(Firefly/Serenity: Aftermath) Border Planet
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Exotic Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: writersmelody on 04-11-2010, 07:17:35</h2>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>(Firefly/Serenity: Aftermath) Border Planet</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>writersmelody</strong> on <strong>04-11-2010, 07:17:35</strong>
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				This thread will be used whenever they stop at one of the border planets rather than post a separate thread for each one. A brief description of the planet will be given as appropriate.<br><br>Links to other topics:<br>Group Roleplays Wanted thread (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=86481.0) (to apply)<br>OOC (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=87319.0)<br>Dramatis Personae (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=87320.0)<br>Serenity* (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=87328.0)<br><br><sub>* indicates IC thread</sub><br>
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				Title: <strong>Paiout</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>writersmelody</strong> on <strong>04-11-2010, 07:33:27</strong>
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				<div align="center"><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size"><strong>Paiout</strong></span></div><br>Paiout is one of the loveliest of the border planets and make no mistake! A tropical atmosphere lends itself to an ecosystem reminiscent of the Amazon Rainforest on Earth That Was. Rich in natural resources, the activists that call it home insure that any corporation that does business there treasts the planet with the respect it deserves. Beautiful as it is, it is not without its dangers. Vaccinations are required and must be kept up to date. Fruits and vegetables are not able to be transported from the planet for fear of spreading disease or pests. <br><br>It is home to a few mountain ranges and a couple seas. The wildlife varies, from beautifully colored birds and fish to gentle creatures reminiscent of deer, playful primates, and deadly large cats to say nothing of some of the insects and reptiles... In short, you don't want to venture outside certain areas.<br><br>Despite its beauty, it only has three major cities and a population of only about three and a half million. One is definitely a tourist destination. It is beautiful and full of things to do. Anything your heart desires can be found here. The other two cities, located quite far away from the capital, are less pleasant. Businesses house their headquarters here, they house ports, hospitals, etc. Otherwise the population is located in small towns near the mining camps.<br><br>Valhalla is the name of the capital city. It is a melting pot with no distinct identity of its own... except that there's always a party going on. The capital of the planet, the Governor oversees operation. A corrupt man who takes bribes from both Mayors and in turns pays the Alliance to not look at things too closely, he reaps the benefits of Valhalla's popularity as an exotic vacation destination. The hardest thing to find there is peace and quiet. <br><br><br>Elysium is located at the mouth of the largest river on the planet, near the sea. Primarily for fishing, it's a gritty place. But the Mayor does a good job of keeping it relatively clean. The rate for major crime is pretty low. Otherwise, as long as you pay your dues and don't cause too much trouble, you can do as you wish there. It is the center of most of the planet's other industries. <br><br>As for Shangrila, it is located near the base of the largest mountain range. The scenery is beautiful but the city itself has fallen on hard times after a crony of the Governor's was put in charge. Crime is rampant here. It is a focal point for many of the more remote towns. As for the towns themselves, they vary in size. None of them are very welcoming to outsiders and the miners, loggers, etc. and their families have become superstitious. Hard not to when the night is full of all sorts of strange sounds...<br><br>Note- Serenity is currently docked at Shangrila for some upkeep, searching for jobs, and restocking.
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				Title: <strong>Re: (Firefly/Serenity: Aftermath) Border Planet</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kate</strong> on <strong>14-11-2010, 11:05:43</strong>
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				<div align="center">Branched from .. &nbsp;(http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=87328.msg3870222#msg3870222) </div><br><div align="center">____________________________________________________________________</div><br><div align="center"> Natasha (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=87320.msg3855975#msg3855975)<br></div><br>After a brief stroll those with Natasha found themselves in a market place that was respectable considering the place was a boarder planet. Although only one stop did offer goods concerning clothes and vanity it seemed one that could perhaps suit one or two ambitions. Unfortunately it seemed others had worked this out and several more impressively dressed clients were pestering the shop keeper such that Natasha barely got attention, and when she did she was simply told to look into a camera thing and watch the display.<br><br>Natasha being scanned (http://www.thewallpapers.org/photo/26375/charlize-theron-010.jpg) <br><br>Shrugging her shoulders she did so and soon afterward it scanned her face and presented a computer image of her likeness on a larger screen so those with her could see.<br><br><strong>"Hmm so much for privacy huh? Hello Alliance !" </strong>Natasha said flatly, she didnt mind that this was happening but she was afraid of scanners. IF this scanned her face it would get back to the alliance. Still that was going to happen anyway, either accept the truth or crawl under a rock or live in denial and go insane. She had at least a few weeks grace. As if sensing Natasha's fear of life the computer showed her a picture showing a slightly happier demeanor with a prompt.<br><br>&lt;Test Scan - acceptable?&gt;l<br><br>Nodding her head in acceptance seemed to do the trick and launched the device to start producing imagined "looks" that the shop could cater for.<br><br>Formal I (http://www.wallpapers63.com/desktop-wallpapers/girls/charlize-theron/charlize-theron-056.jpg)<br>Stately I (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K5g5zx3vmZo/THR0biEqfdI/AAAAAAAADcw/_Cfl3HUU8uc/s1600/charlize-theron+%281%29.jpg)<br>Stately I (http://www.flix66.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Charlize-Theron.jpg)<br>Classic I (http://www.sineport.com/oyuncu/charlize/charlize.jpg)<br>Classic II (http://images.forbes.com/media/people/starcurrency/charlize-theron_195x195.jpg)<br>Classic III (http://www.shareyourwallpaper.com/upload/wallpaper/celebrities-female/charlize-theron/charlize-theron_fdfa457b.jpg)<br>Mystery I (http://www.hollywire.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/charlize_theron_nude.jpg)<br>Commanding I (http://wallpaper.najoomi.com/wallpapers/544/Charlize-Theron--512X384-544.jpg)<br>Sweetgirl I (http://www.hdwallpapers.in/walls/charlize_theron_37-normal.jpg)<br>Bedroom I (http://wallpaper.najoomi.com/wallpapers/580/Charlize-Theron-Green-Eyes-512X384-580.jpg)<br>Bedroom II (http://www.anonimia.it/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/charlize-theron.jpg)<br>Intellegent (http://www.onlinemovieshut.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/charlize-theron.jpg)<br>Casual I (http://www.dropnews.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/charlize-theron.jpg)<br><br><strong>"Wow !&nbsp; Im impressed! Beats trying them all on first huh ! "<br></strong><br>The moment it said those words different catalog numbers for dresses and the like appeared with a flashing statement<br><br>&lt;Clothes made while you wait - fabric colours will be retained however texture may vary from location to location&gt;<br><br><strong>"Hmm. Well the fast-hair growth formula certainly will be useful, If i need to disguise myself having something that can grow my hear quickly after&nbsp; I cut it would have its place. Also the hair color changes ! As far as what looks though, what do you think suits me ? The sweetgirl thing I dont think I can do. Its just not me, the commanding thing ? Omg who would wear hair like that. Classical ? Hmm... perhaps still I dont know what do you all think ?"</strong><br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: (Firefly/Serenity: Aftermath) Border Planet</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>writersmelody</strong> on <strong>23-11-2010, 09:43:04</strong>
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				(From Serenity)<br><br>River had followed the others, at least for a while. She was in high spirits. Her being so relaxed was generally considered a good sign, though they all knew at any minute everything could change. So long as she didn't come across that signal... There was only so much she could do to avoid it.<br><br>But something caught her eye and she rounded a different corner, soon finding herself separated from the group and wandering a little further. Whatever it was that had distracted her was soon forgotten and she just walked about aimlessly, glancing around her with interest. <br><br>She had wandered into a part of Shangrila that the "tourists" didn't get to see. Her eyes widened. So much desperation... So much pain... The buildings were dilapidated, streets filthy. And the people who passed her rarely looked up from the ground. Those that did had eyes that were dull with resignation or feverishly bright.<br><br>There was a figure curled up in the shadows of a building that had been abandoned long ago on an otherwise deserted street. Her eyes grew even wider. Dead? No, she saw the rise and fall of the girl's chest. It was a girl, though how she knew that she didn't know.<br><br>She walked over to her and gently shook her awake. The girl started and scrambled back. "It's okay," River said. "I want to help you." It wouldn't do much. The poor thing looked so sick. Far too thin and her skin had a yellowish tint. One week and no more. But at least it would be spent in comfort. She pulled a little velvet bag out of her purse and offered it to her.<br><br>There was enough in there to get her by for a week in comfort in a place like Shangrila or allow her to indulge. "Please, take it," she said, closing the girl's hand around it. Without another word, she started to walk away. She smiled sadly when she heard the thank you that was called after her. Now, how to get back to the marketplace and find everyone... 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: (Firefly/Serenity: Aftermath) Border Planet</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>writersmelody</strong> on <strong>03-12-2010, 02:20:12</strong>
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				She had seen the figure in the dark corner as she walked past but had ignored him. He didn't give her a bad vibe. So she'd moved on. Though it would have been easiest to ask someone for directions, River wanted to explore the city. Time on her own was very rare.<br><br>So she moved through the city, a study in grace. River was unconscious of the looks that followed her. Even though she didn't possess the exotic beauty of Inara or the obvious charms of Reena, she had something all her own that wasn't evident at first glance.<br><br>It was fun to window shop, despite the niggling sense that she was being watched. Her brother would probably tell her she was being paranoid. She wasn't so sure. Oh well. Trying not to let it bother her, she just wandered around aimlessly, no particular pattern or destination in mind.<br><br>But she was able to glean plenty of information about Shangrila. It only added to what she'd heard. Finally figuring that she was probably being missed, she headed down a dark alley she was fairly certain lead her back towards the market. That was when she heard the footsteps.<br><br>She kept her pace steady, eyes gleaming and the promise of a smile in her lips. Someone wanted trouble, they'd found it. Maybe they'd even be a challenge... But the voice sounded nice. Glancing over her shoulder, she turned around. "Yes?" she called, raising a hand to shade her brow so she could actually see him. Oh, he was handsome...
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				Title: <strong>Re: (Firefly/Serenity: Aftermath) Border Planet</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>writersmelody</strong> on <strong>11-12-2010, 21:43:09</strong>
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				He really did sound nice. The beginnings of a smile at his mouth didn't go unnoticed by River. Nor did anything else. The clothes were decent but not overly nice. Same with the shoes. He was by himself. It suggested a man of some means but not one of the upper class on this planet. The way the fabric sat on his frame lead her to believe he was unarmed. Though there was that bag...<br><br>He had an accent but she couldn't place it. That was going to irritate her. There was a trace of the "border planet drawl" but something else too. What was it? She tilted her head and frowned in curiosity. Did he have some connection to the girl? Or maybe, like her, he just wanted to do a good deed.<br><br>River was quite good at reading people. In terms of body language, the way they spoke, and other more uncommon means. She wasn't trying those yet. Her eyes gleamed as she looked at him. He wasn't nearly as much of an open book as other people. <br><br>Maybe it was because he just was. He came across as warm and good-natured, naturally open. But appearances could be deceiving and she was living proof of just how true that was. Was it possible that anyone was really like that?<br><br>No. Which meant that he was quite adept at putting up the front and that meant lots of practice. Where and why? She glanced down at the bag. "You may," she said, readying herself for movement if it proved to be a weapon of some kind. She was forced to acknowledge there wouldn't be much she could do if that was the case. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: (Firefly/Serenity: Aftermath) Border Planet</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>writersmelody</strong> on <strong>14-12-2010, 07:49:38</strong>
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				River's posture shifted when he showed her the knife. The air around her almost hummed with tension as her body readied itself for action. But almost as soon as she realized what it was, she relaxed. Nothing about the way he was holding it or his posture suggested that he intended to use it on her.<br><br>Her eyes widened as she reached out to accept it. She had been attracted to the blade's well-honed edge and way the light played off the strange metal. The handle was nice too. Her gaze shifted to the box. Watching with interest as he took a couple other things out of that bag, she finally smiled.<br><br>All those things she had stopped to look at... She probably would have purchased a few had she not given that poor girl all the money she'd brought with her. Karma. Sometimes it was a bitch. Sometimes it was wonderful.<br><br>The smile blossomed, her face alight with pleasure as he offered them too her. River didn't even mind that he had paid such close attention to her. "Thank you!" she exclaimed. She stroked one of the leaves of the plant. It would look so nice in her quarters! There were a few buds that promised to blossom with some care.<br><br>Everything else was carefully placed in her own satchel. Once they were secured, she looked up at him. The smile had faded slightly as her expression became more considering but there was a still radiance at the edge of it. "I'm Brooke," she said. It was a rather uncreative pseudonym but she didn't mind at the moment. She wondered if he recognized her.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: (Firefly/Serenity: Aftermath) Border Planet</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>writersmelody</strong> on <strong>16-12-2010, 23:04:34</strong>
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				River, aka Brooke, continued to smile. It had been a good day so far. She was fairly certain she would be able to find her way back to the others. Or at least the ship. But she wasn't willing to end her sojourn just yet. Willie Howlett was one of the most intriguing characters she'd met in a very long time.<br><br>She glanced down at the hand he offered, eyes widening. Over the past couple years, she'd come to realize a lot of things about the Border Planets. Handshakes had quite a bit more significance there. Even more interesting, the way he held his hand was definitely not from the frontier.<br><br>Even more intrigued, she slowly took the hand, laying her fingers over it in the proper fashion of a handshake between a lady and a gentleman. "Nice to meet you," she said sincerely. Slowly she reclaimed her hands, letting her fingers trail over her skin.<br><br>"So have you been here long?" she asked. It was a safer question than what he was doing there. Paiout did have a certain charm. There was an edge to it that appealed to her. And there was something about Willie too...
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				Title: <strong>Re: (Firefly/Serenity: Aftermath) Border Planet</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>writersmelody</strong> on <strong>06-01-2011, 00:25:26</strong>
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				The answer made sense to River. It hadn't been that long but it felt like it. His answer confirmed that. There was a flash of something in River's eyes when he said he was planning on leaving and they still gleamed sharply even when the flash had faded.<br><br>"I only got here today," she said. "We're just stopping to refuel," she said. She bounced a little on her toes. Mal probably wouldn't be very happy but they could use funds. And she liked this man. He was interesting. Besides, it'd be good to have someone on board who didn't treat her like a ticking time bomb.<br><br>At least at first... "Yes," she declared. "And if you're looking to leave, I may have a way to do that," she said. "My ship takes on passengers with minimal questions and at a reasonable fee. If you'd be interested on traveling with us for a while." She found herself hoping he'd say yes. And she could get Mal to take this man on board...
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				Title: <strong>Re: (Firefly/Serenity: Aftermath) Border Planet</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>writersmelody</strong> on <strong>06-01-2011, 22:46:38</strong>
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				River didn't know why she enjoyed watching him so much. There was something... restful about it. And he was quite intriguing. He wasn't nearly as easy to read as everyone else. If only she knew just how true that was! However, she had learned a lot lately and that included how to keep the rest of the world out of her head unless she wanted it there.<br><br>At the moment she didn't, though she could feel it beating at her defenses. The ship was a nice confined area with only a few people to deal with. She wasn't sure she'd be able to readjust to life planetside, not after all the Alliance had done to her. They'd wanted a weapon and they'd created one but unlike most weapons, she had an unparalleled intellect and a will of her own.<br><br>She watched him, wondering what was going through his head and enjoying the mystery of it. The girl known as Brooke grinned at his response. It was as close to a yes as she could get without actually introducing him to their captain and letting him see the ship.<br><br>When the Alliance became a problem again, he'd be made aware so he could decide what to do. For the moment, the government was quite occupied with dealing with the fallout of the truth about Miranda. The sun's rays beamed down on them. She reveled in their warmth. Shangrila wasn't necessarily a happy place but it had a strange beauty and ruggedness&nbsp; to it that appealed to her.<br><br>"She's a Firefly Transport, '03 Model," River began. She could talk about the Serenity for hours. But she didn't want to bore him. "Some modifications have been made to make it more durable and even more able to handle long voyages. You know much about ships?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: (Firefly/Serenity: Aftermath) Border Planet</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>writersmelody</strong> on <strong>17-01-2011, 22:10:22</strong>
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				Silverhold... The name was familiar. She'd never been there but she'd heard of it. One of her classmates back at the Academy had been from there. River saw the change in his expression. Apparently he had fond memories of his time there. He mentioned chores, which lead her to believe it was his childhood he was remembering.<br><br>There would be ample time to learn all about him. His statement about knowing he would travel interested her. Being a Shepherd allowed that opportunity. But why had he chosen that path instead of others? It was interesting to think about.<br><br>"It is fairly small, yes," she said as she navigated back to the market. "They aren't impressive to look at but they've got good specs and this one's been modified to make it hardier and faster." He did know a little something about ships after all...
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: (Firefly/Serenity: Aftermath) Border Planet</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Shjade</strong> on <strong>26-01-2011, 22:46:08</strong>
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				Much as the thought of smooth runnings appealed to Mal in theory, when it was the way things were he couldn't help but find it unsettling. Not too much, but enough that the whole way back to the ship he swore he felt some unfriendly attention right down on the back of his neck. Didn't like it, people being all reasonable and straightforward; left him wondering what there was to be said wasn't being said.<br><br>That was Zoe's job, of course. He just had to deal with folk and make things stay square when all the corners were getting shaved off this and thataway. Things got too hot, she'd say as much when he was thinking it. Now all he had was thinking it, and that wears at a man's mind. <br><br>Everything was just a touch too convenient. Job sounded simple: light payload, some exotic plants from here to there, minimal attention need be paid to keep'em healthy in their mighty fine little tank compartment what-have-you cases, neither world core nor even all too near anything Alliance might find of interest enough to haul out and look at it close. Man even paid half in advance; they <em>never</em> pay anything in advance, much less volunteer it without being asked. And he hadn't seemed worried none about the prospect of smugglers doing his business for him. Maybe that was really what put him off. Mal didn't think himself a bad person but he'd come to expect it from others most times. Didn't get that at all this time. Just folk talking to folk over two rounds, then off on his way.<br><br>So what wasn't being said?<br><br>It's all the fine landscape, sir, he told himself, imagining (poorly) his first mate's stiff posture at his side. You're just not used to working around this much pretty.<br><br>Sure you're right, barbarian that I am, not suited to such a world.<br><br>Shall I shoot and pillage someone?<br><br>No, no, I think we're fine without that. Besides, he added on his way through the open cargo bay, seems there's other things to think about already - "Biao-tze de er-tze, how's it my crew up and disappears the moment I step off my ship?" He slapped his hand onto the intercom button at the exit ramp. "Jayne, I find out you hanged my crew while I was finding us work, I'll be mighty disappointed." Didn't wait for a reply on that one - should get the message across - turned and walked right back out with a sun-induced scowl. These ta ma duh markets on the friendly-lookin' worlds, safe and tempting on the surface and figures they'd all get pulled out to look at shiny plates or wrenches or whatnot. He aimed himself center of the marketplace and off he went. Sooner they were back in the air the better, far as he was concerned.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: (Firefly/Serenity: Aftermath) Border Planet</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kate</strong> on <strong>27-01-2011, 15:52:23</strong>
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				<div align="center"> Natasha (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=87320.msg3855975#msg3855975)<br></div><br><br><strong>"Arh there you are mal!"</strong> Natasha appeared. <br><strong><br>"I was shopping for ages I though the others were with me but it seems all had moved off do look for what caught there eye. For a small place this has some remarkable things... "</strong><br><br><strong>"I have not really had the chance to talk to you Mal, and it doesn't seem now is the time either. Still I can head back now if your rounding all up to go elsewhere I know your on a tight schedule."</strong><br><br>It was only on parting from the last place had she quickly stated her interest, and it seemed her Mal was more interested in accepting such that he could leave without a scene more than anything else. Still a few things needed to be sorted out, and how far Natasha could be part of his plans to be a thorn in the alliances side.<br><br>Natasha was different, in a few ways. How well that would work on a ship like Serenity was anyone's guess but it was the best hope Natasha had.<br><br><strong>"So want me to get back to the ship while you find the others ? Or did you want me to help look ?"<br></strong><br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: (Firefly/Serenity: Aftermath) Border Planet</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Shjade</strong> on <strong>27-01-2011, 18:57:21</strong>
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				"Can't imagine it's often as you have chance to shop to suit such as your needs," said Mal. The tone was plain enough, but his face had a certain hardness to it. Maybe just impatience. He nodded toward one shoulder, back the way he'd come. "Get on back to the ship, let those stayed behind know we're to be elsewhere in thirty or sooner, soon as the rest of the folk so eager to spend on things not meant to keep us in good order find their way back. Who all came out with you?"<br><br>The short list was what he'd figured. "Nearest source of frills should have my mechanic in it then. Pick her up on my way 'round the place, throw rope around the other and haul both back aboard. You just make sure you're not followed. Not many as like you around these parts I expect and we've no count how many're interested in what you've got with you yet. Last thing I need right now is more surprises."
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				Title: <strong>Re: (Firefly/Serenity: Aftermath) Border Planet</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>NiceTexasGuy</strong> on <strong>30-01-2011, 18:18:28</strong>
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				<div align="center"> Simon says: </div><br><strong> <em>"Riverrrrr??&nbsp; River???&nbsp; Has anybody seen River?"&nbsp; &nbsp;</em> </strong> Simon's voice echoed through rear part of the ship -- the infirmary, the passenger cabins, and into the dining area, without response.&nbsp; <strong><em>"River??? Has anybody seen...."&nbsp; </em> </strong> and his hands plopped down to his sides in exasperation, his voice trailing off as he stepped into a deserted kitchen... <span style="font-size: 8pt;" class="bbc_size"><em><strong>"... anybody?"</strong></em></span><br><br>Once again, he had been left out of the loop as he was busy inventorying supplies in his little domain, the infirmary.&nbsp; He tried to convince the captain supplies needed to be restocked, handing Mal a rather extensive list of medical supplies.&nbsp; Equipment that would be nice to have, medications, bandages and other expendables.&nbsp; How does one convince the ignorant of the need to be able to perform a simple white blood cell count, much less the need to do complete chemistry panels?&nbsp; Much of the equipment was there, but not the reagents needed to make it work.&nbsp; Mal had taken the list, looked at it, turned it upside down to study it some more, then handed it back to him saying he needs it in English, and he needs it to total less than 200 credits.&nbsp; Simon's pleading was met with some incomprehensible comment about wearing shiny hats and the captain was gone in a flash, leaving Simon to go back to the infirmary and prioritize his list.<br><br>He had lost all track of time and when he finally emerged, River was no longer in her room.&nbsp; Or Kaylee's.&nbsp; He made a mental note to try to talk to Kaylee once more about the seriousness of River's condition and how they can't just go wandering off without him.&nbsp; Since the Miranda incident, it seems like every conversation he tried to have with Kaylee resulted in ... which of course was nice, but the girl needed to understand that sometimes they needed to have serious conversations about something other than... sex.<br><br>Finally, Simon resigned himself to the fact River was not on the ship, and he had no idea which direction she and Kaylee may have headed, which ruled out a search.&nbsp; So, he did the next best thing.&nbsp; Going down to the cargo bay he grabbed Kaylee's folding chair to carry it down the ramp to sit and wait.&nbsp; As an afterthought, he grabbed her colorful parasol, and took a seat. It wasn't often he just sat and watched the people go by.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: (Firefly/Serenity: Aftermath) Border Planet</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kate</strong> on <strong>31-01-2011, 17:11:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div align="center"> Natasha (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=87320.msg3855975#msg3855975)<br></div><br>After a few minutes Natasha does find Haley knee deep in frilly dresses. After giving her a quick summary of what Mal explained, Natasha made off back to Serenity. It sounded like Haley was following her, still so many trees it was easy to mistake one for another.<br><br>A while later though both were aboard.<br><br>Continued ... &nbsp;(http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=87328.msg4203257#msg4203257)<br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: (Firefly/Serenity: Aftermath) Border Planet</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>writersmelody</strong> on <strong>04-02-2011, 17:28:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				River and the Shepherd were nearing the area where she'd taken off from the group. There was no sign of them anywhere. That made her frown for a moment. Well, it was no matter. She'd be able to find her way back to the ship and they'd meet up again there.<br><br>Then she spotted Mal. Her face brightened. "There's the Captain," she said. Waving at Mal, she reached behind her with her one free hand and tugged Willie along with her. The young woman the shepherd had been talking to seemed to have regressed in age just a bit as she bounded towards him.<br><br>She paused for just a moment before introducing the two. It would have taken most people longer to assess Mal's condition and state of mind. He appeared to be just fine and without any particular set of urgency. While she wondered how his quest for work had gone and where it would take them next, there were other things on her mind.<br><br>"Captain, I've found us a potential passenger," she said. "This is Shepherd Willie Howlett." Stepping back, she gestured for the other man to step forward. River bounced a little on the balls of her feet as she waited to see how the two men would get along. She really hoped that he'd be coming with them...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: (Firefly/Serenity: Aftermath) Border Planet</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Shjade</strong> on <strong>04-02-2011, 21:50:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				On the one hand the Captain always - well near always - liked to find what it was he was looking for when he was looking. It had a certain resolution to it that he appreciated, a sense of satisfaction and closure when whatever got itself lost had got found again.<br><br>That and he'd have whatever he wanted to find, which was the point.<br><br>Sometimes, though, you go looking for something and when you find it, turns out it's maybe not so much what you expected after all. This was turning out to be one of those times.<br><br>Wasn't so much that the man following River looked to make trouble. Girl had him by the hand like an old uncle or some such; hard to scare folk when a little girl's dragging you along. Still, even after she started talking sense in a way meant actual sense to people more than unsettling jabber, little River never seemed to judge character the same way as Mal, or even the rest of the crew. Saw people differently, and that was good some of the time, some of the time more an unsmoothness to be worked over. Having a man along with her coming back to the ship, for instance? Especially a man didn't look to mind he was bein' led or who by? That didn't sound what he'd think of as smooth so much as interesting in a way that had his hand resting closer to his hip than it might've otherwise. Just never know with some people.<br><br>"Shepherd? Well, isn't that something. Here I was looking for my crew wandered off all over the place and only when the last shows up does one of them appear. Y'know, if you planned to help herd my cattle back aboard I could've used it a mite earlier." He looked the other man over as he added, "You said potential. What's the potent about it?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: (Firefly/Serenity: Aftermath) Border Planet</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Shjade</strong> on <strong>06-02-2011, 04:00:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"If your aim's to be elsewhere, that can be arranged," said Mal, taking the Shepherd's hand for a firm shake. When he released the grip his arms crossed over his chest, casually standoffish. "Room to yourself, can come and go to the kitchen as you like provided you're not a hoarder. For a fee, of course - they <em>do</em> give you allowance for doing your chores at the abbey, don't they?" Malcolm inclined his head a bit at the last, as if asking in secret, then straightened up to nod back the way he'd come. "Serenity's second-closest land pad. Go on and show him the way, then get yourself aboard, dong ma? And no goin' stray - work to be done and we need to be in the air to do it. That means all hands on board, including yours."<br><br>"Besides," he added, "if we left you behind I'd have to listen your brother whine, and that's only fun for the first few hours."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: (Firefly/Serenity: Aftermath) Border Planet</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>writersmelody</strong> on <strong>07-02-2011, 22:15:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				River observed the two men interacting carefully. Of course someone as uncannily perceptive as River would note the way Mal's hand had moved closer to the holster at his hip. It didn't move any closer as the two men talked a bit. She was content to be silent and wait. She arched an eyebrow at Willie's apology.<br><br>He sounded utterly sincere but she wondered if he really was. There was no way to tell if it was a lie but she was smart enough to know that a man had no reason to sound that way to another man he'd just met. At least not when it came to what Mal was suggesting. <br><br>It interested her that Willie didn't seem to care very much about the destination. Of course few border planets would take having a Shepherd to tend to their spiritual needs and offer other kinds of guidance and instruction amiss. There was something different about him, to be sure, but it was restful rather than disturbing.<br><br>"Yes, Captain," she said brightly, beaming at both men. Without further ado, she headed towards their ship. "Come on, Shepherd!" she called, glancing over her shoulder to make sure he was still following her.<br><br>(To Serenity)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: (Firefly/Serenity: Aftermath) Border Planet</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>NiceTexasGuy</strong> on <strong>09-02-2011, 20:53:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(( Simon says: ))<br><br>The "conversation" with Kaylee and Natasha had been brief and utterly fruitless.<br><br>&nbsp;"With the group?&nbsp; What group?&nbsp; Where is this so-called group now? Are you the group? Obviously not, since River's not with you.&nbsp; Who's responsible for her?&nbsp; The Captain?&nbsp; JAYNE?" <br><br>It was all directed at Kaylee, of course, since Simon hadn't had a chance to express to the newcomer just how "different" his sister was.&nbsp; He felt like Kaylee wasn't taking any of this very seriously.&nbsp; "Your sister is fine, Simon."&nbsp; &nbsp;Where has he heard those words before?&nbsp; Oh yes, right after they started experimenting with his little sister's brain.&nbsp; It didn't take Simon long to realize this conversation was going nowhere, and allowed the ladies up the ramp and onto the ship.&nbsp; Then he turned back to yell at them "Where did you last see her?"<br><br>Finding her in this crowd would be a long shot, but at least it would feel like he was doing something.&nbsp; Tossing Kaylee's parasol down onto the chair, he went running off in the direction from which the girls had come, bounding up on his toes occasionally to try to look over the heads of the crowd that just seemed to get thicker the closer he got to the markets.<br><br>&nbsp;<strong><em>"River???&nbsp; River???" </em> </strong> &nbsp; No response.&nbsp; For several minutes he looked and saw no one from the ship.&nbsp; Not even Jayne, who should have been hard to miss given his imposing height accented by the unique knit cap he was probably wearing.&nbsp; After several minutes, he realized his best bet might be to return to the ship, after all.&nbsp; Otherwise, how would he know if she was back?&nbsp; From the distance, as the crowd started to thin out, he saw the unmistakable figure of his little sister floating along as if in a musical number of sorts.&nbsp; He called out to her, but was too far away to be heard above the ambient noises.&nbsp; Walking faster, trying to keep an eye on her, he knew she had to be heading back to the ship, but anything can happen.&nbsp; And, it appeared something was happening.&nbsp; That man.. was following her!&nbsp; Simon broke into a run, but was still several yards away when River stopped at the bottom of the ramp and turned to speak to the man.&nbsp; He couldn't hear what she said, but was upon them a moment later, panting, out of breath.<br><br>"River ... River.. I... you.. can't go wandering off from the group like that."<br><br>Simon was not the most brilliant tactician in the 'verse, but he was determined to do what it took to protect his sister.&nbsp; One eye on the man who had been following her, and one eye on Kaylee's parasol on the nearby chair, Simon had decided it could be used as a weapon, if needed.&nbsp; A very colorful weapon, but one that could cause a nasty wound with sufficient thrust.&nbsp; He put a hand on River's shoulder to try to guide her onto the ship as he positioned himself between River and the man, not taking his eyes off the possible threat.<br><br>"Hello there.&nbsp; This is my sister ..."&nbsp; There, that should let the man know he's going to be in for a fight if he tries anything...&nbsp; &nbsp;"and you are?"<br><br>Simon nervously glanced up the ramp into the cargo area, thinking how nice it would be to see Jayne, for once.&nbsp; Then he recalled how Jayne would probably just watch as the strange man beat him senseless.&nbsp; But he might serve as a deterrant.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: (Firefly/Serenity: Aftermath) Border Planet</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>NiceTexasGuy</strong> on <strong>10-02-2011, 17:15:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp;(( Simon says: ))<br><br>Being a good Episcopalian from a core planet, Simon had been brought up in an environment where men (and women) of the cloth garnered a certain automatic respect and trust.&nbsp; He'd found that the further he got from home, the easier it was for someone of lesser qualities to become ordained by any of a number of religious organizations calling themselves churches.<br><br>Likewise, those from the core who couldn't quite make it as religious leaders at home could find all manner of pseudo-religious work in climates where the population was, shall we say, less sophisticated.&nbsp; Of course that was a moot point, considering the man's accent.&nbsp; Not too heavy, but definitely not core.<br><br>So, perhaps the "Shepherd" was legitimate, perhaps not.&nbsp; Not being present for their earlier conversation, Simon wouldn't even know if any kind of relationship existed between this man and River prior to her turning to speak to him at the ramp of the ship.&nbsp; Perhaps his intentions were dishonorable, or perhaps he just saw in River someone with whom he felt compelled to share the Word.<br><br>Simon would probably have given the man the benefit of the doubt had the word "son" not entered the equation.&nbsp; Granted, Shepherd Book would often call "son" but it was always said with a less offensive tone. And since Book was older than Simon's own father, it seemed reasonable to grant him certain liberties this man wasn't going to be given. <br><br>Simon straightened up and puffed out his chest just a little, though perhaps not realizing he was posturing.&nbsp; "I'm not sure whether there's a problem or not.&nbsp; I just saw you were following my sister and ...." &nbsp;then he trailed off, but not because he didn't know what to say.&nbsp; Indeed, he just had a moment of inspiration ... "Is there a problem on your end ... <em>son</em>?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: (Firefly/Serenity: Aftermath) Border Planet</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>writersmelody</strong> on <strong>13-02-2011, 21:19:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Sorry," she said. She didn't sound very sincere though. There was no remorse on her features at all, only the same vague dreaminess there always was. However, her eyes were glittering brightly and it wasn't hard to imagine they didn't miss much. Before she could introduce the two, Simon turned to her companion.<br><br>River could feel the tension and Simon wouldn't take kindly to any attempts to calm him down. "There's no problem," she interjected. "he's going to be a passenger." Hopefully that would alleviate some of her brother's concerns. Really, he needed to trust her more. No way she would have let someone follow her if they were a threat.<br><br>She'd have to talk to him about telling Willie the truth, or at least some of it. That her name wasn't Brooke after all. The lie had been for her sake. What if the Alliance just happened to be around? "This is my brother Simon. Simon, this is Shepherd Willie Howlett." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: (Firefly/Serenity: Aftermath) Border Planet</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Shjade</strong> on <strong>14-02-2011, 01:35:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"And this," said Malcolm, pulling himself out of the flow of foot-traffic around the landing areas, "is the man wondering why so many people are standing not inside my ship. Time to play about with names when we're off the ground." The Captain strode through the group right between the Tams and the newest addition to the ship's cargo, making his own nonverbal statement on the issue of where lines were currently drawn. "If you're done giving the good doctor a fit I need you on the bridge, little one. Get about marking a clean run to our next stop."<br><br>A few button-slaps on the panel on his way to the cargo bay stairs started the airlock doors closing and the cargo ramp rising up, Kaylee's chair teetering at the foot of the ramp in its upward movement. He stopped at the landing mid-level to call down, "Doc, best bring the Shepherd on up to the kitchen. Good a place as any to get acquainted all at once. I don't suppose you're any hand as a cook, are you, Shepherd?"
			</dd>
		</dl>
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