It wasn’t Lieutenant Vasques or even Federal Marshalls that swarmed over Asher’s position, it was Alliance soldiers. Shouting “DOWN! EVERYONE DOWN! YOU ARE ALL BOUND BY LAW! GET DOWN NOW!!”

The kid quickly disarmed placing his hands in the air. The soldier circled him and Ma. One yelled at Ma to remove her helmet. When she did he nearly jumped out of his skin at the sight of her disfigure face. As if to cover for his reaction he accused Asher of having harmed Trish. Before the kid could say anything at rifle butt smashed into his face. He was still swimming in the pain killer but the force of the blow knocked him to the edge of consciousness. A kick to the back of legs dropped him like a tree.

The kid sensed Ma trying to come to his aid but after the sound of a “PAFF” there was no more struggle. The soldiers bound his hands behind and the drug him to feet. Through blurry eyes Asher saw Trish laying on the ground, an empty vial on the ground next to her. A soldier jammed rifle in Ash’s back and drove him stumbling forward and to the ship where others were bound and being held. The blow to the head left the kid groggy for a long time.

Abroad the Intrepid, Tohoku-class, Evening, time unknown
The stimulants had worn off awhile ago and the kid racked with pain. A pattern similar to the rifle butt ran from his forehead down left side of his face. He face was swollen, lip split and one eye nearly closed from puffed purple skin. The the wound under the bandages Lt. Vasques had applied had reopened during the scuffle with the soldiers. They were stuck in a bloody crust on his chest where they still weren’t oozing. He smelled of rancid sweat his ears still rung and his head ached. He thought his head mostly ached from the questions repeated over and over by the little man in Alliance uniform.

Asher looked up as foot falls echoed down the hall outside his cell. A tall man with the insignia of Federal Marshall Colonel stopped at his cell. The man dismissed the interviewed and way Asher to follow him. They continue through the jail adding the other crew members as they went. When the Ma was freed the kid stepped up and hugged her. Trish reached up to gently touch the bruises on Asher’s face, she shook her head slowly then pulled the hood of wrap back up obscuring her face. When they had added Wyatt and Tess the tall white haired and bearded man says, "I am Colonel Harland Sanders of the Federal Marshalls. Please come with me? Do you need medical attention?” Asher squinted at him through his puffy eye and slowly raised his hand and nodded toward Ma. The man noticed and then continued. “I am now in charge of the mess that was created here. Ms. Callahan has filled me in on your role. I am sorry for how you have been treated, unfortunately, it took me awhile to get through to high command that I was first on the scene."

Colonel Sanders lead you all to the med bay for treatment. The medics trated the kid for concussion, redressed his wounds and gave his pain killer, they also gave his meds and more pain killers for later. Trish and Tess were both given the care they should have had hours ago. The kid wasn’t sure if Wyatt had allowed the medics to do anything for him, he still had the same grim look he wore as he exited the jail cell. As the medics released the crew the Colonel leads you to a lounge area. When Willow is escorted to the room you all are reunited. The Colonel leaves you there for a few moments. Alone you each talk briefly about what happened to each of you, Wyatt let’s everyone know of John's fate and the bravery of Havelock. When asked none of the crew knew where Wolf was or what had happened to him

A short time later the Colonel returned with Alliance Commander. Colonel started to tell the crew of how the liner company and many of the passengers wished show their gratitude. “Umm. Yes. Well. I am here to let you know that we are indeed sorry that it happened and to let you know that the passengers, the cruise liner and the owner of the Stradivarius are very thankful for your bravery and personal sacrifice. Baron Winters, the owner of the violin would like to pay to have your ship brought to his ship yards and completely repaired if you so desire, including two new shuttle crafts. The cruise liner would like to offer you a reward of 10,000 credits as well, so you could get yourself a brand new ship as well. A number of the passengers want to have you stay at an all-inclusive resort nearby for the time it takes to repair your ship as a way to say thank you.”
Asher’s jaw dropped open, Roc was going to fly again and they would have more credits than he’d ever remembered. “Gosh, that’s great..we’ll be back in the black as soon Wolf can join us. Colonel, where is Wolf and when will he join us?”

Sanders cleared his throat and motioned for the Commander to move back. He then turned to the crew but mostly focused on Captain Wyatt. “Unfortunately, we have a problem with one of your crew members, Fenris Apollo. Yes, when he was arrested, we found upon his person, two Gauss type weapons. Now as you may or may not know, Gauss weaponry is highly restricted and requires a special permit to carry which he does not have. Furthermore, we found two deceased gentlemen, - Harold and Stanley Borgia-Chan who did have such permits. Evidence suggests that your crewman murdered both of them to steal their weapons.”

The kid jumped up, “Gorram, Captain, Wolf never killed them two…hell he was about the only one that seemed to like them. They was the man in white’s muscle but they want to help us, Wolf took them with him to protect the Roc. Wolf would have picked up them weapons up to keep the Merc’s from using them.”

“The guns were found on Mr. Fenris’ person and he had in his possession an assault weapon with a shotgun attachment. The fatal wounds that the men received matches said weapon. I am afraid that he has been charged with two counts of murder, possession of illegal weapons and two counts of theft of restricted weapons. He will be appoint a lawyer to defend him or if you wish to use the reward money to hire him an advocate, that is your choice." Sanders grimaced sadly, "Now I know this is complete Go Sa but the Borgia-Chans are a very powerful and influential family and there is no way that I can make this go away without a formal inquiry." he looked over at Vonage, "Especially since all the charges have already been filed." the Colonel rolled his eyes, "One of my men saw a Mercenary with what was probably the murder weapon but for some reason, it has not been recovered. I have two of my own people looking into that and investigating."
“Captain..you gotta let their family know that Wolf was not their killer, he wanted to be like them…..I’ll give my share of the reward to get him a good lawyer… hell their family should go after them Merc’s.”
The kid stood there with a pleading look on his face.

Infirmary
Havelock’s eyes opened suddenly and looked not at Wyatt but over hid shoulder, “No! We had a deal!” He shouted and then coughed up blood.

"What deal Puhn Yo?" Steel blue eyes sought out some sign of lucidity in the gentleman warrior's panicked gaze.

Havelock turned his stare to Wyatt and focused on the Captain. “Her. I made a deal with her back in Serenity Valley.”

Havelock's hallucinatin', Sung heard Eden's voice whisper softly in his ear. An' I'm not? he answered the disembodied informant. "Who's this girl yer speakin' on, Havelock? What deal are you meanin'?"

“Death. I was wounded badly and lying in the mud when she came for me. She reached out but I asked her... I said please. Don’t take me. Don’t take me until I can get them all home safe.“

He's Wu Toh Wu Now. Won't be long now, husband, Summer was right more often than not. Blood seeped through Havelock's clothing in multiple locations. The spirit wasn't likely to hang on much longer. "It ain't over yet, Lóng tóu lao dà. You'll make good on that promise t' yer men still."

“She said that she would leave me there. She said she would only come when I had saved them all. But I couldn’t save them all. I just couldn’t.”

"They're all saved," Wyatt gave Havelock's shoulder a little squeeze. "You done good General. The passengers're all safe now."

“What? Everyone is safe?”

"Yessir," Sung shifted his weight forward a bit so it was easier to meet the dying man's eyes. "You made good."

Havelock coughs more blood and starts to slump more, Wyatt can feel the energy leaving the soldier’s body. He stops coughing and says, “Don’t let them make a monument of me. Promise me you’ll take me back to the valley. Bury me with my men?”

"You've my word on it."

Havelock's eyes lose their focus and he draws a last breathe. As he start to close his eyes, he says, “Ah, yes my dear, I did promise you a dance.” With those final words, his life ends.

The room becomes very silent to Wyatt, like within a pressure suit and looking off into the Black. There is sound about him but he doesn’t hear it. He looks up from the body of the warrior and his eyes fall upon something he never expected. A young lady, dressed in black jeans and halter top, standing in the corridor by the infirmary. Her skin is very pale, a formal top hat on her head and a smile that suggests mischief. She raises her hands to the ceiling and white light leaves both of them. All Wyatt can hear is the sound of wings flapping, like birds taking flight.

Then the butt of a rifle smashes into the back of Wyatt’s head.

“DOWN! EVERYONE DOWN! YOU ARE ALL BOUND BY LAW!” a number of alliance soldiers shout. Wyatt is covered by soldiers with assault rifles as he is stripped of weapons and forced to the ground. Tess and Nancy are also being treated roughly and stripped of their weapons. Nancy is screaming that she is a federal Marshall but the soldiers don’t seem to care. Arrest everyone and let Buddha sort them out – standard alliance mode of operation.

As Wyatt clung to consciousness, he did not see any lady in black anymore. He also did not see Wolf who was here before... everything went belly up.

"Where's Wolf?” he groggily struggled to force the words out. He had to keep them alive. He had to keep fighting. Like Havelock, he had made promises.

Abroad the Intrepid, Tohoku-class, Evening, time unknown
The forced trip with the soldiers was difficult for Wyatt to keep track of at first. The blow to the head had capitalized on the feelings of loss for John, the unknown whereabouts of Wolf, the condition of Tess, Ma, Willow... Havelock's death and the strange hallucination Wyatt had witnessed. You're overstressed zhàngfu. Just breathe. Eden's voice was somewhat comforting and he eventually gave into her conclusion. It didn't really occur to him that he might as well have been losing it altogether by hearing her voice at all.

Full consciousness returned shortly after Wyatt had been deposited rather unceremoniously in a cell. A shallow, vertical grave if ever there was one, and a sobering predicament to find oneself in. Sung woke completely from his deluge of Weird and began to put thought to the situation. It made him angry, and when Wyatt Sung got angry he grew colder--harder. When they came for him and walked an upright, fully coherent Independent to the interrogation, Captain Sung was determined to play it shiny. After all, they had nothing to hide. They'd risked their necks to do what was right and good. They were the ones--the crew of Roc... his family--that was being mistreated. So, instead of reciting name, rank, and serial number, Sung looked the interrogator straight in the eye and responded to every question flat, cold, and matter-of-factly. Over and over again.

After a while passes, a man comes in and dismisses the interviewer. He is a federal marshal, with the insignia of the Colonel rank and he is one strange looking guy. He had shockingly white hair with similar coloring for his moustache and the short beard that he sported, but his eyes were what draws your attention--bright blue, almost incandescent. He wears a black flight suit with a long black duster and black boots that looked a few years old. He carried a sidearm that was bigger than most, but carried no other weapons.

"I am Colonel Harland Sanders of the Federal Marshalls. Please come with me? Do you need medical attention? I am now in charge of the mess that was created here. Ms. Callahan has filled me in on your role. I am sorry for how you have been treated, unfortunately, it took me awhile to get through to high command that I was first on the scene."

Wyatt doesn't respond. He just stands and follows the man. Colonel Sanders takes him to the med bay to tend his wounds (including the huge bump and gash caused by the Federal rifle butt that had been driven into the back of his skull) and then brings Sung to a lounge area. There Wyatt is relieved to be reunited with Asher, Tess, and Ma, and then Willow is escorted to the room shortly thereafter.

"Y'all're a sight fer sore eyes," Sung says with steel in his voice but genuine feeling in his eyes. "Any sign of Wolf? No? Well, let's hope he figured some way t' hide from this fangzong fengkuang de jie an' he's concocting some way t' get Roc flyin' again."

The pregnant pause that follows allows him time to gather his thoughts on how he's approaching the next bit of news.

"John didn't make it," he doesn't drop his gaze, but meets each of their gazes with a steady one of his own. "He sacrificed himself t' make sure the plan was done." Let that sink in for a minute, Love, Eden advises, and Wyatt obliges her before continuing. "Havelock was killed too. The old tank done fought right b'sides me 'til the end. Saved my life I'd wager."

There isn't more to say. There's nothing to do but wait to see what Fate dealt. Wyatt has lost track of whether this is number two, or number three on the things that go bad in a row. But he wasn't wagering in their favor. Better to be prepared for the worse than caught with his pants down 'round his boots.

After some time, Sanders returns with Commander Vonage in tow, and he does not look happy. The colonel gestures to the commander and then to Captain Wyatt.

“Mr. Sung.” Vonage begins.

“Captain.” Wyatt corrects him coldly.

“Of course. Captain Sung. Allow me to apologize for the delay in you and your crew’s release. You understand that we had to be very cautious in the situation as it presented itself. As a man from the war, I am sure you fully understand."

"I understand plenty."

“Umm. Yes. Well. I am here to let you know that we are indeed sorry that it happened and to let you know that the passengers, the cruise liner and the owner of the Stradivarius are very thankful for your bravery and personal sacrifice. Baron Winters, the owner of the violin would like to pay to have your ship brought to his ship yards and completely repaired if you so desire, including two new shuttle crafts. The cruise liner would like to offer you a reward of 10,000 credits as well, so you could get yourself a brand new ship as well. A number of the passengers want to have you stay at an all-inclusive resort nearby for the time it takes to repair your ship as a way to say thank you.”

"Is that so," Sung raises one eyebrow--the only signifier that he's surprised by their turn of luck.

“Gosh, that’s great!" Ash exclaims. "We’ll be back in the Black as soon Wolf can join us. Colonel, where is Wolf and when will he join us?”


Sanders cleared his throat and motioned for the Commander to move back. He then turned to the crew but mostly focused on Captain Wyatt. “Unfortunately, we have a problem with one of your crew members, Fenris Apollo. Yes, when he was arrested, we found upon his person, two Gauss type weapons. Now as you may or may not know, Gauss weaponry is highly restricted and requires a special permit to carry which he does not have. Furthermore, we found two deceased gentlemen--Harold and Stanley Borgia-Chan who did have such permits. Evidence suggests that your crewman murdered both of them to steal their weapons.”

The kid jumped up, “Gorram, Captain, Wolf never killed them two…hell he was about the only one that seemed to like them. They was the man in white’s muscle but they want to help us, Wolf took them with him to protect the Roc. Wolf would have picked up them weapons up to keep the Merc’s from using them.”

Sung throws Asher a look that says he knows, but to cool it lest they lose their edge.

"There's a likelihood tha' Wolf picked them weapons up," Wyatt acknowledges as he turns his narrowed eyes back on the commander. "But it weren't t' steal 'em, an' I know the man. He wouldn't have kilt them folk fer them sidearms. Specially as they was helpin' defend the passengers 'ginst the mercs."

“The guns were found on Mr. Fenris’ person and he had in his possession an assault weapon with a shotgun attachment. The fatal wounds that the men received matches said weapon. I am afraid that he has been charged with two counts of murder, possession of illegal weapons and two counts of theft of restricted weapons. He will be appoint a lawyer to defend him or if you wish to use the reward money to hire him an advocate, that is your choice." Sanders grimaced sadly, "Now I know this is complete Go Sa but the Borgia-Chans are a very powerful and influential family and there is no way that I can make this go away without a formal inquiry." he looked over at Vonage, "Especially since all the charges have already been filed." the Colonel rolled his eyes, "One of my men saw a Mercenary with what was probably the murder weapon but for some reason, it has not been recovered. I have two of my own people looking into that and investigating."

“Captain! You gotta let their family know that Wolf was not their killer, he wanted to be like them… I’ll give my share of the reward to get him a good lawyer… hell their family should go after them Merc’s.” The kid stood there with a pleading look on his face.


"Well, I don't know the Borgia-Chans none, but," Sung looks to Willow. "But I'm guessin' that the wave's already been sent concernin' the deaths o' their boys an' my experience with situations like tha' is it makes people mighty sore.

"Colonel," Sung runs a hand through his hair resigned to the necessity of what he's about to say. He knows the rest of his crew understands. "Take the reward money from the violin an' find Wolf the best advocate you can. I'll be mighty obliged t' have my mechanic back on board Roc when she's ready t' fly once more, an' none of this kindness was expected anyway."

When Hood slid to the ground and the Alliance blared their presence over every transmitting device possible, Willow felt both relief wash over her, but it was quickly replaced with concern. Who had survived, who had perished? Willow had lived a sheltered life on the manicured and scented side of Alliance law, but that didn't mean she was naive to their simplistic ways of resolving conflict: crush all resistance, apologize to the innocent (if powerful enough to be a bother) and move on.

So, when the Alliance demanded that the cave doors be opened, Willow signaled to the boys to do so, then bent over Lord Hood to check his vital signs. He was deeply unconscious, likely concussed, but Willow made sure his airway was clear and that his arms and legs were straightened out so that no further harm would befall him.

When the soldiers reached them, Willow informed them that the injured man was the one who'd caused the ship's destruction, and that he'd been in possession of a dangerous weapon.

"Those pieces of plastic and glass are all that is left of it, but you'll find his fingerprints all over it, " she stated simply, keeping her movements slow and her hands clearly visible," And I am a doctor, please let me help with the injured outside."

"No need for that, Miss," one of the soldiers stated with chilling politeness and Willow's heart broke: had no one survived?

She let herself be gathered up with the passengers, and seemingly, they assumed her to be one of them, especially after scanning her Identicard and seeing her family name. I don't get much from you, Father, but a name that commands respect is useful...
She'd still not seen any sight of the others, and her questions were rebuffed with official politeness and the carefully camouflaged scorn of the military for civilians. The room they put her in, alone, was barren but comfortable, but she was so worried about her friends, it could have been a jail cell and she would not have noticed. As she paced, she tidied her hair and clothing almost reflexively, coming across Matheson's PADD in the deep pocket of her now dusty and bedraggled lab coat.

She thumbed it to life, remembering that there had been two more files she'd not looked at. The first was a note by Matheson, stating that if the note was found, it was because he was likely dead. It went on to accuse Lord Hood as his likely killer, and the agent of the Star of Sihnon's destruction in order to steal the Stradivarius. He also condemned his own research into "wired entertainment" as a violation of free will and hoped that he could make amends to the person he'd wronged.

The second was a pending wave to a solicitor's office, with an embedded document. Inside the attachment was Matheson's will - amended yesterday to leave his wealth (Willow's eye's widened at the list of assets) in entirety to one person: Amber Amber Sunshine. Willow closed the document and set the message to send. A brief flicker let her know that as much as the Alliance was keeping things locked down, they were letting waves out onto the cortex. She thought she'd see what she could find out on the news feeds when they came for her.

Her interrogator was a low ranking official; polite enough but unwilling to tell her anything about Rocinante's crew. Instead, he asked her over and over again about what she had seen on the ship, what had the other passengers had been doing, had she any dealings with Lord Hood?

Willow fought back the only way she knew how: using her tact and charm, she deflected his questions with the vague answers of an idle, empty headed rich woman and worked in her own questions. She still wasn't able to learn anything useful, but did learn her interrogator was on his third tour of duty, wasn't sure he respected his commanding officer and loved his fiancé very much, despite his increasingly obvious reactions to Willow's subtle signals of physical interest.

It was all for nothing, though, he clearly knew nothing of the crew and it was almost a relief when another soldier entered, making the interrogator jump a little and blush, despite being across the table from Willow.

"You're not on the passenger manifest," the second officer stated, almost accusingly, and Willow shrugged. "I never said I was, did I? Now may I see my crew mates? We were the good guys in all this, if you must know."

It seemed like forever after that point, but eventually Willow was taken to another part of the ship to be reunited with her beloved crew. She flew into Trish's arms first, then exclaimed over the bandages she could feel under the older woman's clothes. She threw her escort a withering look (as if their injuries were entirely HIS fault) then checked over everyone's injuries, tsk'ing over the wounds but having to admit that the care of them was decent enough. She felt the shard of ice in her heart begin to melt as she took in the sight, sound and smell of those she loved to her core.

"Y'all're a sight fer sore eyes," Sung says with steel in his voice but genuine feeling in his eyes. "Any sign of Wolf? No? Well, let's hope he figured some way t' hide from this fangzong fengkuang de jie an' he's concocting some way t' get Roc flyin' again."

"John didn't make it," he doesn't drop his gaze, but meets each of their gazes with a steady one of his own. "He sacrificed himself t' make sure the plan was done. Havelock was killed too. The old tank done fought right b'sides me 'til the end. Saved my life I'd wager."

The news of John's sacrifice caused Willow's eyes to well with tears, and she looked away a moment. She'd never managed to connect with the prickly man, so aloof in many ways, but such an act showed more devotion to the crew than he'd ever dared show them. Live each day as if it is your last...for someday it will be
Havelock's death was, in a way, less of a surprise - she'd seen death in his eyes and had known in her heart that her farewell to him was forever. She only hoped that he'd found what he sought.

At that point, two Alliance officers came into the room, one an albino from his colouring, but a rather hale and hearty specimen. Sung appeared to have met them both, so Willow let him do the talking and let herself be as inconspicuous as possible. It let her absorb the news about Wolf quietly while Asher expressed the outrage they were all feeling.

"Well, I don't know the Borgia-Chans none, but," Sung looks to Willow. "But I'm guessin' that the wave's already been sent concernin' the deaths o' their boys an' my experience with situations like tha' is it makes people mighty sore.

"Colonel," Sung runs a hand through his hair resigned to the necessity of what he's about to say. He knows the rest of his crew understands. "Take the reward money from the violin an' find Wolf the best advocate you can. I'll be mighty obliged t' have my mechanic back on board Roc when she's ready t' fly once more, an' none of this kindness was expected anyway."

Willow nodded at Sung, but kept her peace in front of the Colonel. She indeed knew the Borgia-Chans, both by reputation and a few members personally, and this would need delicacy. If the men she'd known as Hack and Slash were indeed Borgia-Chans, they were either distant relatives or black sheep to be working outside the family business, but that didn't matter when the family was attacked.

"Are we...free to go?" Willow asked," Not that I know where we will go...but are you satisfied with your inquiry, Colonel? We have matters to deal with, and it's been a very, very long number of days since any of us have slept."

"Colonel," Sung runs a hand through his hair resigned to the necessity of what he's about to say. He knows the rest of his crew understands. "Take the reward money from the violin an' find Wolf the best advocate you can. I'll be mighty obliged t' have my mechanic back on board Roc when she's ready t' fly once more, an' none of this kindness was expected anyway."

"Yeah, I figured as much. You are in luck because one of the ladies you rescued is one of the best defence advocates in the verse - Sandra Wong. I will get word to her that you are in need and I am sure she'll be here for you soon."

"Are we...free to go?" Willow asked," Not that I know where we will go...but are you satisfied with your inquiry, Colonel? We have matters to deal with, and it's been a very, very long number of days since any of us have slept."

"We will be docking in a couple of hours in Lu'Weng (capital city of Sihnon) where you will be shuttled to the Wu-Hyatt Resort. Your rooms have been arranged and you may order anything you need, clothing, food whatever. You may communicate with whomever you need to at that point. We have taken the liberty of contacting the next of kin for John Ryan and Captain Winston Havelock. Your ship needs extensive repairs and the estimate I heard was a week to ten days to get it flight worthy. I will arrange for Mr. Apollo to be kept on Intrepid and not transferred to prison holding until your advocate can speak to him."

(can we speak to him?)

"Until he gets an Advocate, I don't recommend it but we could arrange one of you to see him. I will warn you though you will be under surveillance."

(Can we get some of personal effects off Rocinante?)

"Yes, Of course. Your ship will be brought to Sihnon before the morning. Once you have some rest, then you will be allowed to go to the ship and I am sure the Baron will want to thank you personally."

(We had a cargo and passenger?)

"Yes, the monk. Sifu? His cargo will be transferred to another ship and both will be taken to their destination."

(any other questions, chime in and I can back post. As well pick a crew member to go see Wolf and we can post that)

The ship docks at Lu'Weng and you are taken to your rooms at the Wu-Hyatt. Suites would be closer to what you get, with a huge bed, clean sheets, hot water, Jacuzzi tubs and access to several high class five star restaurants. The passes you are given give you full run of the hotel, everything being covered by the Star Cruise Liner corporation and their insurance company. Seeing a bed makes you realize that you have been up for over 36 hours and in a battle as well. Sleep comes easily but not without some bad dreams and emotions held at bay until now.

(I have more to post but want to give a chance to react and interact before storming off to the conclusion.)

"Colonel," Sung runs a hand through his hair resigned to the necessity of what he's about to say. He knows the rest of his crew understands. "Take the reward money from the violin an' find Wolf the best advocate you can. I'll be mighty obliged t' have my mechanic back on board Roc when she's ready t' fly once more, an' none of this kindness was expected anyway."

"Yeah, I figured as much. You are in luck because one of the ladies you rescued is one of the best defence advocates in the verse - Sandra Wong. I will get word to her that you are in need and I am sure she'll be here for you soon."

Wyatt gave the man a nod of appreciation. It wasn't often that Sung found himself at all accepting of Fed actions, but in this case, it was the best results he could imagine all things said and done.

"Are we...free to go?" Willow asked," Not that I know where we will go...but are you satisfied with your inquiry, Colonel? We have matters to deal with, and it's been a very, very long number of days since any of us have slept."

"We will be docking in a couple of hours in Lu'Weng (capital city of Sihnon) where you will be shuttled to the Wu-Hyatt Resort. Your rooms have been arranged and you may order anything you need, clothing, food whatever. You may communicate with whomever you need to at that point. We have taken the liberty of contacting the next of kin for John Ryan and Captain Winston Havelock. Your ship needs extensive repairs and the estimate I heard was a week to ten days to get it flight worthy. I will arrange for Mr. Apollo to be kept on Intrepid and not transferred to prison holding until your advocate can speak to him."

"Colonel," Shifting his weight to his left foot, Wyatt momentarily clenched his jaw to ward off the pain he felt rushing through him. "I'd like t' let Fenris know he ain't being left t' rot. Can we see him?"

"Until he gets an Advocate, I don't recommend it but we could arrange one of you to see him. I will warn you though you will be under surveillance."

"It's much appreciated. What about our personal effects on Rocinante?"

"Yes, Of course. Your ship will be brought to Sihnon before the morning. Once you have some rest, then you will be allowed to go to the ship and I am sure the Baron will want to thank you personally."

"And--not to push the limits on yer hospitality--but we had ourselves a little contract and some cargo. The monk... he was overseeing the whole job."

"Yes, the monk. Sifu? His cargo will be transferred to another ship and both will be taken to their destination."

"Shiny." Sung chewed the inside of his lip for just a moment before speaking up once more. "Colonel, 'fore Havelock died he asked t' be buried with his men in Serenity Valley. I promised him I'd see t' that an' I'm a man o' my word. What papers do I need t' sign, or waves do I need t' send, t' make sure that his dyin' wish is made t' be reality?"

The ship docks at Lu'Weng and you are taken to your rooms at the Wu-Hyatt. Suites would be closer to what you get, with a huge bed, clean sheets, hot water, Jacuzzi tubs and access to several high class five star restaurants. The passes you are given give you full run of the hotel, everything being covered by the Star Cruise Liner corporation and their insurance company.

Seeing a bed makes Wyatt realize that he has been up for over 36 hours and in a battle as well. But there's a siren's call that battles with him something heavy when he sees the minibar. Sam left, Roc's been heavily damaged, his crew been shot at and killed, good people dead for a gorram violin from Earth that Was. Anger swept him up and small bottles of liquor flew across the room to crash against the wall bleeding their contents to the carpet below. Alone... Captain Wyatt Sung takes out his anger and all of the pent up feelings of loss and hurt on what's not nailed down until he finally collapses on the bed fully dressed and worn so thin transparent doesn't even begin to describe him. Sleep comes easily but not without some bad dreams and emotions held at bay until now.

"Shiny." Sung chewed the inside of his lip for just a moment before speaking up once more. "Colonel, 'fore Havelock died he asked t' be buried with his men in Serenity Valley. I promised him I'd see t' that an' I'm a man o' my word. What papers do I need t' sign, or waves do I need t' send, t' make sure that his dyin' wish is made t' be reality?"

"Yes, Callahan told me about that. Considering the man's service record and his sacrifice, I can't see this being a problem. Once we contact his next of kin, arrangements can be made - least we can do really." Sanders replied. "what about your man John Ryan? Did you have any thoughts or wishes for him?"

Colonel Sanders sat down at the desk of the room assigned him and dunked his tea bag into his hot water several times. At last, he had a few moments of peace to sort out things. With great responsibility came a great big pile of paperwork. He put the PADD down in front on him and started to go through the documents. It was pure luck that things went the way they did for him. Had things gone south, the military would have had him as a martyr.

Knock Knock Knock
At the sound at his door, Sanders briefly considered pretending he wasn’t there before barking out a “Come in!”

In came Hicks, Vasques and Hudson – his team. Not that anyone was trying to take them away from him. Hicks was considered too intense, Vasques too unpredictable and Hudson too much of a hot head, but Sanders found they could get results when the ships were falling. Recent events proving that to be true, although he wished that Hudson hadn’t slugged a commanding officer three times and assorted other soldiers. He had to fight hard to be allowed to bust him to private and not court martial him.

“We think we found the Gun, “ Hicks said as they came in.

“Think?” Sanders asked, “what do you mean think?”

“There this guy on one of the drop teams – Simon Cowell.” Vasques said, “He is known for finding and selling unique weapons. We think he grabbed it.”

“He goes under the name “the Collector” and put a gun on auction via the cortex. Called it The Samaritan. Hudson is sure it is the one.“

“Yeah I was there when the big guy shot him so I’d think I’d know.”

Sanders nodded, aware that a “but” was coming, “Okay. So why have we not picked him up?”

“There is no real evidence that Simon is The Collector. It is just a rumour.” Hick said evenly, “Plus he’s military with no bad marks on his record so ...”

“We go in now and the jarheads put a shield on him and we lose the gun, “ Hudson whines, “We’re gorram humped Colonel!”

“Unless...” Vasques said mysteriously.

“What?” Hudson asked.

Hicks wrinkled his face, “I’m not sure about that Vasques. You sure you wanna?”

“Wanna what?” Asked Hudson.

“It gets me into his room. He gives me permission. Why not?” Vasques replied.

“Permission for What?????” Hudson whined again, “Will someone buy me a gorram clue here!!!”

Sanders sighed, “Okay. My tea is getting cold and I don’t want to know anymore of the plan. Just go get results.”

“Why not?” Hicks asked.

“So I can’t testify against you. Now out!”

Later that night
Simon Cowell could not believe his luck as this gorgeous woman he met in the officer lounged pushed him up against the wall and kissed him hard. He was surprised to find a girl as much into guns as he was but this was beyond his wildest dreams.

“Umm, want to go back to my room?” He asked when she came up for breathe.

“Ooo. I thought you’d never ask. Lead on Tiger.” Vasques purred at him.

Simon restrained himself not to run down the corridor. He lead his “date” back to his room and fumbled with the card for the door.

“You sure you want me to come in?” Vasques asked haughtily.

“Yes!” Simon said louder than he expected and cleared his throat, “Yes. I want you to come in.”

“I can be a little rough.”

“Fine with me!”

“Will you show me your gun collection?”

“Babe, I will show you anything you want.”

“I like that. Let’s go in.” Vasques replied and hung onto him as they passed through the door. She kissed him again and playfully pushed him onto the bed. ”Show be the biggest one you got, it will turn me on.”

“Oh yeah Babe, “ Simon said as he reached for his pants buckle.

“No!” Vasques said, “I meant the guns. The real. Big. Guns.”

Simon nodded emphatically and leaped off the bed and over to his case locker. He typed in the code for the password and looked over at Vasques who was taking off her jacket to reveal the tank-top underneath. Why was this lock taking so long!!!!! He got it opened and began to look through the collection.

“What’s that one?”Vasques came up behind him and leans against him from behind. The feel of her breasts through the fabric of her top against his neck drove him wild. “Yeah! That one I just got from the merc mission. Pulled it off a dead one.”

“Really. That is so naughty.” Vasques pulled the huge gun out of his hands and rubs it lovingly with her hands. It was a huge gun, with a five shot barrel made to take shotgun shell sized casings. “Hey! Didn’t I see this on the core? Called the Superman?”

“”The Samaritan!” Simon corrected her.

“That’s right.” Vasques moved really close to Simon and pushed herself against his body, “Hey! Let’s play Federal Marshall and the naughty Soldier.”

Simon nodded vigorously, “I like the sound of that. What do you have in mind?”

“Well. First I cuff you.” She said as she snapped the cuffs around his wrist seductively.” And then I push you down on the bed so I can question you.” She turned and pushed him over onto the bed.

Simon smiled coyly back, “Question me huh? Yeah Babe, question away.

Vasquez smiled back and then did something Simon wasn’t expecting. She walked over to the doorway and let in two gentlemen, dressed in Federal Marshall uniforms.

“Oh officers!” Vasques said in mock distress, “I am so glad you came. I think this man is stealing evidence from a federal marshall investigation.” She held the gun up to show Hicks and Hudson.

“Great!” Hudson took the gun from Vasques, “I say we scrag him! No offence.” He said insincerely to Simon.

“Stop it.” Hicks said drily.

“Hey! They can’t bust me lower than private!” Hudson said.

“Yeah but that is not the point Hudson.” Hicks replied, “I see here a whole list of crimes here Simon. Enough for you to lose your commission. Even do some time on Perdition.”

“What! No! I was just...”

“Oh I know. Beautiful thing like this, locked away in a gun locker for years before getting melted down for scrap. Terrible really.”

“Right! I just wanted ...”

“Hey I hear you but rules are rules now.”

“You set me up!!!!!”

Vasques smiled, “Me? No! I just got the hots for a guy who didn’t realize I was a federal marshall and then you showed me evidence from a crime scene. Cut and dry really.”

“Gorram right!” Hudson said and reached down to grab Simon, “Where the nearest airlock?”

Simon fell to his knees, “No! Please!”

“Stop it Hudson.” Hicks said, “I have an idea.”

“So do I.” Hudson retorted, “Airlock.”

Hicks rolled his eyes, “Here is an option Simon. You take your guns, and turn yourself over to us and give us a complete confession. We will put in a good word, say you cooperated and gave us intel on some of your buyers and you get a light sentence.”

“I’d still lose my commission!”

“The other option is I let Hudson here take care of you because then I don’t have to fill in paperwork.”

He looked over at Hudson who smiled broadly at Simon. Simon turned back to Hicks, “I’ll take the first option.”

Shifting his weight to his left foot, Wyatt spoke, "Colonel,……I'd like t' let Fenris know he ain't being left t' rot. Can we see him?"

Asher was already on his feet, the big mechanic had taken up where Kora had left off, teaching the kid about how to keep Rocinante flying and the Asher felt he owed him. He was going to volunteer to go see
Wolf but stop short as the Colonel continued, "Until he gets an Advocate, I don't recommend it but we could arrange one of you to see him. I will warn you though you will be under surveillance." Asher caught a look from Wyatt and backed off as the Captain continued, "It's much appreciated. What about our personal effects on Rocinante?"

The kid settled back and listened as Wyatt and the Colonel worked things out.
-------------------------
The Marshalls provided the crew a chance to clean up a bit before they arrived at Lu’Weng. When Ash had stepped from the shower he found his dirty torn clothes gone and some nice new “Town “clothes laying in a neat pile next to a pair of new boots. Ash guessed who ever was paying for their stay felt they shouldn’t look like beggers when they checked in. The kid had to admit the white silk shirt and black vest looked sharp. The black dress pants were flared just enough to slide neatly over the lightly tool black leather boots.

The ship docks at Lu'Weng and the crew is taken to the Wu-Hyatt. The Colonel had sent a couple of his people to be sure there were no more fowl ups. It was a wonder how smooth things went after a Federal Marshall flashes their badge.

The Marshall’s glare kept the staff hopping and soon Ash is standing in a luxury suite. Never in his life has he seen a room like this not even at Nell’s. It had a huge bed, clean sheets, hot water and Jacuzzi tubs.. The passes you are given give you full run of the hotel and access to several high class five star restaurants with everything being covered by the Star Cruise Liner corporation. Seeing the bed makes Ash realize that it have been up for over 36 hours and a battle since he’d slept in a bed. Tossing the pass key on the night stand the kid was about to just drop on the bed when there was a knock at the door.

Ash pulled the door open..Lt. Vasquez slipped off her dark glasses, her official looking duster hung open revealing the black skin tight leather jump suit. “The Colonel wanted us to be sure everyone was settled in before we headed back, is everything to your liking.”

A smile crossed the young man’s face, “ Lieutenant….yes..yes things are great.” Vasquez nodded, Ash held up his hand, “I never got a chance to thank you for saving us out there…and have I to admit I was thinking you was an angel when I saw you standing over me.” Vasquez broke into roaring laughter, “Well I’ve not been accused of being an angel before.” Amused the kid said, “Well at least before you you go let me buy you dinner, I hear they have real steaks and potatoes here….and I got this card that’s gets anything I want.” As Asher rushed back into the room grabbing the card the Marshall raised an eyebrow, “Anything?”
For the next two hours the Ash spent a blissful time wrestling roast beef, fillet minion and porterhouse. With each order Asher smiled and thanked the server, soon a small group gathered outside the kitchen to watch the young man so gloriously enjoy their fare. The Marshall sat and watch in amazement the kid packed it away and when he asked for milk she knew this was different kind of night.

The kid looked across the table,” Lieutenant..”, the marshall interjected, “It’s Jenette.”
“Oh thank you,… Jenette,…. is there anything I can get for you?” Jenette swirled the Cabernet Sauvignon, the gentle movement release a light grape fragrance, “I am just enjoying your company.” Asher nodded as he devoured the porterhouse. Jenette continued, “Can I ask you where you learned to handle gun, I don’t think you ever went to the war?” The kid slowed for minute as memories rushed back, “Well sometime the war comes to you.” Asher hadn’t shared what happened back on Ezra with many people, but as Jenette sat quietly Asher began to reveal the loss of family and the land war against the land grabber Waylend Gayner. He even alluded to that he felt that maybe it was really Adelei Niska that convinced the Alliance to shell his home so he could start taking over the valley. Ash thought he noticed a glint of recognition when mentioned Niska. Over the next hour, and dessert, Ash told of the times to protect farm and family. Putting down the empty milk glass, “I guess protecting those that deserves it is just what I do now.”

Jenette had taken it all in and this man across the table was indeed interesting. “Well I guess you’d want to know we got lead to help your crewman, Mr. Apollo. I'll be following up on that tomorrow.”

Ash wiped his mouth as a smile spread across his face, “I guess I need to thank you again.”
Jenette rose from the table, “Well you can do that later.”
-------------
They walked back to Asher suite, Vasquez took the card key, opened the door and walked into the room. Her duster fell smoothly off her shoulders and slide to the floor, over her shoulder she called back. “It’s later!”

Wolf woke up to the sound of the door to the cellblock wing opening, he was unsure when he had dozed off. A man walked in, giving a wave and a thumb up to the guard outside, “Thanks man! Owe you one!” His voice was familiar, and as he got closer, Wolf recognized the man with the machine guns that had met during the battle. The mechanic couldn’t place his name, not even sure he said it at the time, but the marshal was the one who called the warning to him. He was also the one that fought against Wolf being arrested. Wolf could see the signs of the fight too – a bit of a shiner under one eye. He was also sure that this man had been wearing a corporal rank but his jacket now had the Private ranking.

“Hey man! Remember me? Hudson! From the firefight on LV-426?” Hudson smiled like he was talking about a sports games you had attended together. “You were Wicked, man! Blam Blam Blam, Game over man!”

(assume some greeting and what are you doing here?)

‘Figured you’d be stewing for news and the Colonel said it was okay. They won’t let me stay long but hey, here I am man!”

(weren’t you a corporal?)

“Ha. Yeah. Not the first time I’ve been busted down, won’t be the last either. So My CO, Sanders is now running this show. Marshalls and Military tend to butt heads so I don’t envy his job. Give me a firefight anyday, man – you know what I mean? Anyways, we are working to find the gun, Hicks and Vasques have a line on a guy who knows a guy. But those fat cats you pulled out of the fire? Yeah man, they threw a ton of credits at your captain so he is getting you a lawyer to make this all go away. You’ll be a free man, man! Miltary won’t like it but who gorram cares? Tsao ni zuzong shiba dai.”

"Yes, Callahan told me about that. Considering the man's service record and his sacrifice, I can't see this being a problem. Once we contact his next of kin, arrangements can be made - least we can do really." Sanders replied. "what about your man John Ryan? Did you have any thoughts or wishes for him?"

Did John have family? Where was he from again? Wyatt couldn't remember ever having a personal talk with the man. Still, he had given up his life to save theirs and that meant a whole lot to the captain. "We'll do some lookin', 'less you have the information on hand. I don't know of any family to return him to, and seein' how he gave his life in a heroic fashion we'll be happy t' see that he has a proper burial in a right pretty spot."

----------------------

Wyatt Sung wasn't much of a socialite--never had been. Over the course of the next few days he did his best to stay to himself. He was still mulling over the losses these past months had brought him and it took all he could muster to steer clear of the alcohol that was running free and being offered up easily. He politely attended what he needed to attend in order to avoid any possible affronts made to potential clients, and he made certain to keep in regular contact with his crew finding frequent company with Ma as she wasn't prone to engage in socializing either. Sung spent a lot of time on the Cortex looking for future jobs while maintaining the necessary contact with past acquaintances through waves sent and received. When he wasn't playing cards with Ma, talking business with Willow, or perusing the Cortex and sending waves, he was reading, sleeping, and eating. Mostly, he was waiting. Waiting for Rocinante to be flight-worthy once more. He had an awful itch to set bootheel to gangplank again and to watch the atmosphere flame away revealing the solace of the Black. He wasn't particularly keen to return to Serenity Valley, but the sooner he figured out where to bury John and completed the task of burying Havelock, the sooner he could get back to doing what he did best... raising hell and earning an occasional credit.

Willow’s fatigue made it hard for her track much of what happened once Sanders told them they were free to go and Wyatt confirmed he’d see Wolf as soon as possible. She made sure the others were comfortably settled in their rooms at the Wu-Hyatt before allowing herself to be led to her room.

The sweet faced hostess opened the door to a set of rooms that could possibly have been bigger than the entire living quarters on Rocinante. The woman kept opening doors to rooms and closets and a bathroom that made Willow gasp in pleasure. The woman smiled and immediately handed Willow an enormous fluffy bathrobe.

“If Miss Willow would care to get out of those clothes, I will fill the tub with hot water and scented bath oil...evening primrose, or lavender…no, silly me. You would be jasmine and verbena. Let me get that started and then perhaps I can make you tea? Or something else? I am Blossom and will be your concierge for your stay. ”

Willow smiled and agreed that tea would be lovely. As the woman busied herself with preparing the bath, Willow quickly discarded her shabby clothes and decided a shower to get the worst of the dust off would make the bath even more pleasurable. The shower had more controls than Rocinante’s bridge, but soon Willow was tingling head to toe from the multiple showerheads and a luxuriously soapy loofah.

Blossom returned with a tiny porcelain teapot and a thimble sized cup, and helped Willow into the enormous circular tub before kneeling beside the tub to towel dry and brush out Willow’s hair as she soaked and sipped actual chrysanthemum tea.

“Grown in our own hothouse,” murmured Blossom as she brushed. “I ordered fruit and toast for your breakfast, but now, Miss Willow, I think you need your rest. You would fall asleep in that tub if I weren’t here to save you, “she giggled gently.

Blossom’s tender care was the balm Willow’s ragged nerves needed, and indeed, she could barely keep her eyes open as she was again helped from the tub and gently dried and dressed in a silken set of pyjamas. The bed was equally enormous, and as soon as Blossom left, Willow arranged all the pillows in a row down her left side so the bed didn’t feel so big and empty. At long last, she slept.

The next day, she felt more her usual self, nibbling on fruit and another cup of tea as Blossom brought in several set of clothes (all in Willow’s size) for Willow to try on (“compliments of the hotel, Miss Willow.”) Willow smiled to herself, thinking that the hotel was surprisingly good at profiling their guests! After selecting the white and gold dress that fit like a second skin and gold beaded sandals, Willow excused Blossom and sat down at the hotel’s wave console, entering a code she only used in emergencies.

“Miss Takahara! A pleasure,” the wizened features of her father’s accountant brightened as he realized who was calling,” Are you well? Do you need funds? Your father didn’t give me any instructions, but I could…”

“No, Willman, that’s not necessary. At least, not yet. Maybe later,” Willow responded quickly before the elderly man could continue.

“I need to contact a member of the Borgia-Chans…discreetly. I know Father has dealings with Pamela Borgia-Chan and her brothers. Can you arrange a call, household manager to manager?”

Willman blinked and scratched his head, disturbing the few wisps of hair left to him. After blinking in thought for a moment, he agreed that he’d probably be able to arrange something for later that day.

Willow thanked him by chatting for a few moments about inconsequential things, then busied herself with checking in on the others before hitting the hotel’s shops. She had an unlimited card and she could not resist the siren call of marble shop floors and shiny perfume counters forever.

Her decimation of the shops’ merchandise was periodically interrupted by hotel staff seeking her out to deliver invitations and notes from the former passengers of the cruise ship, and sending back gracious hand-written acceptance notes. “I am going to be busy for the next few days,” she murmured to Blossom, who agreed from behind the stack of shoeboxes and dressbags she was holding.

Back in the room, Willow sorted out her purchases and sent Blossom out to deliver the items she’d selected for Trish, knowing the woman wouldn’t feel comfortable roaming the shops. She checked the console and noted she had just enough time to prepare herself for the call arranged by Willman.

When Pamela Borgia-Chan’s carefully ageless face appeared on the console, Willow thanked her for her gracious gift of time. She introduced herself (putting subtle emphasis on her family name) and expressed her condolences and sadness at the deaths of Stanley and Harold. She shared that she had gotten to know them both and their bravery and kindness had meant a great deal to her.

Ms. Borgia-Chan’s icy stare softened a bit at that, and she nodded before accepting Willow’s condolences. “Your kindness is appreciated, Miss Takahara. My time is valuable; was there anything else?”

Willow took a deep breath before continuing, “The Alliance has arrested my friend, Fenris Appollo, and charged him with their murders. I wanted to assure you, most humbly, that this is a dreadful mistake. Harold and Stanley had been given permission by their employer to help us, and so they would have been fighting with him, not against him.

“A trial is necessary; that is understood. It is my sincere wish that the Borgia-Chans will allow justice to be done and let us clear Fenris’ name. To convict the wrong man would not honour Stanley and Harold’s memory.”

The face on the screen was still for so long that Willow began to think she’d been put on hold, but eventually Pamela Borgia-Chan nodded brusquely.

“The family is not interested in vendettas; only the truth. We will follow the trial with interest, and respect its verdict. Your friend has no need to fear us if he is innocent. Your concern for him is honourable and does your family credit. Good day, Miss Takahara.”

Willow blinked as the wave cut off immediately. She let out her breath and realized her hands were shaking. She’d done all she could for her dear Mr. Wolf, and hoped that it would be enough.

Visitation for Federal Criminals is a highly monitored affair that requires the complete removal of all potential weapons, a search so thorough that Wyatt feels he should be bought dinner at the very least, and a very uncomfortable chair placed at an extremely uncomfortable position that requires Sung to sit on the edge in order to rest his elbows on the steel table between him and Wolf. All of the furniture is bolted to the floor, so there's no shifting the chair to get more comfortable, nor is there any chance for someone a little less calm than Wyatt to use anything in the room as a weapon. Besides, the Feds standing in the four corners with semi-automatic weapon and stun guns are deterrents enough.

"There's gonna be a trial Wolf," Wyatt met his mechanic's gaze flatly. "Ain't nothing can be done about that. But we got you counsel, and that ain't fer nothin' neither. So, sit tight an' we'll see you back on Roc before too long. I'm confident o' that. Ain't no way anyone could see otherwise once all facts are presented."

Sung shifts and slides awkwardly back in his chair so that the rigid back is digging in just underneath his shoulderblades. "Meanwhile, you got anything you want me t' pass on t' the crew?"

And so it came to an end, not the end that you expected or perhaps wanted but it did come to an end.

Wolf was visited by Hudson and Wyatt who told him that work was being done to secure his release. While he waited, the Alliance made no more attempts to make him sign paperwork signing away his rights.

In the afternoon of the Second day, a shuttle is brought to the hotel to take all of you to Rocinante. A gentleman named Baron Winters, in formal dress and sash, meets you and thanks each of you for the recovery of his violin. He is the owner of the ASC ( Alliance Spacecraft Corporation) Shipping yards that are located on Osiris. He has arranged to have Rocinante brought to a orbiting station before being towed to Osiris.

As you approach the ship, it is very beat up. Bullet holes from the auto cannons have scarred the hull. The shuttle doorways are sealed with temporary sealants , the one pod drive is completely charred from the damage and the back end shielding around the core is broken. Once you land and get inside, it looks less like you home and more like a wreck from where alliance soldiers searched the ship from top to bottom and did not care how they left things. Clothing dumped on the floor and emptied out, drawers left on the floor, all the impersonal signs of how little the soldiers cared. The kitchen is such a mess that Ma almost faints from the scene.

"Don't you worry!" Baron Winter says assuredly, "I am gonna take care of your ship like she was my own. I will make sure everything is cleaned up, polished and fixed to the best of our abilities. I will oversee this personally and anything off spec or not as designed - well, I respect your business and privacy. You have my word on that. You saved a lot of folk and something very precious to me without asking a lot of questions, so it is the least I could do."

Everyone gathers up their personal belonging and give instructions as to what belongs where. Asher is relieved to see that his hideaway gun cabinet was not found by the alliance. Baron Winters smiles and tells him, "Nice workmanship here - we won't change a thing." some time is required to convince Ma not to stay on the ship and oversee the restoration herself but the Baron seems to be a man who understands a debt at the very least.

In the Mule, Wyatt sees the case that Matherson had left behind with the mind control devices in it. He picks it up as they leave and empties the contents into the high temperature metal smelter as he walks by.

You return to the hotel and meet the advocate that was one of the passengers you saved. You take a moment to recognize her as she was in an evening dress on the ship and meets you wearing a business suit and looking very professional.

"First off," Sandra Wong says, "I want you to know I would do this for free if I could but If I do then the Military could claim conflict of interest. I will charge you the very least I can without it cross the line of scrutiny. The good news is that this is a very simple case and I really do not understand why they continue with this charade. Mr. Apollo was clearly in a battle situation, picked up the weapons to defend himself and wasn't aware that a permit was needed. As well we have many witnesses beside yourselves that can corroborate that Mr. Apollo fought alongside the two gentlemen, not against them. We have a vocal deposition from the late Mr. Matherson telling us the two wished to help defend the passengers and they accepted that they might not survive."

She then sighed, "The bad news is that without an alternate murder weapon, we have no way to show that someone else killed them. However, I am told the Marshalls are following a lead right now so I remain hopeful."

In the early evening, Wyatt receives a wave from Colonel Sanders who says that he has cleared the burial of Havelock on Hera. they will keep Havelock in a stasis container until the ship is ready to be flown again. At first Havelock family was against the burial on Hera but someone in the family stepped in and made it happen.

You all start to receive invitations from various passengers and dignitaries to parties being held to celebrate their survival and the return to their lives. Shuttles and hover vehicles are all arranged to pick you up and drop you off and you feel very popular suddenly. The hotel is going out of the way to make sure you are happy.

Another passenger you rescued turns out to be Jupiter Jones - owner of the Cortex news program FoxAction Media. He takes to the airwaves with personal stories told by the passengers about what happened during the rescue. The accounts are all very heroic, and somewhat embellished but the news keeps coming back to Wolf still being held and how a hero was being kept behind bars.

Later that night, you all receive notice from either Sanders, Hudson or Vasques that the handgun has been recovered. This allows all of you to sleep easier that night.

One the third day, Sandra Wong is allowed in to see Wolf and she lets him know that she is handling the case and that the weapon of the Mercenary has been recovered. She has pushed for an inquest to happen in the morning. In the meantime she arranged for Wolf to get proper medical attention and some half decent food.

Baron Winters send you a wave that it will be seven days until Rocinante is flightworthy. He promises that the ship will be better than it was before - better, stronger, and faster.

Tess receives a wave and is elated to find out her old ship is back in business. Seem that Destiny was not destroyed in battle but actually the mechanic had been working for a year to restore it. Tess informs the crew she will be leaving soon to rejoice her friends. She enjoyed her time on Rocinante but since it will be so long until it is flying, she might as well leave now.

The media coverage continues to put pressure on the military to release Wolf. The story of the rescue seems to be shifting to focus more on Havelock as the leader of the rescue and the attention on the crew fades a bit. As well, turns out that the man in the White tux, Mr. Matherson, bequeathed his entire fortune to Portia Amber Jr. (Amber Amber Sunshine). This sizable fortune puts Amber in control of her own fate and her mother requiring to remember who she is.

The forth day brings the inquest into Fenris Apollo's charges and Ms. Wong was able to get a judge from Londonium to preside instead of a military judge, citing conflict of interest. The inquest lasts for most of the day and all of the crew present are brought in to give testimony as well as most of the passengers. In the end, Wolf is cleared of all charges and released. He is also given a room at the hotel with the rest of you. Sandra Wong normally charges 1000 credits and hour and the bill would have been 12, 000 credits but she cuts that in half for you. She does have one thing to tell Wolf before she leaves, "Mr. Apollo, although we have cleared the charges against you, I have to warn you that with your record and this incident on record as well, you will have to be careful about any weapons you carry on your person from here on. Another charge of restricted weapons and you will be in serious trouble that even I won't be able to get you out. So hand gun for self defence or rifle - no problem, but automatic weapons and things on the restricted list - avoid them."

So everyone is reunited and you have several days in a high class luxury hotel to kill. With the reducing to your reward but the payment from the farmers for the goods delivered, you netted 11,000 credits which is a significant amount.

With Tess gone, Wyatt and Willow turn to looking for a new pilot. It is a hard task to find a pilot who is not flaky, drunk, looking for a free ride or with behavioural issues. You go through many candidates before you start to despair that you might need to lower your standards.

Then, a lady shows up, Introducing herself as Jade Storm. Her resume is impressive and she seems clean except for a need of an inhaler once in awhile due to a lung infection. It is her smile that strikes both Wyatt and Willow though, the sincerity and cheerfulness of the smile which makes you want to believe in better days.

But it is her letter of reference that cinches it for her. She moves Willow and Wyatt into a room of to the side where no one can see them and hands the letter to them. Wyatt looks at it and almost coughs from surprise. Heya, Wyung-sung! is written on the envelope and it is Sam Dash's handwriting:

Long time, no see, puhn yoh! I’d’ve shot ya a wave but, things bein’ as they are with all them hidden eyeballs on me an’ such, I conjured scrawlin’ a note on a piece of paper’d be a damn-sight safer, get me? I’m hopin’ that this here dispatch finds its way to ya without too ruttin many complications.

Anyhoo…Just cuz I ain’t seen ya in a spell don’t mean I ain’t been payin’ attention, though. Fact o’ the matter is, a li’l fairy told me as you an’ Roc’re in the way of needin’ a new driver… which brings us to why, exactly, yer gettin’ this note passed to ya by this whip of a woman… (and, Wyatt, if anyone but a good lookin’ gal with dark hair and darker twinklin’ eyes ain’t the party passin’ ya this note, shoot ‘em down, now, an’ burn atmo! On t’other hand, if she’s what I’m sayin’, keep readin.)… The bao bei standin’ front of ya’s Jade Storm an’, aside from my own ruttin’ self, I cotton she’s one of the best pilots in the Verse… Don’t tell her as I said that, though, as she’s like ta get all wheezy on ya as her head gets ta swellin’ and you’ll need ta make sure she gets a knock on that puffer of hers… Like I says, puhn yoh, girl’s a jing chai pilot an’ ain’t to shabby on the technical side, neither. Just like a bunch of us, though, she’s got her hitches but, given what I’ve come ta know bout her (an’ I could fill ya in, but I figure she’d be best to do that), I reckon she’d be right ta home amongst you folks. I’d consider it a kindness if you’d take her in and give her a shot, brother… I don’t reckon she’s like to let ya down, none.

Gotta fly, Wyatt. Atmo here’s gettin’ a might thick an’ them gorram hounds’re still nippin’ my heels… Just figured I’d send a wheel-wizard yer way and drop ya a line as ta let ya know that ol’ Sam’s still out here and still suckin’ air. Give the crew my regards (y’know… kiss Ma on the cheek and give Miss Wil a smack on th’ keester, fer me) an’, Good fuzzy Lord willin’, we’ll cross paths again ‘fore too much of a spell.

Keep a keen peelin’ on yer six and stay frosty, puhn yoh,
Sam

P.S. Get rid of this once yer done, get me? Burn it, eat it, everwhat ya gotta do…. S
Once both Willow and Wyatt have read the letter, Jade offers up a lighter and says, "I am thinking you might want this."

Ok. Stopping here so you can interact with Jade and get to know her. Then I will move everyone forward to the ship being ready for flight.

FEDERAL MARSHALL HOLDING CELL, TIME UNKNOWN, PLANET UNKNOWN
Wolf woke up to the sound of the door to the cellblock wing opening, the mechanic was unsure when he had dozed off. A man walked in, giving a wave and a thumbs up to the guard outside, “Thanks man! Owe you one!” His voice was familiar, and as he got closer, Wolf recognized the man with the machine guns that had met during the battle. The mechanic couldn’t place his name, not even sure he said it at the time, but the marshal was the one who called the warning to him. He was also the one that fought against Wolf being arrested. Wolf could see the signs of the fight too – a bit of a shiner under one eye. He was also sure that this man had been wearing a corporal rank but his jacket now had the Private ranking.

“Hey man! Remember me? Hudson! From the firefight on LV-426?” Hudson smiled like he was talking about a sports games you had attended together. “You were Wicked, man! Blam Blam Blam, Game over man!”

Wolf looked over the soldier he had encountered at the Roc’s ramp, Hudson he said his name was, on a gut feeling decided to talk for the first time since meeting with the lawyer.

“Thanks, I think” Wolf replied a little embarrassed. “So what brings you here Hudson?”

‘Figured you’d be stewing for news and the Colonel said it was okay. They won’t let me stay long but hey, here I am man!”

“The Colonel? Wait weren’t you a corporal?”

“Ha. Yeah. Not the first time I’ve been busted down, won’t be the last either. So My CO, Sanders is now running this show. Marshals and Military tend to butt heads so I don’t envy his job. Give me a firefight any day, man – you know what I mean? Anyways, we are working to find the gun, Hicks and Vasques have a line on a guy who knows a guy. But those fat cats you pulled out of the fire? Yeah man, they threw a ton of credits at your captain so he is getting you a lawyer to make this all go away. You’ll be a free man, man! Military won’t like it but who gorram cares? Tsao ni zuzong shiba dai.”

Wolf hearing Hudson’s words felt hope raising but quickly squished it down not worth getting excited just because this grunt said he be free even though the mechanic was grateful for some news.

“Thanks for the info; hey did you say something about a lawyer?”

“Yeah someone, a lady from the ship you saved I think, I heard”

“If you can, do me a favor. Tell my captain not to spend cash on a top hat lawyer. If what you say is true about getting out, tell him to fix the Roc first. Then once it’s done then worry about me. I been in jail before, I’ll survive.”

After Hudson left Wolf with nothing better to do went back to playing with the baseball he had named SMQ.

THUNK, THUMP, THUNK, THUMP, THUNK, THUMP
However a few days later he found himself the focus of another lawyer. Having seen only Hudson since that ~go tsao duh~ lawyer and his plea of guilty and with his mind on what the soldier had told him Wolf at first did not notice the commotion outside his cell block. With a “Do you know who I am!” and the turning of a key he stopped throwing and catching SMQ and waited to see who his visitor would be. He was very surprised at the lady who entered at her beauty and the way she was dressed. Clearly this was no Portia Amber.

The lady wore a business suit and had a strong air of professionalism to her. As Wolf watched she entered his cellblock area, her eyes clearly looking to find and mark in her mind all the cameras within the area. There was something very familiar about her to the mechanic, like he had seen her before when it suddenly dawned upon him; she had been one of the passengers from the cruise liner. One of the quiet ones, the ones who were shell shocked and kept to themselves and didn’t make demands – and she was dressed in an evening gown at the time. What was this lovely lady doing here, Wolf wondered, maybe a last supper kind of thing?

“Mr. Fenris Apollo? I am Sandra Wong. I don’t know if you remember me but I was one of the passengers on the Star of Sihnon that your ship rescued.”

Looking at her for a few moments Wolf pondered if he should, unlike he had with Hudson, stay quiet and say nothing. However her beauty and a gut feeling like he’d had with Hudson changed his mind about staying quiet.

“Yes Ma’am I remember you, I never got the chance to talk to you then, but I liked your evening gown. So what can I do for you?”

“I have been retained by your crew members to serve as your advocate, particular Wyatt Sung, Asher Tahone, Patricia Wilmont and the Takahara Family. They have given me a retainer to work as such but I need you agreement that I accept me as your advocate. Before you do, let me say I have look at your case and it looks pretty cut and dry to me. You were in a combat situation; you picked up weapons to defend yourself and certainly did not kill allies in a firefight. By the way, the actual gun that killed the Borgia-chan brothers has been found. So based on that, may I be your advocate? “

Wolf was confused first who were the Takahara Family and why give a s*** about him? Second did she say Wyatt and Ash were also helping pay for this lady, with what cash.? By her dress Wolf knew this lady was not in a cheep class of lawyers like Dewey, Cheatem and Howe. So Wyatt had clearly used the cash received from the people Hudson had mentioned for a retainer for this lady. No way the ship came first. Restraining a sense of anger Wolf knew what had to be done.

“Miss Wong though I would love to have you as a lawyer, and a friend.” Wolf could not but add a little flirt in that statement “I have to say no. please give my regards to Capt Sung and Mr. Tahone and tell them to keep the money and repair our ship. Without me they’ll need that cash to fix it”

“Trust me Mr. Apollo just agree to let me be your advocate and everything will work out. I give you my word.”

Wolf sat back in his chair, the glove and ball in hand as he looked Wong in the eyes. Seeing her desire and almost need to defend him he took a chance like few he ever had.

“Ok sure I’d like you to be my advocate”

She points to the nearest camera, “Can you repeat that please?”

Turning to the camera above his bed he repeated his acceptance.

“I Fenris Apollo, agree to have Miss Sandra Wong be my advocate at my trial”

“Thank you.” She said and walked briskly down to the doorway and called to the guard outside. There was a brief discussion and then her voice took a commanding tone. After that she returned to Wolf with a smile, “Let us go somewhere without the cameras so you can tell me what happened from your point of view. As well, I am sure you could use some medical attention and a hot meal.” After another two hours Wong left to get the case moving and an inquest on the table for the next morning. However three days went by with no word and Wolf began to wonder.

Then on the fourth day things moved quickly as Wong brings the inquest into Fenris’s charges and Wong was able to get a judge from Londonium to preside instead of a military judge, citing conflict of interest. The inquest lasts for most of the day and all of the crew present are brought in to give testimony as well as most of the passengers. In the end, Wolf is cleared of all charges and released. He is also given a room at the hotel with the rest of you. Sandra Wong normally charges 1000 credits and hour and the bill would have been 12, 000 credits but she cuts that in half for you. She does have one thing to tell Wolf before she leaves.

"Mr. Apollo, although we have cleared the charges against you, I have to warn you that with your record and this incident on record as well, you will have to be careful about any weapons you carry on your person from here on. Another charge of restricted weapons and you will be in serious trouble that even I won't be able to get you out. So hand gun for self defense or rifle - no problem, but automatic weapons and things on the restricted list - avoid them."

~Like that will really happen out in the black~ Wolf thought to himself, but the lady before him did deserve a thank you.

“Thanks Ms Wong for your help. I must admit I was unsure of you and I feel I owe you a debt. Any way I can pay it off before you leave” Wolf gave her a look trying to express without words his meaning.

Much later (Hopefully) he made his way among the rest of the crew, Asher he asked after his Beretta’s and shotgun, Wyatt after the ship, Miss Willow her health. To Tess a meaningful goodbye and shared with Ma a huge hug. Then he was enjoying his free hotel room benefits waiting for the day the Roc, his true love, would fly once more......