VFF The Book continues 4
POSTED BY: Colt999
UPDATED: Saturday, April 26, 2014 13:20
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PAGE 3 of 19
*I leave Abbey with a smile on my face. It dawns on me that earlier I wanted to ring her neck. *
* Thinking to myself* Where’s this going? Is it going anywhere? *I shake my head* Who am I kidding. She wouldn’t want a guy like me….but still. *smiling again*
*I head down to the engine room to let Spots know he can use the shuttle to get the hoses. Might be a good chance for Stan to show off his shuttle skills. I enter but Spots is not around. As I’m turning to leave I hear a noise coming from the behind the core. I see the top of a head*
Brit?
*She stands up and grins at me. Her face is spotted with grease*
Brit: Hello *like we haven’t seen each other in days*
What are you doing back there?
Brit: Rerouting the artificial gravity relay. It wasn’t hooked into the back up properly.
And you know that, how?
Brit: Just know
Well come on out of there. We have a mechanic for that sort of thing.
Brit: Wait he’ll miss it. The parts don’t fit. They look like they do.
Now! *She comes over and I take my shirt sleeve and wipe the grease from her nose.* No playing back here. You’re apt to blow us all up.
Brit *very insistent* Just let me *pulling away*
Stop. I mean it. I’ll tell Spots to check it out. *under my breath* Girl thinks she knows everything.
Brit: Not everything. I do know that it only takes 1.4 pounds of pressure to break a nose.
*Condescending* Well that’s a pleasant thought. Now come on I got work to do and don’t need you underfoot.
Brit: I also know your nose is going to be broken.
*I pinch the end of my nose * My nose is going to be broke *more of a statement than question*
*She gives me her, yes dummy, look and nods*
And how is that going to happen?
Brit: Not sure. But it will happen unless...
Unless what?
Brit: If you take me with you on the job, there is a 38.7% chance I can stop it from happening. But we have to leave soon.
Right *rolling my eyes* I see what your playing at. You go into town the other day and now you want to get off at every stop. Fine you can play around the boat. Don’t wander too far.
Brit: I can only save the nose if I’m with it.
You’re not going on the job and that final.
*We head into the cargo bay together. Mobbex gives his best pissed off look as he climbs the side ladder of the Mule.
Sky: All set. I talked to the seller they’ll be expecting us.
*Spots enters from outside* Got the plates pulled. Should be able to replace the hoses by nightfall.
Good take the shuttle and tell Stan to give you a hand. Oh by the way, I found Brit messing around in the engine room check it out make sure she didn’t mess anything up.
*I walk over to the infirmary to get my nock. The Doc’s nowhere to be found. Brit comes up beside me and hand me the shot.*
Brit: This is the one we need.
WE don’t need it. You’re not going. *giving myself the shot*
Brit: 34.3 % .We should hurry.
*I start to leave but see my reflection in the mirror hanging in the infirmary. Abbey flashes in my mind. Broke nose, that won’t do much to help my chances, assuming I got a chance. I look at my nose and back to Brit. She nods sympathetically *
Load up and stay out of the way. Not a word to the sellers and you best keep my nose from being broke. 
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*abbey wakes up later to a wave coming in. She answers it. It is someone she knows who happens to be on Creed right now too. She books a game with him for later at his ship. She decides to go check on Oram. She goes downstairs and sees that Oram’s door is opened and the broken glass in the sink has been cleaned up. Hoping that Oram is around close by, she calls out to her.*
abbey: Oram! You around here?
*abbey hears a sound coming from inside the infirmary and turns that direction. When she nears it, she sees a glimpse of Oram running up the stairs. abbey knows that since she left her inhaler upstairs, she wouldn’t be able to chase her down, so she returns to her shuttle to get ready for her game. When she gets to the inner door, she sees a note taped to it. She opens it.
abbey,
I’m sorry for hurting you last night. I wasn’t thinking right.
I’m so grateful for everything you have done for me in my life and it was no way to repay your kindness. I am so ashamed that I cannot face you right now.
Again, I am truly very sorry. Please forgive me.
Your mei mei,
Oram
*abbey now realizes that Oram was deliberately avoiding her. She sighs. She goes into her shuttle and dresses for her game. She remembers that this client likes a gamer who is pleasing to the eye (he tends to place bigger bets that way), so she gets out a short red skirt with a red shirt. Normally, she would have worn a sleeveless shirt but opted for one that covered the bruise. Lastly, she dons a pair of high-heeled shoes. She grabs her rolling suitcase that she uses when traveling to an offsite game. She shoves her inhaler in her pocket, just in case, and heads out the door.*
*Before she leaves the ship, she stops by Oram’s room and sticks a note on the door.*
Dear mei mei,
All is forgiven. You need not worry.
abbey
*abbey goes out to the cargo bay and hears Stan and Spots talking about taking the shuttle somewhere.*
abbey: Could you guys be persuaded to drop me off somewhere? *Stan and Spots nod and wave her over.* And if you could get something to fix my door while you are out, I would really appreciate it.
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A' least we're earnin' our livin'.
*Mobbex is ensconced on the back seat as the mule cruises through the open land, leaning over the armrest as he is contemplating his options.*
Captain ain't thinkin' straight. That mouthy chick, Abbey... totally spun him around her pinky finger. Limber, though... *is jerked out of his revery as the mule bumps into a tree root*
Colt, keeping his eyes on the road as he speaks: Everyone okay back there?
*Mobbex grumbles a yes, then resumes his musing*
And then there's this kwong chee duh doctor. She knows her stuff, I'll give her that, but she belongs in a suicide watch.
*Takes a glance to his left; Brit is dozing on her seat*
*And you. I ain't sure what to think, really. You're a whacko, no question about it. But you do have your moments.*
*Brit is now swaying back and forth, beaming as the wind blows through her hair*
Mobbex frowns: What're you so giddy 'bout? It ain't like y're gonna help us with anythin'.
Brit, still grinning: The tale of a sightless ape, alone in the dark... clueless...
Mobbex: Yeah, right... why're you even here? *to Colt* Cap'n, why's she even here?
Colt: 'Cause I said so, you got a problem with that?
*Mobbex scowls and crosses his arms over his chest, thinking fiendish thoughts.*
*The Mule takes a sharp Corner and a winds up at a fork*
*Colts eases up on the gas pedal; The Mule slows down to a halt as he pulls over.*
Sky, wrily: Losing your bearings already, captain?
*Colt gives her a bone chilling glare*
Sky: *sighs* I told ya to let me drive. Take the left.
Colt: Uh-uh, I'm fairly positive Casmin said "take a right at the split".
Sky rolls her eyes: Right. And what's gonna happen when you foul up the first serious deal you're tryin' to swing because you got yourself lost on the way? Colt, y' got a crew that ain't been paid in weeks, and I hate to tell you, but fluffballs and slinky dresses ain't gonna cut it.
*Colt has a come back on tip of his tongue when Brit extends her arm leftward*
Colt: *sighs in defeat* Let's go with the left.
Abbey:...Pleasuretex?
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*Stan grabs his duffel and leaves his bedding disheveled. Heading out of the corridor he heads towards the passengers head. Upon entering he sees the shower.*
Stan: "A shower. That's something I haven't had for a couple weeks. Atleast not a decent one."
*After a short but refreshing shower Stan throws on some rough yet technically presentable clothes and heads out to find Spots and see if he's ready to go. He stops in his berth and grabs the small black syntheather case and straps it to his hip.*
*In the cargo bay a short time later.*
Spots: "Hey Stan. Yeah, Captain asked me to find you. We're going into the nearest town to see if we can't find a hose for the starboard hydraulics. The hose that we have now isn't rated for the system."
Stan: "Ok, I'm set if you are."
*Abbey walks up, dressed attractively in a short red skirt, a red shirt and high-heels.*
*Fifteen minutes later in the port shuttle.*
*Stan is sitting at the console, fiddling with the controls with more familiarity than he had with the ships helm.*
Stan: "Now this is more like it. Controls are practically the same as the skiffs back home."
Spots: "Alright then take us out. I want to get in and back with enough time to maybe fix Abbey's airlock."
*Stan begins the unlocking procedures and takes the shuttle fairly smoothly from its berth. He deftly handles the shuttle, flying low and somewhat quickly over the dense canopy of the forest. Startling birds left and right.*
Stan: "Woooo, now this is flying. I'd try her maneuverability but you all probably wouldn't like that much."
Spots: "Uh... yeah thanks for not trying that."
*He calls back to Abbey*
"You said that client was about three miles outside town set down near a resort?"
Abbey: "Yeah, he said you can't miss it. Large place, lots of glass and a golf course."
Stan: "Alrighty, we aren't much outside town as it is. We should probably swing around to the north and west here and avoid the traffic."
*Near to thirty minutes later he eases the shuttle down on a landing flat just next to a large pristine yacht.*
Abbey: "Don't forget my door now. I'd like it fixed before I get back if possible."
Spots: "Yes ma'am. I'll do what I can."
*The shuttle lifts off, heading swiftly to the northeast in the direction of the large, densely populated town.*
<--------------------<<<<-~~~~(*)~~~~->>>>-------------------->
Colt999: "Quick! What's the name of a firefly porn site?"
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*abbey’s client meets her at the door of his ship with open arms.*
abbey *cordially*: Hello Grayson! It’s been a long time!
Grayson *hugs her*: Way too long! *stands back and looks at her* Well abbey, you are looking quite fine tonight! You lose weight?
abbey *laughing, because he always says that*: Now Grayson, you think I need to lose weight? *She looks at him coyly.* You didn’t seem to have any issues that last time you contracted my services.
Grayson *remembering the last time*: Oh yes… That purple dress you wore… Absolutely stunning. Makes me wish you were in a different profession sometimes.
abbey *blushing*: Grayson!
Grayson *chuckling*: Things wouldn’t be fun unless I got you to blush one time while I was here. *He looks at her suitcase.* Are you ready? Got all your stuff?
abbey *patting case*: All right here. Are your friends here already?
Grayson: On their way.
abbey: Great. I can get set up before they arrive. I always like to be prepared. What are we playing tonight?
Grayson: Blackjack!
abbey: Your favorite!
*Grayson led abbey into the ship, talking the whole way.*
Grayson: Got anyone in your life right now? *abbey blushed again* Hah! Got you again!
abbey *thinking to herself*: Why do I get the feeling this is going to be a long session?
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(Stan sets the shuttle down near a junk yard after some rummaging and explicatives I find two intact heavy weight hydraulic lines)
(walking up to the shack in the front of the yard)
hello anyone home.....*no answer*.. HEllo anybody..
(shrugs and walks off with some more parts then just the hydraulic lines
)...*whistling*..
(rushing back to the shuttle)
ok stan lets put this place behind us
Stan: hey it must have been cheep you have more than we came for
yeah....yeah we'll go with that (shutting the door behind him)
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*The four of them arrive at the wood factory. Brit hops off of the mule, gazing at her surroundings and then rotating towards the building. The Captain is talking to Mobbex and Sky*
Colt: Mobbex, Sky… I want you two to take the first load of lumber back to the Book. Do it fast and quietly. Don’t want any trouble stirring. When you’re done piling up the first fill, come back for another. We have six loads to do so we need to be hasty about it.
Mobbex: Wait, why are the two of us going back, and you and Miss Madcap stayin here? Me ‘n Sky got to do all the work?
Colt: No, we’re going to get the lumber ready before you get back and help you load.
*Mobbex grumbles and Sky gives the Captain a glare*
Colt: *He knows exactly what Sky is thinking* Let’s just get this done…
*Colt, Mobbex, and Sky put the first load on the mule and Mobbex and Sky head out toward the Book to drop it off*
Brit: *whispering to herself* 29…28…27…26… *she’s looking around frantically as the Captain gathers up more wood for the second load*
Colt: Brit, quit… talking to yourself and come help.
Brit: I am helping. You just can’t see it. 22…21…20…
Colt: *raises his eyebrow* I can’t do all this by myself. Mobbex and Sky come back and see you’re not helping, they’ll throw a fit.
Brit: *narrows her eyes at Colt* Fine. *she picks up a large piece of lumber and piles it into the stack Colt had going* 10…9…8…
Colt: *finishes stacking the 2nd load* Well… already done with the second load and still no broke nose. I’m quite sure my nose ain’t at risk for nothing. Maybe when Mobbex and Sky come back, you can have them take you back to the ship.
Brit: 2…1…
*The large stack of lumber behind Colt begins to fall, causing one to fly into the air and toward him*
Brit: *runs over to the Captain pushing him out of the way, but the piece of lumber still strikes his left eye and under it there is a cut*
Colt: GORRAM! *puts his hand over his eye in agony as blood trickles onto it* Thought you said you were gonna protect me!
Brit: I said I’d protect your nose.
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"You know what the chain of command is? It's the chain I go get and beat you with until you understand who's in ruttin' command here." - Jayne Cobb (Firefly)
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*abbey is dealing cards to Grayson and three of his friends, two of which she knows well from past games.*
Grayson *making small talk, trying to make abbey blush again*: Did you all know abbey has a beau? *He looks at his card.* Hit me! *abbey does and he gets 22. He tosses his cards at her. abbey moves on to the next guy.
Harris *smiling up at abbey’s face which is turning red*: A beau? When did this start? *thinks about his cards.*
abbey *stammering*: It hasn’t… doesn’t… won’t.
*All the guys at the table laugh.*
Harris: Hit me! *He gets a 19.* I’ll stand.
abbey *moving on next guy*: What about you Thomas? Need a card?
Thomas: Only if you tell us more about your beau? He on that ship you’re living on? *abbey glares at him and he smiles sheepishly.* Hit me. *looks at new card and motions for abbey to deal him one more which she does. He tosses his cards to her* I’m out.
*abbey moves on to the last guy, he is a newcomer and a recent business contact with Grayson. He looks at the interaction between abbey and his fellow players.*
Peter: They always talk to you like this?
abbey: Yes… Although my personal life hasn’t been a topic for a while now.
Peter: Oh. *He grins at her.* Then, is he tall?
*The table erupts in laughter as abbey blushes again. This behavior continues on throughout the session.*
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*We drive back to the Book with the final load of lumber. Sky does a good job containing her laughter at my shiny black eye. Mobbex doesn't*
Mobbex: Just so I get it straight. You brought moon brain here cause she said she could help you from getting a busted nose?
*I consider driving the mule off the hill and ending all of this before we get back to the boat*
Mobbex laughing: And then you get smacked in the head with a board and cause your nose ain't broke she thinks she done good? Here I thought Abbey had you hen pecked, turns out you'll listen to any of em.
*I lock the brakes up on the Mule. Before I can turn in my seat, Sky surprises me. She jumps out draws her weapon and levels it at Mobbex.*
Sky: You need to shut your mouth. Now. *Mobbex considers making a move but Sky has him* Colt invited you on his boat same as the rest of us. Now I've known him a long time and he always surprises me with the type of people he seems to attract. I trust him and the fact that your here means he must think your worth having around. Could be why you got off so easy stealing from the crew. Might want to consider that next time you want to give him a hard time.
*Sky holsters her weapon and crawls back in the mule.*
That was...touching.
Sky: Shut up Colt. I just didn't want that man ape to kill you when you picked a fight with him.
*We arrive back at the Book to see the Padre outside with his belongings. I get out and Sky takes the wheel*
Make sure the tie downs are secure. Don't want that load shifting when we take off. *walking up to Invictus* Afternoon Padre. Glad to see you finally came out of your room.
Invictus: I'm leaving Captain.
Kinda got that from your suitcase. Mind telling me why?
Invictus: I just can't continue living on your ship. The things I've done since I joined you. I attacked you crew. Put you in harms way. Brought a felon… a monster on your boat. I thought I was helping but ...I just didn't think things through. I killed men helping him escape. Not very Shepherd like. I'm sorry for the confusion and chaos I brought to your boat. I hope my sudden departure won't cause a problem.
Where you going to go Padre?
Invictus: I don't think I can be a man of the cloth anymore. I've broken too many oaths. I suppose I'll wander a while. Who known’s maybe I'll find a boat of my own one day. You might see me again.
You a Captain?
Invictus: Maybe you’re right. Not sure I could handle a crew. It's been a pleasure meeting you Captain. *We shake hands*
Not going to say goodbye to the rest?
Invictus: No I think it's better for me to just disappear.
*I watch the padre start down the road then head back into the Book to check on repairs. Mobbex stops me at the bay door*
Mobbex: He leaving?
Looks that way.
Mobbex: So he ain't crew no more?
No. Why?
Mobbex: No reason. I got to run to town get some ammo and such.
Fine just don't take too long. Want to get in the air as soon as the repairs are complete.
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*Mobbex trails Invictus until the ship is well out of view, then comes out in the open and calls him out.*
Mobbex: Hey! Preacher man! Wait up!
*Invictus turns around and rolls his eyes.*
Invictus: What do you want?
Mobbex: *jogs to catch up* M'sorry, but y' forgot somethin'. Somethin' I owe you...
*Invictus's countenance shifts from detachment to horror as he makes out the dastardly twinkle in Mobbex's eyes. He reaches for his hip holster and pulls out his six shooter, but to no avail, as the taller man already has him within arm's reach. Mobbex uses his wingspan to his advantage and forcefully slaps the handgun out of the preacher's grip. Invictus then throws a desperate hook that Mobbex wards off in deft fashion before countering with a roaring uppercut that connects squarely with Invictus's jaw, sending him spiraling backward.*
Mobbex: Yeah! That's bound to've knocked a handful o' chicklets loose!
*The shepherd is manifestly stunned, and fails to conjure up the wits to resist as Mobbex shoves him to the ground. He tries to find his feet, but the mercenary won't have it.*
*Mobbex parks his right foot over Invictus' chest, effectively pinning him to the ground. The shepherd winces as the keen cleats dig into his flesh.*
Invictus: Wh... wha' a'he you h'oing?
Mobbex: I seem to recall us enjoyin' a little chat about the idiosyncrasies of Karma... *He abruptly shifts the bulk of his weight rightward, forcing the air out of Invictus's lungs.*
Invictus, his face distorted into a mask of torment: Oarghhhhhh... *coughs*
Mobbex: Then I believe death threats we're exchanged. M'not positive, tough. Recollections ain't ever been my forte... *thrusts his foot further into Invictus's ribcage, cracking a rib or two.*
Invictus: URGH! *coughs* Ju'h... ju'h kill me now...
*Mobbex takes out his pocket knife and unfolds it with a flick of the thumb.*
Mobbex: *smirks* Oh, y' wanna die, now? *gets right into Invictus's face and lowers his voice to a growl* By the time I'm done, you'll be wishin' you're folks hadn't hooked up.
====================Half an hour later====================
*Mobbex is standing in the rest room, back on the Book, when Wash barges in.*
Wash: Yikes! Huh... m'sorry, the door wasn't locked.
Mobbex: T's okay. 'Forgot to lock it.
Wash: So, how'd the job go... *she gasps as she notices the red splatters on his arms and chest* Is that... blood?
Mobbex: Huh, that? No, 'just had some beets is all.
Wash, obviously not duped: Beets...
Mobbex: Yup. 'Folks grow them in the flatlands nearby. D'you know they have prairie dogs on Creed?
Wash, caught off guard by the sudden change of topic: Huh... well, no...
Mobbex: Cute lil' things. They'll even eat raw meat if y' chop it small enough.
Wash, feeling the blood draining from her face: I, huh... I think I'll go now. *She pulls a H-ey and makes a quick exit.*
*Mobbex snickers and goes about rubbing the stains off of his jacket.*
Abbey:...Pleasuretex?
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