When things got a little heated between the captain, Grace and Tess, Angela's eyes grew wide and she shrank back against the wall, looking all the world like a little girl wanting to hide when her parents are fighting.

Her hands were clenched at her sides as she watched the exchange carefully, flinching at every arm wave and gesture. Tess seemed to be able to say something that got them all smiling sheepishly, though Angela hadn't heard it over the rushing sound of blood in her ears.

Soon enough, things were wrapping up and people were making their way out of the captain's room. Grace had left without giving Angela any orders, so Angela simply sat until she realized she should probably leave, too.

With a touch of colour rising on her cheeks, Angela ducked her head and wished the Captain and Doc Stephanie good night before heading back to the cargo area. There, she spent a few minutes checking the stacks of luggage, but they were already arranged in the optimal way for stability and even distribution of mass, so there was little to do.

She didn't want to sleep. Not by a long shot. She'd learned so much today - about the ship, the people she called friends, even herself. No way was she going to let sleep wash it all away again. She flicked her earlobe painfully, feeling the pain push away the fog of tiredness, and padded quickly along the passageways of the ship. Soon enough she found the gym and spent the night hours jumping rope, the skip rope a blur of time around her.

*************************************************************************************

When the ship's lighting shifted from night mode to the brighter day mode, Angela carefully put away the equipment as she'd found it and returned to her room for a quick wash and change of clothes, muscles aching pleasantly and her face glowing. Her stomach was complaining that her throat must have been cut; how else to explain the lack of food? she laughed at the notion, wondering as ever where it had come from.

Clad in a comfy pair of faded denim pants and a dock worker's shirt over a sleeveless T-shirt, Angela looked at her hair critically in the little hand mirror and decided it could go another day before needing a cut. The screen in the wall began to brighten to life but Angela smiled and flicked it off again.

"It's ok, " Angela told the screen before breaking into song and strumming an air guitar," I love myself today, not like yesterday..."

She stepped out of her room and nearly walked into Tess and Catie, both apparently watching for her.
"Hey there! Good morning! What can I do for you, Tess?"

It wasn’t anything new for Grace, Tess and Jon to go at it unfiltered, they had earned the right through their time together. It could be considered as dysfunctional, but they were family. The was still getting use to so it wasn’t unusual for Tess to step in.

“Whoa. Okay. That’s enough both of you. “ She then went on to support both opinions and hand out potential assignments when each could continue to gather information. Even the Captain, “Then Jon here can pump the Wedding planner for information.”
Jon grimaced, “Nicely put!”

“I’m kidding. Jon can make some inquiries and try playing sly with her to see if she wants more than his body. C’mon. It is late or early as you may want to call it and we all need sleep. See what tomorrow brings us with some luck.”
With that the meeting was over. Everyone filed out of the room. Stephanie closing the door behind them. “What shall we do now?” she said as she lowered the lighting in the room. “I believe I owe you an apology or two?”
Jon saw the twinkle in Stephanie’s eyes and knew what ever had been bothering her seemed to have been answered.
------------------------
Jon lay quietly as Stephanie slept nestled in his arms. He couldn’t help but feel a bit selfish, he was back on Destiny, Tess and Grace are here and he had Stephanie to share it all. At least for a while Jon felt peace.
-------------------------------
Jon could smell the coffee as he entered the galley. Catie was busy seeing to the needs of the passengers. Things seemed to be well in hand so he grabbed cup and then headed to the bridge.

For JC the next two days were a combination of cleaning his guns, working his metal arm with Grace and Angela and trying to talk to Seth as suggested by Tess. However though it had not really been stated, one way or the other, to stay near or away. The gunfighter when not doing other needed things always seemed to find himself to be around the wedding planner and so he attempted conversation with her. Successful or not still he kept being around, if nothing else then to keep her away from the captain.

Destiny Outside Anglea’s room. Day Two of Journey. 8:00 am ST
Catie met up with Tess outside of the very small room that Angela had claimed as her own. The two ladies exchanged greetings only when Angela stepped out of her room and nearly walked into Tess and Catie, both apparently watching for her.

"Hey there! Good morning! What can I do for you, Tess?" Angela asked.

Tess smiled, “Just coming to meet with you this morning in case you need help but I’m guessing that you didn’t sleep last night. You know that you can’t do that for all five days we are on route right?”

(assuming some answer from Angela)

“Okay, Angela. Listen up. We wills head to the kitchen, have some breakfast and see how things unfolds today. Observe as much as you can and when the meal is over, report to Grace if you noticed anything, Dong ma?” Tess said firmly knowing that Angela liked to be told what to do. She then turned to her other companion, “Catie – any idea how you think you’ll approach Lilianna today?”

(assuming some response leading into kitchen)

Destiny Galley Day Two of Journey. 9:15 am ST
The brother drank their coffee in silent, exchanging glances at each other that seem to mean something to each other but no one else in the room. Lilianna stayed as far away from Seth as she could and actually moved over to where Catie was working. “Can I help you prepare?” she asked hesitantly, like she wasn’t sure if it was the right thing to do, “I never get to cook at home but I have worked in a few soup kitchens and shelters.”

Seth sat alone looking very annoyed. JC came into the galley and sat down beside him. “You know we have a exercise room here if you’d like to get a work out in?” he says, “I could spot you if you’d lik.”

Seth smiled sincerely at the offer, “That would be most welcome, thank you. Unfortunately I must see to the security of ...”

“Oh Seth! The princess wants some girl alone time! Take a gorram hint” Asante said as she drank her coffee. She smiled at JC and asked, “Mine if I join you? I could use a good workout.”

(assuming the three of you go off.)

Grace came in and moved through her routines in a silence.

“Good morning sunshine!” Tess called out as she passed, “Glad you could join the land of the living. Grace.”

Grace gave a slight wave as she poured herself some of the now lukewarm coffee. She took a gulp of coffee before rummaging around to find the oatmeal and kettle. Soon enough, she had her oatmeal and she took her bowl to the table and purposely sat as far from the guest as humanly possible. She was completely unaware that Rick had been watching her ever since she entered the room. AG looked at Rick and then to Grace and rolled his eyes, “Here we go,” he muttered quietly.

Rick moved over to sit down beside Grace. He smiled winningly and said, “Hey, Grace right? I’m Rick, we didn’t get a chance to meet last night when we came abroad. So you are the mechanic for this ship? I have to say I have never seen a mechanic that was so beautiful before.”

AG slapped his palm into his face.

Down the hall Asante, Seth and JC moved to the exercise room. JC could tell that the two travelers did not really like each other by the distance they kept between them and the glance they gave each other’s back. Once in the exercise room, Seth took off his shirt to reveal a white under-vest beneath and took off the gun from his side to place it on a shelf nearby. He began putting the heaviest weights onto the bar. Asante stripped off her business jacket and trousers to reveal a black Lycra mesh body suit underneath. “Is this okay gentlemen or should I go change?”

(all yours Tann, give me some conversation to work with please.)

Destiny Galley Day Two of Journey. 9:15 am ST

As JC entered the galley area he took in the Simons, their main passenger Lilianna sitting by Catie, and Seth sitting by himself clearly annoyed. Grabbing a large cup of juice (Or whatever we have) he made his way over and sat down across from the bodyguard.

“I hope you don’t mind me saying this but you look a little, what’s the word, ahh maybe bored, possibly annoyed? You know we have an exercise room here if you’d like to get a work out in? I could spot you if you’d like. Traveling the Black can get boring at times so I use it to keep in shape and pass the time”

Seth smiled sincerely back at JC at his offer, “That would be most welcome, thank you. Unfortunately I must see to the security of ...”

Out of freaking nowhere it seemed, came Asante’s voice as she sat down across from the gunslinger. JC found himself almost on reflex popping the quick release on the Neo-tech Derringer hidden up his sleeve but stopped himself just in time.

“Oh Seth! The princess wants some girl alone time! Take a gorram hint” Asante said as she drank her coffee. She smiled at JC and asked, “Mind if I join you? I could use a good workout.”

JC took a hard appraising look at the women before him, making no secret of it to Asante, for several minutes without saying anything. Remembering what Jon had said about her recent attempt to seduce him and having had the feeling there was more to her then just a plain wedding planner he thought it might be a good idea to see how in shape she was. From her physique JC could maybe get an idea of just what she could be capable of just like he was trying to do with Seth. On top of that he could get lucky and get laid seeing just what other ‘skills’ she possessed.

Looking to Seth and seeing no real objection though no real warmth at the idea he turned back to her.

“Sure why not though we will be using some heavy weights, if at anytime you feel out of your depth feel free to let me know” JC could not help but smile mischievously as he put the challenge out there.

As the three moved down the hall the head of ship security could tell that the two travelers did not really like each other by the distance they kept between them and the glance they gave each other’s back. A quick stop at JC’s room to remove the hidden derringer, no need for Seth or Asante to know he carried it. A quick change into a set of workout shorts and shirt, allowing the wedding planner a few choice views of his upper and lower body through a now partly opened door and it was off to the exercise room.

Reaching the exercise room JC played the gentleman and allowed Asante to enter first. Within minutes Seth took off his shirt to reveal a white under-vest beneath took off the gun from his side to place it on a shelf nearby. JC watched as he began putting the heaviest weights onto the bar. Then his attention was captured by Asante as she stripped off her business jacket and trousers to reveal a black Lycra mesh body suit underneath.

“Is this okay gentlemen or should I go change?”

“No I think that will do” JC replied as he loosened up, once again smiling his approval of the ‘Wedding Planners’ body. As they started to work out, the weights heavier with each cycle, JC attempted to engage both in conversation.

“So tell me Asante what you got planned for the Ladies wedding? Anything special or unique?

(Assume some type of answer)
“Ok that’s different and the after wedding reception?”

(Again assuming something)
“So is this the first time you have worked with Seth here?”

“Seth if I may ask, how long you been running sec for Lilianna?

(Gonna leave it here in case they ask questions I would assume about me. Looking forward to a few good convo posts)>/I>

Destiny Outside Anglea’s room. Day Two of Journey. 8:00 am ST
Catie met up with Tess outside of the very small room that Angela had claimed as her own. The two ladies exchanged greetings only when Angela stepped out of her room and nearly walked into Tess and Catie, both apparently watching for her.

"Hey there! Good morning! What can I do for you, Tess?" Angela asked.

Tess smiled, “Just coming to meet with you this morning in case you need help but I’m guessing that you didn’t sleep last night. You know that you can’t do that for all five days we are on route right?”

(assuming some answer from Angela)

“Okay, Angela. Listen up. We wills head to the kitchen, have some breakfast and see how things unfolds today. Observe as much as you can and when the meal is over, report to Grace if you noticed anything, Dong ma?” Tess said firmly knowing that Angela liked to be told what to do. She then turned to her other companion, “Catie – any idea how you think you’ll approach Lilianna today?”
Catie nodded slowly, tracing her cheek with a finger as she thought. She seemed a lot calmer than she was the other day, "Well, right now I should just play it slowly. Jon's orders that she heard were for me to make sure she was comfortable, so that's what I'll do. Offer to help with her breakfast perhaps. The main thing will be to try to get her by herself."

Shrugging a bit, Catie added, "Though what happens then, I'm not so sure. She'll probably still not want to share completely, but if I act supportive, an open listener, then maybe she'll be willing to at least share part of what is going on."

Catie frowned, "I'm just worried about her trying something reckless..."

Destiny Galley Day Two of Journey. 9:15 am ST
Lilianna stayed as far away from Seth as she could and actually moved over to where Catie was working. “Can I help you prepare?” she asked hesitantly, like she wasn’t sure if it was the right thing to do, “I never get to cook at home but I have worked in a few soup kitchens and shelters.”
Catie nodded, giving a reassuring smile, "Sure. I was thinking about getting something warm set up. Can you help with the stove and pans? With a person at each burner, we'll be done quicker."

Catie is using the protein and adding a subtle mix of flavouring to it. Not too strong, but just enough, trying to provide an expected flavour of flour, egg, and buttermilk. With a few other ingredients, namely mixing in water and some of the dried fruit that she had bought, Catie's goal is to make what is effectively a pancake batter. She'll let Lilianna help, keeping an eye on her and offering tips as needed.

“Just coming to meet with you this morning in case you need help but I’m guessing that you didn’t sleep last night. You know that you can’t do that for all five days we are on route right?”

Tess smiled one of her crooked smiles and that simply made Angela happy, but the thought of not being able to stay awake indefinitely dimmed Angela's smile a bit.

"Yeah, I know. I mean, I guess I do. I'll get tired and careless and that's when accidents happen. Sigh. Any idea how long I've managed? "

That last part must have too low for Tess or she simply didn't want to address it as she continued, “Okay, Angela. Listen up. We will head to the kitchen, have some breakfast and see how things unfolds today. Observe as much as you can and when the meal is over, report to Grace if you noticed anything, Dong ma?”
That was the firm tone of an assignment, so Angela blinked, and nodded, playfulness set aside. She was happy to be needed though, so she contentedly walked along with Tess and Catie while Tess gave Catie her own orders. Wonder if she's like me? Needs direction and all?
In the galley, Angela barely slowed her pace into the room, but she made a quick visual scan and noted everyone's location without really seeming to look at anyone directly. Catie made her way to the cooking and prep area, so Angela sat quietly and waited with the patience of long practice. She put her hands on the table as she often did in "sit and watch" mode, and anyone looking at her would think she was more interested in her hands than anything else, but she was all ears and cautious eyes.

She noted the interaction with JC and Seth, and when Asante invited herself to join, Angela was glad she's already gotten her workout in: that gym wasn't very big and there was about to be a lot of big muscles and bigger egos flexed there. She smirked to herself a little and watched Liliana help Catie, hoping it would mean the food would be ready sooner....Angela was ready to chew off her own hand, she was so hungry.

(Assuming the pancakes are served eventually, since Grace shows up well afterwards and makes her own oatmeal)...

Having demolished a plate of pancakes that would have made JC wince, Angela surreptitiously wiped one finger along the plate, trying to gather every last crumb. She'd thanked Catie and Liliana when served, and again when she'd tasted the pancakes, declaring them the best she'd ever had. Tess had made a choking sound at that, but dodged Angela's stink eye by greeting Grace as the mechanic virtually sleep-walked in.

“Good morning sunshine!” Tess called out as she passed, “Glad you could join the land of the living. Grace.”

Grace barely registered as awake, giving Tess a slight wave as she moved to the galley and made her own breakfast of oatmeal in what could be best be described as auto-pilot. Grace watched her to make sure she didn't walk into anything, but then realized she wasn't the only one watching.

The Simon brothers seemed more interested in Grace than their supposed client, and the way they seemed to communicate with each other using just glances irritated Angela mildly. It wasn't sign language or finger signals that she could tell, but she could almost see the thought bubbles over their heads. See, but not read. Very frustrating.

Rick got up to sit beside Grace and tried to talk to her. Angela now had to divide her attention between AJ and Rick, but at least the brothers wouldn't be "not-talking" while they were apart. Angela leaned back against her chairback as if day dreaming and relaxed all her muscles, letting her eyelids droop to half closed. She'd never be able to explain why, but by not focusing on anything specific she was usually able to take in and notice everything. Like watching the forest by ignoring the trees.

Destiny Bridge, Day Two of Journey. 9:15 am ST
Jon took a seat in the copilot’s chair. Sipping the hot black liquid from the thermal insulated mug; the captain scanned the controls and checked the statues of the flight. Tess had put in the course and set the flight on automatic. She’d done as Jon had asked and they were traveling just short of a hard burn.

The course was still along normal travel routes, but to allow for their increased speed they skirted the outer edge where there would be less traffic. This was their usual mode of travel but it had its risks. Not unlike the sheep straying from the herd it put them as a simpler target for those of a more predatory nature. Worry infused Jon’s thoughts as this was the first time since the wine run they were carrying a cargo that someone seemed interested in taking away from them. In that case they didn’t have to worry about the possibility of an inside job and it still had been a disaster. The children’s story of sheep in wolves clothing, or was that the other way around, kept him wondering what would happen next.

Jon thought too about Angela, he still wasn’t comfortable giving her orders. She had proven herself an able member of the crew but if he said something wrong it became a firm order of action. The old “what you heard wasn’t what I thought I said” could add ciaos, but so far things had worked out. Thank goodness Tess and Grace seemed to grasp it.

Then there was Catie. Steph had brought her aboard to help knowing that there were many skills within her that could aid the crew. Her negotiations had got them some good eats and she was seeing through some of haze of this story around the princess. Perhaps the medical and research stuff could help Steph free Angela from some of the need to relearn every day. Even just a bit would help Angela feel more confident.

Jon had always been one to look for options, but he knew fate took its own course and it usually liked to find the one he didn’t think about. Well if things went smoothly all the time what fun would there be in that?

Jon sat back and took in the calm, he could feel it wouldn’t last long.

Rick moved over to sit down beside Grace. He smiled winningly and said, “Hey, Grace right? I’m Rick, we didn’t get a chance to meet last night when we came abroad. So you are the mechanic for this ship? I have to say I have never seen a mechanic that was so beautiful before”

Grace glanced his way and blinked. There was no way that she had enough coffee for social interaction. A little too groggy to feel paranoid (yet), Grace shrugged at the man’s complement before responding “Well, how many mechanic have you met before?”

Rick's wide smile falters a bit. Clearly that line is not usually questioned. AJ muffles a chuckle. Rick clears his throat to cover himself, "Umm. Well only a few I would have to admit. So are you the mechanic in charge or do you have someone under you at the moment?" He suddenly turns a shade of red, "I mean working for you?”

That woke up Grace’s paranoia. Why did he want to know that? Was He planning something? Grace glanced at the other brother while taking another bite of oatmeal. Two against one if they planned to take the engines, not very good odds. Would it be better to say she was the only mechanic? No, safety in numbers and she really did not want to blow up the engine room again. Lying would not help, he might challenge her bluff…Angela does help her on occasion so it wouldn’t be a lie to say she had a helper... Though saying Angel help her on the odd occasion would imply that Grace was often alone, which Grace didn’t want Rick to think. Heavier jobs implied weakness and complicated jobs implied lack of knowledge… To cover the fact that she was thinking her answer very carefully, Grace snagged one of the pancakes and then answered “I do have someone who helps me whenever I need it. Do you have an interest in mechanics?”

"Somewhat. I have a replica of an earth that was 67 Chevy Impala. I replaced the entire engine with a fusion thruster from a MF-813 Hover MULE."

"Not a replica." AJ said loudly.

""Of course it was AJ."

"NO. Dad said it was in the family since the beginning."

"Yeah well Dad was..."

"Don't you dare Rick. Do not cross that line!"

A cold tense moment passes between the brothers and they seem to be communicating again without talking. Then Rick gets up, "Sorry to have bothered your meal, Grace, maybe we can talk later." and then he returns to his seat beside his brother looking all grim again. Grace watched him walk away with curiosity. Why was AJ so protective of a car? Grace tried to picture the car in her head trying to remember if that was a valuable car back on the Earth That Was.

Finally Grace finished her breakfast as she mentally went through the list of what to do that day. JC had gone to do some exercise in the training room so she should go check the room afterword to make sure he hadn’t accidently broke anything with that mechanical arm of his, the engines were fine so she was going to have some free time. She carefully gathered up her dishes before bringing them to the sink (it wasn’t her turn to do dishes). Maybe later she would invite the rest of crew to play some cards when they were done with their chores, but first things first, she had a car to look into.

(Thanks to Dad for helping with Rick's parts.)

Destiny Galley Day Two of Journey. 9:45 am ST
Lilianna has a few moments of confusion in the galley but only because she doesn't know the system where things are kept. She seems to actually enjoy working in the kitchen and help making breakfast. She doesn't say much as Her and Catie work together and it seems as if she is almost afraid to speak but her eyes seek out Catie's for some reassurance of direction. Despite her lofty status as a media darling, she has no qualms about serving people.

Grace snagged one of the pancakes and answered Rick, “I do have someone who helps me whenever I need it. Do you have an interest in mechanics?”

"Somewhat. I have a replica of an earth that was 67 Chevy Impala. I replaced the entire engine with a fusion thruster from a MF-813 Hover MULE."

"Not a replica." AJ said loudly.

""Of course it was AJ."

"NO. Dad said it was in the family since the beginning."

"Yeah well Dad was..."

"Don't you dare Rick. Do not cross that line!"

A cold tense moment passes between the brothers and they seem to be communicating again without talking. Then Rick gets up, "Sorry to have bothered your meal, Grace, maybe we can talk later." and then he returns to his seat beside his brother looking all grim again.

Lilianna froze where she stood between table. Her face stared to become redder and redder and her body was trembling. She dropped the plate of pancakes she was holding and started to cry loudly. A desperate crying of someone scared and frightened.

Destiny Gym Day Two of Journey. 9:45 am ST
Reaching the exercise room JC played the gentleman and allowed Asante to enter first. Within minutes Seth took off his shirt to reveal a white under-vest beneath took off the gun from his side to place it on a shelf nearby. JC watched as he began putting the heaviest weights onto the bar. Then his attention was captured by Asante as she stripped off her business jacket and trousers to reveal a black Lycra mesh body suit underneath.

“Is this okay gentlemen or should I go change?”

“No I think that will do.” JC replied as he loosened up, once again smiling his approval of the ‘Wedding Planners’ body.

JC noted that Seth was in excellent shape and had little problem working with heavy weights. He has signs as scars from war wounds, some probably being treated while in battle and therefore not fixed with a dermal mender hence the scars. But Asante was also bearing scars of war as well. Definite sign of defensive wounds from knives on her arm and she had been shot in the arms or leg more than once.

“So tell me Asante what you got planned for the Ladies wedding? Anything special or unique?

"Oh, it was going the be the wedding to talked about for some time. All the pomp and pageantry you'd expect from a royal wedding or at least people with enough cash to buy royalty . Buy that completely changed once the tales of kidnapping and killing of the princess started up. Now, the wedding is on the cruise liner the day after you arrive with Lilianna at noon. Baron paid a pretty penny for my services and then I ended up with nothing to do but act as a chaperone."

“Ok that’s different and the after wedding reception?”

"No idea but as I have heard there isn't one. I believe that Templeton is taking his prize and bringing her home to the trophy case as soon as the ink dries on the legal papers."

JC could not help but cough a little in surprise. “You called her his prize? Is that all the Lady is to him? Something won in a (Add a game type here?) game.

The gunfighter could not help but shake his head in disbelief.

"Did you lose your arm in the war?" Seth asks as if wanting to change the subject, "I mean no offence, but it looks rather cumbersome so I was thinking it might be from the war."

“No not the war, it was after we lost it, a little misadventure as a street boss enforcer on a money run gone bad. Woke up with it in the hospital, a get well gift from my employer you might say.”

Asante furled her brow for a second, "Wait a second. JC. Are you That JC? Fought for Independents? Hear a few stories about your shooting hand - hope your weren't left handed."

Smiling JC looked over to Asante and found himself against his better judgment liking the look of sweat on her body. “I don’t know what you heard, honestly most of those type of tales are *Mi Tian Gohn, but yeah I’m that JC.”

"Well I heard a lot of good things about you in the war. Nice to work with you."

Smiling a more roguish type of smile, his eyes full of meaning, JC nodded his head in thank you. “So is this the first time you have worked with Seth here?” He asked her to keep the conversation going between them. He had to admit it was not so much about gathering info anymore as to possibly getting some alone time with ‘The Wedding Planner’.

Asante smiled devilishly, "Yes but we really don't work together as much as avoid getting in each other's way, isn't that right Seth?"

"I saw no need to involve myself in the planning of the wedding beyond the security protocols." Seth answers coldly. JC trying not to let yet another smile escape at the twos clear dislike of the other addressed Seth once again.

“Seth if I may ask, how long you been running sec for Lilianna?"

"Since the threats began which was a little less than six months ago. I was serving the Baron up until then but he asked me to watch her as a personal favor."

“Oh so you’re more the Baron’s man then Lilianna’s ok. May I ask what’s the Baron really like and why he’s marrying off his daughter to, as Asante put it, a ‘trophy collector’?”

Seth face becomes a mask of impassiveness and he puts the bar back into the holder above his head, “The Baron gave my father a job when no one else would. The Baron gave my mother and myself a home and a means to survive during the dark times of the war. He has never been more than honourable with me and I will not judge a man by the words of others.” Seth grabbed a towel and wiped himself down. ‘As to Mr. Steele. Well...”

Stepping back JC realized, though he had gained a bit of useful information in this last bit, he had also hit a nerve with Seth that he had not meant to and moved to correct it quickly.

“My apologies Seth I was not bad mouthing the Baron I just can’t see a man of his good standing allowing his daughter to marry this guy Steele. Does this guy have something on the Baron some type of leverage maybe?

“I remember the weapons of Steele failing on the battlefield, I watched men die when their battery pack failed and or blew up in their face. I believe both sides suffered from ... faulty equipment. I can judge a man by his actions JC. But my duty is to protect Lilianna, not question her judgement.”

Nodding his head in agreement, JC was about to ask what side Seth had been on in the war even though he knew that answer in his gut already, when Asante spoke up..

“C’mon Seth.” Asante said, this time without the edge in her tone, “You know that something ain’t right!”

“Seth, even Asante agrees with me it seems” Turning to her JC smiles “We just need to find out what isn’t right in all this.”

Seth opened his mouth to answer when suddenly there was the sound of a plate crashing to the floor and then a woman crying loudly and hysterically. Seth leapt up and ran to the doorway , putting his gloved hand in the air and shouting Qiāng!. The gun that he left on the shelf suddenly leapt off the shelf and flew across to Seth's waiting hand as he ran out and down the hallway.

Asante laughed sardonically, "He may not like what Templeton did during the war but he does like that toy. " she grabbed her suit jacket and throw it over her shoulders, "I'm sure you need to attend to the drama so let's go but I'd love to talk later."

Destiny Galley Day Two of Journey. 9:46 am ST
As Lilianna cried there was a sound of running feet and Seth came into the galley with weapon in hand, but held up in check. JC and Asante close behind him

"GUN!!!" Rick screamed and he attempted to throw himself in front of Grace. AJ stood up and was trying to calm Lilianna down, "Hey whoa. Rick and I are brothers. we fight all the time. No need to get upset."

"I WANT DANIEL!!!!" She cries out through the tears.

"Daniel?" AJ says his eyes going wide..

"Daniel?" Rick repeats with the same expression.

Seth lowers the gun, "Lilianna. You told me he left you and ..."

"I lied! I lied about the kidnapping. I lied about Daniel. I lied to protect him. I lied to protect myself. I keep lying and hoping it will get better but it won't get better..." she sobbed uncontrollably, falling to the ground of the galley. "I've lost him."

Angela watched the interplay between Grace and Rick idly, musing to herself that it seemed strange and almost forced. These men were looking after Badger’s interests, not the Baron’s, she recalled, so if that meant Badger was interested in Grace…

"Yeah well Dad was..."

"Don't you dare Rick. Do not cross that line!"

The change in tone and volume roused Angela’s attention, though to look at her, one couldn’t be faulted into thinking she was about to fall asleep. She’d slumped forward, so that she could bring her feet squarely underneath her on the floor, and brace her hands on the table for a quick push, but her face was still slack with disinterest.

Inwardly, however, Angela was alert, coldly considering whether Rick and AJ posed a threat at this point. Their words and even their tone conveyed a sense of an argument already (and frequently) held, without resolution, so, within seconds, she dismissed the conflict as interesting but not threatening. A part of her noted Liliana moving into the centre of the room and looking increasingly upset, but the passenger’s emotional state wasn’t her responsibility.

When Liliana dropped the plate of pancakes she was holding and started to cry loudly, Angela dropped the pretense of daydreaming and looked at Liliana directly. Her expression was faintly scornful, but she could feel the tension building in her as Liliana wailed even louder. Adrenaline pumping, Angela tensed her muscles, waiting for a sign that she needed to act.

When Seth came running into the galley holding the gun, Angela moved . One second she was seated behind a table, the next she was launching herself off that table like a bullet towards Seth, her entire world centered on that hand.

Threat level confirmed! Disarm and neutralize! snapped Ming inside Angela’s head, and she concentrated her attack on a numbing chop to the hand holding the gun, and a larynx-bruising elbow to Seth’s throat.

Catie could hear the brother's conversation where she was, working in the kitchen. It was hard not to. But they didn't really hold her attention. Her attention was on Lilianna, and Angela.

That appetite... that is definitely more than would be considered normal. Catie thought to herself as she observed firsthand the visible results of Angela's metabolism needs. Think... was there anything about impacts on metabolism?
Catie, however, did not pursue that line of thought, seeing Lilianna falter, plate falling to the ground, as she started crying.

Oh dear. Catie thought, her face sympathetic. She had guessed that Lilianna was under a lot of pressure. Moving quickly, she left her position in the kitchen, after making sure she turned the stove off, just as a precaution, moving to Lilianna's side. Catie didn't care how she looked at that point, Lilianna's emotional health was her concern.

Catie moved beside Lilianna, and, very gently, enough to let her pull away if she wanted, tried to hug her.

Seeing Angela jump to action at the same time as everyone converged, Catie would try to call "Stand down, Angela! Seth is just doing his duty!"

"I WANT DANIEL!!!!" Lilianna cries out through the tears.

"Daniel?" AJ says his eyes going wide..

"Daniel?" Rick repeats with the same expression.

Seth lowers the gun, "Lilianna. You told me he left you and ..."

"I lied! I lied about the kidnapping. I lied about Daniel. I lied to protect him. I lied to protect myself. I keep lying and hoping it will get better but it won't get better..." she sobbed uncontrollably, falling to the ground of the galley. "I've lost him."
"You have time." Catie spoke, her voice soft as she kneeled beside Lilianna, trying to be reassuring and calm her down, "Breathe. In, and out. There is still time."

Time for what, well, Catie wasn't entirely sure herself. All she knew then, with regards to Lilianna's situation, was that it was time to unravel the truth. Keeping up with her lies was putting way too much stress on her.

"You asked for help." Catie whispered, "But people cannot help if they don't know what really happened. Let them know. Share your story."

Destiny Day Two Gym

“Seth, even Asante agrees with me it seems” Turning to her JC smiles “We just need to find out what isn’t right in all this.”

Seth opened his mouth to answer when suddenly there was the sound of a plate crashing to the floor and then a woman crying loudly and hysterically. Seth leapt up and ran to the doorway , putting his gloved hand in the air and shouting Qiâng!. The gun that he left on the shelf suddenly leapt off the shelf and flew across to Seth's waiting hand as he ran out and down the hallway.

Asante laughed sardonically, "He may not like what Templeton did during the war but he does like that toy. " she grabbed her suit jacket and throw it over her shoulders, "I'm sure you need to attend to the drama so let's go but I'd love to talk later."

“I’d like that my Lady” JC replied, another cocky charm filled smile on his face.

As they followed Seth out of the gym JC to say the least was a little bit surprised to see Seth’s firearm go from shelf to the bodyguards hand and Asante talk of it as if it was a normal everyday thing. Whatever this ‘toy’ was the Gunfighter would have to find out more about it. If nothing else he had learned an important fact about Seth. Never consider him unarmed if within sight of his firearm be it on table or shelf. With the ability to get his hands on his handgun that fast he was more dangerous then ever.

As he and the wedding planner entered the Galley they were just in time to see Angela move to subdue Seth. Knowing there was no way he could physically intervene fast enough to stop the potentially fatal attack, still he moved forward shouting to her.

“Angela no don’t kill him!”

(OOC: I’ll try to get to her and talk her down if possible without trying to touch her unless she allows me too.)

The steam curled lazily up from the hot black liquid in the dull metallic mug Jon held comfortably in his hand as he leaned back in the copilot’s chair. His ankles were crossed and boot heel rested on the counsel. The smoky roasted aroma was comforting. Sipping deeply the fluid rolled smoothly over his tongue with a mellow but slightly bitter taste. Jon started to believe that were going to be fine.

A sight clamor seemed to coming from somewhere in the ship. Jon closed his eyes. In few moments it was followed by a light rumble of what might be running. He could swear he hear excited voices. The captain almost got up, but he remembered seeing Tess, Angela and JC in the galley. “They’ve got it covered.”

Destiny Galley Day Two of Journey. 9:46 am ST
Tess
The morning breakfast had turned entertaining, Tess watched as Catie worked with the Princess to prepare some really good looking food. JC was talking to Seth and flirting with the wedding planner, guess he thought that Jon left the door open for him. It was long before the three of them left .

Angela inhaled the pancakes while appearing to be zoned out. The pilot now had spent enough time with Angela to recognize a few of her subtle traits. Palms down on the table was a clue she watching everything and ready to move. Well Tess had told her to observe as much as possible.

“Good morning sunshine!” Tess called out as she passed, “Glad you could join the land of the living. Grace.” Grace had come in late as usual and one of brothers moved over to sit beside her. “This could get good.” Tess thought as she watched the fellow try to flirt with a half asleep engineer. Grace sat there mulling over breakfast and barely hearing the droning as the pretty boy tried to talk to her. When the brothers started to argue Tess wonder if this could get any better. Well no they couldn’t.

Lillianna had walked toward the table carrying another plate of pancakes. Tess saw her stop and start to tremble. She dropped the plate of pancakes she was holding and started to cry loudly. A desperate crying of someone scared and frightened. The sound grabbed everyone’s attention. The poor girl was blubbering like a heartbroken teenager.

Quickly there sounds of running in the gangway and Seth burst into the room, gun drawn. “Oh crap,” Tess muttered and started to move. GUN!!!" Rick screamed and he attempted to throw himself in front of Grace. AJ stood up and was trying to calm Lilianna down, "Hey whoa. Rick and I are brothers. we fight all the time. No need to get upset."
As she suspected Angela had flown into defensive mode and was bounding toward Seth. Tess hoped she could stop her before she hurt him and revealed that talent. Tess hopped up and called out “Angela...wait” Tess watched to see if Angela’s attention was on her. “Looks like Seth is just here to help and he lower his gun because there is no danger right now.”
(assuming the order sounding words get Angela to pause her attack before she actually hits Seth.)

Seth kept his vision on Liliana.

"I WANT DANIEL!!!!" Lilianna cries out through the tears.

"Daniel?" AJ says his eyes going wide..

"Daniel?" Rick repeats with the same expression.

Seth lowers the gun, "Lilianna. You told me he left you and ..."

"I lied! I lied about the kidnapping. I lied about Daniel. I lied to protect him. I lied to protect myself. I keep lying and hoping it will get better but it won't get better..." she sobbed uncontrollably, falling to the ground of the galley. "I've lost him."
Tess watched this theater continue and started to wonder where Jon had gone.

(Edited the post to remove the command words that we don't know, lol!)