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

For once, Grace wasn’t the first to spill all the information she had learned. She had researched Lilianna Fairchild as planned and found out some other names and figured out some things. These people were the sort of people that Grace had been once surrounded by and really she didn’t believe that the girl was a threat. The Father stank of trouble but Lilianna was just some empty airhead listening to her daddy’s orders. It was the bridegroom that was making Grace hesitate to talk.

That Templeton Steele…was…her Uncle Steel. He had once worked with her father and the only person who had ever encouraged her interest in machines. Even now, she had memories of going to those parties she hated and the only good part was that Uncle Steel would always talk to her. He had found her gift fascinating and half of her engineering books had been presents from him. She had loved getting his attention and loved how he spoke to her as if she was an adult rather than some shiny doll to show off then tossed aside when the topic had moved on.

Now that Grace thought about it, she also remembered how he would always have these beautiful women come with him to her Father’s party. She mostly remembered them only because Uncle Steel would always politely excuse himself to go speak to her father, but always suggest that Grace tried talking to these women. Grace didn’t mind because these ladies had always been smart and even if they didn’t understand engines, Grace found she could easily talk to them about her studies or learn something interesting from them. Now as a child, Grace had thought these ladies were Uncle Steel’s girlfriends, but thinking about it now, Grace realized they must have been companions.

Then, abruptly, it changed. She remembered after one party, her father remarking that ‘Templeton had better change his ways.’ After that party, Uncle Steel would make their conversations shorter and shorter and his female friends had also changed. They were still as beautiful as before but that’s all they had, Grace couldn’t talk to them about anything. When Grace mentioned it to her mother, she had laughed and told Grace that not everyone enjoyed studying as much as she did (Mother refused to acknowledge the fact that Grace was good with engines so Grace knew better to complain about the shorter talks with Uncle Steel) After Uncle Steel starting ignoring her completely, Grace started faking illness to avoid the parties and the airheads.

Uncle…er…Templeton must have done something to earn a black mark with the Companion Guild. That’s why they changed. He has changed- wait no, he must have always been like that. It’s easy to hide things from a child. Don’t try and soften the truth, Grace, that makes you blind to it. You were the daughter of one of his business partners; he had to play nice around you. Now stop being a child and grow up. Does it matter that you knew him as a child? Does it help the situation? Would this info help the Captain?
Grace stared off into space as she thought it through. Maybe, he is getting married to this girl. If he’s earned a black mark, he might not the sort of person we want to be marrying anyone, let alone the daughter of a wealthy Baron. The captain would want to know. It could be important. But I am not mentioning my past with Catie in the room. I haven’t even told Angela or J.C yet, and I have more reasons to trust them then this new girl. I will need to talk to Tess and Jon in private…
“What did you find out Gracie?” asked Tess, startling Grace out of her thoughts. Grace suddenly turned her head back to the group and realized they were looking at her rather expectantly. She looked back in confusion before realizing that they were waiting for her to speak up.

“Oh…um…not much really. Lilianna is a goody-two shoes who has a lot of wealth and, because she happens to give bits of it away, everyone calls her a princess. But, the only reason why she gives it away is thanks to her mother and she probably likes being a media darling. I ain’t getting a good impression of her father; he’s a wealthy man who figures he can get an heir out of his daughter and figures that easier than raising his own.” Grace’s explained, pretending she wasn’t aware of the fact that her face was imitating her hair right now.

“The Groom’s name is Templeton Steele. Steel is a businessman who sold weapons to both sides of the war. It made him pretty wealthy but neither side likes him. The only reason why he hasn’t been assassinated or ‘died due to an unfortunate accident’ is because he’s got enough money to pay for people’s love and creating weapons that the
military wants.” she finished.

Grace remained quiet after that and waited for the meeting to come to an end. As everyone finished up and started to leave, Grace approached Tess and Jon and asked

“Can I have a word with you?”

The crew gave their reports..more or less. Even with all the good connections there just wasn’t much to be learned. “I thank you all for trying but we don’t know much more than we did before. This here job is ricky, but it’s our job now, so we’ll see it through. ….Sounds like Catie might have kept my foot out of my mouth if we’d known you were good with the deal.. Angela did a good job of saving me from making things worse, but it would have been nice to not have to go down that way…. Catie, I want you ready if these folk try to add the deal. If they add more we should get more…and when this is done I’ll count on you to be sure we get paid right. If things go well enough and you decide to stay then you’ll earn a share.” Jon wasn’t sure if Angela realized she was earning a share, but he had left that to Grace to handle for her. JC and Stephanie were both getting a share too. Tess, Grace and him had agreed a long time ago that they got two shares each after they had got Destiny flying the first time, sort of the finder’s fee or owns share. Jon usually kept most of his back or made sure Grace had what she needed to keep Destiny in the sky.

"As for them Simon brothers, to me it looked more like they had been assigned the Badger instead of him just hiring them. I don’t think he has to remind the rest of his lackeys that he’s the boss and them two didn’t seem to worried when Badger had to remind them. That would go along with them not seeming to exist….There is more maneuvering to this operation than is up front, folks playing folks for power and position. JC, like I said before you need to keep an eye on them, …..Angela you are pretty good sensing when things are Ma Fuhn (trouble) so make yourself a note about them Simons and help JC watch them boys”……. Jon looked around the room to see if anyone had more to say.. no one spoke up, “Well I guess that’s about it..Let’s do this job.”

When most of the crew had headed off Grace stopped Jon and Tess, “Can I have a word with you?”

Angela had listened to what JC and Tess had to say about the Simon boys, and it reminded her of her first assessment when she’d entered the room. She’d been on assignment and had been told to keep the crew safe, so seeing guns out and openly held had put her on high alert. The “boys” had troubled her…

“The Simon brothers may not be ghosts,” she finally ventured quietly,” but they’re not professionals of any sort. Consider JC…and even Jon,” she wrinkled her nose at the Captain.

“Jon keeps his shoulders square and his weight balanced on his feet…discipline that gets hammered into you when serving and you never let it go entirely. Then there’s JC..”

Angela paused a moment, then flipped back a few pages in her notebook and read a passage, nodding her head and tapping the page with satisfaction.

“I noticed today that JC always keeps a clear line of sight throughout any room…he’s subtle about it, but I remembered seeing a note about it, so it’s habit with him…too.

Those brothers are sloppy and undisciplined. If we can find a good reason for them to surrender their weapons while on board, we only have to worry about their hand to hand skills…and I could take them.”

Angela’s final statement was made with a chilling certainty

OOC: Moving ahead here. You may backpost any prep you wish up to the pick-up. I need to know who plans on being there in the cargo bay and on gangplank when they arrive. I know Grace will not be there, she always avoids strangers but will watch from the camera she has in the Cargo Bay. Stephanie chooses to remain in the infirmary and not come out. Angela? JC? Tess? Catie? I assume the Captain of course

Persephone, Diviner's Gulch, Day 2, 2:00 am ST
Nice place for an Ambush.
It was a gloomy thought but one that could not help but pass through Captain Jon’s mind as they waited for the passengers to meet them at the bottom of this valley. The valley sloped inwards gradually on all side and had a great deal of coverage from the overgrowth of weeds, trees and bushes. The high mineral content of the surrounding rock would throw off most sensors looking for a ship, and you could hide an entire division of men at the bottom.

No. Don’t think like that.
At 2:00 am, almost without sound and very little light, a hover Limo comes within sight of the ship along with two other armoured vehicles (Hummer-like. Hover Hummers, Hummer Hovers). They stop at the same time and immediately four men step out of each of the vehicles. The far door opens on the limo and a man steps out and runs around to the other side to open the door for the other passengers. You recognize him as Seth Liang from Stephanie’s picture but you did not realize the size. The Bodyguard is easily 6’8” tall and very muscular. His movement is fast, precise and graceful – like a cat or a bird of prey. On his back is a large Jian sword, in a scabbard and on his left side is some sort of hi-tech handgun, but not in a holster. It seems to be just ... attached to a metal strip that runs down the side of his hip and leg. He is dressed in combat fatigues over molded body armour. As he moves closer you see that he wears armoured bracers and gloves that have a power source (lights, buttons, comm. unit).

He opens the door and two ladies exit the hover-limo. Lilianna’s dressed in a silk suit by Mizz Lizz of Osiris. She wears a mink throw over one shoulder, high heels, leather gloves, and a hat with a veil. Her blonde hair beneath the hat is beautifully coifed. When she removes the veil, she’s extraordinarily beautiful, though her face is pale and drawn, as though she hasn’t slept much lately. She looks at the ship, the crew the gangplank and looks close to tears.

The other lady is Asante Chang is dressed in no-nonsense business clothes and low-heeled shoes. She wears dark-rimmed glasses. She has a leather satchel and one piece of luggage, which she carries herself. She takes in the ship and crew but her eyes quickly focus on the captain with a small smile.

The Simon brothers also step out of the Limo after the ladies. They are dressed in the same suits as before, each carrying a couple of duffel bags. Their faces are grim and they are exchanging looks at each other in a way only brothers can communicate without talking. It seems like they have heard bad news or something has gone wrong for them. However they don’t seem to be talking about it.

The men start unloading luggage - lots of luggage consisting of heavy trunks, a good many suitcases, and hatboxes. They gently pile the luggage outside the gangplank of Destiny without a word and then quickly take positions to form a perimeter around the ship and vehicles.

The bodyguard takes you all in with a glance and then says, “I am Seth. This is Lilianna Fairchild and Asante Chang. These two men are from your employer, I believe. I am in charge of Ms. Fairchild’s protection. Which one of you is the Captain?”

Grace tried to keep her breathing normal so she wouldn’t appear so anxious. The New girl was rather perceptive and Grace was not giving her any clues about what was going to be said. Call her stupid but Grace hated talking about her past. Partially due to the stings of the betrayals but a larger part was the anxiety of things changing. Mention that you are the daughter of a very rich man and people treated you differently. Some act like you’re a delicate flower, others act like you are an ignorant idiot. Sure the Captain and Quing Ting already knew her story but that never eases the fear. Part of her worried that there was some line, like if they knew just enough, that things would change and she wouldn’t be ‘Twitchy Grace’ to them anymore. She would be back to being ‘Grace Lin.’

So it was only after she was positive that she had their attention, and that everyone else was out of hearing range that she finally said “There is something else, I need to tell you. I actually know Templeton Steele personally.”

Grace crossed her arms and hunched her shoulders as she explained “He was a family friend and sort of like an uncle. The only reason why I am bringing it up is because I have reasons to believe he earned a black mark with the companion guild.”

(OOC: Assuming a ‘why is that important?’ or something similar)

“It could be important, maybe not. I just figured it was better if I shared it then kept it to myself.” explained Grace

(OOC: Assuming: ‘Why didn’t you share this with everyone?’)

Grace frowned before commenting “I don’t trust Catie, therefore I am not going talk about my past in front of her. Simple as that. Not to mention she is a little too good of an actress to earn my trust”

(OOC: Grace will ignore any comments about her being too twitchy. I am leaving this open for any further interaction.)

Jon’s held his composure as best he could as Grace told him and Tess a little more about her past....”Uncle Steele” he thought, “Can this get any better?” Grace had always kept to herself and Jon had always respected that, whatever had brought her to that Alliance ship it was fate that put them together to find Destiny. Her ability with machines was something to be in awe of and now he was hearing she knew the man that made the most infamous weapons the war. This could work for them if push came to shove, if “Uncle” Steele kept a good thought for her. But he was not a very savory character and he if had earned a black mark with the companions guild then he could just as easily turn his back on Grace. “Grace, we’ll just keep this quiet for now. We don’t want folk counting on any kind of favor from Templeton Steele just because you knew him back when. … and no need to put you in any spot light. Only you will know when and if we need to use this information and if you want to keep an eye on Catie, well then you just do that.”

Jon gave Tess a raised eyebrow look to tell her that Grace will always be Grace. Then as walked out of the galley Jon said to Tess, “Well I gather you really like seeing them Simon guys, but I’ll need you to stay by the controls when we make the pickup. No telling if we’ll have to cut and run in a hurry if we get in F’n Zse. (deep crap) You’ll have plenty of time around them two after we are in the black.”

The time was drawing near for the rendezvous John stopped into the Medical bay. Stephanie was used to dealing folks in the important social circles and Jon hoped she would help put Lilianna at ease. When he entered the room Stephanie didn’t stop her activities. The frost of her look warned him things were not much changed. Jon asked if she might come down and greet Lillianna, that the girl might feel more comfortable with someone that had been in some of the social events she had attended. But the dotor still had her spurs on and she made it clear that she had something to take care of and she wouldn’t be down to the cargo bay when the passenger arrived. Jon knew he could order her to be there but… well.. that just wasn’t going to work either.

Persephone, Diviner's Gulch, Day 2, 2:00 am ST
Tess had brought Destiny into the landing zone flawlessly, just as Badger had told them. Now the cargo ramp was down as they waited for the arrival. The crew gathered and as Catie joined them, Jon stepped up to her, “Catie, besides being sure our deal is square I need you to use your skill to be sure this Lillianna feels at ease .” Form outside they saw the approach of vehicles. “Okay folks here they come.”

Almost without sound the hover Limo comes within sight of the ship along with two other armored vehicles. Stopping at the same time, four men step out of each of the vehicles. The far door opens on the limo and a man steps out and runs around to the other side to open the door for the other passengers. You recognize him as Seth Liang from Stephanie’s picture but you did not realize the size. The Bodyguard is easily 6’8” tall and very muscular. His movement is fast, precise and graceful – like a cat or a bird of prey. On his back is a large Jian sword, in a scabbard and on his left side is some sort of hi-tech handgun, but not in a holster. It seems to be just ... attached to a metal strip that runs down the side of his hip and leg. He is dressed in combat fatigues over molded body armour. As he moves closer you see that he wears armoured bracers and gloves that have a power source (lights, buttons, comm. unit).

Seth opens the door and two ladies step out. There dressed to the 9’s was the Princess, all in silk, mink and leather. She wears a hat with a veil. When she removes the veil, she looks at the ship, the crew the gangplank and looks close to tears. In quiet whisper to Catie Jon says, “That’s Lilianna and she don’t look non too happy to be with us.”

The wedding planner and the Simon all stepped out and prepared to board but first the guards started to unload luggage and lots of it. They carried to the ramp and then set it down and went to form a perimeter. The bodyguard stepped forward, “I am Seth. This is Lilianna Fairchild and Asante Chang. These two men are from your employer, I believe. I am in charge of Ms. Fairchild’s protection. Which one of you is the Captain?”
Jon looked to the bodyguard and then to pile of luggage, “I’m the Captain.” Looking to his PR man, “That’s JC, our ship’s security, he’ll take you around the ship so you check things yourself. Nodding to Catie, "This is Miss Yueshi, she’ll see to Miss Fairchild and Miss Asante while you clear the ship.“ Before Seth could say anything Jon shouted out to the Simons, “Fellas lend a hand and grab a couple of them cases as you come on.” Looking back to Angela, “Angela come help me get this stuff on board. …Catie, see that Miss Fairchild is comfortable.” Then turning back to Seth,” if you plan to be getting out here quickly then you best get some them men to help load that pile on board and be getting with JC so we can be getting into the black.” Jon walked past the passagers and to the pile of luggage and started hauling a trunk into the cargo bay.

Catie tilted her head a bit as she glanced over, seeing Grace beckon to Tess and the captain for a quick addendum. Or, Catie presumed it was a quick addendum anyhow. She shrugged. Whatever it was, it probably wasn't her business. Her business, as far as things were concerned at this point, was to get more familiar with her new surroundings. Namely the pantry.

Kind of sad that the paste is safer to use than fresh ingredients. Catie mused as she looked through the stock of ingredients that could be used for flavouring, But unless you can verify the integrity and quality of the supply, it could be significantly worse grade than what it appears.
After committing the contents of the pantry to memory, she would spend the remainder of the time between then and the pick-up helping out and making sure the vessel and guest rooms were clean and presentable. At least her previous job experiences as a waitress or maid were going to be of use.

During her breaks from cleaning and tidying, she will be in the infirmary folding paper cranes.

* * *

As it grew closer to the time for the pick-up, Catie grew steadily more nervous. She made sure not to show it, however, if one watched her eyes, they would notice that they were far more alert, keeping track of her immediate surroundings. This was certainly far in the middle of presumably nowhere. A curious place.

She visibly shook as she heard an engine roar. An engine of a marine transport, keeping low to the ground, ready to deploy the specimens within into the dark to keep their cover. Catie grit her teeth. No, the engine sound was only that of the Destiny, there were no other engines.

Eventually they landed, and she made sure to do her part in greeting their customers with the Captain. It seemed he had a specific role in mind for her, as he spoke to her before they disembarked.

“Catie, besides being sure our deal is square I need you to use your skill to be sure this Lilianna feels at ease .”
Catie nodded, "I'll do my best."

The transport came, and as the passengers disembarked, Catie noted with a bit of sympathy that the veiled girl seemed... rather emotional, but not in a positive way.

In quiet whisper to Catie Jon says, “That’s Lilianna and she don’t look non too happy to be with us.”

Catie nodded but didn't reply. She now knew her charge, so to speak, and she wasn't about to alienate Lilianna by appearing to gossip in front of her.

The wedding planner and the Simon all stepped out and prepared to board but first the guards started to unload luggage and lots of it. They carried to the ramp and then set it down and went to form a perimeter. The bodyguard stepped forward, “I am Seth. This is Lilianna Fairchild and Asante Chang. These two men are from your employer, I believe. I am in charge of Ms. Fairchild’s protection. Which one of you is the Captain?”

Jon looked to the bodyguard and then to pile of luggage, “I’m the Captain.” Looking to his PR man, “That’s JC, our ship’s security, he’ll take you around the ship so you check things yourself. Nodding to Catie, "This is Miss Yueshi,"
Cate gave a formal bow as she was introduced, before straightening and giving an informal smile. It was too early to know whether to try to be reassuring, given Lilianna's visible state, so she just went with 'welcoming'.

"She’ll see to Miss Fairchild and Miss Asante while you clear the ship.“ Before Seth could say anything Jon shouted out to the Simons, “Fellas lend a hand and grab a couple of them cases as you come on.” Looking back to Angela, “Angela come help me get this stuff on board. …Catie, see that Miss Fairchild is comfortable.” Then turning back to Seth,” if you plan to be getting out here quickly then you best get some them men to help load that pile on board and be getting with JC so we can be getting into the black.” Jon walked past the passagers and to the pile of luggage and started hauling a trunk into the cargo bay.
Regardless of what else happened with the others after Jon gave his directions, Catie walked closer to Lilianna and Miss Asante, with all the air of an inn attendant, "Welcome. When the others have finished their preparations, I'll show you around the vessel. It might not be for very long, but having some familiarity with the layout may help to alleviate the trepidation of being on a vessel you don't know."

The words were formal, but Catie did mean what she was saying, and let that through in her voice. Specifically, the message she was trying to convey to Lilianna in particular was that the Destiny wasn't completely connected to her upcoming marriage. It was to be her transport, and that was it. She didn't need to consider it on the same level as the marriage.

Catie couldn't help but suspect that Jon was a bit inaccurate; it wasn't the Destiny or its crew that Lilianna didn't like. There seemed to be a lot more to this marriage than many parties were comfortable with... including at least one of the involved parties.

Jon looked to the bodyguard and then to pile of luggage, “I’m the Captain.” Looking to his PR man, “That’s JC, our ship’s security, he’ll take you around the ship so you check things yourself. Nodding to Catie, "This is Miss Yueshi, she’ll see to Miss Fairchild and Miss Asante while you clear the ship.“

Seth bows respectful to both JC and Catie.

Before Seth could say anything Jon shouted out to the Simons, “Fellas, lend a hand and grab a couple of them cases as you come on.”

The brothers look to each other and then in unison say, “Sure!” and drop their own bags unceremoniously at the top of the gang way and start hauling luggage. They move the largest first and seem to have experience with this as they do not even discuss who is grabbing what, they just do.

“Angela come help me get this stuff on board. …Catie, see that Miss Fairchild is comfortable.”

Catie walked closer to Lilianna and Miss Asante, with all the air of an inn attendant, "Welcome. When the others have finished their preparations, I'll show you around the vessel. It might not be for very long, but having some familiarity with the layout may help to alleviate the trepidation of being on a vessel you don't know."

Lilianna smiles ruefully back at Catie and wrinkles her nose, “It is very ... quaint. I suppose one gets used to the smell?”

Asante laughs heartily, “Oh Princess, don’t worry. It is just a few days and then all will roses and pageantry.”

Jon turned back to Seth who waited patiently, ”If you plan to be getting out here quickly then you best get some them men to help load that pile on board and be getting with JC so we can be getting into the black.”

“The men are here for security and not to move cargo. I would assume that you have people to do that consider your line of work.” Seth says to the captain while watching the two brothers go to work, “However these gentlemen seem very eager to help so the issue resolves itself. Ms. Fairchild’s safety is my priority and I will tour the ship along with her at your earliest convenience. I am not familiar with this class of ship – what is this? I require a schematic of the layout.” He turns to JC, “Mr. JC. Have any security arrangements been made for Ms. Fairchild’s stay?”

“The men are here for security and not to move cargo. I would assume that you have people to do that consider your line of work.” Seth says to the captain while watching the two brothers go to work, “However these gentlemen seem very eager to help so the issue resolves itself. Ms. Fairchild’s safety is my priority and I will tour the ship along with her at your earliest convenience. I am not familiar with this class of ship – what is this? I require a schematic of the layout.” He turns to JC, “Mr. JC. Have any security arrangements been made for Ms. Fairchild’s stay?”
Jon wanted to remain respectful but he was miffed.

“Normally cargo is loaded at the port where there is equipment available and passengers usually only have carry-ons.” Jon looked out the guards and knew that they wouldn’t budge. Dragging a chest passed Seth, “ Destiny is a Whitefire Class cargo freighter. I doubt you’ve ever seen one before.” Setting the chest inside the cargo bay he walked back down the ramp to the pile and grabbed a couple of suitcases. “ We salvaged this boat and rebuilt it so there isn’t a layout,.. but if you want to sketch one up that’ll be fine. “ Jon toted the bags up past Seth and deposited them next to the chest and headed back down the ramp. “As for the ship’s tour at “my” earliest convenience?....well that won’t be convenient until these things are loaded. …. So either you can help or just waste time standing there waiting,” Jon smiled and bowed slightly, “Liang San”. He then hefted up a couple more bags and trudged into the cargo bay.

Seth watched the captain haul the luggage for a few seconds and then shrugs and moves to one of the heavy trucks. He grabs the handle at the top and twists it 90 degrees. The bottom of the trunk lights up and lifts off the ground, allowing Seth to easily push it up the ramp. As he passes with the two brothers looking at him , he says plainly to the Captain, "Hermes Brand Luggage. I doubt you’ve ever seen one before."

"They hover? What's the fun in that?" Rick says to AJ but they too activate the trucks and and between Seth, Angela, JC, and the Simons, the luggage is packed up in short order. As soon as the last box is inside and the main hatch is closing, the security men head to their vehicles and leave,

Lilianna moves to the pile of luggage and pulls out a silver case, slightly bigger than a briefcase and walks over to the captain. "Sir? This is for you. A present. For ummm... well for all your troubles." She hands the case over to the captain. It is labeled "Newtech Cryovac" and it feel cool to the touch.

(assuming you open it as she is obviously waiting there for you to do so)

Inside the case are steaks. 12 thick Porterhouse steaks. Each one is sealed in a plastic vacuum seal and kept at a cool temp of 40 degree F according to the inner readout.

"They are from my step-father's farm. Aged 28 days which is the best, or so I'm told. Anyway, just a token of his appreciation."

(assuming some sort of thank you)

Lilianna smiles briefly but it quickly disappears. "I'd really like a tour of your ship sir. I have never been on a firefly before."

As Jon hauled another truck up the ramp he watch Seth walk over to one trucks where gave the handle a twist and it hovered by itself and man easily moved it up the ramp. As he passes with the two brothers looking at him , he says plainly to the Captain, "Hermes Brand Luggage. I doubt you’ve ever seen one before."

A broad smile crossed Jon’s face and he bowed deeply to the bodyguard, “Gao Guhn (brillent), How Shi Sung Chung. (fortuitous turn of event) My humble thanks, Liang San.” Soon luggage is packed up in short order. As soon as the last box is inside and the main hatch is closing, the security men head to their vehicles and leave,

Lilianna moves to the pile of luggage and pulls out a silver case, slightly bigger than a briefcase and walks over to the captain. "Sir? This is for you. A present. For ummm... well for all your troubles." She hands the case over to the captain. It is labeled "Newtech Cryovac" and it feel cool to the touch.

“Miss Fairchild, you are a most gracious guest and you honor the ship and my crew.” Jon takes the case notes that Lilianna waited expectantly. The Captain popped open the latches and raised the lid, turning so that the contents were also revealed to Miss Fairchild and the rest of the crew.

Inside the case are steaks. 12 thick Porterhouse steaks. Each one is sealed in a plastic vacuum seal and kept at a cool temp of 40 degree F according to the inner readout.

"They are from my step-father's farm. Aged 28 days which is the best, or so I'm told. Anyway, just a token of his appreciation."

Jon’s jaw nearly dropped open,… meat….REAL meat… Jon had not had a steak like one these since he and Stephanie had left the estate she had acquired for them. A breathless “Wuo Duh Tian Ah”(oh my god), slipped from the Captain astonish face. Then quickly regaining his composure he bowed deeply to the young lady, “Sheh Sheh,… your generosity is only exceeded by your beauty.” Jon quickly closed the case and motioned to Angela to come get it to take to the galley.

Lilianna smiles briefly but it quickly disappears. "I'd really like a tour of your ship sir. I have never been on a firefly before."

Jon winced when he heard her call Destiny a firefly, but if she was going to give them meat he might even let her call it an Arrowhead.
“Catie, will you please join us as we escort Miss Fairchild’s party through the ship? JC.. check with Grace and see if she might find a simple deck layout for Mr. Liang.“ Turning to Seth, “Whitefire ships are rare and we are the fastest freighter in the verse, but we may not have a published deck plan, but we will see what we can find.”

Jon started the tour with the cargo area and Medical Bay. Taking the lift to the middle deck. As they emerged he point left down the hall“ The galley is at the end of this gangway. The crew quarters are also here. Mr. Simon and Mr. Simon, your room will be up there by the galley.” Turning slightly,” The escape pod are there, " pointing up across the hall, "and Engineering is down this other way. Your quarters Miss Fairchild are up this private stairs to our two guest rooms…… Mr. Liang, we have partitioned the one room so you can stay there with Miss Fairchild to ensure her safety. Miss Chang you will be in the room next to Miss Fairchild.” Jon really wasn’t use to this tour guide routine but it had to be done. He knew the Princess would naturally expect the Captain of the ship to personally attend to her for a while and…well she did give them STEAKS.” Standing in the hall he gestured up, “ The upper deck is restricted to crew only… for your safety,…as is Engineering.”

Turning face the young bride to be, “If you’d care for some tea your party can gather in the galley or we’ll have some brought to your room, but I must leave you now as we prepare to depart.” Looking to his business coordinator, “ Catie, please see to our guests.” Jon gave a small bow and moved to the lift, exiting the floor.

Stepping on to the bridge Jon shook his head as Tess looked up at him. “I’d never make it as a cruise ship captain. Let’s get outta here and back to the black where we belong. “ Tess start her usual routine and Jon piped in, “She gave us meat!”

Having given his complete knowledge of the Simon brothers, a whole lot of nothing, JC sat back and listened as the rest of the crew gave up their info and idea’s. Returning to his quarters afterwards to rest he was up and fully armed as their ‘cargo’ arrived to be ‘loaded’ onboard. As he watched a hover limo pulled to a stop at the Destiny’s along with a pair of armored hover vehicles. Stopping at the same time both APC’s immediately unloaded two four men teams who quickly took up a protective stance around the entrance to the Destiny’s interior.

Then with these eight men arranged in a well maintained security perimeter, JC watched as the limo’s far rear door opened and a man quickly stepped out, ran to the other side and open the door for the other passengers. Never again Then JC got a double pair of shocks as he at once recognized Seth Liang from Stephanie’s picture but was not ready for the man’s size. This guy was big easily 6’8” tall and very muscular. Jeremiah could tell by his movement, fast, precise and graceful, that this guy unlike the Simons was no fake and quite deadly. Though Liang had a number of well made weapons JC gave them no more then a quick scan. It was the man not the weapons that gave the old Browncoat pause. Here was a bodyguard more dangerous then a lot of others and one to take seriously. As the gunfighter started to turn his attention to the others he noticed Liang was wearing powered gloves and armored bracers. only the best for the best of course
After a few moments of people climbing out of the limo, the group with Liang in the lead and followed by the Simons, headed up the ramp to where Jon stood with Angela and JC.

After a quick glance at the three, taking each person’s measure perhaps, the bodyguard addressed them

“I am Seth. This is Lilianna Fairchild and Asante Chang. These two men are from your employer, I believe. I am in charge of Ms. Fairchild’s protection. Which one of you is the Captain?”

Jon looked to the bodyguard and then to pile of luggage, “I’m the Captain.” Looking to his PR man, “That’s JC, our ship’s security, he’ll take you around the ship so you check things yourself.” Nodding to Catie, "This is Miss Yueshi, she’ll see to Miss Fairchild and Miss Asante while you clear the ship.“ Before Seth could say anything Jon shouted out to the Simons, “Fellas lend a hand and grab a couple of them cases as you come on.” Looking back to Angela, “Angela come help me get this stuff on board. …Catie, see that Miss Fairchild is comfortable.” Then turning back to Seth,” if you plan to be getting out here quickly then you best get some them men to help load that pile on board and be getting with JC so we can be getting into the black.” Jon walked past the passengers and to the pile of luggage and started hauling a trunk into the cargo bay.

JC was surprised as Liang bowed to both he and Jon in such a way to not be just formal but with true respect as one equal to another and before he knew it JC was returning the bow.


“The men are here for security and not to move cargo. I would assume that you have people to do that considering your line of work. However these gentlemen seem very eager to help so the issue resolves itself. Ms. Fairchild’s safety is my priority and I will tour the ship along with her at your earliest convenience. I am not familiar with this class of ship – what is this? I require a schematic of the layout.” As JC having stood a little straighter at the bodyguards slight, found himself addressed next. “Mr. JC. Have any security arrangements been made for Ms. Fairchild’s stay?”

“Its Kane, Jeremiah Kane, not Mr JC ok. Just Kane or JC will do.” Giving the bodyguard an actual smile he started to continue speaking but before JC could say anything else Jon answered Liang.

“Normally cargo is loaded at the port where there is equipment available and passengers usually only have carry-ons.” Jon looked out the guards and knew that they wouldn’t budge. Dragging a chest passed Seth, “ Destiny is a Whitefire Class cargo freighter. I doubt you’ve ever seen one before.” Setting the chest inside the cargo bay he walked back down the ramp to the pile and grabbed a couple of suitcases. “ We salvaged this boat and rebuilt it so there isn’t a layout,.. but if you want to sketch one up that’ll be fine. “ Jon toted the bags up past Seth and deposited them next to the chest and headed back down the ramp. “As for the ship’s tour at “my” earliest convenience?....well that won’t be convenient until these things are loaded. …. So either you can help or just waste time standing there waiting,” Jon smiled and bowed slightly, “Liang San”. He then hefted up a couple more bags and trudged into the cargo bay.

Then as JC watched, having now propped himself against the bulkhead of the ship, as Liang moved to one of the heavy trunks. Grabbing the handle at the top and twisting it 90 degrees the bottom of the trunk lit up and easily lifted off the ground, allowing the big bodyguard to easily push it up the ramp. Passing with the two brothers looking at him , he says plainly to the Captain, "Hermes Brand Luggage. I doubt you’ve ever seen one before."

Though normally JC would have been the first to help lug luggage. This time still leaning against the bulkhead he just watched everything about the Destiny’s new passengers. The more JC could gather by acting casual and watching the more information, useful or not, he could gather in. With a gift of steaks, JC could see the captain practically drooling over them, and all luggage on board JC got his next set of instructions from Jon.

“Catie, will you please join us as we escort Miss Fairchild’s party through the ship? JC.. check with Grace and see if she might find a simple deck layout for Mr. Liang.“ Nodding his head to Jon the gunfighter took his leave to find Grace. Moving to the engine room he found her as always tinkering with something machine.

“Grace Jon wants, if ya got one, a deck layout of Destiny for the Lady’s security guy.”................

End of the meeting
It was after Grace’s report that darkness finally came across Tess’s features. Templeton Steele. She had an inkling that big money was involved behind this whole gorram deal, but she didn’t realize that it was money that was spread far and wide through the ‘verse, in and out of the government. Cashy money was all that fat huen dahn cared about, never mind who got in the way. Tess wondered how Badger had gotten his greasy fingers on this job.

Her cheeks began to flush as she thought through all of the injustices that had been caused by that man; the lives that had been lost. His indiscriminate way of dealing to both sides in the war. But they had all been suckered into buying guns at dirt cheap rates, there was nothing for it. He never cared about the quality of merchandise that he was selling; he had never been pinned down while his only chance of escape was the gun that was malfunctioning in his hand. Nope, all that mattered was that folks were buying his guns; and if they were malfunctioning a little, it just meant they had to purchase the better model. That was the legacy of the Man that was Templeton Colt Steele.

The pilot barely heard Angela’s and JC’s comments. Blood pounded in her ears by the fact that this crew had been pushed into a deal with Steele without their knowledge.

“Can I have a word with you?” Grace asked quietly as the others began to leave.

“Sure thing, Gracie,” Tess poured herself the remainder of the tea and leaned up against the table, her lips pressed into a thin line.

Grace waited until the room had cleared before dropping the bombshell, “There is something else, I need to tell you. I actually know Templeton Steele personally.”

“Steele?” Tess spat, “Your on intimate terms with that lurn shwei jah jwohn?

Grace crossed her arms and did her best to look small, “He was a family friend and sort of like an uncle. The only reason why I am bringing it up is because I have reasons to believe he earned a black mark with the companion guild.”

“Why does it matter if that treacherous shi jing chih tu can’t buy himself a guilded whore? It wouldn’t surprise me none if that double-crossing, lily-livered lao chien got himself ousted fer tryin’ to cover up some crackpot scheme involvin’ the Companions.”

“It could be important, maybe not. I just figured it was better if I shared it then kept it to myself.” explained Grace.

“Why didn’t you bring this up while you were tellin’ us it was Mr. Templeton Steele’s bride we’d be haulin’?” she asked, put emphasis on Steele’s name.


Grace frowned before commenting “I don’t trust Catie, therefore I am not going talk about my past in front of her. Simple as that. Not to mention she is a little too good of an actress to earn my trust”

Tess’s mouth opened in an “O” as she took in a deep breath, but Jon cut her off, “Grace, we’ll just keep this quiet for now. We don’t want folk counting on any kind of favor from Templeton Steele just because you knew him back when. … and no need to put you in any spot light. Only you will know when and if we need to use this information and if you want to keep an eye on Catie, well then you just do that.”

Jon raised an eyebrow at Tess. The pilot knew what he was getting it, but for once she was obliged to agree with Grace. Anything with the Steele stamp on it was cause for concern.

“Thanks, Gracie,” she said flatly, “for lettin’ us know.” She turned and left the galley. Jon followed her.

“Well I gather you really like seeing them Simon guys,” he said bemusedly, “ but I’ll need you to stay by the controls when we make the pickup. No telling if we’ll have to cut and run in a hurry if we get in F’n Zse. You’ll have plenty of time around them two after we are in the black.”

“They are awful nice eye candy,” Tess said, her teeth clenched together, “but Steele, Jon. For gorram sake! Had the job not held dire consequences if we don’t do our bonnie best, I’d just as soon as leave that blood money da shao jei on this rock! Let the media eat her for breakfast.”

Persephone, Diviner's Gulch, Day 2, 2:00 am ST
Tess was glad Jon asked her to stay on the bridge. She didn’t trust herself to speak to Lilianna Fairchild and end up botching the deal before it ever began. Destiny floated in like a ghost in the night. Tess found the place easily enough, and set the ship down gently. The area was ugly.

Purty nice place for an ambush. Tess figured Jon was having the same inklings down in the cargo bay. That was always one thing to count on from the war: always looking for the attack.

Jon was a long time before his head popped back onto the bridge.
“I’d never make it as a cruise ship captain. Let’s get outta here and back to the black where we belong.”

Tess rubbed her hands under the seat before starting the ignition sequence, “Thank god for that, Jon. Your belly might'n be saggin' over your belt with all that lazin’ about you’d be doin' on a cruise!”

Jon piped in, “She gave us meat!”

“She did now, did she?” her face held a sour look, “Well, nice that she could bring some fancy vittles to share amoungst the poor folk of the ‘verse.”

---

The Chinese
*bastard
**merciless bastard
***vulgar folk who value money above everything else
****Con artist
*****sassy/attention-seeking girl

While in flight to the pickup point, Angela had something to eat and drank as many cups of ‘spro as she drink without burning her lips or souring her stomach. The synthetic “coffee” had the kick she needed to stay alert, and there was still so much to do, Angela didn’t want to sleep and risk forgetting what she’d gained.

She figured rich people wouldn’t travel light, no matter how much of a hurry they were in, so she dug out the worker’s coverall she’d seen in her trunk and put it on, tucking heavy cotton duck gloves in one of the numerous pockets. She tied her hair into a kerchief and covered it with a cap, and looked at the results in the mirror.

“Suitable non-descript,” she mused to the stranger staring back at her, “just a ship’s workhand…pay me no mind, miss.”

With nothing else to do but wait, she passed the time with deep knee bends and shadow boxing – the increased blood flow helping to keep fatigue at bay.

At the landing zone, Angela hung back, standing in the shadows on the ramp instead of being part of the welcoming committee. She watched the security unload a veritable mountain of luggage and form a perimeter around the land vehicle and the ship’s ramp.

Their passengers approached, and the young woman seemed upset, but maybe she was just tired. It was an awful late time to be catching a flight.

Angela stopped her musing over the princess when she realized that Jon and the bodyguard were at an impasse over the luggage. She tugged her hat brim down a little more over her face and stomped down the ramp sturdily.

“No worries, Cap’n, “she assured Jon,” I’m on it. We’ll get this stowed away inna cargo bay in no time. Uh, Miss? One these needed in your room? Won’t all fit but you prolly have yer essentials in one of ‘em.”

(She’ll make note of the case if Liliana or Asante respond, but otherwise doesn’t really engage them. It’s like only the luggage really matters. )

As the last of the luggage was brought into the cargo bay, she thanked anyone who helped, before turning wide-eyed to Seth and the Simons.

“Now, I’m guessin’ you all have lockboxes for yer weapons, or do you need to use one of ours? Not wanting any discharges during flight, an’ all that. Bad for pressurization.”

Persephone, Diviner's Gulch, Day 2, 2:00 am ST Grace sat comfortably on her bed with a blanket wrapped around her shoulders and her video feed in front of her. She casually dumped several pixie sticks into her energy drink as she watched the drop off. No surprise, the princess and her royal encore where not helping at all with the loading of the luggage. Though she was surprised to see two men immediately jump in to help she assumed they must be Badger’s men

“It is very ... quaint. I suppose one gets used to the smell?” asked Lillianna with a wrinkled nose. Grace glared at the princess’s image, suddenly very grateful for all those hidden microphones she had hidden throughout the ship. She let out a small growl before muttering “Da Shao Jei, this ship is not ‘quaint.’ This is the best ship you are ever going to look at.”

Grace resisted the urge to grab the speaker for the ship’s the P.A system as to verbally correct the Princess and focus on the luggage. I wonder if I can borrow Stephanie’s x-ray machine again… wondered Grace as she took a gulp of her very sugary drink. After all it worked the last time and it was always a good idea to make sure there were no hidden weapons. Grace also smirked at the idea of finding something embarrassing in the Princess luggage and posting it on the cortex for all to see. That’ll teach her not to call Destiny ‘quaint’...Though with all those boxes it would take her some time…maybe she could do it when they were all asleep (and locked their doors to be on the safe side)…

“I am not familiar with this class of ship – what is this? I require a schematic of the layout.” requested the body guard. Hmmm....she had a lot of fake ones lying around her room, (just in case someone boarded the ship), designed to lead them into some not so nice traps. She could quickly modify one quickly so that Seth could use it and not be lead to any traps….

Grace took another gulp before grabbing one of the said maps and two different colored markers. She worked on editing the ship map while glancing up every once in a while to see what was going on.

"I'd really like a tour of your ship sir. I have never been on a firefly before."
That’s it! In a move that Grace would later blame on the amount of sugar in her system, Grace grabbed the P.A speaker. She quickly flicked it on and said quite clearly (so she would be understood over the speakers) “This ain’t a firefly, Princess! This is a Whitefire!“

She made sure the P.A was off before muttering “Idiot.” Once J.C had been sent to find her, Grace got off her bed and carried the now fixed map up to the engine room. While waiting, Grace double checked some minor parts of Destiny’s engine, trying to shake off the feeling of annoyance.

“Grace Jon wants, if ya got one, a deck layout of Destiny for the Lady’s security guy.” said J.C when he arrived. Grace looked up and quickly handed him the maps.

“Here you go, once map for the security guy. Just tell him to avoid the places marked in red and stay out of places shaded black. Those places are…um…still being tinkered with and we hate for him or the ladies to get injured.”