Knuckles & Knives }{ [Jeff & Athena Crew]

[Paige Demore]

[July 19th, 2522]

Priya was heading towards the pub; the same pub she was at when Liliana and her had come to their agreement. They would share the captain position on the ship to be named the Athena, an Aces&Eights class vessel that Liliana had purchased. The woman had deep pockets, which was good because Priya wanted to be paid well. That's the main thing that tempted the Alliance officer to join in this charade, the money. While she was sympathetic to Liliana's situation, it wasn't her situation and she wasn't really a friend. Priya didn't have friends, she had people who were useful.

She had gotten in touch with the owner of the pub two days ago; wanting the name of their man. She was in charge of getting crew together, while Liliana took care of whatever it was she was taking care of. She had a pilot lined up, while she was supposed to be damn good, Priya wasn't sure how her fighting skills were. They could use more in that category; she couldn't do everything alone when it came to combat. The man in question had displayed the kind of potential she wanted the day she had met Liliana.

So she'd gotten the name of Jeffery Weston; checking around the Alliance database. The man was indeed former Alliance; great combat record, fought in the war, but in the end he was dishonorably discharged. She pondered how mister Weston would react to her being Alliance; there was no notation about why he'd turned towards the Independents in the end. Priya would have to tread carefully with this one, but he would be a good addition to the Athena and she wasn't on duty.

Priya sauntered into the pub, her eyes wandered the room however her current target wasn't here. She made her way up to the bar, waving the bartender over. "I'm here to see Jeff Weston, would he happen to be about?" The man looked at her for a long moment, Priya waited, not speaking anything additional.

[Jeff Weston]

Day to day the common man had lived for years being OK with simply working for a few credits an hour. Yet Jeffery Weston was not your common man, he was x-military. The life he was currently having was starting to eat upon him, as acid upon metal.

Another day of work and another head ache for someone who knew the feeling of free fall from high orbit. Todays work consisted of mechanical brute work. The pub's lower boilers were acting up again. Why might one ask why would an x-military be working on a boiler? He had over heard a conversation between the boss and one of the hands who had went home see a dying parent. They were discussing about cutting the leave and returning to fix it before it exploded. This is when Jeff piped up about a few possible problems and fixes. The boss was shocked to know that his bouncer and cargo transporter was also a mechanic.

Yet Weston was not a repair man he had simply read a manual on them so that ifhe had to he could blow one in a hurry. So once again his photographic memory has come not to his aide but to cause more work for him. After an hour of dealing with the boss and getting the real mechanic to transport a bit of cargo back with him from Hera, did Weston agree to do the work.

Four hours and more than a few choice words toward the makers sanity and compentcy did the work come to it's finish. Jeff slowly walked up the darkened steps toward the light of day and of voices of the living. Emerging from a blind hall way he could hear a voice, one soft with a determination of a woman on a mission. The woman he remembered seeing in the pub a while back. Now back again she was now asking for him. Was she Aliance or brown coat, was not a factor to him. He had broken ties to both sides, now it was more of a matter of who would and could pay to hire him. So waking into the main part of the pub he hoisted the 48 inch pipe wrench to his shoulder and moved toward the bar where she was standing. She may have been a proper lady asking questions about him but the pub was the last place for proper discussions or expecting every one to stay to the dress code especially in the off hours. For Jeff had been working in the hottest place nearest to hell itself and he had to adjust to the working conditions. With out a shirt glissening with sweat and smeared with gear greese, he'd left decoram when he came to this planet so it was no differnt this day. Altho the bar keep was tring to give him a sign that he needed to get cleaned up first Weston simply did what he did best, ignored the poor man and asked this beauty before him.

So what have I done to recieve a proper lady like yourself and why would she be searching for me?

[Paige Demore]

Priya stood there, waiting for the barkeep to answer her. She was about to get upset until someone else answered for him; Priya turned her head at the sound of a new voice in the room, seemingly speaking to her. A proper lady though? It was a humorous thought. She eyed the man, more like admired, she was not against taking in the good sights. A sly grin crossed her face as her eyes met Jeff's.

She moved closer towards the man before her, keeping the eye contact steady and strong. The heels of her boots making a 'click-clack' sound as she moved with grace. Priya shifted her stance and propped an arm on her hip, "I have a proposition for you Mister Weston, if you've a few moments to spare to hear more." Priya paused a moment her voice going softer when she continued, "That's also if you have any interest in not only getting off this planet but also making money."

[Jeff Weston]

His thoughts had been of leaving this planet, but his main draw back was the lack of money. Now here standing before him was some one who looked better off than any of the locals or current residents. She had some thing else than none of the common planet hoppers had, his intrest.

You have my intrest and ear. What be your future needs of some one you've seen only once?

Yes Jeff remember this young lady, well it was hard to forget two very beautiful ladies that came into this dive. Hopefully he did not look the gullable type, though he was showing a growing concern about leaving before the owner asked him to be the next manager. The last one was shot through the floor during a very rowdy independance day.

[Paige Demore]

Priya grinned, she had the man's attention. There were a few things that always got a man's attention; one of them being money. "I may have only seen you once mister Weston but it was quite a show of your..talents." She motioned for him to follow her to the nearest table; once seated she began her proposition. "My situation is probably unique; you see I am a captain of a ship, however I also share that title with another woman. The two of us have come to an agreement; the reason for our meeting here the other day in fact. I've taken it upon myself to seek out crew for this ship. While I am a capable fighter myself; I would rather not be the only one with such talents. I couldn't begin to tell you how long the ship will be flying, as my partner is putting this together for a personal reason she wishes to take care of. Though I can tell you the pay is quite good, and as I said it will get you off of this rock."

Priya paused for a moment, eyeing Jeff. She decided it would be best to get her affiliation out of the way; better for him not to find out later and think she lied to him or anything. The last thing that was needed was unrest in the crew.

"Also you should know before-hand; I am an officer of the Alliance. Though this particular job has caused me to take leave for a time. But I figured you should know before deciding anything given your own history with them." Which was also how she knew that he would be a good use to the crew in the event that things went south at any point. "So you can imagine I won't be asking for your loyalties to be to the Alliance; only to the ship and her crew. What do you think mister Weston?"

[Jeff Weston]

Weston listened and watched this ting of beauty walk over to a near by table. He was not surprised when she jestured for him to have a set. Walking over to the table he sat down and let the pipe wrench slide from his shoulder and thud on the wooden floor. It was nice to her some one who could properly use the right english words with out butchering it to heck.

As she spoke he listend to her words and siliently mimiced her tone and accent. What she had to say was very clear to understand, she wanted him for their crew. This is about when she leaned forward and spoke in lower tones. For a few seconds he eyes were else where yet the words 'Aliance officer' snapped him back to the now.

He too leaning forward and mimicing her accent-Thank you for your considerations. The Aliance did not give me as much as you have, also they failed to may my wagges that is why I joined the brown coats for a bit.

Leaning back and in the same accent-My loyalties have always been to the ones who pay the most. Little on the friends side of things do I have, so 'If' the time comes when the money runs out I'll have to rethink this agreement. As you stated before the 'rock' has little to offer and I'm in. Being ready is not much of a problem. I'm always packed, in case this place is to be burned down. Though I am waiting on a package being delivered by a co-worker. It should be here tomorrow morning is that to late for ya?

Jeff sighed and waited for her to answer, Finally to be off this rock, he was very happy for three years had he been morroned on the planet asfter being taken from the trashed firefly that was ment to be his grave.

[Paige Demore]

Priya grinned, this had been easier than she'd expected. Apparently he had no deep connection to this place and was happy to get an offer to leave it. Which suited her just fine, the less she had to work on convincing the man the better. He seemed to not care that she was an officer of the Alliance, that was good also. "Good, so we'll say you'll officially start with us tomorrow then. Though we aren't scheduled to leave planet until the 25th."

She leaned back in a more relaxed fashion, Priya had found a pilot, Roxie and now she had additional muscle in Jeff. Her crew was coming together nicely, a bit slow, but still nicely. "You can join us at the ship now or tomorrow, it's up to you really. You'll be meeting my fellow captain; Liliana, you saw her the other day here with me. There's also my pilot, Roxanne who just joined us quite recently. I know it's not much of a full crew yet, but it's being worked on."

Priya took a folded piece of paper from her pocket, set it on the table and pushed it towards Jeff. "Our current docking. The ship's name is the Athena. Is there any questions you'd like me to answer for you mister Weston?"

[Jeff Weston]

Jeff quietly nodded to all that she said. This lady is so accomandating it's scary. The only question he truly had on his mind was......

So how should I address you captain, lady cap, or yes mistress?... See you tomorrow then.

Smiling joking he stood and picked up the pipe wrench and turned to go up stairs. Looking back he cap nodded and started up the stairs for he was going to have some thing had hadn't had in along while...... a cold shower.

[Paige Demore]

Priya smiled at his question; she watched as he stood up and grabbed the wrench he'd been using. "Priya will be just fine mister Weston, Priya Sanai. We'll see you tomorrow, have a good evening." She kept her eyes on him as he left, once he was out of view Priya picked herself up. Nodding at the barkeep before she left and headed out the door.

Entering the Athena she grabbed the nearest com, "We'll have a new crew mate joining us tomorrow, mister Jeff Weston so don't go shooting first before you ask questions tomorrow." She grinned, Priya was probably the only one here so far that'd shoot first and ask questions later.


[September 20th, 2522 - Late morning]

Priya had gotten up early again, she almost always did. She'd spent some time making sure a room was cleaned up and tidy for Jeff. He was expected today at some point, no real time had been stated, which was fine. It just meant someone would have to be here through the day so he could get on board. She meant to relax today so that was fine, Priya sat at the dining table cleaning her weapons. It was a daily ritual of hers. She cleaned her main arsenal here at the table, but there were some extra firearms and such that she kept hidden away in her room; she cleaned those there away from prying eyes. They didn't need to know everything she had. Roxie and Liliana had come to the dining room themselves, so here they all were.

[Jeff Weston]

The night was a short sleep for Weston for about four in the morning he heard a noise from outside and then a loud thud from down stairs, then cursing and angry howlering from the barkeep. Weston roused himself and made his way down stairs. There in the middle of the bar was a wooden coffin weather worn by a few years in the ground. Standing by it was the bar's mech-man returning from Hera with a very unhappy barkeep.

What the heck are you dragging a old coffin in here at four in the morning you numb nut!

The mech-help was trying to talk but when he got nervous he often studdered for a bit. Seeing this Jeff spoke up on the poor mans defence, and more in his benefit because there were a few items in that long box that needed careful handling.

Hey boss man! That box is mine I asked him to bring it here as my payment for doing his work. It's some of my....things I left on Hera that needed storing for a bit. Thanks pal, you did well go get some sleep. Your Hell starts tomorrow.

Finishing the flight of stairs and pushing past the barkeep Jeff went over to look at his cashe container. The outside was as he thought eaten by the few years but still in fairly good shape. As he was about to remove it and place it in the back storage area till it got light the Barkeep started his rant. The words mattered not mostly local colorful words and comments about his sexuality and breeding and his parental birth mother, God bless whoever she was.

Weston quietly ignored him and grabbed hold of the dolly that the coffin was on and started to move it out of the main floor space of the bar. Every thing was cool and fine until the barkeep grabbed hold of Weston's right arm making him stop.

Did you or did you not forget about our deal when I started this job. . . . I did not tell you how to run your business and you would keep your hands off of me. Your forgot right. Tell me you forgot.

The barkeep kept his hold upon Jeff and tried to turn him around. This was a clear to Jeff that their contract was now over. A quick reverse kick with his right heel dislocated the barkeep's knee cap dropping him to the floor. Instead of turning and going out the front door Jeff simply moved the coffin out the back and into the back kitchen. leaving the coffing there he went to his room and gathered his stuff into a large military duffle bag. He walked past the barkeep twice once to his romm and the final time to the kitchen neither time did he look at the poor fellow on the floor. Yet he did speak before disappearing into the kitchens.

Pay well, treat your workers and customers right, and never break a contract, that is how you will run the bar or I'll come back and burn the place down with you in it.

Those words hung in the cold air making it seem even colder as he vanished into the darkened kitchen.

The following morning late Jeff finally made his way to the port after a bit of reoutfiting for amo ingrediants and spare parts. To what most would call what he had gathered looked like junk we it did come from the junk yard, but it was replacement part that might be needed for his equipment that was still hidden with in the wooden coffin. Finding the birth of the Athens was simple enough getting throught he people and numerous barkers, not so. Yet he did make it through with out mashing anyone in the mush for doind their job.

The cargo hold of the Athens looked as clean and polished as Priya had Jeff was a bit saddened when he had to drop the flithy coffin on the deck. Though it was out of the way it stuck out like a sore thumb. He ran the dolly back out of the hold and grabbed the nearest pry bar and started to open it right there and hopefully he would have it torn down and cleaned up before they lifted off.

The noise of snapping wood and thunks as it hit the floor echoed of the hold's walls. No one who had ears would not miss the sound of Jeff working. Soon a bit of sweat started and his new crisp white shirt was in danger of being spoiled, so off it went. With the top holds broken Jeff was ready to open it and see if his gear was still there or he would have to hunt it down piece by piece.

[roxie]

Roxanne had dragged herself out of bed due to the fact that there was going to be another new crew member on board. Normally if she didn’t have to fly she’d sleep in for a little while. Going into the bridge just to get herself acquainted a bit more with her new baby. They were still docked on Persephone which meant she was able to have a little more time with her brother. She would miss him but they had done this before; the whole her flying a ship and not being near him. They were sibling but the Knightly kids weren’t attached at the hip. They could live without one another and be idependant. Something Roxanne prided herself on.

Satisfied she knew her work station well, she went wandering around the ship. Some of her stuff was still in boxes as she was too lazy to unpack. Clothes spilled out of the bags they were stuffed in and the small personal stuff was half unwrapped. There was hardly anything breakable and what she had that was would be stuck down to a surface securely. But, again, she was too lazy to even start doing that. Roxanne hummed a little tune as she walked through the grated floors and then along the cat walk. Seeing a new gentleman standing about, she hung back a moment. Roxanne tilted her head to observe him. He had a hard look about him like maybe he had seen a lot of fights throughout his life. Or that he was just a man generally full of secrets.

Feeling like she had been a creeper long enough, she finally called out, ”Hey there.” Her boot clad feet marched down the stairs with a smile on her face. As she neared the bottom of the stairs she started to bounce a little. Sometimes Roxanne had childlike qualities but they were fleeting. ”Ya must be Jeff. I’m Roxie, the one flying this thing.” As far as she gathered he’d be the head muscle around here. he was scary enough if it came down to a fight at least.

tagged;; priya/jeff/open
outfit;; [url=http://www.polyvore.com/haventhreads/set?id=35150238here minus the ring[/url][/i]
notes;; nada
[/size][/color][/font]

[Jeff Weston]

Jeff knew that he had very little to fear from what he knew of the captain. She seemed to him to be the type to dismember you when your a sleep. As for the others he had not know them just yet. Nearing the final nail he caught a whiff of a lady's perfume. So all the noise he was making finally drew some one out. Who it was he was not sure, but they had a happy bounce in their step.

The cheerful 'Hey there,' gave him most of what he was to expect from the young lady. A flash of a memory of days gone by quickly came and went as he remembered meeting some one else whom she reminded him of. Yet the sadness replaced it with the final memory of her, their first space walk in which she either failed to check her spacewalk suit or some one had a hand in her final departure. He lowered his head and ripped the final nail out.

Raising his head he answered her half question,....

Yea I am. Heaving the top off the outer wooden coffin revealing a New Teched coffin hidden with in undamaged and looking as good as the day he put it into the ground for a time undetermined.

Well I hope you can keep her in the air and I'll protector her when needed. . . . . Could you give me a hand? It's not very heavy, just acward.

Thinking of what he was asking of a girl he coughed and reworded what he said.

I mean it's not a body it's just an easy way to protect my stuff for the few years till I had need of it. My cache of sorts.

[Paige Demore]

Priya had heard the noise coming out of the Athena's entrance ramp, she assumed it was Jeff, her newest recruit. Roxie was no longer in the room with her and Liliana, Priya hadn't noticed her leaving, odd that. She had been a bit lost in thought however, that would explain her slack in attention. Putting her weaponry back into it's proper placings the co-captain picked herself up from the table and headed towards the door. She gave a nod to her partner before leaving, the two hadn't spoke much since they struck their deal. That was all fine and dandy for Priya.

Looking over the current situation she surveyed that Roxie had greeted mister Weston, nice thing of her to do. Priya also noticed the container that Jeff had with him....a coffin? She raised a brow until she heard him speak to Roxie, then her questioning look became a sly grin and she headed into the conversation.

"Glad to see you made it to us safely Mister Weston. Also happy to hear that's not a body sitting on my ship." She sauntered over to the container looking in side curiously then glancing back at the man. "I'd hate to have missed all the fun. Priya was grinning again, she was sort-of trying to give off the 'I'm joking' vibe, but figured he'd pick up on the seriousness of her comment. She didn't want to make Roxie afraid or anything about going to sleep on the ship with her around after all.

"Any specific place you're wanting to store all this?"

[Jeff Weston]

Weston reached out to the seal locks when the Captain Priya spoke up. Inside he chuckled at her words how true and so close to the reality she was. He hit the switches and the casket hissed and popped it's other latches. As he was opening it wide he stated....

Your quite close cap. It is a body of sorts but not someone else's but my own.

Flopping it open the deep space marine combat suit was laid out like a human should have been when being buried. In his hands was his New Tech combat rifle. At his right and left hip was a pair of heavy new tech stun sticks along with a sonic pulse blaster. Finally between his legs was a heavy looking plastic container which he picked up first.

The suit was clean a looked the same as when he left it for a return visit if and when the war turned bad. His left hand held tight to the plastic box as he reached for the sonic blaster. With a click it snapped to his right hip where a mag clip was sown into his pants. Reaching over the suit he went for the other stun rod first then the second. Swapping hands with the case and the sticks he then placed the two rods into his left pocket.

Finally he removed the rifle to let hang by it's strap over his right shoulder. Tugging at some material under the suit he turned back to Priya.

With a grunt-Just a room. I'll be selling what's left. As for the suit. It to will not be a problem to house in my room.

With a click of a tech tag of a body bag under the suit, it started to curl up and fold upon the suit gathering it's self around the suit and returning to it's storage state which looked like any military duffel bag. Hefting the bag out he set it down at his feet.

Looking about the hold he said...I've never really had a place that fit me or felt like home. Maybe..... this will be the first.

[Paige Demore]

Priya looked over Jeff's arsenal, she was feeling kind of envious. Her own collection wasn't even this nice, she'd need to work on that it seemed, but then she liked the simple things anyway. Nodding at his words, "Well alright then, so what do you need a hand with? I can show you to your room."

She gave a nod to Roxie, letting her know she could go back to whatever it was she was up to. They could all mingle at meal time, perhaps it'd be less silent tonight. Priya hadn't been much for chit-chat, she wasn't sure what Jeff's stance on it was.

Priya could relate to Jeff's comment about a place like home, she'd never felt that way about anywhere. The Athena wasn't even an exception to that, but perhaps given time. "You'll have plenty of room to yourself, she's a bit larger than more common ships. I can't promise it'll feel like home, but you can call it that for your time on her if you like." She gave him a slight smile and crossed her arms across her mid-section.