WASH Part 3 - VFF

POSTED BY: CaptainZero
UPDATED: Thursday, January 22, 2009 02:35
VIEWED: 68364
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CAPTAINZERO

Saturday, July 12, 2008 2:27 AM

Who knew we'd make it to a third thread? Heard #2 was gettin' too long and clunky, so here's our next page.

Keep up the good work, crew.

First thread:
http://www.fireflyfans.net/mthread.asp?b=17&t=33179
Second thread:
http://www.fireflyfans.net/mthread.asp?b=21&t=33456

Xie xie.

BLUEREDGREEN

Saturday, July 12, 2008 3:02 AM

Maybe, maybe not, but I think we really should be watching them. My vote goes to Spine getting information out of Jagger. I got some myself, which means the guy is a whimp. Cut him a bit and he'll spill everything. I suppose I could watch the other prisoners, but I have doubts that they'll be a real threat. Jagger is the one I'm worried about.

Spinebite: I like the part where I torture him. Now can we get back the cargo hold thing?

Yeah, yes, sorry I interrupted. Continue, please.

TILLIESONG

Saturday, July 12, 2008 5:17 AM

Tillie: Well, as far as the sub-floor goes, o' course I ain't done a real clean since we got back, but I did do a quick sweep up; just the usual huī tǔ and a mess o' rubber bullets *grins at Spinebite*. Wasn't lookin' real close, but it didn't seem no different from the last time I been down there. Just the shells and bullets, nothin' special.

Upperson: Sub-floor?

Tillie: Floor of the cargo hold's got both solid plates and grating. You walk on the grating it's like a boot-scraper, all the dirt and mud and such falls beneath. Gotta get under it and clean it out every so often so the dust don't get sucked into the atmo filters. They're a helluva lot harder to clean than a floor, dong ma -- I mean, do you understand?

Upperson: Yes, thanks.

Tillie: Plus, ain't good t' have stuff rattlin' around loose. Anything ain't stowed away is liable to cause trouble if the grav shuts off.

Spinebite: An' I stacked the containers and secured the nets before we started target practice. I didn't see nothing different neither. Same crates as always, didn't weigh any different or nothin'.

huī tǔ = dust, mud

"Need a weave on that?" - Simon, in The Train Job

UPPERSON

Saturday, July 12, 2008 12:13 PM

Well, what happens now?

Zero: Well, I think Ian gets some private time with Jagger while the doc has a look in on the rest of our guests. Tillie, I think you're on to something with the sub-floor. It tends to get less attention, and the cargobay would be the most accesible to someone sneaking on to the ship. Ian, soon as you have an idea what we may be looking for, let Tillie know. Tater, check the bridge, is anybody else out there? And if so how close.

BRG: Am I asking any questions?

Zero: See what you can find out. Perhaps someone else knows what the cargo is.

The crew starts splitting up to do their assigned tasks.

Upperson *looking at zero* what about me?

Zero: Lets have a little talk. Who are you?

Upper: I swear captain, I told you what I know is the truth! If I'm not who I say I am, then I don't know it.

Zero *looks away, and then back at upper*: I hope for your sake that is true. But if you are a danger to my ship, my crew, I will not hesitate to do what is necessary.

*upper nods and turns away*

Spine *over the com* Captain, I got something, you might want to hear this.

*Zero hurries down to the guest quarters where spine is interrogating Jagger*

SPINEBITE

Sunday, July 13, 2008 11:05 PM

Quote:
The crew starts splitting up to do their assigned tasks.

*Spinebite grabs Jagger by the wounded arm and drags him to the guest quarters and takes out his knife* Now, you and I are going to have a little conversation. What were you looking for aboard this ship.

Jagger:I told you, biotoxins and your friend from the past.

Spine:Wrong answer.*stabs Jagger in the thigh* Now, I'm gonna ask again. What were you looking for?

Jagger:*face goes white with pain* Okay! There were no biotoxins.

Spinebite:There, was that so hard?*twists knife* What did you want us to look for?

Jagger:Nothing! It was all about Upperson!

Spine:Wrong again.*Cuts Jagger's right ear off*

Jagger:*screams*Okay, okay, fine! We wanted you all in the cargo hold!

Spine:Why?

Jagger:So we could jump you all at once.

Spine:Now, see, I know that ain't true.*cuts Jagger's right hand off*What did you want us to look for?

Jagger:*screams and clutches the bleeding stump* Canisters of genetic material! The same accident that transported Upper onto your ship transported canisters of genetic material as well. Genetic material that Blue Sun needs for its experiments.

Spine *over the com* Captain, I got something, you might want to hear this.

*Zero hurries down to the guest quarters where spine is interrogating Jagger*

Zero:What?

Spine:Alright, you rat. Tell her what you told me.

Jagger:*explains the whole thing*

Spine:Very good.*kicks Jagger in the head, knocking him unconscious*

Zero:Have Tillie start searching the sub-floor and get the doc to drag this thing*gestures at Jagger* to the medbay.

"Pain is scary."

TATERTOT

Monday, July 14, 2008 12:48 AM

*tater who is on her way to the bridge bumps into Spine walking out of the guest quarters*

Spine: Oh sorry Tot didn't see you there, your too tiny.

*tater glares up at spine* No your just a big ape....*spine laughs*

*BRG comes out next dragging along an unconscious Jagger, tater notices he is bleeding at the thigh, he's ear was cut off, and worse yet....his right hand was gone*

*tater lets out a huge gasp and puts her hand to her mouth*

What the hell?! Spine isn't that a little too much....

Spine: Nope. It was just enough.

But you cut off his ear....and-and his hand!

Spine: C'mon he deserved it...why are you so upset? He hit you.

I-I know but....

Spine: *snorts* Just go fly the ship, and play with your Potato dolls and forget all this ever happened, dong ma? This don't consern you anyhow...

*tater nods, as Spine follows BRG to the infirmary*

*tater continues on her way to the bridge, when she gets to the controls she looks out into the black... What is wrong with these people? Is this how its always going to be?...maybe I don't belong here.... A few stray tears escape from her eyes but she wipes them away quickly.
She takes out her Mr.Potatohead dolls, and without thinking she removes the ear on one of them. Like anyone could forget seeing something like that...*

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

98% of teens have smoked pot, if you are one of the 2% that haven't, copy this into your signature.

BLUEREDGREEN

Monday, July 14, 2008 3:06 AM

*puts Jagger onto the table* Well, it looks like he may bleed to death. Not that I really care...

Spinebite: Well we got what we needed, didnt we?

I suppose so, the guy is a disgusting little puke. *starts gathering bandages* I saw worse in the war. Much worse, many of those survived... I really hope that this guy doesnt. And I honestly dont feel wrong to think that.

Spinebite: Aww, now that just aint nice doc.

Sarcasm works. Wont put Jagger's hand back on, but it fixes the emotion... and now I'm making no sense.

Spinebite: Doc, you just fix him up real nice so that I have a chance to stab him again.

Suppose that wont be a problem....

TILLIESONG

Friday, July 18, 2008 2:46 AM

Tillie: *on her hands and knees under the cargo hold grating* Can't believe she's still falling for the same old lā jī from that jiān xiǎn shuō huǎng zhē. Ian's even worse, though. If he's really the one who bit Jagger's back, he should know better than to think physical harm is the answer. Then again, don't think he knows any other way, poor thing. *sneezes* Ow, ruttin' stitches, can't even breathe deep without bustin' one or two.

lā jī = trash
jiān xiǎn = crafty and dangerous
shuō huǎng zhē = liar

"Need a weave on that?" - Simon, in The Train Job

CAPTAINZERO

Friday, July 18, 2008 3:00 AM

*squats on the floor and looks at the bloody mess* That's for Aura, you pig.

*angrily hits the comm button* Tillie, tell me what you got.

Tillie: *sneezes* Nothin' yet, Cap'n. Still lookin'.

Hwoon dahn!

TILLIESONG

Saturday, July 19, 2008 2:14 AM

Tillie: *still under the grating* Gettin' real itchy down here; must not've scrubbed as well as I thought. *patting the floor on either side of her* C'mon girl, if there's somethin' to find show it to me. Give up yer secrets so I can go tell Zero an' get a nice cup of tea. *lies down flat on the floor* Gotta rest just a minute, catch my breath. Ruttin' sutures. *while she's lying there quietly, she hears noises overhead: a low groan and some rustling of fabric*

Female voice: Gorram useless... Come in, come in, gorramit! *crackle of a hand-com* Psyche, it's Kate - you read? *crackle* We're about humped, gorram Jag-- *crackle* Naw, they're out. *crackle* Hypos, I think. *crackle* Hell, I was in the gorram bay, how'm I supposed to know? *crackle* Must've been the doc and the mech, they were the only ones in the med-- *crackle* Six, just like you saw yourself in the scan. *crackle* I'm telling you: Zero, crew of four, and Upperson. *crackle* Yeah, four! Pilot, mechanic, doctor, and the gunhand. Turns out he's -- *crackle* You should! I heard Jagger screaming. Might be dead already, for all I -- *crackle* Well, hurry, will ya? I'm tied to these two --*crackle* Psyche! Psyche? Gorramit!

"Need a weave on that?" - Simon, in The Train Job

CAPTAINZERO

Saturday, July 19, 2008 4:22 AM

*Zero is leaving the guest quarters to go get a mop to clean up the mess, when she hears a moaning sound coming from the cargo bay, followed by whispering.*
*Thinking to herself:* Sounds like someone's coming around.

*She walks quietly over to listen, and hears Kate talking into a hand-comm. She waits silently until Kate stops talking.*

Got anything you want to say to me?

Kate: Ta ma de.

Yeah, you're humped. You feel like talking to me, or should I hand you over to Spinebite?

Kate: Look, lady, I only signed on for an easy job, a quick snatch and grab. We were supposed to hornswoggle you all into congregating in the bay, then bushwhack you.

What exactly were you going to snatch and grab?

Kate: Not what, who. We were going to grab our-your passenger, and Jagger was going to have a heart-to-heart with you.

What do you want our passenger for?

Kate: I didn't ask, that's why I got hired. It's a job, just the same as your job snatching that doctor off Beaumonde. I'll wager you didn't ask that Jenkins fellow the reason why, either.

And how do you know about that?

Kate: Apparently Jagger keeps an eye on all your waves. He follows all your exploits on the Cortex. You're a person of interest to him. Keeps a file and everything.

So you don't know what he wants with the passenger, but you know all about my jobs? Complete with names and places?

Kate: You he talks about. All the time.

Really? And what exactly does he say?

Kate: You were the best partner he ever had, and he never had one since as good with a gun or --
*She doesn't get to finish her sentence because Zero smacks her hard across the mouth.*

BLUEREDGREEN

Saturday, July 19, 2008 6:12 AM

*finishes up with Jagger* Alright, he's stable, probably wont be able to hear out of his right ear ever again, couldn't get that back on quite right, damaged as it was. His hand also... All I could do was patch that up. Also, if he moves too much, stitches and basically everything else in him will tear, he'll bleed out in about two minutes.

Spinebite: Don't need to worry much bout him movin.

I hope so... *opens the infirmary door* I'm going to go talk to Zero, see if maybe she'll allow me to have one of the weapons that our guests brought on. Mind watching him for me? Preferrably without killing him?

Spinebite: Can't promise anything, doc. And most of the guns were snatched from us...

You let them take your gun? *is surprised* Alright then. *walks down to the cargo bay guessing that Zero would probably be there and stops beside the door when he hears Zero and Kate talking, then goes into the cargo bay when they're done* Captain, I was wondering, did Jagger's crew bring any weapons of their own when they boarded?

Zero: Only one, doctor. Fellow over there had one taped to his stomach. I left it up on the bridge.

Would you mind if I took that since I lack a weapon to call my own until we reach a planet where I could buy one?

Zero: Go ahead. Be careful though, don't want any of them taking it from you.

I will. *goes to the bridge and immediatly sees the pistol and takes it, securing it in his front pocket*

TILLIESONG

Sunday, July 20, 2008 1:07 AM

Tillie: *coming up out of the subfloor, brushing dust from the seat of her coveralls* What'd you do with the gun Zero gave you before?

*Zero and BlueRedGreen look at her, startled, as she lowers and secures the grating*

BRG: What?

Tillie: Zero gave you one of her guns when we took off for Jiangyin, plus you also mentioned you had an old one in pieces in your bag. Figured you might've given it to Spinebite to fix up, if you wanted another one so bad.

Zero: What gun?

Tillie: Wasn't on the bridge so I didn't see it, but you gave the doc a gun out of your holster. Spine could tell you exactly which one.

BRG: And how do you know this?

Tillie: Well, Ian wasn't exactly thrilled with the captain doin' you such a kindness, right when he just become first mate and all. It's a yán miàn thing, you made him lose face.

Zero: *groans* Oh, great.

yán miàn = "face" as honor

"Need a weave on that?" - Simon, in The Train Job

SPINEBITE

Sunday, July 20, 2008 1:08 AM

*Jagger begins to stir*

Spinebite:Hello there.

Jagger:*eyes widen* Tzao gao!

Spine:Don't worry. I'm not gonna hurt you. For a while.

Jagger:*tries to scoot away*

Spine:Wouldn't try that. Doc said you'd bleed out.

Jagger:I can't feel my right hand.

Spine:Look at it.

Jagger:*screams*You son of a bitch! you took my hand!

Spine:And your ear. And most of your blood. I get to take the rest later.

Jagger:*Screams again, then tries to scramble away and falls off the table.*

Spine:*Notices a pool of blood forming beneath Jagger*Your more trouble than your worth.*hits the comm* Doc, take a good look around the medbay next time you go in.*turns to jagger*I'm gonna get something to drink. If you have any last words, comms right there.*walks to the galley*

"Pain is scary."

CAPTAINZERO

Sunday, July 20, 2008 2:27 AM

*Captain Zero's expression changes as she processes all this new information* Hey, what about the gun in the bag?

BRG: It's old, and it's broken.

Tillie: One o' your sharpshooters from the war? Lin said you spoke of it fondly, said it saved yer life.

BRG: What do you do, listen at doors?

Tillie: Naw, it ain't like that. Folks talk to me, is all.

Did you happen to overhear what happened to my gun?

Tillie: Naw, nothin' since you gave it to 'im. Just think it's funny how much the Doc whinges on about not havin' a gun, when all the time he's got two - well, three now. *Tillie points to the gun in BRG's pocket.*

*They hear Spinebite's snarl into the comm, and all turn toward the medbay*

Now what? Let's go see what he's done to Jagger this time.

*She holds out her hand to BRG.* Doc, I think I better hold onto that until you can return my gun to me. And we're going to talk about this later. First I want you to see to our patient.

*He hands the gun to her as he enters the medbay.*

BLUEREDGREEN

Sunday, July 20, 2008 7:13 AM

*sees Jagger on the ground bleeding massively* What the hell? *slowly moves him back up* You need to stop moving, just hold still, breath deep, average speed.. *starts gathering materials again* Hwoo dahn is going to bleed out... *starts working on the wound, but notices Jagger isnt making any kind of signs of life* Oh Nee ta ma duh, Tyen-shia suo-yo duh run doh gai si, he's dead... *walks out of the medbay* Captain, Jagger is dead.

TILLIESONG

Thursday, July 24, 2008 5:12 AM

Tillie: *putting her arm around Zero* Well, that's the end of his lying, anyway.

"Need a weave on that?" - Simon, in The Train Job

CAPTAINZERO

Thursday, July 24, 2008 5:46 AM

You've got a point, Tillie. *a light dawns* A very good point. Doctor Alex, I'd like you to conduct an autopsy. Tillie will assist -- I know you don't usually require an assistant, but I need corroboration at every step.

BRG: What am I looking for?

Anything and everything. I want to know what he ate for dinner, how many times he's broken his right wrist, what exactly happened to his backbone, and every chemical in his bloodstream.

BRG: And by right wrist you mean...

Just that, along with the other hundred and ninety-eight bones, yes Doctor. I mean everything.

Tillie: I'm impressed!

You don't have to be impressed, you just have to get me some answers. First things first, I'm getting some answers of my own. Mind if I work over here?

*Zero strips Jagger's body, and examines the clothes on a tray under a strong light while Tillie and Alex move the body onto the examining table.*

I'm also going to need a list of all the scars and marks on his skin, before you open him up.

*Tillie groans*
Too bad. I need to know where he's been and what's been done to him.

*Zero picks something out of his clothes with tweezers and rinses the blood off it.*
Like maybe he paid a visit to Badger recently. Doctor Alex, check for methanol in his system. If he did have a sit-down with Badger maybe he enjoyed a cup of tea while he was there.

UPPERSON

Friday, July 25, 2008 2:03 PM

Upper wanders up to the bridge, finding tater playing with Mr. potatohead minus one ear.

Upper: Anyone out there?

Tater *gloomily*: no one but us and our guests.

Upper: you allright?

Tater: yeah...no not really. I mean I never expected things to be so violent out here. I was just looking for some adventure, and now... now it seems like things could get really bad. Look at what happened to Jagger and his crew. They were just doing a job, and so are we. What happened to them, could happen to us, y'know? And spine and the doc, look at what they did to jagger, and i don't even think they're sorry!

Upper *is quiet for a moment, looking out at the black*: The thing is, tater, partially I think spine was a little pissed at the way that jagger treated you. That is a good thing...

Tater: How exactly is that a good thing?

Upper: Well if i'm getting what you're thinking of, its a good thing because the crew look out for each other. And they are good people, generally!

Tater: you sure? even spine?

Upper: yeah, deep down *grins* very deep down!

Tater *a little more cheerfully*: Maybe we've just been out here too long. We will be arriving at our job-destination tomorrow. Maybe we will get a chance to see some...normal people, even if its only for a little while.

Upper: Really? We'll be there tomorrow? This will be the first other world I have seen...as far as I know anyways.

Tater: What do you mean?

Upper: I don't know, but I believe what I told you, but what if someone has been meddling with my memories or something, and I'm not who I think I am?

Tater: No, you don't think that! Do you think that?

Upper: I don't know.

*There is an uncomfortable silence*

Tater: I'd better get on the com and remind the cap'n that we are coming up on our job soon. With everything going on here, it's no wonder that its gone out of all our heads.

Upper: Sure, you do that. See you later *Wanders off the bridge in the direction of the infirmary*

Tater *over the com*: cap'n soon's you have a minute please come to the bridge.

TATERTOT

Friday, July 25, 2008 9:08 PM

*tater put the ear back on the Mr.Potatohead doll, then she lets out a little sigh while putting them away*

*zero walks onto the bridge

Zero: What is it Tot?

Just wanted to let you know we should be reaching our destination tomorrow.

Zero: Oh, that's right the job...I almost forgot about that....

*tater giggles* Seems everyone has, they're all to busy torturing Jagger.

Zero: About that...Jagger's dead.

Huh-wha? Really?

Zero: Yep, bleed right out. Alex warned him not to move so much. He didn't listen, so he reopened all his wounds...

*tater winces* What a way to go....

Zero: Are you upset Tot?

For Jagger, no. Just worried something bad may happen because we killed him...

Zero: Don't worry. It may be a good thing he's dead. I'm having Tillie and the doc to a little looking around inside his body...

What are you trying to find?

-------

CAPTAINZERO

Saturday, July 26, 2008 1:07 AM

I'm looking for evidence of where he was before he came here. I think he may have been to see Badger. If they had a palaver about our job, I want to know why.

Tatertot: Is there any way I can help?

Yes you can, Tot. Tap into the logs of Jagger's ship and find out where they've been. I've got to try and find some more information on the Cortex.

*They sit together in silence, the only sound the tapping of the keys.*

Tatertot: Cap'n Zero, looks like you're right.

Show me.

Tatertot: *pointing to the screen* This line here shows the coordinates for Persephone. And down here, these are the coordinates for Jiangyin. Still looking up the coordinates for here, *points* here, and here.

Good work. So Jagger not only met with Badger, he met with Jenkins too.

Tatertot: Look at this! This one's for Beaumonde, almost the same coordinates as ours!

What's different? Did they land on a moon? Oh, that would be bad...

Tatertot: No, it's close, and I mean really close. Same city but different port, maybe.

Can you check that?

Tatertot: Of course. *typing* We're scheduled to dock at Bayonne, and their coordinates are for a place called the Harbor Port.

That's one big city, then. Those ports are hours apart. But look at the difference in size: Harbor Port where Jagger docked is a huge commercial port with a heavy Alliance presence, while Bayonne is small and quiet.

*Tot is still typing*

So Jagger talked to Badger about the job. Then he met with Jenkins. Then he went to Beaumonde... Did he make the grab himself, or not? And what did he do when he left Beaumonde?

Tatertot: Got it! These last two are Santo and Paquin.

You've got to be kidding me.

Tatertot: What is it?

You did great work Tot, thank you. But now I have more questions. I made a list on the other console; skim the Cortex for me and find what you can. I'll be down in the cargo bay, but first I'm going to check in with Tillie and Doctor Alex, see if they've come up with anything new.

*Zero runs down to the cargo bay, boots clanging on the metal stairs. She strides over to Kate and smacks her across the face again.*

Easy job, was it? A simple snatch and grab? Exactly how many folks have you taken? Tell me!

BLUEREDGREEN

Saturday, July 26, 2008 3:28 PM

*points at Jagger's left knee* Cant believe I didnt notice this before. Someone took a high caliber pistol, put it to the back of his knee, and fired. Kneecapping. It blew his kneecap off, should've blown his leg off, but didnt. He has something there, something fake, I dont know what it is...
*cuts open Jagger's kneecap* Huh, it's not his leg entirely... *moves up to where his leg starts* All the way down to right below the knee is his... directly below the knee isn't his leg, it's a prosthetic.

Tillie: So that aint all his real leg, huh?

No, and the captain was right about the methanol, it's very possible that he could have visited Badger. Can you hand me that scalpel over there? *Tille holds it out and he takes it* Thanks. *begins cutting open Jagger's chest* His lungs have some tar on them, I can see that already.. may have smoked at one point because it's pretty old.
*he reaches into Jagger's chest and gently moves the lungs so that he can see Jagger's heart better* No problems with his heart.

Tille: Wow, he aint got much blood.

Most of it was on the floor until you mopped it up.

TILLIESONG

Saturday, July 26, 2008 7:08 PM

*BlueRedGreen pulls a microchip out of Jagger's shoulder and places it in a metal bowl. Tillie squeezes water onto it and examines it under the light. She's about to call CaptainZero on the com when she hears Zero's boots on the stairs.*

Tillie: Hey Zero, looks like we got an ident ch-- *Zero runs over to the prisoners and slaps the woman's face.*

Zero: Easy job was it? A simple snatch and grab?

Tillie: *stepping back into the infirmary, shaking her head at BRG's questioning look* She's busy in the cargo bay. Might as well keep lookin', she'll poke her head in when she's done.

BRG: Here's another one for you. *the microchip clinks into the bowl* And another. *clink* This man's just full of surprises.

Tillie: *smiles* This man's just full of all kinds of stuff; prosthetics, little metal bits, tar...

Zero: *to Kate* Exactly how many folks have you taken? Tell me! *grabbing hold of Kate's shoulders and shaking her* Answer me!

Kate: I told you, this is the job, and it's botched.

Zero: No, before this. Who did you snatch on Paquin?

Kate: Didn't snatch nobody off Paquin, snatched 'em off Santo an' dropped 'em on Paquin.

Zero: So who'd you grab?

Kate: Just a doxy and her brat. Don't see as how they could be worth much coin, 'specially with the baby sick and all, but that's the job. I get paid regardless.

Zero: And from Beaumonde?

Kate: Yeah, we picked up your doc and some other folks, but the plan was after your heart-to-heart with Jagger we'd all go back to Paquin, the doc would do his thing, and then you'd get to take him to Jiangyin, finish your part of the job, get your pay from Jenkins and bring Badger his cut, everything all right and proper.

Zero: So you do know the plan. How does Upperson fit in to it?

Kate: She's gonna help the sick folks get well. The doc needs her.

*Zero abruptly strides to the infirmary and glares at Tillie and BRG*

Zero: Give me some news.

"Need a weave on that?" - Simon, in The Train Job

CAPTAINZERO

Saturday, July 26, 2008 7:12 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by TillieSong:

*Zero abruptly strides to the infirmary and glares at Tillie and BRG*

Zero: Give me some news.

BRG: This man had several imbedded chips. *indicating Tillie* She's looking them up now.

Tillie: *pointing with the forceps* This here's a credit chip, for those nights when your pants are too tight to wear a wallet. Another cred-account chip, an employee ident chip, and this one looks to be a med-account.

Any other clues?

BRG: He got shot in the knee and has a prosthetic leg, and there's some tar in his lungs. Did he smoke?

No, never.

Tillie: But he worked or lived on an industrial planet like Regina?

How do you know that? He was on Regina while we were scoping the Ezra job, and then there was that job on Haven, and of course Beaumonde.

Tillie: Yep. If it ain't Bowden's Malady it's something like. Ain't black lung 'cause Doc Alex told me his heart's still good, an' besides, it's tar in the lungs, not coal dust. Bunch o' folks on Beaumonde get sick from the bad air, and they pass it on to their kids. Bet the medchip will have his history and whatever drugs he took for it.

Did you say they pass it on to their kids? Keep looking. I'll be right back.

*Zero takes a scalpel from the table as she returns to the cargo bay.*

Okay Kate, now we're gonna have a real talk, about the real job. Tell me about the kid.

Kate: Already told you all I know.

Jagger's lying in pieces on the doc's table right now. *brandishing the scalpel* You don't want the same end you'll talk to me. Now.

Kate: It's his, okay? His kid is sick, and the doc Jenkins hired you to grab is the top guy for the kind of sickness he's got. Jagger made a deal with Badger to borrow the doc to work on his kid first, and then he'd hand 'im back to you to drop off on Jiangyin. There's other sick folks, and they're paying massive credits for getting appointments with the doc, but the real job is Jagger's kid.

And this kid is the one you snatched from Santo?

Kate: Yeah, I swear it!

Where do you have the doctor now?

Kate: We got him set up just outside of New Dunsmuir. Nice clean place --

What's the nearest port? What's closer, Harbor Port or Bayonne?

Kate: Frontage is even better, Frontage Port. We even got a docking code from one of the patients. Jagger was gonna give it to you if everything worked out. It's here *she gestures with her chin* in my pocket.

*Zero gets the paper out of Kate's pocket, then runs over to the comm and hits it with the side of her fist.*

Tot! Change course for Frontage Port on Beaumonde NOW! I'm on my way up with the docking info!

TATERTOT

Saturday, July 26, 2008 8:53 PM

*tater was still typing away, then she jumped when she heard:

Quote:
Originally posted by CaptainZero:
Tot! Change course for Frontage Port on Beaumonde NOW! I'm on my way up with the docking info!

Eep! *she hits the comm* Aye aye Captain!

*tater sets the coordinates for Beaumonde*

*mumbles* I guess the job is off...

*zero runs in right then, handing tater the docking info*

Shiny, Captain. *takes the paper* So... why are we going to Beaumonde now?

*zero explains the situation*

Sheesh...this all too much for one day...I just wanted to get some sleep when I got back...but I guess nothing is ever going to be that simple, huh?

Zero:*smiles* No I'm 'fraid not.

----------

http://po-tater-tot.deviantart.com/

CAPTAINZERO

Sunday, July 27, 2008 11:50 AM

Sorry 'bout this one, but hopefully the worst is over. No more bad stuff like what went on downstairs.

Tatertot: Really?

This job has changed. Now it's about healing people, fixing them, giving them a chance.

BLUEREDGREEN

Monday, July 28, 2008 5:35 PM

*takes off his gloves and stretches* Well, I can say we've done most everything that we can do involving tests on this guy.

Tillie: Bout time to.

Agreed. I can effectively say that I know more about this man's body then he probably did. 7 bones have been broken over the course of his life, he's been shot at least 12 times, and he's gotten stitches in his chin some time within the last two years.

Tillie: I'm sure he has more surprises for us.

Most likely. Could you tell Zero that I'm pretty sure we're done here? I need to just run a few more tests, maybe analyze his blood some more, uh.. simulate lung movement so that I can tell if the tar created any breathing problems, just wrap-ups.

TILLIESONG

Tuesday, July 29, 2008 3:08 AM

Tillie: *looking at BRG skeptically* Sure, if that's your idea of wrapping up. *hits the com* Cap'n Zero, Doc Alex tells me we're about done here, but he still wants to run a couple more tests.

Zero: *over the com* Thanks, you two. Tillie, any info on the medchip?

Tillie: *turning towards the wall* Still working on it, haven't been able to get a hit from a hospital or medacad yet.

Zero: Hmmm, keep at it. Doc, what can you tell me about Jagger's spinal injury?

Tillie: *looks at BRG, and at the body, and then back at the com* Yeah, about that. Maybe you might want to come back down here.

"Need a weave on that?" - Simon, in The Train Job

UPPERSON

Tuesday, July 29, 2008 9:07 AM

*Upper wanders past the infirmary, and hears that tillie and brg are done with jagger. Bored, she heads to the kitchen to see if there is anything to eat. Spine is busy eating something as she enters*

Upper: Anything interesting to eat, spine?

Spine *with his mouth full*: Just finished the last of tillie's last cooking. But there is something that smells like crotch in the fridge.

Upper *pulling a face*: That sounds appetising.

Spine: What are you doing here anyways

Upper: Nothing. Just bored.

Spine: What, not enough excitement for you in the last couple of days? Must be a rush where you come from.

Upper: Well, it's not like I've actually been doing much myself, y'know.

Spine *grinning*: Want to get shot at some more?

Upper *touching her stomach*: Well, the last bruises seem to have faded, so maybe that's not such a bad idea. Might also get my mind off things.

Spine *getting up*: What things? Who you're going to annoy next?

Upper: Yeah. Something like that. You coming?

Spine: You sure are eager to get yourself hurt again!

Upper: Maybe this time will be different.

Spine: Or not.

*Spine fetches the guns and the training rounds from his bunk, while upper goes to the cargo bay. As she walks there she runs into tillie looking out of the infirmary*

Tillie: You seen Zero?

Upper: No, but I'm sure she'll be right down. You find anyting interesting?

Tillie: You bet! this guy was one interesting huan dan!

*Zero arrives from the bridge*

Tilie: Cap'n get in here! We have something interesting to show you.

*seeing that spine has not arrived yet, upper follows tillie and zero into the infirmary.*

CAPTAINZERO

Tuesday, July 29, 2008 8:52 PM

*Zero turns to Upperson, puts her arms on her shoulders, firmly turns her around and walks her out of the infirmary.*

Sorry Lin, but this is not something for your eyes.

*She closes the door behind Upperson and opaques the glass.*

So what am I looking at?

Tillie: Yer looking at no broken vertebrae, Cap'n, an' no big scars on the back neither.

BRG: He's been shot twice in the back, but with small-caliber ammunition without much propulsive force so the damage wasn't extensive. There is also a series of shallow cuts across the right shoulder onto the back --

Yeah, yeah, I did that. Threw something at him and it broke. *Zero half-closes her eyes, remembering the moment.* Stupid hwoon dahn.

*Zero looks at Tillie, who shrugs. She turns to BRG.*
Doctor Alex, look for any signs of reconstructive surgery, dermal mending, anything.

BRG: I'll see what I can find for you.

Tillie, I really need answers off that medchip.

Tillie: You got it, Cap'n.

*She opens the infirmary door, to find Upperson waiting just outside. She walks with her toward the passenger dorms.*
So Lin, why do you think someone wants you for a health-related purpose? Do you have some medical know-how, or are you just a science experiment?

Upperson: But Zero, I'm supposed to be training with Spinebite in the cargo bay!

Not just now. You have an answer for me?

Upperson: Of course not. Why should I know what they want with me?

Well, why don't you just rest here a while and think it over then. Best you keep safe and sound in the meantime, don't want to get all shot up for no reason.

*Zero deposits Upperson in the dorm room, closes the door and locks it from the master lock control. She goes up to Spinebite's bunk, where he's sitting on the bed with a gun in one hand and a box of training rounds in the other.*

Tell me why Jagger shot you in the back and took your mule, and why you bit him. Spinebite. Ian!

TILLIESONG

Wednesday, July 30, 2008 4:35 AM

Tillie: I got it! *hits com* Zero, I got something, an' -- wait, I'll come find you!

*Tillie runs up the stairs, and forward towards the bridge. Halfway there she sees Spinebite's door open, and Zero standing in front of his bunk.*

Tillie: Hey, can I come in?

Zero: Maybe you better.

*Tillie climbs down into the room.*

Tillie: D'ja get my --

Zero: Ssssshhhh. Look at Ian.

Tillie: He breathin'?

Zero: Dunno, just got here myself.

*Tillie puts her hand in front of Spinebite's face, and puts her fingers on his neck.*

Tillie: *somewhat relieved* Never figured Ian to be one for meditatin'...

Zero: Tillie?

Tillie: Sorry, Zero. It's like he's in a trance state; he's alive, but everything is slowed down. His breathing and pulse are slower, and I bet his blood pressure's way down. *she puts a blanket around him* He's cold, which --

Zero: I get it. C'mon, let's leave him be. Don't think he's in any danger at the moment.

*They climb out of his room, and Zero closes his door and locks it from the keypad on the wall.*

Zero: I've read that even in a trance a person can be receptive and focused, so I figured you might want to tell me your news out here.

Tillie: The chip's from a hospital on Beaumonde. Jagger had Durant's Disease, very similar to Bowden's. Can't tell from the chip if he was born with it or got it as an adult. He was real healthy, but the signs were there in his lungs and in his joint replacements. He didn't take meds, just a shot once or twice a year.

Zero: And the job?

Tillie: The doc is a Durant's specialist, has some new-fangled treatment s'posed to cure it outright or clear it up practically good as new. 'Specially children. That reminds me: the medchip has an "information to be used in the treatment of patient's children" data pack.

Zero: Kate told me the deep reason for the job is to fix his kid.

Tillie: Zero, *puts her arm on Zero's arm* the boy's name is Leon. Thought you should know.

"Need a weave on that?" - Simon, in The Train Job

SPINEBITE

Wednesday, July 30, 2008 7:08 PM

*sitting on his bunk meditating, wakes up* Didn't know I could drift off like that. Maybe I should've only had one shot of scotch...*grabs the rest of the training rounds and tries to head out the door but finds it locked, tries locking pad, but it still won't open* What the hell? *loads real magazine into clip, and, never being one for finesse, shoots the door open and climbs out*

Tillie:*staring in disbelief*

Zero:Ian! What the hell do you think you're doing!

Spine:The door was locked.

Zero:I know! I'm the one that locked it!

Spine:Why'd you do that?

Zero:*shakes head*Nevermind, I've got something to ask you. *looks at Tillie* Go check on the doc, see if hes found anything else. *looks back at Spine* Why'd Jagger shoot you in the back and take your mule? And why'd you bite him?

Spine:Thats actually two questions.

Zero:Answer!

Spine:If you so vehemently insist. Jagger and I were working a job together. We were supposed to break into the house of one of the members of parliament and snag 2 million credits and assassinate the official. The job went off without a hitch, then when we got to the mule, he shot me in the back. I didn't have enough leverage to throw a decent punch, so I used my weight to pull him down and tried to rip his spine out. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm on my way to the cargo hold.

Zero:I locked your door. That means stay here. I don't need you killing anyone else. *walks away*

Spine:*After 10 minutes of pacing and swearing, walks down to the galley for some scotch*

"Pain is scary."

UPPERSON

Wednesday, July 30, 2008 10:09 PM

*sits down and swings legs. whistles tunelessly. sings "black" by the rolling stones whith air guitar. follows that with "sweet emotion" and "crazy" by aerosmith.*

damnit. kinda thought spine would come and get me for some shootin'.

Starts miming the beatles for old time sake... "come together right now..."

SPINEBITE

Thursday, July 31, 2008 2:28 AM

*upon reaching the galley, drinks the last of the scotch, which only amounted to about 2 1/2 shots.upon finishing the scotch, decides to get upper for some target practice. reaches uppers room and knocks on her door* Upper? You in there?

Upper:Spine? Is that you?

Spine:Yeah. How 'bout some shooting? But it would mean disobeying the cap'n.

Upper:Then I don't know.

Spine:Don't worry. I'll cover for you.

Upper:Okay, I guess so...*walks over to door and tries to open it* It's locked!

Spine:I think I can open it, hold on. *Goes to work on the door panel, after about three minutes has it open* Let's go.

*Upper and Spine proceed to spine's bunk to grab practice ammo, upon seeing the blasted door Upper raises an eyebrow*

Spine:Don't ask.

*Upper and Spine proceed to cargo hold, where they load practice ammo in their guns*

Spine:Today is a good day for this.

Upper:Why is that?

Spine:Because we have moving targets. *points gun at one of the prisoners* You there. Get up and run back and forth.

Prisoner:Screw you.

Spine:*caps prisoner in the chest, prisoner becomes more compliant*

"Pain is scary."

UPPERSON

Thursday, July 31, 2008 5:11 AM

*Upper watches as spine scores a hit on the next prisoner.*

Spine: Now you go

*Upper hesitates, thinking that it is a little mean after all*

Spine: Ruttin' pansy *Hits another of the prisoners

*Upper gives him an ugly look*
Upper *brightly* Ah, at last! The advanced class that I was waiting for! *She aims and fires at the next prisoner, reminding herself that it is painful, but at this distance hardly that bad. She hits one in the shoulder and another in the chest. The prisoners try to avoid the fire desparately. Both Spine and Upper empty their clips.*

Upper: That was fun, but a little unfair. I mean, they weren't shooting back. And their hands are tied. No chance that you are going to offer yourself up for some practise?

Spine: You wouldn't hit me anyways.

Upper: I might

Spine: Care to try

Upper: Need you ask?

*Just as Upper and spine take hold of the reloaded weapons, Zero enters the hold*

Zero: WHAT are you two doing here!?

*Both Spine and Upper turn to Zero with guilty expressions on their faces*

Upper *in a small voice*: Practising how to shoot people. *then adds very quickly* it was really boring when you locked me up. We needed something to do.

*Upper suddenly realises that running around with guns after people locked you up for being dangerous may be a problem*

BLUEREDGREEN

Friday, August 1, 2008 12:55 AM

*notices Tillie come in* Need something?

Tillie: Captain told me to see if you found out anything else.

Well then, you're right on time. I found out something interesting about Jagger's Durant's.

Tillie: What?

It was going to become fatal. The disease would have killed him, it was damaging other parts of his body, messing up lung movement, all sorts of things, I havent ever seen this disease progress like that, it's extremely rare, I mean extremely. He couldn't have even known it, but it would have destroyed his lungs in under five months...

CAPTAINZERO

Friday, August 1, 2008 2:42 AM

You both disobeyed direct orders. Glad to know your minds now, before we got dirtside.

*Zero shoots Spinebite in the neck. He looks at her with astonishment and grudging admiration at her accuracy as he slowly sinks to the ground. Upperson stares at him, horrified. Zero strides over to her and smacks her very hard across the face. She takes Upperson's gun from her, backs up a few feet and shoots her several times in the chest. Upperson falls to her knees, gasping for breath.*

Doctor Alex, get in here now. Our friend Spinebite needs a stitch or two.

*She stands over Spinebite, his hand clutching his neck to keep the bleeding under control.*
A first mate follows the captain's orders. Don't matter if he's bored or restless, if the captain says sit still the first mate sits still. You proved you're not trustworthy. I should let you bleed out.

*She kicks the gun out of his hand and picks it up, then she moves over to where Upperson is kneeling.*
And you! What made you think it's all right to shoot at other people for no reason? If you're so eager to follow Spinebite's lead into senseless violence, you don't deserve to be kept out of danger. And yes, that's why I locked you in that room, to keep you safe. *Upperson hangs her head.* Yeah, well, too late for I'm sorry. That doc wants to dissect you, I won't lift a finger to stop him.

*BRG and Tillie come out of the infirmary, and immediately rush over to Spinebite to stop the bleeding. Zero takes the rest of his weapons and then assists the other two to get the now nearly unconscious man onto the empty table.*

Keep him doped and immobile. He's dangerously unstable, I can't risk him hurting anyone else.

BRG: I can give him a shot to knock out his motor functions, but it doesn't last more than half a day.

Can you give him the shot more than one time?

BRG: Yes, that won't be dangerous.

Do it. I got to deal with that girl.

*Zero returns to the cargo hold, gets the prisoners into somewhat more comfortable positions and re-secures their bonds. She grabs Upperson by the arm.*

Time to go back in the room. Too bad if it's boring. I'll wager you'd prefer to be bored and alive than the alternative. Sit in there and think about what you want out of life, and why you think you deserve it. I'm very disappointed by your behavior.

*Zero locks Upperson in the room and returns to the infirmary.*

BLUEREDGREEN

Friday, August 1, 2008 3:26 AM

*gives Spinebite the shot* Alright, that's it. About 12 hours. Oh! I remembered where I put your gun, my room, right on the table, unloaded, I think I may have given the ammo to Spinebite here or something at some point.

CAPTAINZERO

Friday, August 1, 2008 4:02 AM

Thanks, I'll retrieve it and give you one that fits your hand. But first: after Ian's insubordination today, I need to know where you stand. The job has changed; the doc we were supposed to snatch is an expert on the disease that was killing Jagger --

BRG: Durant's Disease.

Yes, that's the one, and he's going to work on several patients on Beaumonde including Jagger's child. The patients have already arranged to pay handsomely for the treatment, and since Jagger isn't in the picture anymore we can reap all the profits if we run the job in his place.

Tillie: Still don't get what Jagger boardin' us under false pretenses has to do with the job.

Kate told me the doc needs Upperson for something. Not sure if it's something she knows or something she has, but I aim to hand her over to him.

Tillie: He ain't gonna hurt her, is he?

Can't see as how that would make sense, considering how many patients Jagger lined up. No, I'm sure she needs to be alive and healthy.

Tillie: In that case I'm in.

BRG: It sounds like a good cause. I'm in. But will it work? Could it all be a scam to take money from the patients?

No, he wouldn't have worked this hard just to dupe a bunch of desperate people. He wanted to save someone's life, and found a way to turn a profit at the same time.

*Zero looks over at Spinebite's unconscious figure and snaps her fingers.*
Since Spine's quiet at the moment, now is the perfect time to take a dental impression. I want to see where on Jagger's body his tooth marks were. There's more to this story, I can feel it.

TILLIESONG

Friday, August 1, 2008 4:40 AM

Tillie: Good thing I took all those pictures of his scars, hunh? *winks at Zero as she gets a box from a cupboard* I'll mix the goo if you insert the molds.

BRG: I never said anything about dentistry --

Zero: You two battle it out, I have a few more questions for our guests in the hold.

"Need a weave on that?" - Simon, in The Train Job

CAPTAINZERO

Friday, August 1, 2008 5:45 AM

How are you feeling?

Kate: Hwoon dahn shot me!

Yeah, well I shot him right back.

Kate: I saw. He gonna live?

Looks like it. How about you?

Kate: I wanna live. Look, I lied when I said I was his woman. Only did that to rile you up, Jagger wanted me to get you goin', he likes to -- well you knew him better than me. That was just me takin' orders. Ain't got a boss now, just as easily sign on with you. I know how to take orders, Captain Zero. Wouldn't have done like him. *She looks at the bloody spot on the floor where Spinebite had been.* I noticed you didn't take away my comm. Ain't used it since.

Who's this Psyche?

Kate: She's a Registered Companion, a great pilot and she flew all them folks we got on Paquin over to Beaumonde once the hospital got set up.

You called her to come rescue you?

Kate: Look at us. *She indicates the other prisoners.* We're humped. We tried to hornswoggle you, you ain't gonna look kindly on that. How was I to know you weren't going to just shoot us dead? Okay, you ain't the same as that Spinebite. But I didn't know that then, did I?

Did she say how soon she'd be here?

Kate: Jing-chang mei yong de piece of go se crapped out before I could get an answer.

Try her again, find out her ETA.

*Kate looks at her skeptically.*
Listen Kate, you're my prisoner but not necessarily my enemy. I will treat you fairly, dong ma? Be honest with me about the Beaumonde job. Tell me everything you know. If you're straight with me, if you want in on the job and prove yourself to me, I'll cut you in. One thing I can say for Jagger he had a talent for finding good people, so if he trusted you that's saying something.

Kate: I'll try her right now.

BLUEREDGREEN

Friday, August 1, 2008 9:33 PM

You know, my two least favorite parts of medical school were dentistry and pharmacy. Dentistry was just not my skill and pharmacy had too much math... *looks at the molds* I liked pulling bullets out and fixing people. Had a knack for putting them in as well.

Tillie: I thought they made doctors say some oath not to kill?

Oath and some honor illusion, or the huge pay the lliance was giving actual doctors who joined up during the war? I got into school on a scholarship, not riches.

Tillie: Oath is supposed to be more then just words...

Not to me it wasn't. I don't trust words, I trust beliefs. Words are words, and there's no way anyone can be sure you actually believe what you're saying or that it's true... Goo ready?

TILLIESONG

Saturday, August 2, 2008 1:54 AM

Tillie: Yeah, here we go. *She pours the goo into the dental molds BRG is holding out.* Can you hold it more, yeah up like that. Hold the other one up a little more? Just gotta pour this last bit... Okay. You want me to put 'em in?

BRG: Please. *turns the molds around and hands them to her* Do you have them? Need me to hold his lips back?

Tillie: C'n you just open his jaw a little wider? Yeah, that's good. Okay, here goes! Help me hold his jaw shut? Thanks. Oh, that is sooooo nasty.

BRG: How long until it sets?

Tillie: Shhh, I'm counting...*under her breath* six, seven, eight...

BRG: *watches Tillie counting silently, and pokes the now hardened foam on Spinebite's chin.* I think it's --

Tillie: Done! You're absolutely right, now all we have to do is very ... gently ... lift and sliiiide the nasty ol' thing right out. Hey, nice! They came out great, look. *Tillie shows Alex the impressions.*

BRG: *trying not to gag at the food particles stuck in the foam* Those look like teeth all right.

Tillie: Okay, you wanna help me with the plaster? *Alex rolls his eyes.* No? Lemme guess: the Alliance trained you as a medic, not a bricklayer, gorram it. *laughs to herself* Don't worry about it, Alex. When you make ceramics you learn all about plaster molds; it's no trouble. And while the plaster sets, why don't you tell me what it is you do believe in.

"Need a weave on that?" - Simon, in The Train Job

BLUEREDGREEN

Saturday, August 2, 2008 8:02 AM

Well I believe that power currupts, anyone with it can't be trusted... Alliance are a bunch of evil sons of bitches... I also believe that dentistry is the lowest end of medicene.... well, I don't really think that last part. Not much I do believe anymore. Alliance took most everything away. Morals, ethics, all of it, they even took my gorram cat. And my money and my house and my family... I think out of the things I listed, the thing about the Alliance being evil sons of bitches pretty much sums it up.

TILLIESONG

Sunday, August 3, 2008 6:44 AM

Tillie: Well, whaddya know? We think more alike than I would've suspected. Exceptin' I'd add that it's not only important but necessary for us to behave ethically when those in power won't. An' I think dentists can be very helpful. However, these bite molds haven't been, yet. *holds up the plaster teeth and mimics biting with them* Have you found any scars that could have been made by these teeth?

"Need a weave on that?" - Simon, in The Train Job

UPPERSON

Sunday, August 3, 2008 3:36 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by CaptainZero:
Do it. I got to deal with that girl.

*Zero enters the room where she locked up upper to find her lying on the bed looking pale and sweaty*

Zero: I've decided to hand you over to the doctor as Jagger intended.

Upper: Yeah, I kind of guessed when one of your new friends came in here with a dirty big syringe and injected the acute form of this Durant's Disease into me. *She coughs* Nice payback, captain.

CAPTAINZERO

Sunday, August 3, 2008 11:46 PM

You need to look at the facts. One: Nobody got in this room after I locked it. Two: Durant's can't be injected; you have to be born with it or breathe it in. Three: It's in everybody's interest to keep you healthy -- ain't nobody on this boat with any reason to harm you. Not my people, not Jagger's people. You're a valuable commodity healthy. You're not worth a mouse turd dead or sick, and nobody hates you enough to jeopardize a payday by hurting you. Dong ma? You understand me?

*Upperson stares at Zero, shaking with fury.*
Upper: How dare you! Why would I lie? My clothes are drenched in sweat. I feel like death. How can you tell me nothing's wrong?

Truth is, I think whatever drugs you been on till now are leaving your system, and you are suffering from it. Seen the exact same symptoms when my, when a friend was drying out from drops. She'd been dosed for nigh on a year, and her suffering was something awful. Terrible shakes, and sweats, and hallucinations, and pains in her joints. You may think you got Durant's, but I'm telling you what you got is withdrawal.

Upper: But the injection! Look!

I am looking, and you don't have any puncture wounds. Listen to me. Nobody wants to hurt you. There's no payday in sabotaging this job.

Upper: Could it have been that Blue Sun?

If it really is true that Blue Sun wants you, I'm sure they don't want you sick.

Upper: I'm telling you a man came into this room and shot me full of the most virulent form of that disease.

And I'm telling you that the only men on this ship are in the cargo hold or the medbay. There's no one unaccounted for.

Upper: Are you absolutely sure? Are you positive? *She bursts into tears.* What's happening to me?

You're going through an ordeal, but you will get through it. We're going to make sure you're safe and healthy, and we'll find the answers to your questions. But you will have to learn to obey orders, young lady. Withdrawal is tough, I won't lie to you. But if you do as you're told you'll get through it just fine, and we'll all be here for you every step of the way.

SPINEBITE

Tuesday, August 5, 2008 2:42 AM

*wakes up during the doctor's rant about the alliance and feels an unnatural chill throughout his body* (What the...? I see what they did. I guess I'm 'dangerous'.Never imagined that the Alliance would end up doing me a service. I must have developed an immunity to this stuff during my time in prison)

Tillie:

Quote:
* Have you found any scars that could have been made by these teeth?

Spine:*leaps up suddenly, punching doctor Alex in the gut*

BRG:*bends over with the pain*

Spine:Sorry doc, but I get a might touchy when people dope me. *punches BRG in the back of the head, knocking him out, then walks out of medbay and to his bunk, grabs a gun, loads it, and heads to Upper's room, thinking that Zero might be there. Upon seeing Zero points the gun at the back of her head and thumbs back the hammer* Whaddaya think, Zero? Should I pull the trigger? Come up with a good enough reason for me to let you live, and I'll go back to serving as your loyal first mate, and won't make another attempt on your life for the rest of my days. So whats it gonna be?

(.....)=thoughts

"Pain is scary."

CAPTAINZERO

Tuesday, August 5, 2008 4:40 AM

*Zero slowly turns around to face Spinebite, the gun barrel pressed against her forehead.*
So if I come up with a reason for you to let me live you'll be my loyal first mate... Gee, now let me think. You're holding a cocked gun to your captain's head. And yet you're telling me you'll be loyal to me and won't ever try to kill me again.

*Zero looks Spinebite straight in the eyes.*
I thought maybe you couldn't handle a female captain. I was planning to wave all the other VFF captains to see if one of them would hire you on. You won't obey me you ain't got a place on my ship, but I wanted to get a good place for you, somewhere you'd fit in, someplace your particular ways would be an asset, or at least be tolerated.

But now? *Zero points to the gun pressing into her skin.* It don't matter if you shoot me or not. Can you think of any reason any captain on any boat will take you on? Who will risk making you a part of his crew, knowing you can't be trusted?

I got one reason to live right this second, and that's to save the life of my sister and my nephew. I know you don't give a rat's ass about them; your family's all dead so why should you care about mine? So you're probably going to shoot me.

This ain't Alliance territory with court proceedings and lawyers. This is the black. By this action right here *Zero taps the gun barrel with her finger* you've already signed your own death warrant. You may be a super-human of some kind, but even you can't heal from having your head blown off. No Alliance secret medicine can protect you from that. So you may want to consider not killing me, not because I gave you a good enough reason for you to keep me alive, but because you don't want your brains splattered all over my body.

UPPERSON

Tuesday, August 5, 2008 5:39 AM

Spine

Quote:
*Heads to Upper's room, thinking that Zero might be there. Upon seeing Zero points the gun at the back of her head and thumbs back the hammer*

Upper *starts as Spine enters the room, and listens to their exchange*

Upper: Wait a minute, guys! I don't know whats up with me here, but this has to be a hallucination. I mean, you guys are on the same side here. *Turns to the captain*
From what I could gather about this place is that it is exactly as you say, not the Alliance. I get that you're *grimaces* a little pissed right now *turns to spine* and you too, but can't we... you talk this out? It's not the army, and you know that.

Zero *growls*: Ain't nothin' to talk about. This here huan dan has stepped over the line once too often.

Upper *weak but insistent*: Captain! What are you going to do? Hand me over to these people, kick off spine and what then? The doc next? or tater?

Zero: Ain't even the same thing. They weren't insurbordinate.

Upper: Mistakes happen cap'n. *Lies down, shiny with sweat* You didn't blink an eye when spine shot me when I first got here - with real bullets. But you are getting all broken up about him and I shooting the prisoners with training rounds? Sure, stupid and unneccerary, but hardly that bad.

Zero *mulishly* I said, it ain't even the same thing.

Upper: Fine. FINE! *turns to spine* If you are going to get all violent, I would appreciate it if you would do it somewhere else. *Turns her back to the room, and stars shaking*

Zero *mocking*: You're suddenly squemish

Upper *muffled*: It all depends on whether you want to see me throwing up as the last thing you see in this life. Your choice.

JOELROBINSON

Tuesday, August 5, 2008 6:10 AM

*this happy conversation is interrupted by a badly timed wave*

Joel: Yeah, I heard down here on Greenleaf you guys are looking for crew? I dunno, the info might be outdated, but if your interested contact me or something.

CAPTAINZERO

Tuesday, August 5, 2008 7:25 AM

*Zero continues to stare at Spinebite.* I know you don't care, but this young woman is ill. I want to help her to get well, and I want to answer her questions. If you don't mind, I'm going to turn around again.

*Zero slowly turns around to face Upperson as Spinebite keeps his gun touching the back of her head. She fetches the waste basket stowed next to the bed.*
You need to vomit you can do it in this. Gotta correct a couple of things you said.

First- I wasn't standing there when Spinebite first shot you, I ran down when I heard the shots, and I certainly didn't applaud his actions. But when he shot you he thought you had poisoned his food, plus you were an intruder on the ship. He was doing his job of protecting the ship and crew. For the record I wasn't happy about the way he did it, but my opinion didn't matter, I wasn't the Captain back then.

Second- Out here in the black there are rules for a reason. We depend upon each other for our lives. If a member of the crew doesn't follow orders, it means he cannot be trusted when lives are in danger. You notice he is about to shoot me dead, so it should be obvious that I was right not to trust Spinebite.

Third- If you're so opposed to violence, you should not have shot at unarmed people for sport. What you did was wrong. I approved your gun training so you could protect yourself and the other crew members if we were attacked by enemies, not so you could hurt people for fun.

Upperson: If what I did was wrong, why did you shoot me?

To remind you of how it feels when you're not expecting it. I should have shot you once for every shot you fired on the prisoners. But unlike Spinebite, I am not a fan of overkill. I would like to have a conversation with you about human rights someday, and why the prisoners deserve the same respect and dignity as you do, but for now maybe you think about keeping your head down.

Upper: Excuse me?

Well, you did say you have to throw up, and also you might want to duck in case Spinebite does decide to shoot me.

TATERTOT

Tuesday, August 5, 2008 9:35 AM

*tater who was feeling uneasy for reasons unknown, switched to auto pilot and walked off the bridge*

*she walked into the infirmary hoping to find Tillie but instead saw BRG unconscious on the floor, she ran over to him*

Hey Doc! Alex! Can you hear me? Are you alright?

BRG: *his eyes slowly began to open* Urgh...what hit me....oh right that would be Spine...

Spine? Spine did this too you? Why was he in here anyway? Whats been going on?

*Tater helps BRG up and sits him down on a chair near by,after he is settled he explains whats been going on*

*Tater is speechless for a second then she whispers* What is wrong with everyone? Have you all gone insane?

BRG: No, the only insane one here in Ian.

*tater hears Zero, Spine, and Upper's voices from Upper's room. she walks over to the room slowly, seeing spine pointing a gun at the back of Zero's head*

Spine what the hell has gotten into you?!

--------

Myspace- http://www.myspace.com/jorjor_mcsapp
deviantART- http://po-tater-tot.deviantart.com/

UPPERSON

Tuesday, August 5, 2008 9:37 AM

*Grabs the basket and uses it extensively. Coughs*

Upper: In all honesty captain, I'm not at all opposed to violence in its proper time or place. Or even some improper violence... that I have admitted to. But right now, not really.

Zero *looks at the pale and sweaty upper and smiles*: Yes, perhaps not.

Upper: So spine, how's about we skip on the shooting right now?

Spine *still pointing the gun* maybe not!

Upper: Oh, c'mon you know we were wrong. *grins* it was fun. But it was a little mean. Please, Ian? Put the gun down, and please give me a glass of water? Surely it's not that important?

Spine: They injected me with a sedative, and put disgusting dental goo in my mouth!

Upper: Yeah... real torture. One can forgive the sedative, but the dental goo - never!
*Retches again. Zero fills the glass with water and hands it over. Upper drinks.*

Thanks captain. Look. I am sorry I didn't stay in my room when you wanted me to. But you guys have been locking me up since day 1! I was just being obstinate I guess.

LOKEN

Tuesday, August 5, 2008 9:49 AM

ok seriously wtf... this is getting a little too creepy for me.. like i watched the firefly extras and they talk about all the support from their fans.. but THIS MUCH? its kinda borderline psycho.

TILLIESONG

Tuesday, August 5, 2008 9:51 AM

Tillie: *returning from the galley with two cups of tea* Hey Doc, you find any scars that match our lovely teeth-- *she sees BRG sitting on the chair outside the infirmary holding his head* Omigod Alex, what happened?

BRG: Spinebite.

*Tillie rushes into the infirmary, opens a cabinet and cracks a couple of cold packs.*

Tillie: Shhh, don't talk. Here, put this on your head. Where else does it hurt?

BRG: *pressing the coldpack to the back of his head* Just my stomach. How is it he could move a muscle, much less get up off the table?

Tillie: Don't have a clue, but the way he's been acting maybe he's juicing. The irrational behavior, the unprovoked violence, the strength?

BRG: Not even steroids could get him to move after that muscle relaxant. Must be something else besides 'roid rage. No, it's got to be something that's blocking the effect of the shot I gave him.

*Suddenly they hear Tatertot shout:* Spine, what the hell has gotten into you?!

Tillie: Ta ma de, now what?

BRG: *pointing to something on a tray inside the infirmary* Take that with you. Remember?

Tillie: Gotcha! *she rushes off to find Tatertot.*

"Need a weave on that?" - Simon, in The Train Job

LOKEN

Tuesday, August 5, 2008 10:00 AM

THAT was a dumb one tillie.. cmon be a little bit more creative please?

TATERTOT

Tuesday, August 5, 2008 10:04 AM

(( to loken: who asked you to read it? And you could at least apologise for interrupting. but as rude as you are I gotta agree with you. This has gotten a little out of hand, hasn't always been so bad. Sorry for the interruption))

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Myspace- http://www.myspace.com/jorjor_mcsapp
deviantART- http://po-tater-tot.deviantart.com/

TILLIESONG

Tuesday, August 5, 2008 11:31 AM

Tillie: *pulls Tatertot out of the doorway and clamps her hand over her mouth* Shh! Get down! What were you thinking, screaming at Ian like that? You could've surprised him into pulling the trigger.

Tatertot: I'm sorry, I'm sorry! It's just I was so surprised myself.

Tillie: Sorry mei mei, didn't mean to yell at you, just that he could've turned around and shot you is all, and then what would I have done? Would've killed me anything happened to you.

Tatertot: What's going on? *with tears in her eyes* What's wrong with everybody?

Tillie: Dunno, but something's seriously off.

Spinebite: *staggering out of Upper's room* Ugh, that smell. Can't stand the smell of puke. Makes my stomach crawl up into my mouth, but there's no room with all that blue and green gooey toothpaste in there. Why'd they make me chew on the sugar trowel? Doesn't go with the brown in the scotch. Can't stand that brown blue green greasy plasticine and oh that's done it.. *he's violently sick all over the wall and floor and himself, and then he's sick some more.*

"Need a weave on that?" - Simon, in The Train Job

CAPTAINZERO

Tuesday, August 5, 2008 1:20 PM

*Tillie returns from Spinebite's bunk.*
Tillie: He's out. Sleeping like a log, and snoring like a saw.

*Zero pokes her head out of Upperson's room.*
Ladies, I could use a little help. Upperson's throwing up a lot, and -ooh!- didn't realize how bad it is out here. I think they've both been dosed with something. Good thing we're on our way to a hospital. Tot, what's our ETA?

Tatertot: An hour before we hit atmo.

Good thing. We can clean this up a little and get our patients ready for transport. Where's Doctor Alex?

Tillie: Ian socked him; he's sitting down with a lump on the back of his head.

Just us girls then. Okay, let's get moving.

*She returns to Upperson's bedside.*
Don't worry, Lin. Won't be long now. Hang in there for a little while more, and the doc on Beaumonde will take care of you. I promise. *Upperson smiles weakly, and sips some water as Zero cleans up the room.*

Tatertot: Are we gonna talk about what just happened?

Tillie: Naw, think we're just gonna clean up the sick.

******@****** fast forward past all the cleaning up, to save those with sensitive stomachs ******@******

*Zero returns to the cargo bay.*

Did you hear from Psyche?

Kate: Since the Wash is about to hit atmo it's safer to rendezvous dirtside. She can shuttle your patients directly to the hospital soon as you dock.

*Zero raises her eyebrow* Patients?

Kate: Heard the pilot and mech talkin' about Upperson and Spinebite gettin' so sick when they was cleaning up the mess. Complainin' all the way up to the bridge, sounded like.

Yeah, we've had a little unexplained vomiting.

*Zero and Kate look at each other and both exclaim:* The scotch!

He was in a kind of trance, just sitting stock still, and then he got very violent and reckless. Disobeyed orders, shot up his room --

Kate: -- and my men --

-- and your men, and then after we thought he was safely tranked he got right up off that table and put a gun to my head. And then he spewed -- well, you heard the girls. Wouldn't have believed any one man could have produced that much mess. It was something horrific.

Kate: The getting right up off the table part don't sound familiar but the rest of it does.

Time to get you and your men secured. Don't want you rolling around hurting yourselves during re-entry.

Tillie: Hey Cap'n. Spine and Upper are belted in their beds, and so is Alex; he decided he wanted to lie down too, keep his neck stable.

Let's get strapped in. Tot, we're ready. Get us on the ground.

TATERTOT

Tuesday, August 5, 2008 1:46 PM

Well I'm just relieved that Spine didn't really go crazy...ok I'm off to land this ole bird!

*tater runs to the bridge and straps down in the pilots chair. the WASH flies threw atmo making the whole ship shake, tater holds her steady until they reach the dock for landing. the landing goes smoothly, and tater lets out a heavy sigh*

Every time...landing always scares me.

Zero: You did good, Tot.

Is there anything else I can to to help?

--------

Myspace- http://www.myspace.com/jorjor_mcsapp
deviantART- http://po-tater-tot.deviantart.com/

CAPTAINZERO

Tuesday, August 5, 2008 10:13 PM

Yes you can, Tot. You can help us get our sick folks to the hospital.

Tatertot: Just tell me what to do, Captain.

Tillie: Me too.

Tot, how about you help Doctor Alex walk to the shuttle? Luckily he doesn't need to be carried. Tillie, you're in charge of those two men in the hold. They'll help you get Spine's stretcher on board. Kate and I will get Upperson. Okay troops, let's go.

*They load the sick people onto Psyche's shuttle, and fly to the hospital that Jagger set up for the Durant's patients. The doctor strides out to the landing pad to meet them.*

Chen: I'm Doctor Chen. Where's our star patient?

She's here, but I have to tell you she's sick. She's been vomiting, sweating, shaking, and possibly hallucinating. I have the feeling she's in withdrawal from something.

Chen: Let's get her inside and I'll examine her.

We also have a merc who's been throwing up too, and I'm afraid he's been acting very unstable and violent. He may have been doped or poisoned with something, and he's very strong.

Chen: Don't worry, we'll make sure that he is no danger to himself or others, and we'll get the poison out of him. Please make yourself comfortable and refresh yourself with something to eat and drink.

Tillie: Is there a place I can clean up?

Tatertot: Is there a place I can take a nap?

Chen: Of course. I apologize, you must be exhausted. This is the residence section. Your rooms are just down the hall. Make yourselves at home. I'll be in the patients' wing, just down that hall if you need me.

*After what seems like an hour or so, the doctor returns.*
Chen: Your doctor and first mate are resting comfortably. Your passenger, while not exactly comfortable, is well on her way to recovery. She's been through an ordeal, but she's a very strong young lady and she'll be just fine. Oh, and your pilot and mechanic are both napping in their rooms.

I'm very grateful to you Doctor, these people are all extremely important to me. What's the next step?

Chen: We have to be patient and wait at least a day or two for everyone to recover fully before I can begin the process for the Durant's patients. In the meantime, there's someone special here I'd like you to meet.

*Doctor Chen leads Zero down a corridor and ushers Zero into a darkened room, where a young woman is sitting in a rocking chair holding a sleeping toddler.*

Aura?

BLUEREDGREEN

Wednesday, August 6, 2008 12:09 AM

*wakes up upon hearing footsteps seeming to pace in front of his door* Wonder who that is... *gets up and scrambles through one of his bags and takes a painkiller from a cylinder container in it* Least he could do is fine a less scarring way to knock someone out..
*lays down again and begins to try to sleep, when someone opens his door and walks in, a syringe in their hand* Captain? *gets up* Who are you?

Man: *starts panicking and trying to stab Alex*

*grabs the man's arm and turns it so he forces the syringe into his own stomach, and he then falls unconscious* Who the hell is this guy? *shakes his head and finds the nearest comm and pushes it, hoping someone will hear him* Yeah, if anyone can get here soon, I need someone in my room... hopefully fast..

CAPTAINZERO

Wednesday, August 6, 2008 1:54 AM

Gorramit!

*Zero rushes out of the room and down the hall until she sees a door with a blinking light above it. Inside she sees a strange man passed out on the floor clutching a syringe, and BRG sitting up in bed.*

Alex, are you all right? What happened?!

BRG: This man attacked me. What the hell is going on?

That's exactly what I want to know.

*Doctor Chen runs in, followed by two security guards. He keys in a sequence above the comm and the light over the door stops flashing.*

Do you know this man?

Chen: Yes, he's one of my staff.

Is there any reason he should have been giving my crewman an injection?

Chen: No, of course not. Mister Fenix isn't one of the Durant's patients. He has a contusion from a blow to the head, but with no symptoms of concussion. He just had a bad knock.

*Zero and BRG look at each other and Zero rolls her eyes.*

He's my crew, I know what happened to him. What I don't know is who this other man is, and why he tried to inject Alex, and what he wanted to inject him with. Can you give me your expert opinion on the contents of that syringe?

*Chen bends down to pick up the syringe.*
Chen: I don't understand. This is an anesthetic. This is used to induce unconsciousness before surgery.

Or to knock someone out, perhaps. Why would your man want my man unconscious?

TILLIESONG

Thursday, August 7, 2008 1:01 AM

*Tillie is jarred awake by the sound of a garbled noise over the PA followed by a short alarm buzz. She runs into the main corridor, and follows the sound to a room with a flashing light over the door, which goes out as she reaches it. A man is approaching the room pushing a gurney.*

Tillie: Wuo de ma, wuo de ma, wuo de ma -- is everybody okay? *The door opens and two men in uniforms emerge carrying a man on a stretcher.* Who's hurt? *She watches as they place the man on the gurney, and peers down at the man until she's satisfied she doesn't know him. She hears Captain Zero arguing with someone inside.*

Zero: Why would your man want my man unconscious?

Tillie: Who's unconscious? *rushing over to the bed* Alex! Are you okay? What happened?

Chen: He's not my man, he's a member of the general medical staff hired by Mr. Goosen for this project. I only have one personal assistant.

BRG: Someone tried to inject me with a tranq, wanted to knock me out. Dr. Chen here doesn't have a clue as to why, and I've got a headache.

Zero: What was he doing with a surgery anaesthetic?

Chen: I don't know how anyone could have gotten hold of it, those drugs are under lock and key. Even the room they're in is locked.

Tillie: I'm on it. Be back when I have some answers. *She sees a cold pack on the table, cracks it, and places it under BRG's head.* Feel better. Try and rest. *She runs out of the room after the men with the gurney.*

Zero: Show me the room. Now.

Chen: Of course. Right this way.

"Need a weave on that?" - Simon, in The Train Job

CAPTAINZERO

Thursday, August 7, 2008 1:58 AM

Chen: This is the room with the drugs and other medical supplies. *He opens the door with a key card.* We keep most of the drugs in those cabinets there, and the restricted drugs are locked in that -- oh.

*They look at the cabinet with its door pried open, the metal bent up like the top of a can of peaches.*

Is anything else missing?

Chen: So surprising -- there are valuable drugs in here. Not a one has been taken.

So only one vial of the anesthetic is gone?

Chen: No, two are missing. But that's all. I don't understand why a thief would take two vials and leave the rest.

Because it wasn't a thief.

Chen: Shen me?

This wasn't a robbery. The room wasn't broken into. Your "thief" took only what he needed and nothing more.

Chen: Ah yes, I understand. Of course! The door, he must have had a cardkey like mine.

Who has access?

Chen: All the staff. Captain, may I ask for your help? I would like to lock the drugs away so there are no more thefts. I have another locking cabinet...

Of course. *They move all the drugs to another cabinet and Dr. Chen locks it.*

Chen: May I accompany you back to Miss Aura's room?

After you.

TILLIESONG

Thursday, August 7, 2008 12:15 PM

*Tillie hides in the corridor, watching as the uniformed men wheel the empty gurney out of a room. She sneaks inside.*

Tillie: *softly, almost whispering* Nǐ hǎo, anybody home? *Strapped into the bed is the young man she'd seen being brought out of BRG's room. He moans softly and moves his head a little.* Nǐ hǎo, nǐ de míng zi shì shén me? You got a name? *A nameplate above his breast pocket reads Deron Lloyd.* Hey, you Lloyd?

Lloyd: Water. Please.

*Tillie gets the pitcher and a cloth from the table, and squeezes a little into Lloyd's mouth.*

Lloyd: Xiè xiè. Mouth is so dry.

Tillie: *dripping some more water* So tell me what's goin' on, Lloyd. Why'd you go after that other man? Why'd you try to shoot him with knock-out drops?

Lloyd: *becoming agitated and struggling to sit up, to discover he's strapped down* Let me outta here, I gotta get that hún dàn!

Tillie: *shushing him and putting the damp cloth on his forehead* Who're you after, Lloyd? Who's the hún dàn?

Lloyd: That's Alliance scum that is, that's Captain Fenix! He killed my family. He set fire to my village. He killed everybody!

Tillie: When was this?

Lloyd: Back in the war, back on Boros. I was still a kid, didn't even have a gun! Wasn't nothing I could do! *bursting into tears* Couldn't do nothing! Couldn't save them!

Tillie: How'd you know where to find him, Fenix I mean?

Lloyd: After Wolford boarded your transport, Kate waved us the crew list. I still wasn't sure it was him until they brought him in. I'll never forget that face. He was laughing at me, laughing! *He falls back in the bed exhausted.*

Tillie: You rest now. Be back later, you just close your eyes and rest.

*Tillie walks back to BRG's room and quietly opens his door.*

BRG: No need to tiptoe, I'm up.

Tillie: Y'ever know a kid name of Lloyd, Deron Lloyd?

BRG: Doesn't ring a bell, sorry. Where should I know him from?

Tillie: Boros. Says you killed his entire family and burned his village down.

BRG: *gravely* No wonder he tried to hurt me.

Tillie: No wonder. He was awful sure you did it, said he'd never forget your face. You made some kind of impression on him, Alex. He said you laughed at him.

BRG: Oh god. The little boy. *Alex is overcome with emotion, and Tillie waits silently until he collects himself.*

BRG: I told you about the Bad Platoons --

Tillie: -- I remember.

BRG: They were burning the houses to flush out the shock troopers. It was horrific; I'll spare you the details. Afterwards we had to go through the wreckage for survivors, and when I found this little boy alive after all that horror I was so overjoyed I started laughing and I couldn't stop. It was a miracle, this little boy's life after so much death! I hugged him again and again, and held him up high over my head so the other men could see that we had a survivor. I must have frightened him out of his wits! I didn't mean to.

Tillie: Are you recovered enough to stand? Can you walk?

BRG: Still a little dizzy, but well enough.

Tillie: Let's go then. Introduce you properly, how 'bout that?

nǐ hǎo = hello
nǐ de míng zi shì shén me = what's your name
hún dàn = bastard

"Need a weave on that?" - Simon, in The Train Job

SPINEBITE

Thursday, August 7, 2008 8:52 PM

*wakes up to BRGs voice over the comm, gets up and tries to open the door. realizes that its locked, goes and sits on the bed mulling over the events of the past few days* Damn scotch... *jumps up as realization hits him* Damn scotch indeed! I've gotta tell the captain! *realizes for a second time that the door is locked, decides to wait for someone to come to him rather than vice versa, and goes to sleep*

"Pain is scary."

TILLIESONG

Friday, August 8, 2008 3:18 AM

Tillie: *stepping back towards the door* Just be leavin' you two to get reacquainted, then. Gonna check on the others, see how they're doin'. Why'm I whispering, they're a thousand worlds away...

*In the corridor, Tillie leans against the wall and closes her eyes.*

Tillie: *heaving a huge sigh* Āi yā. Ain't gonna forget that in a hurry. *taking a breath and standing up straight* Okay. Let's see if we can find our barfing boat mates.

Tillie: *looking at the charts as she passes each door.* Durant's... Durant's... Oh, this looks promising: "Huàn zhě shì ǒu tù hé xiǎn shì měng liè xíng wéi." Sounds like our boy.

*Spinebite is lying in a tangle of sheets fast asleep. Tillie sits down beside him.*

Tillie: *wiping the sweat off his brow* Hey, ya big lug; sure had us worried there. Went all supervillain on us, scared the suī out of everybody. Better lay off the booze for a while, dǒng ma? You got dosed but good.

*She rearranges his bedclothes and leaves to find Upperson.*

āi yā = damn/ah/my god
huàn zhě shì ǒu tù hé xiǎn shì měng liè xíng wéi = patient is vomiting and exhibiting violent behaviour
suī = urine

"Need a weave on that?" - Simon, in The Train Job

CAPTAINZERO

Friday, August 8, 2008 6:24 AM

*Zero return's to Aura's room. Aura is still sitting in the chair, holding her sleeping son.*

I'm sorry about before.

Aura: It's all right, he didn't wake up.

I meant before before. I'm sorry about that night on Santo when I kicked Jagger out of the house.

Aura: No need, you were right. He didn't love me. But he loves his son. When baby Leo came along I don't know what happened; he was like a different person. He was sincere, caring, concerned. When Leo first started feeling sick Wolford was right there every minute, He shuttled us back and forth to the doctors. He went to the appointments and asked all kinds of questions. He was a hundred percent involved. He went to the medacad libraries and studied up on Leo's illness, and consulted with specialists on every world that had them. You wouldn't have recognized him as the same man.

If only he had shown that side of himself to me when he boarded our ship. Everything with him was lies: he boarded us under false pretenses, and from minute one it was deception after deception, one story after another, each more fantastic than the last.

Aura: That's Wolford for you. He couldn't just ask you for help, he had to kidnap you so you wouldn't interfere with Dr. Chen.

You know I would do anything for you. Why did he make it so complicated?

Aura: Wolford knew you'd already contracted with Badger to kidnap Dr. Chen. He didn't want you to get in bad with Badger; you know what happens to folks who cross him. So he figured a way to work it so that if Dr. Chen never makes it to Jiangyin it's on him, not on you.

Why would he do that? He's always been about the double-cross, and he always covered his own pi gu. Why would he put himself in danger?

Aura: He's dying, Zero. It's only a matter of time. He doesn't even have a year. Jiangyin deal goes south and Badger comes looking for payback, it's no big thing because his time's up anyway.

I don't know how to tell you this, but... his time's already up. He never made it off the ship. I'm so sorry, mei-mei. Oh Aura, I'm so so sorry.

*Aura hugs her sleeping son tightly to her, rocking him.*
Aura: It's not for me, but for Leo I'm crying. His whole life Wolford was a bad person, he treated you bad, he treated me bad, but he was the best dad to Leo. He did everything for him. Every job, every scheme, it was all for Leo. How will I do it alone? Wolford kept us going, he paid every single bill.

You're not alone. You have me, and I'll take care of you and Leo. This job will bring in plenty of credits, enough to keep you going for a long time. Maybe we can get new patients for Dr. Chen's treatment, bring in even more.

Aura: I'm sorry I kicked you out, Zero. I missed you so much.

That's over and done. We're together now, and that's all that matters.

*Zero moves over to the chair and tentatively strokes the little boy's head.*
You named him Leo.

Aura: After daddy. You like it?

It's perfect.

UPPERSON

Friday, August 8, 2008 7:51 AM

((Please ignore this, it was a mistake.))

UPPERSON

Friday, August 8, 2008 7:55 AM

*Upper wakes up as Dr. Chen enters the room, takes the glass of water he pours and drinks it down*

Dr.Chen: I hope you had a good long sleep, although it has been a little longer than I intended, due to some excitement with one of your friends.

Upper: Who? Is everyone allright?

Dr. Chen: The doctor, but he is going to be fine.

*Upper nods*

Upper: Dr Chen, I feel better. I mean, alot better. I think that the antigens we were hoping for - well that you and several other people were hoping for are indeed present.

Dr.Chen: It certainly looks that way. But I will have to do some tests to be sure.

*Dr.Chen calls the nurse over the PA system and she arrives to draw some blood.*

Dr.Chen: Nurse, I want that sent to the lab asap. Tell the people there that it is to be bumped up to their first priority. They will know what it is about.

*Dr Chen examines Upper*

Dr Chen: Well, you do seem better. If you want something to eat or to move around, feel free to do so.

Upper: I just have one question, doctor. Zero told me that I couldn't have the disease, because it was passed on in aerosol form.

Dr Chen: Yes, in general. But for this to work we had to create a special form of the virus. One that we could inject and that would not become infectious to the other persons involved in... getting the patient here.

Upper: But there were no injection marks!

Dr. Chen: Yes, there were, but just somewhere where it would have been hard to spot.

Upper: Do I want to know?

Dr Chen: It was done while you were sleeping or after knocking you out, so I wouldn't worry too much about it. It was in your eye.

*Upper grimaces* That is disgusting!!!

Dr Chen *drily*: You'll get over it.

Upper: Well, that's put me off my food for a little longer. Think I'll go and see the others.

Dr.Chen: I'll have them bring something to your room, so you can have it when you get back.

Upper: And doctor? Will you let me know about those lab tests as soon as they are done??

Dr.Chen: You'll be the first to know, because we will be looking for more blood.

Upper *grimacing*: Swell. Where can I find the others?

*Dr.Chen indicates where the rooms are and upper leaves in the general direction. As she enters a corridor, she sees Tillie coming out of a room*

Upper: Hey! Glad to see a familiar face! Who's in there?

Tillie: Spine, sleepin'

Upper *grins* Oh, I thought it would be the good doctor.

Tillie: No. He's busy mendin' some fences with an old friend.

Upper: Really? Last I heard he was being attacked.

Tillie: Yeah, long story. Let's go find Tater, and eat somethin'! I'm starvin'.

*they start walking*

Upper: Tillie, was I crazy or did spine hold a gun to the captain's head? Was that real?

Tillie: Sure was, but there seems to be somethin' strange about the whole thing. I think the whiskey was spiked.

Upper: Right. *looks away, then turns back and smiles at tillie* You're right! I'm starving too. Let's eat.

BLUEREDGREEN

Friday, August 8, 2008 10:52 PM

Lloyd: Hwoo Dahn! *starts trying to get up* I'LL GET YOU!

Relax, I'm not what you think! Lord, you're different then th elittle boy I remember...

Lloyd: CAPTAIN FENIX, THAT'S WHO YOU ARE! YOU BURNT MY HOME!

No, I didn't, and I was with the 21st during that event, I was a 2nd Lieutenant. Everything isn't how you think, I was laughing out of joy..

Lloyd: You burnt my town to the ground, Alliance scum!

*explains as best he can what really happened*

Lloyd: And why should I believe you? Hm?

Do you really need to know? I left the Alliance military, was forced out.

Lloyd: How do I know that's not a lie?

*goes over to Lloyd and whispers something in his ear*

Lloyd: That was you?

*nods* I'm responsible that council member's death. Records don't show it, but my decision made it happen. You can't tell anyone, NO ONE, esoecially not the WASH's crew, I'm waiting for a good time for that myself. Understand that?

Lloyd: Yeah... Wow..

So you believe me now?

Lloyd: Yes... Sorry about before, Fenix...

With the information you had, I can't really say I can blame you.

Lloyd: Only... that Bad Platoon... it wasnt a Bad Platoon...

What do you mean?

Lloyd: It couldn't have been, not with what heard..

Then what was it? *crosses his arms*

Lloyd: Black operations. High class, high rated, highly authorized...

TILLIESONG

Sunday, August 10, 2008 1:21 AM

*Tillie and Upperson walk down the hall to Tatertot's room.*

Tillie: I was just on my way to find you. How're you feeling? You look much better.

Upperson: I feel much better too.

Tillie: *knocking on the door softly* Tate honey, you up yet? Wanna come eat something with Upper and me, or ain't you done resting?

"Need a weave on that?" - Simon, in The Train Job

TATERTOT

Sunday, August 10, 2008 3:57 AM

*tatertot wakes up to light knocking at her door and tillie's voice*

Tillie: Tate honey, you up yet? Wanna come eat something with Upper and me, or ain't you done resting?

*tater's voice is a little groggy from sleep* Uh-um yeah I'm up! Hold on a sec! *she gets out of bed and stretches. then she walks over to a mirror in the room and peers at her reflection, her hair is a mess so she looks around for a comb, when she finds one she brushes threw her hair quickly and puts it up in a ponytail. when that's done she walks out of the room to find tillie and upper waiting*

Hey jie jie! Hey Upper, glad to see you up and walking. You look a lot better.

Upper: *smiling* Yeah I feel a lot better!

*tater smiles back, then turns to tillie* So I thought I heard you say something about eating? I wasn't dreaming right? I'm starving!

Tillie: *giggles* Yep you heard right, c'mon.
*the three off them walk off together to get some food*

--------

Myspace- http://www.myspace.com/jorjor_mcsapp
deviantART- http://po-tater-tot.deviantart.com/

TILLIESONG

Tuesday, August 12, 2008 3:10 AM

*Tillie, Upperson, and Tatertot are happily sampling food from a heavily laden buffet table.*

Tillie: *putting slivers of something onto Tatertot's and Upperson's plates* Here, try this. It's a little salty, but the flavour is very interesting.

Tatertot: *making a face* I'm not sure I like it.

Upperson: There's something familiar about this, but I'm not sure. It's right on the tip of my tongue.

*Tillie and Tater burst out laughing.*

Tatertot: Of course it is! It's in your mouth!

*Upperson rolls her eyes, and then gives in and starts laughing too.*

Chen: Ah, that's a pleasant sound. So good to hear people enjoying themselves. How are you all?

Tillie: Much better now that we've had some rest and food, duō xiè.

Chen: Bù xiè, no thanks necessary. You're all doing a great service; especially you, young lady. *patting Upper's shoulder* The blood test has come back, and I'm pleased to tell you the antibodies are present.

Tatertot: What does that mean?

Chen: It means this young lady was exposed to Durant's Disease but she didn't get sick because her body successfully fought it off, and her blood contains the means to help other people do the same.

Tatertot: She did too get sick.

Upperson: Yes, I did a little. But I recovered completely, didn't I Doctor?

Chen: Yes, you don't have a trace of the disease. Not anywhere. The only way we can even tell you were infected is from the antibodies.

Tatertot: But why was she throwing up so much?

Chen: Her body was fighting off an infection. During that time she felt ill, as we all do when we have a cold or a stomach virus. Now the infection is all gone, but her blood still contains the antibodies it made for that fight.

Tatertot: So you're gonna put her blood into the sick folks and they'll get well?

Chen: It's a little more complicated than that, but essentially, yes.

Tillie: How many people will she be able to help?

Chen: Hopefully all of them.

"Need a weave on that?" - Simon, in The Train Job

CAPTAINZERO

Wednesday, August 13, 2008 10:18 PM

OOC: If you have previously expressed interest in applying for a crew/passenger/renter/stowaway position, or for any new applicants:

It has come to my attention that some members of fireflyfans.net cannot read their PMs (Private Messages). Please check your email. If you cannot receive PMs you may post your email address on the following thread: http://www.fireflyfans.net/mthread.asp?b=21&t=34531

Xie xie,
Zero

CAPTAINZERO

Thursday, August 14, 2008 12:43 AM

*Zero knocks softly on Spinebite's door.*

You up?

Spinebite: Yeah, come in.

Feeling any better?

Spinebite: Ye-- hey, the scotch! There was something in that damn scotch--

We gave the bottle to the doc's lab staff here to find out what you got dosed with. No answers yet, but we only just gave it to them.

Spinebite: Hey Captain, I did some stuff--

You talking about when you shot your door full of holes, or the part when you broke Upper out of her room and went shooting up the folks in the hold, or maybe the part when you had the gun to my head?

*Spine hangs his head. His shoulders slump forward and he looks utterly dejected.*
Spinebite: Um. Yeah. About that...

I get that you were dosed with something powerful, and I get that you were not quite yourself, not quite in control.

Spinebite: But... *He says it as if he's adding it to her sentence.*

But nothing, I didn't put a but on the end of that. You tell me what you remember. Did any part of that come from inside you? Did any part of you want to shoot me in the head? Where do we stand, you and me? You still my First Mate, or you planning to shoot me in the head again?

Spinebite: You still want me for First Mate?

Well, I don't have as much call for a killing machine as Captain Walker thought he might need, but I do need a strong right-hand man to keep me and my crew safe. I need someone with a cool head, who can keep it holstered until the time is right. Do you only want to take on jobs if there's murder and mayhem involved, or would you be satisfied with capers that don't have any killing in them?

SPINEBITE

Friday, August 15, 2008 1:58 AM

The drug brought out a side of me I thought I'd buried. You have to understand, it could very well have been anyone else with a gun to their head. You were just the most convenient choice.

Zero:I don't understand.

Spine:After I lost my family, I was devoid of anything human whatsoever. My only purpose was to kill. Thats part of the reason why I enlisted. After the war, I buried that part of me, so I could go to work as a merc. Part of me wants to gut everyone in this hospital then burn it to the ground. The drugs brought that part out. Its what enables me to kill without remorse.

Zero:And this part of you is buried again?

Spine:If it wasn't, you never would have made it through the door. I'll keep the WASH and her crew safe, and I'll do whatever you need me too.

"Pain is scary."

CAPTAINZERO

Friday, August 15, 2008 9:02 AM

In that case, if you can keep the mad killer safely bottled up, welcome back. I'd like to change your title to Master at Arms; it's better suited to the work you've already been doing on the Wash. Security, enforcement, interrogation, all those weapon-y kinds of things.

*Zero shakes hands with Spinebite and claps him on the shoulder.*
I have a reason to ask you to be my MA. I have some work for you.

We'll be here for several days while Doc Chen and Upperson do their healing thing. I'm also looking into lining up some more high-paying customers for the treatment. I'll be relying on you to oversee security while we're here, and after both you and Upper are fully recovered I want you to continue her weapons training. Tillie may also be joining the training, and I'd like you to watch Doctor Alex shoot so you can give me an idea of his ability.

But it's after the job is done that I'll really need your expertise. It's possible we'll have a problem with Badger. I'm hoping I can work it out with him, but if not we're going to have to show force. You'll be in charge of that force. You can hire any of Jagger's former team and the security detail here at the hospital. You'll train them and get them prepared, but it's also important that if Badger accepts my terms you can keep your men controlled. I want to avoid bloodshed. Your team will be there to protect us as we go in to parlay with Badger, and use force ONLY if Badger starts it. Can you do it?

BLUEREDGREEN

Friday, August 15, 2008 5:55 PM

Well Lloyd, for the safety of everyone, we can't let you go, would you like me to fetch you a coffee or something?

Lloyd: No, I'm fine...

So if the 76th was black operations, that'd explain why it's not listed in any official registries. And why they acted like they had orders.

Lloyd: Yeah, and I thought you were in command of them.

Well, thankfully I wasn't. My CO was supposed to keep the 76th under control, though he obviously failed at it. I was the medic and 2nd in command of the 21st Riflemen, our CO was one Major Abrew, he was in charge of all operations and forces on Boros.

Lloyd: Well at least your home wasn't burned to the ground, your family slaughtered...

Actually, my home was burned to the ground and my parents, my only family, were slaughtered, and both by the Alliance I suspect.

Lloyd: They must have really disliked you for that Parliament member's death.

Yeah, I take it they did. Sure you don't want a coffee or something?

SPINEBITE

Saturday, August 16, 2008 12:47 AM

Won't be a problem, cap'n. *leaves room and goes to the cafeteria, where he finds Dr.Chen, Upper, Tillie, and Tater* Dr. Chen, I need your permission to run hospital security for a while.

Dr.Chen:I'm not so sure about that...

Spinebite:Dr., there are some powerful people who might be interested in harming Upper. Not to sound melodramatic, but only I can sufficiently protect them.

Dr.Chen:In that case...

Spinebite:Thank you, Doctor. *points at Tillie and Upper* You two, we've got shooting practice later. I'd appreciate it if you could tell the good doctor. Tater, you're welcome to join us. *leaves cafeteria and goes down to the hospital security center and explains whats happening to them* Alright, I want two guards on every entrance and two outside her door. *points to two guards* you two are to serve as escorts. You are to stay with her at all times. *leaves and goes to where Jagger's people are staying, enters one of the rooms*

Person:Here to finish the job?

Spine:I only wish. We have shooting practice later.

Person:What, am I going to be the target again?

Spine:Not this time. We need more muscle, and I'll be training you. Go tell the rest of your men. *leaves to go get something to eat*

"Pain is scary."

BLUEREDGREEN

Saturday, August 16, 2008 1:38 AM

*arrives in the doorway right as Spinebite tells them to find him and enters the room after Spine leaves* Target practice, eh? Wont that be a joy. If I can still shoot as well as I could before I was assigned to the Hellana, then it wont be any problem.. Five years can make someone more then a little rusty.

Tillie: Did you get to use a gun while you were assigned there?

Alliance had strict procedures ragarding lethal firearms on their vessels, I had to pass a proficiency test, really difficult, but then I got to carry a handgun, a 9mm Alliance Standard. Only fired it twice during those five years, but I'm sure I'll still be just as good... Do... ANY of you have firearms experience? Besides Upper.

INVICTUS12

Sunday, August 17, 2008 12:35 AM

Sorry for interuppting but i think you need to know.
Captainwalker, as ya may or may not know, was my cousin.
yesterday, people say he got in front of a bullet aimed at someone else on the street.
if he survives, the chances he will be braindead are vey high.
sorry for setting this down on you, but he is not coming back.

TILLIESONG

Sunday, August 17, 2008 7:48 AM

Tillie: My daddy taught me to shoot, an' I had a pretty fair aim with a diOx pistol—you know, with the little torpedoes of CO2 in the grip? But I never shot using regular ammo. I'm a little afraid of the recoil, seein' as how I busted up my wrists a while back. Nervous the kick might bust 'em up all over again.

*BRG raises his eyebrows, and Tatertot and Upperson swap astonished looks.*

Tillie: *seeing the looks* What?

Tatertot: You shot guns?!

BRG: What did you use those diOx pistols for?

Tillie: Oh, just target shooting. It was great fun. Bàba rigged up a bunch of targets in the yard, and didn't we make a racket! We had cans and bottles and pieces of scrap metal hanging from strings, and the targets where if you hit it bang in the middle it dings a bell, and I got so I'd ding the bell every time. Got old Huang plenty mad, said it scared the eggs out of the chickens.

BRG: So how did you hurt your wrists?

Tillie: Had a job once running a piece of equipment, used the same motions and the same muscles all the time, till it got so I had to wear braces up to here *gesturing*.

BRG: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Tillie: Median and radial nerves both. Not as bad as my friend Deena, couldn't hold a pint of ale more'n a few seconds before her grasp would give out. Anyhow, the target shooting was way before I had the job that wrecked my wrists, an' I worry about the kick. Screw up my wrists again, won't be any good to the Wash.

BRG: I'm sure Ian can find you a light enough weapon and small-caliber ammunition so the recoil won't be excessive.

Tillie: Hope you're right, or I ain't riskin' it. The Wash comes first.

"Need a weave on that?" - Simon, in The Train Job

UPPERSON

Monday, August 18, 2008 8:39 AM

BRG: This is the perfect time to find out, Tillie, since we are in a fully operational medical facility. I'm sure Dr. Chen would let us use their diagnostic equipment, and I can have a look at it.

*BRG turns to Dr Chen, who had been listening to the exchange*

Dr Chen: Of course, be my guest. Just check with the nurse when the hospital schedule allows for an examination. There should be room some time today.

*BRG is on his way to leave the room to check with the nurse in charge*

Tillie: Dr, don't you want to get somethin' t'eat first? It'll keep!

*BRG stops and turns around*

BRG: I'll just check with the nurse and then I'll be right back. This smells much better than any hospital food I've ever come across!

*Upper nudges tater and they laugh together*

Tillie *looking at tater and upper*: What?

Upper: Nothting, nothing. *proceeds to munch some roast beef*

*Spine comes in and grabs a slice of roast beef off upper's plate*

Uppper: Hey!! There's more than enough for all of us!

*Spine just grins and with his mouth full starts to fill up a plate with everyting*

Spine: Gorrammit I'm so hungry I could eat an ox

Upper: The amount of meat on your plate is roughly the equivalant of at least three quarters of an ox.

Tillie: Play nice, kids

*BRG comes back and starts getting something to eat as well*

BRG: There's an opening in about half an hour, so then we'll know for certain.

Tillie: Thanks doc.

INVICTUS12

Monday, August 18, 2008 9:58 PM

captain walker died yesterday. sorry to have tell you else.

BLUEREDGREEN

Tuesday, August 19, 2008 12:26 AM

*stares at a piece of roast beef* I remember one time the 49th got some of this, it was right before The Battle of Serenity Valley... If I'd have been with the 21st during that battle, they all got killed. That was my first assignment with the 49th, and I got all the gore I could...

Upper: Doc? Bloody war stories can wait until after we eat, right?

Or they can simply not be told. Sorry.

Tatertot: It's alright. Work we're in, we'll probably end up seeing some gore anyway, we've already seen a lot...

Spinebite: Aint seen nothin' yet. Plenty more waitin', hope we get to it faster. And doc, is there anything you talk about besides medical jumbo and stories of your Alliance time?

Well, most of my life was spent in the "service", it was the only job I had, then they took it away.

Upper: Why would they fire you? You seem like you were a great soldier or something.

Long and complicated circumstances, maybe you'll get an answer later. *takes a bite of the roast beef*

Spinebite: Doc's also got this thing 'bout not trustin' people 'parently. And having his mysteries.

I have a story for that to.

UPPERSON

Friday, August 22, 2008 7:24 AM

Upper: I'd like to hear this story *looks expectantly at BRG#

BRG: Maybe some other time

Upper:Ah, c'mon doc, you just like to tease me...all of us! *grins at BRG*

*BRG looks away, with a serious expression on his face*

Tillie: Don't let 'er bother you none, doc! She's just teasin'

Upper: She's right you know, don't mind me, I have a genetic disposition for being annoying. I'm sorry. *starts to eat with furious concentration*

*Everyone is a little quiet while they finish their meal. And as soon as Tillie and the doctor are done, they leave for the diagnostic ward. The captain is spending time with her sister, and that leaves spine, upper and tater to their own devices.

After munching a huge helping of chocolate mousse, upper sits back with a sigh*

Upper: Now that was what I call refreshing, I feel like a new person. A person that is too lazy to go to my room, where my bed is. But longing for my bed none the less.

Spine *sounding very lazy* Yr bed's gonna have to wait, we have training to do.

Upper *groans*: You are a sadist! Why now? Shan't we wait to hear if Tillie can join in?
Besides, I'm a sick person *tries hard to look pathetic*

CAPTAINZERO

Friday, August 22, 2008 8:42 AM

*Zero walks to the dining area with a piece of paper in her hand. She catches up with Tillie and BRG in the hallway.*

Please come back in with me for a minute. It won't take long.

*BRG and Tillie retake their seats. Zero stands at the head of the table.*

Got some news for you. A couple of items came over the Cortex about Captain Walker.

*Tillie hangs her head down and closes her eyes.*

BRG: Did he say why he abandoned the Wash?

No, and if we want to know why he left us we'll have to find out ourselves. *Zero stands up even straighter than usual.* I regret to inform you all that Captain Walker is dead.

*Everyone looks up at Zero with surprise, and Tatertot and Tillie put their arms around each other.*

Tatertot: What happened to him?

There isn't much information in these waves. I understand, I want answers too.

There will be a service for him on Persephone in a week's time; apparently that's how long it will take to transport his body there from wherever he was found.

Spinebite: Persephone? I thought he was from a Core planet.

BRG: Osiris, wasn't it?

Yes, that's another mystery. Where he was really from, who were his family, and who is holding the service for him on Persephone. I intend to find out. I'm off to talk to Doctor Chen and ask about our timetable here, then check the charts and see where our orbit lies with Persephone's. Could be a day's journey in a shuttle or a week's on the Wash, so I may need to leave immediately.

Tillie: C'n I come along, pay my respects?

Any who wish to attend are welcome. Except-- Lin, forgive me for saying, but in your case I have to ask Dr. Chen. If he needs you here I'll ask you to stay behind.

Upperson: Of course, I understand.

Chen: Did I hear my name?

Yes, Doctor. There's a funeral on Persephone we want to attend one week from now. I was about to find you to ask about our timetable here, and especially if you need Upperson or if we can bring her with us.

Chen: It will take several more days to synthesize the treatment serum. I don't need any of you for that, only my team in the lab. After I draw blood from Lin today she won't be able to donate again for at least another three days, so the timing is convenient for both your needs and mine. However, if I had my wish I'd keep her here safe with me rather than gallivanting off to Persephone.

I don't blame you.

Well crew, that is all for now. I'll chart a course and let you know how soon we need to leave.

UPPERSON

Saturday, August 23, 2008 7:45 AM

Funeral vs boring hospital, tough choice.

*Spinebite sniggers. Tillie and tater look at upper with shocked glances*

Sorry, sorry, I don't mean to say things like that out loud. I'm sorry.

*Upper looks shamefaced*

I don't know where it comes from sometimes.

Dr. Chen: Boring hospital it is.

*Upper nods and leaves the room*

Dr Chen: Dr Phoenix, I would like to discuss something with you, if you don't mind.

BRG and Dr Chen walk to his nearby office.

Dr Chen: Dr, does that girl seem stable to you?

BRG: Possibly not, but she could also just be annoying by nature.

*Dr Chen laughs*

Dr Chen: Not your favourite crew-mate? *then more seriously* "No, I mean, she seems not to be able to screen comments in her head before she makes them.

BRG: Yes, rude and annoying...Sorry,I don't mean it, she just riled me before.

Dr Chen: Ok, but I would advise you keeping an eye on that one, once you are out in the black again. From what the captain told me, it seems like it's getting worse. Something doesn't add up about her.

BRG *under his breath, so dr Chen doesn't hear him* Yeah, that makes two of us. Pro'bly more.

TATERTOT

Saturday, August 23, 2008 4:49 PM

*tater walks off with tillie*

Can I come along? To...you know....Captain Walker's...*she can't say the last word*

Tillie: Of course, Jordyn honey.

I feel so bad...we all thought he left us...but...he...*she begins to tear up*

Tillie: Oh, mei mei! Its alright none of us could have known what happend.

I know...but I still feel bad.

Tillie: There there sweetie. *hugs tater*

*after a moment tater speaks again*

Also...what's wrong with Upper? What she just said...it was so rude and out of character.

Tillie: Not sure. She has been through a lot. She might be a mite grumpy. I don't think she ment what she said.

Oh...

Tillie: What?

I'm not sure but I think that aint it. There seems to be something seriously wrong with Upper.

*tillie looks thoughtful*

Jie jie?

Tillie: Oh, its nothing. C'mon, how 'bout I do your hair? *she smiles down at tot*

Sure.

{(To the crew of the Wash: Sorry for my short post and interruption: I will be going away next weekend then after that school will be starting, so I won't be around. Infact with school starting I'll probably be non-existing, but I'll try and post as much as I can. Just a warning to y'all I didn't disappear....)}

--------

BLUEREDGREEN

Saturday, August 23, 2008 8:14 PM

*goes to Spine after talking with Chen* So, can we get the shooting out of the way? I'd like to sleep tonight without being attacked or worrying about my aim being screwed from lack of practice.

Spine: Alright, suppose it won't hurt havin' you first, doc. I got a few guns pulled out, you can pick one you like. Ain't got any of that Alliance military-issue crap though.

Didn't expect you to, it's expensive stuff. *they walk outside where Spine has several objects and targets set up to shoot* I used to shoot cans with my A36 rifle between missions. Great assault rifle, that one.

Spine: Must be why we didn't have none of 'em.

*picks up a pistol from a table nearby that is full of Spine's guns* P17? Nice weapon, is this the 9mm?

Spine: 40.

Well, I got the gun right... *aims at one of the close targets and hits the bullseye* Same as I remember. *aims at one of the farthest out and puts the remaining 11 rounds into the bullseye*

Spine: Well doc, you aint half bad.

I always loved the pistols. *puts back the gun and takes a rifle* Model-23, lever-action? What caliber's this one?

Spine: .44 Magnum. Nice, big, and powerful.

*fires a round at a target in the middle area and hits the edge of the bullseye* I've never used one of these before, sights are hard to get used to.

Spine: Yeah, takes some practice, but it's better fer point'n and shoot'n, fast combat, it aint really a sniping weapon.

I can tell. *fires the rest of the bullets at center area targets and puts the gun back* I don't see anything automatic here.

Spine: Those are my precious ones. Full-auto aint the easiest thing to find, fact most aren't really legal..

Ah. *takes one of the rifles with a scope on it* Could it be? A good old Calbore-3? I used one of these with the 49th. This, my A36, and that old sharpshooter pistol. *begins firing at the targets in the back, hitting the bullseye with ease* God I love these. My dad had one me and him fired. I wanted one, but, it was medical school or a sniper rifle, so I had to wait for the military to come along. Fixed that problem right up.

TILLIESONG

Friday, August 29, 2008 8:10 AM

*Tillie arrives with an enormous pair of ear protectors and a basket full of firearms.*

Tillie: Hey guys, look what I got! Some of the nurses shoot targets, and they lent me their diOx pistols to practise with. Shiny, ma?

Spinbite: You don't want to shoot with those girly guns, Tillie. Try one of these.

Tillie: Nah, just target practice for now. See if I got any eye left, is all. No sense goin' to the trouble of findin' a real weapon if my shooting is lā jī.

BRG: I thought you were going to wait until we had a chance to examine your arms.

Tillie: An' miss the fun? Aw, c'mon Doc Alex, please let me try just a couple rounds.

BRG: As long as it's only the CO2 pistols, and as long as you only use lighter-weight weapons.

Tillie: *saluting with a giggle* Shì, xiān sheng!

*Tillie puts the ear protectors in place on her head, and loads pellets into one of the guns. She looks ridiculous, as if there are giant orange tea cups glued to either side of her head. Spinebite looks at her and laughs so hard he has to sit down. Tillie closes one eye, tilts her head just a little, and aims with one hand supporting the other.*

Spinebite: *crossing his arms* This oughta be good.

Tillie: *takes a shot at the closest target, frowns at the distance from the bullseye, and takes another shot which also misses the bullseye* Gorram sight don't line up right.

Spinebite: *elbowing BRG* Yeah, sure.

Tillie: *empties the pellets and reloads into a different gun* This one's better anyhow, nicer grip. *takes a shot that falls just outside the bullseye, wrinkles her nose, and takes three more shots that all go into the bullseye* That's more like it. *loads more pellets and shoots into a medium-distance target's bullseye.*

BRG: *elbowing Spinebite back* What do you think now?

Spinebite: Maybe that sight really was off.

Tillie: *loads again and shoots into one of the farther targets, all the shots landing in the bullseye* Gotta remember this model, got a good feel to it. *coming back to the table* Well, at least I ain't lost all my hand/eye. *hands the pistol to Spinebite* Lemme know if you can find somethin' similar to this, xíng ma?

Spinebite: That was some pretty good shooting there, Tillie.

Tillie: Shén me? Oh, sorry. *removes the protectors* What was that?

BRG: Maybe Ian should hold off until we've had a good look at your wrists.

Tillie: Oh all right, Doc. Gotta get these back anyhow. *takes the gun back from Spinebite* Good shooting, you two.

Spinebite: See ya.

Tillie: *turns around just as she's getting to the door* Hey Doc, ya think while we're in the exam you could maybe take some o' these out? *lifts her shirt just enough to expose a line of sutures* They itch somethin' awful.

lā jī = garbage
shì = yes
xiān sheng = sir/mister/teacher/(title of respect)
xíng ma = all right?/okay?
shén me = what?

"Need a weave on that?" - Simon, in The Train Job

BLUEREDGREEN

Friday, August 29, 2008 7:54 PM

I don't think it should be a problem. *begins loading bullets into the magazine of one of the pistols* How long until we can get in?

Tillie: Ten minutes, I think.

Alright then. I guess I'll stay here until then... Unless Spine here doesnt want me wasting more of his ammo.

Spine: As if a hundred thousand rounds aint enough.... *muttering quietly* I'm gonna get the cap'n to take it outta your pay....

CAPTAINZERO

Sunday, August 31, 2008 1:27 AM

It's on me today. We can use the practice.

*BlueRedGreen and Spinebite turn around, startled.*

May I? *Zero takes the weapon BRG has just finished loading and empties it into a target.*

*She hands the empty gun back to BRG and turns to Spinebite.*
Give me something with a little more oomph.

*Spinebite hands her the Magnum. She looks at it with grim satisfaction.*
This'll do.

*Zero shoots into a target until the bullseye is completely obliterated.*
Sorry about that.

Spinebite: No problem, Cap'n.

*She hands the gun back.*
Thanks.

We'll be leaving for Persephone tomorrow after breakfast. I'm not expecting any trouble from Badger because the job here is still going strong. Long as he's making a profit, he won't make any trouble. But I have some misgivings about the funeral. *Zero tosses Spinebite a bag of coin.* Here's for the ammo.

CAPTAINZERO

Sunday, September 7, 2008 1:04 AM

*Persephone. Eavesdown Cemetery.*

*A man stands in front of a casket, his hands folded. He wears the black robes and collar of a shepherd. Around him in a rough circle are a group of mourners, their heads bowed. Alliance enforcers in shiny black are in evidence, along with several officers in grey and purple. Keeping an uneasy distance from them are people who may be farmers or laborers, many of whom wear brown dusters or trousers.*

Shepherd: We are gathered here today to pay our respects to Nickolas Walker.

*A woman in a long silk gown silently approaches and joins the group. She looks around before bowing her head with the others. Another woman joins the mourners. This one is dressed in a vest and trousers tucked into her boots with a gun at her hip. A third arrives, dressed in a military jumpsuit with a cap pulled down over her eyes. Two women arrive together, a young slender girl with beautiful silky brown hair and an older, curvier woman with untidy braids emerging from beneath her cap.*

Shepherd: Nickolas held many titles: Sergeant Walker *nodding to the Alliance officers*, Colonel Walker *nodding to those in brown*, Captain Walker *nodding to a man in Japanese robes and the woman in the vest*. He had many titles, but today we remember Nickolas Walker the man, and leave the titles behind.

*On the roof of the church next to the cemetery, a man lies in a prone sniper's position. He looks through a scope at the faces of the mourners. He moves the scope up to view the other buildings that surround the cemetery, and spots four other sniper positions. He murmurs into his mic. Two men step back and disappear out of sight, while at the same time a man and a woman move up to take their places.*

Shepherd: He loved his family and his friends. He loved his ship. He loved to help people. He loved adventure.

*An Alliance official's head is bowed, not in prayer but bent over a handheld database of wanted criminals. He looks up periodically to scan the faces of the mourners and check their features against the images on his screen. His behavior is not unnoticed, and several people hitch up their coat collars against the breeze and fix their hats more firmly on their heads. One man in an oversized duster is writing down the names of every purple-belly in attendance. He checks the names against another list, and whispers to the woman next to him. She looks at one of the officers, an older man with a scar above his eyebrow.*

Shepherd: We remember him today not just as an officer in an army or the captain of a ship but as a son, a brother, a friend.

*A whisper is heard from one of the bowed heads:* So much tension, it gives me an uncomfortableness. Feels like a storm about to break.

INVICTUS12

Monday, September 8, 2008 7:40 PM

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Just to say thanks, cause i'm not sure what else to. He died saving another person, so i guess that's something. Thanks again. If there is anything else, don't hesitate to contact me.

TILLIESONG

Wednesday, September 10, 2008 12:11 AM

Tillie: Never got enough time to know him too well, but he was a good captain an' he treated his crew fair. Now we come to learn he was a hero, that he died saving someone else's life. Don't come as no surprise he put another's safety in front of his own. That sounds just like our Captain Walker. He'll always be a part of our ship, and just wanna send out respects to his family and tell you we will always hold him in our hearts.

"When you can't run anymore you crawl, and when you can't do that-- you find someone to carry you." The Message

INVICTUS12

Wednesday, September 10, 2008 10:02 PM

***************************
Thanks a bunch and nice sig. happy cruising.

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