The Rendezvous (Trinity+Cadan/Layla)

[Sidney Bainbridge]

The Docks, Persephone; January 14th


After the overnight stay on Bellerophon at the Rider estate the crew took off for Persephone where they were to make their cargo pick up. A few short days travel and many long talks between the crew memebers about what was really going on in this job. Sidney had convinced those with concerns to keep it between them so it wouldn't worry the others in the crew. No need for any extra worry to be going around.

The trip was uneventufl otherwise, side from several good meals and decent company. It seemed that Sakura was starting to feel a bit more comfotable. That being judged off the fact that Sidney hadn't had a gun pointed at him by her again, yet.

Sidney had Also made contact with James and his sister. It seemed James would be in good enough condition to limp back on board the ship. Nothing new for him really and he would push through it like always. Sidney had pushed James through worse then this. If nothing else could be said about James it was that no matter how much of a beating he took he kept walking, kept living.

The Trinity had made dock on Persephone and the crew was eager to get this job started. Their contact, Cadan, was contacted and on his way to meet them at the docks. he had a warehouse storing the good not far from where they were and it would be a long day of hauling everything to the ship. This would take the whole crew to get it done, Cook, Doc and all.

Sidney and Roger had spent alot of time talking lately and getting to know each other. He seemed to be fairly like minded. Exactly what he wanted for this job. They agreed that there was something more to this job and that they needed to keep a close eye on everything along the way.

By the time Sidney got down to the cargo bay this time the crew had already opened it up and were out on the ramp and where ever they could to take in the real world again instead of that fake paradice the Duke called home. He had shown the crew the picture of the contact and his name. "Any sign of this guy yet? We got a long gor'ram day ahead of us."

Sidney walked out to the ramp where Roger was standing and light up a cigarette. "Keep a close eye out Roger, word is the Alliance has a crusier in the area. Got ta be ready fer anything." Then he took a walk out a little further to where Art was. "get any supplies you need quickly Art I'm going to need every hand I can get if we intend to get off this rock tomorrow."

Sidney was full of orders and request for the crew. He wanted everything smooth. Next he went to Kalli and Sakura. "If I let you have a gun again Sakura your not going to shoot me right?" He knew she already had her gun on her and that is exactly where he wanted it. Everyone armed, he trusted no one on this rock, never has and never will theifs and thugs the whole lot of them. Of course he had his own theif now. "And Kalli, just remember not everyone here is your friend so stay close." That girl worried him, she was to trusting and still innocent even after all they had been through she couldnt find the bad in a person. Now it was time to wait and see if the contact arrived.

One last stop and the crew would be taken care of as far as what they needed to be doing while they waited. Tari, his prized crew for this job. He had always had an uneasy feeling about her especially when there were items of value around. He had grown used to her though and he needed her to stay out of trouble for now. He had but one simple comment for her. He leaned in close and spoke. "Hands off, got it."

[Roger Davis]

Persephone was about as close to the Core as most people like Roger got. Naturally he'd been before, once briefly during the war and a few times since as a gunhand. Well, if you counted infancy then Roger'd been to the heart of the Core at Londinium but Roger certainly didn't count that.

Persephone was about as diverse as you could get. That is if you could get away from the docks. The docks themselves were practically a shithole attracting lowlifes and the poverty stricken masses and that's coming from the perspective of a ship of less-than-legal entrepreneurs trying to scrape by from job to job. Needless to say Roger was armed to the teeth and ready for near anything. He had no less than four guns on him and a few other surprises. Still, he was trying to stay low profile so there was nothing too obvious like a rifle that his coat couldn't even partially obscure.

He was ready for thieves, crazed murderers, a double-cross by the duke... nearly anything though he wasn't particularly expecting Sidney's tip about Alliance intervention.

"Copy that, captain. Shoot first, don't ask questions."

Alliance patrols were rarely a welcomed sight but it was still a bit odd to mention it. If he remembered the game plan right then they really had nothing to fear from the Alliance at this point at least. The goods were all legal, or so they were told, and it's not like the Alliance was specifically looking for them, right? Worst they had was maybe a forged ID for the 'companion' but they'd never find that unless they were looking for it. Maybe the captain was a little more paranoid than even Roger was.

[James Clark]

It was moments like these that James Clark could imagine his own theme tune being played in one of those dramatic movies. He was wearing his battered and worn brown coat over the top of his more casual black t shirt and trousers. James Clark looked like a completely different man with his over grown beard. He disembarked the quad bike that Marks had given him a lift to Trinity on. "thanks for everything Jonny" James thanked his old friend with a salute followed by a hug. Looking up the ramp he could see Sid there and immediately made his way up the ramp towards him "You look like hell" he told his friend with a grin. The cane was still supporting him but the worst was over with for now he was home.

Note: don't know if you wanna bring Marks on to say hello to Sid. Also my laptop is dead so I'm on my phone for the foreseeable future.

[Art Doyle]

Persephone. Making dock here usually involved a strange little ritual that no one appeared to notice too much. Arthur would never explain it, but most times, he'd stay in his room or under the engine making repairs whenever they docked on Persephone. It was, to say the least, a big risk to his personal health if he wandered too far out and about. Not saying that anything would happen, but he was always more than prepared. So his attitude since landing had been rather flat and level-toned. Nothing too serious or sombre, just this odd sense of calm quiet about him. Maybe a brief chill in the air. Other than that, the most obvious thing about now was that he was dressed without his finery. No suit, no tie, no waistcoat. All that fancy jazz was stowed away in favour of his barely-seen grease-stained overalls, a pair of goggles over a bandanna and scuffed boots. All in these delightful shades of blue and grey. A nod was given to Sidney when he approached, ignoring any looks he might get from the rest of the crew, and adjusted the watch on his left wrist. That watch was never hardly seen from his person. Family heirloom? Gift from someone special? Maybe... Yeah. Something like that...

"We're all stocked up, Sid. No worries on this end." Art was always thoroughly prepared when Persephone was the next stop. Made sure he didn't have to go out into Eavesdown. Easier that way.

That was about when James made his grand entrance-- once again! The man always liked to make entrances. Dramatic war hero kind of way, Art guessed. He even managed a small little smirk and a nod as he watched the other man. Seeing James was like seeing a ghost, sometimes, and he wondered if this was a good or bad omen.

"Welcome back, Cap'."

Art knew one thing, they needed to hurry up this gorram job and get the rut off of this planet... The longer they stayed here, the more anxious he got.

[Tari Gasha]

They were on Persephone, Tari's actual home. Where she grew up at least. The thief had no desire to leave the ship while they were here. Too much of a chance of being noticed, being seen, most importantly being recognized. She was sitting on the catwalk with a decent view of outside, but folks wouldn't notice her unless they knew she was there. Cadan should be here soon, she would need to make sure he didn't spoil her set-up on the Trinity. It shouldn't take any talking really, just a look.

Tari noticed Art was acting differently here as well, perhaps he had some issues with Persephone. She still admired the handsome man from afar, but the job was still her focus. Her demeanor and habits hadn't changed from the evening Sid told her about the job. Made it clear she was going to be part of the job. She was looking forward to it really. Sidney was coming toward her, he leaned close to her and spoke. Tari glared at him. She wasn't some child. "I thought you knew by now Sid. I'm not stupid." Her voice was a whisper but it held anger, annoyance. She didn't need a keeper.

At Captain Clark's return she smiled and waved at him, pushing aside her issue with Sidney.

Cadan was usually very prompt, he was slacking. Tari mused at the possibilities. What could have him late for his part of the job. Very unlike him. Things change it seemed.

[Sakura Kina]

Sakura had thought of what to prepare for the initial exchange of goods on Persephone. The docks were a dangerous place, filled with both illegal and legal dealings and thus the law and the outlaws were both something to be wary of. After much thought, she simply put on her jeans, her combat boots, a white tanktop and a blue jacket. Underneath her jacket she put on a bulletproof vest just in case and wore a shoulder holster for her two pistols, a knife sheathe on her right leg and medical supplies on her left leg, just like how she was accustomed to all the way back since the war.

Walking out onto the ramp, they all waited for their contact who went by the name of Cadan. Sidney asked if Sakura would be trustworthy with a gun, to which she simply smiled. "Depends on my mood." She half joked as she pulled out both her pistols, caught the rear sights on her jean pockets and pushed down, pulling both slides back simultaneously and loading the first round into each pistol. She then holstered one of the pistols and held the other so that it was slightly hidden. As they waited for Cadan, Sakura scanned the immediate area. The dock was filled with metal cargo containers, each one possibly filled with illegal goods or even soldiers waiting for an illegal dealing. She wasn't too worried about the law since they were not deal with anything illegal, but it didn't hurt to be cautious. There were many places a nice overwatch position on the Trinity and if a sniper wanted to be unseen, they could easily do it by blending into the top of one of the containers or on top of the control tower about half a mile or so away.

Suddenly Sakura heard the rumbling of a vehicle and raised her pistol slightly to a prepared stance. Taking a step forward diagonally, she stood in front of Kalli to protect her from projectiles in case a firefight ensued. As a single figure came closer, Sakura slowly raised her gun up, getting prepared to aim and shoot, but froze when the figure's face came into view. It wasn't the same, but it was definitely recognizable. She couldn't move, she couldn't utter a single word, she simply stood their, her pistol still frozen in a half-raised position. "You look like hell" He spoke to Sidney and hugged him. His voice was a bit weak and rough, but still recognizable. "James.." The captain was extremely beat up, bandages here and there, limping on a cane.

Tears welled up in Sakura's eyes at his condition. If she hadn't been hurt, she probably could have stopped this from happening, however it may have happened.. She was mad at herself for allowing herself to be shot that day on the mission. She had been rusty and was cocky, not bothering to fully check the house that she had entered. It was her fault that James was this hurt. And even if she couldn't help him from getting hurt, she could have helped him recover, she should've been the one to patch him up.. But she pushed at thought aside for now, James was standing and breathing, and that's what mattered in the end. She wanted to go hug him, but she couldn't get herself to move a muscle, what would she say? What would he say? Sakura, for the first time, was terrified. She could command a hundred soldiers with ease, she could shoot soldiers one by one without hesitation, she could elicit information out of enemies, she could take down armed soldiers with her barehands, but this was different. What would she say? She finally decided she would wait... Wait for him to make the first move this time.

[Cadan Ashdown]

Cadan was running behind, he had planned to be there when the Trinity showed up. It was bound to be long day and the ship was getting in just before noon. Cadan had rushed out earlier in the morning for some last minute business. He got out of bed quietly and got himself ready. The night before he had told Layla that he was going to start early and get his stuff ready from his place.

He gave har a kiss while she slept before he rushed out and off to a meeting he had setup with an Alliance officer by the name of Lieutenant Commander Tucker. The meeting was brief and to the point and from there Cadan went back to his place to get his stuff, then back to Layla's place. By the time he got back there she was already ready and waiting for him to head down to the docks. "good morning love"

The rushed along there way and by the time they arrived the Trinity had touched down and the crew off loaded and ready. Even james had beat them there. Yes they were a little behind but not by much. Cadan had taken the liberty to look over the documents from the Duke about the crew. He was given all the details he would need. One Name stood out to him amoung the bounch and it had him a little nervous.

Tari Gasha, another theif and one that had many time be a problem for Cadan. She could out Cadan in front of Layla, something he much rather not happen. Then again knowing her the crew didn't know her secret either. A stand off it would seem.

Cadan and Layla finally arrived at the dock to see James having just been dropped off by the doctor who had been taking care of him. He was still in bad shape but it seemed he was ready to go, atleast in his mind. Cadan walked up with Layla at his side. "ello everyone, shall we get daahhhn ter business? Or 're still wakin' up?" Cadan said cheerfully as he walked up to where James was. He didn;t really want to approch James, anyone else would have done nicely but he was the captain and this was his ship.

[Layla Disanto]

Layla had awoken alone, but she knew she would have. Cadan had to get some things done early so that they could make it in time to the Trinity. She had skipped her usual trip to the temple, the previous morning was her last and she had said her goodbyes to the monks there. Layla packed quickly, making sure she had everything since she wouldn't be coming back to this house. She had squared up the rent with the owner the previous day as well. The house was all locked up and she sat on it's steps, it wasn't long until Cadan showed up, "Good morning Romeo." She said with a smile and a kiss.

They were off to the Trinity, while Cadan greeted everyone Layla went to her brother first. Giving him a hug and a kiss on the cheek, "Good morning Ghuh." Then she turned to the others and smiled at them. Unsure if they knew who she even was or that she and Cadan were joining them for now. She knew Sidney and Dani from all the times she had waved James. Everyone else was new to her. Layla decided to let James to the introductions..since he was the captain and all.

-----------
Ghuh = big brother

[Kalli Ann Bernett]

Kalli had been prepared for their arrival long before it happened, She hadn't been back here for a long time. SHe wanted to go see the shop she used to work at and all her old friends there. Sadly Sidney had told her the job came first and if they had time after that she would be able to make it down there.

She was the first off the ship in a rush of excitement, infact she opened the cargo hatch the second she could feel the ship touch the ground. So many of them seems worried that they were there or something though Kalli paid little attention to it. Finally Sidney made his way out of the ship and told her she needed to be careful again.

Kalli paid little attention to his warning and kept watch for the contact. When he got there she would be able to get thnigs rolling and get it all done so she had more time to have fun. Finally after a bit of a wait James arrived followed shortly by Cadan, the contact, and a young lady about Kalli's age. Sid hadn't mentioned anything about there being two contacts but she paid little mind. The man approched and went up and talked to James Kalli in all her excitement greeated James back to the crew then stood by him as the new pair approched. "Welcome back James"

When the new pair finally began to talk it was revield that the young lady was James' sister, Kalli didn't even know he had a sister but apparently their contact was friends with James' sister. Before James had a chance to even start introductions Kalli spoke up. "its nice ta meet ya bout. I'm Kalli Ann but you can call me Kalli or Ann. Whatever ya like really." She told them with a quick wave then she looked to James to begin.

[Sidney Bainbridge]

Everything was quickly falling in to place as Sidney had wanted. The crew had accepted his orders, for the most part. They were vigilant in watching over the ship and for their contact. Within a few minutes James was there as well, courtesy of Marks a trusted friend. Sidney didn't move from his place to go greet marks just gave a simple head nod to offer his thanks to the man. Neither of them were really men of many words and the nod would be more then enough. A matter on moments and Marks made his departure for the place.

A small grin swept Sidney's face at James comment. He took another drag from his cigarette and replied. "Yeah but compared to you I look good." A chuckle escaped his mouth. "Good ta have you home Colonel. Good ta have ya home."

Sidney was relieved that James was back. Sidney had done his time as a leader back in the war. Lead enough people in that didn't come back out and he had was done with that. This was James crew not his. It was time for Sidney to return to his duty at James side, protecting the crew.

With James back and everyone seeming to be a little relieved to see him it was time they wait for the contact again. It wasn't long till he had arrived, a bit late but close enough. There was a bit of surprise that came across Sidneys face though when he noticed the contact was approching with James' sister. The previous grin that was on Sidneys face was quickly replaced with a scowl.

There was no way James was going to go for this nor was Sidney. He needed James' focus on the job not on some low-life petty Pesphone croke defiling his little sister. This couldn't stand no it wouldn't stand. Surely James would send his sister back to Bernadette and they could deal with this thug before they departed. Let him know that it is in his best interest to keep away from her. "Let's get to our Gor'ram Ruttin business."

Sidney's hand slowly moved toward his gun at his hip. Just resting there as he waited for James to get things rolling. He couldn't deal with Cadan now, not till they had the supplies on the ship at least. This crew couldn't afford to have James distracted that was for damn sure.

[Roger Davis]

Sakura was now watching the ramp beside Roger, a hell of a transformation. She was the most well armed doctor he'd ever seen and was glad to have another seasoned Browncoat at his side. Good thing he hadn't shot her when they first met... good thing he hadn't shot Sidney either. He really needed to stop greeting fellow Browncoats by drawing a weapon.

Well, that trend was about to end as a man was dropped off just in front of the ship and began to approach. Roger didn't even bother to reach toward his gun, let alone draw it, because the rest of the crew, especially Sakura, reacted so positively toward him. It had to be James, their captain.

The others rushed over to say their hellos while Roger kept vigilant. Once the rest were through and no longer distracted, Roger took the chance to introduce himself to his new captain. A little inside the ship now, out of view from passersby, Roger repeated his original introduction with Sidney, minus the gun.

"Lieutenant Roger Davis, 27th Independent Brigade." he said with a salute and then offered his hand to shake. "Your reputation precedes you, Colonel."

After meeting the real captain, Roger returned to his post just as their contact and a young woman around Kalli's age showed up, odd. As per the previous discussion about the mission, Roger wasn't about to trust this guy. Casually the gunhand had his hand rested on his holstered weapon, ready to kill a scumbag if necessary and if not it would help intimidate the man.

[James Clark]

James had to admit it was good to be back but as he stared down at his cane at Arts greeting he realised he wasn't much of a Captain at the moment. Looking around it was good to see a lot of faces old and new. Sid had done one hell of a job keeping things together while he was gone. He owed more to the man than anyone else. He decided rather than greeting everyone individually he would do it in one go. "I must say its good to be back" he told them his voice a little croaky. "This here is my baby sister, Layla" he introduced her to everyone. Then Roger came over to him and introduced himself "Always good to have a fellow vet on board" James said with a smile he was smiling because of his reputation. Yes James Clark was a man admired and respected and that was why his next words would be a shock. "Sid will continue to take point on this job, I'm in no fit state" he told them. It never ceased to amaze him how much respect he commanded in the room even from the newbies.

[James Clark]

James had to admit it was good to be back but as he stared down at his cane at Arts greeting he realised he wasn't much of a Captain at the moment. Looking around it was good to see a lot of faces old and new. Sid had done one hell of a job keeping things together while he was gone. He owed more to the man than anyone else. He decided rather than greeting everyone individually he would do it in one go. "I must say its good to be back" he told them his voice a little croaky. "This here is my baby sister, Layla" he introduced her to everyone. Then Roger came over to him and introduced himself "Always good to have a fellow vet on board" James said with a smile he was smiling because of his reputation. Yes James Clark was a man admired and respected and that was why his next words would be a shock. "Sid will continue to take point on this job, I'm in no fit state" he told them. It never ceased to amaze him how much respect he commanded in the room even from the newbies.

[meilinalbright]

Meilin was a bit later in joining the rest of the crew in the cargo bay. She wanted to lay out foodstuffs for lunch so when they got down to business, she wouldn't forget about it and have to rush to get enough food together. When she finally made her way to the cargo bay, the contact was already there. With another girl and a bearded man with a cane that seemed to command a lot of respect. Meilin caught his name a moment later. So this was the original captain.

She hung back at the top of the ramp and gave James a small wave. "Nice to finally meet you Mr. Clark." Should she have called him captain? Too late now. "I'm Meilin, your new cook."

[Sidney Bainbridge]

Sidney was more the eager to get things moving and headed on the right direction. He wanted this little get togehter to turn back in to working so that they could get off this rock before anyone took note of them being there. It was never a good idea to sit around on Peresphone for long, unless of course you are looking for trouble. "You heard the man I will be taking point, so lets get this show moving."

He walked up to Cadan and began to speak again. "Lets get to this warehouse and get this job done with. Lead the way." His tone of voice spoke far more then the words he was saying. There was a level of contempt in his voice that was unmistakable.

Sidney followed as Cadan as he lead them all the the warehouse. Sidney looked over at Layla as they made there way there. "Your heading back to Bernadette at this point? We should be able to have you back there within two days." He didn't realize that plans had changed and Cadan and her would be coming along with the Trinity for the full trip. It wasn't really his place to be telling her what to do but then again he was always there to back up James on whatever he decideds.

H would follow James through the gates of hell if he asked him to and for that he would also be there to help James protect his little sister whenever he felt he could help. After just a few minutes of walking the crew arrived at the warehouse and began the loading process.