"This Captain Jon Brown ,..We need to get a message to the Baron.. the wedding planner drugged the crew and attempted to kidnap Lillianna, but failed.,She has escaped and is no longer on board. Our manifest is otherwise unchanged,. We would like to talk to the Baron about helping Seth to provide additional security, Asante may have others onboard."

The yeoman shook his head and the content on the message and sat for awhile wondering what to do. He didn't know anyone this guy was talking about nor understood the threat suggested. Protocol would be to deny them docking and notify authorities but they were on the list of docking authorized and they were bringing guests for The Baron. Last thing the Yeoman wanted to do was upset the Baron. He wondered if the Captain of the ship was trying to be funny. After all, these Tramp freighter people were one step away from loony-ville anyway. He pressed his comm link and dialled a number.

"Hello, Baron Fairchild's Residence." A lovely feminine voice answered.

"Hello. The Is Yeoman-Purser Burl Smith. We have contact with the transport "Destiny" and it is making approach to dock."

"Excellent. The Baron wants to meet them when they do. How long until they are fully docked?"

"Umm, About 10 to 15 minutes Ma'am. There is just one thing. The Captain, named Jon Brown is ... well he is talking about a kidnap attempt and someone named Asante is no longer abroad. Here. let me play back the message to you."

The Woman on the line listened to the message and then there was a long pause. Yeoman Smith was pretty sure she was consulting with the Baron. "Thank you Yeoman Smith for your diligence. We appreciate you contacting us. have you informed security or anyone else of this?"

"No but I can if you'd like."

"No. We have taken precautions about the kidnapping threats and they were obviously successful. I believe the Captain was not properly apprized of the situation but the Baron will speak to him. Please let him that the Baron will met him in person when he docks and all will be made right."

"Yes Ma'am. Thank you Ma'am."

"No, thank you Yeoman. I will make sure we speak highly to your captain for your excellent work and discretion."

The Yeoman disconnected and smiled at the thought of someone complimenting his work to the captain. He reconnected to Destiny , "Captain Brown. The Baron is aware of your situation and will be meeting in the docking bay upon your arrival. Proceed to Docking 4b. Rim's Dream out."

Grace informed the Captain that she was going to remain in her room and monitor from the cameras in the docking bay. She did not want to risk the chance of Templeton seeing her so she felt this was the best course of action.

AJ and Rick reported to the Captain that they would have to follow their orders of meeting the Baron upon docking and leave with him. They would need all their stuff and an idea of what you wanted them to do after that.

Seth reported that Lilianna was not in the mood to see her father so he was willing to come out and talk to the Baron in her stead.

Stephanie came around with a orange flavoured drink for everyone on board. It was a vaccine to the drug that Asante used on you so that it could not affect you again.

Tess docked the ship with ease and soon the auto-latch engaged and the seal was created between ship and ship. The cargo bay doors opens to reveal a very clean docking bay with a lot of silver and white. Two armed security guards stood behind protective plastic barriers while three motion detecting machine guns located high above in the dock whirled into position to point toward you. Standing between the two guards is an older man in a very nice suit waiting you with a pleasant smile on his face. He is not armed beyond a cane in his hand and a cigar in his mouth. A feminine but computerized voice intones "Welcome to the Five Star Liner's Rim's Dream. No weapons are allowed pass this point. Have a nice day."

The Baron steps forward and says loudly, "So which of you is Captain Jon Brown? I believe we have much to discuss."

OOC: OK. I need to know who is there beyond the Captain, the Brothers and Seth. Do you want JC there with Angela in the background?

After Jon's transmission the crew had sensed that things may moves quickly once they entered the docking bay. The brother's had brought out their gear and gotten their weapons from the storage locker. They stood quietly off to side ready to disembark as soon as the all clear was given. Seth had his items and stood near to Lillianna, almost like a shepard tending his folk.

Angela had seen to it that the all of Lillianna's luggage was stacked neatly near Destiny's cargo doors. Every piece was precisely positioned and stacked; ready to be transferred off. She almost looked as if she was at "Parade Rest" as stood ready to coordinate the transfer. He remembered what she had said in response to Asente's assessment of her being soldier. Soldier? Me? Nuh-uh. I'm a payload specialist. PAY LOAD SPE-SHUH-LIST. Says so right here on my.",."Captain, can I get a name badge?"Jon noticed she was wearing the name tag he'd made for her. Yep it's official, PAY LOAD SPE-SHUH-LIST!

Jon had talked to JC, he knew the PR man would NOT take well to the idea of leaving the ship unarmed, but was how it had to be. They just couldn't take the chance of causing more attention to themselves than they already have. But the JC Jon had fought beside didn't need much to be dangerous, they'd find plenty of things on board the liner. Jon needed the big man to cover him and he could think on his feet.

Jon wasn't sure how he'd get Steph and Catie on the liner, but he never put anything past the good doctor. With her contacts she may have already wangled an invite from someone already on the liner.

When the boat was latched down Jon move to the bay doors with JC just behind him. When the doors opened Jon saw a very clean docking bay with a lot of silver and white. behind a protective plastic barriers stood two armed security guards. Glancing up he could see three motion detecting machine guns located high above in the dock whirled into position to point toward the open bay doors. Standing between the two guards is an older man in a very nice suit with a pleasant smile on his face. He is not armed beyond a cane in his hand and a cigar in his mouth. From the docking bay comes a feminine but computerized voice intones "Welcome to the Five Star Liner's Rim's Dream. No weapons are allowed pass this point. Have a nice day."

The man steps forward and says loudly, "So which of you is Captain Jon Brown? I believe we have much to discuss."

Jon steps forward, "I'm Captain Brown." Motioning back to JC, "This is my security officer, JC Kane, I need you let you know he has a prosthetic arm that may set off your metal detectors. I don't want those little sweethearts up there making a mistake," Jon turned the brothers, "Our passengers would like to disembark, these men need to be cleared through security and my payload specialist need some help with Miss Lillianna's luggage. ,and yes we need to discuss Miss Lillianna's and your guest's safety and well being,.. Where can we talk?"

This was the day, Grace was sitting by her box, ready to hack and cause mischief at the drop of a hat. She had refused to be in the bay as she did not want to risk being recognized. Yes, it had been a long time since she and Templeton had seen each other, but for some reason or another, she always tended to stick in peoples memory. While Lillianna may be the client, she wasn't worth the risk of being pulled back into that world, especially if Templeton wanted to know why Grace wasn't with her family.

Grace watched through her many cameras as the doors opened and she suppressed the paranoid twitch at all the security features that the luxury cruise had in place. It was because of that one attack, not because there are space pirates or Reavers nearby. Now isn't the time to be coming up with all sorts of other reasons why they want security,
All she needed was an open door way and, if all went smoothly, it was just a matter of time before she had one. Before they had arrived, Grace had given Captain Jon her ‘bug' (a little thing she had invented while bored one day).

"I just need you to plug this into a wi-fi port. They should be easy to find, but try for someplace where no one will notice it or it will get knocked out by accident. This will let me hack in, but if I lose connection, at best I will get kicked out. At worse, I get tracked back to the ship and we will be in trouble" Grace had explained.

"So which of you is Captain Jon Brown? I believe we have much to discuss." asked the man on the screen.

Jon steps forward, "I'm Captain Brown." Motioning back to JC, "This is my security officer, JC Kane, I need you let you know he has a prosthetic arm that may set off your metal detectors. I don't want those little sweethearts up there making a mistake,Our passengers would like to disembark, these men need to be cleared through security and my payload specialist need some help with Miss Lillianna's luggage. ,and yes we need to discuss Miss Lillianna's and your guest's safety and well being,.. Where can we talk?"

Alright, let the games begin.

JC was at odds with himself and pissed at Jon over having to leave his weapons behind, even his Neo-tech Derringer. Hell he'd never been without it since he'd gotten it while with The White Tiger Tong. However Jon needed him onboard that liner, without guns or knives, so in the end he decided to leave his weapons behind.

As he gathered his gear, a change of clothes consisting of 2 pairs of underwear, a shirt, and 2 pairs of socks. Then his toothbrush w/ paste, a small hand sized notebook to take notes, a old ball point pen, and finally some money folded and held by a plastic clip. Placing it all, but his money clip, in an easily accessible bag to make it easier for the liner's sec to search he started out the door. Sighing heavily, he stopped, took out the tiny collapsible knife hidden behind his back under his belt. Throwing it onto the bed he left his last weapon on him behind.

Then they were on the liner, a man meeting them, and Jon making intro's.

The man steps forward and says loudly, "So which of you is Captain Jon Brown? I believe we have much to discuss."

Jon steps forward, "I'm Captain Brown." Motioning back to JC, "This is my security officer, JC Kane, I need you let you know he has a prosthetic arm that may set off your metal detectors. I don't want those little sweethearts up there making a mistake," Jon turned the brothers, "Our passengers would like to disembark, these men need to be cleared through security and my payload specialist need some help with Miss Lillianna's luggage. ,and yes we need to discuss Miss Lillianna's and your guest's safety and well being,.. Where can we talk?"
JC smiling tossed his poncho away from his left arm and rolled up his sleeve showing the truth of Captain Brown's statement. Then handing his bag to the nearest sec guard to be searched he awaited the all clear to board the liner properly...................

(OCC: Ok I made a list so there is no mistake what JC is bringing on board to avoid any problems when my arm causes the alarm to go off. As for the money not sure if its paper or something else so that may be different.)

Baron Fairchild took in the Captain and the crew and the ship in a glance but Jon doubted he was looking at things with curiosity. "Captain Brown." He said slowly and smiled, "Captain Jon Brown. Jon Brown. That is a nice looking ship you have there. I don't much about ships but something about that one is, well, like looking a Black Bellerophon mare coming down a gangplank - you know there is a lot of goodness to be had." The baron shook Jon's hand and then moved to Seth, "Seth my boy! Good to see you. Good to see you." He gave the big bodyguard a arm clasp with warmth and then pulled a badge out of his pocket to hand to Seth, "This is for you, so you can carry your weapons onboard. Keyed to your DNA so the scanners know to let you through."

"Baron, " Seth said seriously, "You should know that Asante ..."

"Hold on Son," the Baron stopped him, "The Captain already got me a message and we will talk but right now I need you to do something for me. I need you to watch over Lilliana from now and until the ceremony. I no doubt she probably doesn't want to see me."

"You are very right there Baron," Seth agreed.

"Well I understand that, we have been fighting a lot the past few days. You keep her safe. I trust you Seth."

"Yes Baron."

He turned back to Jon and JC, "Now gentlemen. JC was it? You go over there to the security folk and show them your arm and I am sure they can make it right as rain." captain, How about we take a walk aways from the dock here." He gestures down the airlock corridor toward the cruise liner.

(assuming you go with him)

"Now Captain. I have to start by saying I think that a grave mistake was made on the part of my go between Mr. Badger and you. The price I offered to pay for daughter's safe transport was much higher than what was offered you. Now that is what you get when you use go-betweens and middle men. So let me tell you - I want to do right by you. I want you to keep Lilianna on your ship until the ceremony tomorrow. Do not let anyone see her - not even me. I figure you are the safest place righ tnow for her, one way in, heavily guarded and no chance of sneaking by. Then when the time comes tomorrow, you, Seth and as many of your crew you'd like to bring can come for the festivities. You do that for me son and I will add a 0 to the payment. Can you do that favour for me? It would mean the world to me and I would be very appreciative. Lots of people to the party who need transport, and I'll introduce with my personal recommendation."

(assuming some answer beyond stammering)

"Now tell me about Asante and this kidnapping plot. You know, there was something about her that I never trusted. "

Back at the security desk, JC shows his arm and the guards there pleasantly ask him for some details as the scanner runs on the arm and they file it into the exceptionality section of the program.

"Jeremiah Christian Kane?" The one guard says, "The Jeremiah Kane? I heard stories of a Jeremiah Kane in the war. Oh by the buddha! Was this your shooting arm? Did the alliance cut it off as a punishment for killing some many? You thing they'd give you a better prosthetic instead of this - thing."

After some time, The Baron and the Captain return. The baron smiles charming and goes over to make sure that JC is cleared to come on board. he then says loudly enough for all to hear, "Thank you for your hard work and efforts bring my daughter to her wedding ceremony. I understand there was some peril and although I am sure you face it daily in your life, I want to know I consider it very heroic." He pulls out a number of cards out of his wallet and passes them to the crew on the bay - Angela, JC, Stephanie, Catie and Jon. "These are good for 100 credits in the gift shops or casinos on the "Rim's Dream". Play a few hands on me or buy yourself something nice. You all on my personal guest list so you may go most places on the ship and enjoy the amenities."

With that he turns to the brothers, "Rick and AJ Simon? You two are with me. Leave your gear here, you won't need it and you will be coming back here later I am sure."

The Brothers looked at each other and J nodded. the two of them left with the Baron.

Meanwhile, from her room, Grace watched the video feed. Just as the Baron left with the brothers she heard a tell-tale "thunk" from beneath the ship. Just as she did, Tess came up on the intercom.

"Did I hear what I thought I heard mei-mei?"

Grace cursed loudly. The liner just put a lock on their landing gear. Probably standard procedure now but it meant there was no turning back now.

Jon watched the Baron glance roll over the crew and the ship. Jon felt this isn't a person that misses much in glance. "Captain Brown." He said slowly and smiled, "Captain Jon Brown. Jon Brown. " Jon was getting mixed impressions of this man. The Baron repeated his name three time, reminiscent of those memory games he was taught in officer training. " That is a nice looking ship you have there. I don't much about ships but something about that one is, well, like looking a Black Bellerophon mare coming down a gangplank - you know there is a lot of goodness to be had." The baron shook Jon's hand. Jon took that as worried compliment. Destiny was a rare item and he hoped the Baron wasn't thinking of adding her to his stable. Before Jon could say more the Baron turned to Seth.

"Seth my boy! Good to see you. Good to see you." He gave the big bodyguard a arm clasp with warmth and then pulled a badge out of his pocket to hand to Seth, "This is for you, so you can carry your weapons onboard. Keyed to your DNA so the scanners know to let you through."

"Baron, " Seth said seriously, "You should know that Asante ..."

"Hold on Son," the Baron stopped him, "The Captain already got me a message and we will talk but right now I need you to do something for me. I need you to watch over Lilliana from now and until the ceremony. I no doubt she probably doesn't want to see me."

"You are very right there Baron," Seth agreed.

"Well I understand that, we have been fighting a lot the past few days. You keep her safe. I trust you Seth."

"Yes Baron."
The Baron turned back to Jon and JC, "Now gentlemen. JC was it? You go over there to the security folk and show them your arm and I am sure they can make it right as rain,.. Captain, How about we take a walk away from the dock here," gesturing down the airlock corridor toward the cruise liner.
Jon fell into step with the impressive man. Once clear of area Baron Fairchild continued."Now Captain. I have to start by saying I think that a grave mistake was made on the part of my go between Mr. Badger and you. The price I offered to pay for daughter's safe transport was much higher than what was offered you. Now that is what you get when you use go-betweens and middle men. So let me tell you - I want to do right by you. I want you to keep Lilianna on your ship until the ceremony tomorrow. Do not let anyone see her - not even me. I figure you are the safest place right now for her, one way in, heavily guarded and no chance of sneaking by. Then when the time comes tomorrow, you, Seth and as many of your crew you'd like to bring can come for the festivities. You do that for me son and I will add a 0 to the payment. Can you do that favor for me? It would mean the world to me and I would be very appreciative. Lots of people to the party who need transport, and I'll introduce with my personal recommendation." Jon had to admit the man was smooth and very experienced at placing the carrot to get his way. But Jon needed more to size him up.

"Well sir I have to agree that Miss Lillianna would be safest aboard Destiny. If Asente made the wedding plans then she most likely has her people among those hired to service the wedding. "

The Baron encouraged Jon to continue. "Now tell me about Asante and this kidnapping plot. You know, there was something about her that I never trusted."
Jon pressed on to see how Fairchild would react."To be honest with you Baron we are concerned, In this short time we have come to care about your step daughter. Asente alluded to having an affair with someone important here at the wedding. She seems to know a lot more than a hired person should. Then by trying to play on the stories of Templeton's weapon failures during the war she tried to get us to join up with her. She was saying her team wanted to hold Miss Lillianna ransom for the platinum rights you are demanding from Templeton to even the score. From what we have been able to find out she was in convert operations during the war, I have to admit I met her then but didn't remember her. Now she has turned that into job. She's dangerous and lives are not her concern. ,,We haven't seen the last her,,.Sir, Miss Lillianna deserves to be safe and happy and we're here to help that happen."

The Baron and the Captain return. The baron smiles charmingly and goes over to make sure that JC is cleared to come on board. He then says loudly enough for all to hear, "Thank you for your hard work and efforts bring my daughter to her wedding ceremony. I understand there was some peril and although I am sure you face it daily in your life, I want to know I consider it very heroic." He pulls out a number of cards out of his wallet and passes them to the crew on the bay - Angela, JC, Stephanie, Catie and Jon. "These are good for 100 credits in the gift shops or casinos on the "Rim's Dream". Play a few hands on me or buy yourself something nice. You all are on my personal guest list so you may go most places on the ship and enjoy the amenities."

With that he turns to the brothers, "Rick and AJ Simon? You two are with me. Leave your gear here, you won't need it and you will be coming back here later I am sure."

The Brothers looked at each other and J nodded. The two of them left with the Baron.
As the Baron walked away Jon still wasn't sure he'd got a read on the man. Turning back to the crew Jon told them about Lillianna staying on Destiny until the wedding. "Ok..Tess and Grace will keep Lillianna safe. The rest of us need to put on our party clothes and start to mingle. The Baron us gave run of the ship so let's go see what we can do for the Princess."

Jon steps forward, "I'm Captain Brown." Motioning back to JC, "This is my security officer, JC Kane, I need you let you know he has a prosthetic arm that may set off your metal detectors. I don't want those little sweethearts up there making a mistake," Jon turned the brothers, "Our passengers would like to disembark, these men need to be cleared through security and my payload specialist need some help with Miss Lillianna's luggage. ,and yes we need to discuss Miss Lillianna's and your guest's safety and well being,.. Where can we talk?"

Baron Fairchild took in the Captain and the crew and the ship in a glance but Jon doubted he was looking at things with curiosity. "Captain Brown." He said slowly and smiled, "Captain Jon Brown. Jon Brown. That is a nice looking ship you have there. I don't much about ships but something about that one is, well, like looking a Black Bellerophon mare coming down a gangplank - you know there is a lot of goodness to be had." The baron shook Jon's hand and then moved to Seth, "Seth my boy! Good to see you. Good to see you." He gave the big bodyguard a arm clasp with warmth and then pulled a badge out of his pocket to hand to Seth, "This is for you, so you can carry your weapons onboard. Keyed to your DNA so the scanners know to let you through."

The Baron turned back to Jon and JC, "Now gentlemen. JC was it? You go over there to the security folk and show them your arm and I am sure they can make it right as rain,.. Captain, How about we take a walk away from the dock here," gesturing down the airlock corridor toward the cruise liner.

JC smiling tossed his poncho away from his rt arm and rolled up his sleeve showing the truth of Captain Brown's statement. Then handing his bag to be searched he awaited the all clear to board the liner properly.

"Jeremiah Christian Kane?" The one guard says, "The Jeremiah Kane? I heard stories of a Jeremiah Kane in the war. Oh by the buddha! Was this your shooting arm? Did the alliance cut it off as a punishment for killing so many? You thing they'd give you a better prosthetic instead of this - thing."

"I'm sure the tales make me out to be bigger then I am or killed more then I have but yes I'm that Kane. As for my arm" JC starts flexing it just for show. "Well you know what they say, use what ya got till better comes along, maybe there's better here? So what can you tell me about this liner. Does it have good food, nice ladies, games of chance perhaps?"

(Assuming some type of interaction while being checked out.)
After some time, The Baron and the Captain return. The baron smiles charming and goes over to make sure that JC is cleared to come on board. he then says loudly enough for all to hear, "Thank you for your hard work and efforts bring my daughter to her wedding ceremony. I understand there was some peril and although I am sure you face it daily in your life, I want to know I consider it very heroic." He pulls out a number of cards out of his wallet and passes them to the crew on the bay - Angela, JC, Stephanie, Catie and Jon. "These are good for 100 credits in the gift shops or casinos on the "Rim's Dream". Play a few hands on me or buy yourself something nice. You all on my personal guest list so you may go most places on the ship and enjoy the amenities."

As the Baron walked away Jon still wasn't sure he'd got a read on the man. Turning back to the crew Jon told them about Lillianna staying on Destiny until the wedding. "Ok.. Tess and Grace will keep Lillianna safe. The rest of us need to put on our party clothes and start to mingle. The Baron us gave run of the ship so let's go see what we can do for the Princess."

Party clothes he did not just say that "Captain ahhh these are my party clothes. Ain't got nothing nicer to wear."

Maybe a little shopping trip before hand was clearly in order, but JC had never had ‘party clothes' so he was at a loss to what if anything to buy. Waiting for some help he looked at Jon and the others quietly.................

Angela stood at the ready, her spine straight and her weight balanced perfectly on both feet; a stance that could be held for hours comfortably. Their passengers' luggage was stacked neatly nearby, she was more than happy to get the luggage and their owners off the ship and out of her life. Lilliana's crying and moping was unsettling, and Angela couldn't understand why everyone was so determined to help her avoid doing something she didn't want to. Life was tough that way. You did what you were told, and you did it well, or you got put in the box and left there. Ain't no-one gonna put Angela in no -


"So which of you is Captain Jon Brown? I believe we have much to discuss." The man spoke loudly and startled Angela out of her thoughts. She tensed, briefly, then relaxed wen Jon spoke up.

"I'm Captain Brown, " Jon spoke before motioning back to JC, "This is my security officer, JC Kane, I need you let you know he has a prosthetic arm that may set off your metal detectors. I don't want those little sweethearts up there making a mistake," Jon turned the brothers, "Our passengers would like to disembark, these men need to be cleared through security and my payload specialist need some help with Miss Lillianna's luggage."

Jon and the Baron moved off so they could speak privately, so Angela simply watched out of the corner of her eye, but it was hard to watch both them and the men checking over JC's arm. Both JC and the men has fairly relaxed body language, so Angela kept the closest watch on the Baron.

Soon enough the two concluded their conversation (OOC: Assuming Angela didn't overhear or lip-read) and the Baron returned to the loading ramp of the ship.

"Thank you for your hard work and efforts bring my daughter to her wedding ceremony. I understand there was some peril and although I am sure you face it daily in your life, I want to know I consider it very heroic." He pulls out a number of cards out of his wallet and passes them to the crew on the bay - Angela, JC, Stephanie, Catie and Jon. "These are good for 100 credits in the gift shops or casinos on the "Rim's Dream". Play a few hands on me or buy yourself something nice. You all on my personal guest list so you may go most places on the ship and enjoy the amenities."

Angela had never been tipped before completing a job before, so she gaped for a moment before tugging on the bill of her cap. "Thanks, mister,"

Once the man left Jon told them that Lilliana would be staying on board. Angela started to open her mouth the protest that she'd spent hours moving that luggage and it was leaving her ship when Jon continued.

"Ok.. Tess and Grace will keep Lillianna safe. The rest of us need to put on our party clothes and start to mingle. The Baron gave us the run of the ship so let's go see what we can do for the Princess."

Angela looked down at her coveralls, and the card in her hand. Party clothes? She wasn't a good time girl. She clamped down on the rising panic and gripped the card so hard the hard edges threatened to cut her fingers. The pain was steadying.

"Cap'n? Wouldn't it make sense to move at least some of this luggage to Lilliana's room first? If she just staying here for a little while longer I may as well get some of this moved,she won't need it here, right?"

"Party clothes,? Did I really say party clothes. I don't even have anything fancy." Jon rolled his eye as he wondered what he was going to do, then he saw Steph smile and knew she had him covered. Living with her in her villa had required him to dress for dinner and met some of her more serious guests. That thought also opened an opportunity. "Stephanie, would you and Catie see if you have something to fit Angela?..... Then would you take JC and get him fitted? You can use my card too if it can't be done for 100 credits. If you made me look good then you can at least make him presentable."

Jon turned to Angela and saw the anxiety on face. Giving her a normal job should bring her back around. "Angela, as payload specialist you'll need to get some of those bags back to Miss Lillianna's room. Then let Stephanie help get you ready to join us on board. I have a feeling I am going to need your talents helping me handling things other than bags."

Jon was right, Stephanie had put some dress clothes in his closet, so by the time he dressed and back to the cargo bay the others were straggling in. Even in simple outfits Stephanie, Catie and Angela looked stunning; JC still needed work. Before they left the ship Jon made sure they each carried a personal comm. unit, they'd need to stay in touch with each other and Destiny. He told them if they were asked about them to say they were to be sure Miss Lillianna was safe.

Something was going to happen and it wasn't just the wedding. Jon and the crew needed to be ready.

With that the small party headed out to find a mens clothing shop for JC.

"I'm sure the tales make me out to be bigger then I am or killed more then I have but yes I'm that Kane. As for my arm" JC starts flexing it just for show. "Well you know what they say, use what ya got till better comes along, maybe there's better here? So what can you tell me about this liner. Does it have good food, nice ladies, games of chance perhaps?"

The guards smiled, "Only the best of the best on Rim's Dream Mr. Kane. There is the Greenleaf Cafeteria which is opened twenty-fours a day with food ranging from hot dogs to Peking duck. Dessert buffet at midnight. There is the Osiris Spa where you can relax and enjoy a few hours of pampering. They have mud baths, herbal wraps, massages, whirlpools, and steam rooms as well. Of course there is the Grand Ballroom beautifully decorated with living palm trees and exotic flowers and the tables and chairs surround a dance floor in the center. Connected to the Grand Ball is Lookout Lounge
separated by the bar area, the lounge at the prow beneath the bridge with large panoramic windows provide a breathtaking view of the heavens. As well there is the Verbena Restaurant which is the largest restaurant aboard ship featuring elegant fine dining. Of course there is the Lucky Lady Casino: The casino is huge, located in the center of the ship, for this is one of the main attractions. To reach the Verbena restaurant, passengers are required to walk through the casino."

"Just give us a few minutes Mr. Kane to enter in the data and we will give you a pass for your arm. Won't take long at all." The other guard said, rolling his eyes at the sales pitch of his companion.

"Cap'n? Wouldn't it make sense to move at least some of this luggage to Lilliana's room first? If she just staying here for a little while longer I may as well get some of this moved,she won't need it here, right?" Angela asked

Angela, as payload specialist you'll need to get some of those bags back to Miss Lillianna's room. Then let Stephanie help get you ready to join us on board. I have a feeling I am going to need your talents helping me handling things other than bags."

Angela began moving the luggage as she was directed but part of her mind was elsewhere and it had been since the Baron gave her the card. Something he said triggered something in her mind - a memory? Was this a memory? Does memory feel like this.

Numbers moved like liquid in her mind, filling the gaps that she was use to having with calculations, probability and .....

And ...

It was there but not. Something dancing on the edge of her conscious but it vanished every time she tried to remember or recover it. Like it didn't want o be caught.

Angela suddenly realized that she was finished moving the luggage but she was so wrapped up in her thoughts that she didn't remember doing so. Stephanie had her in hand and was leading her to the Doctor's room talking about clothing and her figure. Angela didn't really care about how her figure matched certain types of clothing and what was wrong with what she was wearing? She just got her name badge anyway!

Stephanie started pulling out outfits from her closet asking Angela if she liked anything. One dress she saw on a hanger seemed to scream out to her, as if it was made for her. She walked passed Stephanie and grabbed it. "This one." She said plainly.

Stephanie looked surprised at the black sequined dress that Angela picked. "Ummm. That is a real slinky dress. Are you sure?"

(I will let Vanadia fill this out)

Jon and JC were waiting in the cargo bay when the ladies came out. Catie and Stephanie were stunning in their outfits but Angela was completely unlike anything the two of them expected. She had a black sequined dressed that was almost skin tight to her form. The Payroll expert looked like she belonged here with the high rollers on the liners.

"She picked it." Stephanie said with her hands up. "It looks fantastic on her, so much so that I don't think I can wear it again. You can keep it Angela, not that I think we will have much chance to dress like this again."

The security guards gave JC a pass card, similar to the one that Seth got for his weapons. "Wear this at all times while you are on Rim's Dream so that the sensors will know to let you through. If you lose it, then you will set off any security sensor on the ship, and there are a lot of them."

The five of you exit the cargo bay and the security access point to move into the interior of the cruise liner. The ship is very luxurious, even from Stephanie's point of view. The cards that the Baron gave you allows you access to anywhere on the ship other than restricted areas (VIP 1st Class and Crew Only).

You move through the concourse level where the shops are set up and pass a number of places for men's clothing. Despite Jon and JC pointing out places, Stephanie dismisses them out of hand until you come to a shop labelled Olivier's - Bespoke Tailor. Inside you find a very thin black gentleman with blue and green coloured hair done up in spikes. He looks at you and smiles a professional smile, "How can I help you?"

"My friend here needs a new suit, for a wedding." Stephanie says passing him the card from the baron.

"I'm sure he does darling but I ..." He flips the card over and his eye bulge out, "OH MY GOD!!!! OH MY GOD!!! The Baron! The Baron! You are going to the wedding!! OH MY GOD!!!!!" he starts to jump up and down waving his hands in front of his face, "Oh I feel faint!" He runs to the back of the shop and opens the doorway to call, "CARL! Drop the Go Sa you are doing and grab the sherry! We got real work to do."

He moves smoothly towards JC and starts looking him over, "Big man aren't you? Well trust Olivier honey ‘cause you are in good hands." He moves JC's arm up to measure and sees the artificial arm. "Oh dear honey, what did they do you? This is ..OH MY GOD ....tragic. Completely ruins your symmetry, I...I...I just can't imagine how you deal with it sugar. You are indeed a strong man. AH! I know! Lamme! Gold, no! Platinum Lamme! Oh yeah! When I am done with you Sweetheart, you're gonna be a star!"

Olivier starts to measure JC in all sorts of places. Another small oriental man with white hair comes in with a decanter of sherry and multiple glasses.

"This could be awhile." Stephanie says to the rest of the group, "We may want to look around, come back in an hour or two. I am sure that JC is in good hands."

"Okay Honeybuns! Into that change room and take it all off now! Time to get Fab-u-lous!"

Back at Destiny
Grace waited and waited but she had not heard back from the Captain about the bug he was supposed to plant. The mechanic was worried because if he was caught or could not reach a port, then she was not going to be able to do anything. The thought of that drove her a bit twitchy and sahe decided to do something about it.

In her closet, Grace keep various outfits that were generic enough to pass as uniforms of repair people - the kind that no one looked at or even noticed on a ship. She quickly slipped into a suitable one for the liner, put on a cap that she pulled down over her face and grabbed a card left by Stephanie for her and Tess in case either of them wanted to go on the liner.

When she entered the cargo bay however, she almost ran into a man coming in at the same time. He was well dressed, older man and Grace recognized him instantly.

"Hello!" He said calmly, "I am Templeton Steele. I would like to speak to Lilianna Fairchild - my fiancé. Would you know where I could find her?"

JC could not think of anything more boring as this shopping trip as they moved from store to store. Hell no gun stores, or outdoor men type stores were visible anywhere. To the gunslingers mind they had already passed more then enough men clothing stores but Stephanie always seeming to dismisses them out of hand.

Finally after maybe the 10th or 20th store they finally stopped before one named

Olivier's - Bespoke Tailor.

Inside they came face to face, sorta, with a very thin black gentleman with blue and green colored hair done up in spikes. A professional smile on his face,

"How can I help you?"

"My friend here needs a new suit, for a wedding." Stephanie told him passing over the card from the baron.

"I'm sure he does darling but I ..." He flips the card over and his eye bulge out, "OH MY GOD!!!! OH MY GOD!!! The Baron! The Baron! You are going to the wedding!! OH MY GOD!!!!!" he starts to jump up and down waving his hands in front of his face, "Oh I feel faint!" He runs to the back of the shop and opens the doorway to call, "CARL! Drop the Go Sa you are doing and grab the sherry! We got real work to do."

Rolling his eyes and starting to turn around to escape the man and the store he was stopped suddenly as the thin man moved in front of him blocking the door. As the ‘tailor' began looking him over JC felt like raw meat in front of a starved tiger.

"Big man aren't you? Well trust Olivier honey ‘cause you are in good hands." He moves JC's arm up to measure and sees the artificial arm. "Oh dear honey, what did they do you? This is ..OH MY GOD ....tragic. Completely ruins your symmetry, I...I...I just can't imagine how you deal with it sugar. You are indeed a strong man. AH! I know! Lamme! Gold, no! Platinum Lamme! Oh yeah! When I am done with you Sweetheart, you're gonna be a star!"

A quick look to Stephanie and the others for help showed her to have no compassion in her eyes and mostly amusement in the faces of the rest. JC was brought back quickly as he felt hands in all sorts of the wrong places as the man began to measure him in. As JC thought of a way out with a minimal use of violence and hidden weapons another small man, this one oriental with white hair came in with a decanter of sherry and multiple glasses.

"This could be awhile." Stephanie says to the rest of the group, "We may want to look around, come back in an hour or two. I am sure that JC is in good hands."

"Okay Honeybuns! Into that change room and take it all off now! Time to get Fab-u-lous!"

"Ahh whaaat? No don't leave me here alone, come on what did I ever do to you Stephanie?, Watch the fracking hands or I'll rip them off!"

A last look towards the others as they left the store, the gunslingers eyes full of fear, his mind already working on a number of ways to get his revenge......

"This could be awhile." Stephanie says to the rest of the group, "We may want to look around, come back in an hour or two. I am sure that JC is in good hands."

"Okay Honeybuns! Into that change room and take it all off now! Time to get Fab-u-lous!"

"Ahh whaaat? No don't leave me here alone, come on what did I ever do to you Stephanie?, Watch the fracking hands or I'll rip them off!"
Jon saw the panicked looked in JC's eyes. The Capt'n walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder."They just appreciate a good challenge,we won't be gone too far." Then whispering, "These guys probably know more about what goes on here on the ship than security does....see what you can find out. See if they heard about Daniel, the gun or Steele messing with any of the women." As he turned leave he was about give his PR man a swat on the bottom but he could tell JC just wasn't in a joking mood. Then loud enough for the tailor," If you're going to watch over Miss Lillianna's safety you gotta look good or Seth won't let you near and embarrass her. Give me a comm when they're done with you."

Jon then led the rest out of the shop, seeing ships brochures on the tailors door Jon grabbed one with the deck layouts. When they were out of earshot," Steph, if you see any old friends slip off and socialize, take Catie with you, find out what you can. I'll stay with Angela and watch for security stations.. they will likely have a port for Grace's bug." Sliding it from his pocket he slipped it to Angela, "You seem to have a knack for secret things and looking like that you shouldn't have a problem distracting security people and getting this plugged in,.." Looking at the ship's layout, "We'll try to find a way into the guess quarters, I'd say that Andrew would be there instead of the brig. We may find the brother too. This whole thing is fluid and need to gather information quickly. When things start to happen it will happen quickly so use your best judgment."

(O.O.C., See the ship layout on Q&A page 65. I'd say we are on deck 3. we would have gone up from deck 2.

DECK 3: LOUNGES, FINE DINING, AND SHOPS Lilac Dining Room: Smaller and more elegant than Verbena. Tables are assigned when passengers board. Only those with penthouse staterooms are permitted to dine here.

Chart Room: Elegant bar that plays Chinese classical music. Walls are decorated with navigational charts.

Champagne Bar: Champagne and champagne cocktails are the only drinks served. Small, dark, romantic.

Grand Lobby Mezzanine: Overlooks the Grand Lobby below. Sweeping staircase leads down to Deck 2. Shops offering designer clothes for men and women, jewelry, sculpture, paintings, and sundries.

The Bijou: Balcony seating for the theater.

Library Bar: Walls are shelves lined with books. Leather chairs and couches. A cozy, quiet place for a drink.)

"Angela, as payload specialist you'll need to get some of those bags back to Miss Lillianna's room. Then let Stephanie help get you ready to join us on board. I have a feeling I am going to need your talents helping me handling things other than bags."
Jon's voice was also steadying, even if he was telling her to move the gorram luggage in the wrong direction. She tucked the card into a pocket of her coverall and set to work moving some items back to Mizz Crybaby's room. She ignored the doleful looks from the passenger (cargo, she sniffed to herself) and headed through the ship to Stephanie's room.
The entire time though, she was distracted by something on the edge of her mind,.a murmuring like a conversation in another room. It had started when the Baron mentioned "casino", and Angela pondered that as she stood in Stephanie's room while the doctor rummaged through her closet and brought out various items for Catie's consideration. She watched the bits of fabric and frills be displayed and quickly rejected , and it was like they were discussing someone else. She ignored her eyes and instead concentrated on that murmuring,.a little louder now like someone was lecturing in that other room instead of just talking. She ignored the feeling of the ship's floor beneath her feet and "listened" harder,

The door opened and everything rolled over her like a wave. The smell of felt and fine wood and finer liquor, the clatter of ivory tiles and plastic chips and whirrrrrrrr-tacka-tacka-tacka-tacka of a roulette wheel,.no many roulette wheels! In the distance, the cacophony of digitized bells and whistles beckoned her to the slot machines, but those were for tourists: no skill needed and carefully programmed to extract credits from pikers who thought they were one more spin away from getting it all back. No, the voice said, find the blackjack tables, and once she'd built a decent stake, the glittering throng around the hottest craps table. The myriad options for betting and the best payouts offered the most opportunity for anyone who could calculate and manage probabilities.

As complex calculations formed and re-formed based on the last throw, Angela opened her eyes and spotted a dress that the others had hadn't even bothered to consider. "That one," she said, plainly.

Stephanie looked surprised at the black sequined dress that Angela picked. "Ummm. That is a real slinky dress. Are you sure?"

Angela simply nodded, her head was just too full to manage words. She knew how to wear that dress and how to look like the highest roller in the casino,she just couldn't explain it. Without a shred of modesty, she immediately stripped down and put on the black dress, looking at the results critically in the mirror. The dress was slinky - it would have draped differently on Stephanie's fuller curves, but on Angela's angular, athletic frame, the dress was taut across her shoulders, the scoop neckline showing off jutting collarbones and a finely muscled back. Since Angela was taller than Stephanie the waistline was too high, so Angela simply tugged it upward to settle just below her breasts, giving the impression of more fullness and bringing the hemline up to mid thigh.

Stephanie gaped, and laughed a little." Where have you been hiding those legs, Angela? They go on forever! I have to tell you, that dress never looked that good on me!"

Angela shrugged, and moved towards Stephanie's shelf by the mirror, where expensive compacts of makeup and eyeshadow beckoned. Without hesitation (or permission) Angela opened every compact to examine the contents closely, glancing back at her face in the mirror occasionally as she did so. When she spotted gold dusting powder and black eyeliner, she set to work with brushes and tweezers, shaping eyebrows into an arch and lining her eyes heavily, bringing out an Asian tilt that hadn't been noticeable before. The gold went on lids and cheekbones and brow, making Angela's skin glow. None of Stephanie's lipsticks suited Angela's colouring, so she settled for a touch of peach blusher under lipgloss.
Letting out breath she didn't noticed holding, Angela stepped back and turned to look at Stephanie. Her mismatched features were transformed into an exotic creature quite unlike anything else, something feline and predatory yet female. (OOC: Think Grace Jones)

"How...how did I do?" Angela asked shyly, dropping her eyes at Stephanie's expression. "I don't get to play dress-up much. Do I look ok?"

"OK isn't really adequate," Stephanie began, then smiled as Angela's face started to fall," you look amazing. Frankly, I had no idea what I was going to do - and you managed far better than I would have. Let's put that hair up, no point in hiding those cheekbones now that you found them."

Catie nodded approvingly and helped Angela pile her hair up on top of her head, giving her even more height while Stephanie changed. The two of them made their way to the cargo bay, where they met up with JC. The journey onto the ship proper and finding the tailor for JC passed in a haze for Angela,the teacher was back, whispering formulae in her ear and she itched to make her way to the casino.

JC was not happy to watch the rest of the crew leave him alone with the tailors ‘advances.' Knowing he could easily with his left arm rip out the little mans throat still he suppressed the growing urge to do so as the tailors hands began their ‘measurements'.

Maybe Jon was right, the tailor could have useful information. After all most people, himself included, thought the more feminine of men not a threat and talked too much around them. As he followed the little tailor to the changing room he though to himself Oh Jon's going to owe me big time for this
Once inside the changing room JC slowly and somewhat nervously removed his poncho, unbuttoned his shirt, pulling it open to reveal a white tee formed to his muscular chest. The tailor nearly squealed as he watched the gunfighter disrobe, putting JC's nerves on end. Grabbing the little man by his arm with his right hand he made it plain he was not that way.

"If we're going to get through this we're going to have stay professional." JC growled and watched the tailor swallow hard and nod agreement.

JC hoped the tailor would love to gossip so to distract his mind from the little man's necessary touches to measure and fit him he started to ask the tailor about the wedding preparations and the type of folks on board. He asked if he'd heard about Steele's gun collections and if he'd brought any to show off. He

He made comment that he'd heard how Steele was always pursuing the ladies, and wondered if getting married would slow him down? JC in his time with the tailor kept feeding him questions in a casual sort of way trying not to raise suspicions. He worked the conversation to the wedding preparation and if he noticed any additional folks the wedding planner may have brought on board to help stage the wedding and where they might be housed short term? Using his position as body guard to Miss Lillianna he even asked if the tailor might know where any trouble makers might be kept?

Then he just let the tailor prattle on but noted the information hoping there would be anything worthwhile to pass it on the Jon....................

Grace tried to be patient, really she did. She sat by her cortex box and tried to wait. She even tried to dig out one of her many murder mystery books that she kept hidden in her room but she had not heard back from the Captain about the bug he was supposed to plant. Not even her favourite of the novels could distracted her from her nagging thoughts. What if the captain forgot to do it? What if he was captured?

Stick to the plan,stick to the plan,but what if-no,no,no! Stick to the plan!
The only problem with any plan is one actual has to follow them or have faith that the plan was actually going to work,Too bad that Grace had very little of the mentioned virtue, and replaced faith with para-er caution.

I have made more of the bugs, I could run out quickly, plug one in and run back, But what if Uncle Steel shows up,Mission first, save the fears for later,I won't bump into him, I won't bump into him
In her closet, Grace kept various outfits that were generic enough to pass as uniforms of repair people - the kind that no one looked at or even noticed on a ship. She quickly slipped into a suitable one for the liner, put on a cap to hide her red hair and grabbed a card left by Stephanie for her and Tess in case either of them wanted to go on the liner.

When she entered the cargo bay however, she almost ran into a man coming in at the same time. He was well dressed, older man and Grace recognized him instantly.

"Hello!" He said calmly, "I am Templeton Steele. I would like to speak to Lilianna Fairchild - my fiancé. Would you know where I could find her?"

ABORT MISSION! ABORT! PANIC! Grace froze like a deer caught in the head lights. Gorram it, this is why she wanted to hide in the damn ship!

"Erm," Grace squeaked before forcing herself to cough, trying to make herself breath "I don't know for certain, sir but I can get someone who might be able to help you."
As quickly as she could without raising suspicion, she darted to one of the ships cons, paging for Seth to come to the cargo bay.

(OOC. Assuming he shows up. Grace is going to wait for Seth to make Templeton go away and then go hide in her room. I was going to let her go explore but seeing her ‘Uncle Steel' has spooked Grace into hiding again.)