“Well that I can do and it is good to hear.” The man looks around nervously and then speaks to the barkeep as he comes up, “Tony, can you get a bottle of the Bin 47 for us? Make it two and put it on my tab. Yeah, thanks.” He looks around the room once more. “You might as well taste what it is you are hauling right? Right? Or I hope you'll haul. Cause I need someone to haul it. Right?” he says with a broad smile looking at all the people at the table. He stops at the sight of Grace’s sore face. “Whoa. Listen babe, whoever you think I killed, it wasn’t me. I make wine and that’s all. Grape stains only right?” He says with arms stretched out and a humorous grin - a valiant if misguided attempt to be funny.

Jon opened his mouth to say something before Grace's indignant squeak cut him off.

"WHAT did you just call me?”
Fantastic. He thought, Now my mechanic is going to kill my meal ticket.
"Look, Lao Buhn, I am not a babe. Nor do I like being called one. So, Lao Sheong , do yourself a favour and don't call me that. Dohn Luh Mah?" stated Grace who was glaring at Norman.

Jon was just leaning back in his seat, sipping the ordered wine and pleasantly surprised that no one had taken a bottle to the forehead yet. He waited for the outburst to end to attempt his piece again before being immediately cut off by Jason.

“Mr. Sellers, pardon the interruption of this fascinating subject, but let me see if I have the facts so far.” Jason spoke with a smile, “The cargo is wine for the Baron Otello’s yearly social and the destination is Osiris. I believe that only leaves the time that the cargo needs to be delivered.”
As Norm and Jason began hashing over details, Jon mostly came to terms with the fact that he'd not get a word in edgewise for a while. Jason was good at what he did though, even if he did never shut up, and Jon was happy to have him aboard. While the pair of them continued negotiations, he looked about the table. Grace, while still visibly upset, had not yet stabbed anyone, Tess was getting progressively drunker and Ken was keeping an eye on the other patrons. He caught Brian's eye for a second as discussion turned to Osiris, though the man looked away just as their eyes met. He knew the doc' was not a fan of the planet, but gorram it he getting paid for a job this time, so he'd just have to deal. He refocused on the conversation just as Jason turned to Tess and Grace.

“Well Grace, Tess, is Osiris in 9 days possible?”
"As long as we don't have any problems, we can make it in about seven days. If we go at full burn, we can make it there even faster but we won't have any fuel left." Grace spoke up first, and her statement was quickly confirmed by Tess.

“I’d hate to go full burn,” Tess was now drinking deeply from a water cup, clearly feeling a little worse for the wear. “It always makes me nervous running Yuan Fen empty. Of course, with the proper incentives we could have her go full tilt boogey, but Gracie’s right. She’ll make Osiris in about seven days, provided we don’t have any trouble along the way.”
Jason began questioning the man about tariffs and taxes, and Jon quickly found himself tiring of sitting here and not getting paid. The man was going to give them 2000 credits up front, 3000 more on delivery, and tickets to party with a hundred potential customers. Plus he got off this planet, and hopefully on the way Ken could clean that gorram chicken smell out of the cargo bay. There was literally no downside he could see.

”Right? Are we on? Deal?”
The words snapped Jon out of his thoughts, with a jolt, he stood out of his seat, extending his hand.

”Norm, you show me the credits, let me wave Osiris and make loading this cargo quick and you've got yourself a deal, tariffs be damned.”
Jason would probably complain, but the longer he waited here the more chance there was of Grace stabbing the client or Tess throwing up on him, neither of which he really wanted. Plus if Jason really had a problem with it, he doubted Ken would complain about having a hand to clean the cargo with. Jon just wanted back into the Black as soon as possible, and with someone paying him to, it was all the better.

"WHAT did you just call me?" Grace squeaked as her face went just as red as her hair."Look, Lao Buhn, I am not a babe. Nor do I like being called one. So, Lao Sheong, do yourself a favour and don't call me that. Dohn Luh Mah?" stated Grace who was glaring at Norman.

"Whoa! Sorry! It was a joke right? no offense intended right?" Norn recovered looking a bit perplexed. Luckily Tony arrived with the two bottles of wine and the moment was cooled by refreshment.

As the conversation continued, Ken watched around him. Wasn't difficult to spot trouble as they were the only people in the joint. That was until a single oriental man came into the bar, sat down at the bar and ordered a local beer. He sat there while you talked, eyed Tess appreciatively as she passed by him for the drink of water but otherwise seemed to mind his own business. Still, this wasn't a tourist zone and there were plenty of empty tables to enjoy a glass of beer. The man was broad shouldered, strong and had a number of tattoos hidden under a loose white shirt. A scar under his left eye was the remains of a knife cut if Ken was to guess, and if he was guessing he would think the other guy probably looked worse.

“Well Grace, Tess, is Osiris in 9 days possible?”

"As long as we don't have any problems, we can make it in about seven days. If we go at full burn, we can make it there even faster but we won't have any fuel left."

“I’d hate to go full burn,” Tess said. “It always makes me nervous running Yuan Fen empty. Of course, with the proper incentives we could have her go full tilt boogey, but Gracie’s right. She’ll make Osiris in about seven days, provided we don’t have any trouble along the way.”

“One moment, Mr. Sellers, I believe that we can come to a deal but there are a few things that I’d like to clear up.” Jason wore an easy smile as he drilled Sellers, “What about any taxes or tariffs on the wine? Who is responsible for those?” Jason asked hoping that the answer wouldn’t be them; it’d certainly eat into the profit on this trip. “How many tickets for the party would you provide? Finally, who do we send the wave to so we can make sure you’re being straight up?”

"Oh yeah. Good thing you asked. I would have forgot. Umm let's see that would be ...right ...right carry the ten ...right." Norm mumbled as he did math slowly in his head.

Captain Brown spoke up, ”Norm, you show me the credits, let me wave Osiris and make loading this cargo quick and you've got yourself a deal, tariffs be damned.”

"Huh!" Norm said clearly losing his train of thought. "What? Ah. Okay 3000 credits then. That will cover the tariffs, right? More than right? and any incidental right."

(assume some hand shaking and agreement)

"Great! This is just great! Right? right!" he says as he finishes his glass of wine. He looks around one more time and suddenly drops his voice, "Right. I'll have the casks brought over tonight after nightfall." He pulls a calling card out of his pocket and hands it to you. It give the name Baron Otello and a wave transponder number, plus coordinates for landing. "His assistant's name is Binkley. Decimus Binkley. he'll tell you all you need to know." and with that Norm backs away from the table, as if ready to bolt.

"Norm Sellers? Is that you?" the man at the bar says as if surprised.

"Norm stops and smiles a nervous smile, "Howard! What you doing here?"

"I was going to ask you the same thing Norm." Howard replies.

"Right! I'm ...right. Red-heads!" He says and points towards Grace, "Can't resist them right? But she brushes me off right? Never had the luck with the ladies like you do right?'

"Ahh yes. Are you going back to the vineyard?"

"Huh? Oh! Right! Yeah! back to the vinyard, got work to do right and wine to make right."

"My MX is outside, I'll give you a lift."

Norm nods, "Yeah right. Sure. If you are going that way."

Howard gets up and puts his arm around Norm, "No problem for a good friend and business partner." and the two head out the door to leave you with a bottle and a half of wine and a new cargo for which to make plans.

There is the sound overhead of a ship coming in, close enough that it must be landing nearby. Sure enough, out of the window of the cantina, you can see the landing gear and see the wind effects as a ship comes down.

"ASREV."(alliance short range enforcement vessel) Grace says, listening to the engine roar and power down, "I know those engines anywhere."

That could mean one of two things; an alliance patrol unit in the area or Federal Marshalls.

Ken was tense as the stranger spoke up and approached their ‘client’, his hand never strayed far from his pistol. But Norm didn’t object to the newcomer, whose name apparently was Howard, so Ken didn’t do anything but be ready just in case.

He relaxed as the two turned to leave the place and he turned to the Captain and Jason and raised an eyebrow in wonder at what exactly just happened? He didn’t get time to voice any concerns before the whine of engines filled the air and he looked up and then towards the windows.

He wasn’t an expert on engine sounds like Grace but when she said it sounded like a ASREV, he knew what that meant.

“Alliance or Feds,” he mumbled, loud enough for all at the table to hear but he seemed to be saying it more to himself than anyone. He stood up as he said it and appeared visibly tense; he turned from the window and back to the crew.

“This cant be good.” he said in a statement that probably was very obvious to all of them, “we should get the guay out of here!”

Looking around the table to see how the rest of the crew was feeling about the job, Jason noticed the Doc’s look that said, 'Osiris, WHAT!' and returned one of his own that said, 'We’ll talk on ship.' He knew from their time together that Brian had an aversion to making planet fall on Osiris.

“Doc, the game really is simple,” Jason said looking up from his cards as he took a sip from his ever present flask. As usual Tess, Ken and Jason had been sitting up late in the D-fac playing poker. Tonight however, was the first time that Doc had shown up.

“I’ll tell you what Doc. I’ll teach you to play Texas Hold’em and you can teach me how to use some of that medical gear in the infirmary,” Jason suggested. “After all you never know when you’ll need a medic. I’m not suggesting you teach me anything complicated just some basic field medicine.” The idea struck him as a good one. Looking over to Ken and Tess, Jason said, “‘Penny’ poker only, guys. Looks like it’s time to teach the Doc to play some cards.” That had been the start of an interesting, if unlikely, friendship.
As he was asking Tess and Grace about the deadline for making Osiris Jason noticed a lone Oriental man enter the bar, but just filed the information away. He was trying to make a deal while not letting Jon give it away for free.

“Besides,” He thought to himself, “that’s what Ken’s here for. If there’s trouble he’ll take care of it.”
When Grace and Tess had confirmed Destiny could indeed make the run to Osiris by the proposed deadline he turned back to Norm and started to wrap the deal.

“One moment, Mr. Sellers, I believe that we can come to a deal but there are a few things that I’d like to clear up.” Jason wore an easy smile as he drilled Sellers, “What about any taxes or tariffs on the wine? Who is responsible for those?” Jason asked hoping that the answer wouldn’t be them; it’d certainly eat into the profit on this trip. “How many tickets for the party would you provide? Finally, who do we send the wave to so we can make sure you’re being straight up?”

"Oh yeah. Good thing you asked. I would have forgot. Umm let's see that would be ...right ...right carry the ten ...right." Norm mumbled in response to Jason’s query on the tariffs. Slowly doing the math in his head.

Suddenly Jon was on his feet extending a hand and saying, “Norm, you show me the credits, let me wave Osiris, make loading this cargo quick, and you've got yourself a deal, tariffs be damned.”

“Jing chai Jon, just give away our gorram credits,” Jason thought while keeping his expression neutral as Jon interrupted yet again.

"Huh!" Norm said clearly losing his train of thought. "What? Ah. Okay 3000 credits then. That will cover the tariffs, right? More than right? and any incidental right."

“Sounds like we have an agreement, Mr. Sellers,” Jason said cheerfully saluting with his glass of wine. “How Shi Sung Chung!”

"Great! This is just great! Right? right!" he says as he finished his glass of wine. He looked around one last time and suddenly dropped his voice, "Right. I'll have the casks brought over tonight after nightfall." He pulled a calling card out of his pocket and passed it over. It gives the name Baron Otello, a wave transponder number, and coordinates for landing. "His assistant's name is Binkley. Decimus Binkley. he'll tell you all you need to know." and with that Norm backed away from the table, as if ready to bolt.

“Well looks like Norm’s fear or paranoia is back. I wonder what or who is causing it this time.” Jason mused when Norm dropped his voice suddenly to tell them when the cargo would be delivered to Destiny, and give them Binkley’s name.

"Norm Sellers? Is that you?" The Oriental man at the bar asked as if surprised.

"Howard! What you doing here?" Norm replied, stopping in his tracks and wearing a nervous smile.

Jason watched the interaction between Sellers and ‘Howard’ looking to decipher the subtle clues once again. Jason didn’t get much of a feel off Howard. So, he gave the oriental man a closer look this time noticing Howard’s broad shoulders and the tattoos hidden beneath the loose white shirt.
“Looks like Howard is one wei shian dohn, those could even be Tong tats.” Jason thought and made a mental note to either check into that possibility himself or ask Grace to check into it once they were back at the ship.
"I was going to ask you the same thing Norm." Howard replied.

"Right! I'm ...right. Red-heads!" He says and points towards Grace, "Can't resist them right? But she brushes me off right? Never had the luck with the ladies like you do right?'

“Wuo Duh Tian Ah, Lao Gohn Joo Koh! Where the hell did you come up with that Tze sah ju yi for cover,” Jason thought as he winced inwardly while making a subtle hand gesture toward Tess hoping it conveyed a, ‘Please don’t let Grace flip out!’ kind of message.

"Ahh yes. Are you going back to the vineyard?"

"Huh? Oh! Right! Yeah! back to the vinyard, got work to do right and wine to make right."

"My MX is outside, I'll give you a lift."

Norm nods, "Yeah right. Sure. If you are going that way."

Howard gets up and puts his arm around Norm, "No problem for a good friend and business partner." and the two head out the door to leave you with a bottle and a half of wine and a new cargo for which to make plans.

Jason was getting ready to breathe a sigh of relief for the conclusion of negotiations and getting the hell off of this rock with the crew intact and paid when the sound of a ship coming in to land started up. He looked beyond the cantina windows to see the landing gear of the vessel and heard Grace’s comment on the ship.

"A.S.R.E.V." (Alliance short range enforcement vessel) Grace said, listening to the engine’s roar as they powered down, "I know those engines anywhere."

“Alliance or Feds,” Ken mumbled, loud enough to be heard by the table at large, though he seemed to be saying it more to himself than anyone else. He stood as he spoke appearing visibly tense. He turned from the window to the crew.

“This can’t be good.” he said in a statement that was probably very obvious to all of them, “we should get the guay out of here!”

“Well Jon, it looks like we got our deal. I’m going head back to the boat and make sure everything checks out,” Jason said after Grace made her announcement and Ken had made his comment, “Grace, Tess would you mind coming with me? I might need your help.” With that said Jason finished his glass of wine and popped the cork back in the open bottle.

“No sense in letting good wine go to waste,” He commented as he stood, gathering up the two remaining bottles from the table, and prepared to take his leave. “Bartender, what’s the damage for our drinks?”

(OOC: Jason will pay the tab and head for Destiny. Hopefully with the rest of the crew…or at least Grace cause I’m gonna need her source box for the info I’m looking for. If Grace doesn’t want Jason on her source box he will ask if she would mind checking on the possibility of Norm being in bed with the Tong or if we’re getting ready to possibly step on some toes.)

We’ll talk on ship.
Brian returned a final look of acknowledgement, a form of "Roger that".
He smiled as he remembered how they first properly met.

Brian Davidson, doctor, and since recently ship's medic.
Naturally, it's the doctors who have the worst medical problems, and he had gotten some light illness of some form which had left him with insomnia for a few nights, preventing him from sleeping as early as he liked to.
He got out of bed, absolutely shattered, and dragged himself up to see what was happening on-ship. They would, of course, be awake and doing something or other, the crew.

He arrived in the "D-fac", as they called it (he didn't really see why it was called that, but anywho...) to find Tess, Ken and... Jonas, was it? ... playing poker.

He nodded at them as they stayed stoic, as the game demanded, and they responded. As they finished that hand (which Tess won, incidentally), Brian raised an eyebrow and asked the question.
"What's with the five cards in the middle?"
Ken had looked at him in scandal, and Tess explained, "Texas Hold'em."
"I've heard of it... only ever played Five Card."
Ken seemed relieved that Brian at least knew how to play SOME form of poker.
"Doc, the game really is simple," Jason had said, before taking yet another swig from his ever-full flask of what could be called oh-my-god-that-tastes-like-fire.
To be fair, it DID taste like fire.

"I’ll tell you what Doc. I’ll teach you to play Texas Hold’em and you can teach me how to use some of that medical gear in the infirmary," Jason had suggested. "After all you never know when you’ll need a medic. I’m not suggesting you teach me anything complicated just some basic field medicine. 'Penny' poker only, guys. Looks like it’s time to teach the Doc to play some cards."

Brian grinned at the prospect, and sat down at an empty chair as they began to deal the cards out and hand over a few chips.

That poker episode ended in more scandal as Brian confessed that he didn't see the point of the Little and Big Blinds.
Ken was shocked for weeks afterwards.

Ken heard Jason as he settled up with the bartender and with the Captain; he had to admit that the man was good at his job and he could stay cool under pressure. Ken was known for staying cool too, usually, this unease and tenseness at the appearance of the ASREV was uncharacteristic of him.

He could see the landing gear of the ship out one of the windows as the ship came in to land; he sighed as he saw the insignia of the Federal Marshalls on the ship.

“It’s Feds,” he said with a note of relief in his voice.

Hearing Jason talking of leaving he nodded and seemed to agree with that decision.

“Aye, that sounds like a good idea,” he said as he downed the last of his drink and nodded as it was a far sight better than the swill he had been drinking, “I think I will accompany you three back to the ship.”

The deal seemed to end well, especially when Sellers added another thousand credits to their upfront price. He slid a card over to Jason and continued detailing out the finalities of the job. His voice had gotten real quiet, but she made no move to sit closer.

Sellers rose up suddenly and looked like he was going to fly like a bat out of hell when another person barked his name, "Norm Sellers? Is that you?"

Sellers stopped short, and turned to face the man. Tess couldn’t see his expression, but it was easy to guess by the nervous pitch in his voice, "Howard! What you doing here?"

"I was going to ask you the same thing Norm." the man apparently called Howard replied.

"Right! I'm ...right. Red-heads!" He said, pointing a stained finger towards Grace, "Can't resist them right? But she brushes me off right? Never had the luck with the ladies like you do right?'

Jason made a slight move towards Tess and gestured at the mechanic. She set her glass of water down and placed her hand on Grace’s arm, “Easy, Xiao Ya.” Her dark eyes followed the men as they exited the bar, and she removed her hand. Not our problem…. Yet. she thought darkly.

Almost immediately the sounds of engines touching down filled the little cantina.
"A.S.R.E.V.” Grace said to the crew as the engines were powering down, "I know those engines anywhere."

“Alliance or Feds,” Ken mumbled to himself. Oh tian ah, not this again. Alliance, Feds, Browncoats, Guildmembers, who’s next on the slab for you? Clergymen?

“This can’t be good,” He continued, looking around the table, “we should get the guay out of here!”

Tess couldn’t see the immediate problem. They had a pass to be here, and it wasn’t like they were starting a fight in the bar. Or selling narcotics. Sure, the pass might be a little expired, but the statement ‘until emergency is over’ was pretty open ended.


Ken was staring pointedly through the window at the ASREV. Ta ma duh, I know you’re paranoid, but you could be a little less obvious.
“It’s Feds,” he said with a note of relief in his voice.

“Well Jon, it looks like we got our deal. I’m going head back to the boat and make sure everything checks out. Grace, Tess would you mind coming with me? I might need your help.” Jason tipped back his wine glass and emptied the contents. “No sense in letting good wine go to waste,” he stood up and gathered the rest of the wine up, “Bartender, what’s the damage for our drinks?”


“Aye, that sounds like a good idea,” Ken said, also downing the rest of his wine, “I think I will accompany you three back to the ship.”

Tess was eyeing Jon, attempting to decide what he was going to do. She wasn’t one to tuck her tail between her legs and run back to the ship at the sign of a shiny badge. Besides, with Ken hightailing his pi gu back to the Destiny, it never hurt to have another gun on hand.

“I think I’ll stay with the Captain a bit longer,” she said and gestured towards her unfinished glass of wine, “and maybe enjoy the, uh, fine jiu.”

As the rest of the crew started on their way out of the cantina, Tess took another drink of water and looked over to Jon.

“So, are we going to give them the tour?” she asked as she rolled her eyes toward the window.

As the debates continued, Grace was mostly keeping a eye on Tess. Grace wasn't a stranger to the signs of someone over drinking and Tess was starting to look a little green. Grace was trying to come up with some sort of excuse that would allow her to escape and get Tess out of here. She looked around hoping something would give her an idea. That was when the gentlemen entered. He sat down at the bar and ordered a local beer. The man was broad shouldered and had a number of tattoos hidden under his white shirt. A scar swished under his left eye. Oh great here comes trouble. thought Grace. Tess excused herself to get something to drink.

I don't think that's a good idea thought Grace who had a slightly worried expression. The man didn't try anything but Grace still didn't like him. Of all the fancy, overpriced area, why come here? We're only here because we can afford this Luh Suh.
"Oh yeah. Good thing you asked. I would have forgot. Umm let's see that would be ...right ...right carry the ten ...right." Norm mumbled as he did math slowly in his head. This comment brought Grace's attention back to her least client. Of course, she really didn't like most clients but still...

Captain Brown spoke up, ”Norm, you show me the credits, let me wave Osiris and make loading this cargo quick and you've got yourself a deal, tariffs be damned.” Hey! Let the client pay for that! That's good credits your giving to the tariffs! Thought Grace with a brief unhappy look

"Huh!" Norm said clearly losing his train of thought. "What? Ah. Okay 3000 credits then. That will cover the tariffs, right? More than right? and any incidental right."

“Sounds like we have an agreement, Mr. Sellers,” Jason said cheerfully saluting with his glass of wine. “How Shi Sung Chung!”

"Great! This is just great! Right? right!" he says as he finished his glass of wine. He looked around one last time and suddenly dropped his voice, "Right. I'll have the casks brought over tonight after nightfall." He pulled a calling card out of his pocket and passed it over. "His assistant's name is Binkley. Decimus Binkley. he'll tell you all you need to know." and with that Norm backed away from the table, as if ready to bolt. Why do I feel like I'm missing 90% of the necessary information? Thought Grace who frowned at Mr. Twitchy.

"Norm Sellers? Is that you?" the man at the bar says as if surprised.

"Norm stops and smiles a nervous smile, "Howard! What you doing here?"

"I was going to ask you the same thing Norm." Howard replies.

"Right! I'm ...right. Red-heads!" He says and points towards Grace, "Can't resist them right? But she brushes me off right? Never had the luck with the ladies like you do right?' JUH SHI SUH MO GO DOHNG SHEE?! Was the thought that blasted through Grace's head. Her face again started to go red which did not help Grace's temper. A slightly pissed off sound escaped her which obviously Jason noticed. He made a gesture at Tess and then did a motion at Grace.

Tess set her glass of water down and placed her hand on Grace’s arm. What am I, a bomb or something? “Easy, Xiao Ya.” stated Tess. Grace gave a slight nod but still sent a glare at Norm that clearly stated BI JWEH!
"Ahh yes. Are you going back to the vineyard?"

"Huh? Oh! Right! Yeah! back to the vineyard, got work to do right and wine to make right."

"My MX is outside, I'll give you a lift."

Norm nods, "Yeah right. Sure. If you are going that way."

Howard gets up and puts his arm around Norm, "No problem for a good friend and business partner." and the two head out the door to leaving a bottle and a half of wine (a very expensive wine) and a new cargo for which to make plans.

As soon as they were gone, Grace stated "And people wonder why I prefer engines over the clients." That's when she heard the sounds of a ship. The engine sounds brought back painful memories. Grace knew the engine and the ship extremely well. Almost in reaction, Grace shivered slightly but covered it by stating "ASREV. I know those engines anywhere."
Not good, not good thought Grace as Ken announced “Alliance or Feds." He stood as he spoke appearing visibly tense. He turned from the window to the crew.

“This can’t be good.” he said in a statement that was probably very obvious to all of them, “we should get the guay out of here!” Well of course, it not good! When do they ever show up for a good reason?!
“It’s Feds,” he said with a note of relief in his voice. Wait a minute. Feds and ASREV handle criminal and short range missions. HE might be on that ship. anyone who knew Grace well would recognise the look on her face. It was the same expression she made whenever she was plotting something.

“Well Jon, it looks like we got our deal. I’m going head back to the boat and make sure everything checks out. Grace, Tess would you mind coming with me? I might need your help.” Jason tipped back his wine glass and emptied the contents. “No sense in letting good wine go to waste,” he stood up and gathered the rest of the wine up, “Bartender, what’s the damage for our drinks?”

“Aye, that sounds like a good idea,” Ken said, also downing the rest of his wine, “I think I will accompany you three back to the ship.”

“I think I’ll stay with the Captain a bit longer,” Tess said and gestured towards her unfinished glass of wine, “and maybe enjoy the, uh, fine jiu.”

"I'll come. I have some messages I need to check." Said Grace who suddenly sounded cheerful "Puhn Yoh, can you do me a favour? Can you ask about that Howard guy? I want to check out any known info about him but I need a last name" this last part was directed at Tess. (Assuming Tess yes) "Sheh Sheh!" thanked Grace with a grin. Grace quietly followed Ken and Jason outside. There was small smile on Grace face. I'm finally getting off this planet! thought Grace with some joy

The captain of the ASREC stepped out on to the landing pad and removed his flight helmet. He had shockingly white hair (sticking up due to helmet head) with similar colouring for his moustache and the short beard that he sported, but his eyes were what drew your attention if you were close - bright blue, almost incandescent. He wore a black flight suit with a long black duster and black boots that looked a few years old. He carried a sidearm that was bigger than most, but carried no other weapons. He looked around and then his gaze stopped at the sight of Destiny. He pulled his PADD from his pocket and began to run data via a hookup to the port authority.

“Captain?” A short balding marshal came up from behind. He had a pistol on each hand, a bandolier with casings in every holding and a large rifle in his hand.

“Yes Hicks.” Captain Harland Sanders didn’t turn around or look up from his PADD. This ship could destroy all his carefully arranged plans.

“I’m Hudson. He’s Hicks.” The Marshall replied, pointing at the third man getting out of the ship. Hick was taller, better looking and dressed in camouflage plants and a khaki t-shirt. He was strapping a side arm on as he walked. Hicks had short cropped brown hair and wore the facial hair of a man a few days unshaven. He had a scar on his left cheek that instead of flawing his natural good looks, seemed to enhance them in a rugged sort of way.

Captain Sanders sighed, “Sorry. What is it Hudson?”

“Is this gonna be another bug hunt?” The short man asked with a slight whine.

“No it isn’t. And what are you doing with that?” Sanders pointed at the rifle and waved dismissively, “Hudson, side arm only! I am sure I gave that order. Do you know the meaning of covert?”

“Oh sir! Can’t I tranq them? They are so much easier to deal with when I tranq them.” Hudson pleaded as the fourth member came out of the ship. A woman with dark hair, dark skin and dark eyes. She had a body of someone who worked out a lot and dressed to show it in tight shape hugging leather pants and thin veil of silk passing as a shirt. She shook her head at Hudson as she passed.

“Vasquez!” the Captain said, “Please shoot Hudson for me if he doesn’t put the rifle away in fifteen seconds.”

“With pleasure, Captain” the lady said and drew her sidearm.

“Whoa! Hey! I’m a getting. I’m a getting” Hudson said and ran backwards a few steps away from Vasquez before heading back into the ASREV.

“Say.” Hicks said looking over at Destiny “That’s a nice Boat.”

“Is the plan humped now Captain?” Vasquez asked as she holstered her gun.

“Maybe. Maybe not. PA has them as on Med pass for a passenger. Could be nothing to do with what we’re looking for. Let’s find the Captain.”

Hudson returned without rifle or bandolier. “Can we check out the bar?”

Hicks and Vasquez rolled their eyes. The captain put away his PADD and looked around, “Not a bad idea actually. Probably the only place the crew could afford on tramp freighter wages.”

“Alright!” Hudson called out.

“Keep it real Hudson. Two drink max – you got me! You ruin this mission and I will make you cry.”

“Two drinks. Right! No Problem Captain.”

“Vasquez.”

“Don’t worry Captain. I’ll shoot him if he even orders a third.”


Ken, Brian, Jason and Grace left the cantina to head for the ship. As they did, they noticed the four marshals approaching, a captain with white hair and eyebrows, a short stocky one, an attractive woman and a not so bad on the eyes gentleman as well. The shorter one (Hudson) goes right past you without so much as a look your way, so focused on the cantina itself it seems. The white haired tall man has a Colonel insignia on his shoulder. He nods respectfully as you approach. “Excuse me? Are you part of the crew to the ship there - Destiny? I’d like to speak to the Captain?” The two marshals that stay with their captain wait patiently. The lady marshal flashed a flirty smirk and a smile at (Jason is sure it was at him, Ken is pretty sure it was directed at him, Brian is sure she was looking at him) the boys. The other marshal merely nods politely and looks around as if he expected to be attacked at any moment.

(Assuming no gunplay and you point him in the direction of captain)

Meanwhile, Jon and Tess look up from their conversation to see a short stock man enter the bar and call out. “Yo! Barkeeper! Give me two of the strongest beers you have.” and sits down at the table closest to the exit. He then pulls his sidearm out, drops it on the table, his belt knife is then dropped beside it and three mags for his gun as well as sighs in relief loudly. Tony rolls his eyes and looks disgusted as he drops off two beers at the table. Then the other three follow. The white haired man looks at the stuff on the table.

“Put that away Hudson. You’ll scare the locals.”

“Ahh Captain. They stick into my ribs when I sit.”

“Would you prefer to stand at attention for the remainer of the day while we enjoy your beer?”

“Umm…No Captain.”

“Good. Pack it then. I’ll be back. Vasquez, order me the same and make sure Hudson doesn’t drink them.”

The captain then left his men and headed over to the table where Tess and Jon sat. Both of you notice that he wears a colonel insignia but his crew call him captain. He nodded his head respectfully, “Hello. I’m Sanders. Federal Marshal.” He says producing an official badge from his pocket, “You brought a companion, one Priscilla Barnes, in yesterday on a D5753 dash 432. I have been asked to check on her status and yours as this is a restricted area. Mind If I ask a few questions?”

(Assuming no)

“How is Ms. Barnes? Will she be ready to leave soon?”

“That long! Oh. Do you intend to wait for her or move out?”

(More questions to come but I need to know answers first)

“Excuse me? Are you part of the crew to the ship there - Destiny? I’d like to speak to the Captain?” The two marshals that stay with their captain wait patiently.
Raising an eyebrow at the question from the Fed officer… a Colonel by the insignia on his uniform… Ken remained as cool as a clear night on St. Albans.

“Yeah….” he said straightening himself as he looked over the Marshalls “that is our ship… the Captain is inside… come on I’ll show ya.”

He noticed the flirty look from the female marshal … he smiled back and gave her a little wink before turning to escort them inside the bar… he left the others to decide for themselves if they should follow or continue on to the ship.

Once inside he headed them towards the table where the Captain and Tess were seated… he caught the eye from the Captain and with his hand in front of him he flashed him a alert signal where the Marshalls couldn’t see it.

“Captain…” Ken stopped and gestured to the Fed Officer with him “This here gentlemen would like to talk to the Captain of the Destiny.” He said that so that Jon would know that the Marshalls had the name of their ship… which meant that probably had other info as well… Ken stepped out of the way so the Colonel could converse with the Captain… he glanced at Tess giving her a look that she would know meant to be ready here just in case

Ken stood to the side as if bored… looking like he was waiting to see what this was all about… he reached down to the table and lifted one of the glasses that was left there with a little of the wine still inside… he sipped it and made a satisfied sound.

All this was an act… he held the glass in his right hand… this was his main gun hand and he hoped it would relax anyone watching him into thinking his gun hand was filled so he wasn’t ready to draw a weapon if needed… but Ken was quite fast… and if the need to draw a weapon presented itself he could drop the glass … draw his sidearm… fire off a couple of rounds… all before the glass hit the floor… but he was hoping none of that would be needed… he was curious about what the Feds wanted with the Destiny.

(Nice Aliens movie reference there… made me laugh. )

“Hello. I’m Sanders. Federal Marshal.” He says producing an official badge from his pocket, “You brought a companion, one Priscilla Barnes, in yesterday on a D5753 dash 432. I have been asked to check on her status and yours as this is a restricted area. Mind If I ask a few questions?”

"We did? I didn't look at the paperwork, I jut signed it", Jon looks up at the Fed noncommittally and gestures a 'go ahead' with his hand.

“How is Ms. Barnes? Will she be ready to leave soon?”

According to my doctor, she will recover by she'll need a few weeks to be up and companioning again."

“That long! Oh. Do you intend to wait for her or move out?”

"No sir." Jon says with a smile, "Too gorram expensive to stay here. We will be leaving tonight. Gonna enjoy the sunshine while it is free, and then fuel up and head out"

"I understand. Did you find a cargo here? I see you posted on the boards."

"Nothing here." the captain lied, "Like i said, too expensive to stay here. Is there a problem Officer?"

Sanders rapidly typed into his PADD and nodded. "No Captain. That is fine. The LEO station asked me to check, that's all. Enjoy the weather." He smiled as he put away his device and looked knowing at Ken standing there looking bored. The Marshall had already lost interest in them, you could tell by his body language. He returns to his men and his table where he tells someone named Hudson to give him back his beers.

Grace continued on to Destiny without speaking to the Marshall. She eyed the ASREV as she walked pass it, remembering a time when she stole one of those during the war. If the feds followed procedures, and they always do, they would have a link already connected to port authority. She smiled as she made her way to her room. Any door out is a door in too
When she got to her personal com station, there was a message light flashing, from Yukiko. She quickly secured the message, ran it through a decryptor, scanned it with two different bug sniffers and then funnelled the message through a trace sieve. Since it was from a known contact, she went ahead and played the message without further precautions.

"Kaida. You may be on to something. Magistrate Higgins just paid for that Priscilla to fly to Ariel not more than a two months ago. I couldn't go deep into med recs, you know how tight they are, but it was an elective procedure. I also can tell you that someone using Higgin's personal cortex has been scanning news and obituaries since you left Higgin's moon. Could be checking for lost uncles with cash, but seems timely. Anyway, it looks like you are in the middle or someone else's business so stay out and stay clear."

Silver Screen - Meanwhile, on Higgin's Moon
Magistrate Higgins was sitting down to his breakfast when his personal assistant came in. Higgin's looked up at him, "You look Grim Jeeves. Did someone die?"

"Umm. no sir." Jeeves said quietly, looking around to make sure none of the serving staff were around, "I'm afraid not."

"Higgins stood up, "What do you mean?!" he asked harshly.

"Seems that the ship she left on, managed to get her to a hospital in time Magistrate."

"Where?"

"Greenleaf sir."

"GREENLEAF!!!!!!!" Higgins shouted and then lowered his voice, "Greenleaf. Might as well be gorram Niska's Skyplex! I thought that stuff you got couldn't be traced."

"In an autopsy sir! Unfortunately someone on the tramp freighter had an inkling of medical training and saved her."

"Oh this is bad Jeeves. Very bad. When I pay to have someone killed, I expect it to happen! Get someone there! Don't care how and I don't want excuses."

"I'm afraid there is more bad news sir." Jeeves swallowed hard, "Seems that the procedure you paid for with Ms. Barnes? It wasn't the procedures you thought." and the assistant handed Higgins a report labelled "Ariel Hospital".

The magistrate read it and his face turned pale, "No! No no no. how could she!?"

"I know sir. Hard to buy loyalty. Good thing you planned on having her killed."

"Do you know what this means?"

"Yes sir. Congratulations?"

"What! No! I am not happy! I'll tell you what I do like though: a killer, a dyed-in-the-wool killer. Cold blooded, clean, methodical and thorough. Get me one or two and now!!!!!!!!"

Sanders rapidly typed into his PADD and nodded. "No Captain. That is fine. The LEO station asked me to check, that's all. Enjoy the weather." He smiled as he put away his device and looked knowing at Ken standing there looking bored. The Marshall had already lost interest in them, you could tell by his body language. He returns to his men and his table where he tells someone named Hudson to give him back his beers.
Ken looked up at the Officer as he finished and flashing him a smile and a nod as the man turned to go join his men… Ken’s gaze followed him and met the eyes of the female Marshall and he gave her another wink and a knowing smile of his own…

He turned to the table and sat down with his Captain and Tess and raised a brow questioningly… he didn’t need to say that he found is strange that the Marshalls would be checking in on them.

“So Captain,” he said as he downed the last of the drink and set the glass on the table, “what now?”


(Nice Zorg quote too…. I see I am not the only one to pull obscure references and put them in posts.. )

As Jason walked away from the cantina, he contemplated the best way to ask the question to the contact on the other end of the deal. Walking with only partial attention to his surroundings he snapped back into focus as the ‘Captain’ of the ASREV the group was approaching spoke up with a question.

“Excuse me? Are you part of the crew to the ship there - Destiny? I’d like to speak to the Captain?” The lady marshal flashed a flirty smirk and a smile at Jason who responded in kind and added a wink. The other marshal remaining merely nodded politely and looked around as if he expected to be attacked at any moment. Jason was about to respond when Ken spoke up.

“Yeah….” Ken said straightening himself as he looked over the Marshalls “that is our ship… the Captain is inside… come on I’ll show ya.” As Ken led the marshals into the local bar Jason turned and continued on his way back to Destiny. As he entered the ship with grace he spoke up for the first time since leaving the bar.

“Grace, I know that you have things that you’re going to be checking on at your source box…while you’re at it would be so kind as to look into Norm Sellers involvement with the Tong and check into this ASREV’s timely arrival to sniff around at our heels? Off the ‘record’ so to speak of course,” Jason waited patiently for an answer from Grace, "Oh and would you mind if I made that quick call to Osiris to make sure the deal is solid?" While he waited he turned and looked at Brian and nodded toward the galley letting Brian know he would meet him there in a minute to discuss the ship’s upcoming trip to Osiris.

((OOC: Jason will hopefully get a positive response from Grace and then will proceed to the galley for the conversation w/Brian.))

“I think I’ll stay with the Captain a bit longer, and maybe enjoy the, uh, fine jiu.”

Grace looked suddenly cheerful, "I'll come. I have some messages I need to check." Her eyes twinkled as she looked at Tess and spoke somewhat rapidly, "Puhn Yoh, can you do me a favour? Can you ask about that Howard guy? I want to check out any known info about him but I need a last name"

“I, uh, what? Howard?”

"Sheh Sheh!" thanked Grace before hurrying off.

The pilot made a small chuffing noise as the crew trooped out of the cantina. It seemed like Gracie was always meddling instead of working, trying to loop some conspiracy theory into another one. Oh well, Tess thought resignedly, its saved our rears more then once. She sipped at her water as she watched the crew pass by the feds outside. The rum and wine were still waging war in her stomach, and she idly wondered if the cantina served food. Not that I'd be able to afford it.
“So, are we going to give them the tour?” she asked Jon as she rolled her eyes toward the window. His potential answer was lost to the commotion of a bull of a man coming and loudly ordering beer. The gun’s resounding thump of metal on wood made Tess wince. Gorram idiot. Thing’s probably loaded. Fine thing for a fed to accidently shoot a local from some chwen mistake. She fiddled with a small piece of glass in her pocket so she wasn’t tempted to touch her own pistol.

As Ken led the rest of the feds into the cantina, it was apparent that one of them thought along the same lines, “Put that away Hudson. You’ll scare the locals.”

“Ahh Captain. They stick into my ribs when I sit.”

“Would you prefer to stand at attention for the remainer of the day while we enjoy your beer?”

“Umm…No Captain.”

“Good. Pack it then. I’ll be back. Vasquez, order me the same and make sure Hudson doesn’t drink them.”

Ken slowly but deliberately made his way towards their table, and made a small but very unique gesture with his hand. Alert and ready.
“Captain…” Ken motioned to the white haired man who followed him, “This here gentlemen would like to talk to the Captain of the Destiny.”

She smiled at Ken as he walked away. You always were a bit wua ser tian jwoo; but it never was your words that got my blood…
“Hello. I’m Sanders. Federal Marshal.” He produced a badge from an inner pocket, and Tess felt a ripple of irritation. Puffed up badge wielding Alliance. “You brought a companion, one Priscilla Barnes, in yesterday on a D5753 dash 432. I have been asked to check on her status and yours as this is a restricted area. Mind If I ask a few questions?”

Tess took another drink of water to regain a blank look. The onset nausea was starting to make her irritable, and she didn't trust herself to say anything. Jon answered the man indifferently, "We did? I didn't look at the paperwork, I jut signed it.” He waved his hand, inviting the man to ask more questions. She kept her mouth shut as the Fed and the Captain bantered back and forth; Jon was always quick in these Q&A sessions, even when he was full of shia suo. The white haired man seemed satisfied with the situation, and returned to the rest of his crew. It looked like they were going to stay a while.

So much for asking around about Howard. I hope whatever caught Gracie’s eye will keep her distracted enough from remembering.
Ken made his way back to the table and sat down. He looked at them both with a brow quirked, “So Captain,” he downed the last of his drink before continuing, “what now?”

Really?
Dark eyes flicked over to the table where the Feds still sat, and Tess echoed Jon’s words, “Like the capt’n said, enjoy the sunshine while its free. Yuan Fen gets refueled tonight, then we are off of this,” GORRAM ROCK “planet.”

Grace walk with Jason and Ken as they headed back to Destiny. She could see the ASREC ahead and see the crew talking outside. A look of annoyance crossed Grace face. As they got closer to the Feds, Grace increased her pace and kept pace with Ken. A trick she had learned during the war. If you don't look intimidating, stay near someone who is. Hopefully the Feds would leave her alone this way. However considering what happen in the bar, maybe she was trying a little too hard to stay unnoticed.

“Captain?” A short balding marshal came up from behind. “Yes Hicks.” The Captain who didn’t turn around or look up from his PADD.

“I’m Hudson. He’s Hicks.” The Marshall replied, pointing at the third man getting out of the ship. Hick was taller, better looking and dressed in camouflage plants and a khaki t-shirt

The Captain sighed, “Sorry. What is it Hudson?”

“Is this gonna be another bug hunt?” The short man asked with a slight whine. Bug hunt? wondered Grace

“No it isn’t. And what are you doing with that?” The Captain pointed at the rifle and waved dismissively, “Hudson, side arm only! I am sure I gave that order. Do you know the meaning of covert?”

“Oh sir! Can’t I tranq them? They are so much easier to deal with when I tranq them.” Hudson pleaded as a woman came out of the ship. She had dark hair, dark skin and dark eyes. She had a body of someone who worked out a lot and dressed to show it in tight shape hugging leather pants and thin veil of silk passing as a shirt. She shook her head at Hudson as she passed.

“Vasquez!” the Captain said, “Please shoot Hudson for me if he doesn’t put the rifle away in fifteen seconds.”

“With pleasure, Captain” the lady said and drew her sidearm.

“Whoa! Hey! I’m a getting. I’m a getting” Hudson said and ran backwards a few steps away from Vasquez before heading back into the ASREV.

“Say.” Hicks said looking over at Destiny “That’s a nice Boat.” This caught Grace attention and she eye the man. She knew Destiny was pretty but still...

“Is the plan humped now Captain?” Vasquez asked as she holstered her gun. What plan? Thought Grace

“Maybe. Maybe not. PA has them as on Med pass for a passenger. Could be nothing to do with what we’re looking for. Let’s find the Captain.”

Hudson returned without rifle or bandolier. “Can we check out the bar?”

Hicks and Vasquez rolled their eyes. The captain put away his PADD and looked around, “Not a bad idea actually. Probably the only place the crew could afford on tramp freighter wages.” Great. Just what we needed. Thought Grace

“Alright!” Hudson called out.

“Keep it real Hudson. Two drink max – you got me! You ruin this mission and I will make you cry.”

“Two drinks. Right! No Problem Captain.”

“Vasquez.”

“Don’t worry Captain. I’ll shoot him if he even orders a third.”

Grace frowned, two of the crew weren't in uniform. As far as she could remember, Alliance workers always wore uniform. Even if they were supposed to be covert as their captain had said the guns would always bring attention. Plus if two weren't in Uniform, why were the other two in Uniform? Then Grace eyed the ship as they walk. Wait a minute, If the feds followed procedures, and they always do, they would have a link already connected to port authority. A way out is a way in. I could find out some dirt on their plan. An almost evil grin flashed briefly across her face.

He nods respectfully as you approach. “Excuse me? Are you part of the crew to the ship there - Destiny? I’d like to speak to the Captain?” The lady marshal flashed a flirty smirk and a smile at the boys.

“Yeah….” Ken said straightening himself as he looked over the Marshalls “that is our ship… the Captain is inside… come on I’ll show ya.”

Ken noticed the flirty look from the female marshal … he smiled back and gave her a little wink before turning to escort them inside the bar. Grace let out a small sigh of relief as the Marshalls walked away. Jason turned and continued on his way back to Destiny. Grace kept up with him As he entered the ship with Grace he spoke up for the first time since leaving the bar.

“Grace, I know that you have things that you’re going to be checking on at your source box…while you’re at it would be so kind as to look into Norm Sellers involvement with the Tong and check into this ASREV’s timely arrival to sniff around at our heels? Off the ‘record’ so to speak of course,”

"I'm on it! Hopefully Tess remembers to get Howards last name. Need anything else?" asked Grace polite but she was itching to go see the engines and her room'

"Oh and would you mind if I made that quick call to Osiris to make sure the deal is solid?" While Jason waited he turned and looked at Brian and nodded toward the galley. Grace wasn't sure what was it was about but there a minor issue with Jason request.

"I'm cool with it as long as you're not using my Com. Tec. I have some messages to check and an engine calling my name. See you." Said Grace with a slight grin. Grace quickly walked to the engine room. She check the door but the small strip of tape she put on the door was fine. No one had been there. She pulled of the tape and entered the room. She put up the tape again. She notice it was starting to lose its stickiness but she had more tape. Rather than touch the ladder which had some engine grease on the handles, Grace jump down to her room.

When she got to her personal com station, there was a message light flashing, from Yukiko. Grace quickly secured the message, ran it through a decryptor, scanned it with two different bug sniffers and then funnelled the message through a trace sieve. Since it was from a known contact, she went ahead and played the message without further precautions.

"Kaida. You may be on to something. Magistrate Higgins just paid for that Priscilla to fly to Ariel not more than a two months ago. I couldn't go deep into med recs, you know how tight they are, but it was an elective procedure. I also can tell you that someone using Higgin's personal cortex has been scanning news and obituaries since you left Higgin's moon. Could be checking for lost uncles with cash, but seems timely. Anyway, it looks like you are in the middle of someone else's business so stay out and stay clear."

Grace groaned and flop onto her bed. In the middle again? Why can't it ever be toward the end of someone else business? Oh well... Thought Grace. She sat up quickly and ran a hand through her red hair. She quickly stretched and pulled her Cortex Data Bank. I may not be Yukiko but I can get some info when I need to. Let see how much I can dig up. After that I'll do some maintenance on Destiny and decide if I should tell Jon what I learned. Grace was a little nervous about telling Jon. He might not be happy with the whole "using her contacts to find out what people were hiding" Thing

OOC: Com. Tec is Communication Technology. Sorry Jason but Grace stuff is in her room and no one is allowed in her room. I'm pretty sure there is another one in the bridge. Not nearly as secure as Graces but it will do.