VFF The Book continues 4
POSTED BY: Colt999
UPDATED: Saturday, April 26, 2014 13:20
VIEWED: 92029
PAGE 17 of 19
*Colt and abbey get dressed. Once they are, he pulls her close and kisses her. Having his arms around her like that just makes her feel… safe.*
Colt: See you later?
Abbey: Of course.
*He places a lingering kiss on her lips and leaves, making sure no one sees him doing so. She looks over at the mirror. She is so tense, she can feel it. She doesn’t know how she hid it from Colt.*
*She is dreading meeting Grayson. She was sorry that she had waved him earlier. Panicking like that should have meant some thinking time on her part, not a wave to him. She goes over and picks up a paper with the address where she is supposed to meet him. She leaves the ship and hails a hovertaxi, which drops her off at a medical building.*
Abbey *puzzled*: A clinic? *She walks in and stops at the reception desk.* I’m here to see Grayson.
*Abbey is directed to the third office on the right. She opens the door and is greeted by three men, one of which is Grayson. There is various medical equipment lying around.*
Grayson: Hello abbey!
Abbey *confused*: What is this?
Grayson *motioning to the first guy*: This is Dr. Wenchell. I know that Oram is probably a fine doctor, but I want him to check you out. Make sure there’s no damage from the Panaflex.
Abbey *rolls eyes*: I’m fine Grayson. Oram has checked me out thoroughly.
Grayson: I’m sure, but Dr. Wenchell is a pulmonary specialist. It will make me feel better.
Abbey: Fine. Whatever.
*Dr. Wenchell puts her through a full battery of tests. When it is all done, the doctor announces that she has some minor scarring in one or two areas, but nothing to worry about.*
abbey *to Grayson*: Told you.
*Dr. Wenchell is dismissed and the next guy comes over.*
Grayson: This is John. He is a retina scan technician. We are going to test what would happen when you get scanned. Just so we know.
*Abbey is actually glad of this one. She wants to be aware of what would happen. The technician scans her and everything comes back OK, except that her age was off.*
John: That would have passed through most checkpoints, but the error may have flagged someone who was actually paying attention. I’ll correct it.
Grayson: The listed age should be 6 years older than what is there.
*John finishes up his work and Grayson shows him to the door. Before John leaves, Grayson whispers a few things to him. John nods and exits the room. That leaves only Grayson and abbey. He motions for her to come sit at a table with him. She does. He is looking at a file as he speaks.*
Grayson questions her about the events since she starting renting the shuttle on the Book. Abbey tells him everything. From the encounter with Fidelis, the shooting, the Panaflex, the kidnapping and then the gravity issues.
Grayson: How are things with Colt?
Abbey: Better.
Grayson *looking over file at her*: Made up then?
Abbey *smiling slightly as she reflects back at their time together*: Yes.
Grayson *almost accusatory*: You sleeping with him?
Abbey *glaring at Grayson*: That’s none of your business. *Grayson snorted at her response. Abbey noticed he was being kinda stiff today. Not his usual self.*
Grayson *flipping to another page in the file*: Too bad. It’s going to make things a lot harder.
Abbey *narrowing her eyes at him*: What are you talking about?
Grayson: I checked out the people on board your ship. Some of them are marginal at best. Including your captain. Some even have criminal pasts. They could flip either way.
Abbey: What does that mean?
Grayson: I’m not satisfied about your safety. Plus it seems the ship itself may not be entirely sound either. It’s luh suh. I’ve already witnessed an artificial gravity failure.
Abbey *getting an inkling of where he is going*: Exactly what are you suggesting?
Grayson: I put in a request for relocation. There is a new ID in progress, we will be putting you up in a safe house on the other side of the world until it is done. So
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*Stan leaves Spots shortly after the gravity is restored. He heads down to the passenger dorms to shower and change clothes. Afterwards, dressed in clean khakis, t-shirt and his light jacket he passes Sky as she's leaving the Cargo Hold.*
Stan: "Excuse me? How long 'til we reach Persephone?"
Sky: "Not very long, I was just headed to the bridge."
Stan: "Alright, thanks."
*Stan heads back to his room and grabs his databook off the floor and straps the small black case to his left hip. Picking up his duffel and reaches in and pulls out a rolled up boonie hat. Unrolling it he dusts it off, rolls it back up and stuffs it into his back pocket.*
<----Just before Landing---->
*Stan walks through the galley and heads after the Captain who is walking towards the Bridge.*
Stan: "Captain... Captain.. hey."
Colt: *Turning around.* "Yeah, whatcha need Stan?"
Stan: "Do we have a job on Persephone or are is it just a supply stop?"
Colt: "Just for restocking, Abbey needed a few things. Thought we could check the ship for damage, finish cleaning up too."
Stan: "Would it be alright if I head off on my own? I didn't have much when I arrived here, less now. I could also use a few things for my dorm."
Colt: "Oh sure, whatever. Just be back on my boat before we leave. Alright??"
Stan: "Definitely."
Colt: "You can take the mule if you need it. Just fuel it up and don't lose it. Or crash it."
Stan: "Thank you, I'll take good care of it."
*Stan heads off to prep the mule before landing.*
Colt: "Or burn it!"
<--------------------<<<<-~~~~(*)~~~~->>>>-------------------->
"True glory consists of doing what deserves to be written, and writing what deserves to be read" Gaius Plinius Secundus
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OOC: IGNORE ACCIDENTAL DOUBLE POST
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Ow...
..Ow...
...Ow!
Mobbex comes to in a state of acute discomfort, the throb of his heartbeat spouting ripples of pain throughout his body.
Mobbex, stirring a little: ...Mmmmrhearhhh...
He dares not to move a muscle as his brain slowly catches up on recent events. He recalls gliding along the ladder down to his quarters, and then... nothing, just a blank wall.
I think I broke somethin'...
He slides an eyelid open and finds himself lying at the bottom of the access ladder to his bunk. His left leg is entangled in the bars, causing his knee to curve at an awkward angle, while his head is firmly ensconced in a wall corner.
I must've tripped... god, I think I broke somethin'...
He unshackles himself and gets to his feet as he catches snuffly sounds coming from the deck above.
Wh... I think I broke something.
He grips one of the bars and clambers up the ladder.Quote:
Originally posted by StrangeBird:
Stan: "Captain... Captain.. hey."
Colt: *Turning around.* "Yeah, whatcha need Stan?"
Stan: "Do we have a job on Persephone or are is it just a supply stop?"
Colt: "Just for restocking, Abbey needed a few things. Thought we could check the ship for damage, finish cleaning up too."
Stan: "Would it be alright if I head off on my own? I didn't have much when I arrived here, less now. I could also use a few things for my dorm."
Colt: "Oh sure, whatever. Just be back on my boat before we leave. Alright??"
Stan: "Definitely."
Colt: "You can take the mule if you need it. Just fuel it up and don't lose it. Or crash it."
Stan: "Thank you, I'll take good care of it."
*Stan heads off to prep the mule before landing.*
Colt: "Or burn it!"
Colt glances at Stan's back as the latter is stepping away. He then turns around, meaning to go about his captainy business, and... drives his nose into Mobbex's chest.
Colt: BWAH! *jumps back and reaches for his sidearm* Don't... don't do that!
Mobbex: *brings a hand up to brush something on the back of his head* ...I think I tripped an' broke somethin'.
Colt: Well that's... disheartening. You double up with Stan, make sure nothin' bad happens to him while he's rovin' around the docks.
Mobbex: *a variety of expression come fleeting across his face* Stan... right. Hey cap'n, I... I think I tripped an' broke somethin'.
Colt's face goes blank. He detaches his gaze from the mercenary and hoofs it to the bridge.
Colt, shouting over his shoulder: He'll be in the cargo bay!
Stan: Irony is my middle name. Actually... it's Max but I didn't mean literally.
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*Stan enters the cargo hold and heads over to where the mule is secured. He then walks around the vehicle unfastening chains, pushing the chucks out of the way, checking tire pressure and glancing over the entire thing for damage. Just as he's about to hop onto the drivers seat Mobbex ambles somewhat stiffly into the cargo bay and up to the mule. He seems a bit distant. As if he were hung-over or dazed.*
Mobbex: "Captain says I'm watchin' your back."
Stan: *Not sure how to answer* "I think I'll be fine."
Mobbex: "What... well whatever. I'm with you today. Like it or hate it. Dong lu ma?"
*Mobbex sits roughly, with a strange *clonk*, on the back-facing passenger seat of the mule. He has an intimidating knife strapped to his belt and a large caliber revolver on his right hip. He's also wearing a flak-jacket over a ratty t-shirt.*
"Hopefully he won't need those.. or I this." *He absently checks the strap of the case on his left hip*
Mobbex: *Rubbing the back of his head tenderly* "Well, this thing prepped?"
Stan: "Yeah, let's go." *Walking over to punch the button for the Cargo doors.*
Stan: "Haven't had a chance to take one of these for a spin yet." *Mobbex glances at him but shows no signs of worry*
Mobbex: "Captain ordered me to watch yer back.."
Stan: *Blink* "Yeahhh... alright. Watch my back."
*Stan hops up onto the drivers seat and key's the ignition, bringing the engine to life with an echoed roar in the enclosed cargo hold. He checks gauges and makes note of the various levers and pedals then backs the mule up and steers her towards the doors. Gently gunning the engine he brings the mule out of the ship and onto the wide, bustling and muddy streets of the docks.*
<--------------------<<<<-~~~~(*)~~~~->>>>-------------------->
"True glory consists of doing what deserves to be written, and writing what deserves to be read" Gaius Plinius Secundus
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*When the Artificial Gravity is finally fixed, Oram unbuckles herself and begins the cleanup of the infirmary, careful of the many broken shards of vials and syringes, more than half of the stock is gone and as she mentally count up the cost of what to buy, and where it's cheapest, her heart sinks as she realises it’s gonna be a small fortune*
Oram: Well… Huh choo-shang tza-jiao duh tzang-huo
*When the infirmary is cleaned up and more or less back to itself, she makes her way to her room and swears even louder at the mess. This time it takes more than half an hour to even remotely get the room looking straight and tidy. Satisfied that her two main areas are clean as can be, Oram goes to break the bad news to Colt, hoping to soften the blow by telling him she can get them cheaply and semi-legally.*
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(Spots comes walking into the infirmary)
hey doc
Oram: do you have an appointment?
yes, yes i do ... its time we get this off( holding up his left hand
Oram: o yeah almost forgot. please sit down
(cutting the cast and then wrapping the skin underneath getting up from the chair)
thanks doc
Oram: no problem just take it easy and keep it wrapped for several weeks
will do thanks again ***walking out of the infirmary***
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*The mule rolls slowly through the throngs of people busily moving from one place to another. Street vendors calling out various merchandise, trying to entice the veritable melting-pot of cultures and classes into spending whatever they have.*
Street vendor: "Chickens, fresh screaming chickens!"
*Stan leaves the docks and heads into the Market District. An area nearly packed with rows of three and four floor businesses and streets lined with stalls, kiosks and more of the loud, barking cart vendors. At the center of the district is a massive twenty-two floor shopping center surrounded by multi-level parking structures buzzing with craft of all shapes and sizes. Pulling up to a battered old building with a sign reading 'Ander's Super Surplus' he parks the mule and shuts it down.*
Stan: "This place looks decent enough. There's one in Vanteel... didn't know it was a chain."
*He hops off the mule and heads up the steps and into the building, the large merc following him close but paying more attention to the sign beside the door stating 'No shirt, no shoes, no problem'. Inside Stan heads straight to the used housewares section and walks slowly along the aisles looking at the cheap but practical merchandise.*
Mobbex: "People buy this crap...?"
*Mobbex walks over to a shelf of tableware and china and picks up an ugly little saucer with a blue and white design. Glancing casually around he slips it under his flak jacket and heads off to catch up with Stan. He passes an end-cap display of cards and various board games and knocks a couple decks of cards onto the floor. Bending over to pick them up he suddenly feels pressure and a snap.
Mobbex: "Whah?"
*Stan turns around and looks at him as he grabs at his chest in shock. Only then realizing that it was the saucer and not a rib. Stan looks quizzically at him. He smirks at Stan then grunts non-apologetically, slipping the cards into his pocket. Turning around he walks back over to the shelf and pulls out three large broken peices of china and sets them back, attempting to place them just so as to look as if they were not broken. Satisfisfied, he glances around again and walks back over to Stan, who is still staring at him with a mix of annoyance and incredulity. Mobbex just blinks and glances over at the shopkeeper, who has now noticed but doesn't seem at all inclined to do anything about it. Stan just shakes his head and continues over to a wall lined with used beds, cots and mattresses. Picking out a small but sturdy old cot he folds it up and hands it to Mobbex, who nods blankly and tucks it under his arm.*
Stan: *In a whisper to Mobbex* "What are you doing?!
Mobbex: *Rubbing his head* "Cap'n said to watch yer back..."
*Stan shakes his head again and continues shopping. About twenty minutes later they're both standing at the counter where pair of rugged calf-high boots, a couple pair of coveralls, a slightly worn but decent looking safari jacket, a wok and two bundles of non-perishable foods lie awaiting payment. Stan pulls out his databook and links to the local cortex feed to transfer funds. He notices a flashing letter at the bottom of the screen that signifies a new wave. He nods to the shopkeeper who is staring at Mobbex with a very obvious look of fear mingled with anger and impatience. They lug the puchases outside and strap them to the mule. Mobbex sits down on the side seat of the mule, again with that odd "clonk" sound."
Stan: "Just a second. I got a wave."
*Stan pulls the databook out of his pocket and taps the letter with his stylus.*
*Personal Wave*
Sender: Joey Li #87642-16733-321-21-7
Recipient: Stanley Enys #87621-15013-332-21-7
Stan,
Brah! It's been awhile since we last spoke. Just heard last week that you'd left that floating fishbo
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*After giving the Doc the credits she needed to resupply the infirmary, Sky and I set about straightening up the cargo bay. We almost have the place cleaned up when Abbey’s delivery shows up. I check the invoice and after the delivery man assured me for the 3rd time that signing for it, did not mean I had to pay for it, he was on his way.
We’re looking over the assorted boxes when I hear someone stomping up the ramp.*
Grayson: Where’s Abbey?
*Turning to meet him* She’s not here can I help *recognizing Grayson* YOU!
Grayson: I’m here for Abbey’s things. Which shuttle is hers?
Sky: Starboard side *smiling at me*
Stay out of this Sky *I shoot a few daggers her way then turn back to Grayson.*
And you, you’re not taking anything Miste…..*choking*
*Haven’t been punched in the throat in a long time. Funny how you can forget how much something like this can hurt. Grayson walks past me like he’s on a stroll. He starts up the stairs.
Grayson: I’ll take her personal items now and send someone for the rest.
*He no sooner finishes the sentence than the small wooden box from Abbeys delivery smashes the back of his head. He crashes to the stairs. I close the gap fast and grab his ankles. I take some satisfaction, hearing the “Thonk” “Thonk” “Thonk” sound his head makes on each step, as I drag him back down. We reach the bottom and he spins to his back and draws his knees to his chest. Then he exploded with a kick to my gut. I fly back into a crate. I recover in time to see a clumsy right hook heading at me. I duck it easy and I’m about to give him a left to the ribs when I realize he suckered me.
He snaps his right elbow back into my temple and I go down. *
CLICK
*Grayson turns to look at Sky who has her gun trained on him*
Grayson: I thought you were staying out of it?
Sky: That’s when I thought Colt was going to mop the floor with your ass.
SKY *kicking Grayson in the back of the knee* ITS MY FIGHT.
*The fight changes quickly. Finesse moves are replaced with head butts and eye gouging as each of us try to gain the advantage to take out the other. Grayson gets there first. He smashes my head into the floor repeatedly. I start to see stars.*
Abbey: GRAYSON STOP.
*He does. *
Abbey: Leave. We’ll talk later.
*He starts to protest but hold his tongue and limps off the ship*
*Sky helps me up and Abbey comes to my side. She puts her hand on my shoulder but I brush it away.*
Guess he was one of things you forgot.
Abbey: It’s not what you think.
Then what is it? Tell me.
*She looks at me, then to Sky. I see something in her eyes that makes me think she’s going to actually tell me, but her mouth doesn’t move.*
I’m going to see Badger about a job.
Sky: By yourself? Think that’s wise.
Come if you want. *Walking down the ramp.*
Sky to Abbey: That fella came looking for you. Said he was taking you off the boat. If that’s your plan maybe you should be gone by the time we get back.
*Sky head out after me*
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*abbey watches Colt until he and Sky disappear around the corner. Things had gone really south, really fast and there was one person behind it all: Grayson. She walks down the ramp and when she reaches the bottom, she calls out to him.*
abbey: I know you are still here. Let’s talk.
*Grayson comes out of the shadows. His head is bleeding, he has a busted lip and he is trying to wipe the blood from his knuckles.*
Grayson *smugly as he takes a step towards the ship*: You ready to leave now?
*abbey pulls back her fist and clobbers him. Grayson falls to the ground, rubbing his jaw.*
abbey *fuming*: Now you listen to me…
Grayson *interrupting her, his voice firm*: You ready to leave now? There’s nothing here holding you back.
abbey *trying to fight the urge to clock him again*: I knew it. You came here looking for a fight.
Grayson: I came here to try to talk some sense into you. I just found him first. I’d say the fight was worth it. You are worth it.
abbey *moves to stand in his personal space, her voice soft, but threatening*: I want to thank you for watching over me for so many years. I have learned to trust your opinion…
Grayson *interrupting her again*: FINALLY! Now let’s go get your stuff.
*Grayson tries to take another step towards the ship, but abbey moves to stand in his path.*
abbey *continuing her thought*: BUT… This time is different. This time, you went beyond the scope of your job. This time, you purposely went out of your way to destroy the first good thing that I have had in my life in a long while.
Grayson *stepping back a bit*: abbey, he’s not right for you. His history is spotty at best. There are big gaps where nothing has been documented. He’s probably hiding something from you.
abbey: And I’m not doing the same to him?
Grayson: You deserve someone from the Core! Not… Not… Not some low life from a Border Planet!
abbey: And what does that make me? Or Oram? We grew up in places on the Border as well. *Grayson knows he has again crossed the line. He has gotten used to her identity and forgot where she was originally from.*
Grayson *reaching out and touching her on the shoulder – she slaps his hand away*: I’m sorry. I didn’t mean…
abbey *looking him straight into the eye*: I have something important to say to you. *she pauses* Are you listening?
Grayson *nodding*: Yes.
abbey: I am not leaving this ship. You will cancel the relocation. I don’t want to hear from you unless it is something important. Don’t schedule any games with me.
Grayson *sadly*: abbey…
abbey *holding up her hand signaling him to be quiet*: And I will do the same. Don’t expect me to call unless I’m really in trouble.
Grayson *objecting*: abbey, that’s not smart…
abbey: If you try to interfere again, I will petition for reassignment. Do I make myself clear? *Grayson nods in defeat.* Good. Now leave. I want you out of my sight.
She watches until he is gone, then walks back into the cargo bay. Her delivery is there, except that a box of liquor has been smashed in the scuffle. It will have to be replaced. She goes over to the comm.
abbey: Wash? I’m going to go back into town. I have something I need to pick up. Don’t leave without me, OK?
Wash *oblivious to what had happened earlier*: Will do.
abbey wanders back into town to a liquor store not far from the ship. She sits down at the counter and orders her replacement product. While she waits, the storekeeper pours her a glass of orange liquid.
abbey *picks up the drink and sniffs it*: What’s this? It smells good. Like orange blossoms.
Storekeeper: It is called “d'Orange.” I read the information that came with this product. It’s made from some specially grown oranges. You should see the size of them! *uses hands to make a basketball sized circle.* Anyway it is new. This is the first shipment I have received.
abbey *taking a sip of the drink*: It’s good. Throw in a ca
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