Summary: The Vega's long-lost mechanic, Nar, makes an appearance as the crew sits around changing oil and making plans. Shai seems to think it'd be a good idea to dress everyone up and attend a fancy party on Bellerophon, but he learns he has more convincing to do to make it happen. Later, Shai, Nar and Oriana start dinner while Quinn gets mean at Kasai.
18:30:03 Quinn announced at breakfast they were leaving that evening. A few long looks were shot Kasai and Xin's way, Shai's informing her of the man's late night visit to Xin's room raising her suspicion. The captain left after her announcement, running a few last errands and meeting with another group interested in the cargo. She decided to bring Oriana with her – the little mercenary's agreeable nature made her company pleasant – and she also wanted to see how she'd act in the field. Three crates were sold, and when they returned Quinn gave Ori an allowance to purchase supplies before they traveled on to Bellerophon. She currently lay beneath the engine, straining against the release lever to empty used oil. After that failed, Quinn repositioned and gave the lever a good kick. That did the trick, black oil rushing from the engine into the hose connected to and out of the wall near by, where it went outside into the waste tank. Unfortunately the hose was old and leaky, a few streams of oil squirting over the <c>
18:30:05 [Quinn] room... and Quinn. “Gorram piece a shit,” she mumbled, pulling herself out from under the engine with a sigh. She wiped some of the oil from her arms and face with a rag. “So... you want to do what?” she asked, eyeing Shai. She had yet to hear the entirety of his plan for Bellerophon and wanted to get that out of the way before she called Kasai in to chat.
18:42:53 Oriana was her usual cheery self during the job, taking cues from Quinn and seeming to be quite calm; her tremors were light that day, and Ori kept her hand by her gun while making it look like a natural gesture. Having so few bullets in her pistol, Ori kept an extra careful eye on everything, and was relieved when it wasn’t necessary. She returned to the ship with Quinn, in good spirits due to the sale, and happily went to town, armed with her platinum. Ori spent much of her time haggling vendors for bullets, and stocked up on ammo. With a little money left over, Ori bought a few necessities, remembering how she’d forgotten some things the last time she was on a ship. Ori whistled as she walked back to the ship, her purchases swinging in a small bag from her elbow, and headed to her room, smiling at the Vega fondly as she entered.
18:45:02 [XinTou] At the look from Quinn during breakfast, he looked genuinely surprised, then confused for a moment. Upon realizing he was sharing said glare with Kasai, he relaxed a moment, and lightly began mocking Quinn. When her look lasted just a little too long, his demeanor changed as if he were being looked at in a night club. With the air of a smooth ladykiller, he winked back, baring his teeth and curling his hand towards her in an exaggerated sexy growl. Hopefully this would either creep her out/embarrass her or amuse her enough to stop being so damn paranoid. Or at least stop looking at him. Either way, that was then, this was now. The doctor was in his mid-day work clothes. “Fruity-Oaty Bar” t-shirt, black pants, and his scuffed up black work boots. Silently, upon seeing Quinn re-enter the ship and head towards Shaiyat, he left his bunk and deftly followed her over to the pilot. “I was wondering that for myself, Shai.” He added on to Quinn’s question, making sure to give Oriana a small wave.
18:53:47 Kasai had arrived to breakfast last, at first disconcerted about the looks he was receiving from the captain. But, that didn't last long, for when he noticed Xin's reaction to Quinn's looks he actually let out a small laugh before shaking his head and returning to his food. When the captain and Oriana returned to the Vega Kasai was hanging from the catwalks, doing chin-ups. He had spent his time so far exercising, trying to make up for the time he lost chasing Brown. He was shirtless, once again, wearing only his black slacks and the wrapping on his right arm. Currently he was throwing air punches in the cargo hold, working his arms before he moved on to more complicated things.
19:01:38 Shaiyat had tried and tried to get the damn leaver to move, so he stood back once Quinn took to kicking at it...he'd have tried the same but Vega tended to bite back when bitten so to speak....So the pilot took his place near the door of the engine room as he was also aware of how old the transfer-hose was, and how many holes were in it. He should've warned Quinn really, but it was too late by the time the small streams of oil came her way...and his as well. The faded green tank top he wore got yet another stain, as well as the pair of grey pants and shiny black boots. Xin's arrival earned him a grin and a wave before he grabbed a near by rag that hung near the engine, tossing the already it Quinn's way. “Look...Inas use ta get invites to a fancy party on Bellerophon, which really meant he was gonna go talk to his contact there. He's gone but...” Shai paused, taking a deep breath. “All we gotta do is use the invitation ta get in and make the same contact. They pay well an' if we blend in enough I think
19:01:53 [Shaiyat] t'll be worth it in the future ya know?”
19:09:02 Quinn was determined to stay unhappy at Xin for the time being, though his odd response to her glare over breakfast had caused her to secretly lighten up... a little. Although it irked her, she figured it was his way of saying nothing serious had passed between he and Kasai. After spreading tarry oil up and down her arms she gave up, throwing the rag aside and pulling herself upright, a few hops taking her to a shelf with super absorbent towels. These were tossed onto the growing puddles as she listened to Shai's explanation. She slowly looked up at him after the pilot finished, brows pulled low. “Blend in?” she asked, and if needing an explanation, she held her arms out and looked down at herself... and over Shai. “Case you hadn' noticed Shai, we ain't exactly the sort to go to 'fancy parties'.” Grey eyes glanced briefly Xin's way. Even the most sophisticated of the group looked a little odd. “This guy does what, exactly?”
19:19:52 [Nar] Nar had been delighted to see the Vega in dock, but rather than make his presence known right away, he'd found out how long they were likely to stay and then he'd managed to secure the adjacent dock for his little fighter as soon as it was vacated. That had been twenty minutes ago, and now his little junker of a fighter glided into the dock alongside the Vega and he parked it with one smooth motion. A moment later, he was shouldering his shotgunt and clambering out of the hatch, sauntering across to where he could lean against the open bay door. He leaned across and peered hopefully in at the Vega's interior. "Knock knock!"
19:21:20 Oriana returned Xin’s wave with a wave of her own and an overly large grin, then dumped her stuff on her bed upon reaching her room. Pausing a moment to look around her room, trying to picture it as home, if even a temporary one, Ori grabbed some ammo and headed for the engine room. She joined the conversation, leaning against a wall and taking out her pistol. Ori giggled as Quinn noted they weren’t the sort of group to go to parties. She couldn’t help but agree, her eyes passing between each member of the group. Ori piped up after Quinn’s comment: “I look pretty normal.” She grinned as she gestured to herself. Normal in relation to the rest of them, sure. But Ori still looked like a kid, and a ruffian kid at that. Ori began replacing rounds into Bessie, a grin still planted on her face; she started when she heard a voice calling through the ship, and turned towards the entrance curiously, letting the others address the person paired with the voice.
19:25:13 XinTou leaned back, arms folded across his chest, nodding towards Shaiyat's wave with a small grin. At the explanation of Shai's "brilliant plan", Xin paused. After a moment, he drew out his next words carefully, realizing he was trying to get on board with Shaiyat's logic, no easy task. “So…if I’m understanding you…you’d like to stay with my family to give our operation a clean face and so you can learn some last minute Alliance party etiquette? Is, uh…is that about it?” He blanched when Quinn directed her attention towards him, taking a moment to question. “Well, I mean, besides marrying and impregnating my sister, I have heard he dabbles in the selling of medical supplies.” He replied with a hint of sarcasm. When he had calmed himself down a bit, he managed to allow, “He’s a very generous and kind man, but he’s high Alliance. Now, thankfully, he’s a second genner,” (Xin often used this term to mean “Second generation”, people like himself) “so he’s sympathetic to those of us on the other side, if you (c)
19:25:25 [XinTou] will. Funds a Independent Veteran hospital, will be the first one to admit the Alliance is flawed, etcetera. However, he definitely still has loyalties, so we can’t really let him in on any illegal scheme.” And at the voice and knock, he whipped around and looked at the door a moment, confused. After a second, he looked back to the Captain and silently mouthed, “Nar?”
19:33:12 Kasai was the first to actually see the visitor, but had no clue who it was. He stopped mid-punch and raised a brow at the stranger who had a weapon slung over his shoulder. His immediate reaction was lacking, not being a part of the crew and not knowing anything about a visitor he did what he considered the polite thing and yelled, "Got a visitor down here, capitaine!" He then sauntered to where his sword was settled, glancing at it before leaning against the nearby rails and taking a position to watch the situation play out. He got the feeling that the new face didn't mean any trouble, slightly interested to figure out who he was and why he had shown up so randomly.
19:43:16 Shaiyat watched Quinn try to clean the oil up with a small frown...and then his eye lit up. “Oh! Quinn...you'll be happy ta know we won't have ta do this oil pìhuà anymore...got someone ta doit for us.” He bounced on his toes a bit before wandering over to the engine itself, patting it once as he watched the oil gage needle move more and more towards empty. One hand moved to lazily to rest on the lever, prepared to turn it off when need be. He waited for a moment to answer Quinn's question, building the suspense as he waited to give out just 'who' he'd found. “Nar finally got back ta me...been hard'ta keep ahold of 'im since but I let 'im know where we're docked.” The pilot gave a proud smile towards both the doctor and the captain before going back to the more serious subject at hand. He turned to face Xin, listening intently on his 'translation' of his plan. Ori's arrival earned her a quick wave and smile as well before he answered the doctor first with a single nod. “ Besides a place ta stay and maybe
19:43:40 [Shaiyat] some help with fittin' in...” He paused, scratching his head some. “Don't need ta involve yer family at all. We need'ta not look like we do what we do anyhow, shiny? So we stay with yer sister, go ta this party an Inas's old contact will be there. I jus' need ta let'em know that Inas's nephew is now taken' all the jobs and we'll have ourselves a good way ta make some credits.” He pointed towards himself in regards to being the former-captain's nephew, even though Inas himself had never treated him as such really. Anyhow, he answered Quinn next, after chuckling at Ori's comment. She was kinda right... “Far as I remember we only transported fancy artifacts an stuff for 'im. Nothin' we can't handle...we jus' gotta, ya know, look like people who go ta fancy parties somehow.” He shrugged with an awkward smile before the commotion outside the ship caught his attention. Mainly Kasai yelling from downstairs. The cargo-door opening couldn't be seen from the engine room, so the pilot would have to make his way
19:44:06 [Shaiyat] downstairs to confirm Xin's guess...he certainly hadn't expected the mechanic to make it so soon. “I'll go see what visitor we got?” He looked towards Ori as well...would be a good idea to have the 'hired gun' along as well. Shai certainly didn't want to get shot again.
19:52:36 Quinn actually snorted a laugh when Xin mentioned the other part of the plan. A sleepover at the doctor's family's place, too? Before she could say something unfriendly about the plan, Shai started an aside regarding Nar. She looked a little surprised, and tossed a rag at the pilot. “Well thanks fer lettin' me know... now, Shai...” Quinn lowered herself down and scooted beneath the engine. “I'm missin' a leg, you only got one eye and Xin's got tattoos on his face.” She paused. “No Ori - you look like yer ten. An don't get me started on Kasai. No amount of coachin' will fix weird. Invite him here.” Not to mention that the captain would probably look like a drag queen if she wore a dress. Despite the hips she may have an easier time passing as a man. She removed the emptying hose and locked everything back up, about to motion for Shai to pump fresh oil in... until she heard Kasai's announcement filter up from downstairs. Quinn peeked out, nodding at Shai's suggestion, then again pulled herself out and <c>
19:52:46 [Quinn] upright. She hopped to the barrel of oil near by, balancing against it as she rolled it closer to the engine. “Don't think yer family'd appreciate a visit from the whole crew,” she mumbled offhandedly, if Xin had stayed.
19:59:21 [Nar] Nar shifted, he didn't recognise the face of the man apparently throwing air punches inside the hold, but that didn't mean the others weren't around. He knew Shai, Quinn and Xin were all about from the vague communication he'd had with Shai. "Yo." He said, rolling both shoulders as he stepped up to the edge of the ramp. "I'm Nar." Surely Shai had told the others he was coming? He stayed outside the ship for now until one of his friends came down to give the all clear. The last thing he needed to do was saunter in like he owned the place and upset a new crewmate. "I just set old one eye down next door." He said in conversational tones, gesturing to his beatup little fighter, dwarfed by the Vega. "Word on the street is you guys were in need of a mech."
20:03:07 Oriana nodded in understanding at Shai’s look and followed him to the cargo room, sliding her pistol’s barrel into place. She kept a few steps behind Shai, keeping Bessie in her hand. Her tremors had all but disappeared; seemed as if the hint of action caused them to lessen. Upon reaching the cargo bay, she positioned herself by the door from the hallway so that she could see everyone, and leaned her left shoulder against the wall. She glanced between Shai and the newcomer, waiting for his affirmation that Nar was known to him. If she received this affirmation, she relaxed a bit and folded her arms over her chest, keeping quiet for the moment. She studied Nar curiously; he seemed at familiar with the place, which meant he was probably known to one of the crew. Being new and unsure of the security of her position, Ori waited to pass judgment until someone else did. She hoped her response to the newcomer would impress the captain and let her know that Ori was ready for the potential job lined up.
20:18:33 Kasai gave a light smile to Nar. "Name's Kasai." He paused for a moment, moving closer to the man to peek outside and take a look at this old one eye. "Don't rightly know what they're looking for. Ain't crew." He explained flatly, learning out of the airlock and glancing to the nearby dock. He raised a brow at the thing he saw. A highly outdated Alliance fighter craft, though heavily modified. A soft chuckle escaped his lips as he shook his head. "Looks old and beat up." He slowly walked away from the airlock back into the cargo hold, watching Oriana as she descended into the area with extreme caution, hand on her pistol. He returned to his spot near his katana, again leaning comfortably against the railing as he still had no clue who this Nar was.
20:26:01 [Shaiyat] “I dunno if he'd come ta our ship... He shrugged, willing to give the alternative plan a try though his expression was full of doubts. “If not, will ya think on tryin it?” He mumbled with a small, pleading smile Quinn's way before he made his way out of the engine room shortly after Xin's teasing. But not before poking the man's shoulder in return and sticking his tongue out at him. He made his way out with Ori, half-running down the stairs and coming to the cargo bay with a bit out of breath. It was Kasai he spotted first, with no shirt again...and then there was Nar. Nar! The pilot's face lit up at to show just how happy he was to see the young man. He was no mechanic, and the long time without one had reminded him of such. “Nar! Figured ya got lost out there in the black in that ol' ship of yours!” The friendly greeting hopefully clued Ori and Kasai in that this man was a friend indeed. The pilot made his way past Nar, patting his shoulder once with a wide smile before moving to mash the comm-system >
20:26:33 [Shaiyat] button with his fist. “Hey Quinn! Nar made it! He wants ta see you!” The pilot's voice echoed throughout the ship, including the engine room.
20:29:26 XinTou had to run to his room for the night. Tired or summat. Sorry. ><
20:29:52 Quinn had indeed noticed how Ori slunk out of the room like a pro. She smiled a bit – every day the little mercenary seemed a little more promising. Quinn continued mopping up oil when everyone left, confident the situation was pretty well handled downstairs. She had no idea Nar had appeared, having not been expecting him to do so for at least a while... considering Shai remembered to tell her just a minute ago that he'd finally responded. The captain had just gotten fresh oil pumping into the engine when Shai's announcement informed her of who their visitor was. She smiled a bit, snatching her crutch and moving to the comm button near by to respond. “The hell you been, Nar?” she said, perhaps a typical greeting toward the youngster, though there was some warmth in her voice. Quinn couldn't really leave until the oil was done pumping. She was pretty sure the engine room would explode if she did.
20:42:46 Oriana smiled at Shai’s response to seeing the newcomer and relaxed, though she kept alert. She switched the gun so the safety was on and carefully placed it in the holster at her hip. Glancing over at Kasai, Ori was reminded of her shortcomings as a merc and resolved to start exercising, herself. Turning back to Shai and Nar, Ori approached shyly and offered a hand and a wide grin. “I’m Oriana,” she said. “You can call me Ori, though.” She felt slightly more at ease with Shai’s reaction, and with this ease came her characteristic tremors, slightly stronger in her hands and extending up her arm. If Nar shook her hand, she would give another friendly smile and place her hands in her back pockets, glancing between Shai and Nar to judge their relationship.
20:47:15 [Nar] He nodded to the man, Kesai, not quite sure how much he liked that attitude. But then he had to remind himself that he was some skinny kid with a custom rifle that had showed up at the ship. Still, he remained outside the cargo bay until Shai came out to greet him, along with a brief appearance by the doctor too. "Heeeyy guys, am I glad to see you." He paused to stare at the young woman with him for perhaps a moment longer than was really comfortable as the pilot escorted him up the ramp. Then as Shai hammered on the communicator, Nar tossed her a rather vague "Hey" before he took her hand and shook it. Then he was accosted by Quinn's voice from the comms. "Hey Cap'n" He replied cheerily. "Here and there. Judging by how pleased everyone is to see me I assume there's a problem with the ship?"
20:58:51 Kasai nodded to himself in his solitude away from the others. It made sense for the mechanic to show up randomly if he knew the crew. He was slightly interested in the relationship, noting that apparently he was quite close with the others, but didn't feel like just standing around anymore. He slowly made his way up the stairs, stretching his arms as he did so. He plopped down on the catwalks, beginnings to do some push-ups while keeping an ear open to hear the rest of the conversation. He wondered for a moment why the captain hadn't come downstairs to greet Nar herself, as he figured she'd be quite happy to actually see another familiar face. He shook the thought away as he put a hand behind his back and centered his other, slowly doing pushups using only his thumb and index finger. He had to make sure his physique was still in tip-top shape.
21:06:22 [Shaiyat] “Only real problem is she's older'n all of us and ain't had no one ta work on 'er these past couple years 'cept Quinn an' me.” He chuckled a little, hoping that was enough of an explanation of what was 'wrong' with the vessel. “She's got the same ol' ticks.” The pilot shrugged, not even attempting to talk parts with the young man. That was a game he'd always lose with Nar. He thought he caught something in the way Nar looked at Ori, but he let it go for now. He should know how the mechanic was by now after all. With a smirk he waved in the girl's direction. “Ori here's really good with a gun, haven't got ta see it myself but she shot well enough ta impress Quinn an' get 'erself hired on.” He grinned before moving forward, waving towards the rooms and sick bay further back in cargo bay. “You can have yer pick of a room if ya don't want ta stay in that little boat of yours, figure you might've seen enough of it these past couple years. She'll still dock up with Vega just fine.” Shai paused, letting the <
21:07:01 [Shaiyat] words sink in. “Quinn's got changin' the oil handled...either of you hungry?” The pilot asked the obvious with a smile. If remembered right Nar was always hungry...and as thin as Ori was she may be as well. “I'll make dinner tonight maybe...” There was a bad idea.
21:07:04 Quinn decided she'd greet Nar properly after speaking to Kasai. She figured now was a good time, considering she could get the man alone. She made her way back to the wall and pressed her shoulder into the comm button. “Glad yer back, kid. Kasai, please come up to the engine room.” Quinn returned to lean against the engine, crossing her arms. She'd meant to talk to Kasai earlier about the plan he mentioned in passing. If he showed up, Quinn nodded in his direction. “Seem to remember you gotta plan to run past me?” At this point she almost hoped it was something better than Shai's. The pilot would be hard pressed to get Quinn to go through with something she thought was utterly ridiculous.
21:16:37 Oriana noticed Nar’s gaze concentrated on her a little too long and blushed furiously, determined not to make eye contact. She grinned as Shai described how she got the job and patted her holster affectionately. “Couldn’t do it without Bessie here,” she laughed. At Shai’s suggestion of food, Ori’s eyes lit up. She still wasn’t used to the concept of having meals whenever she felt hungry, but the knowledge of it was wonderful. “I would love something to eat,” she said wistfully. She glanced up where Kasai was working on showing off as Quinn spoke through the speakers, but soon turned back to the two men. The idea of food was outweighing her curiosity of the potential job. Heading for the mess, she called back to Shai, “How about I get started on dinner instead? I’ve heard rumors of your cookin’.” She grinned good naturedly at the pilot.
21:26:27 [Nar] Nar grinned. "Food would be great actually." He replied, glancing at the Comms again. "Good to be on board, Cap'n." He replied, then stepped away from the unit and gazed around him thoughtfully. "Sure is good to be back in here. And yeah I'll pick out a bunk, it's going to be roomy as heck compared to my little tub." He shook his head, Old One Eye was a rickety thing at the best of times, but the well armed fighter had served him well. "Angel will be pleased to see you all too." He grinned, knowing how much they adored her sparkling personality. He glanced after Ori as she went scooting off to the kitchen, then looked back at Shai, it was as though the young woman had unsettled him a little. "I'll go and dock her now if that's ok, I've got some presents for you guys too." He called, heading back down the ramp to his ship.
21:33:26 Kasai was just about to switch from his right arm to his left when the captain's voice rang through the ship over the comm. He picked himself up and made his way towards the engine room. He spoke a warning before he entered, "Hope you don't mind my nakedness. I've been exercising." He took in the room as he entered, his eyes slowly and smoothly scanning over every inch since this was the first time he'd entered. He scratched the back of his head. A plan? Was she asking about the odd thing the pilot wanted to do? "Er, don't have so much of a plan as a potential lead for my lost possession." He paused for a moment, putting his hands in his pockets as he thought to himself. "Shouldn't be too out of the way, if we are going to Bellerophon that is. There might be something for me on Persephone, though I don't have any solid information." He had noticed the oil on the captain and about the room, deciding to add "Guess you're happy to have a proper mechanic back, eh?"
21:39:16 [Shaiyat] “Aw, ya 'least gotta let me help...” Shaiyat was aware of just how poor his culinary skills were. There was a reason Quinn put together most of the meals on the ship. Shai could make a sandwich, sure...but that doesn't mean it'd taste good. So, he settled on at least helping Ori make something more edible. He gave a nod to Nar. “We'll be waitin for ya in the mess.” The mention of presents brought a look of surprise to the man's face, but he contained his curiosity for now. The pilot would lead the way back up the staircase, passing the engine room but he decided to leave Kasai and Quinn alone for now. He knew that she'd been wanting to talk to him. Making his way to the kitchen he moved to the unfamiliar spot behind the counter and gave an awkward smile Ori's way. “What'ya have in mind ta make? You cook much back where your from?”
21:44:16 Quinn didn't seem to care too much about Kasai's lack of clothing, but hoped he wasn't going to make a habit of it. She watched him as he spoke, shrugging afterward at his lack of a response. She had guessed he would have had something more to offer. “Persephone's not really an option. There's enough risk goin' to Bellerophon.” Quinn didn't respond to the bit about re-gaining a mechanic, though her eyes narrowed some. Seems the captain had gone all sensitive to everything Kasai did or said, considering his latest round of moodiness and the trip to Xin's bunk. “Also, while I appreciate your takin' care of the mess 'n all, can't help but notice yer regular poutin'.” Quinn quirked a brow. “This boat's real small fer bad attitudes.”
21:54:18 Oriana considered the kitchen and faltered a bit, being unfamiliar with it. She began peeking in the cupboards to consider her options. As Shai spoke, she turned to smile at him. “I was thinkin’ of makin’ soup. Somethin’ fast and easy.” At his second question, Ori’s eyes turned sad, and her tremors spiked a bit. “I used to cook all the time. When you have… Had as many siblings as I did, you learn to cook, and learn to make it in large batches.” She began pulling ingredients out of the cupboards and placing them on the counter. Addressing her shaking for the first time, Ori said sheepishly, “Would you mind if I just told you what to do? I don’t think I could measure anythin’ without spillin’ somethin’.” Ori’s face turned slightly pink, and she busied herself with placing a pot on the stove. Ori generally never spoke about her condition, and seemed embarrassed to talk about it, though it never affected her good moods.
22:04:16 [Nar] Nar clambered into the cockpit of the little craft again, and slammed the door. The computerised, oddly melodic tones of Angel sifted through from under the pile of magazines he'd buried her under. "Still ignoring me?" She inquired. His lack of reply was answer enough as he went through the motions of piloting the little craft to dock with the Vega, leaving the computer to ramble on. "It'd be interesting to know where they were going, wouldn't it? I've been wondering about that." Old One Eye clanked into place, and then Nar turned and dissapeared into the tiny cabin to start to organise his possessions, leaving the computer to hiss a sigh at his back.
22:08:17 Shaiyat had more in common with Ori than she may realize, at least when it came to coming from a big family. “How many siblings you got?” Shai hadn't turned enough to see the sadness in the girl's expression until it was too late. He felt bad asking the question soon after, and so quickly answered it with a bit of his own history just in case she'd rather not answer. “Had six siblings myself, at least that I lived with. There's more'n that I'm sure.” He shrugged the conversation off if she ended it, moving to the next bit of awkwardness....though he did his best to keep the mood light as well. “Can't promise I won't spill nothin' either but we'll try...up close it's harder ta judge things.” He smirked, tapping the leather eye patch once to show he meant that with one eye, his depth perception wasn't always great. He certainly saw no reason she should feel alone when it came to having 'difficulties.' “We'll jus' make Nar clean up our mess.” He chuckled.
22:17:06 Kasai couldn't help but get flustered. People defintely might have been a bad idea seeing as he lacked his meds. He understood not taking too much risk, but he wouldn't stand to be told he was pouting. He tried to keep his tone calm and nonconfrontational, but a few angry rises slipped through in his current state. "I understand not needin' much risk, captain, but I fail to see how keepin' to myself translates into poutin' in your eyes. I figured that as a passenger it wouldn't be much of an issue for ya. I respect you for lettin' me on with such short notice and it is mighty hospitable of you to take in a stranger like myself in the first place..." He stopped himself, pausing for a moment and collecting himself. He took a deep breath and started again, "Capitaine, there's obviously somethin' swimmin' in your head about me. It feels like you're lookin' for me to slip up or somethin'. I don't really know what it is, but I'd sure like to iron out this fold between us if you're still gonna let me ride [c]
22:17:07 [Kasai] in the Vega with you and your crew." He folded his arms, closing his eyes and taking another deep breath. "What can I do to get you to trust me a bit, Driscol? I don't want to get thrown off this boat."
22:28:47 [Quinn] “You could quit glarin' at everybody, fer starters. And I'm gettin' tired of you mumbling all unfriendly-like in languages no one can understand.” Kasai's getting heated over her words was a bit of a surprise, though she hadn't expected him to love what she had to say. Quinn hadn't responded much, simply continued staring at the man, though she shifted her weight a little to rest more on the crutch. “I've got somethin' of a obligation to tote you around til you find what's yours, but I'm more concerned with keepin' my crew safe 'n happy.”
22:30:11 Oriana smiled as Shai described his family, then, after a moment of silence, decided to answer his question. “I had thirteen brothers and sisters, most of them younger than me,” she said. “And they all ate their weight in dinner.” She chuckled dryly. “My parents took the Bible very seriously.” She began giving Shai instructions, keeping a careful but cheerful eye on the pilot, measuring out what wouldn’t make a big mess and tipping it into the pot. She laughed as Shai indicated his one eye. “Together we make a pretty awful pair of cooks, I guess,” she said, grinning. Once all the ingredients were in the pot, she brought the soup down to a simmer and stirred thoughtfully. At his mention of Nar, Ori frowned slightly. “I’m guessin’ you know this new guy, huh?” Getting to know people, and attempting to win them over, was getting exhausting.
22:38:36 [Nar] Nar stumbled into the kitchen at this point, having dragged a backpack from the cockpit of his little craft into which he'd stuffed the most relevant essentials in order to mark his cabin with some sign of his untidy habitation. "Yo. Smells good." He said as he came in. "Angel's being her usual charming self. I've dumped her in the cargo bay for the moment." He told Shai, then he stepped across to Ori, adjusting the bag on his shoulder. "Oh, sorry about before." He said, offering his hand again. "Can I start over? I'm Nar, mechanic, adventurer and general whipping boy around here."
22:41:50 Kasai turned his head to the side. "You gave the doctor and myself quite the glare yourself at the breakfast table, as I recall." He smirked, "Though that is one of the privileges of bein' captain." He stopped, looking down, then up, then finally matching the captain's stare. He locked eyes with her before speaking again. "I ain't made a glare at any of your crew in a bad way, you've got my word on that capitaine." He leaned forwards, emphasizing his next words. "In fact you're safer with me on this boat. I don't make a habit of harmin' people that haven't crossed me or don't deserve it. And I may not be crew, but I'll be damned if I don't protect those kind enough to shelter me during hard times." He shifted back again, tilting his head to the side. "I'll apologize for occasionally spewin' languages you don't know, but I can't promise it won't happen. I can tell you that I ain't insultin' your crew." A small smile came to his lips with his next statement, "I can promise if I was gonna do that I'd do [c]
22:41:51 [Kasai] so loudly and in a language they'd understand."
22:44:34 [Shaiyat] “Thirteen? Well...that makes ya one of the few I've met with a family bigger'n mine.” He left that at that, chuckling at her comment on how much food her siblings could eat. He knew that story all too well. “No matter how awful we are as cooks, we can't possibly mess up soup can we?” The pilot remained optimistic. Plus he'd eat just about anything set in front of him. He tilted his head a bit over the question about Nar. He didn't quite understand the frown but he didn't ask. “Nar? Oh you ain't gotta worry over him none. He worked as our mechanic a couple years back. He's good at what he does an' on a boat this old we need it. He's easy ta get along with.” The pilot tried to be reassuring just as the young man walked in. “Ya left that thing in the cargo bay? As long as I ain't gotta touch it.” Angel creeped him out a great deal. “Soup should be done soon...” He stood a bit taller, looking over at the pot. “Jus' how hungry are you? Maybe I should make rice too...” Which also meant using the rice cooker, but >
22:44:51 [Shaiyat] with as many times as Quinn had shown him he was confident he'd get it right this time.
“Ain't no such thing as a good glare, Kasai,” Quinn countered, her expression darkening more as the man leaned in and got all creepy. She let him finish and shook her head a little afterward, smiling back at Kasai though the expression wasn't a warm one. “You ain't as sly as you think you are. An lets you 'n me get somethin' straight – I don't need yer damn protection. So don' go flatterin' yerself thinkin' yer the mother hen of this boat.” Quinn straightened and moved forward a few steps, indicating with a wave of her hand that Kasai should leave the engine room, as well. “Now get out of my sight and put a damn shirt on.”
22:56:16 Oriana laughed. “I think we’ll get this soup right, if nothin’ else.” Ori listened to Shai’s description and nodded. As Nar walked in, Ori smiled at him, and tilted her head a little at his desire to start over. Nevertheless, she took his hand and gave a firm shake. “Nice to meet you, Nar,” she said with a toothy grin. She gave another look of confusion at his mention of Angel, but decided she’d probably learn what this was soon enough. Instead, she placed the top on the pot and started taking out bowls. “Will one of y’all let the others know dinner’s ready?” She grinned over at Shai as he mentioned rice. “I’m guessin’ you can handle the rice cooker,” she joked.
23:00:44 [Nar] "Nah, Angel's fine where she is. If she gives you grief just give her a kick." Needless to say being cooped up in a confined space with the computer had left him a little less than inclined towards the thing at the moment. "I'll let em know." He said, tromping off up the corridor towards the engine room, where he rapped on the wall before leaning in. "Hey, food's almost ready guys." He said, in time to catch the stinging dismissal. Ouch. That was a line Nar had heard before.
23:05:30 Shaiyat let the other two make..reintroductions as he decided he was going to indeed tackle the rice cooker. “I can handle it.” He mumbled back to Ori with a small smile, slightly distracted as he hunted through the cupboards for a measuring cup. That task solved with only minor cursing he went about measuring the water first, causing the rice that measured next stick to the cup...which caused him to get a spoon and try to scrape the stuff out. There was a reason he didn't cook, really. The most complicated mapping systems and such weren't half as confusing as trying to put together something others would want to eat. But rice, yes...this he could do. The cooker loaded he leaned down a bit, pushing the 'power' button and then the timer with a satisfied smile.
23:13:46 Kasai nodded, then shook his head, his smile also turning upset. "Aye, captain. Consider this mother hen as vacant, then." A mocking tone to his voice, he obviously didn't care about tact. Now wasn't the time for emotions, now wasn't the time to be gettin' riled up at a captain who was just as stubborn as he was. He brushed his way past Quinn, his face clear of emotion as his head raced back and forth. They'll throw you out. No, they'll leave you in the black. No, they'll just shoot you and then leave you in the black. He couldn't help the paranoia anymore. He barely noticed Nar in his focus, raising a hand and politely declining. "No thanks. I'll pass tonight." His voice was completely calm, despite the torrent of anger running through his veins. He clenched his right hand tightly, a pain shooting through his forearm. "Ai yay tien ay!" He muttered to himself as he rounded the catwalk corner, sliding down the railing instead of taking the time to walk. He quickly retrieved his katana, spinning the [c]
23:13:48 [Kasai] still sheathed blade as picked it up. He made his way up the stairwell, heading straight into his room. The whole time he maintained a calm disposition despite what raced through his mind. He was extremely thankful for the years of training he'd received in acting, deception, and maintaining calm, and figured he'd be utilizing those far more in the next passing days than he had been so far. He closed the door, wanting his own privacy for once, and settled himself in the middle of the room. His face was now plastered with the emotions running through his head, tortured anger, paranoia and unwarranted hatred. He shook the feelings away, twitching slightly. He slowly kneeled, then sat quietly on his feet. He closed his eyes and began to focus on clearing his mind. He needed to meditate now, knowing that losing himself would benefit no one. He spoke calmly and quitely, "Wuh di tyen, ah. Give me the strength."
“You could be less creepy, too,” Quinn called to Kasai as an afterthought. She strode through the mess hall on her way to clean up, tracking in a few oiled prints. “Break that an yer buyin' a new one, Shai,” she said, seeing the pilot fiddle with the rice cooker in her peripheral vision. Although flustered, Quinn still managed to ruffle Nar's hair on her way past, though she'd have to reach up to do so since he rivaled Shai in height.
