IC: Keep Flyin', A Serenity PBP Game Dumpshock Style Options

[Gray]

Several of the goons rubbed bruises and scrapes. They sure looked like the same men who had gotten their butts kicked on the video, but it was difficult to tell from the grainy, jumpy footage.

Badger frowned as he replied, "So, Captain... Mister... Li is it?... is one of yours? Well this... 'catalyser' has complicated matters quite a bit. My men were to take stock of the Jade Pearl, to see what kind of shape the old girl is in, but we are that much farther behind..."

Badger paused to send a text wave before continuing, "As you may know, the Jade Pearl is an integral part of the job requirements. Your... employer... who has empowered me to recruit you... will return the ownership of the Pearl to Captain Braylock at the end of the job as part of the compensation for completing a series of missions. As I understand it these are three delivery missions... details of which are unknown to me."

"Your first task will be to get the Jade Pearl running again. Since my men were unable to complete an inspection of the ship, that is more for you to do. Any questions before we get down to brass tacks?"

Before any questions were asked, there was a knock at the door.

"Ah... ladies an gentlemen, I believe your new pilot has arrived..."

[Karaden]

Fae appears appears at the bottom of the steps, escorted by a guard. The guard seems to be attempting to juggle the task of keeping his weapon ready, and keeping a hand on the girl's shoulder.

Exactly why the guard has his hand on Fae's shoulder becomes quickly obvious, as she manages to sway slightly even with the steadying hand, though does keep her footing on the stairs. Far from the picture of professionalism.

"I heeard ya gots ah job for meh, Baddga?" she slurs as she takes an unsteady step forward.

As she remains near the entrance to the room, she manages to do a good job of making standing look difficult, the guard looking to Badger for a sign as to if he should keep supporting her or not.

Fae looks around at the others gathered. She quickly dismisses the guards and focuses on the ones that look like potential crew as best she can. Her eyes have a slight glaze to them, but look sharp underneath it all the same.

[Gray]

Badger stared at the seemingly drunken pilot with disdain. "Ms. Rokurou, did anyone ever tell you it's not a great idea to show up for a job interview while you're drunk? It might be taken as a lack for respect by your potential employer..."

Badger turned from the young woman to address all of his assembled gueests, "...anyhow, back to business. Are there any questions before we dicuss monetary compensation?"

[Karaden]

Fae glares at Badger, or more accurately, at a space just over his shoulder, but doesn't make any comment, instead taking a few more steps into the room, away from the support of the guard's hand.

She manages to stay upright, perhaps only being tipsy as opposed to outright drunk.

[Divine Virus]

Bruce, politely and awkwardly, offers her an arm of for support, and a with a raised eyebrow at Badger, takes a sip from his grit stained flask, before offering it to the new arrival.

[Redjack]

Not getting a chance to answer the previous questions before the interruption, Jacob glares as he learns this is the pilot. As if I'm not already skeptical of Badger supplying a pilot, but a lush? He first instinct was to tell Badger to take his pilot and shove her back into the bottle he found her in. Having slightly more diplomatic tact than that, he resisted the urge.

Turning back to Badger, "There seems to be a few issues caused by your making assumptions on my behalf." He places his hands on his hips, "If you had contacted me about your.... plans regarding my ship, accommodations could have been made." He turns his head to the pilot. "and why would I let a lush crash my ship after finally getting it back?" before Badger can reply, he turns back to the hood turned employer. "Scratch that. She can serve as fodder and draw fire, cause she ain't flying the Pearl."

[Karaden]

Fae gladly takes Bruce's arm, managing to become significantly steadier with the extra aid. She eyes the flask for a moment before shaking her head and replying in a carrying whisper "Baddga's alredy mad at mee 'cause he callsed me so late... cahn't have ah few sipsh befor noon any more."

Fae closes her eyes and smiles slightly as she rests her head lightly against Bruce's arm. "Pearl? Wha modal ish she?" Opening her eyes she looks at Jacob, managing to get the position of his eyes right to look into them. "'course may ash whell have Baddga 'hind the wheeel, 'cause Pearl don't look like shee's goin' anywhare for a bhit."

Without waiting for a response from Jacob she grins up at Bruce "Your big." she comments on the obvious.

[Gray]

"Mister Braylock, I do not really care who flies your ship. I know the girl is quite a gifted pilot, but she needs to learn some common sense. Time is of the essence and confidentiality is required. Unless your man shows up, she's all you got for now. You're the captain... it's your job to make sure she stays sober." Badger said, clearly annoyed at Fae, but not letting on too much in his words.

"As for who's ship it is, I believe the Persephone Port Authority currently owns the craft known as the Jade Pearl... I'm here to help you change that fact, not listen to you dispute it. Spare me your belly aching."

Badger set his jaw, and began to grind his teeth. He was nearly ready to blow his stack, but he still kept a icey calm about himself.

"Now are there any more questions or can we get down to talking personnel overview and salary?"

[Divine Virus]

"I am" Bruce agrees, looking down at Fae and grinning broadly. "And I'll get the ship ready for you to fly as fast as you get ready to fly her."

[Redjack]

Jacob reaches up and pops his neck. He realizes he'd come on too strong, too early. A deep breath and he nods to Badger, "As long as we're clear." He then smiles looking around at his crew and extended team then back to Badger, "and we're here to help you profit from the situation. Let's get down to it."

[Meriss]

JJ simply stands in the corner and grins like a maniac for the entire converstion. He has eyes only for the lovely woman who had not completely introduced herself. Pretty, pretty girl. My joo how rin seems to be going up. Nice! His eyes slide over the figure of the so called pilot. Hmmmm, not bad if she wasn't five sheets to the wind. I wonder ........ The men were nothing to write mother about, but there were a few possibilities. Which made going back and forth between sides a wonderfully fun experience.

[Thanee]

Tatjana has been standing near the wall, watching the scene unfold before her, politely waiting for an opportunity to speak up.
She has chosen to dress into her more casual clothes, which make her fit in better, mostly out of practical considerations.

"I have a question." she finally says in heavily russian-accented english, when Badger asks for it.

"You said I should come back at noon and I suppose it is because you want to offer me some kind of job. Is that so?"

[Gray]

Badger turned to Tatjana, "Ah, yes... you are correct, Miss Ivanova. I am told by our benefactor that some parts of the missions we are talking about will require a skill set such as yours to complete. Suffice it to say that you will be told more by that party in the future."

[Thanee]

Tatjana nods towards Badger indicating compliance.

[Donum Moriarty]

Hicks listened closely to the exchange - his eyes regularly darting around the room. Exit strategies - sizing up the ruffians - looking at Badger for any tell-tale signs of a double-cross - the usual. He hooked his thumbs through the front belt-loops of his fatigues, trying to appear as relaxed and casual as possible, though he was anything but.

When the vid came on the screen, at first Hicks tensed-up a bit, his concern for Li taking a bit of a hold on him. But as he watched the 'battle' unfold, he could barely supress a smile as he recognized one or two of the moves the ship's cook had used on Badger's boys, as he, himself, had been on the receiving end of them many times in the cargo bay of the Jade Pearl during their occasional sparring sessions.

~Yep... that's Li, alright.~ Hicks thought to himself, shaking his head slightly with a slight smurk, hoping that Badger's boys wouldn't take offense.

Hicks listened to the Captain and Badger banter back and forth. Both were men of position and standing - leaders - wanting to make sure they both knew where each other were coming from. Hicks knew when to remain quiet, but attentive, while the Captain was 'working'. This was one of those times.

Hicks was also susprised to see that the pretty-looking official lady had joined them for this meeting. He was extremely curious what her story was, and figured that the whole crew would find out sooner rather than later.

Another woman he didn't recognize, dressed in casual clothing standing back against the wall, finally spoke up with a thick accent he couldn't immediately place. Badger mentioned something about her particular 'skill set'.... interesting.

A man who did not appear to be one of Badger's ruffians stood in one of the room's corners, a big cheshire cat's grin on his face. He looked pleased about something, as if enjoying an unspoken joke that only he heard. Hicks noticed him obviously looking the various women up and down several times. ~Not likely one of Badger's men... so who the hell was he?~ he thought to himself.

Yet another woman was led into the room, a drunk from the looks of it, and at first Hicks feared that Badger meant to make some sort of 'example' out of her. Much to everyone's surprise (and to the horror of some), this drunkard was meant to be the Jade Pearl's new pilot. Bruce thankfully moved to help her, as Hicks was sure the woman would have collapsed to the floor if not for his assistance.

~Yep - this just keeps getting better,~ he thought.

[Karaden]

Having not received an answer to her question, Fae seems to have become distinctly uninterested in the others or the conversation in general, instead closing her eyes again as she rubs her head lightly against Bruce's arm

"I'll hold yah twho 'dat, and no fare givin' meh mor tah buy yosef estra thyme.... whell... nhot tooo mush moh." she finishes with a soft giggle.

Despite a near lack of swaying, her far from lucid actions make one wonder just how many drinks she -has- had before noon, and how she managed to make it all the way from wherever she was to Badger's place. Her clothing shows no signs to indicate having fallen down, at least to those paying enough attention to a lush.

[CrazyTao]

'Rung Tse Song Di Ching Dai Wuo Tzo, Merciful God please take me away.'
The doctor was exhausted, her normally acute mind was dulled and she felt about as unsteady as the drunkard swaying and slurring in front of everyone. 'How embarrassing for her, doesn't she realize it?' She thought to herself she had never seen such a roughneck and doubtful crew before and she had signed away her life for the purpose of what?

To stay alive.

Alive, what was so great about that?

No practice any more
Making beautiful people even more shallow

No family any more
That one wasn't so bad

No silk suits and hot baths
Alright that one hurt

She stood there stiff, straight, trying not to let out any sign of weakness and not saying anything where she clearly did not have the skills. This guy wanted a doctor she needed anonymity, maybe she'd figure out the alive part along the way assuming she could keep herself on the good side of this mob of ruffians.

Isn't this what you always wanted? To help 'real' people? Her own inner voice chided as she half-listened to the verbal sparring and negotiation going on.

[Gray]

Badger addresses the group, "All right then. The terms of the first part of this job are these: 7,000 credits for the repair for the repair for the Jade Pearl and any unspent credits are yours as salary for the first delivery. Tthe terms for the secodn and third deliveries will be negotiated with you by your employer. IS this acceptable?"

[Karaden]

Fae mummers "7k fer repars? Ya shure ya gonna bee abble ta git 'er flyin' 'gin any thyme shoon? Or wee jhust gonna geht ah bihg payoff?". Though she doesn't move her head or open her eyes, it seems obvious she is directing her question at the large man who's arm she is still hanging from, Bruce.

[Divine Virus]

Bruce leaned down and whispered something in her ear. Of course, the whisper was more of a low rumble, but still incomprehensible for those who are not exceptionally keen eared or Fae.

[ Spoiler ]

"I could get her space worthy with seven hundred. Don't tell badger."

Then he straightened, and spoke in a normal tone. "'Course, the Capt'n don't like it none when I get that creative." Bruce casts a bit of a dirty look at the captain.

[Thanee]

"Well, it looks like I am supposed to help you recover and repair your ship and then make some deliveries, so I thought it would be appropriate to introduce myself," the red-headed woman said to break the silence. "I'm Tatjana Ivanova." After a short break she continues. "I already met your friend Li... on good terms..." Her eyes wander towards the beat-up goons. "Even though I didn't know anything about your acquaintance until now. He seems a good man and true to his word."

[Redjack]

Captain Braylock straightens and turns to the proper young woman. He extends his hand gently to her, "Captain Jacob Braylock. Pleased to meet you.... and what would your specialty be?"

[Thanee]

"Unarmed combat. Multiple styles." Tatjana then nods a greeting towards the captain. "Captain."

Now that she says that, her stance and her moves certainly give the impression, that she knows how to handle herself. Her looks might be a bit deceptive at first glance. Tatjana radiates confidence. This was not the damsel in distress; but rather a tough woman, independent.

"As to how that might be useful in repairing a ship... others here seem to know more about that."

[Meriss]

JJ raises a well cultured eyebrow and takes two steps back from the declared multiple unarmed combat stylist. Curiously he also becomes deeply absorbed in the floor.

Well mi tian gohn. Maybe not the best idea to eye her up like that then.

He glances briefly at Badger to see whether or not the odd man was going to keep his end of the bargin.

[Donum Moriarty]

Hicks watches and listens to the exchange between the Captain and the lady who called herself Tatjana. He notes very clearly her movements and body-language, and right away gets the impression that she can back up what she said. If she looks in his direction, he merely nods at her, respectfully.

Following the Captain's example, Hicks turns to face the oriental lady in the glasses and silk suit, the one he had seen in the restaraunt earlier.

He slowly approaches her, and offers his hand.

"I'm Hicks, I work security aboard the Pearl. Are you part of our first delivery, perhaps?"