of me. Dragging my left hand along with her, over my head.*

Abbey: Are you just going to sit there all night? We need to get going. I can't believe I'm stuck out here with you. Why arn't you saying anything? Talk to me.

Shut up?

Abbey: Shut..You can't talk to me that way. I'll say what I want when I...

SHUSH * I jerk the cuffs hard. Stopping her* I'm thinking.

Abbey: Thinking? Oh we really are screwed.

*I glare at her, she ignores me* Had to be the liquor.

Abbey: What?

Nothing *I get to my feet* We were in the hover about 15 minutes. Should put us no more than 20, 25 miles from the Book.

Abbey: 25 miles? How do you expect us to get back. Won't they come looking for us? How will they know where do look.

Abbey, your mouths running again.

*She starts to object....again, but I put a finger to her lips.* Listen Abbey, I know your worried, but you got to slow down. Remember you don't have your inhaler. Crew will come when they can. Till then we walk.

*I start to move out when my arm is jerked in the other direction* Where you going?

The Book's this way (In unison)

Like hell it is. It's this way.

Abbey: I think your wrong.

There's a surprise. *rolling my eyes* My boat my choice. Not looking to carry you the whole way but I will if I have to.

*She stomps her foot but gives in. We walk in silence for a while*

Abbey: I thought you were a master criminal or something?

Huh?

I heard on the boat, you and Sky used to be burgerlers or something.

Your point?

*She stops jerking my arm again* My point is, why are we still in handcuffs? Can't you pick the lock?

No I can't.

Abbey: You can't? Master criminal, right. More like petty thief.

Petty..Did it ever dawn on you that maybe I ain't never been cuffed. Petty, Sky and I knocked off 4 estates in one night before. Feds didn't know it was done till we were off planet.

Abbey: Then why did you quit?

Feds ain't the big worry in that line of work. Everyone else you cross is. Private security, fences, middle men, marks. All of them want you or something from you. When Sky and I split the last time. I used my savings, bought a boat. Started this life.

Abbey: You had a boat before the Book?

Yeah but not long. Took a job. Things went bad. Not looking to talk on the subject.

*She doesnt press me and we continue walking*

Abbey: Colt?

Yeah

Abbey: I need to...use the rest room.

*Short time later near a bush. My arm twisted behind my back*

Abbey: Dont you turn around.

I ain't turning around. Ow, what are you dancing back there?

Abbey: Lost my balance.

*She finishes her business and were off again. We go about five minutes*

Abbey?

Abbey: Yeah

My turn.

*Back to back again*

Abbey: What the hell are you doing?

I'm left handed.

Abbey: Tonight your not.

*While I'm finishing my business (right handed) I see the silhouette of a building*

*We arrive at a small run down shack. Half the roof missing.*

We'll stop her for the night.

Abbey: You want us to sleep...here?

Be easier to see in the morning. Plus we might find some help.

*After some adjusting we finally settle in for the night*

http://hometown.aol.com/colt9999/myhomepage/index.html

SHINYBRIT

Saturday, April 19, 2008 5:03 PM (P)

*Brit stumbles into the infirmary with a painful scowl on her face, holding her head*

Something is utterly wrong here. There is a knife scraping against my cranium.

*Stops holding her head for a minute as she looks the other way, but then grabs her head in pain again with a scream*

WHERE THE IS THE CAPTAIN!?

*She begins to hit her head against the wall*

-----------------------------------------------
"You know what the chain of command is? It's the chain I go get and beat you with until you understand who's in ruttin' command here." - Jayne Cobb (Firefly)

ABBEYGIRL

Saturday, April 19, 2008 5:55 PM (P)

*When abbey awoke the next morning, she could see the sun shining through the broken roof from where she lay. It had been cold the night before but now she was feeling… comfortable… and warm... She was surprised that her neck wasn’t hurting. She seemed to have found something to prop her head up like a pillow. The dazed feeling when you wake up from a really good night’s sleep was beginning to fade and the past night’s events were coming back to her. She distinctly remembered sitting up against the wall next to Colt trying to sleep… She felt something stir behind her then the feeling of someone’s breath on the back of her neck and their body pressed closely behind her. It wasn’t until his arm had pulled her into a tighter embrace that it dawned on her what was going on. It was about the same time that Colt woke with a jolt and realized the same thing. They both jumped away from each other.*

Colt and abbey *in unison*: Eeeew!

*Their motion was so quick that they almost jerked each other’s shoulders out of joint. They rebounded back towards each other and smacked their heads together.*

Colt and abbey *in unison*: Owww!

*They sat as apart from each other as possible. Rubbing their tender foreheads.*

abbey: What did you think you were doing?

Colt: I didn’t do anything! I fell asleep against the wall.

abbey: So did I!

They sat there a little longer, glaring vehemently at each other.

Colt *changing the subject*: We’d best get moving.

abbey: I’d say that was an understatement.

They stand up and chunks of dried mud fall from their clothes. Both of their attire are stiff from filth. They took a whiff of the clothes. It smelled of manure.

Colt and abbey *in unison*: Yuck!

Colt *nervously*: We… we need to get out of these… clothes.

Abbey *raises eyebrow*: And how do you suppose we do that? I am not, repeat not, getting naked with you.

Colt *protesting*: Like I would want to…

abbey *all to quickly*: And why not? You have a problem with me?

Colt smiled at her. She realized what she had said and quickly turned to look around the shack. She changed the subject quickly.

abbey: What’s in these trunks?

Colt: Let’s look.

*They kneeled next to the first trunk and opened it. They were surprised to find that the trunk was well made and kept the contents inside in good shape. It was filled with women’s clothing.*

Colt: Guess we found the trunk for you. *Starts looking around the room.* I wonder if one of the other two trunks has man clothes.

*abbey rifles through the layers of clothing until she reached the bottom. There was various forms of suggestive lingerie, low cut dresses and other tackily decorated attire. She slams the trunk shut nearly catching Colt’s fingers in the process.*

Colt: Hey!

abbey *blushing*: We… we need to look into the other trunk.

Colt: Nothing fit?

abbey: You could say that.

*They moved to the next one and found similar stuff. This time, Colt watched as she went through it. As she inched closer and closer to the bottom, his eyes became wider and wider. *

Colt *whispering*: What the…

*abbey looks around at the room now since they can now see the faded décor it contained. She started to laugh heartily.*

abbey: This used to be a… a whore house!

Colt *eyes getting ever wider than before*: You mean these clothes all are…

abbey *still laughing*: Their… work clothes!

*She calms down a little as she leads him to the last trunk. It was a little more modest, but not much. abbey pulls a dress out. It was blue and has spaghetti straps that attached to the garment by a hook in the back. It was a little low cut, but not overly so and the length was short, but not too short. One thing that drew abbey to it was that it was soft, obviously made with some decent quality fabric. *

abbey: I can wear this. It isn’t that bad. And I will be able to fasten it even with the handcuffs.

Colt: What am I going to wear?

abbey starts laug

ORAM

Saturday, April 19, 2008 11:31 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by shinybrit:
*Brit stumbles into the infirmary with a painful scowl on her face, holding her head*

Something is utterly wrong here. There is a knife scraping against my cranium.

*Stops holding her head for a minute as she looks the other way, but then grabs her head in pain again with a scream*

WHERE THE IS THE CAPTAIN!?

*She begins to hit her head against the wall*

Oh, hey, no Brit that'll the hangover worse sweetie...

*pulls Brit from injuring herself more, and guides her to the bench, Oram reaches into the cupboard and pulls out some pain medication, then gives Brit the tablets and a cup of water*

We’re not sure where the Captain or Abbey are at the moment… we think they may have gone off together…..

*Mobbex snickers*

Quiet you.

*While she's treating people, she grabs some equipment to treat Stan’s broken nose. His glasses are broken as well as having a wonky nose line.*

Good news…. It’s treatable and you’ll live.

*Stan raises his eyebrows*

Stan: And the bad?

It’s gonna look wonky unless I set it back into its place….

*Stan just groans in reply….*

It’ll hurt, but I’ll give you something to numb the pain.

*20 minutes latter, Stan has had his nose fixed, and cleaned up, his eyes are still watering from the pain though.*

Mobbex: Jeez… and here was I expecting you to take it like a man.

Hey, Mr-Blew-My-Money-On-Crap, it hurts like hell. Keep it down, or I’ll do the favour for your own nose.

Mobbex: But mine ain’t broken…

That can be changed.

COLT999

Sunday, April 20, 2008 12:15 AM (P)

Abbey: You’ve been at it for 20 minutes. When are you going to give up?

I’m not?

Abbey: You said yourself you can’t pick locks.

That was before *working the rusty nail into the lock for the hundredth time*

Abbey: What’s different now?

Now I got to wear women’s clothes.

Abbey: Even if you get the cuffs off you can’t wear those smelly disgusting clothes.

*I sniff my shirt and fight the urge to heave* Don’t smell *cough* that bad.

Abbey: It’s much worse than your usual odor.

*I yank her cuffed hand towards me and go back to work on the lock*

*Tossing the nail down* Your right, aint gonna work.

*Glad that left my coat on the Book, I pick the nail back up and use it to rip my sleeve. Tearing my shirt, I pull if off. Then take Abbey’s sleeve and do the same.*

Guess we should get to it then *Leading her out the water pump* You sure we can’t wash em off enough to kill the stench?

Abbey: This isn’t the first time you’ve worn women’s clothes.

True, but I was getting paid before.

*Abbey hands me my new clothes and extra garment from the trunk* Here, to wash with. Can you rip the rest of my sleeve off?

*I grip her sleeve in my mouth and rip it with my free hand*

Abbey: That’s good. *holding the rest of her blouse she holds up the blindfold.* Turn around.

I’m fully capable of tying my own.

I’m sure you are but your not going to.

Well who’s going to tie yours?

Believe me Captain, you have nothing I want to see.

And you think you do? *she ties the blindfold around my head* Ow. Not so tight.

Abbey: quit being a baby

*She leads me to the pump and I feel my hand in her hair as she secures her blindfold. We carefully remove the rest of our clothes and begin to wash*

*Up on the hill.*

Jasper, take a look at this. *The other man rides up *

I didn’t know Bonn’s was open again.

Me neither, but looky there. Hey…that aint Bonn.

Must be a new gal. Are they handcuffed?

*Back at the pump*

I heard something * My hand is jerked back down.*

Abbey: Don’t you dare take off that blindfold.

I heard something. *We stand quietly but don’t hear a thing*

Abbey: Right you heard something.

I thought I did. I’m clean enough * I start to pull on my skirt*

Abbey: Well I’m not so you keep that blindfold on.

*Back on the hill*

That fella putting on a dress?

He...he is Horace.

Nice to know anything goes with this one. Bonn was kinda strict.

Let’s head to the bunk house and get cleaned up. Were gonna have some fun with this one.

I call first dibs

*Back at the pump were both dressed and remove our blindfolds.*

Abbey: Oh my…*trying not to laugh* You look…I mean you don’t look.

Laugh it up.

*We hike for a few hours without seeing anything remotely resembling civilization. Then come across a burned out cabin. Nothing stands but part of the chimney and an old well*

We might be able to get some water out of there. *pointing the well*

*We approach the old well. One side has collapsed. An old mesquite tree is growing next to it.*

*Abbey moves to the edge* Looks like there water.

*A snake drops from the tree and wraps around Abbeys neck. She loses her balance and falls in. I flatten out and grab the side of the well still standing, to keep from following her in*

Abbey!

*She manages to get the snake off of her with her free hand*

Colt…Colt there are more down here. Get me up.

*I pull hard and yank her back up*

Are you bit? * I lay her down and start looking for a bite mark* Do you feel any pain?

I….I don’t’ think it *wheeze* I don’t think * wheeze* it bit me.

*I pick her up and carry her to the chimney.*

You’re ok Abbey, just calm down. *genuinely concerned* Abbey you got to breath now. Calm down.

http://hometown.aol.com/colt9999/myhomepage/index.html

MOBBEX

Sunday, April 20, 2008 12:19 AM (P)

Why so tetchy doc? 'Haven't had your mornin' bender yet? *snickers at his wit*

ORAM

Sunday, April 20, 2008 12:35 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by Mobbex:
Why so tetchy doc? 'Haven't had your mornin' bender yet? *snickers at his wit*

*Oram doesn’t say anything, just throws the scissors that cut the last of Stan's bandages up onto the metal table, Stan winces at the horrid noise but watches quietly*

Next time you get shot up, or injured in anyway. Whether you’re bleeding all over this infirmary on your deathbed or need a bandaid. You can go and heal yourself, you ching-wah tsao duh liou mahng.

*Oram walks out of the infirmary towards the galley, leaving Mobbex, Stan and Brit in the room*

MOBBEX

Sunday, April 20, 2008 12:53 AM (P)

Oh yeah? Then don't count on me savin' your ass next time you get in a jam! *cranks his voice up to a shout as Oram exits the room* You can rot in hell for all I care!

*gives Stan a pointed look* Y' know, 'might not look like it now, but booze her up little and she gets real chummy.

*hops off the couch*

I'll be in my bunk.

ORAM

Sunday, April 20, 2008 1:30 AM (P)

*Makes the breakfast for the crew, but isn’t calm about it. Pots and utensils clanging as she moves about in a pissed off manner*
Stupid liou coe shway duh biao-tze huh hoe-tze fuh ur-tze of a Merc…
*continues cutting up ingredients and slips and cuts her palm with the knife*
Wa Cao damn it to hell.

MOBBEX

Sunday, April 20, 2008 2:00 AM (P)

*crosses the threshold of the dining area, rubbing his hands against his sore scruff*

*winces*That bar stool did some damage...

*walks up to the fridge, notices Oram's cooking mishap*

*Smirks, but keeps his mouth shut.*

*opens one off the cupboards and takes a can of protein mush*

*peels it open with his pocket knife*

*leans against the counter and starts eating it raw*

*speaks through a mouthful of half-masticated protein mush* Y' said some mighty unkind things back there.

STRANGEBIRD

Sunday, April 20, 2008 2:05 AM (P)

*Nodding politely to Brit, Stan walks out of the infirmary and into the spartan common room, where he tosses his duffel and case in a corner. Glancing over at the passenger dorms he climbs the stairs and heads out through the door below the GWA and down the gangway into the largely empty cargo hold. Not seeing anyone he ascends the larger gangway up to the mid-deck catwalk. He lingers a bit, taking in the holds dimensions before heading towards the stairs to the main deck. Walking into the forward hallway he decides against heading towards the bridge. Figuring since he is just a guest that would be an unwise idea. Instead he enters the galley just in time to catch Mobbex' comment to Oram.*

ORAM

Sunday, April 20, 2008 2:32 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by Mobbex:
*speaks through a mouthful of half-masticated protein mush* Y' said some mighty unkind things back there.

*through gritted teeth* Yeah, well, Karma is catching up on me… and it’s not anything that you wouldn’t have said if you weren’t me.

*looks up at Mobbex, her face looking pale, but she ignores the sudden light-headedness and nausea*

And... as I remember, you said unkind things in turn.

*sways lightly on her feet, then sits heavily in the chair*

MOBBEX

Sunday, April 20, 2008 2:46 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by Oram:
And... as I remember, you said unkind things in turn.

*shrugs* Well that's just the way I am, doc. You bite me, I bite you right back, right where it hurts... *notices her unsteady gait* 'You okay there? Y' look like you gashed your hand pretty good.

Y're not gonna flake out on me, are ya?

ORAM

Sunday, April 20, 2008 2:51 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by Mobbex:
*notices her unsteady gait* 'You okay there? Y' look like you gashed your hand pretty good.

Y're not gonna flake out on me, are ya?

*pulls herself to her feet, and starts to walk to the infirmary*

Hate to disapoint ya, but I think flake-ing is in order.

*falls to the ground unconscious*

MOBBEX

Sunday, April 20, 2008 3:07 AM (P)

*witnesses Oram's collapse*

*gapes at the scene for a time*

Oh, crap...

*races up to her and lifts her over his shoulder*

*grumbles* Y're lucky I know how to make stitches...

*carries her back to the infirmary and swiftly puts her down on the bed*

*grabs a pair of scissors and a roll of wire, then proceeds to sew up the cut on Oram's palm*

STRANGEBIRD

Sunday, April 20, 2008 3:17 AM (P)

*Stan stands back and watches as Mobbex does an adequate job fixing up the doctors hand. He also makes a mental note not to get injured when no one else but Mobbex is around.*

Stan: "Does she do that often?"

Mobbex: "What faint?... sometimes."

*He walks over and takes Oram's pulse.*

Stan: ".... her heart-rate seems ok, I'm no medic though."

<----------<<<<--+--+--+--+--+-(*)-+--+--+--+--+-->>>>---------->
Colt999: "Quick! What's the name of a firefly porn site?"

MOBBEX

Sunday, April 20, 2008 3:25 AM (P)

*scowls at Stan* Then how 'bout you take a step back and shut your trap? I'm tryin' to work, here.

*resumes his labor*

ORAM

Sunday, April 20, 2008 3:42 AM (P)

*slowly openes her eyes, closing them to the bright light of the infirmary, her hand hurts like no tomorrow and feels like the skin has been pulled together*

Is it Easter?

*sees both Stan and Mobbex watching her from the opposite ends of the room, she looks down at her hand and see's that the deep gash has been stitched up*

Who did this?

*both Mobbex and Stan reply in unison*

Mobbex: Stan

Stan: Mobbex

*confused* Huh? *blinks* What happened, I just remember saying something to Mobbex then nothing.

ABBEYGIRL

Sunday, April 20, 2008 5:39 AM (P)

*Colt sits abbey down by the chimney and kneels in front of her. She is wheezing badly.*

Colt *brushing a strand of hair out of her face*: You have to calm down. You need to breathe.

abbey *frightened*: I’m… trying

Colt *looking straight into her eyes*: Don’t talk… Concentrate on breathing. In… and out. In… and out.

*abbey nods as she tries to do as he says.*

Colt *softly, trying to reassure her*: In… and out. In… and out. Try to relax.

*abbey reaches her free hand up and lays it on his shoulder. Her wheezing continues. Colt tenderly brushes his hand along her jawline.*

Colt: You’re gonna be OK. I promise. Just breathe. In… and out.

Slowly, abbey nods again, but her breathing is more labored than before. Colt glances around the area, looking for something to help her, but knows that there isn’t. She only has him and he feels so helpless. Suddenly her grip on his arm tightens. He looks back at her and could tell by the look in her eyes that she is panicking. Her eyes are darting every which way and she is trying to breathe faster, but nothing is coming in.

Colt *firmly*: abbey, look at me… *she isn’t hearing him* ABBEY, LOOK AT ME!

*Her eyes lock onto his. They are pleading at him to save her. Colt’s heart nearly breaks.*

Colt: Try to relax… Breathe with me… In… and out.

*Colt notices a slightly blue tinge to her lips. He doesn’t know what to do.*

Colt *desperate*: You need to... You… You can do it.

*A tear slides down her face and he does the only thing he could think of. He pulls her into an embrace, his free arm wrapping softly around her. He could feel her heart race and her struggle to breathe.*

Colt *just above a whisper*: Feel me. Feel my heart beating. Feel how I am breathing. Match me. You can do it.

*He takes in deliberate breaths, trying to lead her the right way.

The next few minutes drag on for what seems like a lifetime, but his efforts are working. She starts to breathe easier and the blue tinge disappears. He just holds her until she returns to normal. He kisses the top of her head.*

Colt *with relief*: That’s my girl.

*He pulls away from her and looks down into her face.*

Colt: You OK?

abbey *nodding*: I… I think so. *She sounded so tired.*

Colt: You tired?

*abbey nods. Colt moves to where he can rest his back on the chimney then he pulls abbey into his lap and just holds her. She doesn’t protest.*

Colt: Now you just rest. Catch some sleep. Ship’s not going anywhere. We can take our time getting back.

*It doesn’t long before abbey is asleep. Colt rests his chin on the top of her head. His eyes look heavenward.*

Colt *barely audible*: Thank you.

ORAM

Sunday, April 20, 2008 7:35 AM (P)

Just a question… does anybody know when Colt or Abbey are coming back?
*both guys look at her blankly*

*is slightly worried* Maybe we should start searching for them… Um, Mobbex, see who you can get in the galley, I think they might have run into foul play.

Mobbex: Nothing that the captain or Abbey can’t look after.

I don’t wanna take chances with Abbey at the moment… she could have an asthma attack and Colt would be up lake without a paddle.

MOBBEX

Sunday, April 20, 2008 11:45 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by Oram:
Huh? *blinks* What happened, I just remember saying something to Mobbex then nothing.

You went down hard. 'Dunno why. Luck had it that... *coughs* Stan, was in attendance. He, huh... sprung into action like greased lightning. Y' should'a seen him, 'was beautiful.

Quote:
Originally posted by Oram:
I don’t wanna take chances with Abbey at the moment… she could have an asthma attack and Colt would be up lake without a paddle.

*shrugs* As long as she has that puff can thing you gave her, she's in the pink, right? *Oram nods reluctantly* Then I say we keep our collective snoot outta their business. These guys need to get the raunchy stuff outta the way. Them tiptoeing about each other all the time... *shakes head* 'was gettin' miserable to see.

ORAM

Sunday, April 20, 2008 12:15 PM (P)

*watches Mobbex, who doesn't meet her eyes, Oram just raises an eyebrow*
Stan sprung into action, huh? Ok, I'll take your word for it. I thankyou Stan

Stan: *looks between Mobbex and Oram* You're welcome?

*Oram turns back to Mobbex* I want those two to get it out of their system also... but I still think we need to find Abbey and Colt...

MOBBEX

Sunday, April 20, 2008 1:02 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by Oram:
Stan sprung into action, huh? Ok, I'll take your word for it. I thankyou Stan.

Stan: You're welcome?

*shoots Stan a vitriolic glance*

Quote:
Originally posted by Oram:
I want those two to get it out of their system also... but I still think we need to find Abbey and Colt...

*speaks in a harsh tone* Well suit y'rself! You're all stitched back up and good to go. Me, I'm gonna catch some shut-eye.

*stomps off to his bunk*

ORAM

Sunday, April 20, 2008 1:16 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by Mobbex:
*speaks in a harsh tone* Well suit y'rself! You're all stitched back up and good to go. Me, I'm gonna catch some shut-eye.

*stomps off to his bunk*

*gets off the chair, sways as vertigo hits, but Stan steadies her*

Mobbex, wait! If you help us find them in any way, I’ll pay you for it... Booze, food… you name it.

MOBBEX

Sunday, April 20, 2008 1:31 PM (P)

*breaks stride and about-faces, grinning from ear to ear* Pay me? Y' wanna talk payment? All righty then! I want all the booze you can spare. It's for you own good really...*adds precipitately* Oh, and an apology. That "Mr-Blew-My-Money-On-Crap" quip hit a sore spot.

ORAM

Sunday, April 20, 2008 1:45 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by Mobbex:
*breaks stride and about-faces, grinning from ear to ear* Pay me? Y' wanna talk payment? All righty then! I want all the booze you can spare. It's for you own good really...*adds precipitately* Oh, and an apology. That "Mr-Blew-My-Money-On-Crap" quip hit a sore spot.

*A look comes over Oram’s face and she attempt to draw herself to her full height, but only manages to come up to Mobbex's chest, he simply looks down at the short doctor and grins*

I’ll make a deal, I'll take you to the next pub on the planet that we land on and let you have as much booze and food as you want… and get you a supply of the hangover pills….

*Mobbex gives her a surprised look, she settles then bites her lip and it just kills her to say the next part*

And … I'm sorry for the comment I made… it wasn’t called for

Mobbex: What about the hooker?

What do I look like? Some doctor from the Core?

Mobbex: *innocent look* Well, you could always…

Stop before you even think about finishing that sentence…

MOBBEX

Sunday, April 20, 2008 2:03 PM (P)

All right, all right, no hooker. Let's call it a friend's discount. *crosses his large arms over his equally massive chest* So, where do you reckon we should start lookin'?

ORAM

Sunday, April 20, 2008 2:06 PM (P)

A good place would be the pub where they last went to... then we should go from there.

MOBBEX

Sunday, April 20, 2008 2:10 PM (P)

*nods* Sounds good to me. Just le' me get dressed. I'll be along.

ORAM

Sunday, April 20, 2008 2:20 PM (P)

*an hour and a half later they’re are in the town. Mobbex, Oram and Stan walk out of the pub*

Ok…. No one has see them at all… the bartender was pissed off, but looking at what you did to his place I can understand.

Mobbex: You girls weren’t exactly angels yourselves…. You DANCED on a table …. Then the two nutso’s get into a fight and next are all chummy… *he trails off as he spots something in a ditch. He runs after it*

You found something?

Mobbex: Yeah… signs of a struggle… and this…

*holds up a very familiar gun, their eyes meet*

You don’t think they were killed then dumped…

Mobbex: Well, I ain’t seen any blood or their bodies... coulda been taken by surprised by thieves or such...

Well, what do we do now?

WASHRULESBABY

Sunday, April 20, 2008 5:11 PM (P)

________out of thread_____________

I have some bad news My dog ChewBacca Died of parvo yesterday. @ 4pm. and on top of that my comp took A crap.

the comp will be fixed by the 1st but I am going to have yo clean my house and dipose of almost everything My dog has touched.

Capt, yo uhave permissiion to use my charachter till I come back. KEEP ME UPDATED.

thank you

I am a leaf on the wind

WASHRULESBABY

Sunday, April 20, 2008 5:11 PM (P)

COLT999

Sunday, April 20, 2008 5:36 PM (P)

Sorry to hear that Wash. Hope things get better for you. We'll hold down the fort. You just hurry back to us when you can.

Colt

http://hometown.aol.com/colt9999/myhomepage/index.html

MOBBEX

Sunday, April 20, 2008 6:18 PM (P)

*tucks Colt's revolver under his belt* I ain't got a clue. We could scrounge the neighborhood for leads, but there's no guarantee that they'd help us. And siftin' through the meadowlands would take days, if not weeks.

Oram: We could always use the ship.

Stan: That wouldn't work either. Fireflys aren't designed for atmospheric flight, she'd run out of fuel after only a dozen minutes.

Mobbex: Yeah, and I ain't rarin' on flyin' this old crate in atmo with the hydraulics actin' up.

Stan: *frowns* With the hydrau...

Oram: So... what do we do?

Mobbex: I'm gonna take the mule for a spin, maybe I'll get lucky...

Stan: *his eyes suddenly widen out* Take the... are you, hum... *clears throat, regains his composure* That's not a very good idea.

Oram: Is there something I don't...

Mobbex: *gives Stan a black look* You got a better one, maybe?

COLT999

Sunday, April 20, 2008 7:57 PM (P)

*I’m holding Abbey next to while she sleeps, and thanking God she didn’t just die. I look down at her. She looks so peaceful, so beautiful. I try to capture the image in my mind. Hold on to it, because I know at some point we’ll be fighting again. But that’s ok too. Coming so close to losing her, make me want her around fighting or not*

*I hear a sound near the well. It’s a horse.*

Abbey wake up. Abbey *She starts to stir* Come on now wake up. I think I found our way home.

*We approach slowly, Abbey leaning on me for support. It seems tame enough. We get close enough to lay hands on it. It turns its head and lets us pet him*

Abbey: You think we can ride it?

One way to find out.

I put a hand on his nose and one under his head and lead him back towards the well. I make a quick check for snakes and assure Abbey the horse wouldn’t go near if there were any around. With the horse next to the well, we’re ready to mount up*

Ok real quick like. Just put you foot on the well and swing across. *nervously she does as I ask.*

Now duck down so I can get my arm over you.

*I stand on the edge and hike up my skirt. Then I swing on, trying to grab the mane with my right hand and maneuver my left around Abbey’s body. We almost go into the well.*

You ok?

Abbey *Eyes shut tight* Yeah why?

Don’t worry we’re going home.

*We head out across an open field. The horse responds well to my heels and stays on course. Soon Abbey is back asleep. She nuzzles her head into my chest and lets out a soft moan.*

*Abbey wakes up and notices the rather close proximity between us. She jerks her head up and smashes into my chin. I dig my heels into the horse to try and stay on his back. He shoots forward and both of us crash to the ground*

Wat you do at for.

Abbey: What?
You it me in a hin. it my anm tung *spiting blood and trying to talk straight* Bit my tongue. You hit me in the chin

Abbey: It’s not my fault. You were …you were practily groping me.

Ropeing. *Spits again* Groping I was just holding on to you. We’re handcuffed. *Pulling both our hands in the air and shaking them*

*We get up off the ground*

Abbey: Great there goes our horse. I thought you said you could ride?

I don’t have a bridle. We were fairing just fine until you went and got all uppity about me touching you and smacked me in the chin.

*We recapture the horse and ride the rest of the way, bickering back and forth*

*Finally we arrive at the Book. I dismount and pull Abbey roughly off the horse. She keep stride with my step.*

SPOTS! Get a torch.

Abbey: Yes and please hurry.

See Brit lying on the catwalk holding her head* what’s with you?

Brit: Drinking equals pain not joy. Why do it?

Tried to warn you ‘bout that the other day. Seem to remember you sticking you tongue out me. *She does it again*

SPOTS hurry up.

*We sit on a large crate and our hands touch. We both jerk away and sneer*

Spots: Captain I *Notices my dress* I…

Get on with

Spots: I was checking the hydraulic line we replaced. It’s not the correct type for a Firefly. We need …

*Stan walks up*

Stan: Excuse me Captain. Do you remember me from last night? *I hold up a finger and nod to Spots*
Spots: The hoses might break again. If it happens on re-entry things could get bad.

Define Bad,

Spots: The fluid will ignite severing our wings.

How much? And get these off! *Shaking the cuffs*

Spots: I can probably pick them if you give me a few minutes

Abby and I in unison: Cut em.

*Turning back to Stan while Spots mumbles *

Yeah from the bar. Sam right?

Stan: No Stan. I was wondering sir if I might… * I pause him again*

Wash wave LT find out when he wants to discuss the plan.

Spots: It’s only the 12 hoses 30 credits a piece.

Stan: I’d like to book passage on your boat.

Wash: Bad news Captain. I talked to Dash on the Indy. She says LT hasn’t made it back yet.

*Looking at Abbey* You got a sister here? Maybe he’s tied naked to the back of a donkey right now. * She rolls her eyes*

You were say

ABBEYGIRL

Sunday, April 20, 2008 8:51 PM (P)

*The two strangers are forced backwards down the catwalks into the bay. Abbey has a very large gun (intimidating one like Vera, just smaller) pointed at them. She gets them back down onto the ramp and motions wildly with the barrel of the gun.*

abbey: Like I said… I do not conduct business in that way…

*She looks over at Colt, who is grinning from ear to ear. She glares at him. Suddenly, she lowers the gun, steps altogether too close to the strangers and starts to whisper to them. Colt warily watches them as a sinking feeling settles in his stomach.*

Colt moves to the right hoping he can get a better view at what is going on. The two strangers are listening to her intently, nodding as she spoke. Then they grin widely and nod enthusiastically.

Stranger *eagerly*: Absolutely, miss. Sounds like a plan. We are much obliged to participate in your services.

*Colts jaw drops to the ground.*

Colt *to himself*: She wouldn’t…

*He feels his blood start to boil. He’s not sure if it is because she is about to do something that he definitely doesn’t want her to do or if he wants to kill the men who are intent on doing it.*

abbey *loudly*: “I’ll see you tonight!”

They look back at Colt, give an excited wave good bye and leave the ship with a definite bounce in their step. abbey turns with a smile on her face and starts to walk by Colt on the way back to her shuttle. He grabs her arm.

Colt *growling*: You didn’t… You wouldn’t… You can’t…

abbey: They are very lonely, Captain. I had to help them out. They will be back later… with some friends.

Colt’s heart leaped into his throat. He couldn’t believe she was going through with it. And friends?

Colt *stammering*: I only meant… It was a joke… How could you…

abbey: They will be back tonight. They seemed very excited about my plans.

Colt *his eyes pleading with her not to go through with it*: You can’t…

*Abbey leans in and whispers into his ear.*

abbey *smiling all evil-like*: I told them that you had a black sequined nightie. They are looking forward to quite a show.

*With that she left him, making her way up the catwalk.*

*Colt stood there for a minute, his mouth opening then closing several times, trying to think of a response. Finally he moved over to the comm.*

Colt: WASH! I WANT TO BE UP IN THE AIR NOW!

SEVENSKIES

Sunday, April 20, 2008 10:58 PM (P)

(I'm officially back in Cali now. Yes. Good to be home.)

*Chuckles as the Captain's cheeks redden and follows him up to the bridge*
Rough night, I take it.

Colt: Ya think?

Just good to have you back is all.

Colt: *stares at Sky for a moment and notices her chuckling* What?

Just got a pretty Captain is all.

Colt: *looks down at his dress and gives Sky "the look" before he heads down and changes, then soon comes back up*

So what happened? You and Abbey finally decide to--

Colt: Don't even think about saying it. We got kidnapped is all.

Ah, so that's what they call it these days, huh?

Colt: *sarcasm is clearly in his tone of voice* Amazing aint it? Now I got to thinking that this crew needs to lay off on the drinking. If it weren't for ya'll getting drunk Abbey wouldn't have been out there and in danger.

Aw, how cute.

Colt: What are you implying?

It's nothing.

Colt: Next time we decide to take a vacation, I need you to stay sober.

But-- *sighs* Fine, sir. But you can't say you didn't at least get a little drunk.

Colt: Well... I...

Aha!

Colt: Not the point! What would have happened to Abbey if I wasn't there, huh? She coulda gotten killed.

Probably woulda been better off actually.

Colt: Huh?

For instance... Bellerophon...

Colt: Don't start blaming that on me!

I ain't blamin' I'm just statin' facts. I could have gotten in there and out safely if you wouldn't have triggered that gorram alarm.
*smiles and begins to walk out*
Why dont you come on down on the galley. Must be hungry from all that "kidnappin" you were doin'.

Colt: From all that-- Ha. That's a good one!

*Sky laughs as she exits the bridge*

ORAM

Sunday, April 20, 2008 11:05 PM (P)

*Oram comes across Abbey on the catwalk, she’s changed into some more comfortable, but naturally expansive, clothes*

Don’t worry, I ain’t gonna rib you about the Captain, but you are going to the infirmary to get on an nebulizer… I can hear you from here. And you're wrist is all cut up also, which will need some antiseptic cream and a bandage.

Abbey: I just need an inhaler

Who is the doctor on board? You want it to scar up and look all mummified?

*Abbey rolls here eyes but follows Oram to the infirmary reluctantly*

STRANGEBIRD

Sunday, April 20, 2008 11:24 PM (P)

*After talking with the captain Stan walks out of the hold and down the gangway into the common room. He grabs his duffel and case and sits on the ratty article of furniture that passes for a couch and opens the duffel. A short period of mumbling and searching later he pulls out a small secured wallet and punches in his security code.*

Stan:*quietly to himself* "Damn... well I'm sure I'll have enough for passage for awhile and maybe a bit left over. Didn't expect to spend this much so soon."

*Putting the wallet back into his duffel he finds a thick syntheather covered hard-case and opens it.*

Stan: "Alright, well at least these are safe."

*He smiles as he removes his spare glasses from their case and puts them on. They are of much finer quality than his other pair, having a wireless video link chip and biophotochromic cells for glare and UV protection when needed.*

*The doc and a woman who's name he cannot recall walk past towards the infirmary.*

Stan: "Hello."

Abbey: "Hi."

Oram: "Hey Stan, how's your nose?"

Stan: "Quite a bit better thanks to you."

*They enter the infirmary.*

*Mobbex rushes past quickly and into the infirmary.*

*Standing up and grabbing his things he takes them into the port passenger dorm hallway and sets them inside the closest empty room. After closing the door he heads up the stairs towards the aft-hallway on his way to the galley.*

Colt999: "Quick! What's the name of a firefly porn site?"

MOBBEX

Sunday, April 20, 2008 11:40 PM (P)

*Mobbex is on his way to his bunk when...* Ah... ha... aaaATCHOOo! *a hail of nasal gunk comes rocketing out of his nostrils and splatters the flooring*

Ugh... *notes that his throat feels a mite ticklish, all of a sudden*

What the... ahh ah *pinches the bridge of his nose, hence cutting the sneeze short* What's happenin' about me!?

*spins around and rushes toward the lower deck*

*Comes dashing into the infirmary with a look of distraught on his face* Doc, somethin' ain't right 'bout me. I'm sneezing and itchy all over and... *pulls up his shirt* Look! My belly's all reddish!

SPOTS74

Sunday, April 20, 2008 11:47 PM (P)

(Sky walking down to the galley, Spots is pouring over technical blueprints)
Sky: Hey spots whats the news.

the starboard nacelle's hydraulic lines keep braking and i cant pin down the reason. maybe it is the main pressure drive or just the local unit if i reroute this i could **trails off in technical speech**

Sky: ooooK **eyebrow raised with a confused look on her face***

well if i dont get it goin we go WEEHHHHHHHOO POOF **mimicking a ship flying then crashing**

Sky: ah you do that then

well i think that when a made her run hot from Hera to Persephone it weakened the lines but i cant be sure

Sky: well i dont want to go splat so just fix it
(walking away)

will do

ORAM

Sunday, April 20, 2008 11:57 PM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by Mobbex:
*Mobbex is on his way to his bunk when...* Ah... ha... aaaATCHOOo! *a hail of nasal gunk comes rocketing out of his nostrils and splatters the flooring*

Ugh... *notes that his throat feels a mite ticklish, all of a sudden*

What the... ahh ah *pinches the bridge of his nose, hence cutting the sneeze short* What's happenin' about me!?

*spins around and rushes toward the lower deck*

*Comes dashing into the infirmary with a look of distraught on his face* Doc, somethin' ain't right 'bout me. I'm sneezing and itchy all over and... *pulls up his shirt* Look! My belly's all reddish!

*Oram has set Abbey on the nebulizer when Mobbex comes in all sorts of panic, she turns around and is face to face with his reddish and obviously infected stomach*

*taken by surprise, she jumps back* AHH!!

Mobbex: *terrified* Is it serious!!

No, you’ve got hives and an allergy, I’ve got some crème and tablets in the cupboard to get rid of them… Jesus, did you HAVE to come THAT close to me?

Mobbex: Well, you have glasses…. Thought you might needed to see closer…

I'm not blind!

MOBBEX

Monday, April 21, 2008 12:50 AM (P)

Mobbex: *takes a step back* All right, all right! So, it's... huh... *gulps* benign?

Oram: *nods a yes* Yeah, it's probably just an atopic reaction to certain chemical compounds... *remembers who she's talking to* Huh... your body is... *sighs* You'll be fine, and for Christ's sake: put your shirt back down! I'm gonna put you on anti-leukotrienes and give you some calamine lotion for the rash...

*as she extends her hand to open one of the drawers, Abbey notices the gash on her palm*

Abbey: Oh my... that's a serious cut Oram! Did you sew it shut yourself?

Mobbex: Uh-uh, she blacked out.

Abbey: *gives Oram an inquiring look* You did? Who fixed you up then?

Oram: Oh, Stan did it. It's fine handiwork too, 'guy knew what he was doing.

*Mobbex scratches the back of his head, throwing glances left and write in a lame attempt at making himself look apathetic*

*Oram notices* What, you got a rash up there too?

Mobbex: Huh? No, I's just... forget it. So, erm, fine handiwork, huh?

Oram: Yup *hands Mobbex some pills and a bottle of skin lotion* It's good to know that there's someone else on this boat that can take care of things if something were to happen to me.

Mobbex: Take care of... wh...

Oram: Yep! How much do you weigh?

Mobbex: Huh? Ehr... 252.

Oram: *glances at the ceiling as she's gauging the posology* Two pills, once a day. Take'em before meal if possible.

Mobbex: But... I... Bah! *stomps off, his face twisted into a fierce scowl*

*gives Stan the cold shoulder as he walks by him*

Abbey: What's with him?

Oram: *chuckles* What isn't?

ORAM

Monday, April 21, 2008 1:24 AM (P)

*checks Abbey's vitals before signing the medical journal*

It'll take an hour, but I've got to clean the mess in the kitchen... been preoccupied with finding you and slicing my hand.

*Abbey only nods, enjoying the feeling of being able to breath easier. Oram heads for the galley, and begins cleaning up the unfinished meal, and cleaning up the droplets of blood and such she’s left on the floor and knife. She swallows back bile… has always hated blood when it’s from herself… but can handle it coming from other people.*
*Finally the area is clean and she begins a light meal for herself, along with a cup of strong tea to settle her protesting stomach. Thinking she can finally relax, she looks up and rolls her eyes*

Shouldn’t you be in your bunk scratching yourself stupid?

MOBBEX

Monday, April 21, 2008 2:03 AM (P)

Nah, I gotta grab somethin' to eat first, I'm starvin'. *rummages through the sideboards for something that fits his taste*

Oram: *sips her mug of tea* Don't forget the pills.

Mobbex: Right. *stuffs a hand into his jacket pocket, takes out a pair of scarlet red gelcaps and dry swallows them*

*winces slightly * Gah... that's stuff taste like Feh feh pi goh... *nods at Oram's plate* Any more where that came from?

Oram: *she shakes her head* Not this time.

Mobbex: Darn... *pokes around the kitchen for anything remotely edible* Hah! *takes out a dusty glass jar containing what seems to be olives suspended in vinegar*

*eyes the jar suspiciously* What the hell is that, in there? Are they like, eyes, or... *trails off*

*Oram just ignores him*

Mobbex: *shrugs, then unscrews the cap* Might's well have a sample... *struggles to pickup the olives with his clumsy, callused fingers* Gorram't... *finally manages to get hold of one, which he pops into his mouth without delay... only to spit it back out just as hurriedly* Pouah! This stuff's horrendous! *plunks the jar on the countertop, then walks off*

I'll be in my bunk!

ORAM

Monday, April 21, 2008 2:11 AM (P)

Quote:
Originally posted by Mobbex:
I'll be in my bunk!

*aims, then throws her right slipper at Mobbex's back, deliberately missing him by inches*
Enjoy your bunk.

MOBBEX

Monday, April 21, 2008 2:22 AM (P)

*catches sight of a slipper swishing by him*

*turns about*

Quote:
Originally posted by OramL
Enjoy your bunk!

*points an index at his boots* See those? They're military grade combat boots made outta reinforced leather, and I hooked'em up with steel caps and titanium cleats.

*takes a step forward and rises to his full height*

You do NOT want to go down that road with me.

*kicks the hatch open and disappears into his bunk*

ORAM

Monday, April 21, 2008 2:25 AM (P)

*yells at Mobbex*

I'm so scared!!!

*to herself*
I think he just threatened to kick your arse.

MOBBEX

Monday, April 21, 2008 4:49 AM (P)

*pops his head out furiously* Well y' should be! There's a limit to what a man can put up with at a single point in time! I haven't slept in a day, I'm hungover, I got bruises in places I didn't even know I had, this ruttin' planet's makin' me sick, and I'm runnin' on an empty stomach to boot! I'm warnin' you Doc, I'm this *draws his left thumb and index together* close to throwing a fit and going berserk on you...

Oh! I don't believe this... Do you realize how much of a pain in the butt you've been on this trip? Picking fights, torching LT's mule...

Mobbex: *frowns* Hey, how'd you...

I'M NOT FINISHED! You really make it look like you're hell-bent on making your presence as big of a nuisance as humanly possible. Hitting brit... SHUT IT! Hitting Brit, barging into Abbey's shuttle, making outrageous demands on your shipmates when you're not just helping yourself to their valuables, and making the most salacious allusions, because to top if all off, you're the most filthy sick oversexed mongrel I've ever seen or heard of! Heck, with all this whore chasing you do, it's a miracle you're still alive at all! I'd be willing to bet that you've got more STD's than brain cells! You're a pathetic excuse for a man! And a lousy crew mate!

*crawls back out like a bat out of hell* You little... *hops on his good leg as he unties one of his boots* Mi tian gohn! You asked for it!

*Mobbex widens his stance to optimize the potency of his throw, then hurls the boot at her.*

*Oram gasps and ducks precipitately*

*The boot soars across the galley and embeds itself in the bulkhead by the doorway to the aft hallway, a mere six inches away from Stan's head, who was just coming into the room.*

Abbey:...Pleasuretex?

ORAM

Monday, April 21, 2008 1:12 PM (P)

Stan: *Looking at the boot that nearly killed him* Um…. Is this a bad time for you too… *backs out and walks hurriedly away from the two loonies*

*Mobbex makes to pull the boot out of the wall, shoving Oram to the ground, causing her to fall onto her butt, he smirks at what he’s done, but the grin falls away when she goes for him. In an instant he’s fallen to the ground, his bulk and momentum having moved the main table to the other side. Oram gets a few punches in (that that Mobbex feels them, or that they do any damage), before getting his wits about him. As an attempt, he grabs her injured hand, she yells in pain and swears at him*

You ta ma de hun han!!!

Mobbex: You started it!!

Let go!

Mobbex: Not if you’re gonna keep hitting my face!

Ni ta ma de!!

*Mobbex has had enough, he grabs her other hand. She’s obviously ripped some stitches out as blood is trickling down both of their writs, he tries to roll over, but he’s between a wall and a table leg*

Mobbex: *Yelling in general* Some help wouldn’t go amiss.

ABBEYGIRL

Monday, April 21, 2008 1:53 PM (P)

*abbey hears a big commotion coming from above her: yelling, crashing and such. She fights the temptation to go see what is going on, but doesn't want to jeopardize the fact that she is breathing pretty good right now. She decides to keep listening.*

abbey *to herself*: Do we have a drunken brawl up there too?

*She hears another big crash*

abbey *again to herself*: Well, it sounds like someone will be down here sooner or later.

*abbey relaxes, closes her eyes and accidentally drifts off to sleep.

MOBBEX

Monday, April 21, 2008 1:54 PM (P)

*spots the stream of blood pouring from Oram's hand* Aw, look at what you've done... ruined a perfectly good stitch job... *Oram headbutts him in the chin*

Oram and Mobbex, in unison: Ow!

Mobbex: *grunts* All right, enough o' this nonsense... *sees Colt coming down the stairs from the cockpit* Boss! Get y're butt over here n' get her off o' me, or you'll find y'rself out of a medic!

Abbey:...Pleasuretex?

COLT999

Monday, April 21, 2008 2:29 PM (P)

*Heading to the galley to see what's for dinner. When I hear a big ruckus*

*I walk in to see Doc straddling Mobbex. She wailing away with a flurry punches to his body and head.*

Huh

*I scratch my head and think to myself "And people think Abbey and I have romantic tension."*

*I see blood from Doc's hand at the same time Mobbex threatens to fight back. Time to put an end to this*

*I grab Doc under the shoulders and lift her off Mobbex*

Easy there Doc. How I'm supposed to parade my intimidating Merc around if you go putting dents in him?

*Doc's actually pissed. She keeps squirming and kicking trying to get back to Mobbex. Mobbex scrambles up off the ground and takes a defensive stance.*

Mobbex: What the hell's wrong with you. You’re as nutty as that Moon brained stowaway.

*Just then the Doc's random kicking strikes a tender spot between my legs*

Owwww

*Loose again she throws her self at Mobbex while I sink slowly to my knees*

*Mobbex seeing her coming this time quickly restrains her. She keeps fighting his grip*

ENOUGH (two octaves higher that usual)

*They both stop struggling*

Who started this?

Oram: He Did

Mobbex: She did

Well I'm ending it (under my breath) soon as I can stand again.

*I ease into a chair.*

Doc you’re bleeding all over the place. Get the Infirmary. Find Stan on the way so he can stitch you back up.
*I get to my feet and limp towards the doorway. I see a boot embedded in the wall. I turn to Mobbex*

You get this mess cleaned up.

http://hometown.aol.com/colt9999/myhomepage/index.html

COLT999

Monday, April 21, 2008 3:10 PM (P)

*I follow the Doc to the infirmary*

Oram: That worthless piece of (gripping her hand) I should have ripped his off and shoved them down his throat. How dare that he should and then

Damn Doc I think you forgot

*She looks up quite embarrassed*

Oram: I'm sorry Captain. It's just that he so insufferable

True but I didn't hire him for his winning personality. Care to tell me what that was all about.

Oram: Do I have to?

Best get to it. Can't have you two trying to kill each other. *I move over to her and look at her hand. Half the stitches are busted*

Oram: I don't know he came in with a rash. I gave him something for it. Then I went to the galley to clean up make some tea and we just got into it.

Seems to be more to it that that. *I wash her hand and disinfect the cut*

Oram: I don't know we've been bumping heads for a few days now.

I got no problem with bumping heads. (I fight the urge to turn and look at Abbey) Just see that it stops before it comes to blows next time. Now let’s see if we can find Stan to stitch you up.

Oram: Stan didn’t do it. Mobbex did.

That explains the crappy job.

Oram: He did a great job.

(I smile) So now you’re defending him?

Oram: No...Yes. I don't know. (Hanging her head in defeat)

Well, I've stitched up some livestock in the past. With a little direction I think we can get you patched up.

*With Oram patched up she leaves the infirmary*

No way you slept through all of that.

Abbey: It was quite entertaining.

*I pull a stool up next to her bed*

So how you feeling?

Abbey: Annoyed. Ready to get off this goram machine.

Hey about earlier with those....those two fellas. You know I was just playing.

*She nods*

*Standing* Ok then. I'll have someone bring you dinner. Got to go see to... well Captainy things. *Stopping at the door, I look back* You hurry and get better.

Abbey: I will. Oh and Captain, I'm sure I can find those guys contacts if you want to send them a wave.

*I roll my eyes and start down the hall. I hear her continue*

Abbey: Really I think they liked you. Maybe we can swing back by after repairs and you can go......

http://hometown.aol.com/colt9999/myhomepage/index.html

ABBEYGIRL

Monday, April 21, 2008 3:20 PM (P)

*abbey realizes she is back to being all alone. She frowns.*

abbey: Oram??? Are you out there?

*Listens and hears no one coming. Out of boredom, she yells after the only other person that might be in range."

abbey *yells*: Can't you do Captainy things later?

Still no one.

abbey: Rutting hell. *crosses arms over chest* Can't get the guy to fight with me even when I want him to...

DASHILE

Monday, April 21, 2008 3:39 PM (P)

Wave from The Independence to: Captain Colt

Ni Hao Captain:
Just wanted to let you know LT is back on board. I know you wanted to be informed so your plans could be moved forward. See you in they sky,
Dash- Mechanic

ABBEYGIRL

Monday, April 21, 2008 4:04 PM (P)

*Oram returns to the infirmary, but still in a bit of a foul mood. abbey looks at her with a huge smile on her face.*

abbey: I am SO glad to see you! I was getting lonely.

*Oram merely grunts in response.*

abbey *frowning slightly*: When can I get off this thing?

*Oram turns back around.*

Oram *smiling slightly*: Sorry, abbey. Just thinking about other things. Didn't mean to neglect you. I think we can get this off now.

abbey *relieved*: Thank God!

*Oram starts to unhook abbey from machine.*

Oram: Captain said you had some problems when you were gone.

abbey: Yes. I thought I was gonna die.

Oram *in doctor mode, concerned*: That bad?

abbey *nodding as she speaks*: Couldn't get any air in at one point. Think I scared the Captain to death.

Oram: Scared him? *smile growing wider* So how did you recover from the attack?

*abbey thinks back on how helpful he was and how tender he was. The look in his eyes... She now realized that he was truly scared. And his arms... How she felt when he held her...*

*Oram notes the slightly dreamy look in abbey's eyes and smiles wider. The heart monitor starts beating faster as abbey remembers more about the nicer side of the incident. The quickening of the beeping brings abbey back into reality and she is mortified by the change in the monitor and the absolutely giddy look that Oram has on her face.*

abbey *tossing off mask and standing up*: It was nothing. *she stomps off to shuttle*

*Oram chuckles as she finishes cleaning up.*

Oram *giggling softly*: Nothing huh?

COLT999

Monday, April 21, 2008 5:27 PM (P)

*I walk into the galley and see Spots and Stan setting food on the table*

Smells good Spots.

Spots: Thanks but it was mainly Stan. He brought some spices with him.

Stan: Weren't much. Just some curry, white pepper and a little ginger.

Well we appreciate you sharing.

*The rest of the crew starts arriving at the table. Doc and Mobbex who usually sit next to each other have taken up positions on opposite sides of table. Brit sits in the chair next to mine, pulls her knees up to her chest and wraps her arms around them. She sniffs at the empty bowl in front of her. Makes a face then relaxes and starts filling her bowl. Sky enters*

Sky: Any chance we'll be finding some work on this planet? Or are we just going to go to bars and get in fights maybe end up dressed all funny riding a horse again?

Creed a big exporter of lumber. But only to core planets. I think we can probably rustle up a load for a rim world if we look around.

Spots: Wouldn't it make sense to just take a legal load to the core?

Don't have the permits for that. Besides Alliance wants to keep all the goods to themselves. We'll be getting to them that need it.

Sky: So you have a buyer.

Lady by the name of Patience. Practically owns Whitefall. Never had any dealing with her but she runs the moon. Can't be that bad.

*Abbey comes into the room. I rise to meet her*

Glad to see you’re up and around. You feeli....*She walks by without a word* (Under my breath) Now what?

*We all sit down and start to dig in.*

So Stan, tell us about yourself.

http://hometown.aol.com/colt9999/myhomepage/index.html

SHINYBRIT

Monday, April 21, 2008 5:51 PM (P)

*Brit dips her index finger in the food and licks it off with a slight cringe to her face, but she does it over and over again. Finally, she picks up a fork and starts eating it normally as she looks up to watch everyone else.*

*The sight she sees, disturbs her mind. Stan is sitting there, telling his story but inside she can see that he doesn't know what to expect from the crew of the Book. She looks at the Captain, while taking another bite and senses he is hardly paying any attention to Stan, but is wondering why Abbey is ignoring him. She now looks to Abbey who has a clear look of frustration and anger on her face. Her eyes turn to Mobbex who is glaring at Oram and Oram is doing the same. They're both obviously thinking mean thoughts about each other. Spots is listening to Stan closely and Sky is thinking to herself, "Why the hell am I still on this boat?"*

*Her eyes begin to droop as she becomes weary and dizzy. She stands and walks out of the room as Stan is still talking and wanders out to where the horse was*
Poor creature felt trapped and lonely because a large baboon-like man hated you for your fur.

*looks into the small window of the airlock, making references to the horse*
You're a sad soul inside that body that wants to see the open world. You don't know where you are and you feel like me. Trapped inside a small box, your soul lingers and seeps out of the holes and you longed to see the sky again.

*She stands back from the door*
Your fate lies in the hands of glue makers.

*Walks back in the galley melancholy and sits back in her seat*

-----------------------------------------------
"You know what the chain of command is? It's the chain I go get and beat you with until you understand who's in ruttin' command here." - Jayne Cobb (Firefly)

STRANGEBIRD

Monday, April 21, 2008 7:30 PM (P)

*Finishes his first bite. Looking around the table he begins to tell some of his story.*

Stan: "Well.. I was born on Newhall. My parents were among the earliest settlers there. They started up a business. Water collection and shipment. Always a need for fresh, unpolluted waters and Newhall has more than just about any planet in the system. My parents, well they aren't around anymore but my Uncle runs the place now, my dads brother."

Oram: "Why'd you leave? It sounds kinda nice."

Stan: "I and my uncle. We don't really get on to well anymore these days. I have some friends back there still. Some of the workers and other employees."

"He continues, sharing a few short anecdotal stories from his childhood...*

Stan: "... and then, well then he just jumped. He had no idea what he was doing either. It was the most hilarious thing.. he did a belly flop! From a ninety-foot waterfall. I thought he was dead at first actually, I swear I nearly freaked. But he came back up sputtering a holler'n like a loony."

*Nearly all the crew is chuckling or laughing at this point.*

Mobbex: "Who'z this 'gain." *Through a half-chewed mouthful*

Stan: "An old friend of mine, Joey Li. Great guy. He's tending a bar somewhere on one of the more populated islands."

Colt: "So Stan. What did you mean about "other possibilities?"

Stan: "What was that?"

Colt: "When we talked in the hold. You implied you might be able to do more than just pay passage."

Stan: "Oh, yes sir. I'm a pilot. Or atleast I can fly... to be honest I don't.. well I don't have a license for this vessel configuration but I've flown a number of smaller ones. And Nelumbo, the company my parents founded, has a couple of Fireflies. An aught three and an aught two. My Uncle let me take the stick a few times. Even let me set her down once or twice. Said he'd never seen anyone take to it faster."

Colt: "That so...?"

Stan: "Well I'm not meaning to brag or anything. I've never had any formal training."

*Most of the crew is now only half paying attention. Being more interested in the flavorful food.*

Colt: "Ever have any experience flying a shuttle?"

Stan: "No but I piloted one of the small water hauler skiffs from the time I was fourteen until I left home. Basically the same as one of your shuttles, just quite a bit heavier when laden."

Colt: "You seem to know a bit about ships and engines. Any good as a mechanic?"

Stan: "I don't know if I'd be able to do everything. I'm sure I might be able to do some minor repairs, maybe help with general maintenance. I'm somewhat familiar with the standard layout of the aught three."

*Colt nods. Spots is listening intently.*

Stan: "I really wouldn't want to intrude on your mechanic or pilot. I could be some assistance though, I imagine. I guess."

Colt999: "Quick! What's the name of a firefly porn site?"

COMMANDERZERO

Monday, April 21, 2008 7:41 PM (P)

*******Incoming Transmission From the WASH*******

Thank you Captain Colt.

If we are in need of any assistance, I'll be sure to contact you.

I look forward to working with you in the future.

*******End Transmission*******