Taking a Break [Open to Crew]

[georgewest]

"That should be good, Ben," George responded. It made sense for him to have that bunk but he didn't want to just move in without consulting someone. George wasn't an indecisive person but he didn't want anyone to be left out of the room they wanted when he himself didn't care much.

George took a bite of bread, he was feeling pretty tired but he had to eat. He swallowed before turning to Roxanne, "No, I can't let you do that, I'll probably nick my ankle so I can use both hands." He was glad that Roxanne had mentioned the difficulty of running the device with just one arm. George looked quickly at the ring on her hand and wondered, before quickly looking away, why she wore it. He wasn't going to intrude, yet. He most likely wouldn't ask her about it, he would just hope that she might tell him one day.

Lily seemed to be an interesting person, she was high spirited and seemed to like machines. "If you want to see the mender in action, I could show you after this...i guess it's technically a meal," he said to the young mechanic.

[roxanne]

Roxanne nodded in appreciation at the pat that Lily gave her. They hadn’t really had time to talk but Roxanne hoped to chat with everyone once or twice before St. Alban’s. Right now, though, she didn’t trust anyone enough to confide in when her dark days came. “Ok George. Figure I’d offer my help is all,” she sent out as her thoughts were interrupted. There was no way she could send a wave out to her mother-her father wouldn’t let it through and probably not her brother either until she cleared the air with him. He felt like Roxanne was mad at him and always would be. The truth was she was no longer mad at anyone; the pain had subsided to a dull ache from time to time and she could often smile at the memories now.

Her smile began to return though as she thought of some of the better days-before he died. In reality she was getting lost in her own little world within the confines of her mind. Lily, George and Ben were chatting as is so she really didn’t care that she was getting lost within her mind. She didn’t realize that Lily that was kind of talking to her though. With Roxanne it was like she was looking and hearing through a haze. She was remembering a time he had surprised her with a picnic dinner in the cargo bay. When Ben started to talk, she started to snap out of things.

“Oh! Spaced off there a moment!” As she tried to get back into the conversation she blushed a little. She hadn’t realized that she hadn’t even touched the other half of her sandwich yet. ”If you need me out of the way or on the opposite, around, just let me know.” At this point there wasn’t much for her to do in the pit. Roxanne just had to check a few things every so often-before she went to unpack and before bed-then in the morning she’d check it all again. When on autopilot, unless it went off, there wasn’t much for her to do right off. It kind of made her antsy. Though once she was done unpacking before bed she may fly it on her own for a bit to pass the time.

For a moment she started to space out again. Eventually, maybe one day, she’d stop wearing the ring. That would be the day when, and more importantly if, she let the walls around her heart down and loved again. But as far as she was concerned, that day would never come. After everything with Nathaniel she didn’t want to fall in love again. But no one-not even her family-knew that. She tried to finish the last half of her sandwich but it somewhat seemed unappetizing as memories continued to flood. ”Once done here I’m going to check a few things then go set up my sleeping quarters.”

[parkesy]

James walked through the doors, and down the steps into the dining area.
He seemed to be in a world of his own, until he finally noticed everybody sat around the table.
He stared for a moment, and then suddenly realized that that was rude.
"Uh, Hey", He said to everyone with a friendly little smile.
He came across as a little reluctant to do so, as he had never met any of these people before, with exception of Ben.
He generally didn't like talking to a group of new people.
'But I'm going to be working with these people, so i should at least try' He though to himself.
"How's every one doing?" he spoke a lot more confidently now, not showing that he was starting to feel nervous as hell.

He walk around the table, and pulled up a chair a few seats from George, and looked at the food laid on the table.
Not entirely what he was used to back on Triumph with his father, but that didn't bother him.
At least for once he didn't have to kill it.
"Man, I haven't eaten for days!" He proclaimed as he reached for some bread.

Just before he shoved it into his mouth, he remembered there where ladies present.
James had never really been taught manners, never really needed them.
But he knew of them, and though it be wise to use the ones he knew of.
So he took a average sized bite out of it, and chewed his food quietly as he waited for the others to continue with the conversation.

[havenoplace]

Robin trailed after James into the dining area. She was familiar with most ship models, including this one, but it was awhile since she was onboard one. She couldn't keep from smiling when she entered the ship and even now her happiness was clear on her face.

When she stepped into the dining area she was met with a table full of people. Her new crew. Usually she was a lot more forward but, despite the welcoming atmosphere of the ship, she felt a little like it was her first day at school or something.

She raised her right hand and gave a short wave, "Hey."

Eyeing the table as she walked towards it, she found a free seat and quickly sat down. Trying to remember her 'please's and 'thank you's, she reached out and took a piece of bread, smiling at the person opposite her.

[lilyzhang]

“It'll be done, then!” Lily said to Ben, nodding her head once in an efficient manner. With that, she returned to her snack, taking small, thoughtful bites out of the bread. She wondered what the problem with the com might be, but she wasn't too worried yet. If anything, Lily saw it as a learning experience - a puzzle to be solved and memorised for future use. And Lily liked puzzles.

Being absorbed in her thoughts, the mechanic didn't notice the ring on Roxanne's hand. What she did pick up on was how distracted the pilot seemed, and Lily wondered what she was thinking about. Before long though, the teenager's thoughts went back to the issue of the com, and she took a contemplative sip of her water. She woke up a little when George spoke, though.

“Would you mind?” she smiled as he asked her if she'd like to watch him test the dermal mender. Having heard vague things about how they worked, the girl was keen to see one in action. “If I've got time, I'd like that. I mean, it must really do the job if you're going to test it on yourself.”

The mechanic placed her glass down, as Roxie apologised for being all spaced out. “Ha, no worries!” The mechanic said. "We've all got a lot to be thinking about before tomorrow."

Still smiling by the time the newcomers entered the room, Lily offered JD and Robin a friendly wave. “Hi there,” she said as she reached across the table, and snitched another piece of bread.

[roxanne]

Roxanne was getting out of her own thoughts. It was a long process really. Sometime’s she went so far into herself that it was nearly impossible. But today she could. There was a great group of people around her. Between Lily, George and the captain, things were fine and dandy. Oh! New people! Went through her thoughts. There were two others who entered she didn’t remember meeting. Probably because she ducked out of the pub as soon as she was done eating. In between bites she addressed the newcomers.

First was the gentleman who had entered. After swallowing the bite that left about two-thirds of the last half of the sandwich, she waved in greeting at him. There was a kind smile on her face. ”I’m Roxanne, but you can call me Roxie. Sorry I haven’t formally met you yet.” Before she even finished, the other woman trailed in. ”Same goes for you and everyone. Sorry for saying you. I‘m just not sure of your two‘s names yet.” At least it wasn’t too uneven and awkward here. Roxanne always felt weird when it was just her and her mother on the boat. But her mother also knew how to stick up against her father. Now, the family was divided since Nathaniel’s death.

In three or maybe four bites she finished the last half of her sandwich. As she pushed from the table, her plate nearly fell from her hands. That was a whoops moment! With a whistle she made her way to the sink in order to wash her dish. It wasn’t like she was completely incapable of doing things on her own after all. With a flick of her hand and a rush of water she used the nearby sponge to clean off her plate-metal one of course. As she dried it off, she decided to stick around for a bit longer to see if anything interesting happened. Before she took her seat she put her plate away and refilled her cup with some water.

Lily really had no idea what she was thinking about. It was amazing. Yes, while flying this girl was on her mind there was also her family, Nathaniel and a little fling you could call it she just left behind. He was really nothing to her. They just met up a few nights a week and had some fun. All she wondered was if he tried to find her. ”So how long has everyone been working on boats? Any first timers?” This was her own curiosity she wanted steamed as her eyes roamed the table. Her chin rested on the very edge of the table as her chin found it’s way to the palm of her hand.

[parkesy]

James looked up at Roxanne as she introduced herself to him.

”I’m Roxanne, but you can call me Roxie. Sorry I haven’t formally met you yet.”

Just as he was about to answer, Robin entered the room, and Roxanne quickly turned her attention to her.

”Same goes for you and everyone. Sorry for saying you. I‘m just not sure of your two‘s names yet.”

He waited for her to finish before he replied, giving a friendly smile back.
"Well, the names James, but everyone calls me JD."Giving her a little nod, the way he usually does when he greets people.
He gave everyone else a look, to see if they where listening, hopefully they will introduce themselves then.

He took another quick bite out of his bread, as Roxanne finished off her sandwich and stood up.
JD grinned as she look as though the plate was slipping out of her hands. She caught it though.
She whistled her way to the sink, probably hoping that no one saw the very near dropping of the plate.

She sat back down after putting away her plate.
”So how long has everyone been working on boats? Any first timers?” , Came her voice from across the table.
"Well, this is my first time on a boat like this. My old man used to own a small long range shuttle though, he taught me how to fly it, but I bet it's nothing compared to flying a ship like this.
We didn't use it all too much though."
He said he could fly it. It was true too, if you don;t count taking off and landing.
JD never really had a nack for aircraft.
"What about yourself?",He asked.
wouldn't be a conversation if he didn't.

[roxanne]

Roxanne nodded at JD a nod when she learned his name. Ok so she was finally learning more names. Just making sure to remember them. Lily was delicate looking like a flower, JD has the jammin’ dreads, George was well George, and Ben was the captain. Roxanne said everyone’s names aloud under her breath to reassure herself she was getting them correct. ”Nice to meet you JD.”

At least from what she could tell he was friendly enough. She really didn’t like grouches. That was one reason Roxanne had left her family. It had gotten to be too much when it came to the way her and her father butted heads. Not just about Nathaniel’s death either. About much too many things to stay on the ship.

JD’s story was rather fascinating. He could fly a little but was working on the ship as something else. She wondered a little why he never looked into piloting a bit more. Maybe she’d ask him. Keep the conversation a float.

Oh. Her turn. ”Bred on and born just outside my father’s ship. A converted cargo ship. Spent his life savings on it. Him, my mother, brother and I plus any crew he hired were on it. Where I learned to fly.” Roxanne refilled her water glass about half way before she continued. After all, she really needed a pause. ”Left about a month or two ago. My father and I…” Her voice stopped short a moment as she choked up slightly. ”We just don’t get along anymore. Needed to branch away from the family.”

Now she wanted the conversation off herself. Back to anyone but her. Her eyes darted. George and Lily seemed to be in their own conversation still. Ben was jumping in? Either way she turned back to JD and the other woman. ”Why didn’t you pursue piloting?”

[parkesy]

'So, she's a pilot. Probably the one who is keeping the Orlando on course'. JD though as Roxanne was talking.
He'd never really met many proper pilots before he left home. His father never really was great at it himself, so he didn't count.

Roxanne told him why she left home, and JD felt bad. Especially when she paused.
He had always got along with his dad, and he thought it must have been tough not being able to talk with your parents.
He could see that talking about her family might upset her, so he left it at that.

”Why didn’t you pursue piloting?”

"Never had a need for it really. We had all we really needed in the shack, and there's a town about 10 minuets away. If we ever needed to actually fly anywhere though, my dad had it covered. Besides, all I've ever really needed to know how to do is shoot."
, it was a good question though.
He did love to fly, see the world from a different perspective, and he can't say that he didn't have the time for it. All he ever had to do is hunt, and hang around with his friends in the village.
JD smiled as he asked back,"OK, why did you actually pursue flying? must have been plenty of other things you could have learnt." He paused for a second as he though about what he had just said. "Well, okay there ain't too much, but there are some."

[Haha Jammin' Dreadlocks, nice ]

[havenoplace]

Robin sat listening to Roxanne and JD talk while she made quick work of the bread in her hand. She hadn't eaten too well lately between the lack of work and the sitting around at the shipyard all day looking for it. Left little time for snacking.

She took in everything they were saying, happy to be learning about her new crew. Roxanne seemed to have some trouble in her past, then again who didn't in this 'verse. She understood all too well the things you want to leave behind, but at the same time bring with you. At this point Robin realized that she'd stopped eating and was now staring at the bread. She closed her eyes a moment before throwing them back towards her chatting crew.

She continued to eat and follow their conversation. She was glad to find that they were approachable and actually talk. She hadn't been on a proper crew in a long while now and interesting conversation was scarce when she was helping folks fix up their ships. The last chat she had was a little too interesting for her taste. Mike had a talent for stirring up her usually hidden emotions. She hoped a long time would pass before she had to see him again..a very long time.

JD seemed like a really nice guy from humble beginnings, like herself. She was getting an idea about those two, but had yet to talk to the rest. She'd met the captain when he agreed to take her onboard, something she was not going to forget anytime soon.

[roxanne]

Roxanne liked learning about people. And people who had a wide background especially fascinated her because they always had new stories. JD seemed to have that. He learned to fly but never went into it much. But he decided to be a gun hand instead. Fit though. Roxanne did know how to handle a gun that was for sure. But she couldn’t have been a gun hand. Especially after everything. Plus, she was much too sweet as her father put it. She’d probably want to talk it out instead of firing. Though in retrospect she knew when it was best to shoot instead of talking. Or not to do anything at all.

”So you used to live planetside before this?” Roxanne had never been planetside for more then a few days at a time. The most was the four days they had buried…that was dashed away.

Ah, her and piloting. A bittersweet tale now. ”My father actually. Him and one of the other pilots taught me over the years from the time I was eight years old. Over the years until I was 19 I helped and learned until I was allowed to pilot on my own. Then I worked on piloting my father’s ship. Pretty much family run. His ship, my mother pretty much made sure we could afford what we needed, my brother became a gunhand and I flew.” Enough about that though. She turned to Robin who was rather silent and tilted her head in a warm manner.

”What about you Robin? What’s your story?”

[parkesy]

”So you used to live planetside before this?”

JD nodded his head as he finished off the piece of bread in his mouth.
"Yeah, Until a few months back I had never left atmo. Never really wanted to really, i had my dad, my friends and alot of free time. But I just woke up one day and thought to myself, My life is taking me now where, I've gotta get out and make something of myself, Ya know?
So I caught a lift of one of the passing traders, and headed to Persephone. Got into a few tight spots, made a few acquaintances, then bumped into Ben. Was gorram lucky I did, else I'd be stuck there, and probably been dead by now.".
He really didn't like persephone.
He didn't know what it was, maybe it was the civilisation that he wasn't used to, or maybe it was the groups of thugs that tried taking advantage over him because he was new to the planet.
But who cares now, He's got a place to call home now, with people who he generally likes even if he hasn't really got to know them properly yet. But he will.

"Ah parental influence then." He with a smile, when Roxanne had finished "My old man was the one who taught me to shoot. Only because he didn't want anything to do with guns since the war, but he knew we'd need protection."
He often wondered what he would have done and where he would be now if he hadn't been taught how to use a gun.
He'd probably have ended up as a pilot himself. But JD is always glad about the way he turned out.
"It's a good thing that your dad taught you how to fly. Otherwise you probably wouldn't be here with us now. and that would suck", he said with a little chuckle.

”What about you Robin? What’s your story?”, said Roxanne.
JD turned his head to look at Robin too. So that he could pay attention to her life.