[IC] 🦄 After Miranda - A Firefly Rp - Season 1 (Completed)

[Morose]

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Dr. Dorothy Pender & Dr. Fitz Townsley

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Location: Lady Luck's
Skills: Perception, Gambler

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Fitz was flabbergasted and it showed as he looked down at his hand. He knew right away that he could easily win with a hand like this. Of course, he hadn't even considered the fact that his facial expressions were betraying him. There seemed to be a round of people folding around the table and Fitz couldn't help but marvel at his own luck. Did no one else have a good hand left on them? "I r-raise twenty," Fitz said. He didn't want to bet it all, but he figured that he'd raise the bet some more. He had a good hand, after all, and while he wasn't in need of cash it wouldn't hurt.

"Oh, and y-y-you're welcome," he said to Foy. He didn't understand why everyone else was being so hard on him - and he was right. Jahosafat's facial grooming was a pretty good testament to Foy's skills. Had Fitz had any sort of facial hair himself, he likely would have asked Foy for some of his expertise. But his sister had told him that he looked terrible with anything more than light stubble and it then hadn't happened again in the years following that incident. She hadn't been wrong, of course. It had ended up coming in incredibly patchy.

Dorothy managed to keep her face neutral, but she knew that her hand was terrible. "I fold," she said simply. Luck just wasn't on her side tonight and she wasn't going to try to keep on going with a terrible hand. Of course, her thoughts did go back to the other game the engineer had with him. Maybe once a few of the players went to the dance floor, they could give his game a try. From her estimations, it'd just be her, Daphne, Fitz, and Mei. She doubted Atticus was planning on rejoining them any time soon. And Dorothy couldn't pinpoint why exactly that bothered her.

There was no sign of Anisa or Harper returning just yet - which Dorothy imagined wasn't too strange in itself. If it really was some sort of business transaction, those weren't settled in seconds. And if they were, then there was something terribly wrong with the terms of the deal. She had to fight back a bit of a chuckle as Foy explained his thoughts on scalping, noticing how wildly they seemed to swing about all over the place.

[Lady Absinthia]

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Jahosafat Moreau

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Location: Lady Luck: Table Main Room
Skills:Carouse, Social Science -> Psychology

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Jahosafat leaned back in his chair. Observing those around him and mostly notably his dear friend and comrade the esteemed barber. Shaking his head he had to stifle the slightest of chuckles. The entire situation was very much amusing to him. Not funny in a ha ha sort of way but funny in an absurd sort of way. There was a vast difference between the two things when it came to tickling his proverbial funny bone and right now it was being tickled in the most non traditional of senses. Clearing his throat he righted himself in his chair and leaned forward before he spoke.

"I must drop my two cents into the barrel on this subject my buxom lady. My dear childhood friend here is not only a barber but the finest in his trade this end of the 'Verse. Tis not a finer stylist, barder, or mustacery artist that lives than one that is he who is known as Coiffeur. Just as knights of old once squired young lads on the Earth that was, so does this fine line from Faraday. And while they are knowledged in their numerous skills and could never be pigeon holed into a singular line of employed detachment make no mistake that when you are in the hands of a Coiffeur you are being tended to by the very hands that the gods of old themselves would have called to Mount Olympus to tend to their gold fleece. I myself count few others as deserved, skilled, or learned enough to even be able to dare trim my bush," he said with all seriousness but there was a glint of humor in his eyes at the last of his words.

Looking back down at his cards he tossed in a few more chips. "I will call," he said before leaning back and waiting to see what else unfolded before him. "Just a singular moment if you please. Let me sheer this sheep and we can get to the toe tapping of titillation!"

[Sigil]

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Foy Coiffeur

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Location: Newhope - Lady Luck (Table, Main Room)
Skills: Carouse, Perception

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Foy turned his head to the side ever so slightly as Jacqueline continued what he considered a wholly unnecessary slander on his ancestral occupation. Polite society would have treated the situation with more gentility, befitting his breeding and entrepreneurial accomplishments. Even his military contacts would treat him as an asset; maybe not with kid gloves but a certain amount of mutual respect. Even trust. But Society, Industry, and Military were areas in which Foy were most competent and comfortable. These comparatively sticky surroundings where his reputation was not well established did not do well for polite conversation. Point of fact, Foy was certain that the only way he would get an ounce of trust or respect among these people, who were supposed to be his crewmates now (or most of them), would be through a live fire demonstration of his less business-related skills. Sadly, there was not proper opportunity at the moment. Nor would it be a good idea to create such an opportunity. They needed to keep a more-or-less low profile, and opening a torrent of other peoples' blood across the floor would be the extreme opposite of that.

Then he realized what the feminine grifter meant by her last statement, and raised an eyebrow in her direction. "You have an abrupt manner about you, madame. I trust we shall leave each other's anatomy roughly intact, regardless of whatever little adventures into which ensconce ourselves this evening. Or to put it more plainly, I shall appreciate your company upon the dance floor, to partake in a few moment's frivolity. I shall not think less of you if you miss a step, so long as you do not think less of me when I check my wallet upon our cessation." He stepped from behind his chair and offered Jacqueline his arm, "At your pleasure, Miss Croix."

The proper order of conversation generally went to the fairer gender first, followed by others. While Foy had heard every beaming bit of professional confirmation heaped upon him by the fellow Farradayan, he had elected to wait until now to address the man. "Truly, you are a praiseworthy man, Dr. Moreau, to likewise bestow praise with such tact and veracity. I tip my hat to you and your fine family as well, and I am indubitably honored to have the opportunity to service your personal grooming needs. Such are the words of gentlemanly stature, sir. And thusly! Yes, thusly it behooves me to honor your request, at the absolute least. I shall not leave this table until you have sheared the last scrap of wool that your noble hand of cards may clip, indeed!" The hand was seconds away from being over. It was a pause. A throat clear. A handful of heartbeats until toes would tap and heels would shuffle.

Thus spake The Foy.

[FantasyChic]

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Mei Qiáo

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Location: Newhope - Lady Luck
Skills: N/A

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The game was going strong with the remaining people, but Mei's attention wasn't so much on the others (though the stuttering young man seemed to be doing well for himself. If she wasn't sure she'd waste her time, she'd think he was cheating). She felt herself getting anxious. She wasn't used to sitting around doing nothing. However, it wasn't as if she'd be doing so for long.

Hopefully, the Captain would be back soon. In the meantime, she'd have to content herself with dealing with the others. She had a basic understanding of how things went based on how they talked to each other. It was easy to see the barber and the doctor were close, the sisters, the stuttering boy and the blonde woman had a weird "thing" going on she couldn't quite grasp. It was an interesting dynamic that she was sure would be a huge headache if they were all on the same ship.

She was looking forward to it.

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Jacqueline Croix

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Location: Newhope - Lady Luck
Skills: Perception

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Jackie had never been rendered speechless before, but she nearly choked on her drink. Did Barber Boy really think she wanted to......? With him?!?! She'd sooner adopt three brats and live in the country. "You misunderstand me, Barber Boy. It's a dance only. And a dance is all it will be."

She took his arm and prepared to be whisked off to the dance floor. She wasn't used to dancing, but she had done so on a number of occasions. She remembered one where she conned a pretty high up politician. She got him to dance with her at a function and she stole his keycard to be used later. It was child's play really. Being a woman, one usually let the man lead. And she was sure Barber Boy would be leading.

[BlueSky44]

Daphne Pender

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Location: Lady Luck
Skills: None

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Daphne watched as the others started finishing out the round. There weren't that many people left in the hand, so it was going to be over with rather quickly. Jahosafat was defending Foy about what his job was, and she wasn't entirely sure why they had even started arguing about the issue in the first place. Jackie sounded like she might be starting to get on everyone's nerves a little bit, which made her feel better about her dislike of the woman.

With Foy taking Jackie away to dance, it made it so that there were only five people around the table. She was fine with the mix of people left, though it would be better if Jahosafat wasn't there since she didn't care much for the man either. It wouldn't be too hard to make do with the group she was sitting with, and it would be interesting to see if Fitz once again won the round. The engineer still surprised her, yes he didn't seem to know much about the universe, but he seemed to have a natural ability for gambling.

[Lady Absinthia]

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Jahosafat & Atticus

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Location: Lady Luck: Table Main Room, Main Room
Skills:Carouse, Social Science -> Psychology

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Jahosafat leaned back in his chair and waited. Eying Fitz to see what the young gent would do. This was one that was starting to intrigue the doctor. He had some refinement to him but was obviously carrying some issues. He wondered, could this young diamond in the rough be polished up? Oh yes, perhaps he could be saved from a life that was far beneath him. No, he could never be a Farraday stock but then again, few could, but he could end up being more than others. Especially with his apparent breeding and education. He even had what some referred to as an adorkable quality. This could be put to good use in some cases, if refined to a certain point.

Granted while Fitz could be considered cute and one to take under ones wings, there were others that could clearly not. One such was one that grabbed the doctors attention as he heard a door fling open and hit the wall behind it. Turning his attention to the noise, which had to be rather loud to come over the crowd that was in the Lady Luck right then. Upstairs, from behind a long shut door came Atticus with his cloths being shoved at him. Thankfully he did have his under garments on. "I said a vice for something worth far more than money. Salvation of your eternal soul! Let us continue the confession!" he said with a wiry grin. Seemed he was trying to trade one trade for another and the girl was figuring her skills were worth more than her soul.

"Ha! That man does have a penchant for trying to press the word on things other than a page," he laughed as several security members were making their way up the stairs and towards the scene. Atticus wasn't stupid. He knew he couldn't push it much longer.

"Just a joke, even God has a sense of humor," he teased as he pulled out his wallet and paid the girl, with some extra before quickly exiting stage left and down the stairs. Still carrying his clothing. Security kept an eye on him but the girl waved them off. She had her money and a half naked man walking through the place wasn't uncommon.

"I take it your delay to the table was well worth it? Was is a truly heavenly experience?" Jahosafat asked as Atticus made his way to the table and dropped his stuff on the table as he sat down in boxers and boots.

"Totally worth a few days in Purgatory," he laughed as he put his collar back on first.

[Morose]

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Dr. Dorothy Pender & Dr. Fitz Townsley

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Location: Lady Luck's
Skills: Perception, Gambler

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Fitz hesitated for a moment, seeing that Jahosafat had called. But he had faith in his hand and Fitz glanced down at it, before setting down his cards and showing his hand. He knew that he probably could have gone all in, but he didn't want to lose the winnings he had just received. From what he knew about gambling, that was a real possibility. Who knew how long it would be before his luck ran out? As from what Fitz could tell, this game was pretty much all luck. The real skill seemed to be in just knowing whether to fold or not. It hadn't occurred to him that there was an element of people reading to it as well.

However, Fitz quickly became wide eyed and speechless at the half naked man. He was about to ask Jackie if that sort of thing unusually happened when the man in question came and joined them at the table, clad in just his underwear and shoes. Fitz seemed to have malfunctioned as he tried to understand what was happening. He gathered that he had been engaging in intercourse - but why was he so comfortable being nude, for all intents and purposes? "H-h-hello..." Fitz stammered. He then saw the collar. Was this man.... a preacher?! He then looked at Jackie, hopelessly confused by what was going on.

Dorothy pursed her lips slightly, only looking towards Atticus out of the corner of her eye. He was currently at his worst, in her opinion. They had a bit of a complex relationship, sometimes getting along rather well and other times at odds with one another, yet Dorothy generally felt the most irritated by Atticus when he was drunk - and when he had just come back after time with some prostitute. "We're playing double handed poker," Dorothy said curtly. "You may want to put some clothing on - beyond boxers," she then added.

Mei and her sister both continued to be rather quiet, and as she glanced out of the corner of her eye, there was no sign of Anisa returning yet. Dorothy couldn't wait for this evening to be over. Rather than relaxing, she had become even more stressed. She much would have preferred a quiet night in her room, working on some word puzzle or another. Or perhaps, given that it was a new ship, figuring out the best way to organize her belongings - or even surveying the new medical facilities. She couldn't help but think wistfully about the evening that could have been. Nothing good ever happened in bars and clubs.

[Sigil]

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Foy Coiffeur

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Location: Newhope - Lady Luck (Table, Main Room)
Skills: Carouse, Perception

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The proclamation of the lovely and clandestinely talented Jacqueline made Foy's eyes widen. Further, as ubiquitous an expression as an eyebrow raise was among every culture across the 'Verse and the annals of time going back the untold millennia to the invention of the aforementioned eyebrow raise, Foy somehow managed to make this minor facial movement grow into something not only noticeable, but take up more than half of his highly smug, yet dignified face. A smile formed across his lips, which promptly turned into a grin, which further transformed into a chortling guffaw. Not a laugh in the traditional sense, nor a titter, nor even a chuckle, cackle, nor subtlest of gigglery. This was a guffaw. Foy had the good manners to catch himself before he had to take a knee and grapple with the side of the table in hopes of preventing a spill onto the questionable sanitation of the establishment's floor.

With an overt lowering his tone but not necessarily the volume of his voice, giving the mere suggestion of speaking privately without the messy baggage of actually giving any privacy, Foy imparted what he considered to be decent and worldly words of experience. "Ha ha, hoo... Ah, my dear woman, you assume much too highly of my intentions, and considerably too much concerning your powers of influence upon my person. Indeed, attention has already been paid toward my proclivities in the arena of succinct and extremely personal interactions; furthermore you do not remotely fit the criteria of a proper paramour for a Coiffeur, not being a lady professionally inclined toward the Craft Horizontal, nor one of marriageable standing." It was an odd pairing for the general selection of those Foy would calculate lucky enough to associate with him in that regard, but if one understood the family's culture and customs, it did make some sense. Some.

"A dance, Miss Croix, is my offer. Privilege enough for many who would associate thusly." He twirled the end of his fine moustache, and opened his mouth to say more but was waylaid by what he saw transpiring at the table. He raised a finger, indicating a moment of conversational respite while he witnessed something ...interesting. That lucky little snot had done it again. "Oh, my dear Jahosafat, do you spy what I spy, my good sir? Why you must; and as a matter of technicality, being that you are incrementally closer than myself to those cards, you must have borne witness to it first!" Fitz had done it again, of course, laying down a hand that made it statistically impossible for any other arrangement of cards left in the deck to claim victory. "I mean no insult, my dearest Dr. Moreau. None in the slightest as I say this; it is merely that the analogy you had put into the verbal offerings of the hour seem best paraphrased and turned to its reciprocal. To wit: Any wool left upon the flock of pink and shiny sheep has been shorn, collected, and spun into a purse to collect his winnings. Whether those winnings come as a result of beginer's luck, hidden skill, or unscrupulous cheating is beyond my comprehension. I am merely exhibit a sense of profound satisfaction that I turned my cards over before the last round of wagers were finalized."

Foy gave a nod to Fitz, intoning a warm, "To use the colloquial phrase of the plebeians - Cheers to you, sir." Or at least as warm as someone like Foy could muster in the circumstance. Then back to Jacqueline, "If you are still in the spirits for a rousing bit of heel-to-toe, Miss Croix, shall we begin?" Foy began to make his way to the floor, company notwithstanding to his decision. He was cutting a rug that evening, and making gallant sport of it, one way or another.

[FantasyChic]

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Mei Qiáo

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Location: Newhope - Lady Luck
Skills: N/A

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Mei watched with interest at the interactions going on. The blonde woman, Jackie, and the barber seemed to have an interesting dynamic going on. They seemed to be desperate to talk over one another and avoid anyone making any unwarranted assumptions. In her eyes, the two protested too much. Fitz took a minute after the Doctor called, but her eyes wandered to a new addition to the table.

Judging my appearances alone, she would have put the man as a regular patron at this type of bar, but his specific clothing (the collar notably) and his speech led her to believe the man was a preacher. They weren't so hard to come by, but she was unsure of why he was here in this bad. And then it occurred to her that those at the table knew this man.

Was he part of their crew as well? What use did that serve? Then she remembered that they had a Barber on board, so perhaps she should leave her judgment until she saw them in action.

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Jacqueline Croix

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Location: Newhope - Lady Luck
Skills: Perception

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Jackie fought the need to give a sigh of relief. She was never one to turn down a good romp around the sheets, but she didn't want to do so with Barber Boy. She'd sooner bed Fitz and she was more than positive the boy had no idea where the working parts were. The fact Barber Boy was all too eager to tell of his association with a woman before led her to believe he was making it known to not only her, but to the others at the table. Almost like he had to prove himself.

It tickled her a bit.

Fitz seemed to be n quite the lucky mood. She had to give credit where it was due. "A dance it is then. If you step on my feet, Barber Boy, I'll shove the playing cards high up your tight arse." And she made her way to the dance floor, ignoring the new man who appeared at the table.

[BlueSky44]

Daphne Pender

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Location: Lady Luck
Skills: None

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When she saw Atticus reappear at the table, she just rolled her eyes. Of course he didn't have the decency to put some clothes on before returning to the table. The preacher was once again giving her several more reasons why she didn't care much for the man. Atticus wasn't the best person to have around, and she had to hide a laugh at what her sister had said in response. Though she did agree with her completely on that point, he probably should put some clothes on.

Daphne smiled at Fitz when he revealed what his hand was. She was wondering just how lucky could a person be without having never gambled before, though he could still work on that poker face of his. The others seemed to be surprised at Atticus appearing almost complete undressed, but it wasn't too surprising to her. With Foy and Jackie now heading off to dance, she kind of wished that Atticus wasn't there at all, but you can't have everything.

[Lady Absinthia]

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Jahosafat & Atticus

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Location: Lady Luck: Table Main Room, Table Main Room
Skills: Carouse, Social Science -> Psychology

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Jahosafat watched the preacher, this man was something but the thing was as far as psychology went he wasn't that interesting. At least not in the doctors eyes. Sure he was colorful and one could probably write a whole book on how one taking the vows of the cloth could buck against the system and at the same time use it for their own gains. It was a tale as old as time though. Atticus was pretty straight forward and easy to read. The man had his vices, those he did not hide. He had his virtues, again, things he did not hide. He was an open book or bible in this case. He was Eden and Sodom all rolled into one simple package bound together in a rosary. He had to admit though the man could be entertaining and more than that a good distraction. Though that distraction could have been better used if he had showed up when Anisa had a gun out. Now that would have been useful.

Atticus laughed a bit. Sure him being in his boxers was probably a little out of place but it wasn't entirely so. It wasn't the first time they had stopped on a world or a moon and he had done something like this. In fact it was par for the course. At least this time he hadn't been thrown out a window. Hell for that matter, at least this time he had boxers on. Last time he had been thrown out a window into a tub of water out front for horses, without his boxers and they had burned his clothes. He ended up walking three miles back to the ship the way god had brought him into this world. Completely bare assed naked. So this was a step up that was for sure.

"Well hell, at least it isn't strip poker or I would be already be in trouble," Atticus laughed as he pulled his pants on and then sat down. "Hello," he said grinning towards Fitz. "A new sheep for the folk splendid! Tell me son, what are your sins?" he asked as he was pulling his boots back on.

Jahosafat had promised to dance once the hand was done. The hand was done. While he had wanted to do a singles toe tapping to start it seemed his partner in crime was going to share a dance with Jackie to start. That didn't mean he had to wait. He could find a partner as well. Looking at the table as he put his hat on, and a fine hat it was, he ran his finger over the lip of it. "So out of you fine ladies that remain, which would enjoy a dance or two. I assure you, I will not trample your toes and be a complete gentleman with my actions," he said before slipping the deck of cards to the middle of the table.

[Sigil]

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Foy Coiffeur

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Location: Newhope - Lady Luck (Floor, Main Room)
Skills: Carouse, Perception

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At the mention of cards being used as a punishment for a toe-crunching misstep, and rectally no less, Foy's eyebrow again arched skyward. This act was followed by a quiet chuckle and the amused baring of pearly teeth. "Why Miss Croix, I was given the distinct impression just seconds ago that you weren't interested in such extracurriculars." His smile turned into a devious grin, accented by eyes that glinted mischief, "And here I merely desired a dance." It was unclear as to whether or not the foppish Farradayan was joking. He too took note of Atticus approaching the table in a state of scandalous undress, and gave him the most gentlemanly of nods as if nothing was amiss and he was greeting an old friend from across the room. Nevertheless, his stride did not break as he made his way to the slightly raised stage, slipping the vocalist a rectangle of paper currency.

He whispered a quick exchange, and turned to Jacqueline. "I have taken it upon myself to request something with a touch of combustion to begin the festivities, if you are still inclined, Miss Croix." He did need to get in the singles dance, and if fact had intended to first; his polite request for anyone else to join him hung on the likelihood that Jahosafat would be otherwise engaged with the cards for a hand or two. After he gave his word that he would wait for him to take to floor as well, the events were set. To deviate for the sake of favoritism (a thing which only bothered him if he was accused of it, and accurately so most of the time) would be seen as most impolite. Foy was ever polite. Rarely nice, but ever polite.

In the end of his thought process, he rationalized that this peppy introduction for the evening's musical session would serve to warm him up for the Farradayan Dance-Off which was to follow. Oh yes, stretch those legs, remind himself that he was not merely an Independent Contractor and Barber Extraordinaire, but he was one spiffy operator on a dance floor. Then challenge the best of them. Maybe second best. The title seemed to change hands every time he and Jahosafat had the opportunity to duel upon the polished wooden planking of their own nonlethal Field of Honor.

But right at this moment, he had a lovely and sarcastic lady(?) with whom he owed his time. It would be frighteningly impolite to not give her the attention that the moment deserved, platonic though it was. Besides, he had to make sure he still had his wallet afterward. As the music began to key up and the first notes flew off of the house band's fiddle strings, Foy began tapping his foot in perfect synchronization. He looped his hand around Jacqueline's waist in an assertive but gentlemanly manner and took her hand into his, suddenly sweeping the pair of them away as if caught in a rushing river current of Contemporary Frontier music.

Mood Music

[Morose]

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Dr. Dorothy Pender & Dr. Fitz Townsley

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Location: Lady Luck's
Skills: N/A

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Fitz stared at his winnings for a moment and then realized he didn't know what to do with them. What was the procedure by wish they were turned into actual money? He felt a bit clueless and was about to ask Jackie for help when he caught her on the dance floor with the barber. Maybe Daphne would know what to do with the winnings - she seemed like she had been in this type of place before, just by the people that were part of her crew - her former crew, at any rate. He was about to ask her what to do when the half naked preacher asked him about his transgressions.

"M-my sins?" Fitz repeated, thinking for a moment. "I uh....I o-once tried to divide by zero," he stammered. He wasn't really sure what to classify his sins as - but he also wasn't a particularly religious person. There didn't seem to be any evidence of a higher power in the world and to Fitz, without evidence it was unlikely one would exist. Civilization hadn't just started yesterday - surely there would have been some sign by now of a higher power. "And u-uh...C-can't really think of anything else, sorry."

"If we were playing strip poker, I wouldn't be here," Dorothy quipped, though she couldn't help but smirk slightly at the engineer's description of his sins. Although it wasn't the first time she had seen Atticus like that, it irritated her to no end. She took a bite of her food, knowing that while it had cooled down considerably, she had to eat something. While she hardly ever drank, she wasn't foolish - she understood the precautions to take. "Do we want to do another round of cards or is anyone else intending on going dancing?" Dorothy asked. She shook her head slightly at Jahosafat's request for a dancing partner.

"I uh...W-well Daphne, I was wondering if you'd h-help me figure out what I'm supposed to d-do with all of this," Fitz said, gesturing at his winnings. "And...if y-you'd want to dance with me?" His ears turned bright red. He hadn't ventured into romantic relationships very often, but he couldn't deny that Daphne was pretty. And each time she smiled at him, he couldn't help but smile back.

"Maybe we ought to pause cards, then," Dorothy observed. She was incredibly curious to know what her sister would say, but she didn't want to push her. She had made that mistake before.

[FantasyChic]

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Mei Qiáo

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Location: Newhope - Lady Luck
Skills: N/A

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Cards seemed to have ended as the stuttering boy Fitz cleaned house. She hadn't expected that turnabout, but it was entertaining none the less. The blonde woman Jackie and the Barber walked off to the dance floor, the tension between the two was very obvious. She leaned back in the chair, still eyeing where Anisa went.

The conversation turned to more dancing and...sins? The man was a preacher, it seemed, but unlike any she had seen before. She had no time for religious talk though. As much as she was worried, it may be in her best interest to step away from the table. If only to pass time and get a greater perspective. So when the other doctor offered, she surprised herself, and maybe the others, by answering.

"I'll dance with you."

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Jacqueline Croix

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Location: Newhope - Lady Luck
Skills: Perception

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"You know, you are cute when your lips aren't movin'"

Jackie had to give it to Barber Boy, he could take it as well as dish it out. She was almost having fun. Almost. As he led her away to the dance floor, placing his hands on her and moving about just as the music. Twisting and turning as the contemporary country song came on. She was impressed by how graciously he moved them along. It was fairly easy to remain in step with him.

However, that was not the reason she agreed to dance. Well, not the only reason. She wanted to get a greater sense of the man and dancing was a time-honored tradition for men and women to get a better understanding of one another.

So she twirled and spun and dipped like no one's business. The years of conning and attending boring, stuffy parties seemed to pay off. She was actually enjoying herself, though to be fair she had drunk a LOT before agreeing to dance.

"Color me impressed, Barber Boy. You got moves, I'll give you that. Better than other guys I've had the pleasure of dancing with."

[BlueSky44]

Daphne Pender

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Location: Lady Luck
Skills: None

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Daphne almost laughed when she heard Fitz try to describe his sins to the preacher. Of course, Atticus was one to talk about sins, but everyone had their problems. The preacher's comment about strip poker was pretty funny, but she never would have played that game, much like her sister's comment about it. Mei actually accepted Jahosafat's offer for a dance, which was weird, but it didn't matter to her. Fitz's question about the chips didn't surprise her, he didn't usually gamble from what she knew. "There should be a place around here where you can exchange those chip for money," she said simply.

The next part of his question caught her a bit off guard. He wanted to dance, with her? That was not something she had expected him to say. She could probably guess what was going through her sister's mind, aside from the fact that she had mentioned holding off on playing another hand. Looking over at Fitz, she started to think, oh what the hell. Giving him a smile, Daphne looked at him. "Sure, why not," she replied, surprising even herself.

[Lady Absinthia]

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Jahosafat & Atticus

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Location: Lady Luck: Main Room - Dance Floor, Main Room - Table
Skills: Lore -> Religion, Physical Science -> Chemistry, Gambler -> Poker, Carouse, Social Science -> Psychology

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Atticus chuckled a bit at the boys words. "Oh son, one need not confess that. Now if you were trying to rationalize an imaginary number on Pi day we might have to talk penance," he said as he put his collar back on and leaned back in his chair. Oddly enough this is where Atticus was most comfortable. He had cards in front of him, a bible in his pocket, and was talking along a scientific line of sorts to some random person. The man might have been a preacher but he was highly educated and very fond of explosives - which took a hefty amount of both science and faith to survive handling. He was made to blow shit up.

Tilting his head to the side, the ebony man smiled broadly at Mei and held out his hand to her. "Now this is an honor, to be able to have on my arm a woman of such beauty and from what I have gathered one of skill if you were able to elude my fellow Faradiarian while injured. You must have not only a constitution for the ages but a mind as sharp as Miss Jackies tongue there. I dare to hope that this dance will be one of the most exhilarating that I have had the joy of executing in some time." The man spoke as if he had thrown up a copy of Websters Unabridged Dictionary laced with a thesaurus for the ages from the Earth that was but from the look in his eyes, he actually was excited to be able to dance.

"In other words you're happy as fuck to dance," Atticus said before taking a long sip of his drink.

"Ha! Yes, yes in deed my fine fellow of the faith!" Jahosafat laughed before smiling back over to Mei and leading her out to the dance floor. He did not bother to worry about warming up. His opinion was this - did you ever see a lion stretch before it took down a gazelle? Of course not. The true kings of this world acted, their bodies were always ready.

Atticus just smirked a bit as he looked over towards Dorothy. "Fuck that, deal me in. It's either cards between the two of us or you gotta dance with my ass. I think you would prefer cards. Every hand you win, I give you 1 day without my preaching to you. Come on, you know you want in on that," he taunted her as he tapped the table and motioned towards the cards.

[Sigil]

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Foy Coiffeur

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Location: Newhope - Lady Luck (Floor, Main Room)
Skills: Carouse, Perception, Athletics - Coordination

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It was the first time since signing on (officially or otherwise) that he showed a glimpse into his athletic ability. He was a slender, physically unassuming type, despite displaying a sense of self-importance that could likely knock a hole through a mortared brick wall. But the muscle beneath his fancy duds was wiry and capable, which was nothing compared to the fluidity and grace that he possessed. One hand around Jacqueline's waist and another taking clasping her fingers gingerly, Foy led the dance to upbeat fiddleplaying and backup musicians that he might describe as "adequate to our necessity this evening, quite." He was finally within a zone of his competence, be it secondary. Even marginal. Dancing for him was merely a thing which one did during the grand affairs of the Farradayan Aristocracy; he was simply better at it than most. It was also an excellent way to keep one's self in properly limbered shape for his less respectable endeavors. Or to put it differently, Foy was referred to as a "dashing blade" as more than a metaphor. Stepping lively heel to toe was an invaluable exercise when brandishing a handsbreadth to an armlength of sharpened steel in practice was inappropriate.

Foy's face held a look of perceptive confidence as he moved forcefully yet elegantly across the floor. As the dance slowed toward the decrescendo, Foy took the opportunity to respond to his partner's prior declaration. "Flattery, madame, is a social transparency. Nevertheless, I must reciprocate; you have a more comely, less caustic demeanor when the music moves you."

If the goal was to get to know Foy on a more personal level, it might be revealed that he was a fairly open book. Everyone had their little secrets, granted. As it was, he was curious about learning more about the lady with whom he was frolicking as well. He had assessed her as a grifter, an assumption that she had backed up in their conversation back at the table. Learning more about a potential wild card of uncertain loyalties was a priority, though not the topmost. Were the esteemed Mr. Coiffeur to wish to dip into the psyche of anyone on his new crew, it would most assuredly be their new pilot. Things did not fully add up with him, and now that he was off in a shady backroom with the Captain, a woman who openly despised anything Alliance? Oh this was becoming just too much, like a big, shiny red button that read "DO NOT PUSH".

Of course, a perceptive person dancing with Foy might notice that the sharp and talented Barber had something affixed to one or both of his forearms, underneath his bespoke suit's shirt sleeves. Such a thing could pass a casual inspection, but was a little more noticeable when one was in prolonged physical contact. If Foy suspected anything, it did not appear on his face.

[FantasyChic]

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Mei Qiáo

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Location: Newhope - Lady Luck
Skills: N/A

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Mei had not danced often. As she preferred it, she would rather not be seen or heard. She had attended a few events where dancing was a central aspect, but she was usually blended into the crowd or was watching from afar. So why she decided to accept the offer of a dance was beyond her. Perhaps this was her letting loose and getting to know the crew she would be working alongside.

The Doctor's compliments threw her for a bit. She knew the older sister, Dorothy, was one of those chasing her, and now it seemed she learned the identity of the other. The Barber was the one giving chase. Given what she perceived from him, she was impressed she managed to get away and now it made sense why he was so adamant about his shoes. She would have to find a way to repay him.

She followed the man's lead on to the dance floor. "I hope you'll bear with me. I have not danced in some time." She would follow his lead, hoping the man was not all talk.

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Jacqueline Croix

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Location: Newhope - Lady Luck
Skills: Perception

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Jackie resisted any attempt to slap the undeniably fine mustache off the man's face. "Learn to take a compliment, Barber Boy, I rarely give them out and when I do, I mean it." Though she could agree with the man's comment about flattery. She, especially from men, was often complimented with the hopes of getting between the sheets. She obliged, of course, but it was annoying. She had a feeling Barber Boy was not one of those men, especially given the fact he seemed to have already done the deed.

He moved quite fine and she was able to follow along. However, her gaze came onto the man's forearms. It was pointy and she could just make it out. She could not fault the man for being well-protected. She had a feeling he was not part of the crew because he enjoyed their company (well not ALL of their company). "I'm gonna assume you got something in your sleeves poking me and you aren't just happy to see me?" She asked casually, hoping to make some conversation. Dancing was all well and good, but she wasn't doing this because she wanted to bust a move.

[Morose]

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Dr. Dorothy Pender & Dr. Fitz Townsley

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Location: Lady Luck's
Skills: N/A

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Fitz gave Daphne a huge smile, a bit surprised himself that she had agreed to it. He hadn't been too certain that a girl like her would ever be interested in someone like him. He did know better than to question why she had agreed to dance with him, though he was also too naive to consider that someone may have had ulterior motives. "G-great," Fitz said. "I can watch your winnings, kid," Dorothy said. She wasn't planning on leaving the table and the kid could always cash them in later. For now, she was more curious to see him dancing with her sister.

"Th-thanks," Fitz replied, entirely too trusting. He got up and offered Daphne his hand. It seemed to be the polite thing to do. "I-I've never d-danced much before..." he then added softly. He didn't want to step on her feet, but he figured she deserved a warning that it could be a possibility. The only girl he had ever danced with had been his sister when they were little and their parents insisted on taking them to dance classes. He laughed a bit at the preacher's comment about rationalizing irrational numbers, as it ran through his head again. However, he was almost certain his sister had tried to do just that on one occasion at least.

"An entire day without you preaching to me?" Dorothy asked, shuffling the deck of cards. "You really do know the way to a girl's heart," she quipped with an eye roll. She knew that they could technically play another round of poker, but she had another game in mind. It was simpler, but ideal for two players. And it had some historical significance, coming straight from the Earth That Was. She dealt both of them in, setting the remainder of the deck face down in the middle. "I assume an experienced gambler such as yourself is familiar with this game," Dorothy said coyly.

She was quickly rearranging her own hand, placing them into numerical order. She had a mischievous gleam in her eye as she glanced up at Atticus. "The name of the game, of course, is Go Fish," she described. "Would you care for the first turn, Preacher?" It wasn't Poker, sure, but he had simply asked for cards. And Dorothy felt confident that she could win at least one blissful preaching free week with this selection of game.

[BlueSky44]

Daphne Pender

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Location: Lady Luck
Skills: None

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Daphne smiled as she took Fitz's hand as she got up from the table. The fact that she had accepted his offer at all was a bit of a surprise, but she just went with it. She shot Dorothy a look as she walked away with Fitz. Atticus' offer for not preaching to her sister was funny, and she was a bit curious as to what would happen, but she was getting away from the table. Her interest in what her sister was doing was gone as she followed Fitz over to the dancing area.

"Don't worry Fitz, I'm not much of a dance either. Haven't danced with a lot of people now that I think about it," she said, still smiling. That wasn't a lie, she didn't care much to dance with others. Made her wonder if her sister ever would, since she never recalled her really doing it much growing up. Still, Atticus had made a few funny comments about imaginary numbers and such, but she was perfectly fine being away from the rest of the crew for a little while.