[IC] Keeping in the Black
 

Paquin Cortex: Commercial Announcements
The Firefly-class freighter "Fives Full" is being sold by silent auction to retire the debts of its late owner, Capt. Alois Schwartzenberger. Proceeds will be divided between Sisters of Mercy Hospital and the Paquin Spaceport Administration. The ship is in Landing Bay 37 and is available for inspection during spaceport office hours. No warranty express or implied exists on this transaction and all sales are final.

Current High Bid: $6,000,000, Jokel Salvage and Parts

Anyone with appropriate skills touring the ship will see that it was in good shape when it set down three years ago. She needs some overhaul before she can fly again (replacing coolant and lubricating fluids, recharging batteries) but everything should work. The mess room refrigerator is a total loss, though. The original crew is long gone. When it was clear their skipper wasn't coming out of the hospital any time soon they all signed on with other ships.

Most people taking the tour are off-duty spacers and port hangers-on looking for some entertainment. Some businessmen have gathered across from the bay to discuss putting a joint venture together. A hot sausage vendor set up his cart for the crowd. Nobody with real money has come to the auction yet but all the spacers agree that it'd be a shame to break her up for scrap. Some spacers looking for new jobs are taking the chance to boast to anyone who might be hiring.

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One of those taking the tour is a short stocky woman. Her warm brown complexion and black hair and eyes hint at a southeast Asian heritage. She has the overalls, tool belt, and the occasional grease smear typical of a ships engineer. Her muscular build, confident walk, and the worn but serviceable pistol on her belt show that she is not to be taken lightly.

Those close to her on the tour can hear her muttering.

Those connectors are loose, but the lines look to be intact.

That pump's still in good shape.

Heh, that fridge is a goner.

In the engine room, she pats the bulkhead and says:

You're ready to fly again aren't you Lady Five?

Outside she stands looking at the ship.

I could make this ship sing, I'll bet. Heck I'd work for room, board, and a share, if I had a chance to bring her back.

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Another one who's looking around the ship is a slender, fit looking man with his hair neatly combed. He certainly isn't a youngster, but he doesn't look out of shape for his years.

He takes a good look around the ship, chewing onto a toothpick in his mouth. He constantly switches it from left to right as he walks around, carrying a rucksack in his right hand and holding the other hand in his pocket.

He thinks to himself:
It's... been a while. How long has it been since I ventured out to space? 8, 9 years? Who counts it, anyways...

He enters the ship, still curiously looking around and chewing onto the toothpick. After having a little bit of sightseeing he goes out of the ship, nodding his head, and saying:

"Well, it ain't perfect, but it is a ticket to get the hell outta here, that's for sure."

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A large man with dark hair and steeley blue eyes stands silently at the back of the crowd wating to see how things transpire. His long black coat bulges in the typical places one would carry a weapon.

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My character is standing around too, but I haven't gotten to the point where I can give a good description of him yet...

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A short, handsome man in a business suit drifts over. "So, you taking care of the money? Or looking for some business of your own?" On making eye contact he says "Malachi Jones" and offers his hand.

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Doesn't take his hand, "Names Kane. I am looking to join a crew. Would you be hiring?"

http://i714.photobucket.com/albums/w...tanps/kane.jpg

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Malachi doesn't lose his smile. "Oh, running a ship's too big for me. But I know some folks who might be hiring. Are you a pilot, mechanic, supercargo . . .?"

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Anyone standing around the Bay notices a cloaked man they hadn't seen before. he's sitting a little off to one side, watching the proceedings. He is powerfully built and his face looks like you could bounce bullets off of it, it's so stony. Suddenly gets up, turns to [whoever is running the auction], and asks "What kind of speed doe she make?" Nobody answers for a second, as they are all shocked by the man's size, which they can now see fully as he stands. Imposing doesn't even begin to describe him: He is at least 7 feet tall and by the looks of his muscles could probably toss anyone present over his shoulder with one hand.

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Kane replies to Malachi,"I can fly that thing. Plus I am useful in other areas."

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The spaceport clerk takes an involuntary step back and looks up at the mountain in front of him. "Damnifino. Ain't seen her move whole time I've been here. Here's what the maker says." He hands the stranger one of the bidding packets. The manufacturer's specs are included.

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"Good, everyone needs pilots. Good to meet you!" Malachi waves and drifts over to the slender man with a rucksack. "Hi, I'm Malachi. You look like you want to shake the dirt off your feet, am I right?"

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He turns to him, smiling,

"You're damn right I do. I've grown sick of this craphole, and I would surely enjoy to get the hell outta here, if you know what I mean."

He reaches out his hand, offering a handshake,

"Name's Marcus Zadrowski. I'm a medic by profession, although I've always planned to work in a hospital, with full salary, and no bullets flying around. God damn bureaucrats. I've served my time, to be exact, settled down here a bit, but seriously... "

He takes the toothpick out of his mouth.

"...this place gets boring after a while."

And drops it onto the floor.

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"Medic, huh? I bet you won't have any trouble finding your way onto a crew." Malachi shakes hands with Marcus and heads toward the woman staring at the ship. He stands beside her a moment and then quietly says, "She's beautiful, isn't she?"

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Rayna:

She sure is. And she'll stay that way if'n I have anything to do with it.

You hiring? Rayna Escamador, ship's engineer.

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"No, I don't hire . . . but I talk to people who may be hiring. Those guys, if they'll stop arguing and put down some money." Malachi points at the cluster of businessmen by the side of the landing bay. "So have you been on a Firefly before?"

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Marcus overhears the conversation,

"Hah! Firefly! Classic, classic indeed!"

He approaches them, walking slowly, yet gracefully.

"Name's Zadrowski. Marcus Zadrowski, and I can see that we two things in common, since you are a mechanic. The difference is that I repair flesh, and need scalpels and bandages, while you require wrenches and screws. And the other thing, well... I am looking for someone who's hiring as well, so we might be on that ship together, miss...?"

He reached out his hand once he introduced himself, smiling at Rayna all the time.

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Rayna:

Oh, yes! they've got that sweet TCB engine not some piece of.... junk Gurtsler.

Rayna: (shaking his hand)

Oh I hope so! Rayna, Rayna Escamador.

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A plump woman with a briefcase approaches the tall man as he reviews the ship's documentation. "Good day, sir. I'm Ms. Murasaki with Bellerophon Mutual. If you're interested in bidding on this ship I'd be happy to assist you with the paperwork or other issues." She offers her hand.

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A rather dark man of indeterminate race approaches Malachi. He looks nervous.

"Are you Mr. Jones? My name is Kevin Suzuki. I was told you might have a solution for me. You see, I really want to take a trip as soon as possible, preferably one that would take me away from here for good; my father-in-law -- actually, he's now my ex-father-in-law and I figure that says enough. Anyway, I've worked as a salesman, a supercargo, and even a brief stint as a diplomat, and I was told you might find me a job."

He glances up at the Firefly. "If need be, I can help pay for a ship."

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Malachi cheerfully greets Kevin then scratches his head. "If you want a one-way ticket away from here a passenger liner's your best bet. But I'll keep you in mind for anyone needing a crew. Now if you want to be an investor, stay away from those guys. They'll come up with a contract giving you all the risk and them all the profit. Now I don't know that guy," he points at the tall man by the auctioneer's stand, "but you might want to see if he wants a partner."

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"We might as well all go."

Marcus takes another toothpick from his pocket and puts it in his mouth, chewing it again.

"Buddy, cool down, what's the hurry, what's the rush? You're in the safe company now, don't worry. Name's Marcus Zadrowski."

He switches the toothpick to the left side, approaches Kevin and taps him on the shoulder.

"No need to be so edgy. Let us go talk to the tall guy, shall we?"

He turns to Rayna and says:

"I sincerely hope you're coming with us, honey."

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Marcus turns to Rayna and says:

"I sincerely hope you're coming with us, honey."

Rayna: (chuckling)

Honey? Keep that up and you'll get nowhere fast, sweetheart.

(laughing, as she tucks her arm in his)

Sure lets all go and see Mr Tree there.

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Kevin explains himself. "Yes, a passenger liner would make sense -- if my father-in-law didn't have his hands in all those pots already. I think if my name showed up in a passenger list I might find myself back on the ground, quite possibly from rather high up." He gives a nervous smile. "Anyway, I'll talk to that fellow, and thanks for the advice."

"I see no reason not to talk to him together. Are you interested in a partnership? My name is Kevin Suzuki, by the way." He offers his hand.

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Over hearing conversation the man dressed in black follows the 3 companions over to the tall man.

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"Nice to meet you Kevin. Might I call you Kev? Now, don't panic around trivial things like father-in-laws, we have some spacing to do, haha!"

Marcus approaches to the tall man with the others, clearing his throat first and saying:

"Pardon me sir, but from what I have been informed, you are looking for a crew, are you not? If is that so, me and my... companions here are more than interested. Allow me to make introductions. I am Marcus Zadrowski, ex-military officer and a doctor, man next to me is Kevin Suzuki, expert in trading and supercargo, and this lovely lady here is Rayna Escamador, ship engineer and mechanic."

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"Oh I'm certainly not panicking, but it is rather urgent that I leave as soon as possible." He glances over his shoulder. "If you think 'father-in-law' and 'trivial' belong together, you've obviously made better choices about marriage than I have.


Kevin pushes his hat back so he can look up at the larger man. He is not quite short, but on the smaller side of average. "I can't speak for these good people, as I just met them moments ago, but I am not solely interested in working as a crewmember. If you are seeking a financial partner, I can also help pay for the ship. I'd pay in cash." His voice is completely confident now, with hardly a trace of his previous nervousness.

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Marcus:
"Pardon me sir, but from what I have been informed, you are looking for a crew, are you not? If is that so, me and my... companions here are more than interested. Allow me to make introductions. I am Marcus Zadrowski, ex-military officer and a doctor, man next to me is Kevin Suzuki, expert in trading and supercargo, and this lovely lady here is Rayna Escamador, ship engineer and mechanic."

Rayna: (elbows Marcus lightly, then steps forward slightly)

Keep it up slick.

(looking up at the tall man with a grin)

Like he said I'm Rayna Escamador, but the lovely lady is Fives Full over there. Certified Ships Engineer, if there's anything broke on Lady Five there I can fix it. Most things I can build if'n I have to. I can cook, climb, open a door one way'r t'other, drive a truck, hold my liquor, and hold my own in a scrap. If'n you buy her, I'll keep her flying right.

(ends with her hands on her hips, still grinning at him)

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The man dressed in black speaks to the potential owner,"Name's Kane. i'm an experienced pilot and navigator. Even if you can fly this thing you will need someone to back you up both in flying and in a fight...I'm that man."

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The man takes the documents and looks over them. He then looks up and glares at the clerk, as if he's sure he must have falsified something. He turns to the group that has come up and listens to what they say, while looking them over in silence. As he looks at each one in turn, his fierce eyes seem to be going right through them. Suddenly, he smiles. The group wonders if his face is going to crack. He extends his hands to the group.

"I'm Captain Mendiblis, and it looks like I have a crew!"

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Zadrowski reaches out his hand, smiling as well.

"I am most certainly glad, Mr. Mendiblis, or may I call you Captain, Sir? I am looking forward into participating as a member of the crew. Speaking of funding, well... I can't say I can really help. You see, I served my time, retired and all I'm getting is this lousy military retirement, I don't even dare speaking about its value."

He then turns to Kane. He sees that he looks pretty fit and healthy, and his look becomes a bit cynic, along with his voice:

"A pilot you say...? Well, do you have what it takes to fly this beauty? It ain't hovercrafts we're talkin' round here. Are you a soldier, or just a freelancer?"

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Kane replies,"I've done my share of fighting and yes I can fly this thing."

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"Good. It is good to know we are going to have a disciplined pilot on our side."

Marcus turns back to Mendiblis.

"Well, you have a mechanic, a supercargo, a pilot and (raises his hand) a medic on your disposal, Captain."

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Mendiblis nods knowingly at the doc's mention of military retirement. "I can can probably handle the price of the ship."

He walks off to look over the ship some more. As he does the others notice that he is wearing a large, ornate sword slung over his back.

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After a group tour the crew retired to the Throttled Vernier for a round of get-acquainted beers. It's packed with the auction crowd but they managed to get two small tables next to each other. Just after the second pitcher arrives they notice a stir in the crowd--conversations are stopping as people move out of the way of a new arrival. A handsome man in a gold-embroidered Mandarin Revival robe is walking toward their corner. At a wave from one of his henchmen the men at the next table pick up their drinks and scamper. He seats himself but the two henchmen remain standing behind him. Anyone making a Streetwise roll recognizes him as Mao Fang.

"So you are the bold souls who wish to put the ship back in service. I admire such strong animal spirits. Paquin needs people willing to take chances for our greater prosperity. Now, this is a venture that you will need some financing for." Clearly he's pulled a credit report on Mendiblis. "I have helped many businesses get on their feet. Including this one." He smiles at the bar owner, who's personally delivering a cocktail. "And there are some customers I can steer your way. So my support would not be merely financial. We would have a relationship. One which, of course, would go both ways." He locks eyes with Mendiblis. "I understand you are unmarried. Do you believe yourself capable of holding up your end of a relationship?"

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[ooc] Mendiblis failed his Streetwise roll by 2.

Mendiblis looks over the man and his henchmen.

"I may be interested. I am a man of my word."

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[Occ: Streetwise roll: Streetwise roll need a 12 or less (3d6=10) made it by 2]

Kane keeps his hand on his machine pistol holstered on his hip which can not be seen unless some looks under the table. Knowing Mao Fungs rep he will hold off saying anything to Mendiblis but keeps a watchful eye on the henchmen.

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Mao Fang smiles. "And you're not a man for rash decisions. I like that. The auction ends at noon tomorrow. My accountant will be there. Tell him your decision in the morning. This chip has his contact code, along with the boring details of the loan. Choose wisely, but remember that to succeed, you must be like the pig, not like the chicken." He leaves a memory device on the table, tosses down his cocktail, and sweeps off with his henchmen. A few minutes later several men who'd been ignoring their drinks at different tables also leave.

When you have time to look over the offer it has repayment schedules for several different downpayments and final auction prices. There's a vague note about "valuable considerations and services" replacing some interest payments. The penalties for late payment or default aren't mentioned at all.

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Mendiblis takes the device and reviews the information. He looks over his group. "What do you know about that guy?"

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Kanes says to Mendiblis,"If you were going to go with one of those types of lenders, Mao Fang is your best choice...he is pretty fair but like with all those types there is a cost a of doing business...just giving you my expert opinion. By the way we never discussed crew pay."

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Kevin glances at Mao Fang. "Well, Captain, my advice is to be damn sure you make your payments. He is not a man to cross. That said, he does uphold his end of bargains, and he's said to be fair. Still, if you'd rather not owe him, I can help pay for the ship. I'd offer to put in about 30% of the cost."

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Rayna: (shrugs her shoulders)

Don't have much to add, but that squares with what I've heard.

Made Streetwise by 1

If you're offering straight salary, it'll be 4,000. Or I'll take room, board, and a share, if that's how you want to do things. Either way I'll keep Lady Five purring, and back you up if'n need be.

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Kane says,"I'll take whatever deal you give her. Plus assurance we will get off this rock soon."

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(I'm assuming the salary negotiations can finish in OOC and Dorin is fine with the events I'm describing. If anyone has a problem we can retcon this.)

The Tong's accountant is James Fang, the boss's nephew. He meets Captain Mendiblis by the auctioneer's table and certifies that he'll be providing the balance of the bid. Their initial bid is promptly topped by the scrap yard operator. The bidding ends when the captain offers $15 million and the junkman drops out. The spacers in the crowd cheer the win.

James updates his contract with the final numbers and passes it across for Mendiblis' approval. At his nod James pulls a small knife from a wrist sheath and lightly slashes his palm. He then offers the hilt of the knife with his left hand and holds out the bleeding right. Mendiblis takes the knife, cuts his palm, and shakes hands. "We shall be good friends," James says. He then handles distributing the money. The first piece goes to a group of nuns who bless the captain before leaving. The spaceport administrator takes his share and snarls, "You've got three days to get that piece of crap out of my port. I'm tired of looking at it!" He drops a bag on the auctioneer's table and stomps off.

The bag has the title and electronic keys to the ship and shuttles. While Mendiblis is going through it the other bidder comes up. "Congratulations, sir. I have to say I'm glad you won. Business is business but I'd've cried while breaking her up. Good luck, and give me a shout if you need anything for her."

While the crowd disperses the crew goes aboard and starts making themselves at home. The first problem is going to be how to meet the three day deadline. Overhauling her to be flightworthy is probably a week's work, more likely two.

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Kane setups his quarters in a single size crew cabin. Unloading his ammo in readily accessible compartments and his extra set of clothes and gear in the remaining. Hanging his shotgun, machine pistol and overcoat from hooks on the wall . But carrying his pistol in his shoulder holster. He goes and finds Rayna saying,"If you need help let me know...I don't know the first thing about reparing a space ship but I can take orders pretty well and I am a quick study. That is if the Cap doesn't have something else for me to do."

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Marcus works as muscles, helping everyone else where necessary. First of all, he checked El. Devices whether they're working (ooc: link, I failed by 2)

He helped with the computers, booting them up etc., but not doing anything very complicated. (ooc: link, crit. fail, damn it).

The reaction after messing up the computers: "I dunno what the hell did I do, it started going like this on its own, I swear!"

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(ooc: fortunately just doing the boot and self-diagnosis is at +4, so you've confirmed the infirmary is working condition)

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Rayna (grinning)

4,000 is high dollar but I'm a damm fine engineer. You two both worth that?

Or if'n we go shares I figure on ten, after expenses. Two for the ship, four for the captain there, and one apiece for the rest of us.

(laying out documents as she speaks)

Ships Engineer certified, Able Spacer certified - I can run comms and sensors but I'm no expert, Gunsmith's license, drivers license - mostly trucks and a hotshot I'm not. I'm not military but I can shoot and scrap middlin' well.

(holds out her hand to Mendiblis)

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Rayna:

Three Days ?!?

Better get started then, might be able to get the engine and basic flight systems up enough to hop her somewhere but she won't be ready for space that soon.

Somebody might want to check and see if Mao Fang or somebody has a place we can park her for a week.

(walking towards and into the ship)

She slowly makes her way through the ship, starting at the engine room. She's making a list and talks the whole time, occasionally directing anyone around. When she finishes she hands Mendiblis two lists.

Here's what we need, and here's what needs to be done. Looks like everyone else is settled in, so I'll go get my gear too, what cabin did you guys leave me?

She returns shortly, with a long crowbar over her left shoulder, hanging off of it are six assorted bags and what is clearly a guncase, and carrying a footlocker in her right hand. She dumps all of it in an empty cabin and promptly starts to work in the engine room.

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Mao Fang's domain can be roughly defined as the stuff around the port that you can't fit a spaceship into. But Hiram Jokel's scrap yard has a lot of space and he seemed friendly. Or you could ask Malachi, he seems to know everybody.

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Mendiblis shakes her hand. "Glad to have you."

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Mendiblis looks over the lists. "You know more about this stuff than I do. How long until she can be moved?

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Looks at Rayna with steely stare and cracks his neck ,"Don't you worry darling I can pull my own weight." Afterwards gently patting his pistol's grip.

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Marcus
"I dunno what the hell did I do, it started going like this on its own, I swear!"[/QUOTE]

WTF did you do?

Maybe you'd best stick to talking and medic'n, sweetheart.

Kane goes and finds Rayna saying,
"If you need help let me know...I don't know the first thing about reparing a space ship but I can take orders pretty well and I am a quick study. That is if the Cap doesn't have something else for me to do."

Rayna:

You're a pilot, right? Why don't you go up to the bridge and run a pre-flight checklist, then let me know what's working and what isn't.

Mendiblis looks over the lists.
"You know more about this stuff than I do. How long until she can be moved?

Rayna:

You'll know the second after I do, cap'n. Kevin might be able to run down some of that for you. Just find us a place to pogostick to.

She walks away muttering to herself.

OK, first thing is to get the power made by 6 going.

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Kane will go to the Cockpit and run a diagnositics to determine what is functioning and what isn't.

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Kevin takes the parts-needed list. "Alright, I'm on it. That scrapper seemed like an honest sort, I'll see what of this he can sell us. I suppose I'll see if we can keep this bucket on his property until it's, well, no longer just a bucket."

He starts to leave, then turns. "Should I try to work on the computers, first? I'm mostly trained in operating them and dealing with software issues, but I can also do some repairs to the hardware, if necessary. It might be good to get shipboard comm working so you don't have run between the bridge and the engines."

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Rayna:

That would help. I'm better at fix'n computers that I am at runnin' 'em. So Cap'n, where do you want him to start?

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There's enough charge in the solar accumulators to do a test on everything, but you'd need the batteries and generator working to go anywhere. The electronics all test out good.

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Rayna:
(ooc:Made by 3)
or made by 4

It'll take a couple of days to charge the batteries and put new lube and coolant in her. That'll be enough for a short skip. After that? More'n a week less than two before she'll pass inspection.

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Marcus helps Rayna and the others with whatever he can, because his medic abilities aren't necessary yet. he carries Rayna's equipment:

"Gosh, do you mechanics always carry that much?"

Helps Kevin with the cargo, but does NOT touch any computers, afraid he'll break something again:

"Yes, yes, I believe that's the way you have to progr... actually, don't mind me, I'll just help you with this crate over here, hm?"

He starts a minor conversation with the Cap'n:

"So, Cap'n... Are you planning on doing something special with this ship? Or are we just going for some cash. Both is fine with me, though, I'm just asking to see where are you going to lead us."

And finally, he exchanges some minor words with Kane:

"So, a soldier you say. Were you in the air marines, or were you infantry, like I was?"

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After ordering Kevin to run a check of the computer systems. Mendiblis heads up to the bridge and looks over the controls, getting a feel for where everything is.

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Kane gets on the comm to Rayna,"Looks like the electronics are functioning properly. Without the batteries and generator we are pretty much staying here until youc an get them recharged."

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Kane reluctantly replies,"I was ground pounder."

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Rayna: (Grabs the gun case)

I'll take Leverage here, you grab the locker there. Well, some of it is girl stuff, but mostly it's tools. Can't have too many tools. And a girl shore do appreciate a proper tool.

That's good news. It'll take a couple of days to get her charged up. We still need to refuel'er and replace the lube and coolants.

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Marcus lasciviously grins at Rayna's reply.

"So. How long have you been "mechanicing"? I must say I am not very familiar with girls tending the machines... it's a messy job, just like doctor's one."

A moment of awkward silence passes, and Marcus says:

"Well, uh... let's get to business. I, uh... have to help Rayna with, uh... tools. And... stuff. Anyway, later."

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Kevin has been messing with the intercom system, trying to see if he can at least get the bridge and the engine room connected.

OOC: Electronics Repair 12, roll: 11, success by 1.

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"Testing, testing" rings throughout the whole ship on the all-hands circuit. The crew now has intraship communications . . . until sunset. Or a little after.

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After a few seconds' pause, Kevin's voice comes comes through the all-hands circuit again. "Alright, intercom's working." The system chooses that moment for a shrieking bit of feedback. "Mostly. Anyway, I'm going to go buy our parts. Meet me at the cargo door if you're coming along."

He takes the list, trots down to the cargo bay door, and waits there for a couple minutes to see if anyone else is coming.

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Marcus turns to Rayna and says:

"I'll go help him out. See ya later, hun."

Marcus gets to the cargo doors, chewing a toothpick again.

"I'm gonner give you a hand, Kev'. Where are we goin'?"

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Rayna:

Long as I can remember. I've always been good at fixin' stuff. Growing up it was just me and me Da, so if'n it was goin' to get fixed, it was just us that were gonna do it. Mess don't bother me much, it's what showers are for.

Re: [IC] Keeping in the Black
 

Re: [IC] Keeping in the Black
 

A quick hovertaxi ride later Kane, Marcus, and Kevin are at Jokel Salvage and Parts. Hiram welcomes them and looks over the parts list. "I've got most of these, and the rest I can probably find something close enough for your mechanic to make do if she's good." When they ask about a parking spot he laughs. "All you need is a place to sit her? That's no trouble seeing as we'd already cleared a place for her. Y'know, in case. Now can she get here on her own? I could send the boys over with the gravcrane but the thing is . . . they've never needed to learn how to put things down gently."

Re: [IC] Keeping in the Black
 

Re: [IC] Keeping in the Black
 

Hiram scratches his head. "Oh, you can park here, no problem. But make sure she's in good shape, not good enough, or traffic control is going to throw a major fit about you flying over a populated area." Then he has some of his boys start gathering the parts on the shopping list.

Re: [IC] Keeping in the Black
 

Somewhere amongst the shelves filled with heaps of spare parts, someone spat a large glob of something. And to make it worst, it sounded as if it bounced somewhere. From his spot at the service counter, Hiram's face became what could only be described as a frown.

Wether it was because he didn't much appreciate someone spitting in his store, or because he knew who was doing the spitting.

“Now now Hiram...” said someone in a playful tone “them folks look like decent people.”

With an unlit cigarette now stuck at the corner of his mouth, Mills came strolling in from one of the isle. Long fingers held a long match, which he scratched on his right leg.

“Just what exactly are you doing in her Mills!”

With a bigger frown then before, Hiram turned to his workers.

“And who exactly let that god damn weasel in here!”

The young man chuckled a bit more, pulling a deep on the cigarette.

“That ain't a way to talk to a friend Hiram.” said Mills, pouting.

“You're not amongst friends here, Mills. Not ever! Now you get the hell out of my store before...”

“Before you what Hiram? I'm a sure fine curious fella here. Before you what exactly?”

Hiram frowned some more, apparently becoming aware he himself hadn't thought that far into his threat. A few seconds of silence brought the tension a bit higher. Next to the spot Mills had just brushed his match on, a long barrel six shooter laid into its holster... a mere inch away from Mills ' resting hand. Not particularly tall, not particularly large, with short cropped blond hair, the young man carried himself with an air of overconfidence. He took another long drag on his cigarette.

“Now now! Don't you folks mind me. I believe you were quite busy being ripped off by Hiram over there.”

Mills shrugged, reaching for the smoke with his left hand.

Re: [IC] Keeping in the Black
 

Mendiblis comes down from the bridge and checks over checks over the rest of the ship. He then goes and posts on the Cortex that the ship will be availible for work in a few weeks time.

[ooc] Not sure if that needs any skill rolls:

3d6=12

Before any modifiers (is this a +4 routine task?):

Area Knowledge success
Computer Operation success
Merchant fail by 1
Streewise fail by 1