Hornsilver Mine - Old Shaft, Regina, Frisco, Day Nine 12:50 am Planet Time
Rocks were falling down the drift and the dust was beginning to swirl up like a wind storm in the desert. Wolf and Asher were both tired, wounded, and past the point of where the average person would have hung up their hats and gave in to death. But the words of the Captain, terse, strong and confident flooded through them like an energy and giving them the will to move on. They ran for the ladders, Asher making sure that Wolf was on first and heading up. He followed behind not thinking of what would happen if the big mechanic let go.

Whoever built this old shaft knew how to properly set a rigging into stone, because the ladders held firm. The two men looked up to the night sky above and concentrated on one rung at a time, as fast as they could but one rung at a time.



"Help me with Sam, please, Captain-san?" Willow asked.

“Wake her,” Wyatt crouched and gave Sam a slightly rough pat on the cheek causing the pilot’s eyes to flutter open. “Ya’all better come with me if’n ya want t’ live.”

Sam moaned, tried to wince, caught his breath in pain and blinked through the haze that was blocking his vision as he grasped his friend’s outstretched hand and was pulled to his feet.

“There’s a shaft out there that we’ll have t’ climb outta, and double time at that.” Wyatt briefly gave directions on how to reach the shaft before turning to the red-head Willow had just woken with her using an injection through her hypo-spray. Bending down, he looked her square in the eyes, She looked to be suffering and her eyes were jumping, but Wyatt didn’t know if that was fear or whatever Willow had given her – and he didn’t much care.

“Willow,” Wyatt said without removing his gaze from Brigit’s. “Go help Sam git topside as though yer skirts were on fire.” Once that order was given it was obvious the next bit was for Brigit as his tone took on an edge cold enough to rival the Dark. “Move wrong, and mine is the last pretty face you’ll ever see. Now git up, cause the world is about to fall in.”

Sam moved with an alacrity borne from fear and the need to survive. He ignored the pain in his face and practically carried Willow to the ladders and out of the this so called treasure room. The dust was billowing now as more rocks crashed to the floor and it sounded like very nearby. Timbers split with a thunderous cracks and bangs so loud it sounded like explosives,

Willow found the ladder up the shaft which was merciful close to the hatchway, Sam following close behind. She could see the night sky way above and it seemed like a terribly long way up but she was determined not to falter.

Brigit meekly followed Wyatt’s directions and they came out into dust, thunder and a cacophony of rocks hit rocks. Wyatt found the ladder, not by sight but somehow he knew exactly where to go and started climbing behind Brigit as fast as he could. All hell was breaking loose underneath them as they climbed and climbed up the shaft.

A loud pop noise came and for a couple of seconds the sound of the collapse drift was quiet, then the last timber resisting its surge gave way and the ground shook like a earthquake. The dust billowed high, straight up the shaft coving the rungs and party with dirt and powdery dust.

Wolf looked up and the top of the shaft seemed so far still. The dust made it hard for him to hold on and
His chest burned with fire, He coughed and coughed, finding it hard to draw a breath. I’m not gonna make it he thought. It seemed to him that there were light above him now and he wonder if this was it – that he should just go into the light and accept his fate.

Then a harness on the end of a rope slapped him across the face. A safety harness?! Wolf snapped out of it and realized that ropes were being thrown down. He grabbed at the harness and it beeped as he did. The straps unbuckle and moved on their own around his chest and waist. Suddenly he was being pulled up. It hurt like all hell but he didn’t have to hold on anymore and slipped into unconsciousness.

Asher spied the harnesses coming down as well and yelled out to the people below him. Soon everyone was rapidly coming up through the dust cloud to the surface. Willow, Wyatt and Brigit were all hauled up to safety.

On the surface, there were many people. Miners were there with a safety rig that they used to save the crew, with many strong flood lights attached to illuminate the area. Bowman was there as well, first to make sure that everyone got out alright. Bailey was holding n to Wolf and calling for Doc McGuire who was coming in as fast as his old legs would let him.

Brigit was lying on the ground covering her eyes and holding her head like she was recovering from an all night drinking binge. She curses wicked as she bemoaned how bad her head felt. Dac McGuire looked at her and then over at Willow and smile, “Pantelline? Remind me never to cross you Miss Willow.”

The dust settled and the doctor was calling out to people, “Okay, I want these men,” he said pointing at Wolf, Sam and Asher, “Brought to my place now! Gently too so no rough riding.” The Doctor looked over to Willow, “You feel up to helping? I’m just an old country doctor.”

Bowman walked over to where Brigit was retching in the grass. “Good day Miss Brigit. We haven’t been introduced. The name is Andrew Bowman and I am the new sheriff in town. I am also a close friend and relative by marriage to Captain Wyatt Sung. I believe you and I will have a lot to talk about so let me just say, you are now bound by law,” Andrew leaned down and roughly grabbed her wrists to slap a pair of handcuffs on her, “and now you are bound up right pretty. Now stay right there or I will have them lights brought down to shine directly on you. Dohn ma?”

Wyatt looked on and let himself breathe. He had got them all out. They would all fly again.

Truth be told, Wyatt could have cared less had Brigit followed them out. A part of him had already clumped her into the same category as the Alliance, the men who had ended his happy life before the War, and just slightly below Reavers. But, that didn’t mean that he’d dismissed her. His experience in the War had taught him that even in the worst of times people can take advantage of opportunities to rid themselves of obstacles or opponents, and he had no doubt that despite the fog that red-headed succubus was in, she was still coherent enough to know that she wasn’t about to get away with her actions should they all survive. In his mind, a desperate enough criminal would take whatever action they could to eliminate as many witnesses standing against them as possible. So, climbing quickly from the shuttle into the swirling black chaos, Wyatt Sung paid mind to where the schoolmarm was in relation to him, and the actions she was taking. That, in and of itself, was quite the challenge, but when the pitch black and the deafening noise was added to the equation, the captain was forced to rely on Fate and Luck.

Wuh de tyen, ah, Wyatt thought as he choked on dust and stumbled over debris that hadn’t been there the last time he’d traversed the shaft. Setting his jaw, the veteran of the Unification War pushed forward with grim determination. Ain’t no way me and mine is bein’ buried in this mudball. He stumbled often, and occasionally heard the voices of others ahead, or the whimper that escaped Brigit’s mouth as she found the same pitfall he’d just tripped over, but something in his subconscious was directing him, and his right hand had found the wall. It was with some relief that he felt the iron rail of the ladder finally embraced within his hand, and his boot settle on the lowest rung.

“Run-tse duh fwotzoo...” he breathed through clenched teeth as he began to truck his way up the ladder. He could hear Brigit’s boots clang below him confirming her ascent, and for a moment—the briefest of moments—he thought about pausing long enough to make sure justice was paid. But his wife’s voice echoed soothingly through his mind telling him he’d visited enough justice on people, and that it was time to move on from that role. That’s when the collapse of the shaft spit earthen spirits up after them in a blast of cool air that whipped Wyatt’s coat about him and took his hat right off his head. Closing his eyes and holding his breath against the onslaught, Sung breathed out another sigh of relief as the sudden rush of energy was displaced by silence. Coughing a bit as the drifting dust caught in his throat the captain looked up through squinting eyes. He could barely make out the silhouettes of people traversing the ladder above him confirming that at least some of his people had made it out.

Returning his focus to the climb, Wyatt made it up another fifteen to twenty rungs before finding his hat wedged between the ladder and the rough wall. “Shiny,” he muttered as he snatched it and placed it tightly back on his head. Not five rungs later and he caught sight of something floating through the settling drift towards him. At first he wondered if it was a net descending to catch them like fish in a barrel, but as it drew nearer he recognized a harness…an automatic harness that snaked its way about his chest and under his arms to snare him in its embrace and hoist him from the steel of the ladder with ease. Closing his eyes, Wyatt allowed the momentary respite to take over. He relaxed completely and allowed his chin to rest on his chest. He felt his muscles suddenly protest the tension he’d been keeping them under, and the base of his skull began to throb. As the lift began to slow, he lifted his head to the bright circular light beyond the shaft and said a silent prayer to Buddha in thanks.

The outstretched hands of townsfolk was accepted as they drew him to the side of the shaft and helped release the harness. Looking about, Wyatt muttered “Sheh-sheh,” to those about him as he placed the locations of his crew. The first person he saw was Bowman, and he gave his uncle a nod while taking in the badge he now wore. There’d be time for an explanation later, of that Wyatt was sure. Removing his hat, Wyatt slapped the dust from it as he took in Willow with the town doctor working on Fenris. Asher and Sam had joined up nearby looking a mess, the both of them. Wyatt caught the Kid’s eye and gave him a slight nod as he replaced his hat low over his eyes. The Kid had done good, and had survived another scrape while running with him. He’d definitely proven himself time and time again. Wyatt just wished there was some way to reward him that would be fitting. Then there was Sam looking like he’d ran face first into an on-coming train. He looked miserable, and frightened (though it wasn’t likely that others could see the fear as Wyatt could). Sung felt for his best-friend, and looked about for signs of any Alliance about more out of habit than anything else.

The declarations and clapping from the townsfolk nearby drew Wyatt’s attention from his crew to where they’d just pulled Brigit up. He watched with grim satisfaction as she fell to her knees upon being released from the harness and covered her head. Her previous costume of control and seduction was replaced with a string of vulgarity and cursing at how badly her head hurt. But sympathy was too far gone for her as far as Wyatt was concerned.

“Pantelline?” Doc McGuire observed with some amusement in his voice that caused Wyatt to look over at where he knelt by Wolf, and take in the appreciative smile he gave to Willow. “Remind me never to cross you Miss Willow.” Another part of the story Wyatt would have to learn more about.

“Okay, I want these men,” Doc McGuire said pointing at Wolf, Sam and Asher, “Brought to my place now! Gently too, so no rough riding.” The Doctor looked over to Willow, “You feel up to helping? I’m just an old country doctor.”

Wyatt turned to follow his crew just as Andrew approached Brigit and crouched down near where she was retching in the grass. “Good day Miss Brigit. We haven’t been introduced. The name is Andrew Bowman and I am the new sheriff in town. I am also a close friend and relative by marriage to Captain Wyatt Sung. I believe you and I will have a lot to talk about so let me just say, you are now bound by law,” Andrew leaned down and roughly grabbed her wrists to slap a pair of handcuffs on her, “and now you are bound up right pretty. Now stay right there or I will have them lights brought down to shine directly on you. Dohn ma?”

Taking one final look at Brigit’s crumpled form, now unceremoniously cuffed and wretched-looking, Wyatt took a deep breath in and let it out slowly. Somehow, by Buddha’s Grace, or a turn of luck Wyatt was sure he’d be paying for in the future, the whole crew had survived. It had been a wild ride, and change had dominated his ship: he’d miss Kora, and it looked as though Andrew had himself a new home as well. But, they were still flying, and that made it a good day. Dropping his gaze to the ground for a brief moment, Wyatt then looked up after those that was injured being loaded onto their means for transport to the Doc’s, and when he did so he was ever the picture of stoic intrepidness…dirty, dusty, even a little bloody, but there it was nonetheless.

Wyatt left the scene by the shaft without any more care as to what happened to Brigit. He followed the Doc and his crew to see them cared for. He’d worry later about how they’d afford to fuel Rocinante, and what job they’d pick up to fund their lives.

Hornsilver Mine - Old Shaft, Regina, Frisco, Day Nine 12:50 am Planet Time

The kid had grabbed up holstered his guns as he moved to Wolf and Wyatt’s side. The adrenaline had run out and Doc’s pain killers were fading. Asher was ready to collapse as fast as the mine. When Wyatt looked to the kid, grapping his shoulder and said,, "Git Wolf topside now." it was as if Miss willow had given him a shot. Wyatt had been a father figure to Asher and just voice was enough to steel him again.

Ash got Wolf to his feet and hustled him to ladder. The was gentle but firm, Wyatt said move so they moved. Getting Wolf topside was now his orders so it would happen even if he had to carry the mechanic on his should. The pain and fatigue racked the young gunslinger, but he was on a “mission from Wyatt”. His mind focus on moving Wolf to safety.

Wolf started up the ladder and Ash followed close behind. If he had had the energy to spare he might of laughed at the thought of “close behind”. The dust billowed up making breathing difficult. Ash was staying close enough so if his companion faltered he could pin him to ladder until they could continue. Wolf was slowing and the kid could tell they’d be lucky if he had the strength to make to the top. Ash wasn’t sure if he could push Wolf when he was the harness come down and close around Fenris. The life line went taint and Wolf was drawn to the surface. More lines came down and soon Ash too was crawling out the to the sight of most of the town gathered around to help pull him and the others to safety. Ash just guessed that Andrew must have spread the word that Wyatt was there to bring Pearson and Miss Bridget to justice.

Doc McGuire was there and Ash directed him the Wolf, the big man needed help more than him. The other emerged from the old mine shaft, Sam came out and worst for wear too. Ash motioned him over to Doc, the three rested while they waited their turn for the healers touch.

When Wyatt and Miss Bridget exited last the school marm collapsed holding her head. The Doc gave her a quick check and then smiled at Miss Willow. “Pantelline? Remind me never to cross you Miss Willow.”

Pointing at Wolf, Sam and Asher the doctor was calling out to people, “Okay, I want these men brought to my place now! Gently too so no rough riding.” The Doctor looked over to Willow, “You feel up to helping? I’m just an old country doctor.”

As the people moved to help Wolf and Sam to the mule for the trip back to Doc’s Asher felt hands lift him and a chorus of female voices saying ,”We’ll see to it this one gets there safely”. To Asher's delight Ernestina May and the three sisters were now ushering him to their land rover.

A blur of time, the Captain yelling, Asher shouting, daylight, pain, darkness...............

There is a rapid succession of three pop noises, water balloons cool must be his birthday, birthday, Mommy how old am I today. Wolf grunts loudly as the first bullet hits him, then a second and third all clustered to the chest, painful, falling, ok bed time. The shots came from the darkness of the drift, and from the same darkness comes a cold laughter

"Sorry Talhone, but your friend there doesn't seem to understand that this shaft is unstable. Couldn’t have him shoot off that shotgun again." The boogie man’s voice comes out of gloom.
Eyes open yet sleepy, pain dulled yet still there, hard to stay awake, Asher in wheel chair, Cap’n Wyatt talking to Willow, Sam all bandaged look like film mummy (giggle), Trish, beautiful Trish, all family, all in room. Asher turning to look at him from foot of the bed at sound of giggle.

“Cap’n, Willow, everyone, he’s awake”
Darkness once more...........

Steadying himself on the captain, helping line up the boogie man in the flames, end of the drift. Gun shooting, bullets hit him, boogie man jerking, dancing, falling down. London bridge is falling down, falling down, falling down. Ha ha killed you, killed you!!
A second past, no more boogie man, but boogey man jerk back up, inhuman, rifle in hand. Run, run boogie man no dead!
Eyes open once again, still very sleepy, room quiet, dark, dulled pain, chest hurt, hard to move, where am I??, where am I?? Doc‘s?? Momentary panic, a hand on his head, hand towel with ice, cold, an older man’s voice.

“It’s ok Wolf, your safe, it’s ok”

Heartbeat slowing, voice sounds good, nice, calms him, relaxing, Darkness...............

BLAMMM Asher shooting boogie man, no not boogie man, sheriff, name what is sheriff’s name, tip of tongue, first shot taking off the Sheriff's ear ha ha, dust get you, no Asher, not dust, Asher, friend.

BLAMMM The second through Pearson, yes Pearson, Sheriff, no boogie man’s throat and out the back. Dead man, dead man yes.

BLAMMM NO!! Pearson stood up again, nightmare, nightmare, this can’t be real
Eyes open once more, not so tired, daylight in room, person in room, older man, familiar.

“Doc??”
“Ahh Mr. Apollo I see your more awake today, how do you feel”
“Like I got punched three times by a girlfriend during a very painful delivery of a tenth month old baby. What happened to me”
“Before I answer that drink this and take these” Doc McGuire said as he handed Wolf a glass of water and a pair of white and blue colored pills.

“Well Fenris first of all you took three bullets to the chest which penetrated your ballistic vest to rip into your upper body. Lucky for you that you were wearing that vest as it saved your life.”
“Ahh Doc it sure as tyen shiao duh did not stop three bullets from kicking my ass”
“Well that’s true however the vest helped stop the force of the bullets impact. You see most of the time depending on what area of the body a bullet strikes, excluding the head of course, it’s not the bullet that kills you it’s the kinetic force as the bullet strikes the body that can cause massive hemorrhaging, throw you into shock, and cause you to quickly bleed out and die. As Pearson was using a high powered sniper weapon the force of three bullets all hitting at the same time should have killed you on the spot”
“No s***??”
“No S***, lucky for you that he was so confident of his weapon and skill with it that he did not take into account the possibility of you wearing a vest. Being an over confident Liou koe shway duh biao-tze huh hoe-tze duh bun ur-tze, he took it for granted you were dead. He could have easily sent a fourth or fifth round into you to finish the job the first three started and very well killed you then”
“You know Doc I been around weapons a long time but I never knew that. So is he dead,... Pearson?” A yawn from Wolf and a sleepy feeling coming over him quickly told him he would be soon asleep once more. Doc McGuire clearly having slipped Wolf a micky.

“Yes Fenris, Pearson is dead“
Wolf’s eyes to him were starting to feel like lead ever getting heavier. Fighting it Wolf had to know, had to stay awake long enough to ask the most important question.

“Doc one more thing, did we all make it, are my friends ok”
“Yes son they are all ok. Banged up, but not as banged up as you, but ok. Now sleep, you need your rest”
Eyes closed, sleeping, no bad dreams...........

"Help me with Sam, please, Captain-san?" Willow asked.

“Wake her,” Wyatt responded simply before crouching beside Sam, leaving Brigit to Willow.

The doctor looked down at her patient, considering. The slumbering woman had caused the deaths of a number of people, and decimated a town for the sake of money. She lied, and cheated, and stole for the sake of her own base wants, and now she lay at Willow's feet. So much pain, so much suffering caused by the one woman, who, if left to her own devices, would cheerfully do so again.

Willow sank to her knees beside Brigit and watched her breathe, her chest rising and falling with each life sustaining action. The toxin Willow had used on the chess piece was harmless enough; a potent synthetic version of melatonin, it would drop a bull elephant in full charge into instant slumber. It was Willow's only protection, her only weapon, and she'd only ever needed it twice before now. It would wear off in time, the sleeper's body metabolizing it over time, and there would be no ill effects.

"That doesn't seem fair, does it Brigit?" Willow murmured softly, and she closed her eyes, thinking briefly of the elderly Tong who'd shown her only kindness. He was dead, and Brigit lived. WIllow opened her doctor's kit and considered her options. The vials blurred before her and she realized she was crying.

"This is silly, you have only one choice," she told herself firmly, and reached decisively for a particular vial. She checked the label carefully, though the black border and red lettering were clear enough, and slammed it home into the hypospray, breaking the seal on the vial. She took a deep breath and held the hypospray to Brigit's neck, pressing the injector firmly.

Brigit's eyes flew open immediately and her mouth opened in a soundless scream as her entire body went rigid, the powerful stimulant setting her heart to racing and every nerve screaming. Adrenaline coursed through the redhead's body, but her muscles were locked tight, so all she could do was quiver and shudder in her body's electrical and chemical storm. The effect was brief, however, so by the time Wyatt looked up from Sam, Brigit was painfully sitting up, wretching and holding her head.

"Oh good, you're awake," Willow purred. "Sometimes that dose kills the patient instead of waking them. You must have a strong heart. It's clearly not a good one. It was that or leave you here, and my vows wouldn't allow that. Just remember," Willow leaned in close, her jade eyes glowing with anger," I have another shot left, and if you so much as twitch the wrong way on the way out, we'll find out how the same dose affects a patient when awake. Always wanted to publish a medical paper."

Willow,” Wyatt said without removing his gaze from Brigit’s. “Go help Sam git topside as though yer skirts were on fire."

"Of course, Captain-san. Oh, Sam, my love, why must you stop moving objects with your body? We must teach you to dodge better. "

Willow and Sam made their way into the shaft, and it was hard to tell who was carrying who. Sam was woozy from the pain and possible concussion, but Willow's skirt hardly allowed for swift movement, so finally the pilot swooped the doctor into his arms and made a dash for it.

The ladder out of the dust and dark and noise seemed to rise into the heavens themselves, but at long last they were free of the shaft and into the cool night air. Willow tried to breathe in it's coolness, but the hard climb and the dust in her lungs were too much and she doubled over briefly in a fit of coughing. When she recovered, she was surrounded by townspeople and miners helping her friends out of the shaft, Bowman coordinating the efforts and Doc McGuire checking everyone over.

He took one look at Brigit's pale, sweaty face and her dilated pupils and turned to look up at Willow with a slow smile. "Pantelline? Remind me to never cross you, Miss Willow."

Willow shrugged. " It was that or suffocation in the dark. I'll live with my choice. I'll admit that I don't mind that she'll feel like she was kicked in the heart for a while," and her own glorious simile returned.

“Okay, I want these men,” he said pointing at Wolf, Sam and Asher, “Brought to my place now! Gently too so no rough riding.” The Doctor looked over to Willow, “You feel up to helping? I’m just an old country doctor.”

"I'd like nothing else, Doctor," Willow dimpled, grabbing her bag and hurrying to follow the men loading her boys into vehicles for the slow trip into town.

Regina, Frisco, Day Nine, 1:00 am Planet Time
Wyatt Sung sat beside Andrew Bowman as they sped across town towards Rocinante. Three of his crew were being looked after by the doctors and right now, Wyatt was worried about the one he left behind.

"If you even have a ship to go to Captain."
Brigit had hissed that at him and laughed as she was being lead away to the remains of the jail and something in her voice and the laugh chilled him to the bones. So as soon as Bowman could hand her off to some boys he trusted, they had grabbed the mule and headed out.

It was the first that Wyatt had the chance to see the damage done to the town that night. Road torn up by the flipped hover mule, the jail was missing it's roof - all and all it was pretty dramatic but he wasn't really focused on that right now.

They got over the ridge and pass the rail station to see the Port authority building and the landing pads. Rocinante was there, but there seemed to be something outside of its hatch, a pile of some sorts. As they got closer and the lights of the mule illuminated the scene, it became clear it was a pile of bodies.
Wyatt was out of the mule before it fully stopped and ran over, hoping he wouldn't recognize anyone in the pile. There were four of them, all men and all very dead. Attached to the shirt of the one on top was a note, written in Trish's handwriting like the captain had seen so many times in grocery lists.

"What happens to Ship-Jumpers"

As he looked over the bodies, the hatchway opened up and he turned to see Ma standing there, Pink Shotgun in hand and her hood up over her face. She was not injured in anyway and she came down the ramp as quick as she could to hug Wyatt. After a few moments embraced she pulled back and looked at Wyatt. There was a question in her eyes, one that needed no note to say.

(assuming a response of everyone is okay. Everyone made it)

She hugged Wyatt again and the Captain allowed himself to breathe a soothing breath of relaxation. Brigit never saw Trish, and therefore underestimate what it would take to steal the ship. Mentally he added another thing to his list of crimes against his own that school Marm had committed.

Regina, Frisco, Day Nine, 2:00 am Planet Time
All three patients were resting well in the doctor's surgery. They would all recover and be right as rain soon but Willow was glad that Doc McGuire had such a well cared for operating room. Wolf had been a mess but lucky that no internal organs had been hit. Willow massaged her arm where she had been hit and stepped outside for some fresh air. The night air was cool and clean with only a slight smell of burned wood from the town. So much damage and destruction.

"Good Evening Miss Willow. Am I correct in assuming that all your companions made it out of the mine alive?"

Willow started at the unexpected voice in the dark and then a man in black stepped into the light of the porch. It was Lau Tsu. He looked at her with concern but a smile, as if knowing she was okay was all he needed.

(Gonna let Willow continue this encounter)

Regina, Frisco, Day Nine 7:30 am Planet Time
"Sheriff Bowman? You better come to the bank."

Andrew had yet to get to sleep that night between caring for his new charge of a town and his other family as well, the crew of the he had just arrived to the jailhouse to see Brigit locked in the one intact jail cell. It didn't have a complete roof over it, so someone had put a chain around her ankle as well so she couldn't climb out. Despite the long night, Bowman didn't really feel tired yet, but more ... complete than he had for many years.

"What's up?" Andrew asked.

"You better come see," said the young man.

At the bank, Andrew walked through the doorway and was lead into the back near the vault. There, lying on the floor, with vacant eyes staring off to space was Nora Blake. Andrew looked to the man who shook his head and then crouched down to look closely at her. She was dead, but he had no idea why. There wasn't a mark on her physically although he could see that she had been crying a lot before she died. Beside her was a shotgun, and he remembered that Wolf had said he had met her last night and she wanted to be take to Jimmy. Although he knew, Andrew checked to gun and it was loaded but not fired.

``Go get the Doc. He can't help her now but maybe he can figure out what happened."

Regina, Frisco, Day Ten, Planet Time
Wolf, Sam and Asher were up and about now, although the Doctor warned them frequently about doing anything foolish like jumping off building or destroying old mine shafts. Not that he expected them to listen.

A celebration was held during the day and evening for the Heroes of Hornsilver. It was a joyous occasion but a quiet one out of respect for those who died and those who had lost friends. But there was a reason to celebrate with a new sheriff, the embargo lifted and the mine to be reopened soon.

Bowman send a wave to Sheriff Arness of Newhouse and lets him know about the death of Pearson and the Blakes. Needless to say the news that his former jailbird is now a lawman, that his hopeful cash payout from the Blakes to release their son was not coming, and that JW McClarrin was calling the council back to Newhouse to review his term as sheriff immediately - did not sit well with Arness. He was quite angry in fact when Bowman ended the wave. (More on this later)

Regina, Frisco, Day Twelve, Planet Time
With everyone now back to working order and the doctor clearing all to fly, Captain Wyatt is eager to put this planet behind him and get somewhere where he can get the ships fixed and the jobs flowing. Bailey, JW and some of the townfolks come out to see you off. JW pulls Wyatt aside before he sets off.

"Listen Captain, we owe you a world of gratitude for what you did for us. I took the liberty of having your boat fueled up on my account. But as I was going through my affairs last night I found something that Brigit left behind, I guess she assumed I wouldn't find it. Anyway it was an account with a fair amount of credits in it, no doubt stolen. Now I gave most of it to the Tong to rebuild their temple, and held some to fix the jailhouse. But the rest, I transferred to the account you gave the bank. So if you look there, there be 3000 credits. Should help pay for some repairs and fueling when time are lean."

After many goodbyes, a number of gifts of homemade pies, and having to tear Asher away from triplet girls that were very sad to see him go, Rocinante takes to the sky, leaving Regina behind them.

Three Days Later
Wyatt wakes up in the middle of the night to an urgent wave. It is Bowman.

"Wyatt! She's gone. Brigit! A bunch of alliance soldiers came here with paperwork and a high up muckied-up and said they had priors and presence and jurisdiction. JW checked it over and there was nothing we could do. they took her from us. My gut is telling me that you might not have seen the last of her!"


Three Months Later, Beaumonde
Wyatt woke up in his bunk with a bad feeling in his gut. Yesterday, when they were out in the market buying stuff for the ship, Sam started and was acting all twitchy. Even more twitchy than he usually did.
By the time they got back to the ship, he was acting fine but something was bothering him and Wyatt knew it.

So why the bad feeling....

He got up and went up the ladder to the topside. No one was in the cockpit, but they were on land so that wasn't unusual. He walked down the hallway towards the galley. There, Trish was up, sitting at the table with her head down. Her shoulders shook slightly and Wyatt realized she was crying. No sound could escape the damage caused by surgeons so long ago and no tears from burned tearducts - but she was crying none the same.

He came to her and put a hand on her shoulder. She looked at him through the darken hood and handed him a note.

Wyatt,

This isn’t the easiest thing I’ve ever written – not that I write much, anyway – and, I thought more than once about writing it at all… Hell, it’s been my way for a long time to just up and leave without a word spoke or even so much as a look back. Safer, quicker, and more painless that way, get me? Thing is, all them other times, all them other places and folk I set in my wake, I knew none of them was meant to last or to mean much, anyway, so it weren’t a chore at all to just up and go… truth be told, puhn yoh, I conjure it was supposed to be that way with you, too. Supposed to just be Sam Dash, driving the boat til driving the boat weren’t the thing to do anymore, then off Sam goes to… well… wherever. Thing is, you made a friend of me, Wyatt… A friend, honest and true. You know things about me that ain’t but two or three other folk in the whole ruttin’ Verse knows and, still yet, you and me come to an understanding that I ain’t come to with none other… and, maybe brother’s more fitting in this situation… Tah mah duh, I’m startin’ to sound like Will with her flowery love poems and such! Anyway, I know as you know what I’m getting at, here, so I’ll just let it go at that… kinda the way I always have… and say what I was aiming to say when I first started writing this mi tian gohn.

It’s time for me to get off this boat, puhn yoh. I been here longer than’s safe for any of us, puhn yoh, and the longer I stay, the worse it’s bound to get. I ain’t worried so much for myself, neither, as I am for you and yours (ain’t that a kick in the nethers)… I reckon it didn’t really occur to me just how close things were getting til this last run, really… We brushed up against the Alliance some, and you know how I get with that – Made me a mite skittish and I should’ve knowed then as it was time to go. Friendly as we are and comfortable as I’ve got driving Rocinante for you these last couple years, though, I talked myself into brushing it off as my standard twitchiness – but, when that meh lien duh jyah jee (shameless hussy) Brigit made like she knew more’n she should about me, that was the cincher… that’s when I knowed better’n to have believed that I’d be driving Roc forever or that I could ever stop running from who and what I was, get me? Weren’t never my aim to hurt you, Wyatt, or none of the rest as I’ve come to think of as my family on this boat, but, if I stay, I fear that’s like to happen sooner more than later. Best way to keep all of you out of trouble that ain’t yours, I cotton, is to put as much space between me and the rest of you as can be put. And, the easiest way to get that done without the chance of you talking me out of it is to slip out whilst the rest of you are sleeping. I’m sorry.

I’d consider it a kindness if you’d pass my warm fuzzies on to the rest. Tell Ma that I’ll miss her cooking and I’ll be thinking about her every time I hit the bunk and pull that blanket she knitted for me over my toes. Tell Asher that I’m right sorry I pilfered his guns – ain’t like the Kid needed all of them anyway – and that, maybe, some day, I’ll figure out a way to make up for it. Give Miss Will a kiss for me and let her know that I truly appreciate everything she ever done to keep me out of trouble… and for pretending not to notice when I was ogling her doing her yoga and s#!t. Ha Ha. See what you can do about keeping Wolf aboard as long as he’ll cotton to it. Rutter’s tough as nails and can sure take care of his own self, no doubt, but the big galoot’s deserving of a proper home and folk like you to keep watch over him when that chip on his shoulder starts to tip one way or the other.

I reckon that’s it, puhn yoh. I keep writing and somebody’s like to wake up and keep me from sneaking out.

You got yourself a good crew, here, Cap, and I don’t figure you’ll have much problem finding someone to replace a wu ming shao jwu (nobody) like me. Hell, mebbe you’ll even get to drive your own damn boat for a spell, huh?

Thanks, again, for everything, Wyungsung. Hope to meet up with you again someday when things ain’t so tight in the sky. Til then, though, you keep flying, brother.

-Sam
He read the note once and then again, as if somehow its contents were going to change with a second reading. He held tight to a crying mother bereft of her child and wondered what to do. From Asher`s bunk came the kid`s outcry of disbelief and rage as he woke up and realized that someone (SAM DASH!!!! YOU ....) had stolen a bunch of his stuff. Soon, Wyatt would have to break the news to all the crew so he slowly reached for the ship`s intercom.

OOC: At a glance, Asher can see Sam took: the JC39 Assault Rifle/Shotgun (and associated ammo), a box each of smoke and flashbang grenades, one of the PK 12 Peacekeepers and the Colt .22 (along with associated ammo).

More to come on the datadisk, Jimmy Blake and Sheriff Arness in Newhouse but I need a break.

Sometimes it seemed to Wyatt as though life in the Black hung caught between segments of Time unable, or unwilling, to progress. At other times the strenuous requirements to meet a schedule, come in under cost, or deal with the unexpected Fate tossed their way, sped Time as though it were a canyon run with the Alliance hot on its heels. Captain Sung currently felt caught in the middle, living in memory.

He stood behind the pilot's seat in the cockpit of Rocinante, Sam's farewell note clenched in his white-knuckled fist. His pale blue eyes stared through the windows, but we're turned towards the memories that played recklessly through his head. The muscles in his jaw clenched and unclenched as thoughts of the first time he and Sam had met took center stage. The cocky pilot and the no nonsense drunk, duking it out in a release of anger, misunderstanding, and bonding experience that led to the closest friendship Wyatt Sung had experienced since his wife. Sam had been right: they were more brothers than just friends, and Sam Dash's impromptu and unceremonious exit from Wyatt's life reopened old wounds the like of which he hadn't felt since the murder of his family. That was why there was a dryness to his mouth; an ache inside that cried out to be dulled--to be burnt from his body by the liquid fire he'd indulged in when he and Sam had first met. His grip on the cool metal of the pilot seat's back rest tightened and he took a deep breath.

He'd already heard Asher's righteous call of indignation at the discovery of Sam's theft, and the explosion from the Kid's quarters had likely awakened the rest of the crew. Wyatt looked back down the hall towards the galley where Wyatt had left Trish with a gentle squeeze of her hand. The crew would need to know what had happened--they'd want to know why, and deserved to know as well. But Sung couldn't give them the answers they'd be looking for. It wasn't his place to share Sam's past with others. He figured Dash told those he wanted to know and that was that. Furthermore, Wyatt had responsibilities to the crew to get Roc flying with contracts in hand and the cargo bay full, or expecting. He couldn't afford to sit in sorrow over the departure of his brother...at least not in front of the crew.

Taking another deep breath he shoved the note into his pocket and picked up the intercom mic for the second time; having been overwhelmed by the emotions surging within him to make the necessary announcement from the galley. Pressing the button, he paused for a moment with the mic near his lips. He had nothing concocted, and there was no magic in presenting the situation. So, he did what usually worked well for him: he told it how it was.

"This is your captain," his ghostly gray eyes drifted once more out the window to the city beyond. "Sam Dash has tendered his resignation and will no longer be flying with us. It was a difficult decision for him, an' he wishes all of you his best. He had some fond nonsense t' pass on t' each of ya; which if yer so inclined t' hear I'll share it with you in a more confidential setting later.

"Meanwhile, this leaves us short a pilot and a job. So, git yer gear together an' git about yer day people. We got work t' do in order t' get back into the Black. I want to burn atmo as soon as possible."

The mic went back into its hook, and Wyatt turned the pilot's chair about to sink into it. Placing his already worn hat on the console where Sam had kept his pin ups, Wyatt ran his left hand through his black hair and closed his eyes.

"There's credits in the bank, the tanks are full, the crews been paid, an' we're still flyin'," he mumbled with his eyes still closed and his hand gripping the hair at the back of his head. "We're still flyin'..."

After a couple of minutes, and once he heard the clatter of boots on the grating in the corridors outside the crew quarters, Wyatt rose to his feet, replaced his hat low over his brow, slung his brown coat about his shoulders and strode towards the cargo bay. Kora, Sam, even Andrew...they were still part of his crew--his family--it didn't matter where they were. They weren't dead, so he wouldn't mourn them. He climbed the stairs to the cargo bay and determined to get right on with things. By the time he join the rest of the crew to give directions concerning assignments, he was solid in his convictions. The emptiness and loss he felt at Sam's leaving was stores neatly away in the same place he kept Eden's and Summer's. The rest of the 'Verse wasn't welcome there--couldn't find it, and that's the way it would stay.

"All right people," Wyatt tugged on his gloves as he surveyed what was left of his crew. "Let's be about this day. Willow, you're with me. We're looking' fer work, an' a new pilot. Got some ideas where t' go, so I don' fancy we'll be out too long. Let Wolf know what supplies you need fer the infirmary if anything. Wolf, you an' Asher git with Ma an' see what stocking' up we need. If'n we can take on guests, I'll be right happy t' do so. Let's move."

Regina, Frisco, Day Ten, Planet Time
When Doc McGuire had finally let them leave Ash was so worried that Trish wouldn’t forgive him for staying behind. He was really glad to get on the Roc, he knew it was a mistake to ever leave. His heart hurt cuze it was pounding so hard when walked up the gangway. When he emerged into the cargo bay there stood Trish. Asher hung his head, Ma smiled and touched his face when he came back on board. That was enough, she’d forgiven him.
Three Months Later, Beaumonde:

Asher had gotten back into the routine of things on board. He’d been waitin for something, so when he woke and found some his guns and gear missing; he knew it was Sam. Sam had always taken his time when it came to his tricks. The kid thought he’d have to spend weeks searching the boat to find where Sam had hid his gear.

Storming out of his room and headed for Sam’s he shouted, “SAM DASH you Feh Feh Pi Goh! (Baboon’s ass crack)

Ghuh-Ghuh, (Big brother )I’m gonna get my stuff back.

He jerked to stop when he heard the Capt’n’s voice over the intercom.

"This is your captain,….. Sam Dash has tendered his resignation and will no longer be flying with us. It was a difficult decision for him, an' he wishes all of you his best. He had some fond nonsense t' pass on t' each of ya; which if yer so inclined t' hear I'll share it with you in a more confidential setting later. ….Meanwhile, this leaves us short a pilot and a job. So, git yer gear together an' git about yer day people. We got work t' do in order t' get back into the Black. I want to burn atmo as soon as possible."
Ash backed to wall, slid down to sit in the corridor. Sam had been like his older brothers, teasing and tormenting, but always there when it counted. Now he was gone. Well, he’d left too, he should have known it would never be the same.

Hanging his head all he could say was, “Aw Sam…………”
The kid slowly got up and made his way back to his room.

Beylix, Newhouse, Sheriff Office
Sheriff Arness disconnected the transmission and slam the vid screen down hard. "Damn it!" he yelled loudly, "I knew I should have shot that man when I first saw him."

Deputy Weaver was over by the cells talking to Jimmy, offering him a drink and some condolences, "Listen I am really sorry about your parents Mr. Blake. I hate to see it when the world of luck turns against a man. Let me talk to teh sheriff in a bit and I ..."

"Oh don't both Weaver! I am sure Jimmy boy doesn't want to hear it from the likes of us, isn't that right boy?"

Jimmy looked up from his cot, his eyes still partially blacken by the beating that the sheriff gave him a week ago. "Whatever. You really think you can hurt me anymore Sheriff?" he sniffed dismissively, "Deputy Weaver, thank you. I appreciate your decency"

"Yes yes yes, very decent our man weaver. Be a decent fella now," the sheriff drawled as he drew out his pistol. "Be so decent as to unlock the cell."

"Unlock the prisoners sir?"

"Yes. Quick as a bunny. Time for Jimmy to escape."

"Oh!" Weaver smiled, "So you 'll let him go so he can bury his family. I knew you'd ... "

"No so I can shot him repeated as he escapes. If I can't get money from him, I might as well enjoy myself."

Jimmy started and moved away from the cell door. Weaver stepped in front of the jail cell and put his hand out at the Sheriff, "Now now Sheriff. You don't want do that."

"Oh yes I do. get out of the way."

"Come on Sheriff."

"Weaver that was an order."

"you'll have to kill me first sir."

"Okay then." And the sheriff cocked the hammer back and pointed his gun at Weaver with no remorse or hesitation. But before he could shoot, the door behind him opened and Miss Ellie came into the office, with a tray full of what she passed off as food.

"Howdy all!" She said as she turned around, her eye going big as she saw the gun, "I made Beef stew with ...um...umm. What's going on?"

The sheriff smiled. Not a nice smile of seeing a friend but a hungry, cruel smile of someone who decided he wanted something and was gonna take it. "Miss Ellie! Put down that slop and get ready to start paying interest!"

Fear engulfed her eyes, "What? No! We agreed..."

The sheriff was on her in a heartbeat, grabbing her by the hair and pushing her face down on his desk. He laughed pleasantly as he held her down and shouted, "No it is payback time and I am going to enjoy this!" He pulled at her dress as she struggled helplessly. "Weaver. go stand outside and make sure we aren't disturbed."

"No! Sheriff Stop!" Weaver cried out.

"LET me go!"

"Now Weaver! "

<>BLAM
BLAM
BLAM
BLAM
BLAM
BLAM click...click

Sheriff Arness never really knew what hit him as he took the first shot through the head and the rest into his chest. He was dead long before he hit the ground. The deputy stared down at the gun in his hand and could not for the life of him remember drawing or firing but he had.

"Oh my Buddha. You shot the sheriff." Jimmy said from the cell.

Miss Ellie was crying and screaming. The deputy dropped the gun and ran to her to hold her tight and tell her that everything would be okay. that she was safe and Arness would never bother her again.

People came running to the gunfire in the sheriff's station. The was an initial shock and disbelief but Jimmy was not surprised to see that no one really was saddened by the loss of the sheriff. Once the story got out of what happened, then people started talking about the mean and nasty deeds of the sheriff and how he was a money stealing woman grabbing Kuh Wu Jwei Gai Won Se. the deputy confessed to the crime but no one was accepting any of it as he acted to save the lady.

Soon it was agreed that the sheriff be buried, and Weaver would be the new sheriff. Weaver admitted that he could not read or write so he couldn't be the sheriff but Miss Ellie volunteered to help him with paperwork until the town folks could find some deputies for him.

It was late at night when the new sheriff got a chance to deal with Jimmy. He unlocked the cell. "Listen Son, you are free to go. truth is, I never finished the paperwork anyway. Go, do what you have to do."

"Thank you deputy. Sorry. Sheriff."

"Oh don't worry. I ain't to used to it either."

"Listen, I believe the sheriff was wearing my suit when you ...umm..."

"Huh? Oh right. Shoot! You can't run around in those orange overalls. Listen, he kept a few suits and sundries in the closet over there - help yourself. Obviously you were close in size"

"Thanks, and my gun? Dangerous world out there."

"Oh yeah! I'll get your personal effects. they are in the back so go ahead and get changed."

Jimmy walked over to the closet and drew out a nice shirt, vest and pants and slipped them on. As he did, he watched for Weaver to come back. In the few moments alone he helped himself to some items in the sheriff's desk and then closed the drawer.

"Here you go," Weaver came back in and handed him a large manilla envelope. He found his gun, the magazine for it, and his wallet - now empty of cash. "Sorry about the money but Arness spent it all" he said apologetically and then handed Jimmy Two $20 credits. "Least I could do."

Jimmy smiled, "You are truly the most decent man on this planet."

"Well, we shall see about that."

Jimmy left the sheriff station a free man. He thought of going home but what was the point? Mom and Dad were dead, the funds were lost to him and he was on his own in a strange world. Once he would have been frightened but right now, he never had such a clear path before him.

He wandered towards the docks, but to the more expensive hotels that cater to travellers that have to stop over. The saloon was going full tilt and it wasn't long before he found who he was looking for - a man with cash and not much sense. He followed the man as he strolled outside for a smoke and pinned the sheriff's badge on his own vest as he approached.

"Excuse me sir?" Jimmy said

The man turned around nervously but saw the badge and relaxed, "Yes Sheriff. You are awfully young for a sheriff aren't you?"

"Yes, but I am a fast study. Would you mind following me sir? it is a matter of some urgency and I need your help."

"Of course. How can I help a fine lawman like yourself." he asked following Jimmy into the back alley.

"It seems that this gun has too many bullets." Jimmy said plainly and drew his gun out.

PFFT
PFFT
The newtech gun was as silent as the ads promised. The delivery of the shots to the man's face and body was like a whisper and the dead man dropped quickly. Jimmy drew out the man's wallet, grabbed the credits and returned the billfold to the dead man. He put the cash into his own pocket, removed the badge and then calmly walked across town to another saloon. A cheap looking joint that offered the baser comfort in life.

"What can I get ya?" The barkeep

" A room and a woman to go with it. Your best of both if you don't mind." Jimmy laid down a 100 credit note on the table.

"Whoa! For that you can have Bella for the entire night."

"How much forever?" Jimmy put down another two of the same bills.

"Come again?"

"How much to own Bella?"

"Hey now, she is my best ..." the barkeeper watched as Jimmy put down two more. "Bella! Come here"

A buxom brunette who was still in her youth and had an energy about her came over. "What is up?"

"This man just bought your contract. You are working for him now."

Bella looked Jimmy over and smiled prettily, "Well you aren't hard on the eyes honey."

Jimmy smiled and lead her up to the room. There he looked he over and nodded with approval. "Yes you will do fine."

"You got plans for me Honey?"

Oh yes. But first two things. One, call me James. The other is you, are now Willow. Bella was your old life, and we are starting anew. Beyond that, do whatever I ask and we will be just fine."

The datadisk is old and scratched but it runs well enough. The holographic image is projected of a older man, balding, gray moustache and a dirty burned uniform of an independence officer.

"This is Colonel Maddoc of the Lucius Newberry. This will likely be my final log as we are hit badly and going down fast towards Regina." The image wavers slightly as what appears to be a console behind him bursts into flames. Then the image comes back, " ... it's a trap, it's a trap, it's a trap, it's a trap" the feed gets stuck in a loop until Wolf slps the player with the side of his hand. "The money is tainted with a biological weapon. Them purple belly ...BZZT... the whole gorram thing so we thought we stole gold from them to finance our war effort but they wanted us to get it and pass it around. The disease would have killed everyone who touched it and them spread to our home worlds. BZZZZZZZT"

The image is lost for a few seconds and then Maddoc appears again. He is looking off screen, talking with someone who must be behind the holographic recorder.

"...want you to take Benny and take the shuttle. The three of us are gonna try to crash it down near that old plated out mine. You and Benny - you make sure no one finds this platinum - ya hear me! No one! Lock it up because burning or melting won't work. It will kill ...well. it will kill more than I want to imagine. Do you understand Lau? BZZZZZZZZZT"

The image stops. The power for the recorder must have cut off at that point. There are files on the disk that come up as directories. Files with a medical breakdown of the disease which is a cross between the common cold and ebola, engineered to mutate every two weeks so a cure cannot easily be created. If the paltimun was melted down, it would release in a vapour form and become more powerful. Washed off and it contaiminates the water supply. Unfortunately, without the platinum as proof, without hard evidence, this can never be proven. It could just be an old record and the ravings of a mad colonel just before he died.

Regina, Frisco, Day Nine, 2:00 am Planet Time

The cool night air was a benediction, a gift of sweetness after the coppery smell of blood and the glare of surgical lights. Willow and the doctor had worked together well, conferring on options and priorities, and soon enough each of the men had their injuries stitched, patched, straightened and otherwise put back as near perfect as medical skill could manage.

The task had absorbed Willow as it always would, the precision, dexterity and concentration of medicine thrilling her as she used her hands to help her friends. She was even able to pick up a few tips from Doc McGuire, his practiced hands efficient and steady.

But now she was weary, the endless day pulling at her. She stretched carefully and thoroughly, rubbing at her bruised forearm when a voice spoke from the shadows.

"Good Evening Miss Willow. Am I correct in assuming that all your companions made it out of the mine alive?" Lau Tsu stepped into the light, his face transforming from concern to relief as he saw for himself that she was unharmed.

“Lau Tsu. Good evening,” Willow bowed, graceful even in scrubs and weariness. “They are all up and out, and thanks to the Doc, they should be fine soon enough. “ She paused, and her own brief (yet surprisingly intense) pleasure at seeing him faded as she remembered Grandfather.

“Please allow me to express my sorrow at your loss. I am so very, very sorry…that we caused such horror here and to your family. How may I begin to atone?” Willow stated simply, face downcast and hands clasped before her.
Strong fingers touched her jaw gently, tracing from ear to chin, and raised her chin until jade eyes met black. “You were not the cause of this, merely the catalyst that finished something begun long ago. I will accept your condolences, not your apology.”

Willow simply nodded, unable to trust her voice. Emotions she’d been holding at bay welled up and threatened to spill beyond her control.

Lau Tsu let go of her chin to touch her cheek gently,” You are tired, and I am keeping you from rest. I wanted only to know you are safe. If you have an opportunity before you leave, I would like to have you over for dinner. I was protective of Grandfather, before, and not the host I would have liked to have been.”

Willow smiled, feeling a bit of a blush rising, “I would like that. I will send word when I can.”

Regina, Frisco, Day Ten, Planet Time
Once the men were released from the Doc’s care, Willow felt entitled to a little time for herself. She attended the celebration with the others, but as things began to break up for the regular folk and the serious drinking and gambling had begun for the rest, Willow advised the Captain that she’d be busy for the evening and headed back to the ship.

She changed into the cheongsam she’d worn the day she’d called upon Grandfather, and gathered up a few things into a bag. She made her way into town, nodding politely to the Tong that slipped out from among the houses to walk alongside. At a certain point, they changed from escort to guide, bringing her to a house that the Tong had secured for themselves while the Temple was being rebuilt.

Bidding her guides farewell, Willow entered the house and found herself in a large open concept room that was dark, but glowing with candlelight. Plates of food steamed on a table set off to the side, and a fireplace held a cheery flame surrounded by a plump couch and scattered pillows.

In the middle of the room, Lau Tsu stood, tall and strong and centered as a man who knew who he was and accepted it. The laughter in his eyes wasn’t as hidden as before, and watchfulness had melted into keen interest.

“Thank you for the invitation, Lau Tsu,” Willow said smoothly,” I understand we have unspoken promises between us. Besides, “ she smiled and pulled her favourite book from the bag she’d brought,” I do believe you just might be flexible enough to try page 76.”

Fade to black
OOC: will post reaction to Sam’s departure later...have an early wakeup call.

Wolf was content for the most part, he’d found a home, the Rocinante, a family, Captain Wyatt, Sam, Ash, Ma and Miss Willow and a possible girlfriend. Yeah his relationship with Stacy was closer to a friend with benefit’s kinda thing right now, but they had over the last three months exchanged messages and gifts. They even had a standing date planned next time the ship hit Belix. Wolf had even tried to talk her into joining the crew as maybe a second mechanic. However she has made it plan she was more the ground pounder type then one traveling the black and they had left it at that.

Over the course of the last three months other then the back and forth messages to Stacy he had also had the time to get closer to both Ash and Sam the three of them, sometimes Wyatt too, sitting down to a hand of cards or a round of tall tales. A few of those times Willow had walked by and hearing the tall tales had raised her eyes with a hard to believe look upon her face. Yet Wolf caught a smile creeping across his face as he remembered the one time Ma Trish had walked by, paused, looked at the three men, shook her head and walked away.

Yeah three of the best months of Wolf’s life after being almost dead in that go tsao duh shiong mao niao of a mine on Regina. Now they were landed on Beaumonde taking on gear, supplies, some repairs and hopping for some work.

So it was a total crushing shock as Wyatt’s voice came over the ship’s intercom as Wolf once more was tinkering, or as he called it ’fine tuning’ the Rocinante’s engines.

"This is your captain; Sam Dash has tendered his resignation and will no longer be flying with us. It was a difficult decision for him, an' he wishes all of you his best. He had some fond nonsense t' pass on t' each of ya; which if yer so inclined t' hear I'll share it with you in a more confidential setting later.”
Wolf’s head hit the underside of the port engine as his head shot up at the news. The rest of what Captain Wyatt said was blocked out as Wolf, his scalp bleeding from a shallow cut, kept hearing the first sentence over and over again

Sam Dash has tendered his resignation and will no longer be flying with us
Later, after Willow had bandaged said cut, and the crew had been informed of Sam‘s last words to each of them, Wyatt gave out each person’s assignment.

"All right people, let's be about this day. Willow, you're with me. We're looking' fer work, an' a new pilot. Got some ideas where t' go, so I don' fancy we'll be out too long. Let Wolf know what supplies you need fer the infirmary if anything. Wolf, you an' Asher git with Ma an' see what stocking' up we need. If'n we can take on guests, I'll be right happy t' do so. Let's move."
“What about looking for Sam we are gonna do that too right? Don’t tell me we are just gonna leave him alone in the black no matter what he wrote. The man’s family Wyatt”
Everyone in the room could tell Wolf was dead serious as this was the first time he had called Wyatt by his first name and not by captain. Wolf waited for a reply hoping it would be the right one...............

“What about looking for Sam we are gonna do that too right? Don’t tell me we are just gonna leave him alone in the black no matter what he wrote. The man’s family Wyatt”, Wolf pleaded as the crew receive their assignments.

Everyone in the room could tell Wolf was dead serious as this was the first time he had called Wyatt by his first name and not by captain. Wolf waited for a reply hoping it would be the right one...............

Ash walked over the mechanic, placing a hand on his arm he quietly said, “Come on….. Wyatt’s given us our job. You know Sam and look’n for him would be harder than …. Uh.. well it would be hard. He don’t want found.“

The kid turn walk to Ma to get supply list.

As Wolf waited for an answer Ash walked over to him and placed a hand on his arm and quietly said,

“Come on... Wyatt’s given us our job. You know Sam and look’n for him would be harder than …. Uh.. well it would be hard. He don’t want found.“
Shrugging off the gunfighter's hand Wolf continued to look at Wyatt.

"Doesn't matter how hard it is if we don't at least try what does that make us cowards? For him to leave like this means he is in deep kimche and needs our help. Just because he's too proud or afraid of us getting hurt to ask for our help does not mean we just give up trying to give it to him!"................

In a situation such as this some might use diplomacy. Others might try compassion and understanding. Of course, those that might would likely be companions, diplomats, or shepards, and Wyatt Sung weren't any of those. So, when Fenris made his push for them to follow after Sam the captain felt those wave-churning emotions he'd managed to contain begin to strain against their prison walls. But he was practiced at protecting his realities from that which he painted for others to see, and the reinforcements on that prison began to be added almost immediately. Strong, airtight seals the like of which all the agents of Heaven couldn't break through, or so he hoped. It helped that the Kid had enough foresight to try and step in. Or, perhaps that was the undoing of it, because it allowed Wyatt to apply less focus to that reinforcement as he hoped that Wolf'd just drop the subject and move on about his assignments. But, Fenris Apallo had become well-known to Wyatt over the past three months (as people do when traveling in tight quarters together), and he should have known that when the big man got something caught in his craw he'd cough and hack until it came spewing out on the table.

"Doesn't matter how hard it is if we don't at least try what does that make us cowards? For him to leave like this means he is in deep kimche and needs our help. Just because he's too proud or afraid of us getting hurt to ask for our help does not mean we just give up trying to give it to him!"
The archeangels blew through those restraints and protections then and there. But Wyatt wasn't the type to yell and throw things. He was cold and dangerous when overrun by emotion--so dangerous that many a man had lost their lives to his storm. When he answered, his voice was so low that had the engines been running not a soul standing further away that five paces would've heard a word he said. His head slowly lowered, his brow deliberately cowled his eyes, and a shadow darker than the souls of the host of Hell washed over his features.

"Sam Dash don't exist, dòng bu dòng? (Do you understand?) He ain't never existed as far as you're concerned--any of you. Someone asks you if you know Sam Dash...well, the immediate answer that you better conjure up consists of askin' if that's some sort o' cookin' condiment. If'n I find out that you--any o' you--set on a path lookin' after that ta made niao (g**da**) fool, I'll ventilate your brainpan so that the goldpanners on Haven could use it as a sieve. Hell. I'd sell it to 'em for a bite of a protein bar at that point. Now, guan ni ziji de shi (mind your own business), and get t' work."

Wyatt didn't leave at that point. He stared Wolf down daring the man to speak up once more. If Sam Dash had left them concerned that his ghosts were catching up, the last thing Wyatt's brother needed was a bunch of people feeling sorry for themselves running all over the 'Verse dropping his name to strangers and Alliance spies. Wyatt was determined to protect the man, even if he could no longer watch his direct back.