Gettin' Comfy in the Black (Main Prelude)

[Wired*Nun]

Arthur's still a mite nervous about all the refurbishment. Hell, the pulse engine's half new, and he keeps a close eye - and ear - on the compressors. Still, he skipped breakfast, and some food's soundin' good about now.

The Old Lady's puttering around in the common spaces - putting out flowers from her garden, cooking something in the galley. Rice, of course. Always some rice in the cooker.

************************************

Sam pokes around a bit. The small cargo bay contains a dozen sealed cartons, unmarked, not too heavy. Maybe computer parts, by the feel of it - something well-padded with packing material.

The smell of food leads him to the crew lounge and dining area. A pale man in coveralls looks like he's huntin' up some grub as well. Probably the ship's greaseball. Something seems odd about him, until he figures it out - his left sleeve is empty and buttoned up to keep it out of the way, but the arm seems to be underneath, inside the coverall. An old Asian woman is cooking in the galley. Must be the Captain's wife.

**************************************

Will appreciates the smooth lift, especially as he didn't sleep that well the night before. After devotions, he grabs a cup of coffee and spends a few hours checking out the medical bay. Standard MOT, old medcomp, cabinets disorganized but well enough stocked. A couple empty bins, but nothing critical. Some of the meds are outdated, but not by too much. He checks the locking storage, usually where narcotics and recreationals are kept. Empty. Figures. That's one thing they'll need, and soon.

An invoice shoved into a drawer gives a clue to the last "doc" - his licence number pegs him as an EMT with a lapsed certification. Probably a user, too. Water under the bridge.

The smell of cooking wafts in to the infirmary, reminding him he's late for breakfast or early for lunch.

There are two men in the common spaces when he gets there. One of them is probably the engineer. Injured arm, possibly paralyzed by the way it's bound up under his coverall. The other one is younger, maybe twenty, with a racing cap and the look of confidence that says "try me." Pilot, maybe, or a passenger.

There's an Asian woman in the galley, probably Chinese, banging pans and making food smells. There are fresh flowers on the dining table. He's not sure of the protocol, but he figures this must be the board in "room and board."

************************************************** ****

Arthur sees the two men come into the lounge and dining area. The one must be the new pilot, the other the doc. He looks at them curiously. Young hotshot, middle-ager. More changes. Food and engines are his priority.

[Fulmen]

Sam follows his nose to the dining area. As he walks in he nods to the men as he walks up behind the asian woman, "Mornin' gentlemen. Ma'am." Now looking over the asian woman's shoulder. "So wadda we got for eatin' this mornin'?" Once he gets a looks at the food he turns back to the two men, "K, I know what these two do," pointing to the mechanic and the asian woman, "but what about yerself sir?" addressing the doc. He finds himself a comfy seat and plops down as he continues conversation.

[Left-Handed Bandit]

"I suppose that depends on which hat I'm wearing," the Blackfriar says with a smile. "Brother William Mountbatten, O.P., M.D. And you?"

Will extends his hand in greeting, his eyes briefly meeting the pilot's gaze before darting off in a search of a pot of hot tea or coffee. Finding a steaming pot next to the stove, Will scours the cabinets for cups and pours himself a cup.

"Anyone else want some...," he pauses, taking a sniff of the liquid, "...coffee?"

[samirah]

Yusheng finishes working in the garden and makes her way to the kitchen. She puts rice in the cooker and begins preparing a lunch of fresh fruit and sauteed protein with peppers, onions and mushrooms.

She is sauteeing the vegetables when she notices the two men enter the dining area. Then she senses someone else walk up behind her.

As he walks in he nods to the men as he walks up behind the asian woman, "Mornin' gentlemen. Ma'am." Now looking over the asian woman's shoulder. "So wadda we got for eatin' this mornin'?"

Something small darts out from beneath the counter and rushes toward Sam. "Yip, yip, grrrrrr!!" It's an angry 8lb. Pekingese. Yusheng turns around at the same time and points her spatula at Sam,"Yi Dwei Da Buen Chuo Rob!! This MY kitchen!! You no come here!! Jio Weh Sung Chiuh Ma Shong!!! Ma Shong!!!"

(Big, stupid pile of stinking meat....run away now! Now!)

Yusheng shrieks at the dog,"Nan Ching Bi Jweh!!" (Nan Ching shut up)

[Fulmen]

Sam raises an eyebrow at Yusheng while fighting the little runt of a dog off with his foot, "Well, I must say it is a pleasure to meet you as well." He then turns around and walks over to a seat.

"I suppose that depends on which hat I'm wearing," the Blackfriar says with a smile. "Brother William Mountbatten, O.P., M.D. And you?"


Sam shakes his hand saying, "Sam Collison, pilot. Pleasure ta meet ya." He plops down next to William, leans over and wispers "Is she always that grumpy?"

[Candleman]

Arthur gingerly steps around Nan Ching as she skitters about, and finds an empty seat. He looks sideways at the new crewmen, trying to make it look like he isn't staring. He's used enough to Yusheng's territorialism, but he still let out a chuckle when she exploded at what he thought was the pilot.

Arthur adjusts his arm beneath the coat and sits, waiting for food.

[Wired*Nun]

It isn't long before a simple meal appears on the table - fresh veggies stir-fried with meatishness, rice, and fresh mixed fruit salad of a sort. While the preparation and presentation are just passable, the vegetables and fruit are a welcome delicacy to the two new crewmen. Arthur has started to get used to it, but he's a long way from taking it for granted. Most black-dwellers don't eat this good, less'n they visit farmin' worlds - which ain't always profitable.

The Peke settles down in short order, once she's established her credentials. She hops up on the sofa to watch the goings-on with big brown-black eyes.

[Candleman]

Arthur eats heartily, getting as much as he can as fast as he can. He needs it, too; it's pretty clear he doesn't get out much.

He's trying not to care too much about the new arrivals, but curiosity gets the better of him.

"Soh," he says, Scottish accent clear. "'Cha think a' Folly?" He addresses the two new men, trying not to look too interested.

[Fulmen]

"Well, " says Sam as he eats, not as fast as Arthur, but fast enough to make sure he gets his fill before Arthur takes the rest, "she doesn't look like much on the outside, but from what I have seen so far I think she'll do just fine. After all, she held together during take off and flies right, and that's really the most important thing."

[Left-Handed Bandit]

Sam shakes his hand saying, "Sam Collison, pilot. Pleasure ta meet ya." He plops down next to William, leans over and wispers "Is she always that grumpy?"

Will leans in, as well, responding, "I don't know. I was hoping you could tell me."

It isn't long before a simple meal appears on the table..

The friar digs in, expertly navigating the bowl with chopsticks, casting only a cursory glance at the pooch sitting in the lounge. While it's not the most gourmet of meals, it's certainly tasty enough and filling.

"Soh," he says, Scottish accent clear. "'Cha think a' Folly?" He addresses the two new men, trying not to look too interested.

"The infirmary is functional, which is good," Will notes between bites. "There are some supplies I'll need to get to fully stock it, but we don't have any real serious shortages.

"I have to admit that I'm not too familiar with the Aphid-class; haven't seen many examples of the ship about. She won't be winning any beauty contests, but that's not what keeps her in the air, does it?"

[Candleman]

Arthur snorts. "Right. That's me job, and half the 'ccursed thing's new, anyway. Damn fine engine Price's got."

He looks around. "Wily bastard's still asleep, eh?"

[Fulmen]

"Actually, 'Wily Bastard' is manning the cockpit while enjoying his mornin' brewskie," says Sam matter of factly as he continues his meal.

[Candleman]

"Ah," says Arthur, nodding. "'Course."

He cleans off his plate, then stands. "Well, I'd better go and make sure we aren't about to explode or somethin'. Good to meetcha."

He nods curtly to each man and goes off to check up on the engine.

[samirah]

Yusheng fixes a plate of food w/a generous portion, grabs a jug of her home-made rice wine and heads off to the cockpit to bring lunch to Hiram. Nan Ching jumps off the couch and follows, her nails click-click-clicking on the floor and her backside waddling back and forth like a fluffy brown rabbit.

[samirah]

Yusheng enters the crowded cockpit and barks, "Hiram you eat lunch!" She sets the tray on the console, pours a small glass of rice wine and hands it to him. He takes it.

"I yell at new man today. He come in my kitchen! You tell crew stay out my kitchen!" Taking the bottle of rice wine she exits the cockpit and returns quickly to the dining room.

As Sam and Will are finishing up their meal, passing by the two men and into the kitchen, Yusheng says,"You want more?"

Nan Ching scampers under the table to look for tidbits that had fallen on the floor.

[Wired*Nun]

"Tell' em yerself. Bet you already done," he mumbles. "They gotta go in there to get coffee an' such."

"Thank you," he says more loudly after she drops off the food and wine. As she turns to leave, he reaches over to pinch her butt.

[Fulmen]

"Yes, please." says Sam as Yusheng walks past. A moment later he looks at Will and grins, "I guess she isn't all bad."

[samirah]

"Thank you," he says more loudly after she drops off the food and wine. As she turns to leave, he reaches over to pinch her butt.


Yusheng slaps Hiram's hand and says,"Go Hwong Tong!!" (Enough of this nonsense!)

She exits the cockpit.



As Sam and Will are finishing up their meal, passing by the two men and into the kitchen, Yusheng says,"You want more?"
"Yes, please." says Sam as Yusheng walks past. A moment later he looks at Will and grins, "I guess she isn't all bad."


Yusheng retrieves the skillet from the kitchen and dishes out another serving of food for Sam. She looks at at Will, eyebrows raised as if to say,"Some more for you?"

[Left-Handed Bandit]

The old woman's timing is perfect, it seems, as Will is finishing the last bits of his meal. He pauses a moment, then decides that he's hungry enough for seconds. "Please," he replies, handing her a bowl.

Smiling at Sam's comment, Will adds, "There's a good side to everything and everyone."

Taking a sip of coffee, Will studies the young man for a few moments. "So, Sam, tell me a bit about yourself. What world do you hail from?"

[Wired*Nun]

Three days to Regina gives the new crew time to find the ship's routine. The Old Lady can usually be found puttering around the kitchen, or locked in her garden. The room has only one window, and that's a skylight to the outside. The door is always locked, whether she's in or out of it. A glimpse inside as she's entering or exiting shows dense stacks of plant life, growing lights, and mist.

Arthur is pretty happy with the engines, though the number two pod needs some groundside work when they get to somewhere with dock service. He has plenty of work around the ship to keep him busy - everything from fresher plumbing to the airlock controls. He ain't bored yet.

Brother Doctor Will spends his time putting the infirmary in order. Though reasonably equipped, the last medic's hygeine standards were lax, and a thorough scrubbing with antiseptics takes plenty of time, if done right - every surface, every strut, every door, every support, every light fixture. There are also some things that need to be replaced, as they are growing outdated.

Sam gets thorougly familiar with ships systems, and in his "off" time gets roped into ship maintenance under Arthur's or Hiram's tutelage. "An off-duty pilot better be a crew chief, if'n he wants to keep his ship in the air." This and a few other things, such as a couple of unit patches glued to the panels overhead, leads Sam to deduce that Hiram was some kind of aviator in the old ConFed military. There used to be more fighting among worlds before they aligned themselves and fought the last - perhaps final - war for a while.

Hiram doesn't seem political, treating Arthur's Alliance-vet background the same as everyone else's. And despite his obvious love of drink, and the depradations of the alcohol on his body, he's sharp and rigorous when it comes to running his ship. It appears he has served as pilot and mechanic for Folly for most of the time he's owned the ship, which surely saves on crew costs. The new crew suspects that they've been hired because Hiram's slowing down, getting weaker - he shows jaundice from time to time, too. Will hasn't yet braced the Captain about his health, but his conscience is starting to prick him about it, along with concern for the state of the man's soul.

They set down on the night side of Regina, deliberately it seems. There are some encrypted messages in the Cortex ship file that Sam has seen, but Hiram hasn't said anything about why, beyond "Gonna do a little tradin'." Hiram lands the ship, with Sam watching closely, in a draw behind a large hill next to a farmstead. He sees a well-lit mine about three miles away. The mines never sleep on Regina, Hiram told him. Neither does Bowden's Malady, Brother Will knows.

With nothing else to do, the crew naturally drifts over to the cargo bay to "help". Hiram has Sam load up the wheeled mule with several small, locked cases, of the type that hold delicate things. There's no other clue as to what they may be.

"Keep the ship locked down until I'm back. Should be 'bout an hour and a half. Then we're up and away. Sam, you can lift this time, soon as I hit the cockpit."

An hour later, the cargo ramp whines open. Arthur has his hands deep in a minor plumbing problem, and he hurries to get it sorted and get to the engine room for takeoff. Will is reviewing an aortic reconstruction on the medcomp's rudimentary VR simulator; he doesn't want to leave in the middle. Yusheng curses at his early return, grumbling to herself that he's going to wait for a fresh egg breakfast if he wants it right away. He usually came back with fresh eggs on this run.

They lift a few moments later. Sam enjoys the feel of the controls under his hands. A few careful maneuvers in deep space didn't scratch the itch to be flying or driving something.

Once they're up in the Black, Hiram says to Sam, "Got us a new crewman. Least for a while. Dunno. Run through your post-lift, I'll be back inna bit to spell ya. Then ya kin meet 'im. Go easy on 'im, though. Seen some trouble."

Fifteen minutes later, Hiram comes back with a bowl of food and a thermocup of coffee. "Go on now," he says. "I'll call ya when I need ya." He puts his feet up on the console, the bowl in his lap.

Once in the Black, Arthur and William know it's time for a meal, call it whatever you will. Ship's time says it's dinner, but night on the ground made it seem like it should be breakfast. They make their way to the common area, where a very very large, dark man in ragged, dirty clothes sits wolfing down Yushen's food. For her part, she's fixing more. Nan Ching sits at the big man's feet, and gives a short, sharp bark when she sees the men.

[Candleman]

Arthur looks over the man as he sits in his usual spot, across from the new crewman.

As he picks out his plate and silverware, he watches the man eat. "Christ, 'ee eats faster'n me," he says, chuckling.

[Fulmen]

"So, Sam, tell me a bit about yourself. What world do you hail from?"


"I was actually born on Shadow, but I've been living on Beaumonde for the last 9 years or so."

Once they're up in the Black, Hiram says to Sam, "Got us a new crewman. Least for a while. Dunno. Run through your post-lift, I'll be back inna bit to spell ya. Then ya kin meet 'im. Go easy on 'im, though. Seen some trouble."

Sam walks back to the crew area and sees possibly the biggest man he has ever laid eyes on. "Wow, yur a biggun'!" Sam sticks out his hand to the man, "Name's Sam, what's yours?"

[Left-Handed Bandit]

"Ni how, Lao Buhn Ni'un," Will greets Yusheng as he enters the common area, skirting around the front of the kitchen and grabbing a cup of coffee as he's careful to avoid the mad chef.

He takes note of the newcomer and Sam's interaction as he rounds the counter and finds a place at the dining room table. Leaning down, he lowers his hand and rubs his fingers in an attempt to summon the dog. It may be a yappity little mutt, but Will figures that he should, at least, try to get on its good side.

[TreyKincaide]

Earl smiles brightly at the trio's arrival. He waggles a finger at the dog, " Boss not be having mean men on his important ship. Now's you's be good Nanny or I's no be feeding you no' mo'."

He waves enthusiastically, rubs his dirty hand on his dirty rags, and offers a hearty shakes, "My name is Earl Henry. The Boss says I can stay with you'uns fer a bit. Pleasetameecha. Yes I am!"

[Wired*Nun]

Nan Ching waddles over for scritches from the Black Friar. She listens to Earl almost as if she understands, then shakes her head and sneezes. Afterward, she hops up on the sofa to preside over the scene.

[Wired*Nun]

The thing they don't tell you about shipboard life is, it's often boring. The crew - and passengers, if any - have to make their own fun. While Cortex charges aren't prohibitive, they can be expensive, and surfing the Cortex is difficult when there are delays of seconds between transmissions. That leaves recorded vids and games of various sorts, conversation and socializing, all the human activities that sometimes get forgotten when living among people in a big city dirtside.

And, there's always work. Hiram keeps everyone busy with maintenance and such that hasn't seem to have gotten done in years. Cleaning, repainting, repacking bearings, rewiring conduit, reaming out the waste disposal system, it never seems to end, though there are pauses.

Earl gets some new clothing, custom-made by Yusheng from old blankets and packing material. They tell him they'll find something better on the next pace they land - and they do. He's soon outfitted with functional work clothing in his size. He gets plenty of food, and helps out with the heavy lifting around the ship. He also learns the basics of ship maintenance - cleaning and painting and such. And nobody raises a hand against him, which counts for a lot.

They ply the standard outer runs, trading with half-civilized and hardly-civilized worlds. Nothing exciting happens, which is a relief for everyone, for the moment. Living in interesting times is a curse, the Chinese say.

They do pick up another prospective crewmember on Persephone. Nothing faster than rumor on a small ship. Sometimes they swear Nan Ching can talk. The scuttlebutt is the Captain picked up a pretty young woman, and everyone is interested to meet her after lift, for various and sundry reasons peculiar to each.

Greta feels the ship lift, waking her up. After they stabilize out of atmo, she can hear the sounds of people in the corridors, the pitter-patter of four little feet, and the beginning of the smells of food.

The crew, minus Hiram in the cockpit, is gathered in the common spaces, getting breakfast together. The smell of Facon and pancakes fills the ship.

[Candleman]

Arthur is up a bit later than everyone else, but he's hungry. He has his heavy Alliance coat on, since he hasn't gotten his work-time coveralls on yet. Oddly, his left arm is actually in the sleeve, although he has it strapped to his side with what looks like some extra belts.

He runs a hand through his dark hair as he steps into the mess, yawning. He glances over at Yusheng to see how the food is coming, but he doesn't get anywhere near her. He sits, mouth curled in a perpetual amused smile.

[Wired*Nun]

The food smells good as ever today, though they're out of eggs for omelets again. It's a wonder they don't have a chicken coop aboard, what with Hiram's love of "aigs." Arthur - and everyone else - is still in minor awe of the quality of food aboard ship. He remembers food in the Service - mostly bad. They might not get cash pay yet, but they are eating like petty lords, and what's theirs, is theirs.

[TreyKincaide]

"Oohs, Ma'am is making pancakes!" the jolly Earl tromps in. "I's loves me Ma'am's pancakes. 'Minds me of my mama's." He hunkers down a few spots down from Arthur, "Hey there, Sir. You's gots any patchin' you be needin' me to do today? I's stayed up late ta gets the painting done."

[Candleman]

Arthur looks around, to make sure Earl is actually speaking to him.

"...Me? Nah, I don't have anythin' for yah..." He says this hesitantly, as if he doesn't quite know what Earl means.

Arthur isn't much for conversation, so he just sits quietly and watches the other crewmembers approach.

[samirah]

Yusheng darts back and forth in the kitchen making pancakes, cooking Facon, warming the syrup and plating up the food. She places a huge stack of steaming "cakes" on the table. A pat of margarine on top melting into a gleaming yellow pool of richness and trickling down the side of the stack. She places a small pitcher of syrup beside it and returns to the kitchen to retrieve the Facon.

She places the Facon on the table next to Earl and gives him a kind look.



"Oohs, Ma'am is making pancakes!" the jolly Earl tromps in. "I's loves me Ma'am's pancakes. 'Minds me of my mama's."


"You like pancake?? I make many pancake for you!!"

She nods "good morning" to Arthur and gets back to work making more food.

Nan Ching jumps off the couch and pads over to the dining area. She chooses a spot close to Earl and sits watching him, her bulgy dark brown eyes staring expectantly.

[LynMars]

Greta wakes up and takes care of morning ablutions carefully, as best she can in the small space. Her long blond hair gets pulled back into a braid that's left hanging for now. A simple work blouse, pants and boots complete her outfit, her lip turning up wryly as she considers her change in wardrobe, eyes briefly drifting to the two gowns carefully stowed away still. Not likely to have many, if any, chances to wear the fancy dresses again anytime soon.

She makes her way to the dining area, masking any nervousness easily behind smooth steps and a shy smile as she enters the room and heads for the table.

"Good morning," she says, as she looks to see if it's a serve oneself or if there's someone getting the plates and whatnot, taking her cues from there.

[TreyKincaide]

Eager as a puppy, "Alrigh' Sir. Well's I's likes to be busy so if'n ya have ever have sumthin' I's be happy ta he'p." He smiles and turns to Yusheng.

"I's like 'em very well, Ma'am. Thank ya, kindly. These be the bestest pancakes in the Black!" He nods enthusiastically. "Ma'am is the nicest person fer making me extra!"

He glances do'n at Nan Ching, "I's sorry silly Nanny. Doggies don't eat pancake!" He chortles a deep long belly laugh. He looks around and whispers hunching down conspiratorialy, "Jes' you wait, Nanny, until she brings the Facon. Then I's be giving you something."

Earl looks up and breaks into a wide happy grin at the new face. He greets Greta with all the innocence of a child, "Why, hello there Missy. I's be Earl Henry. Ya sure are purdy. Would ya like some of Ma'am bestest pancakes?"

[Fulmen]

Sam plops down in his normal spot and awaits breakfast. "Mmmm, smells good. Hey, a newbie!" Sam reaches his hand out to Greta, "The name's Sam, pilot. And who might you be?"

[Candleman]

Arthur is digging into his pancakes like the starving man he is; up until finding Folly he's had to make do with whatever he can.

He glances up to see Greta sit down, and coughs into his pancakes. He hasn't seen a woman in months besides Yusheng, and he's in a little awe of her. He realizes it's not polite to stare, so he just keeps on eating. Maybe when he's done he'll introduce himself.

[Left-Handed Bandit]

Having slept in a little longer than he had originally planned, William leisurely strolls into the dining room. He gives his greeting to Yusheng as he rounds the counter to retrieve a cup of coffee and joins the others at the table.

"Good morning, everyone," he says, taking note of the newcomer and the reaction of the others to her. Will can't help but smile at Earl's unabashed innocence, and he suppresses a chuckle as Arthur looks very intently at his stack of pancakes.

When he's able to get a word in edgewise, Will introduces himself to Greta as he fills his plate. "Brother William; I'm the MD."

[LynMars]

Greta takes Sam's hand before she sits, giving a light squeeze in return. "Greta Falsafi. Don't really have a nice title yet, but I'm hoping I can make myself useful in some way here." She smiles disarmingly as she takes her seat, and looks at Earl.

"Why thank you, Earl Henry. And I think I will have some of these wonderful pancakes, if Mrs. Price is offering," she says kindly to the big, simple man across the way while nodding respectfully to Yusheng.

Greta then nods to William. "Good to meet you sir, always nice to have a doctor on board. A man of God as well, taking care of the soul as well as the body. The two seem to go together well with you."

The blond woman glances at Arthur. "And who is the quiet one over there?"

[Candleman]

Arthur looks up when he is mentioned and swallows his mouthful of pancakes hard. He wipes off his good hand on his pants before realizing that he's too far away to shake her hand, so he does a feeble wave instead.

"Name's Arthur," he says, his accent clear. "I do the engine work 'round 'ere."

[samirah]

Yusheng steps back into the dining room to replenish the supply of pancakes and Facon. "Ni How," she says nodding to Will, Greta and Sam. Her eyes meet Greta's for a moment and seem to say,"Finally, another woman on the ship!"

Back in the kitchen she prepares Hiram's breakfast tray pretending to be preoccupied with her duties. All the while she is listening carefully to the conversation at the table, trying to glean information about the newcomers.

Nan Ching maintains her position next to Earl, dividing her gaze between Earl and the expanse underneath the table, hope springing in her Pekingese breast.

[samirah]

Yusheng pours coffee into Hiram's thermal mug and adds a splash of hard liquor. She really doesn't like his drinking but has stopped hoping he will give up his addiction. Placing the mug on the tray she slips down the corridor and into the cockpit. "Ni How Bao Bei Ba Wong!" she says poking a little fun at Hiram. (Greetings darling iron-fisted ruler) She is hoping to find him looking better. She is getting more and more concerned about his health.

"Many new faces on ship," she says, thinking she might be able to engage him in a little converstion. She wants to bring up the fact that there is now a doctor on board and hopes to slip in a "suggestion" that Hiram see the new doc for a long overdue checkup.

[Left-Handed Bandit]

Greta then nods to William. "Good to meet you sir, always nice to have a doctor on board. A man of God as well, taking care of the soul as well as the body. The two seem to go together well with you."

"It's been my experience that we eventually find the role that suits us best," Will replies. "Mine is that of a healer; a healer of bodies, of minds and of souls."

The Black Friar pauses to take a sip of coffee as his eyes scan the room; Mrs. Price's addition of liquor to Mr. Price's coffee isn't lost on him, and Will mentally reminds himself to schedule a check up with the captain. He's certain the man will resist, but Will has been a doctor for the better part of two decades and knows how to deal with unruly patients.

Bringing his attention back to the conversation, Will adds, "If I may ask, what do you normally do for a living?"

[TreyKincaide]

Earl clumsily sneaks Nan Ching some Facon when he thinks no one's looking. He brings his fingers to his lips, "Shh." He whisper conspiratorily, "This jes' be our secret Nanny."

The big man helps himself to another stack of pancakes. In the short time on the ship, he's looked less and less malnourished with each passing day. He genially finishes his meal and waves as he stands to his towering nigh on seven foot height, "It's mighty fine tameecha, Lady. If'n ya need he'p with anything jes' ask. I's likes ta he'p."

Earl bounds away with a spring in his step and song in his heart whistling off key on his way to the cargo hold to check the rigging.

[Candleman]

Arthur finishes his pancakes and crams the Facon into his mouth. He stands up and mumbles something about "checkin'... uhh, ya'noh... Grav... housin'..." as he slides out.

He shakes his head as he walks out. Hopefully he'll get over this... He throws himself into engine checkups until someone needs him.

[LynMars]

Greta cuts her food properly before putting a small bite in her mouth, giving a moment to answer Will's question.

"Lately, I've been finding work as a negotiator for various small outfits, working on the bargains and deals. Nothing fancy, really. I was visiting home for the first time in too long awhile, but it's about time to get back out into the worlds and see what there is to see. Maybe find a place for myself out here somewhere. I guess you could say I'm still looking for my own role in life."

She smiles at Earl as he walks off, and gives a nod to Arthur as well. "I saw a bit of the ship last night, and wouldn't mind seeing a bit more later, and helping out where I can."

Greta finishes her breakfast eventually, and will, once Yusheng comes back, ask if she needs help cleaning up breakfast.

[Left-Handed Bandit]

"Well, Greta, I hope we can, in some small way, help you find that role."

(OOC: Yeah, I know, it's short...just wanted to close. :) )

[Wired*Nun]

Hiram smiles at Yusheng's needling. He rubs his stubbly chin with his palm. "Yeah. Good kids, seems like. Could be worse for crew. Remember Bin Bao? Put the converter coil on backwards. How do ya do that? Have to work at it to put a converter coil on backwards." He mutters some more about the past, then goes on, "Yeah. Nice to have someone to spell me in the cockpit."

[samirah]

"New doctor seem nice. Don't know if he a good doctor, though. Maybe you go see him. Let him look at you. Then you see if he good! It always good for captain to test new crew." Yusheng tries not to push too hard, but knows Hiram will probably see through her ploy.

[Wired*Nun]

He fixes her with a beady glare, then relents. "Yeah, maybe I kin afford a doc if he's part of my own crew, huh? All right. I'll let him look at me. Won't go letting him stick his finger up my gorram ass, though. Maybe..." He looks at Yusheng with a cocked eyebrow. "Maybe he could find me somethin' to...you know...let us have some fun again."

[Left-Handed Bandit]

Will enjoys the conversation and meal and even helps clear plates from the table when everyone is done. He doesn't have a lot of stuff to actually "maintain," so he helps out where he can with jobs that don't require technical or mechanical expertise.

At some point after breakfast, though, Will makes a point to visit the captain when the old man is alone on the bridge.

"Captain, do you mind if I have a word with you?" he asks as he closes the door to the bridge.

[samirah]

"Funny how you always on about ass-sticking. I no care. You not allowed to get sick, you take care of me and ship!" She turns away, refusing to let him see her tear up.

Changing tack, she says, "And I still like have fun, lao gohn (old man). You see doctor, maybe he make your snake open eye." She walks out, back straight.

[Wired*Nun]

Hiram sighs ruefully to himself as Yusheng walks away. She took a big step down to marry me...no way I can ever repay her. I guess a doc fussin' can't be that bad. Least he's a real doc, not some jumped-up corpsman with pretensions.

When Will comes in and shuts the hatch, Hiram says, "Old woman talked to you already, huh? Gorram meddling dragon...siddown, Doc. Speak yer piece."

[Left-Handed Bandit]

"I -- Mrs. Price? No, she hasn't talked to me about anything but eating so far," the Black Friar replied. "I actually noted your condition the day we met, and have been meaning to talk to you about a physical.

"I won't mince words, Captain. You appear to be a man in poor health for your age. I will not make judgments about your lifestyle," he continues, "nor will I lecture you about the evils of this and that. But I will make some strong recommendations to attempt to stop -- and possibly reverse -- some conditions I suspect you may currently be suffering from."

Will pauses for a moment, letting his words sink in. He hops that the captain understands the gravity of his own health crisis -- and Will is certain that it is, indeed, a crisis. "Will you work with me and allow me to work with you, sir?"

[Wired*Nun]

"I know what's runnin' through yer head, doc. You wanna help, I reckon. Just the way you're put together, I figger, less'n you wouldn't be what you are. But I got me a diagnosis a while back, nigh on three years now. Hifalutin hospital on Bellerophon, in Public City. Cost me a month's take. Tell me it's fibrous melanoma. Liver. Slow-growing, completely incurable. Only option's a transplant."

And alcohol is actually a pallitive in this case - eases the pain, retrards the growth of the fibers.

"Only that would cost more'n we got in the 'verse. Leave Yusheng destitute." His blue eyes are bloodshot, but his voice is steady as he lays out the situation.

"I got me a ten-thousand credit life insurance policy, doc. Been paying on it for nigh on thirty years. If'n - when - I bucket off, she'll be set up fine. We ain't doin' so well right now...spendin' a lot of our profit on this."

He pulls out a bottle of pills from his pocket, tosses them to the doc. Pernatinine...a steroid, boosts liver function, speeds healing...but reduces the liver's ability to metabolize bilirubin, thus the jaundice.

"Only other choice is experimental viral therapy. Might not work. Cain't afford that, neither. Cain't afford to spend a year in some hospital not makin' any money. Cain't not fly...so ya see, I'm actually worth more dead than alive."

[Left-Handed Bandit]

Will listens to the Hiram's explanation and examines the medication carefully when it is presented to him. After the captain finished his monologue, the Black Friar nods.

"It's a tough condition, I know," Will says, handing over the medicine bottle. "Still, I'd like to do a full physical and see what I can find that may help. I'd like to do that on this flight, if that's okay with you."

[Wired*Nun]

Wearily, "No problem, doc. I may be stubborn, but I ain't get here by stupid. Might as well get some use outa ya, right?" He winks at his weak joke.

"An maybe ya can think of something fer the side effects...I'll see you in a couple hours, when the hotshot relieves me."

[Left-Handed Bandit]

"I'll see you then, Captain," Will answers.

Leaving the cockpit, the doctor mulls over the history as told to him as he heads for the infirmary. He wants to brush up on the disease's particulars in the medical database, so that he has a better idea of what to look for and, hopefully, some alternative solutions that will, at the very least, aid his current regimen.

Once the quick research is done, he preps the infirmary for the examination and awaits the captain.

[Wired*Nun]

The doc finds a few things that help a little - dietary changes, fresh fruits and vegetables, which he already is getting in abundance. Some better filters for the environment systems. One of the side-effects of pernatinie is impotence.

(((feel free to make up doctorly stuff here))))

Hiram comes in on time, shuts the door and opaques the windows. "All right, doc. Do yer worst," he says resignedly.

[Left-Handed Bandit]

The information about as helpful as expected, Will readies his thoughts for the captain's appearance. When the man arrives, the Black Friar gives him a rundown of what tests he's going to run and what that entails.

Continuing, Will says, "I know that one of the side-effects of your regimen is impotence. If you're interested, and your health condition allows you to have sexual activity, I have a few prescriptions I can recommend that won't interact with your liver medication."

Will gives a thorough exam and thanks the captain for his patience. "Give me a day or so, and I should be able to have detailed results. I probably won't be able to tell you anything different, but I'm hoping that a fresh pair of eyes looking at your condition will find something that will help."

[Wired*Nun]

Hiram puts up tiw the prodding, needles and biopsy sampling. The liver biopsy is never fun, involving a large needle inserted in the side under the ribs. "Thanks, doc," he says gamely. "I'd be proud to try somethin' to help me get my whacker back in condition, if you got it here, or if'n you can get it at next planetfall." He takes his leave, with relief.

Will does his own lab work, which more or less confirms Hiram's reported diagnosis. Fibrous melanoma is a slow-growing cancer, hard to stop but mostly controllable with a regimen of expensive therapies available only to the rich or well-connected.

[INT+Pathology roll vs. difficulty 8] +[roll1]]

Edited new roll (getting this thing figgered out):

INT+2 (Highly educated) + Pathology +2 (Talented: Medical) Yields 14

(((If this weren't the prelude Will would get 1 plot point for this)))

Then comes the research. He can't do much on the Cortex from the Black, so he has to wait for planetfall on Braumonde. The connection fees are miniscule through the port authority server hardline compared to long-range access off satellite relay from the Black. He makes the most of it, working through the night to try to dig up the latest in the journals and literature on the condition.

[INT+2 + Pathology+2] roll vs. difficulty 20 [roll]d10+2 + d8+2

[Wired*Nun]

[roll0] + [roll1] = 16, not enough to discover some new approach to Hiram's condition.

He is able to find a couple of drugs that should help with Hiram's impotence, along with a few other things he needs to stock the infirmary. He charges it to the ship's medical expenses.

[Wired*Nun]

Figure this thread is done. I'll unstick it but leave it open just in case.