M [ISS-Brimstone II] Port Royal, Heave HO!

[Jack Pine]

Kilo Star System - Port Royal Station, or in orbit of Victa - shipyard dock 3B
ISS Brimstone II, loading port 4 located starbound at the prow end.


The loading bays were abuzz as the maintenance and dock workers began to clear out, the captain watching from the upper walkways as they did like ants below. A fresh cigarette hung from his lips, the smoke wafting around lazily from the air current of environmental systems still kicking in. With a sigh, taking in the exhaust of his cigarette was more preferential than smelling the still fresh smell of clean metal, welding, and other industrious odors. One of the few drawbacks of a brand new ship, even though roaming and living out of it for a couple weeks, seemed to now make any difference in that yet. But that being as it may, the new crew coming aboard soon would help expedite the live-in process hopefully.

“Miss Castena, how much longer until we’re cleared for uncoupling?”, Kessler asked as he keyed in a line to the bridge, and to his XO on the other end. There was a small rustling of paper, likely the magazine he had seen her reading there an hour ago still. “Once the workers are off, we can leave any time. So let's hope the FNGs don’t decide to be late on the first day.”, was Fiamma’s somewhat abrasive reply. She never did like crowds, but a bigger ship required such to be at its peak of operation.

The bearded man mulled for a second on if he should address that, or let it be. Deciding on the latter, simply replied with, “Wouldn’t be misfits if some of them weren’t. That will be all.” Closing the line, Captain Kessler Ryzka watched the ramp closely, even as the workers leaving started to thin out in number finally. With luck, and some good graces, they would be able to leave soon. Introductions could wait once they were all underway, after all, the ship was about to basically in its own small way a small village of sorts.

If your ship of decent size wasn't a community, then something was wrong. How something had, or what was did not matter, for it was a captain to ensure it became one. So here's to hoping that they all got along, or at least enough to get work done.

A petite dark skin toned girl with short blonde hair at a height of 5’7, would start walking up the ramp after looking at the ship for a little bit, reaching to the same area of the bearded man she would wave and show him her application to be apart of the crew while taking off her helmet and swishing her hair out of her face “Hey! I'm Maira Gidburt, you got my messages? I'm not really sure where to set up and this armor is pretty uncomfortable after a few days of wearing it to get here” she would chuckle and scratch the back of her head with her helmet resting on her hip held by her arm.

Leaning against the rail, a white haired girl settled on her wrists as she surveyed the interior of the cargo bay. Even though her nose was wrinkled slightly at the smell, her tail was swishing back and forth, as she looked gazed around, brushing the red streaked bang out of her eyes. There weren’t many people, as everyone was clearing out- though, the trio on the walkway above her did catch her interest for a second or two. But the lack of personnel certainly helped draw one’s eyes towards the ship occupying the hangar- Autumn could attest to that as she was entering the behemoth of a ship.

Autumn’s eyes raked over the interior of the ship critically, sighing as she muttered: “So, this is the ship? …I’m just glad I’m not the pilot. Helmsman. Whatever.” The wolf-girl shook her head, as she pushed herself off the railing, and shouldered her duffel bag, brushing the collar of her jacket. Glancing back up at the trio above her for another second, she made her way to the stairs to head up to the next level of the catwalks- she needed to find her room.

Watching the small group now crowding at the open cargo hold. The somewhat tall elf sighed, shaking his head before picking up a duffle bag and its smaller companion, before heading towards the ship. Moving through the crowd his bright blue and purple hair stood out despite his rather plain, if not generic Mercenary-esque outfit. Bandages covered the bridge of his nose, and a few butterfly stitches kept a fresh gash on his cheek together. No doubt from a previous bar excursion.

"Kessler, I didn't think I'd get a call after last time. The new ship looks good, let's hope your fiery XO has forgotten our last job. I don't need any new scars." His words seemed jovial as the elf put one bag in his off hand, resting the now free appendage onto Kessler's shoulder, before stepping in without another word. Stopping briefly inside the cargo hold." Cap, glad you aren't dead.``

Ben was a skinny kid, barely old enough to sign on. However, with both parents dead and being legally an adult, there wasn’t much for him here. Kessler had hired him on the suggestion of someone important and in the know as someone who was trustworthy and not incompetent. He had that new look every spacer has. Only the beat up, but high quality, pistol in a concealed holster and low profile body armor he wore gave hints at a more complex story.

Pepper walked up the ramp, his metal legs making loud clangs with each step, and a brown leather bag hanging from one of his metal hands. It was time to go, though he didn’t want to; it was just a good idea, especially after last night when he nearly beat three men to death when they came trying to extort protection money. Pepper could have just let them go but old habits die hard and he had hoped that they would leave the bar alone, but now he wasn’t sure but staying wasn’t an option.

Looking around the hold he quietly took stock of the crew while wondering what they thought of the combat prosthetics that covered most of his body save his torso to his mouth. Pepper looked imposing to anyone that hadn't seen some form of combat in their lives, but to those that had they would be able to tell that while Pepper was a danger at close range he was helpless anywhere beyond a few feet.
A timid looking femboy would slowly make his way into the ship with all of his medical equipment and after getting all of his belongings onto the ship, he would seem exhausted. This young man was clearly not fit, or strong. “Sorry… I took… so long…”, he stuttered. Trying to pant the words out, to speak to Kessler. Even if this individual was not good for combat, or hauling things around, they were a very excellent professional in the medical field.

“You bet your fucking gob I do, pretty boy!”, came the snarky reply of the other resident elf aboard the ship, Fiamma. The tanned XO leaned over the edge of the stair egress to the next deck up, redheaded hair hanging back in a ponytail. “No more messes, especially while the mechanic is away on her honeymoon! I got enough work tuning all the heaters and shit for you lot!”

“Please hurry to your quarters all, we make headway in one hour. Thank you in advance for signing on, and apologies for how hard the work is going to be. But having come, I expect that you are all well aware of what you’ve signed on for. Also mind the XO, she doesn’t bite, unless she’s feeling particularly spiteful.” Kessler addressed them all with this, returning the hand on his shoulder with a pat on the elven man’s back as he passed.

Adjusting his captain’s cap and making stride in the direction of the bridge, gave the man a small shit eating grin. “I hope you brought an appetite for mishap and mischief, old friend. We have plenty on the agenda for the coming months. Go easy on the greenhorns though, I’m not sure if I’m dealing with a full hand of wildcards just yet.”

Turning back to those coming up to the catwalks now, “Miss Estelda will lead everyone to the crew deck from here. Once you are stowed and have chosen a bunk, you will meet in the mess and recreation deck.”

The sound of annoyed grumbling could be heard as the elven woman ducked back out of sight from the top of the stairs. No doubt unhappy about playing tour guide, but also cleaning up her appearance from having to be the stand in grease monkey of late with Kaeya gone. Fiamma just wished that this wasn’t going to be a cheese grater on her nerves, which the last heating coil singed already.

Autumn’s eyes darted back to the trio- now quintuplet?- as the bearded man spoke to them all. She closed her eyes for a moment, took a breath, shouldered her bag again, and abruptly changed tack. Follow the XO, find her room. Got it. …Hopefully, she could find a good spot, one where maybe there wasn’t an annoying racket. Gods, if she had a spot where there was SOME sort of jarring, grating noise, there’d be hell to pay.

Since she had already climbed a different set of stairs, she had no other choice except to walk around the catwalk on the top level, bumping into a younger kid climbing yet another stairway. She rotated herself so that she faced him, smiling a bit ruefully. “Sorry ‘bout that. Probably should have been paying attention below, hm?”

Her attention refocused on the task ahead, as she realized that she had to squeeze past the group of four huddled about in order to reach and follow the XO. Groaning internally, she made a slight shooing motion with her hands to the group, before trying to squeeze past them, giving a wry smile in the captain’s direction. “Kinda hard to hurry when the skipper’s in charge of the biggest traffic jam around, wouldn’t you agree?” Unfortunately, her mind had a very different train of thought: Idiot! Are you TRYING to get yourself thrown out before even leaving port?

His light purple hued orbs seemed to look back at the now small ragtag group. "Kessler, you can't be serious?" Erin sighed as if he was just admonished for stealing a treat from an older sibling. "As for you…Ms. Estelda!" He chuckled, yelling so the olive skinned XO could hear." You seemed to like my messes, plenty last I checked! Sorry, can't help you with maintenance, but an extra hand with basic repairs? I'm your man! Find me when you're done, I'd love a tour to my quarters…Ma'am!" Erin chuckled, throwing his braid back behind his back, before drawing a small pack from his coat, pulling a black cylinder from the container he snapped his fingers as a small spark and flame ignited the contents. Taking a deep inhale the lit end glowing a dull orange against the silver lip piercing on the left side of his lower lip. Those same orbs fell back on the new members of the crew." You, loud one. I suggest not speaking so friendly with the Cap'n. You haven't earned it yet." His frame now leaning a short ways from the bearded man, closer to the group, an almost annoyed twinge fell upon his Visage, as a cloud of smoke, with a light orange hue drafted toward the crowd. Seemingly sizing each new member, looking to the white haired wolf girl in particular.

Upon hearing this… older.. man reprimand her for friendliness, after JUST hearing what he just said to the XO, Autumn felt her lips curl up in a sneer- she looked away, just to ensure that the idiot wouldn’t see her disdain. After a moment’s silence and internal seething, Autumn turned to face the older man, and despite all her efforts, some acid still seeped into her voice: “And let me guess, earning something like that would involve a tour of a certain jackass’ quarters? Only way I’d accept it is if I also get to see the jackass try to deal with the housewarming gift I’d leave behind.” The wolf girl’s lips curled up again, this time in a slightly sadistic smile, before she turned away and hurried after Estelda, having extricated herself from the gaggle moments before.

Erin raised an eyebrow, now holding the cigarette in his hand,the slow tension in his grip beginning to snap the delicate cylinder into pieces. His eyes showing an intensity betraying the soft features of his face." Bold of you to assume I, let alone another crew member here would want to sleep with you! Earn the Cap's respect before you start mouthing off to him. Or you might not wake up in your quarters, as for the offer, I do think I have some doggy bags lying around if you still need house training." His body now facing the wolf girl as she passed, "As for the business between Fiamma and myself, that's not much of your concern. Just our usual greeting."
The small petite medic, Seth, was following the group loosely but mostly staying quiet, seeing how fiery the wolf girl was he would feel astonished to see her stand up to people like that. It was something he would never be able to do himself. The small human would begin to feel admiration for the wolf girl, as his eyes would catch her gaze only briefly, but to him that brief second felt like minutes to him. Looking away practically instantly, he would try to speak up a little. “Umm.. c-captain Kessler, w-will there be any other medical p-personel h-helping me…?” The poor boy tried his hardest not to stutter, but with a girl and a brute near him, he found it very hard to keep his cool and his legs shook a bit from overwhelming anxiety.

Pepper listened quietly as he followed the crowd, it was too early to judge but he was left with the impression of Erin as some frat boy that had never grown up. Autumn though left him a little worried about the possibility of some friendly fire if they were ever in a scrap, luckily it wouldn’t be aimed at him if he kept his mouth shut. The rest like Seth and Estelda didn’t leave an immediate impression and made a mental note to get a better understanding of them soon. Continuing along he opened the door for his quarters and threw his bag onto the small bunk not even bothering to unpack as he turned to leave the room. Now where was the mess, he was starting to feel hungry.

“That’s fine, she has my respect already for not backing down. Nice to see another lady with a backbone aboard. He’ll be our muscle for most ventures off ship, meanwhile I’ll be the brains and planner. That being said, respect the captain’s policies, and he will respect you. As XO, my word is his law and all that mushy leadership crap.” The desert Sykian had paused to weigh in on the bitch off between Erin and the new genemod girl.

A small smirk was on her lips, enjoying the fact there was someone else who did not idly bend under Erin’s rather heavy handed attitude. “Now if we’re done with Erin dick waving at the newbies, the rest of the class should follow me to the bunks.”, she added before waving to everyone to follow again. A bit of a longer walk than just crossing the internal hold they had all boarded through, as this ship was quite long as a mass freighter. One of many coming out of the docks these days, finally expanding trade and shipping to the colonies.

On the other hand, the captain gave a quiet chuckle at the interactions of his crew. They were already proving to be entertaining, something to make the long voyages more interesting for sure, and save him from paying for shitty telecoms when he had the real thing. Taking another puff from the pseudo cig between his lips, looked down to the shorter man who was acting as their doctor. “Unfortunately no, and at most some of the crew know advanced aid from previous service. You have your work cut out for you doc. Try not to be daunted though, I will keep your stocks as full as I can.”

As the XO led the group into the crew quarters deck, it was large enough to have single occupant rooms, even if a bit cramped. Each one was a bunk with overhead lockers, desk and terminal, a wall with free space for posters alongside a tack board for notes. Originally the design had called for larger double occupant compartments, but the captain had decided best not to deny privacy for the crew. Long hauls were already prone to lead crew into stir crazy periods as is, best not trap two in a small room as it was. “They may look like closets, but they’re your closest, and all are biometrically locked. Only people with access are you, me, and the cap.”, Fiamma explained as they came into the deck and she gestured into some of the empty rooms.
“That being said, you all are the last crew to come aboard, so your selection starts and ends here. There are just enough rooms for you, but these are all you have to choose from. Please take a minute to select yours, then we’ll continue our tour.”

Autumn was irritated enough after the exchange with the asshole that she swiveled her head to glare daggers at the group when she felt a stare drilling into the back of her head as she was walking off. She opened her mouth to give yet another scathing comeback to Mr. Prettyboy dickface, when the XO called everyone to attention and to follow her. So, Erin is that guy’s name… She filed it away as something to forget.

She followed the XO- Fiamma, wasn’t it?- to the crew deck. She raised an eyebrow at the fact that they didn’t share bunks- but instead, had smaller rooms to compensate. …Well, hopefully Autumn didn’t have to worry about space too much- she tended to knock things off tables back at her old apartment, which was tiny. She still had some bruises on her hips.

But wait… they could choose their room? Autumn’s eyes widened at that, and she quickly dashed past the XO to look at the other rooms. She quickly found the room she was looking for- Erin. She nodded at that, and dashed past Fiamma again, calling out to her, “Sorry!” The wolfgirl then chose the room that was across the hallway, and as far down the hall as she could go.

Erin drew another cigarette from his jacket, snapping his fingers to light it once again. Taking a long drag as the red orange smoke danced around his head, watching the group after the exchange, he chose to stay quiet, uncharacteristically so. Waiting for the chance to speak with the XO. Especially considering the animosity harbored from the last job they worked on. Watching the Wolf Genemod rush past the group and Fiamma only to find his room, made the elf laugh out loud." Being down the hallway doesn't stop us from working together. Be respectful to the XO and the Cap'n and I won't paint the walls with your grey matter, and ruin those adorable puppy dog ears of yours."

His last words came calm and deliberate, through an exhale of smoke as he stood by the XO, resting a hand on her shoulder. " When you are done, let's catch up. I'm well aware I have a lot of explaining to do. But for you..I'm feeling generous." With his peace said, Erin made his way to his bunk, to stow the remainder of his equipment and clothes.

-

In the bay, outside another ship, someone swiftly and confidently handed a wad of script to an inconspicuous dockworker. “For that bet I owe ya.”
The dockworker sifted through the bills, scratched the back of his head. “Aye. ‘Aight.” He nodded.
“Ya takin’ it or not.”
“I’ll take it. Cheers.” He pocketed the script, adjusted his cap, then got to work.
He got in a power-loader; a low, powerful hum emanating from it as it took off. A massive machine for moving massive containers. He started moving them from one ship to the other, just like any other day on the job. It was after only about an hour of work before the scheme began going awry. A muffled noise began to emanate from one of the containers, gradually rising above the hum of the loader in volume. It was a voice. “Help! Is someone there? I’m trapped!” a female voice called out from inside the crate. “It’s so dark in here. Please let me out! Help me!”
The dockworker hadn’t noticed the muffled cries for help until he was halfway across the bay, right in front of the ISS Brimstone. He braked hard.
“Shit!” He yelled, followed by a mumbled; colourful series of curses. He got up from his driver’s seat and paced outside the cockpit of the loader, beginning a rather irate conversation with someone on the other side of his headset.
From inside the container, a harsher voice sounded, “Oh, stop with the theatrics! I’m working on it.”
Afterwards, bolts on the large, steel container began robotically unscrewing themselves from the inside out. Once again, the dockworker did not notice at first. This was quickly righted however, when the crate itself began creaking, at which point he leaned against his power-loader, attempting to look casual. He clearly was not ‘casual’, because he was now shaking and yelling into the headset.
“Nooo! My plan is gonna work! You’re ruining it, Flos!” the first voice protested, abandoning any pretense of distress.
“I SAID QUIET, THEY’LL HEAR US.” The second voice barked even louder, in a grating, electronic tone.
By now, people were starting to stare at the power-loader. The container was visibly wobbling now. Sensing that things were going south fast, the dockworker was frantically evacuating the vehicle and trying to walk away in as ‘normal’ a fashion as he could muster.
“...This last bolt should do the trick.” Flos signaled.
“Ok! Let’s go!”, the first voice cheered, followed by a loud clang from inside the container, which shifted position ever so slightly. “Oh. Hang on…”
At the opposite end of the crate, the door burst off of its bolt-less hinges as a mechanical, azure leg kicked it open. Not long after, its occupant took a running leap out, landing on the floor with a thundering crash. The now-freed robot took a moment to swivel its torso to and fro, taking in its surroundings.
“Wow! You did it, sis!” Mikali cried out with joy, then took another look around, staring back at the people who were watching. “...What do I do now?”

“So is there a reason you were dropped off on my dock? I don’t remember ordering a war bot, and you don’t look like you were packed into there as proper storage.”, came the voice of the captain, from upwards and deeper into the cargo hold. The local speakers did their best they could to carry his voice further and throughout the hold. Which was half way effective, as the hold was open, but things were quiet save for the faint dying clatter of metal debris.

The screen on the battle mech which showed a virtual representation of Mikali’s face glitched and contorted her briefly, before returning to normal less than half a second later. Her face did not move, but the other voice seemed to speak regardless.
“Smugglers. Smugglers did it. I am not liable.”
“What she said!” Mikali added.

“Then as captain of this vessel, I am required to inquire on your intentions. What are the focus of your actions now that you have been freed? If you have nowhere to go, I can offer you a place here among my crew, but I must verify you mean well first.”, came the stern and commanding voice once again from the speakers. It offered no tone of aggression, or alternatively welcoming indications, but it was professional through and through nonetheless. Internally, he wondered what just the fuck was going on though, completely thrown off by a relic of the dark past in his hold of all places…. Actually in hindsight that should have been expected. Kessler would have chuckled at the irony, if it were not for the tension of this encounter currently.
-

Pepper went in search of the kitchen as the other chose the room and stowed their belongings. Quickly finding it he wasn’t disappointed with the set up, a small coffee machine that used packets, an automatic food dispenser that provided simple meals like custom protein bars, along with a hot surface plate, and a small hydroponic circle that allowed some basic herbs and spices. While many would describe the kitchen as spartan it was heaven compared to the slums Pepper grew up in.

Taking a quick stock of the food stuff and ingredients, the ideas for meals flooded his mind as he tried to decide what to make. Figuring it would be a good idea to check with the captain or XO first before he made anything, Pepper punched a code in for a salty protein bar and walked back to the group.

“Hey XO, I got a question for ya.” He called out grinning from ear to ear that left him with a very uncanny valley kind of look.

Ben wandered in at this point, looking around the kitchen. “As-salamu alaikum, my friends” He said casually as he started looking for something to eat as well. Frowning, he decided that while he was not a gourmand, it was a bit spartan for his liking. Checking the ingredient settings on the food dispenser, he fiddled with them a bit to get what he wanted. He understood that they didn’t follow what he believed in, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t do his best to follow it.

Fiamma was still unsure about the explaining part, as that felt like something deserved at the time and not almost a year after the fact. Personally, she didn’t know what to think of Erin in general anymore, as it remained to be seen if he was sticking around this time. Guess the best she could do was wait and see how much he’d changed, if at all even. Snapping back to attention, she however realized she was being addressed by one of the FNGs. Turning to see that smile, admittedly made her a bit uncomfortable.

“Yeah, what do you need? What was it, ginger right? If it’s anything about the kitchen, be aware it works on a meal tally system, as we have to keep track of food carefully for long trips.” She wasn’t even sure if that was even what he wanted, but the food bar was the detail she latched onto first. Honestly, she realized she was a bit too stressed and annoyed, something that occurred from what Erin had said no doubt. Breath easy free spirit, she thought to herself, while waiting for the question.

As everyone chose their rooms, and stowed their things, the ship began to prepare to make way. The ram and doors to the hold retract back to lock down. The large vessel shuttered and vibrated, as it was shifted into better possession to be unmoored from the docks. They likely had about ten minutes until it was time to sail, so it was point of no return from here on out.


As the ship shuttered, the walls shook briefly. Accustomed to the rocking and departure of ships. Erin continued to un-pack his belongings. Putting clothes in the small containers, along with undergarments and most of his toiletries on top. Setting out onto the desk, a small notepad, pen. A desk lighter and a Carton of cigarettes, with a glass and two large bottles of clear liquor. The second back he kept near the bunk, the space was plenty for just him. Keeping his weapons and ammunition within arms reach, always helped to calm his mind. Years of working as a hired gun, and ganger kept his paranoia rather high.

However this time, he hoped to finally stay put. Thinking back to the last job the old crew all participated in. Made old wounds burn, as a flash of fiamma's face was imprinted on his mind. As the ship left the area, gunshots still ringing out over the incessant ringing in his ears from the fall. Before being dragged off and interrogated. Darker thoughts began to creep in as he shook his head. Hoping to desperately remove the memories. Erin poured himself a glass of the clear jetfuel smelling liquor before gulping it down unceremoniously."dammit, I hope this was a good idea. If not I guess I'll add it to the list." His words trailed off as he poured another drink quickly dispatching the second glass.

Autumn scowled at that insufferable asshole, before her middle finger rose up from her clenched fist. Unfortunately- or fortunately, Autumn didn’t know what to feel about whether or not she wanted to snap at him again or deal with the headache- the wolf girl found a better endeavor to put her mind to- putting her stuff out in her room. With a sigh, she set her bag on the bed, and began rummaging through it, setting out things here and there. Looking around the room, Autumn briefly considered what to do- she might have to try and get some wall hangers next time they were at port, and make some makeshift shelves for extra stuff. But, as of right now…

Glancing over the littered bed, she chewed her lips pensively, before finally deciding to get the couple of posters she brought. First one- map of the known galaxy. That one goes on the wall right next to her desk. Next up came her poster for the multiband concert she went to- The Straight Knock-Outs, Skinny Vandals, the Slumdog Gingers, the, uh, Rotten Puppies, and, er, the Pussy Tommies. Oh. And it was signed- by all the bands. That one goes next to her bed. …Or maybe the ceiling. Yeah, the ceiling was actually goo- wait. Damn it. She was too short for that. With a sigh of disappointment, she threw the rolled up poster back on the bed, before rummaging around again.

Out goes her little statue to Fenrir, placed on the desk- she would need to make a really stable place for that. But her desk would be fine for now. Then comes out the cup- in the chest. Autumn glanced around at the other decorative and/or hobby things she brought along, before shrugging, and shoving her folded clothes into the locker. With that out of the way, her bed was much more clearer. Rubbing her hands in glee, the genemod set out the few other things she brought- a couple of books and magazines, some puzzle-cubes, her hammer and tongs, and let’s not forget about the grav-disk she brought along.

Though, she would have to get this poster up… Autumn poked her head out of the room, briefly looking around to look for anyone with some height on them. Unfortunately, no luck. …Maybe one of the cargo-loaders down in the cargo bay could help her? They had to be tall, right? With resolve determined, Autumn stepped out of the room- and locked it, upon seeing Erin assface unpacking in his room- and then, she made her way to the cargo bay. Maybe she’d stop by the rec area on the way back, just to see what was offered there.

As the wolf girl skipped on her way towards the hold, the XO wondered what the cap’n was taking so long to deal with. The old codger, despite not actually being old yet, but definitely older then most here probably, should have been on the bridge for departure. But that was his prerogative, and he had not called for her, so not her problem… yet. However, she had something else to deal with, something a touch more personal then she’d like to admit.

Stepping into the doorway, the desert-kissed Sykian, knocked on the pneumatic door frame. “Seems the kids are all asleep, or off playing, so what did you want to confess to me? Something about giving answers to back then, so I’m here to hear ‘em.”, came Fiamma’s reply as she got his attention. Honestly she wasn’t sure what she wanted to hear from him, much less the kind of answer he was going to give. Did she even want to know, or was it something she was lying to herself about not worrying about. Either case, emotioned were a mixed chaotic bag she sometimes wished she could go without.

Erin looked to his Sykian former companion with a smirk," close the door and have a seat yeah?" His room has started to become cozy, especially with the familiar frame of Fiamma in his door frame. Though rough around the edges, it is and was not always so. Fiamma being one of the few to see a less aggressive side of the elf." I'm not going to ask you to forgive me." He continued to the desk, pouring a second glass for her before continuing." That last job we did went south, really….really south. I thought I was going to die. And I never expected you to shoot me as well in the crossfire." His words were not angry but calm and matter of fact, as he took a sip from the glass." When I fell from the old Brimstone, I thought you were the last thing I'd see. I hit the ground hard on that backwater planet, and stayed there. I was too hurt to move. My eye, and several internal organs were severely damaged. A few replacements, and a trip back to NDC space after six months did me some good. I'm almost back to full health. I have another six months off of the year it's been." He took another sip sitting back on the bunk." My intent was never to abandon you. I've been trying to get back. When Kessler contacted me on an old line….I packed instantly." His expression softened, leaning forward slightly.

“And yet you never thought it smart, to maybe I don’t know. Call me, because the whole bloody time, I thought your ass was dead. I tried to even go back and at least find a body, but the cap’n wouldn’t allow it. “Too great a risk to ship,” he said.” Fiamma’s words came across as calm, and matter of fact as well, but yet there was this slight wisp of emotion hidden under each word.

Those bagged feelings were swirling, clawing to be let out, like a couple of angry desert rats in a sack. Honestly, as she took a seat, it was more to give herself some purchase then to rest. A sense of strong guilt was welling, one that she realized was unneeded now, but still could not help at knowing she could have helped. “Thank you for the explanation at least, now I can rest easy, knowin’s you don’t hold what happened against us. Or I guess you might, and I wouldn’t blame you for that. I know the cap’n is more then ecstatic to have you back.”, Fiamma admitted with a small sigh, however not one she could say was of relief.

For Erin, his eyes never left his sykian partner. Finally snapping back to their conversation he matched Fiamma’s sigh with his own." No, I don't blame you…it was a bad situation all around. In my defense, I didn't know if you wanted to see me again after it all. I'm glad to know you wanted to search for me." He chuckled for a moment, gulping down another glass." This bottle was the first one you gave me. Some special drink, I've forgotten now…but I saved it! Luckily it survived. I know I have a lot of making up to do, but all jokes aside Fiamma, it's more than good to see my favorite desert elf. My small cabin is your own…ma'am." Once again chuckling, attempting to salute with a glass in his hand, Erin set the glass down to allow himself to focus again on the woman before him.

His focus returning, would now only find her standing before him, before she promptly took a seat on his lap. Straddling it and facing him, she gave a relieved smirk as she settled in. “Bold of you to tell a gypsy girl what she owns.”, came her whispered words as she leaned in to give him a welcome home kiss. One that was long overdue, and had been waiting for so long, but she had held off until she had gotten her explanation. Fiamma settled into her place, and was content to stay there.

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Back in the cargo hold again….

As the wolf genemod returned to the hold, the cap’n momentarily diverted attention to her appearance. “Miss Pine, now may be a bit shaky to be in here. We seem to have an unwitting stow away aboard. It would be advisable to remain calm and alert, until I can get an understanding of the situation further.”, Kessler intoned to her before returning his gaze deeper into the hold. Times like this, the man wished he had his sister still by his side, she at least was equipped for a conundrum of this caliber.

“Flos! Flos! He’s offering us a job!” Mikali excitedly told her sister. Despite speaking as if she was whispering, her speakers were still blaring her words at full volume. “Ask him if we get a bunk bed. I want a bunk bed!”
“Um, cool. Whatever.” The sassier voice replied to Mikali, revealing itself as FlOS. “Speakerman, are you looking for us to pinky promise we won’t do anything naughty? We did not exactly bring any ‘good citizen’ documents after we got jumped on by those creeps.”
“Flos, nooo! We can’t do that!” Mikali whined. “We don’t have pinkies! I think… Wait…” The war machine tilted its nose downward, peering at its three-toed feet. “Flos, are any of these pinkies?”

Ashley didn't know why she took this job as a doctor. As she had no experience, her sister insisted that she get away for a while and find a job off-world… Ashley thought if she could be a good doctor she could be more like her mother. "I bet mom would be proud of her two daughters if she saw us today, if she could..", Ashley said under her breath. "I better check my stuff and see if I forgot anything important."

Ashley took her huge backpack off her back and opened the big zipper to see its contents, not looking happy as to what she saw. "I guess I got robbed of some of my belongings while I slept on a shuttle ride here..", Ash huffed a sigh of anger.. "Time to check my doctor's equipment I had shipped to this freighter. Where is the rest of my equipment I had shipped here?! This is only ¾ of my stuff, I spent all that script for nothing!" Ash yelled as she counted to crates.

Autumn just stood there for a moment and blinked- the sight of, well, a large robot domineering the hold- is that the right word, considering the storage area was massive? Autumn blinked, and shook her head exasperatedly. Now’s not the time for… word semantics. Sighing, she tilted her head slightly towards the nearest speaker, and called out, “No offense, skipper, but I’m fairly certain that if Ms. Janus here wanted to cause serious trouble, she’d have at the very least blown a hole in the side of the hold. She can’t really, well, infiltrate, considering her, well…” -At that, Autumn looked at the bot, now curiously leaning forwards to examine its toes- “Anyways…”

Autumn then raised her voice a bit more, this time trying to ensure that the robot would hear her: “Skip, if we did let them on the crew, how would they fit through the door?” At that, she jerked her thumb at the doorway she came through, now with a couple of curious hands poking their heads through the door tentatively, though they ducked back when they saw Autumn pointing their way.

“Miss Pine, let me handle the situation please. Interruptions during intrusions are bad omens for old sailors such as I. Also, who the fuck is Ms. Janus?”, Kessler called back to the new hire, more than irritated by the distraction during an uncertain situation. “Get off the intercom regardless, and go get security if you’re so inclined to participate in the matter.”, the captain added firmly, perhaps just a bit too much of his irritation slipping into it.

Returning his attention to the machine below, one now perceived as two entities within its bipedal chassis. “You are aboard my ship, the cargo freighter Brimstone. Your options are as follows, join the crew, and hold a place aboard it. Or, you stay docile and well behaved in the hold, and we drop you off at the next port. In either decision, we will treat you fairly, and amicably as long as no hostility is shown. So yes… you could say I’m requesting no naughty business.”

“We’ll join your crew!” Mikali immediately answered with immense enthusiasm, not waiting for Flos to give her assent. “Where’s my bunk?” The bipedal machine began pacing on the spot, as if dancing with excitement.

J, having slipped onboard the Cathal brothers had simply pulled up the available ship layout on Quinn’s implants and Gavving followed Quinn through the halls on their way to drop their gear off at a spare room. Of course the pair of them had to mostly duck and dodge around just about everything, especially when it came to Quinn. They found a pair of rooms that were next to one another and both of them ducked inside to settle their things.

Gavving wasn't at all used to living on a space faring ship of any sort. He had to wiggle about to get his things carefully tucked away into the various nooks, crannies, drawers, and spaces that were set aside for storing their gear in. The bed he eyed up with distaste but he knew it would be much worse for Quinn. At a straight six feet tall on the dot, he was tall by most unmodified humanoid standards as far as he knew anyway.

Quinn had spent a good majority of his life that he hadn't spent on ice, traveling through space. He plyed his trades as entertainment, musical, lyrical, or otherwise, and as a doctor and or psychologist, to work his way across the stars. He knew better than to carry too much more on him than what he needed, setting the trauma kit he carried everywhere with him on the bed he'd hardly be sleeping on. His guitar and violin cases joined it.

Quinn figured there had to be a lounge, cargo area, or unused storage room somewhere that was long enough to accommodate him stretching out for a nap on occasion. Quinn stopped next door to collect Gavving, and the mismatched pair of brothers ducked their way through the ship, meandering past the medical bay and engineering and finding themselves among those curious crew who were peeking into the cargo hold.

"How would they fit through the door?" Quinn couldn't help the tiny smile that played across his lips at Autumn's question. "About the same way I do I'd imagine; Duck." He answered as he stepped out into the space and could actually stand up without the threat of smacking his face into something. "And I'm sure our... guest, could have blown the cargo bay into a tangled wreck if they were so inclined, Gavving?" Gavving, peeking around his bigger brother, eyed up the automaton. "I see nothing inherently alarming from here."

As the conversations went on and people stared, a little robotic spider, dwarfed in comparison to the larger body of the mech, crawled out from behind it and stood proudly atop its “shoulder”. The mechanical spider’s camera spun around, focusing on each person in the cargo bay before stopping on Quinn and Gavving, spending a particularly lengthy amount of time adjusting its lenses on them while they spoke.

“They do not think we are alarming. I should be offended.” The snarky, distorted voice muttered from Mikali’s speakers. Between electronic crackles and whispers that were actually quiet, she continued, although hard to make out. Her tone was not angry, just sarcastically begrudging. “Kszhzzz- Nohostilityzzz-zz- No-violence-zzzz- Takemy-fine wine, then khhzzzzzz-”

Autumn tilted her head upon hearing Kessler’s response- well, responses. She opened her mouth, finger raised in protest, even starting to say, “Well, if you’re…” Then her mouth closed, maybe with an audible clop. If you’re going to believe that claptrap, why not follow that stupid belief that women onboard ships cause bad luck?

Yeah, no. Not a good start. Especially while they were on port. So instead, after silently fuming for a bit, she released a sigh, and addressed Kessler again: “Mythology, Ski- captain. Mythology.” Shaking her head, she turned around and headed to the door, though she did turn back and call out: “Besides, I didn’t even use the intercom!” Grumbling to herself after that, she found herself stopped at the door- stopped, because there was a pair blocking the way. Mouth twisting in a rueful smirk, Autumn’s reply was cut short by the sound of the robot muttering.

Autumn’s first reaction to the giant mech’s disappointment was a cheeky grin- it was hard to find the entire concept of a robot pouting not amusing. Though, it was shortly replaced by frown as Autumn realized that the voice was distinctly… different from the original voice. Autumn turned around to face the ‘bot, and finally noticed the smaller spider on its- Her? Maybe Autumn should ask… Anyways, there was a spider droid on the robot’s shoulder. The wolf girl pondered voice change- maybe it had tried to upload its consciousness to two bodies, and that caused some sort of break in programming? Now that she thought about it, that was a rather abrupt shift in personality, too. Eventually, however, Autumn shook her head. She wasn’t a roboticist. Why even bother trying to guess what happened?

Though. The duo. They could be useful in the immediate future- she still had her rolled up poster under her arm.

“Alright cabingirl, your voice still carries.” Having stared after her for a few moments, questioning if he should be annoyed, or unsurprised by her attitude. For an adoptee, she had just as much fire as her mother on even a good day. Keying the intercom once more, the captain returned his attention to the mech duo, “So, what will it be? You accept the job, or are you getting off the ship?”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah! We accept! Right, Flos?” The bipedal robot eagerly responded, hopping up into the air thrice. For anything smaller and lighter, it’d probably look cute and energetic, but for Mikali it was slow, stiff and made worryingly loud bangs each time she landed. The small spiderbot on her shoulder clung on for dear life. Noticing Autumn and the others watching from the doors, the mech briefly displayed a comical, open-mouthed expression of surprise on her ‘face’, then began approaching with heavy footfalls. Even with the sweet, cartoonish smile displayed on her face, it was hard not to feel somewhat intimidated by her sheer size. At the very least, she did keep her weapons lowered and pointed away from everyone. “People! Look, Flos! People that are alive! Hello, people!” she greeted them in an excited, sing-song voice as she drew close and peered down at the crew members.

“Right now, all distractions are taken care of.”, Kessler mumbled to himself before keying the ship wide PA system this time. “All hands, now is the time to depart. All personnel to stations, and all newcomers finish settling in. There will be a one hour talk on expectations and guidelines while on the crew, so report to the galley when done. Fiamma, get the engines spooled… Save for playing with him later.” A small chuckle was given as he let off the button, “Miss Flos and Mikali, I’ll need you to pick a spot in the repair bay of the other hold, and attend with your drone. The halls are large enough for your main chassis, and.. hello?”

The captain wasn’t exactly sure why they were greeting everyone again, but he shrugged it off. The man needed a smoke with all the energy these people had, almost making him feel like the old captain he pretended to be. “Miss Pine, please see if you can help them do that, and make sure it has a charging station. Mikali and Flos, please do a systems diagnostic for departure when you’re done, I want you to be familiar with the ship’s systems.”

“Hello!” Mikali greeted (again) to Kessler in response to his own ‘hello’, smiling brightly as she listened to his voice. “Flos! Quick! Do a diagnostic thing!” Her projected face made a show of glancing to and fro in search of ‘Miss Pine’, so that she may lead the way.

After a period of silence from Flos, she surprisingly responded to the order with a lot of professionalism. Not her first rodeo, maybe? Even so, her tone of voice was still carrying a fair bit of angst, and she took her sweet time replying.
“With certainty, captain. When we get to the charging station, of course.” That last sentence was directed at Mikali, who did not seem to understand that Flos could not just magically connect to the ship’s systems over radio or something.
Notably, the cheery voice had told the sourpuss one to do the ‘diagnostic thing’. The cheery one apparently answered to ‘Mikali’, and the sassy one, ‘Flos’. The astute would start to catch onto this by now, and further note that apparently they had dramatically different skill sets. Although, one would hardly feel shame for not noticing this, either. They were two disembodied voices coming from a giant robot, afterall. There was plenty to be confused about.

Autumn stopped upon hearing the captain call out her name again, and turned around, lips slightly thinning. “Make up your…” Shaking her head, her scowl turning into a begrudging smile upon seeing the robot be, well, excited. Overexcited might be the better word! Regardless, the robot was staying. And Autumn had to escort her to… the repair bay? Right, the other hold. The wolfgirl looked up at the pair, and gave a two-fingered wave. “Hey. I’m the Ms. Pine the captain mentioned. You can call me Autumn, and..” At that, the young woman put a hand over her mouth and giggled at the random thought, continuing on: “I’m guessing you two are the droids I’m looking for?”

Coughing a bit to prevent the giggling from bursting out to laughter, she calmed herself enough to say, “C’mon, now… Mikali?” At that, she nodded towards the bigger ‘bot with the excited face. She blinked a bit, before looking at the smaller robot: “And I guess you’re Flos?” Hm. Must’ve been two different robots. With the same speaker? Oh, gods forbid. She would figure this out soon enough. As it stood…

“Let’s go to the other bay. Quickly now, before Skip decides he wants to tell me I’m actually not doing anything again.” At that, Autumn strode past the duo, turning occasionally to make sure they were following her to the repair bay.

Quinn and Gavving had moved out of the way, up against one of the bulkheads nearby, to watch the whole back and forth between hulking automaton, the Captain and Autumn. “I’m guessing you two are the droids I’m looking for?” This earned a soft snort of laughter out of Gavving, the younger of the two brothers knowing the reference Autumn had made. “Go on, go satisfy your curiosity. I’ll meet you at the galley when you’re done.” Quinn encouraged, watching his brother go bouncing off to circle around in front of the big automaton, looking much like a child who had just walked into a candy shop.

“Hello! I’m Gavving, nice to meet you all. Autumn, Flos, Mikali.” Gavving was more excited to visually inspect Mikali and Flos than he was actually bubbly, but it could come across that way. “Do you only have one voice modulator? I could probably fix that if I found the spare parts I’d need.” He circled them three times before coming to stand by Autumn. “Do you mind if I go with you to the other cargo hold?” If she said no he’d go off to find the galley.

Quinn in the meantime had headed over to the Captain, who seemed to be tired of the excitement. “Quinn Cathal, pleasure to meet you. I’ve got some questions about the ship and it’s infirmary if you’d like to have a chat while we walk?” Giving Kessler a reason to depart faster, and something else to focus on besides the robot and the more excitable new members of his crew.