[F] Not A People Person [Kara]

[Baden Fletcher]

Hefting the large bag on his back into a more comfortable position on his back and shifting the weight of the second bag that was just as large as the first in his left hand, Baden cast an eye around the cargo hold of the ship. He did not know that much about space-faring vessels, or any vessel for that matter, but something about it seemed right to him. Maybe it was just the architecture, the way the space was built. The place was oddly comforting for some reason and he could not place why.

Glancing around, he noted that the cargo bay was sadly devoid of cargo. Sad was a strange word to use to describe the place, perhaps, but that was the word that sprung to mind. A space made for cargo but no with cargo to occupy it. The concept resonated with him, bizarrely enough.

Shaking himself free of these pointless thoughts, he let his hand drop down near the holster at his hip. Empty spaces should not sit well with him very much. Especially large empty spaces with little to no cover available. The sounds of the ship settling clanged and creaked about him, but he could not hear any indication of human occupation.

Had he arrived here while there was no-one aboard? Was this even the right ship? He was sure he was in the right place, and the description of the vessel he had fitted. He needed out of the world, and he needed it now. Or relatively soon, at least. The place that had previously held him had not taken kindly to him breaking the teeth of that bartender, nor had he won over many hearts and minds when he broke the arms, legs and skulls of the watering hole's patrons. He counted himself lucky that he had been able to grab his gear before leaving and find an open position on a ship. He did not relish the idea of pushing lady luck's favour any more than he had already.

Shrugging at the strap that held Jessie to his non-bag holding shoulder so that she would be easier to unsling should he need her help, Baden Fletcher cleared his throat.

"Captain Monroe? I was told you were expecting me", he called out in his gruff voice. His hand still rested comfortably at his side, where his gun slept uneasily in it's holster.

[Kara Monroe]

Kara heard a voice, her hands rested on the skiff and she sighed softly to herself. Slowly the soldier stood trying to hold her balance before she began to walk towards the main cargo bay. The walk wouldn’t normally take her very long however, still in her cast she found herself increasingly annoyed with herself. The captain was just counting down the days until she would be free from this wretched thing.

“You must be Fletcher.” She had no way of knowing for sure who the man was, but something told her he wasn’t the mechanic type. A smile crossed her lips, there was something about fighters that had a hidden bond about them. One killer to another, they just seemed to know each other at a glance, well, at least that was how it was with Kara. Though she pondered that, was it really that easy for most, or was it simply her training that made things this way. It was of no difference. The point was her ship needed a crew, she needed cargo, and she needed people to help her keep that cargo safe.

“I was told you were coming.” Kara was never a people person, in fact she hated being the first person on the ship to greet people. She normally had her cheerful sister fill that slot, after all, she was the more personable of the two. Though for the sake of getting to their next job, the captain had to try her best. After all, she did have the people job right? ‘Ugh, I am regretting this alright.’ She paused a few paces away to gauge his reaction, her hand resting lightly on the butt of her revolver. After all, you never knew who might want to take your ship.

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((Sorry, when I get more in the groove of this character again they will flow nicer ))

[Baden Fletcher]

Hearing a voice, Fletcher looked over to where the noise came from and saw a young woman smiling at him. He was taken somewhat aback. Not by the fact that she was a woman and a captain. He had known many, many women during his time in the military that were much higher ranked than he was. Although, he did not really have any official rank back then, so it was difficult to say who outranked him.

No, he was taken aback by the fact she was shambling across the cargo bay with her leg in a cast. That was a great show of weakness, especially when showing yourself to someone so obviously armed as he was, and a stranger to top it off. That meant that she was either incredibly stupid or simply pretending to be in charge. But there was a look in her eye that he saw, one that he recognized. No, she was no idiot, nor was she a pretender. Rather, she was completely confident that even in her current state of injury she could best anyone that came through her cargo bay doors.

Not many people he met were that confident around him. He was almost impressed.

He noted that she too had her hand resting lightly at a gun belted to her side. Knowing that if someone did not do something soon the air would be heavy with flying led, Fletcher let his hand leave the butt of his own gun and let it find Jessie's strap instead. He would rather have her in his hands if it came to a gunfight. She never let him down.

"I heard that you were looking for someone in the business of killing things, Captain", he said in a tone that someone might use to discuss the weather. He let the bag in his left hand drop to the ground and there was a solid clunk of many metal things clanking together as it struck the floor.

"If that is the case then let us talk business, you and I."

[Kara Monroe]

Though her mind was put to ease, if only slightly, by his hand moving from the butt of his gun, it never reflected in her eyes or stance. Though he was the stranger on her boat, she was the one at the disadvantage. “I heard that you were looking for someone in the business of killing things, Captain.” She gave him one nod, down then back to it’s original position. She was looking for a hired gun, granted she didn’t expect to find one so quickly, though she was not about to look at gifts sideways. Well, that was in her nature, why was he willing to leave on her boat, there was something else in the air, then again, it could be her own impatience for wanting to leave the rock as fast as she could.

“Then allow us to talk business.” She shifted her weight, taking the pressure off her casted leg. “I have a room for each of my crew, you will have a room to yourself, unless you wish otherwise. Everything in the Mess is of fair game, my sister,” She gave him a look, anyone whom messed with her sister, well, she had no issue letting them vanish from her cargo bay in the middle of the night, or their bodies suddenly turning up in the ship, or on other planets. It was a weakness, of that she knew, but she was the oldest twin. There was very little that could be done, after all, Kara spent most of her life just trying to locate her sister again. “Kyla, normally prepares three meals a day. You may eat with us if you like, however it is not required. I have children aboard this ship, it’s part of a previous arrangement. I offer payments after every mission…” She paused then and just looked at the man before her. She paused to give him the chance to object if he so chose, or if there was something he wanted to add to what she already said.

There was an air about him, and judging by the sound of his bag, a rightful air. This, this was going to be an interesting voyage. An employee she might receive from these talks, but he didn’t look the time to sell his loyalty on the first greeting. She wasn’t either. She would have to work on him, after all, riches can only buy you so much, someone by your side, well, that was something completely different.

[Baden Fletcher]

Fletcher waited quietly while the captain was talking, taking a few steps around the cargo bay to look around further as she mentioned some details about the ship, the job and some of the other passengers. She announced that he would be able to have his own room and that there would be children aboard and he suppressed the urge to raise his eyebrow. He did not think that this would be a place for young people, considering that he was looking for employment here, but he kept that thought to himself, turning to reply to the young woman.

"A room to myself would be best. I've been reliably informed that I snore rather badly", Fletcher said. His face was straight and his voice even, so if he was joking it was difficult to tell. "And so long as they don't bother me or try to break into my room, I'll have no problem with any kids."

Scratching at his graying beard, Fletcher nodded to himself. Things could work out here, so long as he was given decent fights in-between downtime. He was not sure how this woman would operate, but considering that she let children on her ship he had his doubts that she solely sought out wet work. He was probably here to be more of an enforcer than a soldier, but it was something he should look into to clarify.

"I think that we can have an agreement, Captain", Fletcher announced. Reaching down and taking hold of his bag once more, he approached Kara. "If it is not too forward of me, may I suggest that we see the rooms? I can see you are just as eager to be away as I am. We can walk and talk, if you would like."

[Kara Monroe]

“This way then.” Kara moved her arm to have him walk with her. She knew they were both uncomfortable with the current situation, but what else could you do? “This is our main cargo area, as you can see we do have a Skiff. Though almost everything, like in all dragonflies is housed up stairs.” She carefully made her way though the cargo bay, touching the Skiff as they walked past. There were two door ways, but she took the one leading to the stairs. “Right there is our Infirmary, it is stocked at all times, if there is anything special you require, please let my sister know. Down that hall Is our passenger dorms.”

She didn’t say much more about the ship on this level, there really was no need. Moving out of the way, she had him climb the stairs first. She followed close behind. Since the cast was put on, Kara dreaded the stairs. “The Common area. Ky normally does the cooking as I have said before. Though those double doors is our normal supply lockers. I try to keep extra ammo and the like stocked there, as well as spaire engine parts. I don’t require you to buy ammo for my missions, however, bar duels are on your own dime.” She gave him a little smirk, then waved him up a set of stairs. “On either side of there, are two extra shuttles, both are currently rented out.”

The first bedroom they passed she ignored, it was for the mechanic. She wanted him sleeping close as she could to the engine. After all, if something went wrong she wanted him to have the shortest run possible. She walked along the left side of the ship and stopped at the next room they came across, “This will be yours if you so choose.” She slowly opened the door to allow him to walk in if he wished to explore it.

“The children know to stay out of the crew dorms. My sister and their eldest does most of the tending.” Kara didn’t like the idea of having them on her ship, however it wasn’t going to hinder business. “Our first job will be waiting for us once everyone is squared away.”

[Baden Fletcher]

Fletcher nodded as the captain pointed out the various features and rooms of the ship, filing away their locations in his head for future use should he need any of them. They made their way up to the second level of the ship, coming out in the common room/galley. Kara mentioned where the supplies were, but he doubted that he would need to visit that area. He liked to stock his own ammunition and weapons, ones he had used for a good long while, like Jessie or his kukri.

The captain went on to say that there where two shuttles on this level, both of which were rented out. Fletcher wondered whether the occupants had been here for any stretch of time or if they, like him, were newcomers to the vessel. Either way, it did not matter. He kept pace with the injured woman, allowing her to walk in front of him and lead the way again after she had let him ascend the staircase first.

They finally reached the room that he would be taking and Fletcher stepped forward to inspect the place. It was small, but with enough space to set up his plethora of weaponry, so he was certain that it would suit his needs fine. Placing the bag in his hand on the ground and slipping the second off his shoulder to join it, the old gunhand drew the kukri from its sheath that was fixed on his belt at his back. He began tapping the curved blade along the walls of the room, listening for any hollow sounds that indicated a fake panel concealing a hiding place.

"Are there any hidden spaces that I should know about in here? Or anywhere on the ship for that matter? I like to know every inch of a boat I'm travelling on so there no surprises waiting about to pop up". Finishing his inspection, he re-sheath the wicked looking knife and turned to face Kara for her reply.

[Kara Monroe]

Kara leaned on the door frame as she watched the man inspect the room. “Hidden compartment for gun storage over the bed.” She said it simply and calmly, as if there was no surprises to be had. “I have several in the cargo bay area, a couple you will gain knowledge of as we travel, as it stands, I’m still trying to feel you out Fletcher.” She didn’t want to push him off her boat, but they had just met. If he was Alliance she needed someplace that she could still stash some people away, those bothersome little areas that the feds were always complaining about.

“Our first Job is a couple days away, I will need you to be ready. These people aren’t my friends, and the last time things got a little more than messy.” That was an understatement. Every time Kara met with this family, it was normally on a mission from the Academy. The endings were always less than friendly, the soldier walked away with her fair share of bullet wounds. “Other than that, this ship is a standard Dragonfly, save for the extra shuttles… Is there any planets I should be avoidin’?” She asked him in much the same manor as he asked her about the compartments.

Kara would protect her crew, with her life if need be. Though she would never show it to any of them. Once they were on her ship, she would take care of them, and expect them to do the same. A unspoken agreement, the moment you accepted your first payment.

[Baden Fletcher]

Fletcher looked over to where the captain had indicated and found that there was indeed a secret compartment for weapons. It was not big enough to house all of the guns that he had brought aboard with him, but he could stash his favorites in there so if something were to happen and people searched his room they would not be able to steal his most prized pieces.

Reaching down to lug one of the bags onto the bed, he unzipped it and started unloading it, pulling out a heavy calibre revolver before taking it's twin from the holster at his hip and placing it in too. Joining the revolvers where several pieces of what appeared to be a heavy duty sniper rifle and a few handful of grenades, putting them into the space in an orderly manner. Once he had done that, he carefully removed Jessie from his shoulder and lovingly laid her down with her friends before replacing the panel.

"There's nothing to 'feel out', Captain Monroe", Fletcher said politely, casting his glance around the room, judging the best place to set up the rest of his gear. "I'm just another man with a gun, looking to make his way in the 'Verse. Point me in the direction you want me and I'll shoot whoever happens to be there between the eyes. As simple as pulling out a pin."

Collecting another pistol from his second bag and putting it in the empty holster, Fletcher decided to straighten up his room after he was finished with the good captain.

"No planets in particular. There may be some people who may take offense if they see my face, but nothing that a quick cut or two would not solve." Joining the captain back outside of his quarters, Fletcher continued. "So what exactly is this job, assuming that the details are available?"

[Kara Monroe]

“Some jobs are far more fun than others. The one we are currently on is a simple pick up the medical supplies, dodge the pirates that are looking for us, and make sure they make it home. The last two ships to take this job have vanished. If there are pirates, we might have ourselves a good time. If those other ships ran with the cargo, well, it might be a boring run for us all.” There was a twinkle in her eyes. She was hoping for the adventure, but then again Kara was never one to enjoy down time. She loved sparing, target shooting and the like. She would have to keep it up on this ship.

She wasn’t sure what other information she could give him, she wasn’t the talker of either of her pairing in the academy. The first was her sister, the out going one that gathered the information, then was Hale. While now Kara was on her own getting the things she needed, she found that sometimes the blunt approach didn’t work as well as being gentle. It was yet another learning experience for the young woman.

Though a good time might not be good times to her passengers, she hoped that the older man in front of her would understand what she meant. They were both fighters, when there was nothing to fight, well, things would get boring, and boring lead to other issues. With Kara, down time always lead to a grumpiness that was like no other, she would pick fights with other students just to get into a fight. They were taught that art was the easiest and best way to relax and enjoy the world. Kara’s art form just happened to be fighting.

[Baden Fletcher]

A simple delivery job then. With the pirates thrown in, it had some potential, but he doubted that he would hold his breath for anything too exciting coming out of it. Pirates tended to be desperate, stupid or both, and all too often they were strung out on this drug or that. It was rare to get a pirate who was decent in a scrap. But one could hope.

"Sounds simple enough", Fletcher said, running a hand through his graying hair. "The sooner we get to it the better, I say. If I don't have something to shoot at or blow up at regular intervals, I start getting... twitchy. Hopefully we won't get too much downtime. When I have to amuse myself, bodies tend to turn up randomly. Not good for crew morale, I'm told."

He noticed the look in the captain's eye and knew that she felt the same way as he did on this matter. He gave her a lopsided smile, the left half of his face refusing to move thanks to a bullet he took decades earlier. No, he was beginning to think that he would be hard pressed to find time to be bored on this ship. He could almost taste the chaos this boat would attract.

"I think I'll have a walkabout, if that's alright with you, Captain", he went on to say. "Get a feel for the ship, plan the quickest routes to different areas in case of emergencies and the like."

[Kara Monroe]

Kara nodded and smiled a little as she moved from his door. “Take your time Fletcher. Let me know what you find out.” She had run up and down the several times on the ship. She had her own personal record to get to critical places, one of which was the third shuttle. Everything needed to be accounted for. Though she had to admit she was going to be hard pressed to find another route to some places. Unless there was other things hidden about this ship.

The captain ran her fingers alone the walls of the ship as she walked. This ship was going to have many secrets to tell, and all she had to do was wait for them. However, for now, it was time to get her work done, her captaining work at least.

((End))