sail3695

Firefly - Second 'Verse

Happy Sunday from the cargo bay!

Hope you're all having a great Labor Day weekend. I'm on the coast for another round of seafood, sand, and sun (when it appears.) Just a reminder that we'll resume Episode 4 - "Redemption Road," on Tuesday, when I'm effectively back in the world.

But don't let that stop you. We've just finished the crew meeting in the galley. Feel free to engage characters in conversation or make arrangements to help the Captain's plan. Abby, Edina, and Yuri are available for JP, though their writer's posting will be somewhat sporadic for the next couple days.

In the meantime, hope you and yours are enjoying summer's last hurrah.

WWIF,

sail

Seeking Literate Partners!

Interested. I'll PM.

Firefly - Second 'Verse

Happy Thursday from the cargo bay!

Everybody please check your PM's for an update and a couple questions.

Thanks!

sail

Firefly - Second 'Verse

In the winter of 2020/21, I was in the grips of a ferocious writer's block. Hadn't put two words together in months, a condition made worse by the crazed work environment at that time. It was @wanderingwolf who pulled me out of that funk, through a series of 1x1 RP's. He got my writer's synapses to fire once again, and the old enthusiasm returned. For that, I'm forever grateful.

I'm also grateful to him, and to all of you, for investing your energies into this little game we've put together. As Wolf and I laid down the foundations of Firefly - Second 'Verse, we honestly thought the game wouldn't grow beyond our latest 1x1 RP exercise. How wrong we were.

The past 14 months have been exciting, dramatic, frequently hilarious, and in many occasions, poignant. Watching the people who call China Doll their home form bonds and face challenges has inspired a very real sense of delight for Wolf and myself. On more than one occasion, we've thought to pinch ourselves over the characters and their talented writers who've chosen to come fly with us.

But at the end of the day, the wells from which we draw our creative resources are finite things, affected by all manner of external influence. Wolf's had an amazing year, with an exciting new job and increased workload/travel demands. While I hate the fact that Covid forced him to slow down and take stock, I'm also glad that he made a call which benefits his well being and, after a break to regenerate, will return him to us. Until he does, I'll continue writing "Backup Cal" while transferring as much load to Yuri Antonov as possible.

Wolf's hiatus and the coming Labor Day weekend have given me a couple ideas that I'll share with all of you through chat and PM. 'Til then, be sure to take the time to look after yourselves and your loved ones. And don't worry about China Doll. We've all got her covered.

Write When It's Fun,

sail

Firefly - Second 'Verse

”We’re Gonna Need A Bigger Galley.” - Part 4

Part 4 of a JP/collab from @Xandrya, @Herald, @PatientBean, @Gunther, @Theyra, @wanderingwolf, and @sail3695

“Best plan is for the slavers to have nothin’ to chase.” Cal strode into the galley, his bearing exuding confidence as he found the table’s head. “To tell it true, we got the start of a pretty solid plan, all thanks to Yuri’s pa.” In moments like these it almost seemed like he enjoyed playing cryptic. Judging by the furrowed brows and open confusion on several faces, Cal thought to pat himself on the back. ‘Cept for Abigail. Look on her face was like she caught wise but wasn’t about to rat him out.

“So our first mate here gave you the four-one-one on why we gotta get these folk out, “ the captain glanced about the table. “In a minute I’ll give you what we know about how. “First,” he brought the silver case to hand. With a skilful flip of the lid, Cal had a cigarette between two fingers and a match flaring without missing a beat. “I wanted all you passengers to conjure what’s about to happen. Now we mean to run this whole operation on the down low, but if somethin’ goes crawfishy, there could be a chance of some unpleasantness.”

He took a deep pull, filling his lungs with blessed smoke that soon expelled skyward. “Any passenger don’t want to be tied up with this, we totally get your meanin’. I’ll personally hand over your coin as you step off. But what the pretty lady said was true,” the captain tossed a smile toward Quill, “there’s work to be done, and good trouble to be faced. We’d be much obliged if any of you thought to pitch in for the good of these folk.”

“What do you need, Captain?” Edina’s voice broke in before any noticeable pause could settle over the room. Her serious countenance cracked just a bit at sight of Yuri’s smile.

“Got a few things to fetch,” Cal acknowledged the passenger. “Off the top of my head, I’m thinkin’ beddin’...pillows, blankets, an’ such…enough for forty souls.” Ignoring the quiet gasp, he continued, “when these people come, they're apt to have just the clothes on their backs, so we gotta have everything they need to handle a two day flight. Mayhaps soap, tooth brushes, towels an’ rags, things women need,” he looked past the females as he touched upon an uncomfortable topic. “Oh, almost forgot. Wheelbarrows. We need ten. The rougher they are, the better. Prefer to rent, but we’ll buy if we have to.” It was fairly obvious to all who sat at the table that Cal Strand was clearly enjoying playing with the building blocks of his latest caper. “Abigail,” his gaze fell upon the deckhand. “I conjure nobody knows better where to hide forty folk on a Firefly than a little bilge rat who grew up in one. That sound like a thing you can do?”

Abby grinned all wry back at Cal. “I’m yer rat, Cap’n.”

“Shiny,” he cast an affectionate eye toward the girl. “When I came in, Miss Imani was talkin’ about a plan and some practice. Good call, seein’s we’re about to have forty movin’ parts on this boat. Can I draft you for that?” he asked the woman.

"Happy to be of service..." she added with a reassuring nod. Imani then exchanged glances with the doctor who happened to be glancing 'er way. She stared right back, her expression neutral as if waiting for some sort of response, but none came.

Happy to be of service... Alana mocked the woman right back. Might as well grab his hand and skip on out the galley. She got they had new guests onboard, but if nothing else, they better hope they learn a thing or two in boundaries for their own sake, even if Imani helped him escape the bar with his life.

As it is with men, Cal was completely oblivious to the silent exchange. “Much obliged,” he gave Imani a grateful nod. “But here’s the thing. We can’t be drawin’ any interest in this. Somebody buyin’ forty pillows all at once is gonna raise eyebrows. Ones an’ twos, people,” he ordered. “Mr. Hooker,” the captain turned his eye upon the cook, “I know we just stocked you up pretty full for a short flight. Gonna have to stretch your pantry to feed all those extra mouths outta what we have, copy?”

“Roger that, Cap’n,” Joe responded. “Won’t be a problem.”

”Ku. You, me, and One Arm are headin’ into town in about an hour. No strappin’ this time,” he cautioned the cook, “as we’re like to step through detectors.” His gaze fell upon their new pilot. “Tommy Pearson? Cal Strand,” the captain introduced himself. “Heard you got two good votes to hire on as our new pilot, so welcome aboard. Way I see it, you an’ I need to have a sit down to talk about how we thread this needle on the way out. I’ll be up forward,” his head tilted toward the corridor and the cockpit at its’ end, “but give me a few ticks. I gotta speak with Miss Quill first.” After a brief glance toward the statuesque blonde, he concluded, “Now, Yuri here’s gonna tell you a joke. Give it a listen. Oh…one last thing,” China Doll’s captain said as he rose to his feet. Clapping a firm hand to Yuri’s shoulder, he asked, “would somebody make sure One-Arm here gets a good suit of clothes?”

Joe thought about what the captain said. He knew he never actually needed to carry the revolver, but he just felt so comfortable carrying it. It was like an additional appendage. But the captain is the Captain and he would do as he asked. In fact, since he was expecting to pass through a metal detector, he would insure he wasn’t carrying any of his knives either.

“Dibs.” Edina’s eyes sparkled with mirth as they met Yuri’s.

“This boat,” Cal found himself compelled to say, “runs a lotta stuff an’ folk about the ‘verse, some on the up an’ up, and some,” he shrugged, “a touch on the naughty side. There’s a whole world of grey out there, an’ we all have to navigate through it, walkin’ a tight rope between what’s right and and what it takes to get by. But this time,” he tapped an index finger on the table, “I see as clear as day what needs doin’, and I aim to get it done. I know its’ not your cause,” he met each person’s eyes in turn, “and I have no right to ask. Won’t be any big payoff,” Cal said, “and we won’t be makin’ history. All I can say is if we do right by these gentle folk, that’s forty lives to the good. May not move the needle for humankind, but we get to know that for once we had a hand in somethin’ right and true. I’m in your debt.” Cal turned, the cigarette pressed to his lips as he strode toward the cockpit.

As the captain’s bootheels echoed from the forward corridor, Yuri spoke up. “Here’s how we get them out. My father used to tell a joke from our homeland on Earth-That-Was. There was a worker at a tractor plant…”

Quill had to admit that everyone seemed on board with this plan. Even those who just joined. She wasn’t averse to helping, especially as it meant she would be able to stay on the ship until they reached their destination. As she eyed everyone moving around, speaking their mind on a matter of subjects, the Captain made it clear he wished to speak to her. She could only imagine what it was about. She gave him some time to speak to their new pilot before she stepped over to the side to allow the Captain to come talk to her. “You wanted to speak to me. Captain?”

“That I do,” Cal replied. “But in private. Let’s head for the cockpit.”

“...and that’s how it is,” Yuri finished summing up the plan. “Eddie and I are headed to watch that checkpoint for awhile this evening…”

“...and get you some decent clothes,” she smirked.

“...and get me some decent clothes. You’ve heard what we think we’re doing,” the first mate continued. “The best thing about having a plan is that you’ve got something to change. If you get an idea or see a problem, track me down, dohn mah? Captain or I may come around with a special job that needs doing. Meanwhile, if you’re headed out, try to pick up a couple things we talked about. Shiny?” After receiving answers from those disposed to speak, Yuri nodded. ”Ku. Let’s get to it.” As the crew all took to their feet, he held his place near the table’s head. They all seemed to take the plan pretty well, he thought, with some, Edina and Imani embracing their parts. He was certain the Doc would be called in, after more was learned.

And Hook. The role Cal had devised for the cook would make him essential. But as he viewed the man now, crudely shaven head and tormented eyes that darted away from contact, Yuri wondered if he was up to the strain. That call can wait, he decided. Let’s see how he handles our trip to the Underworld this afternoon.

After a couple hugs from Ms. Wyman, Abby come ‘round tha table. “Beg pardon…Yuri?”

The first mate regarded the woman child before him, her bruises and swelling on display for all to see. “I’m sorry, Abby,” he gave a weak smile. “I meant to pay you a visit before now.”

“Don’t matter none,” she shook ‘er head. “I got a couple ideas about hidin’ folk, but I need to do some crawlin’ about the boat…”

“Last I heard, Doc has you on two days’ bed rest.”

Abby fidgeted, her eyes droppin’. “I know…I know. But what I can tell, we’re gon’ start takin’ ‘em in tomorrah. Cap’n needs me…”

Yuri laid a hand on her shoulder. “Captain needs you to be healthy. I conjure over three days we’ll pull in between ten and fifteen a day. Cal knows his boat well enough to get the first day’s folk situated.”

The deckhand sighed, all discontented like. “I know…but I got a couple ideas…”

“Good ones, I’ll wager,” he replied. “Tell you what. Imani…that’s her right there…is working out plans for the boat…probably ways to get people hidden quickly if we get visitors. She’ll need to know the places you’ve got in mind. I’ll send her around to talk with you about your ideas. And you,” he gave her shoulder an affectionate squeeze, “get back in your bunk…pronto.”

“Yes, sir,” Abby said like a kid bein’ tole tah do somethin’ she din’ wanna. “Yah still bringin’ me Lucky?”

“Good reminder. This afternoon.”

“Shiny. Hey, I heard Doc’s takin’ yah to some kinda med center in tha mornin’? Tah gitcher arm mended?”

His smile returned. “Yes she is…and I’m ready now,” he said. “This cast is like dragging an anchor…”

“Think I could come?” Abby asked. “Mayhaps they could take away all muh bruisin’ an’ such? I’m powerful ugly right now…scarin’ grownups as it is. Would hate if any ‘o’ them’s we’re helpin’ is kids.”

In that moment, he wanted to comfort the girl, to let her know that bruised or unblemished, there was no finer sight for her shipmates than Abby’s presence at their table. His good arm looped over her shoulderblades, pulling her into the embrace he’d wanted to offer last night. “On a boat full of pretty women,” Yuri whispered, “none of them hold a candle to you.”

“Tell that to Ms. Wyman,” she grinned into the hug. “Y’all been smilin’ at each other alot.”

“Don’t tell anyone,” Yuri chuckled.

“Don’t hafta.”

Firefly - Second 'Verse

Posting error. Senility isn't for the faint of heart...

sail

Firefly - Second 'Verse

Happy Sunday from the cargo bay!

You guys are killing it in the JP. @Xandrya, I still laugh every time I read your latest. Cap'n's delivered his final pitch to get everybody on board with the latest caper. There are tags for Hook, Quill, and Tommy. Once everybody weighs in, we'll post the last installment of the crew meeting and spring into action.

By the way, Wolf's got the 'rona, and he's feeling pretty crummy. He'll write when he feels up to it, but in the meantime I've been helping him out with the Captain-y parts, and trying to shuffle as much onto Yuri as I can to take the load off. Get well soon, Wolf!

NOTE: If you've got a tag from Cal, you'll likely be forced to write with me, a pitiful substitute indeed.

Summer always seems to end too soon. Mrs. Sail is on the road Monday, and I'm a bachelor all the way through Thursday, so I'll be available and excited to get some additional writing in. Yuri, Edina, Abby, and Backup Cal will be available for JP's. Send me a wave and we'll get started.

I take off Friday to meet Mrs. on the coast for Labor Day weekend, followed by a week at the corporate mothership and its' usual time constraints.

I have to say that I really love seeing so much character growth and the relationship dynamics that are sprouting. Y'all rule.

WWIF,

sail

Firefly - Second 'Verse

”We’re Gonna Need A Bigger Galley.” - Part 3

Part 3 of a JP/collab from @Xandrya, @Herald, @PatientBean, @Gunther, @Theyra, and [@sail3695

Quill sat down, letting her hand fall. She observed the young girl, Abby was her name. She was very young. Quill wondered how long she had been on this ship. She couldn’t be more than 20, possibly younger. That left a weird feeling in her gut. “Pleasure to meet you Abby. Been on this ship long?”

Quill acknowledged that her appearance was…different than most of the others she had come across. She mentally chastised herself for not dressing a different way. If she was going to be on this ship, she would have to look differently. It wasn’t like she was working on this vessel. “Any idea what the meeting is for?” Quill assumed meetings like this were standard and that the others would be more aware of what is to be expected.

“Bout a year, give or take,” the deckhand answered. “She’s a good boat. Hope yah like ‘er, ma’am.” Abby weren’t one tah go readin’ inta folk’s mannerisms, but she could tell sight ‘o’ her done set off somethin’ behind tha perty lady’s eyes. [i]Shoulda put muh robe on,[i] she looked over both arms an’ legs. I look like a gorram dalmatian…

Next question come, an’ she conjured it tah be a good place fer explainin’ ‘erself. “No ma’am,” she shook ‘her head. “I been in muh bunk. Our doc…that’s her, right there,” she pointed toward Alana’s blond hair, “done put me on a couple days’ bed rest. Nothin’ serious,” Abby waved a hand at ‘er bruises. “Jest got banged up a skosh.”

Conversation fell silent as Yuri Antonov entered the galley. “Thanks for coming,” his glance swept over those seated at the table and the outliers standing about. “Captain’s on a long wave. He’ll join us soon as he can. In the meantime, he wanted me to fill you all in on a few things.”

The first mate took a seat next to the captain’s chair in the hopes that the last few passengers might join the table. “Long story short,” he began, “we received a little help last night from a nun, Sister Lyen Giu. I think her sect is called the Order of the Interverse, but don’t quote me.” He glanced about the table, eyes pausing upon Edina and the teenager sitting next to her. “She did us a great favor,” he resumed, “and now, the captain is more than happy to pay her back in kind. So here’s how it is.”

He rested his elbows upon the table, leaning forward to get to the heart of the matter. “Not certain if you know anything about Capital City’s blackout zone. If you do, sing out if I make a mistake. It’s a rough place,” Yuri continued, “a dumping ground for the poor, the physically or mentally challenged, former convicts…and even folk who make their prayers differently. Conditions inside are very harsh. The place is a ghetto. Disease, hunger, drugs, human trafficking…it’s all running wild in the blackout zone. Short of manning checkpoints to control day laborers coming and going, the Alliance pays it no heed beyond tossing in anyone who doesn’t fit the mold.”

The first mate dug inside one end of his cast, combatting an itch as he spoke. “The prime export of the Capital City blackout zone is slaves. Sister Lyen,” he spoke to a silent room, “does all she can to combat the practice, but since the slave trade is legal in the Alliance, she doesn’t get much support. And that,” he nodded his head, eyes moving to meet each person as he spoke, “is where we come in.”

He cleared his throat. “Sister’s been shepherding a group of folk who all share the same religious sect...Anabaptists, I think they’re called, but I could be wrong. I’m not a religious man,” he said. “These Anabaptists take “turn the other cheek” to a whole new level. They will not raise a hand in anger, and I’m told they view any servitude as fair and just. Knowing that, it’s pretty easy to conjure how that would make them perfect slaves. We know,” he continued, “that slavers are looking to scoop up the whole lot of ‘em…which doesn’t sit right with the captain. So we’re gonna help Sister Lyen get ‘em out.”

Edina’s eyes hadn’t left Yuri since he entered the galley. “Do we know how?” she asked.

He offered her a half smile. “We’ve got an idea,” the first mate replied, “but still have one or two kinks to work out.”

Quill took her eyes off of Abby as the first mate started speaking. She would address the young girl later. As Yuri spoke up about their future plans Quill grew concerned. She didn’t expect that in joining a Firefly she would be tasked with taking down slave traders. She wasn’t against those types getting what they deserved, but Quill glanced around the room they were in. Did they really expect this ragtag group of people to be able to provide help? Granted, Quill knew very little about her fellow shipmates.

“I can only speak for myself, but you lot on this ship know very little about me and the other passengers on here, at least the new ones. There’s also going to be a lot of work involved. I guess my question is…do you believe in this whole team being able to do this job?” She wasn’t sure if the Captain shared with Yuri what Quill did for a living. She could handle herself, but did they really trust a ship full of friends and strangers to suddenly all work together?

Doing right by her...only fair after last night.

Alana knew the drill, as much as she wouldn't like to admit. Quill, she believed her name to be, was right. A shipful composed of old and new faces would have to look past any differences to successfully make this work. Thus far she knew that wouldn't be an issue for the current crew, and Alana was hoping the same could be said of these strangers.

"I take it as long as there's a plan, there's a way." Alana wanted to be optimistic, if for no other reason than to make herself believe her own words.

Joe pondered the words the first officer was saying. He gave it some thought, but had too many questions. It did strike him as a futile endeavor or at the very least an endeavor that would bring some unnecessary heat down upon the China Doll.

“Is there anythin’ we can do to these slavers, tah discourage them from pursuin’ this group of Anabaptists?” Joe Hooker asked aloud. “If not, what kin we do tah protect them if the slavers decide they want to pursue us?”

She scratched the side of her head, right above the ear, then leaned on the counter to rest her chin on her open palm. The first mate had brought up unfamiliar business, business that seemed to be quite troublesome. But who was Imani if not someone used to being in the face of danger.

"A whole lotta plannin'. We run some of the most likely scenarios and prepare accordingly." She wasn't addressing the bald man, but merely thinking out loud.

...to be continued…

Firefly - Second 'Verse

”We’re Gonna Need A Bigger Galley” - Part 2

Part 2 of a JP/collab from @Xandrya, @Herald, @PatientBean, @Gunther, @Theyra, and [@sail3695

Joe Hooker had busied himself with work. He set a clean pot of coffee to brew that morning, ate breakfast, and prepared some food for those who wanted to eat – eggs, bacon, waffles, syrup and whatever coffee cake remained. He cleaned up the galley, leaving to take care of the head.

The commodes were scrubbed down, the sinks cleaned and mirrors polished. He swept the floors and scrubbed the shower stalls. The trash would be removed when he was finished. But before he could complete the task, the first officer called for a meeting in the galley. He looked himself over in the mirror, rubbing his bald head. It would take time to get used to that. He felt the slight stubble on his face mentally echoing his decision to let the beard grow back in.

As he walked to the galley, he watched the passengers and possibly new crew moving into his workplace. He didn’t know all of them yet. He saw Miss Edina. She remained aboard ship with them. He was fine with her. She took to his Redhawk pretty well. Good thing she didn’t have to use it. He spotted Abby seated cross legged and decided not to look at her. However, Joseph Hooker couldn’t avoid her forever. He was aware of that. The marks on her face made him feel terrible. Selecting a white mug from the cupboards, he poured himself a cup of black coffee. The China Doll’s cook and deckhand slid into the back of the room. Sipping the coffee, Joe remained silent waiting for the first officer and captain to enter the room and begin the meeting.

Quill followed the woman, Edina as she introduced herself, into the galley. Once they were off the stairwell she turned and offered her hand. Quill accepted the shake and got a good look at the woman. What would be called plain clothes still looked good on her frame. She radiated a warmth tha Quill couldn’t place. Whatever it was, Quill felt welcomed.

“Quill Cassidy, a pleasure.” Once inside the galley, Quill took a look around as others slowly came. One was already sitting down, doing her best to not look at anyone else. The other was a man. She felt a little at odds, not knowing everyone on the ship, but that never stopped her before. She made her way over to a seat close to the girl sitting down. “Hope you don’t mind me sitting here. Name’s Quill.” She didn’t offer a hand. Mainly because she didn’t know if the girl would accept it or not.

Observant and quiet, that’s how Alana arrived at the galley. She glanced over the new faces, delighted by the additional bodies. Amongst them was the current crew too, and she couldn't help but notice Hook's expression. The man looked tormented, though with his guilt came her own. She excused herself past one of the new girls with the bangs and stood by the cook, offering a quick "Hey" as a greeting as she settled by his side. "What do you make of this fresh crowd?"

“Ah dunno Doc. They’s all new ta me.” Joe spoke in hushed tones. He didn’t want to give off any bad vibes to the new people. “Ah prefer to give folks the benefit of the doubt. Ah’m shore they’s good people.”

The man himself hadn't arrived yet, though jus' about his whole crew and possible passengers were present, one of them excusing herself past Imani. A nod and sidestep later and her way was cleared as Imani placed herself away from anyone's personal space. Some were chatting among themselves, but given the all-call, the woman figured it best to standby and deal with introductions at a later time, if of course such preference was afforded and no one went up to her.

Hook moved about, lookin’ right past ‘er like she’s jest a hole in space. Abby’s mouth hung open, tha “hi” froze up on ‘er tongue’s she conjured he ain’t havin’ no truck with ‘er. Feelin’ that door slammed shut in ‘er face an’ not knowin’ tha ‘why’ of it, she fell silent an’ took tah hidin’ that confusion behind a big swallow of cola.

Mebbe I shouldn’t ‘a’ come. The girl ruminated on that a spell as China Doll’s galley filled with a host ‘o’ new faces. One come from up forward; seein’s only things up that corridor was crew berths an’ cockpit, two an’ two soon made four. Doc had tole her Pen found ‘er fam’ly back on Greenleaf…so this fella was like tah be their new pilot. As for Doc, she’s here too, conversatin’ with Hook, leastways tryin’ tah.

They’s a couple others, a woman an’ a man’ both got their guard up about ‘em’s they sized up tha room. That’s how it is, she considered. Folk come an’ go in tha ‘verse. Even crew. Even here. Uncle Bob used tah tell ‘er she’s best off playin’ a cool hand with folk. “You cain’t be sure ‘o’ nobody ‘til tha wolf’s at tha door, Chickpea.” She’d be wise tah remember his words.

A hand squeezed ‘er shoulder. Abby looked up from ‘er thinkin’ tah see Ms. Wyman smilin’ down on ‘er. “Hi.”

“Save me that seat,” Edina gestured toward the empty chair at Abby’s right hand. “Be right back.” With an unobtrusive smile for Hook and the Doc, she went about getting herself a mug of the aromatic coffee.

“Shiny,” Abby give ‘er a nod as tha chair tah her left scraped across tha deck. Pertiest woman she ever did see took a seat an’ made introductions. Quill she thought on tha name. She knew ‘bout quills. Pirate Cap’n in that book she read…’Skulls and Cutlasses’...used a quill all tha time fer markin’ his charts an’ writin’ some durn racy letters tah women. She never took it fer a name, but as she turned toward this powerful perty woman, that simple word put on a kinda glow.

“Hi. Chair’s all yourn’,” she answered. “I’m Abby, a deckhand.” One look at Quill an’ she’s of a mind tah run back tah quarters fer a change, ‘til she conjured ain’t nothin’ she ever wore would come close tah tha royalty now sittin’ at her left. Ain’t we a pair? Thought sorta struck ‘er funny. Beauty an’ tha beast.

Joe spotted Miss Edina and smiled back at her. She had given him the Ruger back after they retrieved Miss Abby. He noted, she appeared happy she didn’t have to use it. It has quite a kick, but he was certain Miss Edina could have handled it. He also noted the attractive blonde haired woman. If he was in a different mindset he would have other thoughts on that subject, but his head was not in the right place at the moment. An Asian woman and a couple of young men. He was aware Miss Penelope was gone. ‘One of ‘em must be replacin’ the pilot,’ Joe thought to himself. ‘The Asian woman was not bad looking either.’ He was actually happy to see the Doc. He’d considered running away again. It was his typical Modus Operandi, so to speak. But seeing a few friendly faces helped to keep him in place. He might just consider taking a leave of absence for a term and returning sometime in the future. He still wanted to seek out a shepherd.

...to be continued...

Firefly - Second 'Verse

”We’re Gonna Need A Bigger Galley”

Part 1 of a JP/collab from @Xandrya, @Herald, @PatientBean, @Gunther, @Theyra, and [@sail3695

“Listen up, everyone.” Yuri’s voice echoed throughout the ship. “This is the first mate. Captain’s called for a meeting of all passengers and crew. Be in the galley in ten minutes.”

Abby couldn’t wait. While they’s moments she didn’t mind jest layin’ around, never felt bein’ aboard a workin’ boat was time or place. She hustled up the steps, bare feet hardly makin’ a sound as she climbed. Weren’t til she set foot in tha galley that she conjured a few more stitches ‘o’ clothes mighta been called for. Weren’t nothin’ wrong with her sleepin’ togs…anyone’s been on China Doll seen her eatin’ breakfast in boxers an’ her BLAME THE DOG tank top.

Nah, she reckoned as she grabbed a bottle ‘o’ Cap’n Bob’s, guess I’m showin’ off a few bruises today. Abby took ‘er reg’lar chair an’ sat down, foldin’ ‘er legs tribal style beneath ‘er afore takin’ a deep swallow of cola.

Quill had been sitting on her bed, pouring over some of the previous files she had obtained when she heard Yuri’s voice over the comms. She set her documents down as she listened. A shipwide meeting? That could mean a plethora of things. It would be standard to have meetings for the crew, but to include the passengers of the ship also? She had to admit, she was intrigued.

She put her documents away safely before she checked herself. It wouldn’t do to meet up with the entire ship looking anything less than ideal. She opted for a black silk top with a scarlet red skirt that hit just above her knee. And, of course, black heels. Everyone needs a statement piece. Satisfied she looked presentable, she left her room and made her way to the galley, thankful for the previous tour she received from the Captain.

Yijun had been in his room, lying down on his bed with his hands behind his head thinking about things. Mainly his next move if Pelorum proves to be a problem for him. That was when he heard the shipwide call for a meeting. What could that mean, he thought. Well better see what the captain wants to talk about. Getting up quickly from the bed and making sure his pistol was firmly concealed on his person. .

He made his way to the galley. Made easier with the tour that Yuri gave him. Wearing a simple attire, a gray shirt with white pants. Nothing fancy as that was not his style and liked to keep things simple when he wanted to. Not like he has to impress anyone on this ship.

A sigh escaped her lips. Imani was sitting cross-legged on the deck, a small, square mirror propped up against the bulkhead. She had it angled so she could see the strands of hair she was cutting. It was indeed an impulsive move, but she figured a fringe cut would suit her. Half the time, her impulses did right by her; needless to say, she hoped this was one of those instances.

"...aaand done."

Putting the scissors down, Imani slowly moved her head side to side. She used her fingertips to mess around with her hair, failing to see any major concerns then. Satisfied, she uncrossed her legs and got herself to her feet, the red and gold print cheongsam dress flowing down to her ankles. Not feeling quite social yet, Imani wasn't all that thrilled to attend a meeting, especially since she was nothing but a passenger.

Alana was on her way to seeing Abby to make sure she was feeling better all over, but her plans changed. Once the announcement was made, Alana turned on her heel to retrace her steps, the datapad swinging along within her hand. She supposed she had the easy option of asking Abby those few pertinent questions after the meeting, keeping her back once everyone went about their business once more. Cal was also on her mind, but she was none too happy about that mess. She'd cleared him and aside from a generic warning to stay safe, she refrained from further nagging. Some things simply couldn't be helped.

Edina’s eyes lifted, finding the speaker from which Yuri’s disembodied voice came into her cabin. She’d only just returned from her errand, and empty handed, to boot. Capital City was…expensive…too much so for a woman who attempted to stretch her coin to travel so far that Andres would never find her. Just have to get Abby’s book when we reach Pelorum, she thought as she checked the time.

After a quick glance at one of the lave mirrors, her footsteps brought her to the stairway…and a woman she’d not met. “Hello,” Edina offered an easy smile to the attractive blonde. “New passenger?”

Quill was half paying attention when she heard a woman’s voice. Quill glanced up to see a rather attractive woman in front of her. If she had to guess, the other woman was a passenger. “Hello. Yes, I got on the ship recently. What about yourself? Passenger or crew?”

As she waited for the woman’s response, Quill gestured forward, allowing the woman to take the lead towards their destination.

Tommy rose out of the pilot’s seat, an old printed series of word puzzles and mathematical exercises left abandoned on the consoles as he brushed the last crumbs of a hastily eaten meal from his shirt. A smile darted across his face as Yuri finished his announcement. He had been looking forward to this for a bit now and was eager to have a sit down with the rest of the crew and their guests aboard the China Doll. As he caught his reflection in a monitor, he lamented the fact he had forgotten to shave again, but hoped the Captain wouldn’t mind overmuch.

After all, he was new here and still had much to learn about the China Doll, her rules, and her crew. Besides, it had been far too long since he had a decent cup of coffee and longer still since he had had partners to converse with. Patting the pilot’s seat as though bidding the ship to wish him luck, he started walking towards the galley.

“I guess I’m a passenger.” The smile translated to brown eyes that regarded Quill with unabashed admiration. “I’m Edina Wyman,” she thought of offering her hand, but decided such a greeting might be awkward while both were climbing the stairs. “I’ve been aboard for a few runs. Not quite sure where I’m bound,” she said as they reached the upper deck, “but China Doll’s been a pretty good place to stay while I figure it out.”

This new woman was a master of first impressions, from the subtly stunning choice of apparel to highlights in both her hair and cosmetics. She carried the package with a relaxed sense of grace that artfully did away with any self conscious doubt for those in her company. When her gaze fell upon Edina, the feeling conveyed was that the rather plainly dressed woman was bestowed the whole of her focus…a nonverbal affirmation that warmed the soul. She offered her hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

...to be continued…