Persephone, Eavesdown Docks, Badger’s Office, 6:30 pm ST
“We’re nearly ready but there be got one last item.. “ Jon turned smiling to Badger, “ I know that Miss Angela would be better at ask’n this but we could use half the fare now ..we need ta pay off our docking fee…. top off ….and we sure need to pick up some provisions on our way back to Destiny…..you can have your men pay us the last half when we get Miss Lilianna to her wedding.”,

Badger smiled broadly at the request. That smile that said you were rutting up the deal again. “Sorry to hear you are out of pocket but I don’t pay half up front, certainly not on a first job. Need to establish some trust first. Besides, this is a consignment job – thought that was obvious. I ain’t the one paying you, it will be the Father who will pay up as soon as you arrive on the cruise liner. Badger continued smiling as he let that sink in and then added, “but if you need me to float you some credits, I can offer you a loan to keep you going – at a good rate since we are to be partners.”

As this was going on, JC walked over to the brothers and he offered his hand, attempting to seem friendly.

“JC Kane, nice to be traveling with ya’s. I see you two carry yourselves quite professional, maybe before we start traveling the Black tonight we can do some target shooting and maybe you guys can teach me a few things. Never know what can come in handy in the Black right”

AJ smiled back and shook his hand, “Umm. Thanks for the offer but we have work to do for Badger between now and the meetup tonight.”

The older one looked up at the mention of a name, “JC Kane? I heard of you. You were in the war, heard a lot of stories about how fast you are on the draw and some of the missions you took. Honour to meet you sir. Glad that you made it out alive, too many did not.” He nodded to JC respectfully, “I was a sergeant in the 47th Overlanders Brigade during the war. Sorry but AJ is right, there is a lot we need to do, but I would love to see that draw of yours someday.”

Badger smiled broadly at the request. That smile that said you were rutting up the deal again. “Sorry to hear you are out of pocket but I don’t pay half up front, certainly not on a first job. Need to establish some trust first. Besides, this is a consignment job – thought that was obvious. I ain’t the one paying you, it will be the Father who will pay up as soon as you arrive on the cruise liner. Badger continued smiling as he let that sink in and then added, “but if you need me to float you some credits, I can offer you a loan to keep you going – at a good rate since we are to be partners.”
Jon had to smile too, it was just going to be one of those days, "Well thanks for the offer, .... we'll just have to make due." With that Jon nodded to the crew that it was time to leave.

As he passed a the table he snatched up the remnant of a sandwich, between Tess and Angela they'd picked the table pretty clean. With one last look to Badge, " Sheh sheh."

Jon held his comments until they were back on the street. But before he start Tess set into it. “Let’s not do that again, Capt’n”....Remember Stevenson? I sweared that I was lookin’ at him reincarnate..... One more word again’st our girl ‘n crew, and I vowed I were gonna pop him one, no matter who he were.... That reminds me,”
Tess switch on her comm and called back to Grace to get things going at the boat.

Jon ate his sandwich as he walked and listened. When Tess had finished he held up his last bite, "Well it's true what they say...Ain't no such thing as a free lunch.... Ta Ma Duh, why can’t things just go right once?......
I was hope'n not to spend our own money on this run......I guess I'm just used ta taken orders from men I trusted...Angela...thank you, I guess I'll stick to regulate freight.... we sorely need someone to step in on make'n bigger deals." A pang of memory flashed through Jon as he thought of Jason, the man could be a pain, but he sure knew how to do a deal.

As they walked on Jon tried let out what he hoped would seem like an off hand comment, "You know it seems a bit twitchy to have go pick these folk up in some hidey place, almost like there may be more to this than take'n a bride to her wedd'n."

It was during these dull moments that Grace would really start to wish she was more capable of doing more than fix Destiny. She had already checked the rooms, re-stocked her hidden pantry and had a quick look over the engines. Now she was lying on her bed, wishing everyone would hurry up and come back. She was bored silly and not knowing what was going on with her friends was making her twitchy. Well…more so than usual. She started to debate between having a cat nap or reading when suddenly the speakers sprung to life and Stephanie’ voice called

"Grace! Could you come to the Infirmary? I have someone you should meet. She is a friend of mine."

Grace scowled. She had learned from experience that usually when Stephanie wanted Grace to meet a friend of hers, it was usually a special kind of doctor… Knowing better than to ignore the call and make Stephanie look silly, Grace got up and started heading to the infirmary. However Grace was going to give Stephanie a talking to. She used the lift as a short cut and began talking even before entering.

“Look Stephanie, I appreciate you care and this is your way of showing it but could you please stop bringing shrinks to speak to me. I’m not paranoid, I’m just…” Grace cut herself off when she saw Stephanie’s ‘friend.’ Either shrinks were getting younger or this was not who she thought it was… The woman was only a little older then Grace, and she didn’t waver even when Grace was looking at her in suspicion.

"Grace, this is Catie Yueshi. She is a colleague of mine who is an expert on genetics and prosthetic implants. I asked her to join us in order to get more help with JC and Angela. She is a good friend and I trust her Grace, so you can as well." explained Stephanie, the subtly message of ‘she isn’t a shrink, now be nice’ could be heard in her tone.

Catie bowed her head in greeting as Grace entered, before looking up and giving a smile, "Other previous occupations include waitress, chef, nurse, janitor, programmer, and tech support aide. All part time, and not all at once of course." She chuckled, "Although tuition certainly tried to get me to at one point." She motioned towards another chair, beckoning Grace to sit if it made her more comfortable. Grace looked at Catie, then to the offered chair before glancing at Stephanie.

“By join do you mean for a short period of time or as part of the crew?” asked Grace stiffly. Normally if new members were joining, Jon would give her heads up. If Jon thought that the sink or swim technique would work on Grace’s ability to make friends, he was in for a world of surprise…

(OOC: Assuming someone is going to confirm that Catie is part of the crew now.)

Grace’s face soured before an incredibly forced smile replaced it. She would like it if the universe stopped dumping strangers into her life. First Angela, then J.C and now Catie? She was not good with strangers; she would like less people to adjust to! Wait a minute, why was an expert brain doctor here? Didn’t they all live with the Alliance? And why so many part time jobs?

"Do you happen to have a kettle? Perhaps we could have some tea." Catie suggested, looking around in such a way that made Grace suspected she was nervous. Well if she was a new crew member and no one was going to warn Grace to be on her toes, Grace wasn’t going to hold back on the para-err cautiousness.

“Tea sounds like a great idea, but before we do that, I want to get to know you, Catie.” said Grace sitting down beside the new girl. A little smirk was on her face as she looked at Catie.

(OOC: Assuming Catie not going to run away)

“If you don’t mind me asking, are you a travelling type of gal or are you just running away?”

“By join do you mean for a short period of time or as part of the crew?” asked Grace stiffly. Normally if new members were joining, Jon would give her heads up. If Jon thought that the sink or swim technique would work on Grace’s ability to make friends, he was in for a world of surprise…
Catie tilted her head and smiled, "I think it's just part time for now, perhaps full time if I make a good impression." She motioned towards Stephanie, "Stephanie seemed to suggest that I should consider staying this time."

(Presuming confirmation from Stephanie)

Catie saw Grace's reaction, even as fast as she tried to replace it. Catie could tell that Grace was not comfortable. It would probably take a while, with her being the newest member and everything. Still, to receive trust, one must be willing to trust. It was a two way connection.

“Tea sounds like a great idea, but before we do that, I want to get to know you, Catie.” said Grace sitting down beside the new girl. A little smirk was on her face as she looked at Catie.
Catie gave a smile in response, nodding. Given what Stephanie had told her, she wasn't sure what to expect, but if it was going to be direct questions, then she could handle herself.

“If you don’t mind me asking, are you a traveling type of gal or are you just running away?”
Catie leaned back and visibly thought for a moment, "I don't see why it can't be both." She replies, "When you don't have a home, you're not tied to just one place, and traveling lets you experience more. But the reason for me not having a home," She raises a finger to her lips, "That's... a secret."

She paused a moment before she laughed, "Well, not entirely." Catie looked over at Grace, "I guess I grew up. I'd consider it like after when parents and teenagers sometimes fight. I just left, and haven't found a new home yet." She added honestly. It wasn't a plea, or an attempt to draw on pity, it was just the truth.

It was a gamble, but based on that smirk given to her, Catie got the impression that Grace wanted more than information on her background. Perhaps it was an invitation to a game, a challenge. Perhaps she wanted to test how Catie would respond. Similarly, Catie paid close attention to Grace. Stephanie had mentioned that Grace was a bit paranoid. Either way, Catie was curious how Grace would react to the claiming of a secret, and then revealing it anyway, even in part. She just hoped that Grace would recognize it as an extension of trust.

(Following is just in case Grace ends up at a bit of a loss as to what to ask or say next)

"You know, Stephanie mentioned that it's as though you are mentally linked to this vessel." Catie brought up, "I've heard of that sort of thing before, but never really met someone who could. What I would like to know is, do you think they have feelings? Even if it's not really like ours." That was one thing she was always curious about, but never had someone she could ask. Anima. Souls of the non-organic. Souls of course could not be measured, let alone identified, so they had no way to be proven or disproven.

It was also perhaps a good way to bring up a subject that was closer to Grace. A strange topic, but Catie was a strange person, and Stephanie, Grace, the others too, would have to get used to it.

As the younger brother, AJ, smiled back at him and took his outstretched hand JC watched the older brothers eyes raise at the mention of his name.

“Umm. Thanks for the offer but we have work to do for Badger between now and the meet up tonight.”

The older one having looked up at his name and having let the younger have the first words spoke,

“JC Kane? I heard of you. You were in the war, heard a lot of stories about how fast you are on the draw and some of the missions you took. Honor to meet you sir. Glad that you made it out alive, too many did not.” He nodded to JC respectfully, “I was a sergeant in the 47th Overlanders Brigade during the war. Sorry but AJ is right, there is a lot we need to do, but I would love to see that draw of yours someday.”

A brief flash of memory back to the war then he was shaking the older brothers hand.

“Maybe once but not that fast anymore, too much age time, too much wear and tear. Still quick enough to get by but no way in that ballpark anymore. Kinda why I thought might relearn a thing or two from you and the kid brother.”

Yeah it was a lie he was still damn fast faster then most men from that time and the present. However the brothers worked for Badger and Badger had yet to be classified friend or foe. Until that time all his people were the same so JC would keep as much of his continued prowess quiet along with his cyber arm. If knowledge was power then the brothers not knowing how fast he still was, was power in the Destiny’s gunfighters advantage.

Persephone, Eavesdown Docks, Badger’s Office, 6:45 pm ST
Business at Badger’s office was concluded with a handshake agreement and a quick goodbye as you were escorted out. One could not help but feel the need to check that any rings you were wearing were still on your fingers after shaking the Crimelord’s hand. On the way back to the ship, The captain mused aloud, “You know it seems a bit twitchy to have go pick these folk up in some hidey place, almost like there may be more to this than take'n a bride to her wedd'n."

It was a wonder and as you pondered it more and more questions blossomed up now that the edge and nervousness of the meaning was done. So many variable here for such an easy job. But then again, shipping wine to a social function was an easy job too.

JC had suspicions about the brothers, that much was sure. Jon knew JC well enough to know when the gunman was itching about something.

Tess radioed to Grace to let her know they were coming back. “Destiny! This is Tess. Ya'll awake in there?"

The multiband crackled slightly, and Grace’s voice chirped out of it, "Hey, Quing Ting, we are very awake and very bored. How goes the mission?"

"Gracie! Jin joh bu chi chi fah joh, woman! You were right,” Tess gritted her teeth and kept her voice down, “That man were every bit as a trumped up strutting lao chien as I ever did see. I am every bit suprised that da shiong la se la ch'wohn tian gave us the gorram job!"

"Okay, first things first, what the heck happened? What did he do to get you all riled up?"

"It's a long, wu toh wu now ugly. Suffice it to say, Mr. Kai Tze did give us the runaround, and he did call Destiny a garbage scow, and he did throw his lei sh'un da yui dian shoo reputation around like it was a gorram crown!

Ang came to the rescue. He took a shine to her, in which we may have to be making some excuses later. I'll let her tell that story.”

She drew breath, her finger still pushing down the comm. button. Tess’s dark eyes took in Angela walking beside her, and her brain reeled momentarily at the enigma that was their shipmate.

“Which reminds me,” she continued into the multiband, “Be sure to be addin' "Companion training" to the list of skills that Ang may or may not be learn'ed in."

“Don’t be forgittin’ to be addin’ this here little date of ya’lls into yer journal, Ang,” she said to Angela after letting go of the comm. button, “Star it, highlight it, sneeze on it, whatever to be rememberin’ yer appointment with our new employer.”

"Angela did what?,” Grace’s voice exclaimed, “Ugh, this is the last time I go to that one for job outings... Wait, Badger liked Angela!? Man she likes catching us off guard"

"Damn right she does,” Tess dodged around a little Chinese man trying to push painted umbrellas into her arms, “Kaida, we're leavin' this rock tonight. We'll be runnin' hot, but not full burn the whole way, so work whatever magic over on our girl before we head out. Could ya'll tell Steph to meet me in our guest rooms? Might'n be wantin' to sweep out the dust bunnies before we git our passengers."

"Will do, Quing Ting. See you soon."

"Sheh sheh. Be there in ten."

(Not sure if Grace wants to warn the team about new person awaiting them)

Persephone, Eavesdown Docks, Destiny cargo Bay, 7:00 pm ST
When the away team arrives at the ship, the cargo bay is open and as you enter you can hear the sound of conversation coming from the infirmary. Grace, Stephanie and a young lady none of you have seen before are there. As soon as they see you come in, the conversation stops. Stephanie stands and walks over to beside Jon, and says. “Everyone. This is Catie Yueshi. Catie, this is Jon, Angela, Tess and JC. Catie is a colleague of mine that is well versed with prosthetics and genetics. I thought she might be able to help us so I invited her to join us.”

(assuming a what? Huh? What do you mean?)

“She needs a place to stay Jon." Stephanie said in that tone that brokered no argument. "Much like many on this ship already, she needs a place where she can stay off the grid and out of the watchful eye. Of course, if this is a problem, I am sure that there are other ships that could find room for two well trained medical personnel.”

Persephone, Eavesdown Docks, Destiny cargo Bay, 7:00 pm ST
When the away team arrives at the ship, the cargo bay is open and as you enter you can hear the sound of conversation coming from the infirmary. Grace, Stephanie and a young lady none of you have seen before are there. As soon as they see you come in, the conversation stops. Stephanie stands and walks over to beside Jon, and says. “Everyone. This is Catie Yueshi. Catie, this is Jon, Angela, Tess and JC. Catie is a colleague of mine that is well versed with prosthetics and genetics. I thought she might be able to help us so I invited her to join us.”
At her introduction, Catie immediately stands and gives a formal bow, before looking up and guaging everyone's reactions. Given what she could pick up from Grace, her assignment was not something that was common knowledge. She wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but she suspected there'd be an amount of confusion. She just did what she would have done during a job interview, smiles politely while waiting for them to fully register her presence.

(assuming a what? Huh? What do you mean?)

“She needs a place to stay Jon." Stephanie said in that tone that brokered no argument. "Much like many on this ship already, she needs a place where she can stay off the grid and out of the watchful eye. Of course, if this is a problem, I am sure that there are other ships that could find room for two well trained medical personnel.”
Well, so much for subtlety. Granted, she didn't know what sort of dynamic Stephanie and Jon had between them. For all she knew, perhaps this was normal. However, Catie intuitively didn't like the direction the conversation seemed to be taking. Not that she minded if it came to trying to find (another) part time job. After however long it has been now, she was used to that. She had to keep her options open after all, but to do that here, a bit of de-fusion seemed necessary.

"As Stephanie mentioned, I have a background in medical science, but I wouldn't say I'm too specialized. I have had numerous part time jobs, including being a waitress, chef, tech support aide, and nurse." Catie began, deciding to bring some of the main details forward so that they could consider her job application even though they weren't aware that it was incoming.

(presuming that she can see some leftover bread crumbs on people's clothing, since bread crumbs like to linger)

"I'd offer dinner to demonstrate, but I can see some crumbs leftover on your clothes, so I'm guessing you might have already eaten." Catie smiles again.

(if there's shown surprise that she saw them or someone asks her directly about how she saw that so fast, she responds with the following)

"I have always had keen eyesight," Catie replies, "I can say it definitely comes in handy when you need to be attentive to detail, whether in a restaurant or in the lab. People tend to be nicer if you are friendly first, after all. It certainly affects tips."

(and because it logically follows the above and someone might ask if she's good with a gun after talking about her eyesight, she'd respond with)

"Not really." Catie shakes her head, "I mean, it's not that I can't use a gun. I actually have one for self defense if needed, but I'm not a highly trained markswoman." She shrugs.

The away team arrives at the ship, the cargo bay is open and they enter. The sound of conversation comes from the infirmary.

Jon and the team makes their way to the MedBay. There Grace, Stephanie and a young lady. As soon as they see you come in, the conversation stops. Jon gives Steph a questioning look. Stephanie stands and walks over to beside Jon, and says. “Everyone. This is Catie Yueshi. Catie, this is Jon, Angela, Tess and JC. Catie is a colleague of mine that is well versed with prosthetics and genetics. I thought she might be able to help us so I invited her to join us.”
Jon snaps a concerned looked at Stephanie, “You’ve invited her to….. join us? You never said anything about needing help.”

Crossing her arms and leveling an icy look at Jon,“She needs a place to stay Jon.......Much like many on this ship already, she needs a place where she can stay off the grid and out of the watchful eye. Of course, if this is a problem, I am sure that there are other ships that could find room for two well trained medical personnel.” Jon had already had to play meek with Badger and now he was being challenged on his own boat.

As he turned to tell the crew to leave him and Stephanie the girl started, "As Stephanie mentioned, I have a background in medical science, but I wouldn't say I'm too specialized. I have had numerous part time jobs, including being a waitress, chef, tech support aide, and nurse……I'd offer dinner to demonstrate, but I can see some crumbs leftover on your clothes, so I'm guessing you might have already eaten” To Jon the girls attempt was starting to drone on.

Jon put up his hand, “Miss I don’t mean to be rude but you and the rest of crew need to leave Stephanie and me for a bit.” Jon closed the door behind them.

Ta Ma Duh, ....Steph, what is going on here. You need to talk things over us before you a stranger into the crew?" Jon threw his hands up in disgust.

"Tess and Grace own most of this boat with me. This effects more than just the sickbay," he began pacing back and forth, "And why do you think you need to threaten to leave to get this girl on board? You’ve never been held here..your word is respected…and chances are we would have agreed.

He stopped, and stared sadly into Stephanie's eyes, "but if you really feel you need to leave, well I’d never stand in your way….of course that would leave us needing a nurse…maybe one with a little tech support and cooking."

When Badger had agreed that dinner would be just dinner, Angela crinkled her nose at him and smiled delightedly, nodding her agreement around the last of her sandwich. She knew, knew in a way that she couldn’t explain, that he was dangerous, but that only piqued her interest. She, too, she was beginning to realize, could be dangerous too.

That’s when the Captain spoke up about wanting half up front for expenses and Badger looking like they were complete fools. Learning that Badger wasn’t the one hiring them, rather some absent fellow that wouldn’t know them from Adam turned the yummy tunafish into slime in Angela’s mouth. What gossah is this?
She started to speak, but found she couldn’t; the Captain was already accepting the terms as is and not asking for any further details. There were so many questions she had, but she couldn’t contradict the captain – even thinking of it was making the headache come surging back, the roaring in her ears drowning everything else out. She could see JC speaking with the two Simons more danger? Not sure how or why….monitor for now but nothing penetrated her misery. All she wanted was to be outside, in what passed for fresh air on Persephone before her lovely lunch insisted on making a repeat appearance.

On the way back to the ship, The captain mused aloud, “You know it seems a bit twitchy to have go pick these folk up in some hidey place, almost like there may be more to this than take'n a bride to her wedd'n."

At this, Angela let out a choking sound, then finally squeaked out,”Puh-permission to speak freely, sir?” (Assuming a surprised “uh, sure, I guess so”)

“Captain, who normally finds the jobs and makes the deals for ya? ‘Cause it sure can’t be you, or you’da…” Angela exploded before shutting her mouth so suddenly you could hear her teeth click. She winced as if in pain, putting a hand to her head, then continued slowly, clearly choosing her words, “ I just don’t think you’ve had a lotta practice. Respectfully. Sir.”

Tess radioed to Grace to let her know they were coming back. “Destiny! This is Tess. Ya'll awake in there?" (OOC: won’t relay the entire conversation back….excerpted freely)

The multiband crackled slightly, and Grace’s voice chirped out of it, "Hey, Quing Ting, we are very awake and very bored. How goes the mission?"

Angela listened to Tess describe the encounter with Badger…it was almost as if they’d met too entirely different people. Did no one else see the little boy who’d grown up with nothing, craving respect and recognition for what he’d done himself? No wonder they’d gotten mad at him, not recognizing ritual insults to set a low initial price.

Angela felt Tess’s dark eyes on her, and she shrugged uncomfortably – she’d had enough of being noticed when she was supposed to stay in the background. How much trouble am I in for disobeying orders….and mouthing off to the Captain….I’m in for it now!
“Which reminds me,” Tess went on, oblivious to Angela’s distress, “Be sure to be addin' "Companion training" to the list of skills that Ang may or may not be learn'ed in."

“Don’t be forgittin’ to be addin’ this here little date of ya’lls into yer journal, Ang,” she said to Angela after letting go of the comm. button, “Star it, highlight it, sneeze on it, whatever to be rememberin’ yer appointment with our new employer.”

“I’m no companion,” Angela mumbled, trying to brush away hair that was still firmly tied back,” who’d waste that kinda money on training a goat face like me ? Date? Oh. Yeah. Sure. Better remember that I sorta liked Badger. But I’m no good-time girl…only pretend. Not sure I’ve ever….”

With that, she ripped away the cord holding her hair back, letting it float around and hiding her ashen face. She just wanted to get back to the ship without crying or throwing up or falling down. Find her hideaway cot and pull the blanket across. Close the box tight. Where did that come from?!
Angela didn’t get her wish…not right away. There was one too many people waiting at the ship, and from the way Stephanie spoke to the Captain, that person was joining the crew. Angela kept very quiet, ignoring her pounding head, and hoped people would forget she was there. Otherwise, they may decide the ship was too crowded and pack her away…..

Jon put up his hand, “Miss I don’t mean to be rude but you and the rest of crew need to leave Stephanie and me for a bit.”
Catie bit her lip. She was not sure it would work, but from the looks of things, the captain was not one to be distracted. She shot Stephanie an apologetic 'don't get in trouble over me' look as she picked up her shoulder bag and left the infirmary.

In the hall, she rubbed the back of her head. There probably wasn't a better way to deal with that, but it was going to gnaw at the back of her mind for a while. Still, there wasn't much she could do at this point for Stephanie.

"F5AA113" Catie murmured, committing to memory everything she saw inside the infirmary, namely where things were located, just in case they were needed later before she had a chance to get better acquainted with the room.

Catie looked at all of the other crew members present. Seeming as she met them all, it was only fair that they be committed to memory as well. "F8-B1" She murmured, memorizing in particular the faces of the people she just met.

"So, has this happened before or is this a first?" Catie asked, "If they might be a while, perhaps we should move someplace more comfortable." She suggested, "This vessel does have a galley, right?"

The minute they returned to the Destiny JC knew there was going to be a problem as waiting for them was Stephanie, an unhappy looking Grace, and a new person. A very cute new person but still a new person.

“Everyone. This is Catie Yueshi. Catie, this is Jon, Angela, Tess and JC. Catie is a colleague of mine that is well versed with prosthetics and genetics. I thought she might be able to help us so I invited her to join us.”

Prosthetics and genetics what Grace was suddenly not good enough? Did Stephanie feel they needed someone else to tinker with his arm? It had taken him long enough to trust Grace to mess with it after having had to deal with the shee-niou liou mahng that had first attached the arm. JC was unsure if he liked that scenario. As the conversion progressed, the situation went from bad.........

“You’ve invited her to….. Join us? You never said anything about needing help.”

To worse...............

“She needs a place to stay Jon." Stephanie said in that tone that brokered no argument. "Much like many on this ship already, she needs a place where she can stay off the grid and out of the watchful eye. Of course, if this is a problem, I am sure that there are other ships that could find room for two well trained medical personnel.”

At this point JC knew what was coming next having been on the Destiny long enough to read Jon and Stephanie’s emotions, and even before Jon asked for privacy the Gunslinger was headed to his berth.


*Tian Bu Pa, Di Bu Pa, Tze Pa Ma Tze, Fear nothing but a female companion or girlfriend.

"I don't see why it can't be both." She replies, "When you don't have a home, you're not tied to just one place, and traveling lets you experience more. But the reason for me not having a home," She raises a finger to her lips, "That's... a secret."

Pure confusion ran through Grace and only thanks to 16 years of etiquette training, Grace did not express her confusion with the always intelligent sounding “huh?” The whole point about having a secret is you don’t admit you have a secret, unless you want to share said secret, in which case, it isn’t a secret, it’s gossip. And she didn’t ask for gossip! Normally that sort of question would get her an outraged response (or as she called it: a good actor), a confused reaction (a better actor) or a stuttering denial (a poor actor).

Catie paused before she laughed, "Well, not entirely." Catie looked over at Grace, "I guess I grew up. I'd consider it like after when parents and teenagers sometimes fight. I just left, and haven't found a new home yet." She added honestly.

This confused Grace even more. Was that a denial of a secret or was that the actually secret? In which case, this girl was not a thre…wait a minute. Suddenly a through struck Grace and the confusion vanished and the urge to laugh hit her. It had been a long time since anyone had played the game with her. Grace smiled in impish delight.

“Well, if you consider leaving home because of a fight to be a secret, you and I share something in common. It’s a da chung wu dahn secret, but a common one.”
Grace paused and did a pretend pose of someone thinking.

“Of course, everyone has their secrets. The da chung wu dahn secrets and the ones we never want to see the sun. Some people hide them by pretending they don’t exsist. Others,” Grace met Catie eye’s with a challenge colouring her tone, “hide them with other yong chwen mien secrets and pretend that the big one.”

(OOC: Assuming Catie was confused or just changed subjects)

"You know, Stephanie mentioned that it's as though you are mentally linked to this vessel." Catie brought up, "I've heard of that sort of thing before, but never really met someone who could. What I would like to know is, do you think they have feelings? Even if it's not really like ours."

This time, Grace ignored the 16 years of etiquette training and laughed at the idea. Sounds like Tess and Catie would get along.

“Machines don’t have feelings. They are pieces of metal that worked together to get a job done. They don’t have a mind to them” she explained in between giggles.

(OOC: assuming Catie want to argue against that comment)

“Look, Catie, machines don’t have feelings. The closes thing I have to a ‘mental connection’ to the engine is that I happen to be a good listener and Destiny is a good talker.” Grace explained

(OOC: Assuming Catie being confused)

“All engines have a sound to them. When they are running the way they are supposed to, they make a particular sound. A good mechanic knows the sound an engine makes when it needs help. Same way a doctor can listen to a heartbeat and know whether or not it healthy or sick. I can hear Destiny ‘heartbeat’ in the engine so I can usually tell when it need some help.”

Just then, Grace could hear footsteps heading there way and remembered Tess saying they would be back soon. She glanced their way and gave a half wave when they entered. She also shot Jon a look of ‘See? I behaved while you were gone! Now what’s with not telling me about the new girl?’

“Everyone. This is Catie Yueshi. Catie, this is Jon, Angela, Tess and JC. Catie is a colleague of mine that is well versed with prosthetics and genetics. I thought she might be able to help us so I invited her to join us.”

Jon snaps a concerned looked at Stephanie, “You’ve invited her to….. join us? You never said anything about needing help.”

Crossing her arms and leveling an icy look at Jon, “She needs a place to stay Jon.......Much like many on this ship already, she needs a place where she can stay off the grid and out of the watchful eye. Of course, if this is a problem, I am sure that there are other ships that could find room for two well trained medical personnel.”

Jon didn’t know that Catie was joining the crew? Part of Grace felt bad for blaming Jon and another part of her was surprised at Stephanie’s behaviour. Not that Grace had any right to judge, she did things behind Jon’s back as well…of course, she had never added new crew members without permission… oh wait, Angela was here because of Grace…yeah, no reason to judge at all….

“As Stephanie mentioned, I have a background in medical science, but I wouldn't say I'm too specialized. I have had numerous part time jobs, including being a waitress, chef, tech support aide, and nurse." Catie began, before Jon interrupted.

“Miss I don’t mean to be rude but you and the rest of crew need to leave Stephanie and me for a bit.” Jon who ushered them out before closed the door behind them.

“Well looks like Mommy and Daddy are fighting,” commented Grace sarcastically, “We better give the love bird’s room to breathe.”

Catie didn’t react and seemed to be muttering under her breath and J.C was heading to his room.

"So, has this happened before or is this a first?" Catie asked, "If they might be a while, perhaps we should move someplace more comfortable." She suggested, "This vessel does have a galley, right?"

“Yeah, we have a kitchen. Maybe Quing Ting could come with us and explain exactly what happened and what our new job. I also suspect Angela might be hungry.” offered Grace. Then to her own surprise and maybe some others, Grace looped her arm through Caties’ and began to pull her to the gallery.
“Besides you did offer to make tea and who knows? Maybe you will be the first to actually teach me how to make tea. Cause for some reason, I can rebuild entire ship engines, but somehow always manage to burn the tea.”

Ta Ma Duh, ....Steph, what is going on here. You need to talk things over us before you a stranger into the crew?" Jon threw his hands up in disgust.

"Tess and Grace own most of this boat with me. This effects more than just the sickbay," he began pacing back and forth, "And why do you think you need to threaten to leave to get this girl on board? You’ve never been held here..your word is respected…and chances are we would have agreed.”

He stopped, and stared sadly into Stephanie's eyes, "but if you really feel you need to leave, well I’d never stand in your way….of course that would leave us needing a nurse…maybe one with a little tech support and cooking."

“A nurse! That is all it would take to replace me Jon! Yes i am sure you could find a younger nurse who could serve you in a way that would better suit your needs.”

It had been that kind of day, every time he opened his mouth it was like setting a match to gasoline. “I guess that was a cheap shot……. today hasn’t been my most tactful with words”.

Stephanie took a deep breath and regained some composure. “I am sorry Jon. I have been holding back things so long that I am exploding with them now and that is not fair. You are right that Tess, Grace and You own this ship but I had hoped that somewhere along the way I was going to become more important to you than this ship, but I see now I will always play the other woman. Foolish notion anyway. I am twice your age Jon. How long before I lose you to some young girl who can exchange war stories with you like Tess and Grace?

The reality of what this conversation really was about nearly staggered Jon. His relationship with Stephanie had been so natural it felt like they were of one mind. Stephanie had had her career. That had driven her to do more and more, she was a professional and understood that job and life were a dizzying combination. That life had given her the skill that saved his life. But it wasn’t that she was the doctor that saved his that made him fall in love with her, it was just her. The difference in their ages didn’t matter to his heart, he knew what he felt and no one else could fill that space, but how had he missed letting her know?

But when he opened his mouth,” But….age never…….you..” He just tailed off in his frustration.

Do you remember why I came abroad with you – besides how much you made my heart flutter? I wanted to see the verse and the people in it. I have seen people and I have seen a lot of violence with them as well. Violence that took Ken and Jason away from us. Violence that scarred a man like JC and created Angela without thought of the ethics and ramifications. Angela killed six people not long ago and no one seemed phased by that. You just accepted a job from a Crime Lord in order to get in his good books – am I right? I look at that and the life we had before you discovered Destiny was intact and I wonder why you choose this life?

”Steph, you know better than that…running a ship is what I do.. it’s all I know how to do…….We can still make a difference in good people’s lives….but we have to keep going…it ain’t never been easy for me, but I know we have to keep trying…..You came back into my life and filled an empty space I hadn’t realize existed. ”

“I ... I need some time to myself Jon. Just make my excuses to the crew and the passengers but I just want to spent some time alone with my thoughts before we can talk about this more.”

Persephone, Eavesdown Docks, Destiny cargo Bay, 7:00 pm ST
Light flooded onto the ramp leading to the cargo bay, though no one waited inside.

Odd.
As they walked up the rise they could hear conversation drifting from the infirmary. Grace and Stephanie seemed to be speaking to a pretty young woman. Conversation abruptly halted at their approach. Grace gave a little wave and looked a Jon with bemused frown.

“Everyone. This is Catie Yueshi. Catie, this is Jon, Angela, Tess and JC. Catie is a colleague of mine that is well versed with prosthetics and genetics. I thought she might be able to help us so I invited her to join us.”

Jon snaps a concerned looked at Stephanie, “You’ve invited her to….. join us? You never said anything about needing help.”

Crossing her arms and leveling an icy look at Jon, “She needs a place to stay Jon…”

Tess watched Jon’s face contort with emotion. That, coupled with the uncomfortable look that came across Catie Yueshi’s face, Grace’s baffled expression, and JC’s murmured curse led to an extremely awkward moment.

This was just not Jon’s day.

The crew hovered uneasily, the new girl trying to ease the situation until finally, “Miss I don’t mean to be rude but you and the rest of crew need to leave Stephanie and me for a bit.”

Tess made a low whistle and pointed to the stairs.

“Come on,” she said, “Ang, if’n ya’ll want to lie down, we can bring some dinner to yer room.”

Angela really did look like she was in rough shape. It was hard to figure out what would set her off; Tess imagined that would be twice as hard on Angela than on the crew.

“Well looks like Mommy and Daddy are fighting,” Grace intoned, “We better give the love bird’s room to breathe.”

"So, has this happened before or is this a first?" Catie asked, "If they might be a while, perhaps we should move someplace more comfortable." She suggested, "This vessel does have a galley, right?"

“Yeah, we have a kitchen. Maybe Quing Ting could come with us and explain exactly what happened and what our new job. I also suspect Angela might be hungry,” offered Grace. Much to Tess’s surprise, the mechanic linked up arms with their newest charge, and ushered her into the galley.

“Besides you did offer to make tea and who knows? Maybe you will be the first to actually teach me how to make tea. Cause for some reason, I can rebuild entire ship engines, but somehow always manage to burn the tea.”

“Which is why I make the tea,” Tess emphasized. She pulled out her chipped tea set and a tin of jasmine. The exquisite tea that Uncle Benny had given her just before her stay on Rocinante had long run out, but the blue patterned cups and teapot he gifted had managed to survive.

“Look,” Tess said as she filled a pot with water and set it on the stove, “like I said before, the meetin’ were a bit hairy. Ang managed to smooth the rough bits over, but Jon did have his tongued tied six ways from Sunday with that huen dahn. The jist of it is that we’re pickin’ up a girl in the middle of the night, in the middle of gorram nowhere, with her weddin’ planner and body guard. Takin’ her to a fancy ship to git married as fast as we can git her there. Come back an’ git paid.”

“That reminds me.” Tess leaned forward on the counter, “We’re takin’ on two of our employer’s boys. He were pretty hush hush about the whole manner. Summit’ about doing a job fer him on that cruise we’re headin’ to. Can’t say I’m complainin’. They’re purty nice eye candy.”

Persephone, Eavesdown Docks, Destiny cargo Bay, 7:30 pm ST
Jon left the Medical Bay, closing the door behind him. This wasn’t supposed to be all that tough; find a freight, prep the boat, deliver the freight, get paid and repeat. But this day was really taking an emotional toll out on him. He’d clearly missed something with Stephanie and it would take time for him figure what and how. He needed to get his thought straight, he needed to fall back to familiar ground and regroup.

Taking the lift Jon thought he’d get some food and think. As he approached the galley the sound of woman’s voices rolled out to meet him. There seated around the table was Tess, Grace and that girl…Catie. The three seemed to chatting along quite easily, it looked obvious that Grace and Tess didn’t have any issue with the girl. But this wouldn’t be the place for him to think. Pausing at the entery Jon saw the three look up. Jon looked at them in silence for a moment and then said, “ After ya’ll finish put Catie’s thing up in room eight. Tess, check the stores and be sure we have enough for the trip, I don’t plan to feed the folk fancy but we need something more than paste. If you need, head out and resupply..you can take Catie along to help."

"Grace, check the systems….. get the port fee paid, we should lift off around 1:30 to be there waiting by 2……. and refuel as best we can. If you need some more credits let me know, I’ll see what I can find….. Be sure Angela and JC get fed. I’ll have JC check the rooms and get room ten ready for Badger's men. We’ll put temporary partition up in a room so Ms. Fairchild’s bodyguard can share it. When everything’s secure get yourselves some rest.”

Jon didn’t wait for comments, he just turned headed back to JC’s cabin. When the new PR man came to the door Jon went over his plan with him. “I’m planning to put Badgers men up here in ten where we can keep an eye on them….by we I mean you. I need you to be sure all the guest rooms are secure and put a partition up in six so Ms. Fairchild’s bodyguard can stay in there and keep an eye on her. Like I told the others when everything’s secure get yourself some rest,…there is just something twitchy about picking them up in the middle of night like this, I’m counting on you to watch Destiny’s back.”

Jon headed up to his room, there he changed into some workout sweats. Grabbing a towel he made his way to the exercise room. If he couldn’t ponder thing over food maybe a bit of T'ai Chi, Taekwondo and heavy bag would be a distraction.