A place to call home

[radegrasan]

Rade had his eyes closed and was still enjoying the sunny, warm day. He hadn't felt this relaxed in ages. It was almost as if confessing about what happened three years ago to someone brought him some inner peace.

"Hello, Ari, permission t' come aboard?"

Rade recognized that voice. He opened his eyes and let his shades drop a bit down his nose to get confirmation.

"Oh great. That guy again..." Rade thought in himself.

Rade didn't like the guy one bit. And that was mutual. He could tell by the arrogance Beckett displayed toward him when they met. Also, the guy was too laid back after Rade's taste. He figured a farmboy like Beckett must've never even heard of adrenaline, let alone experience it watching cows or whatever livestock they kept on the farm.

Whether or not Beckett was going to sign on with the Lenore, he couldn't spoil Rade's mood. The day was just too beautiful and Rade was enjoying every second of it. Yet Rade stayed polite and gave the guy a friendly nod.

"Beckett." He said while nodding.

He then leaned back against the crate again, put his shades back on top of his nose and his hands against his head.

"Gorram hick..." Rade thought before going back to being relaxed once more.

[haven]

Haven was wandering around the docks. She was looking for a job. Again. Most of the dang medics she ran into were too proud to take on an assistant on the ships. Today she wore a black tank top underneath her favorite, worn coat. Her jeans were ripped and her familiar boots were on her feet. Some of her more comfortable shoes were int he place she was staying. Like her nursing shoes. She hadn't worn them in so long. Her curled hair had been pulled back about an hour ago into a loose ponytail with a leather strap. Just a typical day for Haven Raines.

Except for the new ship.

The Lenora.

She racked her brain and remembered a particular woman named Ari. She had mentioned that if Haven was still around to stop by and she'd have a job. The thought bounced around in her brain. What the heck. She might as well check it out. Her boots clicked on the metal flooring of the cargo bay hatch. She saw a couple women and a couple men in the bay. Only one woman she knew. Ari Deschain. Haven pulled on a half smile and stepped up to the mechanic she met in the Irish pub nearly three weeks ago. "You still looking for someone to fix up your crew?" Haven rested her weighted on her right leg with her left hand tucked into a belt loop. Her right hand raised up in a carefree wave. Even if these other people didn't like her, she didn't care. Ari had offered her a job and she needed one.

Her eyes traveled over the crew. They were a makeshift bunch, but what crew wasn't. Except for them d*mn Alliance. They were all robots who all fit together. Because that's how they were programmed. Follow orders to a T. Never let any speck of dust hit the ship. Everything is to run how the government wants. Haven couldn't stand that. How they wanted to control everyone how they wanted. Even their own crew. Their was following orders, then there was too extreme. Why she left home. These thoughts bounced in ehr head along with old memories. "Cause I'm definitely looking for a way out."

[Ari Deschain]

Ari looked up in surprise at a familiar voice. Shading her eyes against the dying sun, she saw Connor standing over her, his hand extended. "Permission granted, o'course!" She took his hand and pulled herself up, then shook his hand. "It's good ta see you here! Perfect timin'. This is the crew so far." Sweeping her arms wide, she indicated the people around her. "You know Rade, I think. An' this is our new first mate, Olympia." She grinned widely, happy he had come. "So did ya think about my offer there, Connor?" Her eyebrow rose questioningly. "Or did ya want to think on it some more?" She personally hoped he'd agree to her proposition, seeing as how it'd be right difficult to find someone else she trusted and knew at least a bit that also had what she considered the charisma and nature for the position.

Rade didn't seem all too happy about Connor being there, which could be problematic in future, but she wouldn't worry about it now. Things usually had a way of working themselves out in the black, for better or for worse. Hopefully it would not turn into an Ursula/Ari situation. If there was anything she wanted for the Lenore, it was a minimal drama environ.

It was then that she realized another familiar face was walking towards her. One she hadn't really expected to see, but was pleasantly surprised by. "Haven! I'd be glad ta take you aboard! That is, if it's shiny with our first mate, 'ere. Olympia, Haven here's a nurse. I think it'd be right helpful to have 'er around." It wasn't just up to her anymore, though she'd have taken on Haven in a heartbeat. Olympia now had a say, as well as Connor if he so chose. That was how she wanted things, though. Ari was not a leader, though she was not exactly a follower either. She just wanted everyone to be happy as possible as they roamed the 'Verse together.

[radegrasan]

Once more, Rade was awakened from his snoozing, but this time from a far more lovely voice than Beckett's.

"You still looking for someone to fix up your crew? Cause I'm definitely looking for a way out."

He still layed down on the crate, but he lifted his head a little. He dropped his shades a little, and saw a perfect beauty standing there, talking to Ari.

"Good Lord..." Rade muttered.

Haven was pretty, and by her behavior Rade could tell she didn't exactly fell on her mouth either. To him, as far as girls went, this one definately had style. And apparently an attitude to boot as well.

"Haven! I'd be glad ta take you aboard! That is, if it's shiny with our first mate, 'ere. Olympia, Haven here's a nurse. I think it'd be right helpful to have 'er around." Ari said.

"Helpful?" Rade thought playfully. "Try pleasant, Ari."

It seemed that leaving the Riley was the best decision he made so far. Rade was on good terms with Ari, and that was the most important of all. She was the owner of the ship after all, and it wouldn't quite matter whether or not Rade would get along with whoever was going to be the captain. Because in the end, it would be Ari's decision. And as long as Ari and him were friends, he'd be safe.

Rade sat up straight and looked around. He was still hoping Bella would show up, but in the meantime he decided to check out Haven some more.

[arabella]

It had taken all of Arabella's wits to pack up her things and leave without Faye noticing. She left the rest of her fare behind her. Her three bags were precariously slung about her shoulders as she crept through the ship. The captain had been in a fit since Rade left without any word. She certainly wasn't happy that her pilot had just up and left. But, Arabella didn't blame him. There was no work and the two butted heads. A lot. And after that night...well Rade seemed to need a new environment. And he asked Arabella if she wanted to come to the new ship.

Rade and Brian were the only two people on the Riley she trusted. But, Brian and Faye had their own thing between the two of them. She really couldn't talk to him. Her and Rade were able to talk. Even if they argued sometimes, they still got along. He was her friend. Her only friend she had left aside from Bettie. And as long as this ship would take her on, Arabella would go. She couldn't take being on here without someone she had actually developed a level of trust with. She no longer had as severe of panic attacks when he had his guns out. That was something. No, Arabella wasn't romantic with Rade or anything. She jsut trusted him and knew there was a level of friendship there. And Arabella wasn't about to let another friend slip out of her life.

After she had gotten off the Riley, she made her way through the streets to the Lenora. That was the name of the ship Rade had told her the night before. She was confident that she didn't have anyone following her on her grandmother's orders at the moment. Her blonde locks fell freely. Her black wig was tucked away safely. Besides, she needed to brush it before she could wear it. And she didn't have enough time because she had photos and little things she had collected to take down and pack up. Plus her clothes and toiletries. To top it off, she had to wait until Faye had fallen asleep before she could get some of her cooking things out of the kitchen. She had barely gotten any sleep. But hopefully it would be worth it. She'd find out if the Lenora took her own as a passenger to cook for them or not.

It took her a few minutes of wandering before she found the ship. With a hand over her eyes, she gazed at the gleaming vessel. Maybe this would be a place to call home. Who knows? That's all Arabella wanted. Was someplace to call home. Be it in the air in a ship or on the rim settled on the ground. All she wanted was a place to call home. With a deep breath she made the brave walk into the cargo bay, her footsteps soft as she found Rade instantly. There was a blonde she vaguely recognized, but couldn't recall her name. With her tongue, she flicked them over her lips nervously. "Hey Rade." SHe wasn't exactly sure what to say to this crew or how Rade fit in to it all. She gazed around the crew and smiled politely. "Hi. I'm Arabella." Her eyes gazed around the group before trying to catch Rade's. She wasn't sure what to say or if he had told them anything. Though her bags certainly gave away some things. "Um, I was wondering if you were taking on any passengers yet? I can cook if that helps at all. And clean as well or help out any other way too." She was getting to her nervous babble talk. Ugh, if only she knew what to do here.

[radegrasan]

Rade stood up as Arabella arrived at the Lenore. He was glad she made it, and that she decided to come along with him. He had always worried that without someone looking after her, she would fall into her grandmother's hands again.

For the first time in years, he was able to genuinely care for someone again. At least she understood him, and she didn't judge him for what he did, and all the pain and suffering that he had caused for so many people.

"Hey Rade."

"Hey Bella." Rade responded. "Glad you could make it."

Bella turned around and introduced herself to Ari. She seemed somewhat shy, and she also seemed a bit nervous. Not that Rade could blame her, there was a lot of folk standing around and Bella didn't know Ari as well as him. He decided to make Bella's entry a bit more smooth and a little less awkward for her.

Before Ari could answer Bella, Rade took the word.

"Ari, you remember Bella, right?" Rade said. "If not, we both served on the Riley, and you'd do the stomachs of this crew a big favor if you hire her as well. She's a helluva cook you know."

Of course there was Bella's downside as well, the fact that she was a wanted fugitive, but there would be time to tell Ari that later, in a somewhat more private environment.

[phantomseige]

Leighton peeked in from outside the ship's bay, catching a glimpse of a few friendly faces. He glanced to and fro, making sure again that no one was watching or following him before he straightened the collar on his shirt and walked in.

He took a few steps on the renovated ship before putting his bags down and knocking on the nearest metallic wall. It let out a nice, bright clang. Leighton looked over the ship as the sound reverberated through the frame and hull.

He had gotten word from a friend with Alliance connections - his warrant had gone through. Those looking for Leighton previously were unofficial. Now it was the entire Alliance that wanted him, for the murder of a high ranking officer back during the war. And now keeping moving was not a matter of comfort for the now independent-branded doctor, it was a matter of course.

Leighton's eyes turned back into the hold of ship and caught Ari's. "I had heard rumors," he said with a smile, "About a woman and her beautiful new ship. I had to see it." He grabbed his bags and walked forward. "It looks like the rumors were right." He offered his hand and stood a little taller, as though he were trying to make a good first impression.

"Miss Deschain, I'm Doctor Leighton Sacheverell," he said, with as much sardonic formality as he could muster for his old crew-mate and, he hoped, still friend. "I'm looking to fly. Don't know where yet. I was hoping you and the Lenore could help me with that."

[losingside]

Oly toussled her hair and rested her back against the ship.

"We have three doubles, Olympia, and I was just thinkin' you and whoever's Captain could take th'other two doubles. At least 'til we get a couple on here or somethin'. I don't want a double, so I don't mind if Rade takes it if it's alright with you."

She gave a little nod, "I'm just fine with a single. Thanks."

She wasn't expecting to be needing a double any time soon and she had no use for the space since she carried only two bags. The sun was so warm on her face, it relaxed her a little. Not that she was all that tense to begin with. She'd just joined a new ship, that always put a hop in her step.

The sudden avalance of arrivals made her feel as though she'd blacked out for a bit. The first she heard was a man. She took note of his voice and the manner in which he walked. Scuffing shoes and footsteps came in quite useful to give her an impression of people. It would also help her to know whether an approacher was friend or foe. Connor Beckett, that was his name. Apparently a friend to Ari and possible foe to Rade. Tone of voice gave away emotions, and Rade was giving away his feelings by the bucketload. She just hoped there would be no squabbling.

Next she heard a young girl's voice. Haven. That brought a little smile to Oly, remembering her chlidhood on the planet. The girl sounded a little tough, or was it just an act. The mother in her always gave her conflicting views. It mixed oddly with the soldier.

"Haven! I'd be glad ta take you aboard! That is, if it's shiny with our first mate, 'ere. Olympia, Haven here's a nurse. I think it'd be right helpful to have 'er around."

She was honoured Ari appreciated her opinion already. When she said she'd have authority, she thought she meant when they got a captain. Apparently, she was the highest ranking member on board at the minute.

"I don't see any problem with that. Welcome aboard." She smiled towards Haven, or where she'd worked out Haven to be standing.

That's when another new arrival showed up. Arabella.

"Hi, Arabella."

She was much more timid than the last girl. She knew Rade and Oly noticed how she was relying on him for a help with introductions. Her awkwardness made Oly want to rush over and hug her. As with most cases, the soldier fought the mother.

Just as Oly was going to relax her weary back again, she heard footsteps followed by a man's voice. The soon to be doctor.

[connorbeckett]

Before he could answer Ari's question, a near-stampede of folk arrived at the Lenore, each one seemingly looking for a job on the boat.

He stood patiently, waiting while Ari and the first mate, Olympia, spoke with them. He'd gone over Ari's wave so many times that he could recite it by heart, but her request still surprised him when he thought on it. He'd never considered running a ship of his own before she asked him. That kind of thing was more along the lines of his oldest brother, Matrin. He quickly shoved aside the troubling thoughts of his brother, and the unknown into which he'd vanished, and focused on the matter at hand. He'd not been able to help Matrin with whatever had happened to him, but he could help Ari. His buddy was in desperate need of help, as this ragtag group of a crew evidenced, and he'd never turned his back on a friend before.

"An' I ain't gonna start now," he whispered to himself while the others were talking things over.

When the conversation finally died down for a bit, he interjected, directing his comments first toward Ari and then to Olympia. "Yes, ma'am. I've give it a lot o' thought. An' if you think I'm th' man for th' job, then I'll take it. An' th' sooner we git things sorted, th' better."

Pausing briefly before continuing, he looked around at the people bustling about the port, still working like ants despite the fading light. "Best we all git aboard, afore we draw attention don't none of us want." Looking at Olympia, he added, "I'd like t' talk t' ya as soon as I finish droppin' my gear off. Rade, you, too. Mebbe it'd be best to talk in th' cockpit. Ari, could ya steer me towards my bunk?"

Heading up the cargo ramp, he spoke over his shoulder without stopping. "The rest of y'all best git loaded iffn you're comin.' We've a lot o' work to git done, and ain't none of it gonna happen standin' out here."

He slung his rucksack over his shoulder and picked up his dufflebag, walking alongside Ari he asked, "Is there anythin' else I need to know 'bout what I've gotten m'self into? Because I've got a surprise 'r two for you that just might make you smile all evenin'."

[haven]

Haven knew how to take care of herself. She had been for the months and months. But she wanted to get off this rock and everyone who thought she could them all the medicine they needed. She wasn't a doctor. And she didn't have the connections that Lucas's had had. She was simply haven. A nurse. Not a doctor. Nor a fancy medic to the needy. No. All she did was what she knew from nurses training. And thought it got her far enough, it didn't get her the places a surgeon nor an ER doctor could. No. It got her no where really.

Haven's things weren't far from here. They were in a storage bin that she had the key to and made payments on. She already made a payment on the place she had been staying each night. The messenger bag on her side held the clothes form the last three days as well as the things she used to shower with. The towels she left behind. She had more. If the Lenora worked out she'd simply wave the guy of the building telling him she had found a ship and had to go a-sap. He could get someone else in there soon enough either way.

Her grin got wide as Ari spoke to her. She had absorbed bits of the conversations since being there. A Bout bunk assignments and whatnot. "Pleasure to be aboard. If I am allowed aboard ma'am's." Ari seemed to approve but it was the Olympia lady. She stretched her hand out for her. "Hi there. I'm Haven Raines. A nurse as Ari mentioned. And until you find a doc I can do things. And even if you get a doc, I can assist. If you'll let me." Straight forward and simple enough. As a dainty blond approached and spoke to Ari and Olympia, Haven couldn't help but chuckle a little. This is why Rade needed a double. For him and his girlfriend. Or "friend" as some called them. She was no companion. Not even an unlicensed one. Maybe someone he had met along his travels.

And of course, her problem of speaking before completely thinking came out.

"If that's so then I can take a single too. That way these love-birds can pick the right double for all their things." The girls face caught her off guard as she mumbled something she couldn't hear or understand. As far ass Haven could tell, they were together. He was talking for her and her nerves. Not like it was a huge deal to her. Just, a curiosity for her really. The sound behind her caught her attention and Haven turned about. Oh sooner then she expected! A doctor! Her pearly whites appeared as she grinned. Olympia had already welcomed her aboard, just a bit about the doctor wanting to work with her. "Well you got a doc. And as long as the doc doesn't mind, I'd still like to stick around and help him." Either way, she had to run to her storage bin and grab her things. Not a whole lot, but enough. And she wanted to get them before taking off. Her head turned as she bit her lip. "If he doesn't have a problem I'm going to go get my things. Be back in a jiffy!" Haven turned and started off in a jog towards her destination. Her boots clunked along the grated cargo bay before hinting the sandy grounds of the docking area.

It was all of ten minutes before she returned with her bags and trunk. Everything she ever owned from when she was a little girl to now was in there. Well, everything she kept. Some things she had sold off or thrown away. There was one of the docks push dolly's she had grabbed. One bag held all her dirty clothes and was the largest. The other held what clean ones she had left. The trunk had a few more items of clothing, but mostly all her personal items and momentum's. As she halted to a stop, she rested one foot on the dolly and her head on the handle as she gazed around. "Everyone picked their bunks yet?"

[arabella]

Arabella wasn't the strongest of people out there. Rade knew that. She had freaked when he first held a gun around her. But, he was helping her with that. He also knew about why someone who was raised a lady was out traveling the 'verse as a cook. As did everyone on the Riley. So long as that information remained private for a little while she'd be happy. Either way, she was happy to have a genuine friend. Someone she cared about who also cared about her. She always had Bettie, but sending a wave out to her was always difficult. It had to be in the middle of the night and only once every few weeks so no one got suspicious.

She smiled warmly at Rade. "Told you I'd come. Was a bit of trouble, but I'll tell you later." She mentioned that soflty. Arabella wasn't sure if Ari knew about Rade jumping ship. Captain Faye had no clue where he was, but that was a good thing right now. Let her find out once she had cooled off a bit. She'd explain to him after they had settled in though. Arabella trying to keep her bags on her back instead of setting them down. In case she wasn't welcome to stay.

She took up cue form Rade at that point. "If you want to hire me as a cook I don't need much for a cut of anything. I'd let you know what I need to buy, plus maybe a few more for anything I may want if it comes up. But the rest could go towards food. I'm also good with improvising. A little spice goes a long way with protein." Olympia seemed to be the woman in charge. And to have the final say. She gave her a smile and nodded courteously. "Hello. I'd shake your hand but they're kind of full." She was afraid of her two larger bags falling and she was holding on to the smaller one as is. Had all of her possession she had taken from Londinium. There were more she wanted as well, but didn't have the time nor the strength to carry them. She never would have made it off the planet.

She blushed a little as her nervous babble came out softly. "I may not look like much and I do get nervous around a lot of people. But I can keep the crew energized and fed. Even if it's on bits of protein. And I'll do a good job at it. And I'll clean up the kitchen and dishes so everyone has time to do their jobs and not worry about stopping to make something. That's what I can give you and I'll be honest at it as well."

Her head turned to the man who had been standing back. He seemed to have just hired everyone without even asking them anything. Arabella's mouth hung open as she tried to process this. She turned to Rade and then Ari and Olympia for an answer. She was literally speechless. Most of them time she didn't have much to say either way, but this was a true and genuine speechless moment. It was only made worse by the Haven girls comment about her and Rade. Haven blushed a brilliant shade of red. Her and Rade weren't an item. Nor had the thought ever crossed her mind. Arabella whispered nervously, "We aren't together like that. We're jsut friends." But only the ones near her-Rade, Ari and maybe Olympia-could hear it. She nervously shifted her weight as she willed herself to cool down and lose the blush. It was too direct of a comment for her. As she left she got the courage to speak a little louder. "I'm fine with a single or a passenger dorm if everyone wants me aboard. Rade and I aren't together."

[Ari Deschain]

Before Connor could even reply to her, there was a sudden rush of people. Ari laughed at the absurdity of the situation, winked playfully at Connor as he backed away, and turned to the first person who had walked up. Bella. The girl seemed familiar to Ari, though the mechanic wasn't sure she'd actually shared words with her before. Rade spoke up at the girl's shy words, vouching for her. There was some strange tension between the two, and Haven seemed to want to exploit that for some reason. It wasn't Ari's problem, so she ignored it. Shrugging, Ari turned to look at Olympia. "Well, I don't have a problem with it." Before she was even fully finished speaking, however, another familiar face joined them.

A grin stretched Ari's features at the polite way Leighton introduced himself, as if they'd never met before. "It's so good ta see you, Doc!" She positively beamed at the compliment to the Lenore and closed the distance between them, patting him on the back in a friendly manner. "Of course you can ride with us!" Turning to Olympia, she pointed at Leighton. "Gorram good medic, here," she explained. She wouldn't take no for an answer when it came to taking Leighton aboard. The ship needed a medic; she could see no reason why the new first mate would object.

Finally, the words she'd been waiting for hit her ears. She turned to face Connor, grinning widely. Throwing him a cocky little salute, she agreed. "Aye, you're right there, Cap." When he asked her to lead him to his bunk, she nodded. "No problem. In we get, then."

"The rest of y'all best git loaded iffn you're comin.' We've a lot o' work to git done, and ain't none of it gonna happen standin' out here."

It was such a relief to have someone else take over; she had begun to feel very overwhelmed there at the end. Connor came up beside her as she lead the procession to the bunk area. She grinned at his question. "The only thing I feel the need ta mention is that Rade and Arabella there are from the Riley. To be honest, I don't rightly know how Murphy feels about their leavin'." Ari would have been dismayed to realize that Olympia had been taking up a position on the Riley as well, before she came to the Lenore.

"Because I've got a surprise 'r two for you that just might make you smile all evenin'."

She cocked her head curiously at him. "Surprise? Ooh, tell me! I gotta know," she teased as they climbed the first flight of stairs. Turning back at the sound of Bella's voice, she spoke loudly so that everyone could hear her. "Everyone's gettin' a single for now, exceptin' the pilot and the Cap." With those words, she acknowledged the fact that Olympia hadn't wanted a double and ignored the fact that Connor hadn't been asked if he wanted one or not. If any of them were getting a double, the Captain was. It was the only thing that made sense to her. "I s'pose Cap and Olympia can work out who gets the last later. Bella, you may even be more comfortable in one of the passenger dorms. They're about the same distance from the galley. Take your pick, yeah?" She looked to Connor for confirmation on all that. She didn't want him to think she was doing his job, but as he hadn't even seen the ship's layout yet, she felt she probably could speak more confidently about the dorms than he.

[losingside]

Oly did her best to follow the recruits. Some knew each other, as well as Ari. Some were strangers, like herself. She memorized voices and any mannerrisms she could detect. Body language and the like gave an idea of the person.

The first man, Connor, spoke up. It seemed like Ari had contacted him previously about being captain. Oly was relieved that the position was filled so quickly. She had control and leadership skills but hadn't used them to their full effect since the war. Their new captain sounded sounded ready for work and got into his role almost instantly.

"I'd like t' talk t' ya as soon as I finish droppin' my gear off. Rade, you, too."

"Sure thing, Cap'n." She gave him a little nod. "Pleasure to meet ya."

Haven had begun her proposal to be hired. Oly saw no reason she shouldn't join them and neither did Connor apparently. He told everyone to get aboard if they were coming, leaving the decision up to them. She bore a little smile thinking how hard they all must have worked on their introductions.

Arabella's introduction in particular seemed to hard going. Oly gave her a welcoming smile. "You ain't gotta be worried 'bout bein' nervous. It ain't the nerves that'll be makin' the meal, Hun."

Ari gave her a simple review of the doctor's work. "Gorram good medic, here." Oly wasn't the big decision maker anymore, but she was happy to be considered.

"Good man. Welcome aboard.. I hope to never be on your table," she added with a smile.

The nurse, Haven, looked to be stirring some trouble they way she saw it. Sure, there was an air of closeness between Rade and Arabella, but nothing romantic. At least that's the impression Oly got and sure as heck the one Arabella waned everyone to know. Oly chuckled softly as she turned to walk up the ramp, "Ah, to be that age again..." she muttered.

[radegrasan]

Rade followed everyone in. It sure was a big crew they had become. Rade liked that. He had spent a long time on the Riley flying it for only 5 people, him included. Sure, there was the occasional drifter but they never seemed to stick around long for some reason. At least now the ship would never be quiet.

It troubled Rade a bit to know that Beckett was the captain, yet that wouldn't make a difference. Rade had always known his place in a crew, and respected the captain, providing he or she would bear his or her responsibility and kept the ship flying, the crew fed, and the money flowing.

Yet, he couldn't help but wondering what it was that Beckett wanted from him. Hopefully not a lecture. He didn't do anything to deserve that yet, he stayed polite toward Beckett after all.

Deciding to obey the captain's order, Rade made his way toward his place in the cockpit, and sat behind the controls. He couldn't wait to get flying, it was his one and only passion in life after all.

He leaned back in the chair and crossed his arms. Nothing more he could do now but wait for the captain and Olympia to come along.

[phantomseige]

Leighton blushed at the stellar review that Ari gave him, rubbing his neck nervously as the first mate looked at him and interjected her solemn wish to never be on his table.

"Mine is a strange profession," Leighton said. "Only job I can think of that wants to put itself out of business." He smiled. "But I'll be here to take care of anything. I'd like to think I'm helpful for a little more than my scalpel." Thinking about it, though, he wasn't sure what skill that might have been - medicine was his life.

He smiled at the two and declared that he was going to find a room and started to walk away, nodding at Rade as he did, happy that the pilot had found a new ship and happy that he would get to see Rade at work.