RP GR "Adventures in GunRunning" ACT 16
POSTED BY: DireKtorsSmeagol
UPDATED: Wednesday, May 19, 2004 22:54
VIEWED: 21727
PAGE 6 of 11
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MERZ move
LOCATION - BRIDGE As...
WASH
Ok, now… how do you wanna teach us to shoot this here new thingy?
MERZ just closes her eyes. “This thingy, is a Mark 17 Medium power Laser Cannon. It is military-grade ordinance. Because we managed to wire it fully into the system,” as she walks over to the new controls and slides off a small box that appeared to be integral to the console, “this trainer tool will function as intended.”
She motions to ZOË to take her place in the gunner’s station. “ZOË I want you to do me a favor. That *pagal pilot of yours can do as he likes, but I would ask that anytime you sit in this chair, you get used to using the straps. If something comes up fast, you may not take time to use them and that could be unfortunate, for more than just yourself.”
She steps forward and turns so that she is addressing both. “I have two choices here – I can set the simulator to run ZOË through her paces, or we can train both of you together. As installed here, this cannon will have a 180-degree arc of fire centering on Serenity’s forward facing. That means if it is necessary to destroy a maneuvering target, WASH is pretty much going to have to follow it down. For multiple targets, a third party is needed to coordinate the pilot, gunner and the multiple targets, but we will not start that complex.” MERZ turns to WASH. “If you feel safe enough at this time to use the auto-pilot to keep our current heading, I can set this baby up to disconnect the steering and give you simulated targets, easily distinguishable from real world radar readings. You can practice chasing a target while ZOË practices leading and aiming. Might as well coordinate you two from the start. In this mode, she cannot get a firing solution unless readings indicate you have Serenity in the right place. And you can still make sure that we are clear in reality. Sound good to you?
EOM
*pagal = crazy (Nepali)
If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress
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ZOË'S MOVE:
LOCATION - BRIDGE
Timestamp: The same as everyone else...
At MERZ's suggestion, ZOË settles herself in the gunner's chair and straps in.
MERZ: "If you feel safe enough at this time to use the auto-pilot to keep our current heading, I can set this baby up to disconnect the steering and give you simulated targets, easily distinguishable from real world radar readings. You can practice chasing a target while ZOË practices leading and aiming. Might as well coordinate you two from the start. In this mode, she cannot get a firing solution unless readings indicate you have Serenity in the right place. And you can still make sure that we are clear in reality. Sound good to you?"
ZOË nods and looks to WASH.
ZOË: "Well, dear, you said you wanted to be more involved..."
Tossing him a sardonic grin, she prepares herself for the first round of training.
END MOVE.
~A~
...I'm still free,
You can't take the sky from me.
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Rowan's Move
LOCATION - INARA'S SHUTTLE
TIME: The thirty minutes between Wash's warning of the atmo blow, and when he actually does it.
INARA:
Rowan, you can sit up here and take the call if you'd like.. [Inara motions to the cockpit area] I'm afraid it's the best privacy I can offer.
Her palms are sweating. They never do that. Well, maybe only that one time but then she was taking steps that promised to change the rest of her life. You really can't take vows to love honor and cherish without sweaty palms. Rowan is pretty sure it has to be some kind of law.
ROWAN (surprised): "You mean...she actually did call back?"
In response, Inara gives her a warm smile and reaches out to squeeze her hand before stepping away. She takes hold of one of the heavy curtains that cordon the rest of the shuttle from the cockpit and gives Rowan an expectant look.
Turning to focus on the small screen inside the cockpit, Rowan finds herself drawn inexplicably. Stepping carefully and soundlessly inside, she barely hears the whisper of the curtain falling closed just before she sits down in the pilot's chair. Running her hands down her thighs first, she touches the key to pick up the message. The screen shows the Selene logo again (subliminal shameless plug advertising) and then her sister's face appears. She's smiling and saying how pleased she is to have received Inara's message. Rowan is somewhat surprised to notice that her sister seems to have aged. Not in anyway that was obvious of course - a Companion certainly couldn't let her actual chronological status show at all - but her eyes told a different story.
AISLIN (brightly): I only hope your travels will bring us within proximity soon so we may speak face to face. I have a few things--"
The message cuts off suddenly and Rowan sees a note for live transmission appear a split second before the image shifts. Aislin is still wearing the green robe, although her thick hair has been freshly released from the complicated up-do. She still has her make up on as well and it's clear that she had expected to be speaking to her friend.
The sisters stare slack jawed at each other for several seconds, before one of them makes the first move.
AISLIN: "Rowan?"
Rowan jumps at the sound of her name and subconciously leans closer to the monitor.
ROWAN: "Aislin. Um... hello. You're looking well."
Just like that her sister is beaming. Aislin's fingers reach up to touch the screen as if trying to physically complete the contact. When she speaks it's as if her powers over the English language have run away from her, letting Chinese spill out as naturally as rain from a storm cloud.
AISLIN (in Chinese): "Baby Dragon - Holy of Holies - I was beginning to despair of ever seeing you! Look at you, more beautiful than ever! Where are you, sister - are you on the same ship as Inara?"
Hearing Aislin's earnestness comes as something of a shock and a relief at the same time. Reaching out, Rowan covers Aislin's fingers with her own.
ROWAN (in Chinese): "I... yes, I've been on board for a couple of days now."
AISLIN (in Chinese): "What fantastic luck! Oh, I can't tell you how I have missed you all these years. When the Independence fell, I - well, we all feared the worst. And look! Your eyes are green again - does this mean you've found it in your heart to forgive the hasty words of a petty child?"
Rowan smiles and decides that perhaps what the sages all said was true - Time does heal all wounds.
ROWAN (switching to English): "It actually only means one of my lenses was ruined, but I'm beginning to warm up to it. I'll have to find a supplier somewhere after we land, though."
AISLIN (teasingly): "Oh but why? The color suits you so well. The little black dragon with fiery green eyes."
ROWAN (with a quick chuckle): "That's what I've been hearing - let's just say it's safer for everyone if I do. I'd say more, but I can't be
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Slights move:
Slight yawns, as he leaves the shuttle and wanders down to the cargo bay again. It's amazing how this whole place seems like a ghost town. Back on the other Firefly, seemed like everyone was every whichaway.
Slight sets down the five beers he'd bought on Hera next to him as he sets down. He lets his legs dangle over the edge of the catwalk. An ashtray is next to him, empty at the moment. Slight smiles. That's gonna have to change.
Slight lights his cigarette, taking a deep drag and sighing with relief as it leaves. He bought four cartons of smokes on Hera-best to build a surplus-and had already sprayed the specialized substances necessary to dull his senses onto the paper. Nanytes had spread their way into the filter, helping to cleanse the smoke and extend his life expectancy.
He hears the captain making his way down, and smells the cigar. The captain plunks down on the steps, his own ashtray built into the railing.
"So, senor, what sends you to New Hokkaido?"
His eyes aren't devious, merely curious.
Slight shrugs. "I messed up on a job on Hera. Gotta tell my boss face to face."
"Your boss? Senor, you seem to be the sort of man who has no boss."
Slight chuckles at the goodhearted jibe. "Amigo, even I have to work. If nothing else, to keep from getting bored. Hell, I prefer dirtside to space. Don't like have so little room."
"But a man like you. . .how do you say, albino. . .such a man does not enjoy bright lights, no?"
Slight is taken aback. "You aren't bothered by it?"
Seraph laughs in return. "Not at all, amigo. Just another way of being born, like getting fat or bald. Even beautiful women get saggy after a while." He chuckles, checking around for anyof his relatives. Then he leans towards Slight. "Are you bothered by it, Brink? After all, it is a part of you, whether or not it hurts to be in the sun. Or the looks one gives about those ojos de oro*. On Earth that Was, only the fiercest-and most noble-of birds had eyes of gold."
Slight shakes his head. "They weren't always gold. They used to be the color of blood. I. . .had a hard life," Slight allows. "I cried a lot, as a child. Eventually, something broke. The doctors said my swollen eyes had ruptured so many times that my irises had scarred. So if you put on golden-eyed man next to me, who do you think is gooing to be more scared? I already know the answer."
Seraph taps the ash off his cigar, and leans back. "But you changed back, amigo. It is rarely so important where you come from. It is more important to reconozca el futuro, see what's coming. You walk backwards, you're gonna hit something."
"But I have so much missing, capitan. So many parts of my humanity are gone." Slight ashes, and vreathes in a long drag. "I know not my birthday, my age is impossible to guess. I know I have a child in the hands of monsters, and it's impossible to get my son out of theirs at the moment. I have no wife, no family besides that little boy. And I don't even know his name."
Seraph shrugs, as he puts out his cigar. "Perhaps so, amigo. But I believe this man with golden eyes can do anything."
Seraph stands, and walks away.
Slight takes another drag of his cigarette, and stares pensievely at the hold.
You see I cannot be forsaken/Because I'm not the only one.
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Book's Move
LOCATION - GALLEY
The slight jarring motion of the ship followed by Wash's Awooga's, and Book looks up from the Bible verse he is staring at, to one of the starboard windows. He lowers his gaze to River, who is staring into her cup as though reading the future in the remains of the cocoa.
EM
OOC - sorry, I just realized I need to go get ready for work. Aaugh!
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Kaylee's Move
Location: Galley
Kaylee hurries forward into the galley, joining Book & River in the corner.
River makes a couple of obscure comments as people work their way through, then falls into silence, staring into her mug. Book is silent as well, reading his Bible.
"Sheperd, I...." glancing at River, Kaylee's not sure if she should broach this subject about Simon.
River glances up at her. "Simon that was needs you."
Startled, Kaylee decides to tell Book all of her suspicions. She's confident that River can handle just about anything concerning her brother.
"Sheperd, I think Simon's in real trouble. He's been actin' weird, as ya know, but his message was...well, it SOUNDED like him, ya know? But there seemed to be somethin' else goin' on, too. Oh, I'm not sure how ta explain it!" Frustrated, she stares down at the deck. "He's gone 'n done somethin' foolish, I know it."
End Move
BoomerGoodheart
"I love my Captain."
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MERZ move
LOCATION - BRIDGE
WASH
Well, that don’t sound too involved since I’ve had her on autopilot for a while. Let’s set this up Merz… (to Zoë) Lover, let’s try it this way, I’ll call out the targets I’m steering for, and you kill them, ok? It’s like real life, you killing targets, and me, well, I’m still on the bridge…
MERZ continues to talk as her pupils ready themselves.
“I trust you will please bear with me. I am not a trainer or a teacher, I simply know how to run the equipment. I fully believe you are both experts in your fields and will pick up this additional training with a minimum of interference on my part.
I did say you have a firing arc of 180 degrees on your forward facing. That is your optimum targeting field. Because of Serenity’s silhouette you will have slightly more to the side before the engine pods become an issue and you have a small targeting area to the rear. But the rear facing is small and only available for targets approaching from below. If you have a spotter, they can guide you for those targets if need be. It is far better if you face your foe – your targeting potential is much greater.
I am not going to show you any attack maneuvers. Captain Reynolds does not strike me as the type to go off half-cocked just because he has a new pistol in his pocket, and I seriously doubt he is going to start playing pirate. Serenity is still a very small fish in a very large pond. And if I were he, I would not go waving this piece of ordinance around often.
All right then, we should be ready to begin. You will get 30 minutes this time. Does not sound like much I know – but the intensity will surprise you and you will not believe the fatigue factor.”
She stops fiddling with the controls and looks up at WASH and ZOË holding the box aloft.
“Hit it!” she says, and punches the button.
EOM
If Justice is the dish, then I am your waitress
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Wash's Move:
Location - Bridge
Merz: "If you feel safe enough at this time to use the auto-pilot to keep our current heading, I can set this baby up to disconnect the steering and give you simulated targets, easily distinguishable from real world radar readings. You can practice chasing a target while Zoë practices leading and aiming. Might as well coordinate you two from the start. In this mode, she cannot get a firing solution unless readings indicate you have Serenity in the right place. And you can still make sure that we are clear in reality. Sound good to you?"
Zoë: "Well, dear, you said you wanted to be more involved..."
Wash (to both): “Well, that don’t sound too involved since I’ve had her on autopilot for a while. Let’s set this up Merz… (to Zoë) Lover, let’s try it this way, I’ll call out the targets I’m steering for, and you kill them, ok? It’s like real life, you killing targets, and me, well, I’m still on the bridge…”
Merz: “Hit it!”
(the battle begins slowly… a single ‘blip’ on the scope comes swooping in from the port side… just out of the arc of fire… Wash banks Serenity towards the target, which Zoë hits with her first shot… Wash thinks that that wasn’t so bad…but then two ‘blips’ appear, on opposite sides of the ship…)
(The antique grandfather clock in Simon & River’s parents house starts to chime 1400 AMT (02:00pm) (I know this because I’m the pilot, and because the whole universe is wired for this)
EOM
Decoy, they make me go first.
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Thorne's Move:
Location: Bridge/Passageway/Galley
MAL:"Its been too long since we shared a sit on the catwalks. I hope we have time to do it again soon. I miss those times ... ... If it is OK with you, I'll catch up with you later, after my business with Mr. Thorne is complete."
INARA:
[her voice lowered, tuned for his ears only] "of course, Mal...I've a bottle of Kaylee's wine left--I think this batch is a bit less...fresh. Come by the shuttle when you're in the mood to try it."
Thorne can't help notice the exchange of words and glances between MAL and INARA. INARA's feelings are pretty obvious, but he can't figure out MAL's problem. Maybe the boy just doesn't understand about Companions, and the mindset they must adopt to separate their personal and professional lives. Well, nobody's asked him to butt in.
He follows MAL towards the galley, waiting while he dogs the fore hatch to the hold. As they walk down the passage, he considers discussing the drop, but decides to wait until ZOE can be present too. She seems to be the governor that keeps MAL's plans from spinning out of control.
Entering the galley, he heads for the coffee and gets a cup. As he pours the klaxon sounds and the ship lurches as WASH blows the air in the hold. Not a drop of coffee is spilled.
ZOE is off in the bridge to learn the laser, so there's no point in talking to MAL. Thorne notices KAYLEE and BOOK in animated discussion, worry coming off KAYLEE like heat waves off a white-hot ingot of steel.
EOM
"Keep the Shiny side up"
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