Short Leave On Return

Started by Desertpuma, April 23, 2018, 10:27:12 PM

Desertpuma

April 23, 2018, 10:27:12 PM Last Edit: October 14, 2018, 12:17:54 PM by Desertpuma
The Brass Ferret maneuvered around a moon or two as it drew in on its approach to enter Beylix's atmo, not that anyone would necessarily stop them. There were returning from a registered job. A ship named Babylon, a Humpback Class mid-bulk freighter, had disappeared somewhere between Persephone and Verbena roughly three weeks ago. The transponder codes had been given to track her down, determine what had happened, repair if possible and salvage anything if it was unable to be flown.

The ship's records had shown the Captain as Victor Garrison and he had been headed to a new outpost or colony named Copper Ranch that was an out of the way location on Verbena. The Babylon had been found floating with no power when the Brass Ferret reached her. After breaching the hull, the crew quickly ascertained an electrical shortage had shut down the battery, avionics and oxygen supply. Counting crew, there were sixteen dead on board.

The salvage operation became elementary at that point. Other than some personal effects which were most likely of no value, the cargo area yielded some rewards. There were two pallets of work clothing which looked like they were meant for farmers of fishermen. Another pallet of unmarked Alliance military standard uniforms with equipment harnesses and a third pallet with what looked to biogenetically prepared wheat, rye, barley, and oats. In a corner of the cargo bay sat four large cylinder clear topped drums. A quick look showed lots of dead fish inside. The oxygen modules for the units had been wired into the ship's electrical system. The inside of the cylinders had started to grow something despite being sealed. However, in the Captain Garrison's quarters, there was a small safe and a rectangular box which might be valuable. All of the gain was sitting in the cargo area secured so it did not move around.

The Brass Ferret broke toward New Hope Port. Once within view, Fracture Field Industries was easy enough to spot. There were half a dozen landing pads for salvage ships in its employ with crews waiting to help offload whatever was gleaned from their operations. Depending on the size of the ship, sometimes things had to be carted off by hand or an actual forklift could make it into the cargo bay.

Off to one side was the remains of an old Firefly which had broken up when crashed into the dirt. The neck, where the cockpit had been located, was missing and the remains of the engine had part of a debris field which had already been picked over. Zeke Tapoa, owner of Fractured Field, had the remains (primarily the cargo bay) turned into a company owned bar named The Jolly Dog for his employees. Several tables were situated outside but there were tables inside as well. It was a common place for crews to unwind before having to head back out. Just because it was a company bar did not mean it was free but the drinks were very inexpensive for employees.

Sitting in the communications seat, Anwal Coric, resident electronics specialist and the medic for the crew, was explaining himself. A man of average height, rough complexion and an easy, reliable smile, he was trying to make it clear why he was leaving the Ferret behind. "Captain Dave, I tell you some truth. Mr. Tapoa promised me a better opportunity if do this one last job. I will be working bigger ship and not fighting for shower. No more messy injuries just electronics work. There is a Leviathan class leaving in two days and I will be on it." Saying a Leviathan was a bigger ship was like saying the Alliance wanted order in the 'Verse: an understatement.



David Maverick

April 24, 2018, 06:33:19 AM #1 Last Edit: April 24, 2018, 06:43:11 AM by PurpleRiver
David looked over his shoulder at his soon-to-be-Ex XO. A slightly-open-mouthed grin played on David's lips as he perused the other man's face. That typical look of amusement was on David's face as if Anwal had started a joke and David was waiting for the punchline. After a few seconds of silence, David replied coolly.

"How long we been crewing together, and you still don't know my name."

There were very few things that pissed David off. Calling him 'Dave' was one of them. Making a mistake was one thing, but Anwal was purposely trying to rile him up and David had no patience for that sort of thing. David didn't care so much about the name itself; it was the purposeful show of disrespect that irked him.

All the same David figured that Anwal was probably doing it because he felt bad about leaving. David didn't care about that either. Yes, he'd miss having Anwal's skills as techie and medic aboard but he didn't take him leaving personally. People came and went; that was the nature of this work. And David was first to admit that the living conditions aboard The Brass Ferret were far from ideal.

"A leviathan?" David chuckled. "Yep, that's definitely bigger," he stated bluntly.

He rose from the cockpit and pulled the aviator shades from the top pocket of his denim button-up shirt. The top couple buttons were undone to reveal a blue t-shirt underneath. The sleeves were folded up to David's elbows.

"Well Anwal," David said in a light tone with a touch of a sigh. "I wish you nothing but good luck in your future endeavours."

Swallowing his earlier annoyance, David shook his former-XO's hand before heading down to the cargo-bay.

Hooked up on one wall was a clipboard with the inventory sheets and other necessary paperwork. He plucked it down and flicked through the pages. He'd open the cargo bay doors to start unloading the cargo once he cast a last quick look over the reports. David was meticulous with his paperwork and always did it literally on paper. Call him old-school. (Just don't call him old.)


Briar Williams

April 24, 2018, 08:38:18 AM #2 Last Edit: April 24, 2018, 08:42:36 AM by Briar Williams
Briar sat alone at her table in front of the Jolly Dog. Her fingers were idly tapping against the table to the beat of an inane pop song that had been stuck in her head all day, and her eyes were fixed on the skies above the landing area. She'd ordered a drink from the bar, the girliest one they had, hoping it would help her wind down; a shot of whiskey mixed into a glass of soda that was supposed to taste like strawberries. Briar didn't know how well the manufacturers had succeeded in their goal, having never eaten actual strawberries, but she had an inkling they didn't quite pack the same flavor explosion of artifical sweetener as the vibrant pink liquid in front of her.

Briar's body was buzzing with a giddy, hopeful energy. Maybe part of it was the alcohol or the liquid candy speaking, but she really did feel good about this job.

For starters, it was going to be nice to work for a company for a change. A company with things like rules and regulations. She was looking forward to not having her paycheck held hostage in exchange for impromptu over-time or, God help her, sexual favors. She cringed inwardly remembering her last job: when she'd laughed in the face of the dung beetle masquerading as a captain, thinking his sleazy suggestion had been a bad attempt at a joke, he'd said some things about her mother which, while technically true, were completely uncalled for.

Suffice to say, Briar hadn't stuck around to get paid.

But this job was going to be different, she just knew it. Granted, it was what she thought before every job, but this time, she really really meant it.

Briar saw the shadow of the Remora approaching, and her heart threw a little cartwheel. Jeez, she was getting all cheesy and light-headed. Maybe it had been a mistake to get buzzed before meeting the crew; she felt more like a sixteen-year-old girl about to go on her first date than a pilot preparing to report for duty.
Dialogue color: peachpuff

Carrie Bowman

There really wasn't any need for the engines to be checked, but Carrie had gone to check them anyway. She knew Anwar was leaving. He'd said so to her just before heading to tell David himself. That had been Carrie's signal to head somewhere else, so as not to be accused of listening in by being found in the galley, her second most usual haunt on the Ferret. After giving the two a little chance to sort out the departure, Carrie finally decided just to head to the cargo hold. They'd be landing soon enough. She could already feel the changes in the ships vibrations.

Exiting the doors just above the ladder, she spotted David, holding the clipboard on which every report was kept. He was nothing, if not thorough. She couldn't help but smile down, having grown more friendly with David in the last several months. "Hey Boss!" she called out before turning and climbing down. Familiarity with the ship let her drop the last couple of rungs to the floor. "So... how long are we dirtside this time?"

Awaiting her answer, Carrie began to collect her long hair together and braid it, mentally making note that she probably ought to see to getting it cut. Inwardly, she was annoyed at the idea of cutting her hair, not because she preferred it long. When she cut it shorter than shoulder length, she had trouble keeping the natural curl under control. That wasn't the reason for her question. She was hoping she'd have enough time to go say hello to a couple of life long friends elsewhere on Beylix.

David Maverick

April 24, 2018, 01:51:00 PM #4 Last Edit: April 24, 2018, 02:01:16 PM by PurpleRiver
David looked up from his clipboard at the sound of Carrie's greeting. Everything seemed to be in order, but then, he'd known that already. He reached over and hit the door release to open up the cargo doors.

As for Carrie's question, David rolled his eyes in a rare show of annoyance. If it wasn't someone calling him 'Dave' it was a safe bet that the cause was technology.

"I haven't a clue," David admitted with a self-deprecating smile. He pulled his PDA from the back pocket of his jeans and started thumbing buttons. "Zeke sent me our itinerary as usual and this damn thing won't download. I couldn't get the details of our new crew either so there's at least a couple surprises waiting for us."

He held the PDA out towards Carrie, hoping (perhaps in vain) that she would take it from him and figure out what the problem was. He didn't like being in the dark about the new crew and he especially disliked not knowing what and when their next job was going to be. It was the very reason he liked to do everything by hand on paper.

Sienna Cole

Sienna had been in hiding most of the trip, she wasn't one for conversation and preferred machines to people. However they were finally dirt side and this would another new place to see, since she had left Persephone six months ago. She didn't mind the crew, Carrie was nice enough and she was a fellow mechanic, so at least they had something to talk about.  The XO was leaving but Sienna had never gotten to really know him, and the captain was, different. The verdict was still out on him but she knew well enough to take orders and it was paying job, away from Persephone. 

She found her way to the cargo bay and dropped down with a clunk. Walking towards the two with a purpose, she took the phone out of David's hand. Looking at the PDA she smiled to herself repressing a chuckle, Sienna pressed a few buttons and handed the device back to David,

"Probably would help if you took it out of airplane mode....and didn't press download multiple times....captain, David, sir. " She uncomfortably cleared her throat and looked at Carrie,

"If uh, you've got nothing to do, or Dav...the Captain, has no new orders, I thought maybe we could grab a drink in some dusty hole some where." Sienna looked back and forth between the two rocking back on her feet. She may not have been sure about David, but he probably wasn't that fond of her either.

Carrie Bowman

Carrie had to put a hand over her mouth to keep from laughing and in a vain attempt to hide her growing grin. Sienna had rather quickly figured out what Carrie had guessed was the problem. It usually was. Clearing her throat and wiping her mouth with her fingers to straighten her face back to a more serious look, her hands were shoved into her pockets. And then she remembered she'd been going to braid her hair.

"Every time, Boss. You do the same thing every time we land." The lopsided grin came back in a powerful way and she had to look away from David. "Jolly Dog would be the place. Company place, so the drinks are cheaper than anywhere else."

Going to the Dog with Sienna meant a visit was out of the question, more than likely. She could always send a wave if they weren't staying long. It wouldn't be the same, but she knew Gordon and Pete would appreciate hearing from her at least. Her hands went back to braiding her hair and she realized, again, just how long it had gotten. "Might take some time to get this mess I call hair cut as well. Gettin' outta hand length wise. After the trip to the Jolly Dog, I mean. I won't make you tag along to a silly hair cut."

Evelyn Vell

April 25, 2018, 12:44:49 AM #7 Last Edit: April 25, 2018, 12:52:37 AM by E.V.
E.V. walked stiffly up to the Jolly Dog. She was about half way through her 42nd hour without sleep, and she looked it. Her hair was a mess, her clothes looked distinctly rumpled, she had bags under her eyes that would make a racoon jealous, and she was more than a little grumpy.

She had come to Beylix nearly 7 weeks ago and, as she did every so often, she had decided to see how long she could stay put. The first 3 weeks were easy, she'd kept busy by getting hired to upgrade some software for some of the big recyclers. She'd started getting restless half way through week 4, and the nightmares had started half way through week 5. She'd finished her last contract 3 days ago and, after a particularly bad night roughly 41 hours ago, she'd signed on with Fracture Field Industries, a salvage company she'd done work for in the past. Her ride was due to touch down any time now, and the Jolly Dog was where she'd been told to meet the crew.

She weaved through the tables, half noticing the pretty blonde sitting alone, and entered the bar. She exited a minute later with a large mug of coffee in hand, flopped down at a table near the blonde, and surreptitiously checked her out. The woman was very easy on the eyes, and if E.V. hadn't been in a sleep deprived stupor she would definitely have tried to strike up a conversation. Maybe after the coffee... she mused as she absentmindedly lifted the mug to her lips... and missed, pouring the piping hot beverage all down her front. E.V. shot to her feet and let loose a quick, colorful, and loud sequence of curses.

She stood there seething for a solid 5 or 6 seconds before she remembered her surroundings. She grimaced apologetically at the pretty blonde. "Sorry, rough night."
Dialogue color: hotpink

David Maverick

"But I didn't put it in airplane mode..." David argued in a sulky tone. He wasn't actually sulky, of course. He was playing it up for the benefit of the girls. But whether they knew that or not, he didn't know.

"Did I?" he added sheepishly as he took the thing back from Sienna.

Sienna still seemed a little uncomfortable around David, especially from the way she tripped over using 'Captain', 'sir' or his name to address him. David had no problem with his crew being on a first-name basis with him. In everyday conversation calling him David was perfectly fine. There were situations when 'Captain' or 'Sir' were more appropriate and would be expected but this was a civillian boat and David understood that he was the only one aboard from a military background. So while he expected respect at all times, he did not require the formalities found aboard military ships.

And then there was Carrie, who had found herself a happy medium by calling him 'Boss' pretty much all the time. That seemed to work.

Perhaps Sienna would be able to loosen up with the new crew. Not being the most junior member aboard might help her feel more at ease. David allowed Sienna her space and didn't hold any grudges against her for her hostility and sarcastic nature, but he would like to get to know her better seeing as how she had stuck it out for six months already. He hadn't been so sure she would be a keeper, but she'd proved she was and he wished he could make her feel more at home on the ship.

He looked at his PDA, which was indeed now downloading whatever information Zeke had deigned to send him. It'd take a few minutes, so he shoved it back into his pocket to do its thing.

"Not every time," he replied to Carrie's comment.

Unbeknownst to him, he had indeed reset it into airplane mode as he stuck it in his pocket.

"Sure, a drink sounds good, then I'll find out how long we've got planetside. I'm sure you want to go visit some folks," he metioned off-handedly to Carrie, knowing she hailed from Beylix. It was a good set-up for her that the company home was her homeworld too. He'd like to get home to Bernadette more often than he did and so he was happy for Carrie to take time to see her people. If he could make it easier for her to do that, he would.

He ran a hand through his own hair, thinking along the same lines that a haircut was in order, depending on what their turn-around time was going to be. If it was up to him they'd always get a few days to a week between jobs but Zeke often had his own ideas. And salvage was often a race against time to get the goods before anyone else did so David rarely had much of an argument to make against Zeke's orders.

The doors now open, some of the ground crew were coming through to unload the ship's takings. David handed over the appropriate sheets to the foreman, who had learned by now to give up trying to convince David to send them to him electronically. David gave the man a cheerful pat on the shoulder and stopped to chat briefly about how his kids were doing before moving off towards the Jolly Dog.

As David made his way across the junkyard he heard the string of curses that belonged to Evelyn Vell. There was something familiar about the voice, and once he saw her he remembered her instantly.

David strode up to the woman with an audible chuckle.

"I'd recognise that cursing anywhere!" he teased her jovially. He took off his shades - a habit because some people would take offense if he didn't - and took note that she wasn't looking particularly well. He immediately felt a kind concern, and the bright cheerful smile shifted subtly into one of care.

"How you doing?" he asked, genuinely wanting to know. His eyes carefully searched hers. He was aware that now wasn't the best time or place for a heart-to-heart. Still, by asking the question, he hoped she knew she could talk to him if she wanted to. All she had to do was the say the word and they could go some place private if she wanted to share.

Briar Williams

April 25, 2018, 08:44:02 AM #9 Last Edit: April 25, 2018, 08:56:07 AM by Briar Williams
Briar watched the ship land and the dock workers get to work unloading the cargo. She sipped absent-mindedly on her drink, which was tasting more and more disgusting to her with every sickly sweet mouthful, and wondered if getting up and rushing to greet the crew straight out of the boat would be appropriate. She decided against it. She didn't want to seem too desperate. From her experience, only bad things came to openly desperate people.

But of course, she repeated to herself once again, this job was different.

A sudden and very loud string of obscenities yanked Briar out of her thoughts and made her jump a little in her seat. She turned to see a rather dishevelled-looking red-haired woman standing at the table next to hers, swearing at the fresh coffee stain on her front. Briar looked on with sympathy.

"Sorry, rough night," the woman said once she realized she had an audience.

"Just the one?" Briar asked with an incredulous but good-hearted chuckle. She might have been tricked into chalking the woman's groggy demeanor up to drugs or alcohol, if it weren't for the telltale black circles around her eyes. She looked like she hadn't slept in a week.

She wondered if she should offer to help her somehow, maybe go ask the bartender for some napkins or a towel, but before she could lift a finger, they were joined by a man who clearly recognized the coffee-spiller and was elated to see her again. Briar recognized him at once from the pictures she'd been shown; this was David Maverick, Captain of the Brass Ferrett, pilot extraordinaire and -- the last thought was accompanied by nervous butterflies -- her new boss.

He was shorter than she'd expected. There was no judgment in that thought, it was just an observation. Did he look like a sleazebag? Briar couldn't tell yet. Sometimes sleazebaggery took a while to come out. One moment you thought someone was an upstanding and charming guy, and the next...

But, you know: good feeling, this job was different, first date vibes, yadda yadda yadda.

She kept quiet and stared at the pair, waiting so see where their conversation would go.
Dialogue color: peachpuff

Evelyn Vell

Quote from: Briar Williams on April 25, 2018, 08:44:02 AM
"Just the one?" Briar asked with an incredulous but good-hearted chuckle.

E.V. gave a small snort of of a laugh. "Lets call it a very long rough night." She began to look around for a napkin or something with which to dab at the coffee on her shirt when she heard a familiar voice.

Quote from: David Maverick on April 25, 2018, 03:54:31 AM
"I'd recognise that cursing anywhere!"

"David!" She turned and saw the man himself walking over. They'd worked a few salvage jobs together the last time she'd contracted with Fracture Field several years ago, he was a damn good pilot, and all in all a pretty decent guy. He was still as handsome as ever, the only difference was that his hair was a bit longer and his crows feet had perhaps gotten every so slightly more pronounced.

She responded to his cheerful warm smile with a tired smile of her own and waved away his concern. "Just been dirt-side to long. Haven't slept in...40 hours? I think? I'll be fine once we get hit the black and I can finally get some shuteye." They'd become close enough acquaintances during the jobs they'd worked together that he knew she had trouble sleeping when she stayed in one place to long, but not about the nightmares... she rarely told anyone about those. She pointedly looked him up and down. "You look good! I'd give you a hug but as you can see I've just covered myself in coffee."
Dialogue color: hotpink

David Maverick

EV waved away David's concerns but he wasn't immediately convinced. He eyed her carefully as if trying to read her mind to see if she really was okay, and if not, what could he do. He did recall that her trouble sleeping was a thing and decided that if there was more to her story and she wanted to tell him it would be up to her to do so.

"We?" he asked, picking up on her comment about getting to the Black. He hadn't managed to get his PDA working long enough to find out who the new hires were. It wouldn't be a huge stretch of the imagination to think EV meant her and him, that she was joining his crew again. Or maybe she was here with another crew.

As for the lack of hug, David chuckled. "Then I guess I'll take that as a kindness."

He deftly reached over to a napkin holder and pulled out several. He offered them to EV.

As he spoke to EV, he was aware of the blonde girl nearby. He looked over at her in a casual way, briefly making eye-contact just enough to acknowledge her presence. He had no need to open a conversation with the stranger, but his natural demeanour was so open and friendly that he had a knack for including people around him in whatever he was doing. Most people went through life trying to maintain their personal space and respect everyone else's by pretending not to notice anyone else - David was the opposite. It was a subtle thing but he gave her a look that said "Hey, you're here, and I'm here, and your presence is important even if we don't interact any more than this single look."

Carrie Bowman

Carrie hung back a little, a grin playing across her face as David headed down the ramp. As he got to the end, Carrie laughed a little and looked over at Sienna. Her eyes danced a little with unspent laughter. "I doubt I'll have time for a visit and he won't find out how long we're here for until it's too late. He likely put it back in that air plane mode when he stuck that thing in his back pocket." Shaking her head, she finally laughed and waived for Sienna to follow her.

With an easy pace, she headed down the ramp, watching as David arrived at the Jolly Dog well ahead of she and Sienna. He knew so many people within the company and outside of it, that it didn't surprise Carrie that he found a familiar face. Her hands found her pockets without conscious thought about and she glanced to Sienna. "That's the Jolly Dog he's stopped at. Decent place and like I said, they charge less than the other places close by."

There was still a little apprehension about walking around on the company property. It had been ten months since she'd hired on, but generally, she passed unnoticed by everyone around her. The grease stained clothing did nothing to make her stand out. A few folk here and there had learned her name, but it still wasn't like her job elsewhere on Beylix. No one called her Carrie there. It was either Care Bear or just Bear. Memories like those made her smile. "First time on Beylix, Sienna?"

Sienna Cole

Sienna nodded and looked to the ground suppressing a laugh at David's obvious lack of technical skills. He was lucky to have two mechanics on board. Sienna's eyes lit up at the idea of Carrie getting a hair cut. To her it seemed silly but after working at a bar  for so long getting dolled up was almost second nature to her, which was odd her for her line of work. Even being a bit tomboyish, she was excited at the prospect of some girl time.

David had moved off ahead of them and found someone he had already known.  Seems like David knew everyone, it was almost intimidating. Sienna wasn't the most social creature in the verse.
Quote"First time on Beylix, Sienna?"

"Uh.. yea," She gave Carrie a brief smile, "Haven't exactly traveled much outside of Persephone." She looked back down at her feet and back up at Carrie's hair, "You know, I bet we could turn that silly hair cut into something pretty spectacular, maybe add some highlights, get some waves going...who knows?" The grease monkey in her tried to down play how girly she actually was on the inside. 

They arrived at the bar, David was chatting up his old friend and a blonde seemed to be catching his attention. She motioned to the bartender and ordered a drink,
"Why'd ya leave Beylix? Too much happening here?" She grinned playfully noting Beylix's lack of well....everything.  The planet was a giant reclamation center, opportunity was slim outside of working for the company that practically owned every pile of trash around.

Desertpuma

Anwal Coric seemed to wait for everyone else to disembark. In actuality, he was gathering all of his personal belongings and gear from The Brass Ferret. As he left, he gathered the small safe and wooden box on to a dolly then started wheeling them to Tapoa's office. As he made his way across the docking areas, he waved a cheery goodbye to Sienna, Carrie and David without so much as saying any additional words then disappeared into the building.




Briar Williams

Briar took the brief eye contact from David as a good cue to enter the conversation without interrupting anything. She downed the last of her syrupy drink before getting up and approaching him.

"Hey, you're Captain Maverick, right?" she asked. "Is that really your real last name? 'Cos, y'know, it sounds cooler than some of the made-up would-be cool nicknames I've heard. Like, once I met someone who called himself Taserface. Gorram Taserface! What a dork."

Briar shook her head and rolled her eyes at the memory of Mr Taserface, then remembered what she was supposed to be doing.

"Ah, gos-se, sorry," a flustered smile spread on her face, and she extended a hand out for a handshake. "Briar Williams. Your new pilot. Just call me Briar, or Bri if you're feelin' really lazy."

Two women arrived at the bar in David's tow. Briar recognized them as crew members as well, though she wasn't sure what their positions were. Maybe a mechanic and a gunhand? She beamed and waved at them.
Dialogue color: peachpuff

Carrie Bowman

Quote from: Sienna
"You know, I bet we could turn that silly hair cut into something pretty spectacular, maybe add some highlights, get some waves going...who knows?"
Carrie put in her own drink order after the waitress took Sienna's, but she shifted awkwardly in her seat. She looked over at Sienna, a look of pure confusion on her face. Clearly her shipmate had far more experience when it came to getting 'gussied up', as she'd heard it referred to by the men she had worked with growing up. It was an area of life as a woman that left her feeling... lacking.

"I ah... well, not sure how to put this, but um... I never really learned much about doin' much with my hair, or clothes..." Carrie glanced down at her normal attire, which made up her entire wardrobe. Even what she did have was worn and she only replaced it when it became to threadbare to repair. She tried to laugh it off and sat back a bit, catching hold of the end of her braid and fiddling with it out of a tiny bit of nervousness. Mercifully, Sienna asked her about leaving Beylix, giving her reason to follow the change in subject.

"Well, I guess I never really pulled up stakes here, to be honest. Still got the place I grew up in. Friends keep an eye on it. But I was encouraged to get off world to learn new things, meet different folk than what usually comes here." Here she paused and considered Sienna's sentiments that Beylix was 'quiet'. She'd never really thought about it before, but after being out in the black for a while, she realized that by comparison to some of the places she'd been, it truly was. 'Kinda hope that never changes...'

Before she had a chance to speak her mind on the matter, a new face, a young woman talking to David waived at she and Sienna. Carrie offered up a small wave and a smile to the gal. "Looks like we got some new faces. Should we call top bunks or bottom bunks?" A grin played across her face as she looked back to her drinking buddy.

Evelyn Vell

E.V. could tell David didn't quite buy her "Everythings fine I swear", but he also didn't push it, which she was thankful for. She was to tired for eloquent deflections.

Quote from: David Maverick on April 25, 2018, 03:20:18 PM
"We?"

"Yeah... I'm doing another contract with Fracture Field. When they said meet captain Maverick at the Jolly Dog I figured it had to be you. Never met anyone else with that last name." She paused for a second, considering his apparent ignorance. "You got your cortex pad stuck in airplane mode again didn't you." She said, her tired smile turning slightly impish.

She took the offered napkins and began attempting to clean herself up. While E.V. was doing that the pretty blonde spoke up, saying that she was Davids new pilot! E.V.s mood improved a few notches. Beautiful crewmates were always... well, usually, a plus in her book.
Dialogue color: hotpink

David Maverick

April 27, 2018, 08:33:49 AM #18 Last Edit: April 27, 2018, 08:37:35 AM by David Maverick
As he had hoped, 'we' had meant that EV was one of the new crew he was expecting. And of course, she'd caught him out on his usual failing with technology. With a good-natured, sheepish grin he pulled the PDA from his pocket again.

"I swear it's got a mind of its own." David complained. As he looked at the screen - "And it's still not downloaded."

As EV dabbed herself dry, the blonde girl approached and asked his name. He confirmed warmly that he was indeed Captain Maverick, and chuckled as he nodded to assure her it was his real name.

He let her say her spiel, his smile slowly widening the longer she went on. He liked her energy. When she got to her finish and offered her hand, he shook it happily.

"Great to meet you."

One thing stuck him though.

"Pilot?" he questioned. "Are you sure you didn't mean to say 'Medic'?"

He looked at his PDA again but of course that was no use. He was very much on the back foot; not a usual feeling for him and not something he liked. He usually preferred to get to know the new hires one-on-one before they got introduced to the rest of the crew. EV was fine; she'd crewed with him before. But he knew absolutely nothing about Briar and that was not a position he enjoyed being in.

"Uh, let's have a chat," he suggested and attempted to move himself and Briar away from EV, Carrie and Sienna.


Briar Williams

April 27, 2018, 09:55:30 AM #19 Last Edit: April 27, 2018, 10:58:30 AM by Briar Williams
"Pilot? Are you sure you didn't mean to say 'Medic'?"

Briar couldn't help but laugh at the idea.

"Oh, God, no! Unless you also got a mortician on board."

The captain eyed his PDA apprehensively, and Briar's smile froze. When he began to pull her aside, her heart sank. Was this it? Had it been too good to be true after all? Sure, she'd known the captain was a pilot as well, but she'd been assured that was perfectly shiny. "In fact," Airi had told her, "you might learn a thing or two from him!"

That was the thing: she hadn't gotten the job completely on her own merits. Her friend Airi Jwa, who owed her a favor (that way around for a change), knew Zeke Tapoa and had used her connections, pulled a few strings, put in a good word for her. She had trusted Airi, who was too efficient to mess this up by accident, and too decent of a person to screw her over on purpose.

"Please don't tell me there's been a mistake," she pleaded. Her cheerful demeanor had evaporated, and now she had the air of a kid whose parents were threatening to take her cortex privileges away. "I really need this job. I ain't got the credits to get off this gorram rock otherwise."

So much for not seeming desperate. The really crappy thing was, what she was saying wasn't too far from the truth.
Dialogue color: peachpuff

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