RP: "Adventures in Gunrunning" - Act 12

POSTED BY: FrauDirektor
UPDATED: Tuesday, March 23, 2004 21:45
VIEWED: 19241
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SQUEE

Saturday, March 20, 2004 8:02 AM

Damon's turn:
LOCATION - DINING ROOM to CARGO BAY/SPARE SHUTTLE

Damon leans against the kitchen counter, finishing the last couple bites of his second bowl of food. As welcoming as the chair looked, he didn't think that he'd ever make it to his feet if he sat down in it again, especially with a full stomache.

He sets his empty bowl in the sink as Rowan returns with a mesh bag.

Quote:
ROWAN: "Excuse me, Shepherd, I'm in need of some practice time - you don't think anyone would mind if I set up here, do you? The table's a little narrow, but it'll do in a pinch."

"I'm headin' for sleep," Damon says to no one in particular.

He helps himself to a cup of water and then heads for the cargo bay. After picking up his bag of possessions from where he had dropped it a couple hours earlier and making sure that everything was still in it, he climbs the stairs up to the catwalk.
He opens the shuttle door and closes it again behind him.

He lets out a tired sigh as he looks around the small shuttle again. Pale light drifts through the half covered window at the front of the cockpit, just enough for him to be able to see where he's going.

There is something about this shuttle that makes him feel at peace. Actually, the whole ship does, but the shuttle offers him a freedom that he finds to be extremely relaxing: he could take this shuttle and go anywhere he wanted with it. Not that he would; just having the option availible was liberating.

Turning to his bed, he puts his bag on the floor and takes off his weapons belt. He puts his gun under his pillow before lying down and falling asleep.

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

MANIACNUMBERONE

Saturday, March 20, 2004 8:41 AM

Book's Move

Location: Galley

Book is staring away at nothing, thinking about everything, when Rowan approaches him.

-----
ROWAN: "Excuse me, Shepherd, I'm in need of some practice time - you don't think anyone would mind if I set up here, do you? The table's a little narrow, but it'll do in a pinch."
-----

Damon stands

---------
"I'm headin' for sleep"
---------

"Sleep well, Damon." Book says and watches him go.

Book is suddenly very interested and awake.
"I don't think anyone would mind. Everyone seems to be going to their bunks. I could certainly do with some sort of diversion, though." Book pauses and chuckles. "I may not be much of a match, but if you want, I'll give you a game."

Standing up and gathering as many dishes into his hands as he can, Book looks to Rowan. "Help me clear these dishes and things off of the table, would you Rowan? We'll make some room."

EM

OOC Geezer, Boomer, Merz.... great dream stuff lately. I love the background I am imagining for your characters.

MERCEDESTROY

Sunday, March 21, 2004 1:57 PM

LOCATION - MERZ DORM to CARGO BAY

MERZ move

Finding herself completely unable to return to sleep, MERZ decided to get a workout instead, while everyone is asleep. In the darkness, she strips off her shipsuit and dons a loose tank top and drawstring trousers, in grey cotton. She grabs the sticks from the pocket of the shipsuit and quietly opens the door. She stands barefooted in the doorway for a short time, listening and breathing deeply. She can hear voices and odd clicking noises from the common area, but senses no one else near.

MERZ pads quietly to the cargo bay where there is a bit of floor space large enough for her to use. She stands motionless in silence for a space – again using her senses, but detects no one near. There is a heat trace near each of the shuttles – but both doors are closed.

Good enough. Merz begins slowly. It is part dance, part art, part kata. She starts with one stick, with one hand, with feet, knees, elbows – fighting dream opponents. For a while MERZ is still actively aware of her surroundings. But gradually she is taken by the art; by the peace of total concentration, and she loses contact with all but her actions. She speeds up pushing herself harder and harder. It has been too long since she had a chance to really let go. She holds at top speed for nearly an hour striving to push for just one more ounce of strength, one more fraction of speed. (At top speed, MERZ is a blur – too fast for the human eye to separate individual motions.)

After almost two hours, MERZ feels her muscles beginning to quiver, and slows to a halt. She is breathing more deeply than hard, and sheathed in sweat. But her mind is calm and focused. She can sleep now.

She stands silent and motionless for a time, dissipating the heat from her exertions. She will walk back to her doss and sleep in just a minute more. But for the moment she is one with the darkness and the calm.

EOM

If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress

GEEZER

Sunday, March 21, 2004 4:18 PM

Mal's Move:

Location: His Bunk/Catwalk

[MAL can't get back to sleep. He's not too sure he'd want to rerun that dream again anyway. Since he's still dressed, he decides to have a little look-around. He heads for the bridge to check on WASH, but the noises he hears when he gets near the door let him know that WASH is awake, if not very watchful. Grinning and envious, MAL turns to check out the cargo bay.

As he steps onto the catwalk, he sees movement below, and freezes, hidden behind a bulkhead. Peering around the corner, he sees MERZ doing some sort of martial arts routine. She moves slowly and deliberately at first, but soon speeds up, long hair flying as she spins and twists. Mal can't help but admire her skill, as well as the way the sweat-sodden tank top clings to her figure. Mighty handsome woman, and no weakling for sure. Bet she'd clean up real nice.

Just watching her workout has tired MAL, so he quietly heads to his bunk, puts on his pajamas, and goes back to bed, hoping for better dreams.]

EOM

OOC: Hey, I can't remember ever seeing what MAL sleeps in, so pajamas is as valid as anything.

"Keep the Shiny side up"

CHANNAIN

Monday, March 22, 2004 1:59 AM

Rowan's Move:
LOCATION - GALLEY

Quote:
Damon: "I'm headin' for sleep."

Rowan: "Nite xiâo dì dì. Sleep tight and pleasant dreams."

Quote:
Book is suddenly very interested and awake.
"I don't think anyone would mind. Everyone seems to be going to their bunks. I could certainly do with some sort of diversion, though." Book pauses and chuckles. "I may not be much of a match, but if you want, I'll give you a game."

Standing up and gathering as many dishes into his hands as he can, Book looks to Rowan. "Help me clear these dishes and things off of the table, would you Rowan? We'll make some room."

ROWAN (Smiling): "I'll take any game you have, Shepherd, and gladly."

Setting the bag and cue case down on the table, she moves quickly to assist. Stacking up bowls and collecting silverware, she follows Book to the little grotto and leaves the stack near the opened dish washer. Jayne is finishing up his own meal, licking the last of the tastiness out of his bowl before setting it in the rack and starting on the rest. He seems to have a system all his own that apparently doesn't include rinsing. As fresh water is bound to be at a premium, that may or may not be a good thing, Rowan decides.

Returning to the table, she opens the bag and starts sorting the hardware like the pieces of a puzzle. No less than six portable holographic projectors, each designed to provide maximum resolution from their respective angles. Looking up at the ceiling, she makes a quick calculation and sets each projector according to its expected position. Then she pulls a chair out, slips off her sandals and steps up. The Shepherd takes her hand and supports her elbow as well as she climbs up to stand on the table - an unnecessary gesture, but a welcome and most gentlemanly one. Swiftly, she sets the projectors using the magnetic buttons on the bottom of each unit. First the corners, diagonally, then the center units, using her own arms and a little eyeballing from the Shepherd to get them set mostly straight. Hopping back down, she picks up the hand held unit and touches the screen while the Shepherd finishes pulling the chairs away to the sides. All four units come to life, and a holographic billiards table is suspended in mid-air, three feet above the dining table. A few lightly touched adjustments, and the billiards table appears to be resting on the table top. Another touch and a nine-ball rack appears, then the balls themselves, with the white cue ball last.

Pleased, Rowan tucks the hand-held device into the front of her trousers for the time being and picks up the case, moving to lay it across two of the chairs. Opening the latches, she draws out the two pieces of her simple black-lacquer cue stick. Twisting the pieces tightly together, she turns it until the Chinese symbols for luck and fortune appear. Kissing them both, she twirls it once at her side and then hands it out to the Shepherd.

ROWAN: "Why don't you break, Shepherd?"

EOM

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

ASTRIANA

Monday, March 22, 2004 4:11 AM

ZOE/WASH MOVE:
LOCATION - BRIDGE

ZOE settles easily into WASH's lap, resting her head on his shoulder and wrapping her arms around his neck. She cups his face in her hand, sliding her thumb along his cheek lovingly, almost playfully. WASH closes his eyes, enjoying her caress, and pulls her closer. He turns his head to look at her, and finds himself caught as she returns his gaze. He lifts his hands, burying them in the silky curls framing her face. As she leans in to kiss him, he runs his fingers through her hair, to the back of her head, and removes the comb holding that luxurious hair in place. Her hair falls freely; their lips meet, mingle, and she presses herself closer to him still. They kiss and caress leasurely, unhurriedly, until she pulls her head back slightly. He brushes her hair away from her face; she runs a finger down his cheek and smiles. Looking deep into his eyes, she gives a small, resigned sigh; he echoes it.

WASH: "I know. He'll be awake soon."

ZOE: "Not soon enough."

ZOE rises from WASH's lap and reaches for the bowls, willing to accept cold food for the few moments stolen in the midst of chaos. He watches her appreciatively, as she bends slightly, letting him appreciate the view. Passing him bowl, spoon, and napkin, she pulls the second chair closer to him, unwilling to be out of reach for long. They eat together in contented silence, smiling as each catches the other's eye. When they've finished, ZOE collects the remains of their meal. As she turns toward the door to take their dishes back to the galley, she throws him an inviting look over her shoulder.

ZOE: "I'll be waiting."

She leaves the bridge, trailing almost palpable anticipation behind her. He can't wait for MAL to wake.

End Move.

OOC: Hey folks! Since I didn't know when Raven was going to be able to get back to me, I wen t ahead and posted the scene between Zoe and Wash. I'll edit it later if need be.

~A~

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

GEEZER

Monday, March 22, 2004 1:45 PM

Mal's Move

Location: His Bunk/Bridge

[The alarm buzzer sounds, waking MAL from a better dream than his first one. Time to relieve WASH on watch. MAL slips off his PJs and gets dressed. Leavng his bunk, he detours to the catwalk, but MERZ is no longer in the hold. No excuse now, back to the bridge. At least WASH's alone now, and probably eager to get to bed, if not to sleep.]

MAL:(grinning evily)"Pretty slow night, eh? Think I'll go make some coffee before I take over. That slow drip kind that takes 'bout 30 minutes, maybe. You don't have anything else to do, do ya?"

WASH: (yawning hugely)"Well, I'd love th hang around, but I'm awful tired, MAL. Hate to think of dozin' off while you were in the galley, and havin' Reavers catch us unawares. Maybe, just for the safety of the ship, you should take over now and I'll bring you a cup later on?"

MAL:"Oh, go to your wife, you ruttin' liou mahng. Just keep it down, so everybody else can sleep."

[WASH smiles and almost runs for the door as MAL settles down in the chair. Looking over the controls he sees that the comm has logged a private message for THORNE. He could call him about it, but tomorrow's soon enough. He leans back to watch the stars.]

EOM

Liou mahng = Bastard

OOC: I moved WASH along a bit too. Can't keep Zoe waiting.

"Keep the Shiny side up"

MANIACNUMBERONE

Monday, March 22, 2004 8:12 PM

Book's Move

Location: Galley converted to pool hall

Shepherd Book watches as Rowan initiates the last few holoprojectors and the table snaps into focus. She puts together her cue, twirls it and hands it out to Book.

--------
ROWAN: "Why don't you break, Shepherd?"
--------

"Thank you" Book quirks his head as he takes the offered stick, stretches his arms behind his head and steps up to the table. He leans down preparing to break then pauses.
"It's been a long time, mind." Book says looking over his shoulder, with a somewhat worried look on his face. Then his face breaks into a wide smile and turns back to the shot.

Book taps the cue ball a little to the left, pulls back the cue stick and slams away at the ball. Unfortunately, the concealed wrapping on his hand catches at the stick and the shot goes astray. The cue ball flies high over the rack of balls and as it passes beyond the edge of the table, it disappears.

Book stands a little guiltily from his shot and turns back to Rowan offering her the cue. "Looks like I wasn't meant to break."

EM

CHANNAIN

Tuesday, March 23, 2004 1:00 AM

Rowan's Move:
LOCATION - The Serenity Pool Hall, a.k.a. Galley

Quote:
The cue ball flies high over the rack of balls and as it passes beyond the edge of the table, it disappears.

Watching the cue ball make its graceful arch over the table and vanish into the air beyond the termination of the holographic field, Rowan gives the preacher a questioning look.

Quote:
Book stands a little guiltily from his shot and turns back to Rowan offering her the cue. "Looks like I wasn't meant to break."

Rowan has to bite her lips together to keep from laughing. Rather than take the cue, she waves the preacher back.

ROWAN: "We'll call that a warm up. That kind of enthusiasm warrants a do-over."

Taking the hand-held pad from her trousers, she taps a couple keys and the cue ball appears right where it was before the Shepherd eliminated its very existence. When he gives her a dubious look, she waves toward the table.

ROWAN: "You might as well get your licks in while you can, Shepherd. I've never let anyone win, so if I start this game, I will finish it."

EOM

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

SQUEE

Tuesday, March 23, 2004 1:25 AM

Damon’s turn:
LOCATION- SPARE SHUTTLE

Damon lies curled up on his bunk, trying to fend off the nightmares that constantly plague his sleep. They are the one thing he will never be free of. No matter how far he runs, they will always be there as soon as his eyes close.

A small part of him is aware that he is dreaming and he clings to it, desperately trying to pull himself awake. He opens his eyes and sits up with a start. He looks around, but can’t see anything in the dark room. Hearing only his heart pounding in his chest and the distant hum of a spaceship engine, he slowly exhales and untangles himself from his sweat soaked sheets.

He reaches his feet with a groan and tries to rub some feeling into his stiff muscles. The only thing worse than getting the go se beaten out of you is waking up the next morning. He checks the time and realizes that it isn’t even three in the morning yet. Too early to get up, but he knew that he wouldn’t get back to sleep. He walks over to the pilot chair in the cockpit and sits down, watching the stars floating by through the window.

What are you doing here?

I truly don’t know.

You’re sitting in a fully powered shuttle.

I’m not taking their shuttle. They saved my life.

You don’t owe them anything. You worked your ass off for them.

I worked my ass off for myself. I’d be dead or on route back to Dis right now if I didn’t install that cannon for them.

So you’re just going to keep working for them? You’re taking orders from them like a slave. The captain calls and you run.

I never followed orders, even as a slave. I follow them now because I choose to. I’m not going back to Dis.

Even if that means becoming their slave?

I’m not a slave.

They aren’t paying you.

I am getting free food and a place to sleep. I can leave whenever I want.

Then why don’t you?

… I don’t know.

You don’t know much.

... It’s safe here.

Hu shuo, its not safe anywhere. The girl already knows. What if she snitches on you?

She’s not saying anything.

She already said enough!

None of them seem sympathetic to the Alliance; they wouldn’t turn me in.

You willing to bet your freedom on that?

…

Thought not. You’ve worked too hard to get caught now. You won’t survive another day on Dis, Crofton will make sure of it.

I know that.

Then why are you hanging around criminals? The last place you want to be is on a ship that draws attention to itself.

No, the last place I want to be is on some transport ship with an Alliance butt-kissing crew who would turn me in for a nice reward. This place is as safe as any, especially if I have a dozen people on my side for once.

Don’t get too comfortable with that. It won’t be long before you’re on your own again.

And if I get offered a long-term job? The captain did call me crew.

You mean if you get offered a long-term job and if you manage to not get fired and if they don’t find out what you are? Cows will fly.

Well, I managed to get off the ground, so maybe they will too one day.

Damon continues to watch the stars for a few minutes longer as his mental debate comes to an end. Well, for tonight anyway. He sits stretched out in the chair with his arms folded across his chest and drifts back to sleep.

Hu shuo = bullshit

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

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