wayward soul[orlando crew]

[enoden]

"Indeed, Fireflies are the best." The man said. "But mine is superior. My name is Ben, I'm the captain of this boat. Who do I have the pleasure of talking to?"

"My name's Enoden; Enoden Starsi. You're Bulletproof Ben, right? Then you might recognize my last name. My father was also a Browncoat, Jelak Starsi. He always had high praise for you." Enoden said with a warm smile.

This was not acting, although he was secretly looking for an opening to take the man down and get the bounty on him. He was feeling a pang of regret that Bulletproof Ben was the target - his father had served with him, and always held him up as a man to be emulated. What would father say if he knew I was hunting his hero? Enoden mused inwardly. But enough sentiment. Wait for an opening, and shoot him. The bounty was dead or alive, but he looks like the only fighter here.

Enoden's eyes flickered around from the woman who had just entered (Ling), to the woman and man further in the ship (Alec and Roxanne). None of them looked particularly like fighters, so he figured that once Ben was hurt or killed, he'd have an easy time.

But he doubted it would be that easy to take Ben down. I'll just have to wait and see.

[Ceren Aatos]

Speaking of fights, there was a commotion across the way that seemed to have spilled out from a nearby bar. Two figures landed unceremoniously in a struggle, hitting the dirt and fighting for the top. You'd think the big male in this scuffle would have the upper hand here, but where he seemed to underestimate the woman he'd chosen to fight, was something of his 'downfall'. Bending her leg and forcing it upwards, she'd attempt to kick him over. Instead, she managed to successfully connected her knee with his nethers. This at least gave her some small opportunity to roll him, one hand on his throat as she decided to get in a few cheap shots at his face. Eventually, either his friends or hers, saw fit to drag the woman off and shove her to the side. Maybe some bystanders trying to make peace. Ceren stood there, glaring at the man she'd been fighting, and fuming over whatever was still pissing her off about him. What seemed like a few of his friends helped the man up, dusted him down and such.

"You're lucky they stepped in, Aatos. Wouldn't've been pretty."

Ceren came forwards to attack him again, only to be stopped from continuing the brawl. Instead she chose to fling some choice insults his way.

"Qing wa cao de liu mang! You're the lucky one here, Glen. Ben tian sheng de yi dui rou."

Glen just seemed to laugh it off and turn back into the bar, one of the other patrons tossing a duffle bag Ceren's way. She'd set her jaw and watch it land at her feet, dipping to pick it up and throw it over her shoulder. The mercenary turned to walk away, heading out into the docks, her hair a ruffled mess and a dark spot over her cheek that looked like it was bound to bruise. Not to mention the cut above her left eye, but she didn't seem too bothered by the minor injuries.

"Ugh. That was stupid.." She'd mutter to herself, pausing to look up and down the line of ships.

She had about enough money for one short trip left on her, and of course she always had the option of working for whatever Captain was crazy enough to hire her. Ceren's dull brown gaze settled straight ahead for the moment and-- was that? There was a small wince to Ceren's features as she recognised the Browncoat hero.. That would be a confrontation she could see going south. That is, if he actually knew her well enough to realise she deserved a beating. Ceren herself didn't hardly ever see what she did as worth a punch in the nose, but she also had the added bonus of not being well-known. So maybe it won't be a problem. The ship looked to either already have a sizable crew, or that was the interest it was currently getting. Another look up and down the rows was given before Ceren Aatos took a slow walk up towards the Firefly, just standing at the back and waiting in line as she tilted her head back, and lost herself in admiring the proud, but underappreciated vessel class.

__________________________

qing wa cao de liu mang -- frog-humping son of a b*tch
ben tian sheng de yi dui rou -- stupid inbred stack of meat

[benbarrow]

Ben smiled at Enoden when he told him who his father was. Of course he knew Jelak, very well actually. It was one of his sergeants during the war, one of the few who saw the entire war through without getting wounded. But like the others Ben had lost track of him after the Battle of Serenity Valley. But he knew Jelak was the type of guy that would survive, so he knew he'd run into him sooner or later, or a relative of his. Seemed the only ones that remained missing were his friends from Londinium.

"You're Jelak's kid?" Ben asked. "I shoulda known. You're like an exact copy of your old man! How's the old fox doing?"

Ben had also noticed a young woman coming in. It was starting to get crowded on the Orlando. He figured it was time to ask Roxanne for help. He knew she just had a rough time but duty came first. There would be enough time to grieve later. He turned around toward where Roxanne and her brother were sitting.

"Roxanne, you mind talking to the young lady?" Ben asked as he pointed in the newcomer's direction. "I hate to leave people waiting like this."

[kasha]

Ling did not know why, but it took her a few more seconds to catch up with the conversation than it should of. They needed a Medic? Well that was one way to pass the time. She would probably leave some time or another, but this would be a fine way to watch the stars.

The younger man then mentioned brown coats. Bingo. Brown coats would stay away from Alliance space unless they went there to mess things up. Two brown coats, one a second generation, weird Alliance schools never really taught one anything about that.

“What oh, yeah, sure, I can patch you up. My work never leaves scaring, either. Actually, I’m in the need for a ride at the moment. Lost contact with my contractor, if you want to call him that. His fault he’s losin’ money, but I can heal you all fine.” Ling smirked a bit.

As the Brown Coat Captain called out to his crewmen, Ling followed his line of sight to the woman outside. The medical woman’s eyes locked on the small nicks and cuts. Her hands itched to go and patch her up. Yes, the cuts were hardly dangerous, but working in the ER taught her many things even if out here everyone did things with sweat and spit. She would wait a few seconds then follow whoever went out there to check on the woman.

[roxanne]

Roxanne nodded at the way her brother reviewed everything for her. A soft smile spread across her lips. ”I swear, I had no idea he was looking for a mechanic.” Roxanne knew he was. Since the last girl seemed to have jumped ship the last job, they had been trying to do double time with everyone doing a little here and there with what knowledge they had. ”Besides, it’d be nice if you stuck around for a bit. I don’t think Ben likes me very much.”

Roxanne was just ready to move on. She wanted to get on with her life and start a fresh. She had officially let go. Roxanne needed that last step to get back and be herself again. The carefree girl who loved to smiled more often then she cried and who was the bright light in the room.

Roxanna pushed up when Ben called to her. ”Can do.” She kissed her brother on top of the head. ”Once things are settled we can talk.” Roxanne bounded down the step and slipped her hands in her pocket. She patted Ben on the shoulder as she passed before she replaced her hand. ”Let me know when you’d like to go.” She flashed him one of her signature smiles, trying to hide the fact of her long and hard day. Roxanne turned about and nodded to the new medic. ”I’m Roxanne. But call me Roxie.” Roxanne turned to the other newcomer. She really wanted to spend time with her brother, but knew work came first. Later, she’d have time for her family. Roxanne extended her hand. She tried to keep on that sparkling smile as she extended her hand, but then retreated. I’m Roxanne. Do you need a medic or something?

[Ceren Aatos]

It must've been a long moment of regarding the Firefly before she realised she'd gained a little interest by way of some introduction. The Merc pulled her gazed back down when she heard the voice closer to her, and tilted to look at Roxanne. What the woman said finally sank in and Ceren blinked, before lifting a hand to her brow as if checking to see if those injuries were still there, and actually warranted what the other had said.

"Oh. Nah. Ain't the first time I've been hit to the head. You'd think I'd've learned b'now." A slight half-grin curled up one corner of her mouth before it faded quickly enough.

Her gaze shot over Roxanne's shoulder for but a brief second, seeing the Captain once again with a thoughtful frown, before she noticed the concerned.. fidget-y glance? That was from some other woman, though [Ling], and Ceren didn't have much of a clue as to why she was looking at her. Remembering where she was, and what she was supposed to be doing here, the Merc'd rub the back of her neck with her free hand before she nodded her head towards the ship.

"So you takin' on any passengers? Or crew? Quite handy in terms of 'security' and the like. But if not, I got the coin to pay my way elsewhere." This was probably something better addressed to the Captain-- and judging by Ben's order for Roxanne to talk to her, it was most probably him. But, Captain's didn't necessarily always organise passengers. So maybe the younger woman with the vibrant smile was her ticket on this boat.

Ceren was somewhat hopeful at this juncture.

[kasha]

“I’m Ling, you can call me what you want though. I have a thing for nicknames.” Ling smiled by way of introduction and watched as Roxanne, Roxie, went outside. Her eyes went back to the girl outside. Ling was able to resist following Roxie for a few seconds.

“Seriously,” Ling sighed theatrically. “You think after living out here I would get used to all the cuts and nicks. Sorry, seeing a person bleeding bothers me.” Ling offered as explanation as she spun around dropping her bags as out of the way as she could, not like she knew where to put her stuff. She rustled inside one of the smaller bags pulling out what looked like a databook or some sort of shinny PDA. The next thing she pulled out looked like a vial with a weird topper.

Items in hand she walked off the boat and over to the two other girls. “Do not think about biting me. It won’t even sting.” Ling gave as a warning. Then her hand moved like a doctor should. She hit a button on her vial and a gel dispersed on her finger. Making sure she probably was not about to get attacked, she struck putting the goo on Ceren's nicks. Her other hand hit a few buttons on her gadget.

“There all healed.” And it was. The wound looked like it had never been there. The new skin had pushed the previous healing attempt to the wayside and filled in the breaks without a scar. The color was a little off, but that was only because the melanoma had yet to be exposed to light for a long enough period of time to activate properly. But, hey, who would complain?

[roxanne]

Roxanne nodded. ”Well, I guess we shall see then huh?” Usually nicknames were picked out when around people long enough. Like she called Alec Magician. He usually had some mysterious and magical way of making things better or worse. He hated the nickname though. That’s why she called him that.

She nodded and shrugged. ”Well if you need anything, we can help.” Roxanne listened to the girl intently about her skills. They had JD who was their gunhand, but they could probably use another one. They were looking for a first mate though. Maybe she would be handy? She could do both roles very easily if Ben liked her. ”Well we are looking for a passenger or two. We have one ‘security’ guard, though I think captain was looking for a first mate.” She paused to turn her head to look over her shoulder. He was still speaking with the man. ”When he’s done I can introduce you two and he can tell you exactly what we are looking for. I didn’t get your name. I’ll need that before I introduce you two.”

Roxanne paused and scrunched her face as Ling all of a sudden treated the new comer. Roxanne sighed and shook her head. ”Ling, she said she didn’t need help. I know you want to help, but ‘round here, please ask before you treat. You could send someone into a real trip. Plus, the captain won’t be too kind if you step out of line like that.” Roxanne didn’t like to be stern with anyone, especially fellow crew and when it wasn’t really her place. She was only the pilot and not a first mate or captain. She wouldn’t go tell the captain about this incident, unless the newcomer made a big deal about it. But she thought Ling should have some forewarning. She had seen firsthand what happened with her Bible after all.

Roxanne turned and called to her brother. ”Alec, why not come get acquainted with some people?” Would fill some time until Ben was free to talk to the girl about the free positions.

[Ceren Aatos]

It had to be one of the last things Ceren Aatos expected when approached by another person. Usually when they lifted a hand to her, it was in the form of a fist. There was a brief moment where she'd jerk her head back, but the salve landed in the right place. It mostly left her blinking in confusion at the woman who'd just.. suddenly applied first aid. While she hadn't been looking for the help-- and probably would never appreciate the free medical care-- Ceren didn't lash out at the woman. Though, all the warnings from Roxanne were well warranted. There was a gun at her hip, after all, and she had just claimed to be handy with it. In that veiled way of hers, of course.

"O--okay. Well.. uh." A hand came up to touch the area gingerly with a wince in preparation, but her face relaxed and it seemed perfectly fine. "Huh. Well, if that's how you treat a scratch, makes me wonder what the gui you do when someone get's shot."

Ceren had never been much for being fussed over. Even Medics during the war would get a lot of static for coming and checking up on her. Never one to like hospitals or doctors, but who really was? Well, maybe there were more people that didn't mind it. Ceren wasn't one of them. Just be cautious about coming after her with a needle. So.. wounds patched.. and confusion finally leaving her, she'd respond to Roxanne quick enough. First Mate, 'ey?

"Well, I was a First Mate on my last boat I sailed on. Left for.. personal reasons. Nothin' big. Cap'n's still livin' and respected m'choices an' all that. So either or is fine by me 'long as the room and board is good." Ceren wasn't overly particular at this point. She just wanted off this rock.

As far as introductions went, she always did seem to forget her manners in that respect. That would probably be helpful in the long-run. Maybe.

"Oh. Ah. Name's Ceren Aatos."

[roxanne]

Roxanne nodded and smiled. As long as the woman didn’t make a scene she was happy. But Ling still needed to know to ask beforehand. She returned to the topic of a job. ”Well Ben will decided if the reasonings for leaving your last job will be a problem. He’s the one to hire I just take some information before hand.” Her hands traveled up to pull her hair into a bun at the base of her neck. The warm weather mocked her. She was ready to get going and off to relaxation. She needed to get away from bad memories for a little while.

”Well Ceren, captain will join us soon. But is there any other questions you have I may be able to answer for you.” Roxanne wasn’t sure exactly how much more she could personally do. She was only the pilot and even then she had to show Alec to a room and get ready for take-off soon enough. Plus, she wanted to talk to Ben about having Alec over the engine before and during takeoff. Without their last pilot, they were a bit off hinge. They needed a bit of help.

[alec]

Alec watched from his spot and smiled. He was thoroughly surprised. He couldn’t remember Roxanne taking this much charge back home. She just was very much outright in telling the medic how things worked. Back home, their father and sometime’s him used to be the one who would do that. Roxie was the bubbly one who introduced herself and showed everyone where to go. He hoped that Nathaniel’s death and the problems with their father didn’t change her too much. That everything was only temporary.

Like a dutifully brother he pulled himself up and walked over to his sister. He pinched her shoulder and jumped aside before she could retaliate. Nathaniel had a crooked grin on his face as he tipped his head to the two women. ”As my sister here said I’m Alec. Pleased to meet you.”

He gazed out over the crowd as he draped his arm across his sister’s shoulders. She batted at them but he just pinched her again. Ah, sibling love. He might like this ship well enough to stay on for a bit and work as a mechanic. If Ben liked him well enough and vice versa. He sighed and looked back at the medic and the new girl. ”So what are you two coming on for?” He as just curious being a newcomer himself.

[enoden]

"You're Jelak's kid?" The man asked. "I shoulda known. You're like an exact copy of your old man! How's the old fox doing?"

"An exact copy? I'm not sure how to take that comment!" Enoden laughed."Nah, he's doing fine - last time I talked to him." Then, Enoden's face grew a bit more serious, and the humor twinkling in his eyes died.
"He's gotten a bit crotchety. Or at least, more crotchety, so he and I don't always see eye to eye anymore. But I'm not here to talk about my personal troubles," he said, with a good humored smile spreading once more across his face. His whole stance became relaxed and opening, and his eyes regain their customary glint. "I was wondering if you could give me passage. It's time to get off this rock. I don't have a lot of money, but I can pay my passage with work - I have a quick draw, too, if you often get into that type of trouble."

Enoden waited for an answer, but he was unconsciously relaxing, getting less ready. Why is it that I don't feel like getting this bounty anymore? he asked himself. Gorramit, I need the money...!

He realized that he was slowly starting to like Ben; and it was all due to the fact that he had grown up listening to hero-tales of him. hell - I used to dream that I'd be 'Bulletproof Ben's' first mate. Pa respects Ben, and he'll never speak to me again if I turn him in to the Alliance. Curse it all!

[benbarrow]

"Well it just so happens to be I'm looking for an extra pair of hands." Ben answered. "Hands with some mighty fine triggerfingers attached to it, if you catch my drift."

Ben gestured towards the stairs and some cases to where the others were sitting.

"Why don't you have a seat over there and then we'll sort things out." Ben continued. "I'll be with you and the rest in a minute."

Ben gave Enoden a smile, and then walked over to Roxanne and the woman he hadn't greeted yet. The woman seemed tough and had the looks of a warrior about her, which was quite a contrast to Roxanne.

"Roxie, who have you got for me?" Ben asked.

[roxanne]

Roxanne huffed at her brother’s actions and batted at him. Eventually she forgave him and simply let him use her as his personally arm rest. But she used him back and wrapped an arm around his waist. Though they fought, they were close for a brother and sister. Alec had always been there to protect her and tell her how the verse really went, instead of the sugar coating and protection, like her mother. Her mother always wanted to keep Roxanne’s innocence for as long as possible, instead of telling her how it was.

She turned her head back as Ben approached. A sweet smile spread across her lips as she pulled away from her brother slightly. Though today had been rough on her and it still lingered slightly on her face with the puffiness of her eyes and the strain from the stress. But she was ready to move on. And keeping happy was a way to do that. Today was a liberating day for her.

”Well you’ve already met the medic here and hired her from what I understand?” Roxanne only heard from her brother so she only took it off what he said. She turned to Ceren and flashed a smile her way. ”And this woman here is Ceren Aatos. She was a first mate on her last ship. We’ve been looking for one last time I knew. Unless something’s changed in the four hours I’ve been gone.” Gone meaning dealing with her issues so she could be her normal self again. Her face drooped a little as she turned back to Ben. ”So anything else you need me for? Want to show Alec the engine room and have him take a look over. With the take off with our recent…weather altercations want to have him look over the problems we’ve noticed.” And she just wanted some time to catch up and find out how her family ways before take-off.

[Ceren Aatos]

It appeared to be turning into something of a family atmosphere on this boat-- judging by the fact that family were going to be residing on it. Not that it was a problem for Ceren, she just had these.. issues. She loved her family and all, but she wouldn't drag them out here to get involved with her business. But she was a Merc, and that was a dangerous line of employment. Nonetheless, she'd offer a smirk and a nod towards Alec. She supposed there was something good about two people that hadn't lost their ability to be affectionate out here in the ass-end of the 'Verse. At the brother's asking, Ceren merely shrugged her shoulders.

"I'm jus' hoping there's some room. I can pull a trigger if needed-- looks to be a lot of hands here already, though." She wasn't a bad cook, either, but that wasn't what was important, here. Ceren could attempt to sell herself to the Captain of this crew, but she wasn't overly fussed where she was.

And speak of the devil, Ben Barrow himself decided to take the time to wander over and find out about this woman's business on his ship. Muddy brown eyes held a glint to them as they turned towards the man, a slight nod offered as her hand came out to him.

"T'is a pleasure, Cap'n." Ceren even offered the shadow of a friendly smirk. At Roxanne's explanations, she decided to add in her two-cents as well. "Usually jus' general 'security'. The First Mate deal was a one-off for an.. old friend. Lance Burris, if'n you've heard of 'im."

Ceren doubted he'd go chasing up old bosses just to see that this woman was creditable. It's not like she'd appeared and pulled a gun on anyone. Just had a fight with some hun dan that had nothing to do with this crew. She was confident she'd at least get a room on this boat. A job would be a small bonus.