Mudders' Milk [pokerkids]

[Ari Deschain]

Being on Higgins' Moon was a bittersweet experience for the Lenore's mechanic. As she stepped off the ship and into the dust, she leaned back to look at the stars. In doing so, her back creaked and she groaned a bit as she turned her lean into a stretch. She'd been working on the engine all night and it showed. The mechanic could never really wash her dark olive skin clean of the stains of her trade. She was wearing oil-stained coveralls, the sleeves tied around her waist to reveal a black tank top, and her usual big boots. Her short bleached hair was shoved back with a bandanna, her bad left eye covered with a black patch. A red hand-sewn outline of a heart decorated the patch.

Ari couldn't help but think of Stoot as she walked into town. This was where he was from, and she missed him terribly. It was not yet known to her that he was not dead, so she mourned him frequently. As she passed the statue of some man named Jayne, a man whom she had heard mudders singing songs of before, she brushed her fingers lightly against it.

The pub had stairs leading down into the ground, and it was a bit rowdy. She went to the bar, ordered mudders' milk, and then went to the quietest, darkest corner she could find. Setting down her mug, she tugged out a deck of cards from her pocket and set them down in front of her. Jove would be joining her soon, and the two planned on recruiting others for a game and some drinks. Until then...she sipped heavily on her mudders' milk. She'd had a couple...okay, more'n a couple, of shots from a bottle in her bunk in the engine room before leaving the ship, so she had a bit of a buzz going already. It helped kill the pain she felt as she scanned the faces in the bar, as if she'd see Stoot there. In fact, it made her feel almost happy. She was determined to have a good time tonight.

[Sidney Bainbridge]

Sidney had showed up on higg's Moon a few nights before. The planet in his opinion was a waste of material and people. He was here to find a few contacts for the Trinity and he was given the unfortunate duty of taking care of little Miss. Destruction. She had already taken apart several of his guns and made a mess of the ship every time the crew was forgetful enough to all sleep at the same time.

Jame had though it best for Sideny to take her on this little run so they could keep things in order for a few days. Now Sidney was sitting in the bar with the young girl having a few drinks. The situation made Sidney feel uncomfortable. The last thing he needed was the sister of the captain with him while trying to find work. The last two days had been nothing but stench and mud and it was time for a drink.

Sidney was five drinks deep and looking for something to get his mind off things. As he scanned the room there was little of interest to look at there, as expected in the mudder city. He did noticed a lady in the corner with an eye patch that kept catching his eye. She was by herself with a deck of card. For sure waiting on someone else to join her. Something about her made him think of the war but he couldn't put his finger on it.

Sidney turned to Annabelle "Ok Belle don't move off of that chair. I will be right back" Sidney told her knowing that as soon as he was across the room she would be on her way. part of him hoped she would find some trouble and make thing interesting. For now though he figured he would go talk to the lady and maybe play a hand of poker. Maybe, just maybe it would lead to a job.

Sideny slowly walked up his limp in his left leg acting up. "Just got the cards for looks or ya plannin to play?" Sidney asked as he helped himself to a seat. He wasn't the best at being polite but he wasn't concerned about it. he set his drink on the table and layed his hand in front of himself as if waiting for her to deal.

[belle]

Boredom. That was all Belle could think about. Not to mention the undying itch to tinker with all of the gleaming machinery that flitted about her and her... babysitter. James was such a jerk for this. Mr. Gloomy was worse than she had expected, though she was happy that he didn't pay much attention to her. That was just fine. Especially if he sat very still. She could see that lovely pistol at his back. If she could move slowly enough she might be able to snatch it and tinker with the-

Just as she reached for the lovely thing he turned and gave her strict instructions. Instructions Belle would no doubt ignore completely. He left her there, perched at the bar with all these half-witted men, foul smelling men at that. Not that she really minded, or could complain. She still smelled of oil, and her jeans were all too stained with smears as well as a few tears from her clumsy habits.

Belle crossed her arms over her chest, blocking the view of a drunk patron. She went as far as to button another button on her shirt. She rolled the sleeves up, for the hundredth time and contemplated ripping them off at the elbow. Downing her third cup of mudders milk, and scowling, she did her best to keep her eager fingers to herself. That is.. until another drunk patron sat beside her. He was obviously stupid drunk.... And good lord his revolver was an older model. Icy blue eyes stared intently at the delightful gun. Thank the Heavens he was paying attention to a friend because she reached out and snatched it from its holster faster than you can imagine.

One could hear the clunking of the pieces being placed on the bar as she studied it. Finally the drunk, turning to leave, patted himself. Of course he couldn't feel his trusty weapon and immediately turned to find the small red head looking like a child in a candy shop, looking through the spinning chamber. Angry with the destruction of such a fine piece of craftsmanship he went for her neck, but Belle is a quick one.

A dagger held firmly at his throat, though she never took her eyes off of the pieces of the weapon. "I'll give it back in a minute, calm down old man." She huffed haughtily. She felt him swallow against her blade and take a step back. He plopped down on the seat once more and waited as she put it back together, shining it with her sleeve as she went. Reluctantly Belle returned the revolver and he promptly scurried off, and out of the bar.

Thus the boredom sets in once more. From afar she watched Sidney speak with Mrs. Patch. The little mechanic wondered if Sidney was... on the prowl. Physically she shook, not her type. Regardless Belle stood up and shoved her way across the bar, humming along with the folk songs. She listened in, snatching Sidneys weapon as well. Nonchalantly she sat down next tpo the blond, flashing her a cheeky smile.

"So what're we playin'?" She chimed in sweetly, already tinkering away with Sidney's pistol.

[Jove Gadria]

Higgin's Gorram Moon. It couldn't have been Boros or Athens or Paquin. No where nice and filled with people and trade. Paquin had culture! Festivals and operas! Boros had trade and streets thick with vendors. What did Higgin's Moon have? Oh right. Mud. Mud, and people covered in mud. And places that smelt like mud. Everywhere was... mud. No business deals waited for her out there and neither did any good times. Of course, Jove Gadria was far from the high-class type. She'd done hard work in her life. But... there was that certain need for a little more civilisation-- I bet they don't even do decent tea! All this aside, and much more complaining to come, Jove had stepped down the ramp of the Lenore, her nose scrunching up at the smell, waiting for her senses to adjust. The ship had been looking pretty empty these past few... weeks... months? She couldn't tell. It almost made her long wistfully for her days on Captain McCormick's ship. Jove stopped in her tracks.... Almost.

Those ankleboots tried their darnedest not to get too spoiled by the mud... but it was everywhere. Hands had buried stubbornly in the pockets of the businesswoman's trousers. Her hair-- as rare as this was-- was down, the loose curls bouncing a little at her shoulders. She was just in a crinkled dark blue shirt, and her trusty suspenders. Various beaded bracelets and leather cuffs adorned her wrists, and a charm necklace jiggled about her neck. The woman's look aside, she'd be passing glances at the Mudders as she skulked into what they called a Tavern.

Jove stood in the doorway, her face a picture of mild displeasure. However, the short mechanic had promised her fun. So about this fun... Jove thought to herself sourly, taking a few precise clops across the floor towards where Ari had settled herself. Jove raised a brow as she spotted the two people already there. A redhead and a gruff man.

"You make friends quick, Deschain.[/color]" Jove teased with a grin, making sure she picked herself out a good seat. Immediately, her eyes were on the cards, and she was quick to catch on with the 'fun' part. Jove positioned herself across from her friend, nodding politely to the two strangers with a smile. She'd almost gone to tip her hat, but the bowler was left back on her bunk.

Business time was well and truly shelved whilst on this godforsaken moon.. and she was going to enjoy herself-- even if it killed her....

...well, maybe not that extreme.

[Ari Deschain]

Ari's visible eye, stormy gray in color, caught sight of Sidney as he approached and she studied him from over the rim of her mug. Something about him seemed familiar, but she couldn't decide what it was. She set down her drink as he sat with her, arching an eyebrow as she began shuffling the cards. "Well, hello 'andsome. Who's askin'? she asked with a playful smirk. "I get the feelin' I know you from somewhere, but I jus' can't place it."

That's when a fireball of a redhead sat with them, taking up the man's gun and joining right in. "Sorry, lovely," she said with a wide grin. "We ain't playin' any-ruttin'-thing 'til my friend gets here." That's when Jove walked in. Serendipitous. "Ah, here's the woman of the hour, now! Hey, beau'iful...don't be jealous. They'll be your friends, too..." She glanced back at the two strangers. "But, joo ta ma ya ming aroun' the redhead, yeah? She's a gorram firecracker. Will steal the gun right out yo'..." She paused, staring at the gun on the table.

Bullets rained around Ari as she slid into a ditch, boots skidding in the dirt until she slammed into Grimm's chest. "Wang bao dahn! Terrance, they're ev'rywhere..." Suddenly, a man came skidding down next to her. He was built like a brick shithouse and was holding the same gun that was on the table in front of her now.

Ari leapt up so fast, her chair clattered to the floor behind her. Cards sprayed across the table. "Meh, tah mah duh hwoon dahn! Sidney? Ari! Ari Deschain. D'ya remember me?" Without awaiting his reply, alcohol fueling her motions, the tiny mechanic rounded the table and caught him up in a bear hug, made more awkward by the fact that he was sitting and she was barely taller than him. "Lord, man, lemme buy you a drink!"

______________________________________________

Joo ta ma ya ming - watch your back
Wang bao dahn - Dirty bastard sons of
Meh, tah mah duh hwoon dahn - motherhumping son of a bitch

[Sidney Bainbridge]

Sidney winced burning sound of Belle's voice. He just knew she would do the opposite of what he had told her to. maybe it was best she couldn't get in to trouble if she was over there with him. At least that is what he had though until she took his weapon. That revolver was his pride and joy. he had carried it since he was 12 years old. His father had given it to him back when he was teaching him how to lie, cheat and steal. Though he never really cared for his own family he had some attachment to the weapon given to him by his father.

He watched in horror as the girl took the gun apart but she had done this with a few others of his at this point and they always ended up back together correctly. He assured himself that would be the case with this one as well. As Ari spoke Sidney waited for a chance to chime in but before he had the chance she realized who he was.

Sidney was astonished, what were the odds that they were in the war together, in that foxhole like that and now being in the same location today. " Ari, I can't believe it. what the hell brings you to this wasteland of a planet?' He reached an arm around her in a semi hug as well. He still couldn't believe his eyes. for a brief moment he remembered talking to the young Ari back in that foxhole.

A young determinant warrior that would fight through hell. He would pick her to be at his side in any fire fight after the way she charge the purple bellies back them. "I should be buying you a drink my friend." he told her. "oh right by the way this is James Clark's sister, Belle. Be careful around this one she is trouble." Sidney actually had a full on smile on his face. That probibly hadn't happened since back in the war. Not one like this at least.

[belle]

Belle was immersed in her tinkering, and as such nearly jumped ten feet in the air as the blond exclaimed her remembrance. She blinked icy blue eyes watching the two hug, and looked amazed as Mr. Gloomy seemed to soften a little. A smile found his face and she clapped him on the shoulder a moment. "Should try that more often, people don't often run from smiles." She said sarcastically.

Belle grinned to herself, looking over his piece and its parts. She loved guns. They were such interesting little things, or sometimes big things. Like the assault rifle she'd snatched from Sidney not a week ago. That bad boy was stashed beneath her bed, waiting for Belles lithe hands to tinker away once more. A film dripped over Belle's eyes as she merely thought about it. As if she'd laid eyes on the handsomest of men she sighed softly, lovesick with the mere thought.

Who needed these men when machines made you weak at the knees?

She turned to the prim proper woman, startled once more. Belle took in her appearance and almost scoffed. Those clothes looked like they cost a shiny penny, too bad they'd probably leave ruined for life. Sidney introduced her so Belle needn't do so, and they described her well enough. She wasn't really all that worried about impressing Mrs. Twinkle-Toes here. Didn't seem like her kind of crowd, though the blond seemed to like her well enough. Could be more to Twinkle-Toes, who knows?

Belle only looked up as someone passed them with shots. Of what she didn't care, they were shots. "Anyone else lookin' to grab some of those?" She asked, almost carelessly. Her icy blue eyes followed the round of shots, and then promptly fell back on the piece. She quickly, and efficiently, put it back together and handed it to him gingerly. She pointed at it, meeting his gaze for once.

"Might want to get yer baby a check up, her firing pin's comin' a bit wobbly." She stated matter of factly.

[Jove Gadria]

The prospect of fun was actually turning into something more and more likely as the night went on. Despite there being no big money-related possibilities for her on this gorram rock, Jove was liking the idea of the cards. Even as Ari introduced her two 'friends', Jove was listening well enough. Just.. her eyes remained on that deck of cards for a long time. Almost as if she could pick a full house out with her mind alone. As for the redhead and her unique love of dismantling sidearms... Jove quirked a brow at the odd behaviour-- though she'd seen odder-- but didn't feel too worried about her own pistol. It was nestled snugly against her thigh. A weapon that had been custom altered to fit her unusual style of fighting. It was obvious from looking at her, she wasn't the run and gun type. Really wasn't as skilled or trained, either. But, she could surprise you. Act all tough and badass if she needed. Good actress.... good liar.

When it became apparent that Ari and the gruff gentleman-- now revealed as 'Sidney'-- were prior acquaintances, Jove kept quiet, but held onto her slight grin. It was good to see old friends reunited. Instead of talking, she let them get reacquainted. Her head moved to follow the redhead-- Belle's-- line of sight. The tray of shots were eyed by the businesswoman, too. After what seemed like a brief moment, the woman gave a sharp, rather rowdy kind of whistle.

"'Scuse me, love? Could we get a tray of those over 'ere? As many as you can fit on it. Thanks swee'eart.[/color]" She tried to be as charming as possible, a cheeky smile sliding across her face.

The waitress went to fill the order, Jove having solved the dilemma of who was buying who a drink. They can work that out later. Jove had a little idea-- a devious one-- in mind for the eventual card game that would ensue. Making sure she wasn't interrupting too much, the businesswoman announced her little plan.

"So how 'bout we make this int'restin', eh? Whoever loses a-- nah! Whoever wins each hand takes a shot. First one under the table wins-- or loses. 'owever you see it." Clever little idea, right? She finished just as the tray of shots arrived, the waitress setting them in the middle of the table as Jove paid up with a 'Cheers lovey'.

The mechanic just had to be down for it. A different twist on things. The winner slowly get's more and more impaired, and the losers get a chance to be the winners. Hopefully the other two would bite as well. The redhead looked the sort to go for it-- she'd been eyeing the shots after all. The Sidney fella she wasn't so sure about. But he was in this place and must've had drinking in mind.

"Oh. Name's Jove, by the by. Off-duty businesswoman.[/color]"

That last part was added almost as an aside, but followed with her usual grin, and a wink for good measure. Let the games begin!

[Ari Deschain]

[oh, man. Why the hell are they on this planet?]

Ari patted his head and planted a friendly kiss at his temple. She tended to get affectionate when she drank, as Jove already knew from experience. It was good to see Sidney, and he seemed to be doing well. Not everyone had come out of the war alright; she was lucky to only have been injured physically. "Oh, you know. Got some top secret bus'ness ta take care of." She moved back to her seat and grinned widely. "Eh, we're just pickin' up some supplies for a cargo run. Nothin' fancy."

When he introduced her to Belle, Ari tipped an imaginary hat to the other woman. "Ari, in case you didn't hear. Trouble?" She sent the redhead a flirtatious grin. "Promise?" It was hard to tell if she was joking. She raised a finger at the mention of shots, then watched Belle hand Sidney his gun back, nose wrinkling in amusement.

Jove ordered the shots so that no one else had to, and Ari smirked. "You think a tray will be enough?" The mechanic and businesswoman had killed more than a few handles in the past. She listened to Jove's game, a quick little challenging grin slipping across her lips as she glanced at Sidney and Belle. "Well, you know I'm in."

When the shots arrived, Ari tipped back her mug of mudders' milk and downed it, her throat flexing as she swallowed every sip. She slammed the mug down and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. "Who's dealin'? What's the game?" She slid the deck closer to herself and began shuffling them lazily.

[Sidney Bainbridge]

[ooc: hope everyone understand the card game it is one I used to play in the military with a guy from New Orleans. Never head of it till he showed me . It is like a cross of texas hold’um and 5 card]

Sidney gave a nod to Jove as she introduced herself as an off-duty business woman. He would have thought that she might just be the type to find some business from but it was apparent that Ari and her ship had already cornered that market.

A quick glance around the table as the newly found circle of friends formed Sidney decided the poker game would be a nice change of pace for the hectic life as a babysitter aboard the trinity. James seemed to think Sidney was the best tempered person to deal with taking care of the young Miss. Clark. To some extent he was right Sidney had learned to keep his cool though nearly anything but this young lady was able to test it well. For now though it seemed she was content with the idea of a hand of poker and drinks.

With Ari’s acceptance of Jove’s challenge and the glance toward Belle and him he gave a quick nod to confirm his willingness to ante up to the challenge as well. ”count me in as well.” Sidney said with another one of his reclusive smiles. One more smile like that and it would have to set off some sort of Verse alarm that the world was ending or something.

As the shots were set in the middle of the table and Ari shuffling the cards Sidney rolled his shoulders forward slowly as if to stretch then rotated his neck clockwise with a crack. ”If ya don’t mind Ari.” Sidney said in reply to her comment about who was dealing. He rolled up the sleeves to his nice button down shirt he was wearing as to make sure there was no threat he was cheating then reached his hand forward for the cards.

”alright so the game is ‘Haven hold’um’. Simple enough..” He said as he began to deal three cards to each player. ” three cards ta each player, then betting usually follows. Since we are only aimin’ for drinks at the end we won’t worry about the bettin’ each other out.” He had played this to many time back home and back in the war. It almost seemed as if he knew it to well. He then layer three cards face up, seven of spades, Jack of hearts, 10 of hearts, on the table for everyone to see. Then we have three in the middle. Look fer what ya got and ya can swap 1, 2, or 3 of the ones in your hand for new. Simple enough right?” He explained as he lifted the corner of his three cards to take a look at what he had. He looked the table over to see if everyone was getting the idea of the game.

[belle]

Before Annabelle could even comment on the game Sidney was dishing out their hands. She peered at her cards, pouting like a young child would had they not gotten their way. She was terrible at card games... and with these rules in place she was more likely to throw every single thing off this table in a fit. Well, everything besides the drinks. Icy blue orbs scowled at her hand, not even knowing if it was decent or not. She went as far as to snatch a shot off of a passing tray while the waitress was talking to a dunken patron.

She smiled to herself, quickly tipping it back into her mouth. She glanced at the others, trying to see if they'd even noticed. Not that she'd really tried to hide it. The fiery red head switched one of her cards, probably screwing herself up. "I'm never going to get a drink." She mumbled, slightly glaring at Sidney. As usual she mocked him to herself, in a voice that was much higher than his own.

Belle was becoming antsy, almost instantly. Card games were nice and all, but she wanted to dig into something that actually DID something. She glanced around the 'bar' and frowned at all the weaponry. Some of them were models she'd already snatched and taken apart. While others looked like newer models, something she wanted to get her hands on. Though she wasn't sure on how these simpletons had gotten their grubby paws on those guns. A man placed his on the bar and her eyes gleamed. It was lovely, and well taken care of.

Once more in a very childish manner Belle tugged on Sidneys shirt. "What's that one?" She huffed quietly, peering at the two women. Perhaps they knew. Regardless she wanted one. She and James would be having a long talk about her 'gun privileges' when they returned.

[Jove Gadria]

The grin on Jove's face grew a little wider when Ari jumped at the chance to implement her brilliant idea into their friendly little game. She could always count on the mechanic to enjoy a challenge and drinking at the same time. The shots in the centre were far too tempting, it was true, but she kept a watchful eye on them all for the sake of fun. The disappointed pout of the redhead and the glum grumbling was a bit of a downer, but Jove was sure she'd start to have fun soon enough. There was always beginner's luck, after all! The businesswoman inclined her head towards Belle with a devious smirk.

"We'll 'ave t'teach you 'ow t'cheat, Red. Can't be 'avin' sulks like that."

The fact she was stealing drinks from other trays or patrons was either going completely unnoticed or ignored by Ms Gadria. She wasn't going to squeal on the girl, after all. Everyone else in the bar would be far too drunk to notice a missing drink anyway!

As this Sidney bloke decided to make the game, Jove was quick to pick up the rules and how things worked. A small piece of her had forgotten there was no money involved-- that internal little heart-skip of greed-- but it was quelled fast enough. It was the businesswoman's main flaw. She couldn't help it almost like it ran in her family. Her father had drummed it into both her and her twin brother when they were old enough to understand. Hence why she was out here in the 'Verse now. Well, it was less so to do with her family these days. She was old enough and experienced in these worlds enough that it was what she did best, and kept doing it.

Cards were placed before her, and Jove snapped out of her small reverie, left hand-- with the odd fancy ring on it-- stretched out fingers over their concealed, face-down backs. They were slowly slid along the surface before being pulled up swiftly in one smooth motion. Clasping them close-- more in a mock sense of seriousness-- Jove fanned the three cards out, looking from them to the ones on the table carefully.

She had no idea what the gun was that Belle was eyeing, her own gaze peering towards it briefly. Jove wasn't much of an expert on guns. She knew a few models? But that had always been someone else's forte. All she knew was how to shoot one-- if the need ever called for it. Like, really called for it.

[Ari Deschain]

Ari handed the cards to Sidney with gusto, returning his smile with one of her own. "Don't mind at all, Bainbridge." She rested her elbow on the table and her chin in her hand as she watched him as he began to deal. The rules seemed simple enough, but the mechanic learned by doing. She'd figure it out soon enough how it was all done, but she'd never been the best at card games. Her poker face was good, but her luck with the draw was not.


Annabelle had ignored her playful flirtations, but Ari was not swayed or disheartened. Many women did not know how to react when the little blonde started hitting on them; Ari did not hold her silence against her. She just snickered in approval as the other woman stole a drink. When Annabelle muttered about not getting a drink, Ari grinned magnanimously at her, then glanced at Jove. "Joveyyy," she trilled, drawing out the woman's name unnecessarily. "Can't we all have a drink on the side? Y'know, just one drink ta get us through the game?" Jove would know just one drink would soon turn into ten for Ari.

The mechanic might have known what kind of gun it was, if only she weren't so busy trying to get the redhead, and herself, drunk. She raised a finger at Jove and wagged it, trying very hard to put on a serious face and failing very much at it. "An' no cheatin'. I'll buy a drink at the end for anyone not caught cheatin'. Y'know...if'n we're all still standin' at t'end." She seemed to brighten at the prospect of playing until they were all not standing, and slide her own cards to her in imitation of Jove.

Tilting up her cards to her, Ari flattened them just as quickly back under her palm and her gray eyes sought the cards Sidney had laid out in the middle. Then she glanced at Sidney. "Who's first?" Most dealers went left, but some went right for different games, and even some others went directly across. She also wasn't sure if they were supposed to draw from a pile or trade with another player, as in the game of hearts. Plus, she was maybe not feeling so confident and wanted to see someone else go before her.

[Sidney Bainbridge]

Sidney smiled at the request for no cheating. It seemed simple enough, though in a den of roughnecks like this it was almost expected. He could easily see Belle cheating as it only seemed like her nature. Jove had out right mentioned it making her intentions known. Sid on the other hand well it was his nature to but he wasn't going to be the one to say it. Hell he cheated death all the way through the war why stop now, it worked.

"I'll take that free drink then Deschain." he told her as he looked over the cards laying on the table, then turning to face Annabelle "Looks like your up first Belle," He said as he slid the pile toward the center of the table "If you decide to swap any in your hand, pull from the pile and discard the ones your trading off to the side where we can all clearly see them." He did his best to keep them from cheating. He couldn't have other cheating along with him that just wouldn't be fair.

He slide a flask from his pocket taking a long swig from it then sliding it on to the table for anyone brave enough to try it. He had filled it with about the cheapest nastiest whiskey someone could pay to to take from them. It wasn't good, in fact it could peel the paint right off the ship but it has strong and got the job done thats all a man could really ask for right? "Anyone care for a drink? I got to warn you though you might not be used to such refined tastes." He said jovially as he looked to see if there were any takers.

This might turn out to be a decent night after all. Jove and Ari had taken a liking to to the young Annabelle and if he was lucky they might even just keep her relieving him of his duties. Sure he would have to explain to James he lost his little sister you a couple of hustler women but James would live. In fact maybe, just maybe he could wager her up if he was losing. A man has to get a drink so how.