Staples you got aplenty, but fruit spoils pretty quickly...
Nope.
What else do you want to take from the ship or buy for them (you could buy fruit at a market if you really want to...)?
Arabella will kick in for food, including a fruit basket (only enough for the family to eat in the next few days).
If there is a pharmacy or equivalent, Arabella will inquire about any medications or supplements that can aid in recovery, assuming the flower extract works.
There's electricity in the big towns, but not out so far as their farm.
The druggist says that while rare, that ailment is almost always fatal unless a draught from that flower is used. If you got it to her soon enough, she should make a full recovery.
Arabella will kick in for food, including a fruit basket (only enough for the family to eat in the next few days).
If there is a pharmacy or equivalent, Arabella will inquire about any medications or supplements that can aid in recovery, assuming the flower extract works.
"Maybe before we leave I could buy a few things for the ship also; it would be nice to have a meal with everyone that wasn't around a fire and that hadn't been living recently. We could talk and stuff, like about Harold wanting to teach me about rifles."
So what you are saying, is that we should go shopping for good stuff before we take to the black again.
So what you are saying, is that we should go shopping for good stuff before we take to the black again.
" ... and possibly head somewhere that I can shoot rifles, exactly!"
The cost for the food is about 10 platinum each.
Arabella is happy to contribute to the food fund.
You all go back to the farm, with the ATV loaded with food. The little girl is already responding to the flower potion. The family is *extremely* grateful both for this and for the food. They ask you your names again so they can tell stories to all their friends about the heroes who did so much for them and asked for nothing in return.
When you get back to the ship, Bryce is standing outside with a woman. As you approach, he says "This is Myra. I think you ought to hear what she has to say."
After introductions are over, Myra suggests you all go into the ship and close the hatch for privacy. She then begins "I belong to a small group that started out as former Independents after the war ended, but our numbers are growing. We aim to bring down the Alliance, or at least create enough leverage against them to make them loosen their stranglehold on the system significantly. Bryce here assures me that none of you are pro-Alliance, so I'm telling you in secrecy that our plan isn't to wage another war, but to bring down the Alliance from within, by planting our people in high-ranking positions.
To that end, we need powerful allies. There have been rumors that those psychics that the Alliance created thru their monstrous methods have banded together and have their own organization, whose goals we don't know.
We need to find them. With Bryce's Independent background, and your well-known routine of going from planet to planet, we would like to enlist you to find that group and offer them an alliance with us. We can offer upgrades to the ship, and some Alliance weapons and technology to help you in return. But keep in mind, if the Alliance catches you with their tech, you'll likely be tortured - I mean, "interrogated", then imprisoned for life or killed. What say you?"
"Interesting offer. Do you have some idea where they are and why they might be open to rebelling?"
She smiles wryly and says "If I knew where they were, I wouldn't be here, would I? And we're assuming that since we have a common enemy, they'd be willing to team up, but that's what you'd have to propose to them once you find them."
Daisy looks a little uncomfortable.
"The alliance is so strong. This sounds mighty dangerous. How would we even start ta find this group?"
"We could leak to them that we know a psychic who could use their help and guidance ..."
Fully expecting the blank looks, Brook adds, ""Yeah, that would be me."
"Putting it out there that you have psychic abilities would just draw the Alliance to you in a hurry. I'd suggest that you continue your shipping runs, but on each planet you visit, go to bars or bizarres or open markets and just casually bring up the existence of psychics - don't say you're looking for one, or want to contact one. Maybe even say you don't believe they exist."
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Daisy looks at Myra, then Brook. Then to Myra and back to Brook.
Finally she smiles and jokingly says,"well, here I thought you were just weird in general."
Daisy looks at Myra, then Brook. Then to Myra and back to Brook.
Finally she smiles and jokingly says,"well, here I thought you were just weird in general."
"No ma'am, not 'just' and definately not in general, but weird for sure. From the day I was born. It's the one thing I know I can count on."
"Sounds a bit like looking for unicorns," Arabella muses. "We're in the business of transport, so we go where freight or people need moving. We have had a few run-ins with the Alliance and a few weird clues that they have special operations kept very secret, but following up on such things tends to also draw unwanted Alliance attention. We can keep an open eye, but I'm not sure there is any safe way to seek out this group."
Bryce speaks up : "I know there's some risk, but how long do you all want the peoples of the 'Verse to live under the Alliance's thumb? As an ex-Indepedent fighter in the rebellion, I think it's worth the risk, but I want each of you to make the decision for yourselves. Heck, we take risks just by shipping - pirates, asteroids, or unscrupulous Alliance boardings could happen at any time."
Daisy lets. little giggle out from Brooks reply.
Then she turns serious again, "Well, won't hurt none to keep a look out and ask a little bit, I guess."
"I've seen enough of how the Alliance operates that I'm no fan. They make a big show of being there to protect people and keep things safe, but then behind they scenes they are working on Tao knows what. People disappear or get turned into freaks. They kill anyone who finds out their secrets. So yeah, if we can locate this group and convince them to join the good fight, I'll take the risk that comes with that."
"I have come to this age by keeping to a middle way, not trying to impose my will on others, avoiding having others' will imposed on me."
"Ultimately, we cannot know what is coming. If you care to hear it, let me read a passage that I think we might all need right now."
She pulls a worn book from her pack and thumbs through to find the passage and then reads:
Take the case of a drunken man falling from his carriage;- though he may suffer injury, he will not die. His bones and joints are the same as those of other men, but the injury which he receives is different:- his spirit is entire. He knew nothing about his getting into the carriage, and knew nothing about his falling from it. The thought of death or life, or of any alarm or affright, does not enter his breast; and therefore he encounters danger without any shrinking from it. Completely under the influence of the liquor he has drunk, it is thus with him;- how much more would it be so, if he were under the influence of his Heavenly constitution! The sagely man is kept hid in his Heavenly constitution, and therefore nothing can injure him.
She closes the book and silently contemplates what she has read.
"It means a great deal to me to imagine that I might be sagely rather than broken, thank you Lady Arabella."
Brook seems also to silently contemplate what has been read, and then says:
"If a sagely mean were to abide in his Heavenly constitution, and know therefore that nothing could harm him, he would then be able to turn his face to the world around him with hopes that he might bring harmony to others."
"I have never read a book, but that one seems like a good one ma'am."
"It's a remnant of an Old Earth text attributed to Chuang Tzu. Base on the number of times I've been injured over the years, I can't yet claim to behave sagely myself, but it's what I strive for. Years ago, I learned that it takes more than just being drunk to be protected by the universe."
"I think that means you are not suggesting to get drunk; I have never been drunk before though, and wanted to try it. It seems to fun for some people, some times."
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"Just don't choose Tequila for your first drunk. Trust me on that..."
Harold chuckles at Daisy's statement.
Fully agree, say no to Tequila as your first bender
"Yes to rifles, No to tequila ... I knew I would learn a lot with you guys!"
As you're standing there talking, you see a small but adult woman approach the group who says...
Wren smiles to herself as she sees the ship she'd been told about is still there and hasn't left yet. She'd taken a chance in heading out here, though at least she'd gotten a ride (most of the way) from one of the local farmers. She'd glanced back only once or twice, and never when she was being observed, just to make sure they weren't been tailed. So far, so good. Likely the last crew wouldn't notice that the electronic lockpick they'd kept in their safe had gone missing until she was long gone. Traveling through the black on that old bucket of bolts hadn't been very exciting anyway - unless you counted the exhilaration found in knowing there was a very strong possibility that the ship would likely break down and leave them all gasping for air sooner or later.
The woman approaching the group standing around outside the Firefly-class transport might have been mistaken at first for a young girl - perhaps not even in her teens yet. A few inches shy of five feet and skinny as a rail, her face is waif-like, pretty in a plain sort of way, and her hair is long, raven dark and currently pulled into a ponytail that hangs down to the middle of her back. But as she gets closer, the travelers can see by the lines of amusement that crease her face - along with her choice of clothing style and the dark brown eyes that assess them frankly - quite clearly don't belong to a little girl. Her boots are black leather and rise more than halfway to her knees - though now they're nearly grey in appearance due to the dust of the road she'd been walking for at least some small distance. Her thick leather jacket is black as well, along with the clothes she wears beneath. A small pack with a shoulder strap is draped over her left side, and she drops it gently to the ground as she smiles at the strangers.
"Howdy. Name's Wren, and I'm glad I caught up with ya before y'all left. Transport off-world seems a bit hard to come by in the city, but I heard tell of a Firefly out here and figured you might be willin' to take on a passenger? I've got platinum, if you've got space? As you can see, I don't need much." She adds with a charming grin. Or at least, she hopes it comes across as charming and not desperate...
Hello there, names Harold. He extends a hand to Wren
I cannot be saying much for the cap'n, but I can say that we have room.
He quickly glances at her travel stained gear.
Coming far, or running? Either or, it makes no matter to me, just tells me how much risk I take on dirtside.
Wren takes the big man's hand in her own, sizing him up with her dark eyes. Browncoat, that much is easy enough - hell, he's wearing one after all, even after all these years. "Pleasure, Harold. But you know, ain't we all runnin' from somethin'?" She answers without really answering his question. "As for how far, guess that depends on where you're goin'. I got a tellin' urge to see someplace new, and I ain't in no real hurry to get there."
Aye, we all be running from something. But from the sounds, you be ducking something urgent.
As I said, its just to let myself know how much to worry dirtside
He then points at the 2 ladies.
First introductions this is Daisy, Arabella, and lastly Brook. I will go get the Cap'n while they keep you occupied.
He then steps away to bring the cap'n out
Wren gives Harold a crooked smile, not rising to the baited statement. But she nods in turn to each of the three before watching the browncoat head back into the ship. Turning to the young woman, Wren asks. "So, you all crew? What's your cap'n like? He a Browncoat too, like Harold? I heard tell of Independents still flyin' the black, well away from Alliance and the like. Can't say as I blame 'em, really. Purple bellies always tryin' to ruin the fun, aren't they?"
The small girl determines it's probably safe to take this tack, figuring that anyone flying with Harold as part of their crew wouldn't likely be Alliance friendly. And it certainly wouldn't hurt to ingratiate herself with one or more of these three. Especially if she wants to get off this luh suh hunk of rock sooner than later.
Another man in a browncoat steps foward, offers his hand and says "Hi, I'm Bryce, the captain and pilot. You looking to pay for travel, or come on board as crew?"
A woman dressed in middle-class casual clothes walks up, shakes Wren's hand, and while she's holding it she looks her in the eye and says "Greetings. Do you work for the Alliance?"
"Nice ta meet ya, Wren! Welcome aboard. You've come at an intersting time as well..."
Wren raises one slim eyebrow at Daisy's statement. "Is that right? Well, I do like interestin' experiences..." And then the captain makes his appearance, and she graces him with a fetching smile as she takes his hand. "Pleasure, captain. I'm Wren."
She pauses for a moment, considering his words, then ventures almost timidly. "You lookin' to hire crew? I can hold my own in a fight when it gets up close and personal like, if you take my meanin', and if that's what you're lookin' for. I'm also a fair hand at anything runnin' on circuits. Ship sensors and the like. Or.... gettin' into places that might pose a problem?" Again that smile, this time a mischievous quirk of her lips, revealing a dimple in her right cheek.
When the no-nonsense type woman approaches, Wren takes her hand as well, though a bit more cautiously. "Afraid I don't have much use for Alliance types. Found they'd rather spoil my fun than to help me along, if you take my meanin'."
The young thief knows she's taking a chance here, hinting at her 'occupation', if you could call it that. But she also knows that a crew like this one - if her assumptions are correct and they try to avoid running afoul of the Alliance - might just have need for someone of her particular talents. Or so she hopes...
Bryce says "Pardon my presumption, we don't get many actual passengers, usually someone who's looking to get away from...something...and could use a little extra cash. And your skillset sounds...interesting".
Myra holds on to Wren's hand for just a moment or two after Wren speaks, still looking into her eyes, then lets go, smiles and says "Yes, indeed, I know exactly what you mean".
She turns to everybody else and says "So, where were we in discussing what everyone thinks about my offer? Other than Daisy's tentative 'yes', I haven't heard any real opinions yet".
Then she turns back to Wren and says "Oh, long story short - I'm looking to recruit a team to locate a possible group of psychics that are working against the Alliance, in order to join forces with them - would you be interested?"
I gots no truck with the helping set things up. After all, I think the planets should get their own say
"Well then captain, consider me hired. If you'll have me." She adds with a smile. Then Wren turns to the woman speaking, asking a few questions to determine what's involved. If she's going to be part of this crew, best to at least know what they've been hired for. Though Wren doesn't care a lick for politics in general, she was truthful in being no friend of the Alliance. Giving them a black eye tickles her sense of humor. And... "Well, count me in. So... umm... what's this Alliance tech you've got? Any details? And... not to sound mercenary or anything, but is that the payment for this job?"
"Well, we can give your ship partial cloaking, boost its speed for short bursts to outrun all but the fastest Alliance ships, and provide it with a well-hidden external gun. We can give you silencers for your weapons, and the best armor available. Does that sound like enough compensation?" she ends with a smile.
It does to me, but I am not the boss.
I guess I got to learn how to use a heavy gun
He turns around
Wren, I guess your hired. Let me show you to your room. If you can come this way
He starts walking towards the quarters and shows her where everything is in the room.
Lets see, fresher, toilet, bed, closet, yup all important things.
So I will leave you to get settled, meals are at normal times.
He then heads back to his room and settles in.
"Well, all that tech sounds good considerin' what we've seen recently."