“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.”
Catie smiled knowingly. Grace seemed to understand exactly what she did. She also got the impression that Grace liked the challenge. Whether Grace understood the full implications of what she meant by 'a fight' though, well, that would have to be seen. But first, there was something nagging at Catie's mind.

"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.
"Are you sure?" Catie asked, blinking. It wasn't an uncommon response but...

“Look, Catie, machines don’t have feelings. The closest 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
"I suspect you don't mean by words then." Catie noted, her gaze drifting towards the direction where she had seen the Destiny's engines.

“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.”
Catie nodded. That made sense. But still... she couldn't shake the feeling that there might be more to this particular vessel than others she's been on.

* * *

“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.
"Blue. Definitely a good choice." Catie observed as she sat down by the counter.

“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.”
Catie chuckled, "Guessing they're more than eye candy though, especially if the whole thing is supposed to be quiet." She considered it a moment, "The more people involved, the less quiet it probably will be, and that's four instead of two." She paused, her eyes spotting Jon's reflection in the kettle, and turned to face him. The man looked a bit worn, emotionally. She couldn't read anything about what happened exactly, but given the state when they left, something more did. It could not have been pretty.

“ After ya’ll finish put Catie’s things 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.”
And with that, the man left. To the point and relatively brief. Catie got the impression that he didn't want anything else to happen. But wait, if he said to put her things in a room and that Tess could take her along...

Catie rubbed the back of her head, "Well, if we're to figure out if we need groceries, we should probably figure out a menu and meal plan. He wasn't exactly clear on the budget either, but that usually means 'minimal expense'."

Catie brought her hands together as she leaned on the counter. "F1-C0-4263" She closed her eyes a moment as she considered some of the recipes in her memory.

"Well, to start with, does anyone have any particular allergies or likes and dislikes that I should be aware of?" Catie asked.

Angela watched from behind her hair as the tension in the infirmary fairly crackled. A part of her wondered why she wasn't stepping in like she had at Badger's but the incessant pounding of her head convinced her that she'd shown enough initiative for one day.

"Tian Bu Pa, Di Bu Pa, Tze Pa Ma Tze,", JC muttered and headed off. Angela looked after him, feeling lost but not exactly knowing why. She looked down at her feet because it was easier than not looking at everyone else.

“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 was speaking to the newcomer, but Angela's feet began moving anyway. She threw anxious look at Tess, who flashed one of her crooked smiles before whistling and pointing the way to the stairs.

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

"No, thank you," Angela whispered, mustering a wan smile of her one," That's sweet of you, really. I'm just ... not ready to sleep yet. Got stuff to write down, right?"

“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?" the newcomer (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. 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.”
Angela had taken a seat and nodded at Tess at the offer of a cup of tea. It wasn't 'spro but there was still caffeine and something told her Tess would make it hot and sweet, the way Angela liked it. Every time anyone offered food it made her stomach flip flop, but Tess's mention of the job seemed to make the pain to ease off. If Tess could talk about her doubts, then maybe Angela could too.

She opened her mouth experimentally, but it was then that Catie responded and Jon came in, giving instructions about prepping for departure. He gave orders to Grace and Tess and even Catie, but completely ignored Angela. Her mouth clicked shut again as she realized that Jon must have been really upset with her over her behaviour at Badgers' and furious about her speaking up afterwards. If her head had been hurting before, it was nothing compared to what came crashing in now and she swayed a little in her seat.

She didn't think she had made a sound, but Grace suddenly looked over at her as if really noticing her for the first time. The redhead tilted her head like she did when "listening" to Destiny and finally asked," Angela, you ok? Do you ..uh, need to debrief?"

Angela turned wide eyes to the mechanic but just looked to Catie and then back at Grace, the hesitation written on her face. Grace looked puzzled, then shook her head, her expression sympathetic.

"Yeah, I get it, but I got a feeling Catie's along for the ride. Stephanie's dug in her heels and Jon didn't look like he won the argument. She' s gonna need to know if she's got a chance at helping you, I mean, us. "

Angela's shoulders slumped and she cradled Tess' teacup in her two hands like it was the most fragile thing in the world, and when she looked back up at Tess and then Grace, her eyes were brimming with unshed tears.

"I disobeyed, Grace," she began, her voice so faint the others had to lean in to hear. "You told me to relax and not draw attention to myself. I didn't do that so well. I couldn't help it...the deal was going south and we need this job, right? And I guess that was part of keeping everybody safe 'cause I just found myself speaking up and Badger seemed to like it...and then Jon agreed to everything and it's a bad deal, Grace! We're in deep kimchee and it's all my fault."

Angela's voice had started low, but gradually rose as she spoke faster and faster until it was clear that the woman was barely holding back fear and panic. She trembled as she waited Tess and Grace's reaction.

"I disobeyed, Grace," Angela practically whispered as she spoke, “You told me to relax and not draw attention to myself. I didn't do that so well. I couldn't help it...the deal was going south and we need this job, right?" The girl was beginning to work herself into a frenzy. Tess frowned as her voiced raised in pitch, "And I guess that was part of keeping everybody safe 'cause I just found myself speaking up and Badger seemed to like it...and then Jon agreed to everything and it's a bad deal, Grace! We're in deep kimchee and it's all my fault."

“Yer darn tootin’ right it’s a bad deal,” Tess said flatly, “but it ain’t yer fault, jei-jei, no way. Had we known before hand he’d take so kindly to yah, things might’n have gone down a bit different like. In a good way,” she paused and cocked her eyebrow at Angela.

“Point is,” the pilot moved to sit down at the table, “Capt’n’s had his knickers in a twist fer a while now, and that ain’t nobody’s fault but his own. I’m thinkin’ it might’n be time fer me to knock a little sense into that thick skull of his. In the meanwhile, we honor our word and do the job. Better to be shovelin’ frozen manure fer pennies on the dollar than going back on an oath.

“Now Ang, if ya’ll want to come into resupply with Catie and I, yer more than welcome. Though it might’n be a good idea to do a little journalin’?”

Tess took a drink from her cup. How much did she want to reveal, given that Catie had barely been aboard Destiny for more than an hour?

“If Catie could be so kind as to be fixin’ breakfast for the both of us early, I’ll be waiting outside yer door with a tray after yer mornin’ rituals. Give us a chance to debrief before we see to our new passengers. No orders, just girl talk. Sound good?”

Catie sipped her tea quietly. Her question remained unanswered, but she could clearly see the reason. She subtly regarded Angela, keeping her own face passive but gentle, as she had many times before as a nurse. A curious woman, she seemed a bit childlike. Catie also picked up how the others seemed as though they were considering what they said more carefully when it was directed to Angela. 'Debrief' was repeated by both Grace and Tess, but it was not a common word outside of the military. Stupid senior officers with their required paperwork and love of protocol. Catie shook her head slightly to push the thought away, before returning to 'debrief'. Very specific, a keyword, perhaps? But for that to be a 'keyword', that would mean... something she wasn't too sure of yet.

Realizing she hadn't yet answered and that Tess's last note may have been partially directed to her as well, she looked at Tess, "Warm or cold?" She asked, "I know some people prefer something warm in the morning. Others might prefer something cold, or a mix." She gave a gentle smile, relaxing a bit as she sipped the tea.

Catie felt a bit better. If Grace was right, then she had a place to stay for a while and that was the immediate concern, but she was no longer convinced Stephanie was right in that it'd be a more permanent thing. Catie had no intention of replacing Stephanie. She owed Stephanie too much to allow that lightly, if Stephanie was just giving up the position. If she could establish herself as the chef, rather than medical personnel, then she wouldn't be interfering with Stephanie's position, but she could still help Stephanie out.

JC had not intended to snub the newcomer, Catie? but he had other things he needed to do. Reaching his quarters he at once set to searching any and all information on the Simon brothers he could find. He sent out inquires to old ‘friends’ and other contacts asking for any tid bit no matter how small or insignificant it sounded. In this way he spent the next hour or so compiling a report of the two sec guys for Jon.

JC only hoped that there would still be a Jon after the argument with his lady...............

“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.

"Blue. Definitely a good choice." Catie observed as she sat down by the counter. Grace flopped into one of the other chairs, not particularly worrying about proper behavior in front of a guest.

“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.”

“Why is a crime lord interested in a wedding? What are we supposed to do after delivering her, rob from the guests? Who are they anyway?” asked Grace in confusion.

“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.”

Catie chuckled, "Guessing they're more than eye candy though, especially if the whole thing is supposed to be quiet." She considered it a moment, "The more people involved, the less quiet it probably will be, and that's four instead of two." She paused, her eyes spotting something, and turned around. Grace glanced behind her to see Jon.

“ After ya’ll finish put Catie’s things 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.”

“Ummm…Captain I already paid-” started Grace but the captain walked away before she could finish her sentence. Huh, guess the talk with Stephanie didn’t go so well. She thought to herself

"Well, if we're to figure out if we need groceries, we should probably figure out a menu and meal plan. He wasn't exactly clear on the budget either, but that usually means 'minimal expense'." said Catie as she rubbed the back of her head.

Catie brought her hands together as she leaned on the counter, muttering something before asking: "Well, to start with, does anyone have any particular allergies or likes and dislikes that I should be aware of?" Catie asked. Grace glanced at Angela, have expecting her to voice her love for caffeine when she suddenly noticed that the woman looked about ready to cry or throw up or find a way to do both.She was immediately concerned and asked, “Angela, you ok? Do you…uh” Grace tried to think of the right phrase, “need to debrief?"

Angela turned wide eyes to the mechanic but just looked to Catie and then back at Grace, the hesitation written on her face. At first Grace didn’t understand, then she realized that Angela was making sure it was okay to speak in front of Catie. She gave her a sympathetic look and said


"Yeah, I get it, but I got a feeling Catie's along for the ride. Stephanie's dug in her heels and Jon didn't look like he won the argument. She' s gonna need to know if she's got a chance at helping you, I mean, us. "

Angela's shoulders slumped and she cradled Tess' teacup in her two hands like it was the most fragile thing in the world, and when she looked back up at Tess and then Grace, her eyes were brimming with unshed tears.

“I disobeyed, Grace," Angela practically whispered as she spoke, “You told me to relax and not draw attention to myself. I didn't do that so well. I couldn't help it...the deal was going south and we need this job, right?" Angela pitch was starting to raise in her panic and Grace was wondering what could have possibly have gone wrong, "And I guess that was part of keeping everybody safe 'cause I just found myself speaking up and Badger seemed to like it...and then Jon agreed to everything and it's a bad deal, Grace! We're in deep kimchee and it's all my fault."


“Yer darn tootin’ right it’s a bad deal,” Tess said flatly, “but it ain’t yer fault, jei-jei, no way. Had we known beforehand he’d take so kindly to yah, things might’n have gone down a bit different like. In a good way,” she paused and cocked her eyebrow at Angela.


“Point is,” the pilot moved to sit down at the table, “Capt’n’s had his knickers in a twist fer a while now, and that ain’t nobody’s fault but his own. I’m thinkin’ it might’n be time fer me to knock a little sense into that thick skull of his. In the meanwhile, we honor our word and do the job. Better to be shovelin’ frozen manure fer pennies on the dollar than going back on an oath.”

Grace look back and forth between Tess and Angela in complete confusion. She was getting two different stories from people. She kneaded her forehead mentally wondering how her life got so strange before commenting: “Okay, I’m confused. Did you kill someone again?”

“N-no,” Angela stammered, ”What do you mean, again?”

“We have the job so…What’s the problem?” Grace responded, waving away Angela’s question.

“You told me to stay in the background, and not only did I not do that, I took over negotiations…and now we’ve got a bad deal,” Angela countered, but already, she was sounding calmer.

“Angel, no one’s dead and we got the job. You didn’t ‘disobey’ my orders; you just… took creative license with them. Everything is okay…and as for the deal? ” Grace snorted before continuing “When do we NOT have a terrible deal? We’ll figure something out.”

Angela set her cup down carefully and placed her hands flat on the table, pressing down on the table in a way that almost seemed meditative. She was clearly considering Grace’s words, and finally looked back up, tilting her head.

“So…you don’t think the Captain’s angry with me? I’m afraid I made him look bad, but I was trying to stop us from losing face.”

“Oh if Jon was angry at you, he would have told you. Trust me, I have seen him angry, that was the face he makes when everything keeps blowing up in his face. He is so not angry,” Grace paused before adding, “And neither am I, fyi. You did a good job.”


“Now Ang, if ya’ll want to come into resupply with Catie and I, yer more than welcome. Though it might’n be a good idea to do a little journalin’? If Catie could be so kind as to be fixin’ breakfast for the both of us early, I’ll be waiting outside yer door with a tray after yer mornin’ rituals. Give us a chance to debrief before we see to our new passengers. No orders, just girl talk. Sound good?” offered Tess

“Why don’t you go with Quing Ting? I am going to go research this ‘Ms. Fairchild’ that the Captain mentioned. See if I can figure out why someone like Badger would be interested in playing courier for her. That will keep you busy.” said Grace.

(Leaving room for further interaction, otherwise, Grace will conclude with: )

“If you need me, I will be in my room. Call me if you need me,” she said as she walked off

((NOTE: I know interaction at the ship wasn't completely resolved, but in the interest of providing some momentum, this is playing out the results from the shopping trip. I'll backpost as needed))

What nervousness Catie might have had about being a tentative member of the crew all seemed to vanish as she caught sight and sound of the market. This was her element, as numerous jobs at restaurants proved time and again, and she was on the hunt.

Waiting a moment, she considered the crowd in front of her. Well, it wasn't exactly a crowd, since the market was not too busy, but they were almost all customers.

See where they're gathering, and see which merchants are making the most effort to attract customers... Catie slowly began to advance into the market proper, her sharp eyes casting around for potential targets.

Her gaze was drawn to a smallish man with beady eyes, manning a stall of dried goods, primarily variations of fruit. Catie gave a smile and walked over.

"Don't forget your fruit and vegetables!" The man was yelling, "Best deals this side of Persephone!"

Yet, you have competition, Catie mentally noted, her gaze locating another, although smaller, display of dried goods, this one maintained by another man, middle age, clean shaven. Probably a side job for them.

"F1G3" Catie murmurred, looking over the wares of the first man and comparing the packages with her memory. Labels didn't always tell the truth, after all.

Mostly fruit, but fruit is good. I wonder if he even knows those tomatoes are actually sun-dried.
"Tell me about these." Catie spoke up, pointing at a different package than what she was looking at.

"Freeze dried peas, a prize to be found 'round these parts." The man said, giving an overpriced estimate of their value.

Catie nodded, "I was curious, as you say it's not something you see very often. But what I'd like to purchase are a few of these." She indicated the tomatoes and a few smaller packages of dried fruit.

Caught off guard by being mislead, the man tried to give Catie the same price, but she looked with feigned surprise at him, "Surely they can't all be prized, and I'm pretty sure I saw a few of these over at the other counter... perhaps for less."

Even though he didn't vocally admit to his defeat, the man allowed Catie to counter offer him below the selling price.

"A pleasure." Catie gave a smile as she moved on.

Another merchant seemed to be selling various canned goods, but to the side of his stall were a few cans missing labels. Seeing the opportunity before her, Catie quickly walked up to get a closer look at them.

"Say, Miss, may I interest you in any fresh fish? My husband next stall over has a good haul." The woman offered.

Catie shook her head, "I was actually interested in getting a look at these." She picked up one of the unlabelled cans.

The woman blinked in surprise, "Now you're a strange one, if the label is gone how would you know what you're paying for? I wouldn't want to cheat you."

A bit too honest. Maybe she's a bit new to this? Catie noted.

"Actually, I recognize these cans. I've bought some from this brand before. If I'm right, a shipment of yours had a broken pallette? That would explain the labels missing." Catie replied, "These are broths."

Catie then gave a price that the woman, who wasn't entirely sure of the contents of the cans, accepted. Not wanting to take too much advantage of the situation, Catie did give her a fair price, if at a discount.

The next thing she targeted was spices. Unfortunately for Catie, the only person selling was a man who also was extremely stubborn.

"Sorry, lady. I've been selling these herbs for the last decade of my life. I know what they sell at. If you're not buying, then I do have other customers who will."

Higher than normal, but he is uncontested here... no choice Catie thought as she bregrudgingly accepted the marked up listed price.

"Can't always win." Catie said aloud to the others after they were out of earshot, rubbing the back of her head, "Still, if the only one I couldn't bring down was the seasoning, we're pretty well off. If you know how, you can make a supply of spices last a while as well." She observed.

"Hold up." Catie said suddenly, spotting something out of the corner of her eye, by the main market. "I think I see a good opportunity."

Carefully, she made her way over to the protein paste section of the market, keeping her face orientated towards other shelves and stalls as though scanning them, but instead looking out of the corner of her eye at the shipping label on one of the larger canisters. Catie gave a smile, and quickly went to find one of the workers, "If your manager is free, I'd like a word with them." She said, "About a purchase inquiry."

It wasn't long before the manager, a well dressed brunette, walked over, "So what is this about?" She asked.

Catie motioned towards the protein paste, "I was going to ask about purchasing one of those larger shipments you have back there."

"I'm afraid that's out of the question, those are orders made by various establishments." The woman replied, "If you'd like to make an order though...?"

Catie shook her head, "Actually, I noticed that one of the manifests was stamped with an expected pickup date that was four days ago. Seeing as the order is unclaimed, it's taking up space in your establishment, which could be allocated to another order."

The woman blinked, "Are you sure? Can you show me?"

Catie nodded, "Of course. It's right over here."

It didn't take long to find the shipment in question.

"Well, if you'd like to claim it, I'd prefer if you met the price as listed on the manifest." The woman said.

Catie shook her head, giving a sly look, "But that's not how it works. The order has to be made in advance, as you just mentioned to me. I expect there's a deposit already in place on the order, if not a full pre-payment. I'll pay the difference, so the order is complete as originally documented and registered, just with a different recipient. Keeps the paperwork simple."

The manager looked a bit surprised, and didn't speak for a moment, "You're sharp." She finally said.

Catie gave a smile, "One does one's best."

On the way back to the ship, Catie gave a laugh, "Now I can say with certainty that turned out well. Though, I have to give credit to that manager for trying to get an extra on that order."

JC had worked in the underworld for some time and you quickly learned that doing favours and having friends was not only a good idea, it could save your life. So it was that he could make a few calls, talk to some associates and find out what he could on the Simons.

But after a few hours of searching and calling in favours he got the same answer from everyone – never heard of them. Nothing. No one worked with them, no one used them, no one seen them in action. In fact, by all accounts, they just seemed to appear outta nowhere. There no sign of them flying into Eavesdown and no record of them living here either. They are complete ghosts.

Grace sat at her cortex box and looked at her watch before typing in the 128 digit keyword that she had change every 5 minutes based off an algorithm she made up using the time as a base. You can never be too careful.

Surfing through the ethers of the cortex for Lilianna Fairchild was easy, after all she was a celebrity. Stepdaughter of land baron Optimus Fairchild, Lilianna grew up on the Baron’s vast estate on Persephone. When Lilianna began to develop into a stunning beauty, the Baron saw how she could be good for business. He began taking her places and showing her off. She was only sixteen when she became a media darling and paparazzi followed her every move. Folk elsewhere, out on the Rim, started callin’ her Princess. They didn’t mean it kindly.

Lilianna might have grown up spoiled rotten, but her mother was there to keep her daughter’s feet on firm ground. Her mother was raised on one of the Core Planets, so when she visited newly terraformed planets like Regina after her marriage, she was shocked at the conditions she found among folk strugglin’ to make a living on the Rim. She worked to help farmers and miners until she fell victim to one of the many maladies floatin’ around the ‘Verse and became housebound back on Persephone.

Lilianna took over supporting her mother’s charities, using her celebrity status to raise money. Her reputation grew past Persephone and she is now much beloved all throughout the Rim. Now when folk call her Princess, they mean it as a compliment.

The wedding is going to be held aboard a luxury cruise liner. This is the wedding of the century and the press is clamoring to know all about it. Strange thing is – according to the press, Liliana is scheduled to be leaving for the yacht tomorrow morning and there is a gala send off with the press invited. So if Lilianna is with you, who is going to be at the gala?

As to who is the bridegroom? Well nothing could have shocked Grace more. She is engaged to Templeton Colt Steele. Yes, that Templeton Colt Steele. Like his distant ancestor, Samuel Colt, Mr. Steele invented a weapon—the MPE40 (Managed Pulse Energy Gun)—that gained immense popularity during the War due to its comparatively low price and an interchangeable high-yield battery. But Steele had no scruples about selling his weapon to both sides during the Unification War, and when the weapon started failing and needing upgrades and better replacement parts, he kept right on selling. Both sides considered him a traitor, but they kept buyin’ his gun, so he didn’t mind. Steele was probably the only winner in the devastating War, emerging as one of the wealthiest men in the ‘Verse.

Templeton Steele is in his fifties. He has black hair and wears slicked back. He has a pale complexion and oddly colorless eyes. He’s relatively good-looking, well dressed, manicured, and clean-shaven. He is, as one might imagine, good with a gun.

He’s a brilliant inventor and continues to find new and creative ways for folks to kill each other. He’s extremely litigious with armies of lawyers working courts all over the ‘Verse to defend his many patents. He has contracts with the Alliance military. He’s in cozy with the government. No one likes him, but everyone needs to keep him happy. Not even Blue Sun dares come after him. Templeton Steele is the most popular gǒu shǐ in the ‘Verse.

As to the father of the bride, the one that is supposedly paying you for the covert sneaking out of his daughter – Baron Optimus Fairchild and his first wife moved to Persephone with a few head of cattle and a dream. Give the Baron his due, he worked hard and now owns the biggest cattle ranch in the entire White Sun system. When his first wife broke his heart by runnin’ off with a ranch hand, the Baron married his lovely secretary, Belle, a young woman who had accompanied him here from the Core.

Belle was an unwed mother with a baby daughter named Lilianna. Belle married the Baron on condition he would adopt her daughter. The childless Baron agreed to the terms. Some folk wondered why he wasn’t eager to have a son. But the Baron said his daughter would marry and bring him a son—that’d work out better anyway, since he’d have the choosing of the man.

The Baron is in his sixties. He’s tall and muscular, deeply tanned, with iron gray hair and deep wrinkles. He still works most days on his ranch. He’s good with his fists and a gun. He’s a hard man who’s used to gettin’ what he wants and no backtalk.

According to the media, the couple, though odd and very different, are very much in love and Templeton doted on his young bride. The wedding is already being called the event of the century.

Persephone, Eavesdown Docks, Destiny Exercise Room, 8:00 pm ST
The anger of the day led Jon right to the heavy bag. Having to lace his own gloves only added to the need to beat the hell out of something. Starting a rhythm of jams and punches he began the vision that little varmint Badger making him look foolish in front of his crew. The cocky little thug knew they had to play his game his way, but there was never a need to make himself puffed up. Standing there in that room full of trash that the Huen Dahn thought was treasure only made matters worse. But the bully had the connections and the jobs they needed to get establish. Thing had to go better this time.

The sweat started to glisten off his ruddy skin as he continued to deliver blows to the bag. …Jon pounded harder. Now Stephanie was acting odd, she’d used her trained manner to lay a guilt trip on him. She was acting like a jealous school girl…saying he’d look for younger girls. And what did she mean become more important to you than this ship, but I see now I will always play the other woman. Jon continued to pound harder. .thud thud..thud thud thud. Although it felt good to release his anger on the bag it was not easing the frustration in his mind. Working on the heavy bag was not clearing his mind.

Persephone, Eavesdown Docks, Destiny Exercise Room, 9:00 pm ST
When Jon joined Independents he had to go through training along with every other soldier, but he found that the officers were required to practice the T’ai Chi moves. The 108 moves were drilled the same other lessons. He had seen how some others simply endured the training, but he felt the serenity and calm the fluid disciplined moves brought. Removing the gloves and his shoes Jon slowed his breathing and began to routin.

…….Creeping Low Like a Snake,………. Step Up to Seven Stars,……… Retreat to Ride Tiger,………… Turn Around to Sweep Lotus,…………. Draw Bow to Shoot Tiger,…… Chop with Fist,…………. Step Up, Deflect,………….. Parry, Punch,…….. Appear to Close Entrance,…….. Cross Hands,………. Closing of Tai Chi.
The one hundred and eight slow moves of the Tai Chi had become nearly a ritual to Jon since the time he had enlisted. They had been told that it had been use all the way back to Earth that was. The slow methodical exercise helped him control the stress and set his thoughts in order. The young captain knew what he needed to do.

Persephone, Eavesdown Docks, Destiny Captans Quarters, 10:00 pm ST
Jon returned to his room, shower and change clothes. The captain rested as he reviewed the flight plan Tess had filed. He needed to fill the time until shopping party returned. Knowing the galley would be empty for a while he made his way down there and prepared himself a light meal. Moving about the cook stove he remember the night Stephanie had come in while he was making a soup for the crew. That was night he realized how he felt about her. It was something that ..just was. Now he knew it would be what it would be, time would tell. Jon knew naming the ship Destiny was correct… and it was proving to be that again.

As he finish cleaning up after his meal he heard Tess and the others returning. They took a little time to store the bulk goods and then entered the galley with remaining items. The last of the supplies were being put away when he addressed the women, “Stick around, we need to hash out a few things before we head into this job.” Walking to the ship’s comm. he flipped open the mic, “Crew to the galley…. Bring any info you got that might need know’n.”

Persephone, Eavesdown Docks, Destiny, Galley, 11:00 pm ST
Jon had been pacing a bit as the crew had gather. When they were all there, “ This job doesn’t as good as it could and we need to go over a few things. “ He wasn’t sure just where to start so he just jumped in, “ Just in case something happens I wanted to be sure you all knew the Tess is in charge if I ain’t around. If’n we both aren’t around then it’s Grace’s boat, you go to her and she’ll figure things out.” Jon feel them looking at him, “I ain’t saying anything will happen… but … well… things don’t always go right and some of you are new and I.. just.. want to be sure you knew.” Jon fidgeted a little and blow out short breath, “Ok, enough of that.” He turned to Angela, “You done real good for us today, I need to thank you for helping me when Badger had me stuck. You got us about the best we could hope for out of that man….I’m glad you’re here. You may surprise me from time to time but you don’t need to worry about upsetting me…I’ll let you know up front and honest if I’m not happy…and for now I’m happy.”
Turning back to the crew, “This job just has a feeling that there is more going on than we are suppose to know. Grace…if they try to bring something on board I want you to figure a way to check it out. We don’t want to be surprised by another wine barrel with a hidden package.”
“Ok, I don’t need to do all the talk’n, Tess, Grace , J.C. what you all find out today?”

Jon opened the meeting for discussion.

Persephone, Eavesdown Docks, Destiny, Galley, 11:00 pm ST
Stephanie stands up first upon Jon’s request and clears her throat, “First off I wish to apologize to everyone for my outburst earlier. I will not bore you with details, but suffice it to say that I have had a lot on my mind since returning to Destiny and I let some doubts and fear get to me. I am sorry for that.

“I have looked into our passengers on the cortex. This is Lilianna Fairchild, or the Princess as they like to call her. She does a lot of charity work and the media adores her. I have been an admirer of her for some time actually. She is so much unlike her step-father.


The Wedding Planner is named Asante Chang. She is pictured with Lilianna quite a bit and the media would like to know more about her but she is very private and will not talk to the media at all.


The bodyguard is Seth Liang. Son of a ranch hand on Fairchild’s farm, he served in the war, was decorated with the Silver Citation Starburst (An Alliance medal for Extreme Bravery under fire). He saved Optimus Fairchild’s life at one point and became his personal bodyguard. Once Lilianna became of age to be noticed, Seth was assigned to protect her.


This is her stepfather Optimus Fairchild.


And this is the Groom, Templeton Steele. One of the richest men in the verse apparently from selling guns. You probably know him better than I.


Beyond all this, I can tell you a lot of the gossip but really I don’t think it would be of much interest. Considering how much media attention is on Lilianna, I can’t blame her father for trying to sneak her out. The whole thing is such a zoo they moved the wedding to a cruise liner to control access.

Angela closed her eyes at Grace’s words, relief washing away much of the pain that had been pounding behind her eyes. There was still a tight knot of fear, one she couldn’t explain, but then again, what about her life could Angela actually explain?

“Now Ang, if ya’ll want to come into resupply with Catie and I, yer more than welcome. Though it might’n be a good idea to do a little journalin’? If Catie could be so kind as to be fixin’ breakfast for the both of us early, I’ll be waiting outside yer door with a tray after yer mornin’ rituals. Give us a chance to debrief before we see to our new passengers. No orders, just girl talk. Sound good?” offered Tess.

“I’d like that,” Angela responded,” this morning was rather, uh, bewildering. Maybe havin’ someone show me around in the morning would be easier on me. I would like to go out shopping with you,” she continued, her face lighting up,” and I can make my notes while you figure out a list. Unless Grace needs me to do anything.”

“Why don’t you go with Quing Ting? I am going to go research this ‘Ms. Fairchild’ that the Captain mentioned. See if I can figure out why someone like Badger would be interested in playing courier for her. That will keep you busy.” said Grace.

Angela nodded and hauled the notebook out of her messenger bag, tucking one leg up under the other as she bent over the book, making neat, tiny letters with a stub of a pencil she also dug out of the bag. She’d pause briefly, thinking, while watching Tess and Catie review the pantry and discussing supplies, and occasionally interjected a suggestion, usually something highly caffeinated, incredibly sweet, or both.

At the market, Angela looked around like a child experiencing Christmas for the first time, her head swiveling back and forth to take it all in. She wrinkled her nose at some smells, inhaled deeply at others, and would have happily touched everything within reach if she hadn’t seen Tess’ warning headshake. She rolled her shoulders, putting on an innocent “I wasn’t gonna touch it, I was just looking” expression, but put her hands in her pockets as she followed the two women around.

Watching Catie haggle was a marvel – Angela had no idea what anything was worth, but she saw the slight tension in Catie’s shoulders when she spotted something she wanted and also saw the chagrin on the merchants’ faces when they realized the deal they’d struck. Everything in between was like a dance, and Angela could have watched it all day.

All too soon, the credits were spent and the three women were loaded down with supplies. On the way back to the ship, Catie gave a laugh, "Now I can say with certainty that turned out well. Though, I have to give credit to that manager for trying to get an extra on that order."

“That was quite the dance, “Angela agreed with a smile,” though sometimes it doesn’t hurt to let them win…just a little. Makes them feel better later, when they realize what they’ve given away.”

When they reached the galley, Jon was there, eating a meal, and he asked them to stick remain while calling the rest of the crew to join them. Angela continued handing items to Tess (since she didn’t know where anything belonged), but the knot of fear had returned. She was able to keep her hands from shaking, but she reviewed in her mind the layout of the ship in case she needed to bolt.

Jon paced while he waited for everyone to arrive, and that put Angela even more on edge … the back of her head and spine tingling as if anticipating a blow. With the groceries put away, she sat up against a wall, watching Jon with a neutral expression.

“ This job doesn’t as good as it could and we need to go over a few things, “ Jon began, and his voiced faded uncertainly before he continued more strongly, “ Just in case something happens I wanted to be sure you all knew the Tess is in charge if I ain’t around. If’n we both aren’t around then it’s Grace’s boat, you go to her and she’ll figure things out.”

“I ain’t saying anything will happen… but … well… things don’t always go right and some of you are new and I.. just.. want to be sure you knew.” Jon fidgeted a little and blew out short breath, “Ok, enough of that.” He turned to Angela who blinked and sat up straighter, just a hint of a tremor shaking her hair, “You done real good for us today, I need to thank you for helping me when Badger had me stuck. You got us about the best we could hope for out of that man….I’m glad you’re here. You may surprise me from time to time but you don’t need to worry about upsetting me…I’ll let you know up front and honest if I’m not happy…and for now I’m happy.”

He turned back to the crew but Angela didn’t hear most of what he said. She was just so relieved that she was shaking with reaction. She looked down at her hands and blinked back tears, but knew she had to pay attention. She scrubbed at her face quickly, sniffling, but coughed a little as if it was dust bothering her.

“Ok, I don’t need to do all the talk’n,” Jon finished.” Tess, Grace , J.C. what you all find out today?”

For once in his life Jeremiah Christian Kane was stumped. He had explored every avenue and talked to those in the know he knew and yet had found completely nothing about the ‘Simon’s’

No birth records, no sightings, no stories, no one knew them, or had worked with them, or was friends with them, they were ghosts and that worried JC. For depending on who or what they really were ghosts can be very dangerous.

As they all gathered old crew and new together to discuss this new job each had their say and though JC did not stand when his turn arrived he still made it plain, bluntly as was his way, what he had found out.

“Nothing” in that one word he put out all his info on the table. “I mean nothing at all. Either these two guys just popped up and their name ain’t got no rep yet or they are so damn good they be ghosts. Either way they could be trouble if’n newbs they’ll be worth s*** in a firefight, if ghosts they could turn and kill us all before we’d know we were dead. I just don’t know and honestly that scares me.”

Looking around the table he waited for any questions and reactions............

Catie didn't say very much during the meeting, keeping attention away from herself. There was no real reason to draw attention to her, particularly when there were important things to bring to the table, and she definitely would count this background research on their mission as very important. That being said, the lack of information on one front was more worrying than if they found something out.

Ignorance is not bliss... because what you don't know can still kill you. Catie remembered the quote from one of her teachers.

She looked slightly guilty for a moment before she suppressed the emotional tells and returned to paying attention. Catie was not a stranger to the concept of ghosts in that context. After all, she was nearly one herself, and one of the things she wanted was to be one.

Catie shook her head slightly, "I doubt they'd be amateur. I mean, it sounds like they were essentially hand picked by the person you met. Who knows, maybe he had his contacts make them ghosts as payment for prior services rendered? Either way, doesn't sound like there's a whole lot that can be done about that..." Her voice trailed off. Perhaps records were removed, but that wasn't to say it would be impossible to persuade a bit of information from them, maybe over a good meal. Perhaps another way she could exhibit her skills if needed, though she knew she'd rather stick to more business oriented things.

As JC finished the newest crew member, Catie shook her head slightly and spoke up, "I doubt they'd be amateur. I mean, it sounds like they were essentially hand picked by the person you met. Who knows, maybe he had his contacts make them ghosts as payment for prior services rendered? Either way, doesn't sound like there's a whole lot that can be done about that..." Her voice trailed off.

“And that right there is what I’m afraid of, I mean for this Badger guy to be able to completely wipe them from the verse means he has some very, very powerful friends. Friends even though we need this gig could be more dangerous to work with in the long term then just walking away.”

Leaning back in his chair he ran his left hand through his hair.

“However backing out now could be even worse as then the question becomes in Badger’s mind why did we back out, what made us do so, what do we know. Badger will not take a chance we know too much if this is not on the up and up”

Persephone, Eavesdown Docks, Destiny, Galley, 11:00 pm ST
Tess came in with Catie and Angela and pulled the Captain aside as they were unpacking the goods found. “Jon. This here Catie is quite the negotiator. She got us more supplies than I ever could on the fund we want and I have not seen someone wheel and deal like that since Jason. She could serve us well, despite the friction between you and Stephanie right now. Just my thoughts on the matter but I was certainly impressed.”

As the meeting came to order and JC told them of the lack of info on the brothers, he ended on a note that Tess had to agree with,

“However backing out now could be even worse as then the question becomes in Badger’s mind why did we back out, what made us do so, what do we know. Badger will not take a chance we know too much if this is not on the up and up.” JC said.

“Yep.” Tess said, nodding, “If we back out now we won’t get any jobs around here anymore that is for sure. We are stuck with this job and we best make best of it.”

Tess continued on, “I think badger is interest in this wedding because he wants to get in bed cozy with the Baron. They are like two peas in a pod on business and the business from the Baron could do well for someone like Badger. Plus the prestige of dealing with a Lord! He can’t resist. See, I can’t agree with JC’s assessment of Badger. He wants powerful friends but I don’t think he has them. He struck me as a foolish man who wants to be considered a king and fawned over. Working with a lordship is one step further. The brothers are another thing all together in my mind but hell, I might be wrong and completely starstruck by the shuài. (Handsome)” She says with a laugh. “What did you find out Gracie?”