Day 1, Serenity View's Spaceport, 7:15 PM PT
"Wolf here headed for the noodle house.....Ahhh where is it?"
Having yet to actually enter the town itself Wolf had no idea where it was the restaurant was. Returning back to Rocinante he talked quickly with Ma. Looking up the noodle house on the cortex Ma pointed out fastest directions for Wolf to get there. As was her nature nothing Wolf could say seemed to convince her to join them so the mechanic promised her a take out meal.

Noting the five star rating, as Wolf was headed off ship, she stopped him at the ramp telling him to dress better then his present attire. Fifteen minutes later dressed more appropriately his guns somewhat concealed, Wolf was finally off ship. a quick check of the outside struts and body of the Rocinante and he was headed into town. Passing Chewie's ship he gave it a quick glance and continued on his way towards the noodle house................

The three of them reached Mei Long's and found it not just a noodle house but a fancy a place the likes he'd seen, right up there with the Hotel they'd stayed at. The kid had gotten use to those places so seeing all the fancy dressed folks didn't flap him none. He checked his stuff with Wyatt, this was starting to be habit to go without his iron and it still wasn't pleasing to him. As they stood to get on the waiting list he heard other folks being told it was a two hour wait without reservations.

"Phew this place sure seems popular.", he whispered. He loved noodles but he could make, cook and eat his own in less time than that. He was about to tell the others he's cook um noodles back at the Roc when a lady stepped up to them.

"Capt Wyatt Sung and Guests? Your table is ready. Right this way. Have you ever been to Mei Long's before?" Asher looked side long at Wyatt and raised an eyebrow; then followed Wyatt and Willow down the corridor to a private room. The hostess opens the door, bows and motions them to go in. The PR man in him noted the two armed guards; his hormones noticed they were women. "Oh great, more women with guns." he thought.

Seated at the table for eight was a drop dead gorgeous woman in a form fitting Alliance uniform. Her black hair, pale complexion and almond eyes show her heritage. She appeared to be too young to have been in the war, but she was still an Alliance officer.

As they entered she stood and bowed in a formal polite manner. "Good day. You must be Captain Wyatt Sung, Asher Talhone and of course, Willow Takahara. You bring great honor to myself by accepting my invitation so swiftly. I am Colonel Sally Wu, commander of the alliance outpost here on Serenity Views. "
Again Ash gave Wyatt a side glance. The kid wondered if the Colonel understood to losses suffered by so many here on this battlefield and their families, but the lady knew his name so it was only polite to smile and nod back to her.

"Yes. I sent you an invitation to join me tonight in honor of your fallen comrade and the exemplary work you did on LV-426. Many would have run, but you stood your ground for others. That is worthy of ..."

The door to the room opened slightly and a blonde woman put her head in to find the Colonel. She nodded to Ms. Wu and Ms. Wu nodded back. "Right. We are free to talk. Please sit and join me for dinner. We have much to discuss, starting with what your business is with Virgil Morningstar?"
"Ah, business talk."thought Asher. Well he'd leave the talking to Miss Willow and just concentrate on the noodle and the view.

Noodle houses in general are not places that Wyatt considers upscale. Historically speaking, Sung hadn't been in a noodle house that required a month's wages to reserve a table, but he's pretty sure that he'd just entered one.

"Phew this place sure seems popular.", Asher whispers after they had tucked their weapons away and put their names on the waiting list.

"Must be some pretty jing chai noodles," Wyatt acknowledges as a young hostess approaches them with a pleasant smile.

"Captain Wyatt Sung and Guests? Your table is ready. Right this way. Have you ever been to Mei Long's before?"

Wyatt catches the Kid's sideways look and delivers one of his own that warns the young man to be cautious before proceeding down the corridor with Willow on his arm to a private room. The hostess opens the door, bows and motions them to go in. Obligingly, Captain Sung steps through first; in part to make certain he was able to shield Willow from potential harm, and in part to be able to quickly assess the situation and react should there be a need.

Three beings are the first thing that registers with him (OOC: Perception and Intuition checks please). Almost instantly are the easy-going stances of the two flanking the one. Then, it occurs to him that they are all female—Alliance—and one is an officer. The woman at the table is a looker. Her black hair, pale complexion and almond eyes show her heritage. She appears to be too young to have been in the war, but she was still an Alliance officer, and that doesn't sit well with the captain.

She stands and bows in a formal, polite manner, "Good day. You must be Captain Wyatt Sung, Asher Talhone, and of course, Willow Takahara. You bring great honor to myself by accepting my invitation so swiftly. I am Colonel Sally Wu, commander of the alliance outpost here on Serenity Views."

"I'm sorry, Colonel," Sung states dryly. "Invitation?"

"Yes," She looks at him with large, captivating eyes. "I sent you an invitation to join me tonight in honor of your fallen comrade and the exemplary work you did on LV-426. Many would have run, but you stood your ground for others. That is worthy of..."

The door to the room opens slightly causing Wyatt to tense up a bit—not enough for anyone else to notice, but enough that he could spring into action should the need arise—and a blonde woman pokes her head into the room. She nods to Colonel Wu and Sally nods back.

"Right," she interrupts herself as the blond leaves. "We are free to talk. Please sit and join me for dinner. We have much to discuss, starting with what your business is with Virgil Morningstar?"

Tilting his head a little to the right, Wyatt steps forward and casually pulls a chair out for Willow while meeting Colonel Wu's inquiring gaze. He doesn't figure the Alliance officer is being forthright, and he's not cottoning to the impression that the woman set of being honored to have them join her for dinner. Truth be told, Wyatt doubts that they would have had any choice in attending the meal had they not just happened onto the same place she'd intended to interrogate them at.

Once the good doctor has been seated, Sung pulls out his own chair and unceremoniously drops into it, dropping the ankle of his right leg across the knee of his left and pushing his hat back on his head. "Virgil Morningstar?" he says with a disinterested expression on his tanned face. "He that fellow that we met with today, Willow? The one up in that house there?

"Well, Ma'am, we ain't too keen on losin' limbs ‘n life t' unexploded ordinance in the Valley an' we was told that he's the man t' talk with if'n we want t' find our way through without exploding some. That's the extent of it."

Removing his hat from his head, Sung places it on his right knee and runs his left hand through his stiffled hair. "Truth be told, Ma'am; this here rock ain't exactly one o' my favorite places in the ‘Verse. So, I'd just as soon bury the Ol' Warhorse with whatever honors me an' my crew can give, pick up another contract, an' be on my way. We're not lookin' t' involve ourselves in nothing further, an' most certainly ain't looking fer no trouble.

"Didn't get no invitation. We was out an' about. However, now's we're here perhaps you could point out what's t' have an' what's not t' have on the menu?"

The Doc and Preacher exchanged a look that could be described as bemused. The preacher offeres his hand, "Yes I am Reverend Jim and this here is the Doc. I don't wish to sound impolite but what are you doing here?"

The Doc does not offer his hand at all but gives a smirk to Jade, "Oh I'll be impolite then. What business do you have here in the Heights Ms. Stormy? Pretty eyes and a nice sway ain't gonna get you much credit with me or the Reverend."

Ms. Stormy? That's a new one mused Jade but out loud said "Well, thank goodness I am not looking for any credit, then. To be honest, the reason why I am here is because I have heard that people have been going missing around here, and I wanted to see with my own eyes, what might be going on," Jade purposely tilted her head to look at the fences, before lightly commenting, "One would think if people were going missing, the priority would be to protect the group that are being targeted and not build a fence that hides said group."

"One would think that a complete stranger would want to mind her own business in other people affairs." Doc Greene remarked.

Jim rolled his eyes, "Somehow Doc, I don't think she is the enemy here. Excuse my friend here, his bark is only slightly worse than his bite."

Jade hid a small smile, I remember doing this, it's the old bad cop verses good cop routine before looking back at them, asking "No need, I can understand a little caution, considering what I have been told. I was hoping you would be able to help me get some answers as to why people are going missing and why there isn't more being done to help?"

"Whose gonna help?" Doc said with a sarcastic laugh, "Alllance don't care. Builders don't want these folk here! Morningstar? Bah! Don't get me started!"
The name caught Jade's attention, and she quickly asked "Who is Morningstar? The local sheriff?"

Are you looking for someone Jade?" Did you come looking for a lost relative because although the Doc here is being very rude, "He shot the Doc a look, "He is right that the people here don't have many champions."

"Not quite, I wanted to know who has been going missing, and what they might have had in common. All I know is that they come from this area." Explained Jade I am also curious as to what the sources of these ghost are but I have a funny feeling you guys might laugh at me
At the moment, the comm. of jade's belt activated, "Jade, listen here. We got company watchin' us with a very intentful eye that I don't imagine is keen on seein' if we're the type they want t' invite t' a local ball. I'm not keen on you runnin' off on yer own niether, so why don'tcha come on over to the noodle house and we'll talk 'bout what you were set on. Dohn la ma?"

Jade made a slightly sour face but answered the radio with an "Alright Captain, I am on my way."

Shoot, I never actually grabbed a map!
"Sorry about this, but it looks like I am needed, umm, would either of you know where this noodle house would be?" Jade asks.

Doc Greene shakes his head. "Fancy end of town," he says pointing, "On the edge of the cliff so you can get a grand view of all the graves. Mei Long's Fine Dining for all the upper class and crusty Wangbada in the valley."

"Language Doc!" The Reverend said admonishingly but Jade shrugged off the words, stating "It was the Captain's choice, not mine but I won't take any more of your time. Joo how rin
"Pleasure to have met you Jade. I hope you find the answers you are looking for ..." The Preacher trails off as his eyes watch over Jade's shoulder.

Turning around, Jade see six large men walking it the Heights, all dressed in the overalls and plaid shirts that denotes Trade Guild workers. The men duffel bags with them and they appear to be handing out sandwiches and bottles of drinks to the people here. Doc Greene pulls his shotgun off his back and says, "Looks like you are well named, cause you brought a Storm of trouble with you."

"Trouble or not, I don't think sandwiches are a good reason to shoot anyone!" countered Jade, moving to block the doctor if he stated to raise the gun.

Jim gives the Doc another look, "that didn't even make sense Doc."

"Damn it Jim, I'm a doctor not a writer."

"Well, I would rather we didn't start killing people here Doc!" the preacher said with a disgusted look at the shotgun."

"Oh relax!" Doc Green replied, "It is just rock salt, iodine, and dried lemon."

Jade mentally sighed in relief and relaxed, but didn't back away. It would still hurt if fired.Jim looked at the Doc with a half smile. "You sir, are a bad man,"

The Trade guild workers moved forward and then saw the three standing there. "Whoa!" shouted the tallest one, "Put down the peashooter Grandpa! We come in peace. Just doing our civic duty!"

"Yeah. I am sure you are all just the cream of the earth!" Doc called back.

The men looked bewildered at Doc's mixing of metaphors. Jade can see that none of the workers are armed, at least not with guns but they do all have some sort of tool on their persons (wrench, hammer, etc).

Jim stepped forward, put his hand under the Doc's shotgun and moved the barrel downwards, "You'll have to excuse my friend's caution but we have had some strange dealings around here of late, and we rarely get civic minded visitors. Who sent you?"

"Guy, Our Guild boss, asked for volunteers. Said it would look good on the guild if we did some community service. It is just sandwiches and water. We ain't looking for a fight or nuthin'"

Jim and the Doc exchanged a look so Jade took the lead. "That very kind of your guild leader! As Jim said, not too many civil visitors come by. However just to make sure everything stays that way," Jade gave the shotgun a pointed look, "I will stick around and make sure that everyone gets a sandwich and there are no problems! ?

(OOC: Hopefully there are no arguments)

"Which reminds me, you never said the name of the guild or who your leaders name."

Day 1, Serenity View's Spaceport, 7:17 PM PT
Passing Chewie's ship Wolf gave it a quick glance and for a brief moment paused thinking maybe to ask for directions. However as he started to turn towards the ship he spotted a group of workers headed for the Heights and figured they would be a quicker sort of map help as the Roc's mechanic knew he could be running late.

Quickening his pace to catch up he followed behind them into the Heights..............

Mei Long's proved to be a noodle house on par with Auntie Sun's: a posh homage to the simple home turned frontshop for the local noodlemaker. Many a widow on Earth-That-Was had survived by opening her home to hungry laborers and travelers and most dirtside towns still featured a local noodle house that provided simple, nourishing fare that wasn't all pre-formed protein patties. This was decidedly more upscale, and Mei Long was likely a fiction of some Blue Sun subsidiary. Still, Willow mused, the food was bound to be good , and she's gotten a wee bit spoiled upon the cruise ship.

Surprisingly, given the foyer, a table was found for them right away, and Willow adorned Sung's arm once more to head down a corridor. If she was surprised to find herself in a private room facing three women Alliance personnel, it didn't show on her face. She nodded graciously at the greeting and allowed Wyatt to pull out her chair. She busied herself with arranging her skirts and removing her hat as the Colonel and Wyatt exchanged their opening sallies.

"Truth be told, Ma'am; this here rock ain't exactly one o' my favorite places in the ‘Verse, "Wyatt said while removing g his own hat," So, I'd just as soon bury the Ol' Warhorse with whatever honors me an' my crew can give, pick up another contract, an' be on my way. We're not lookin' t' involve ourselves in nothing further, an' most certainly ain't looking fer no trouble.

"Didn't get no invitation. We was out an' about. However, now's we're here perhaps you could point out what's t' have an' what's not t' have on the menu?"

Willow smiled to herself as Colonel Wu processed Wyatt-speak; she knew it would take a moment. Idly picking up her napkin and laying across her lap, Willow asked casually," What's the Alliance's interest in visitors to Morningstar? You weren't briefed by Saunders, I take it."

Day 1, Mei Long's Fine Dining, 7:10 PM PT
"Truth be told, Ma'am; this here rock ain't exactly one o' my favorite places in the ‘Verse, "Wyatt said while removing his own hat," So, I'd just as soon bury the Ol' Warhorse with whatever honors me an' my crew can give, pick up another contract, an' be on my way. We're not lookin' t' involve ourselves in nothing further, an' most certainly ain't looking fer no trouble.

"Didn't get no invitation. We was out an' about. However, now's we're here perhaps you could point out what's t' have an' what's not t' have on the menu?"

Willow smiled to herself as Colonel Wu processed Wyatt-speak; she knew it would take a moment. Idly picking up her napkin and laying across her lap, Willow asked casually," What's the Alliance's interest in visitors to Morningstar? You weren't briefed by Saunders, I take it."

Colonel Wu did not smile or change her expression much as she listened to Wyatt and Willow. "Briefed? No I was not briefed nor would I expect to be. Saunders is a federal Marshall and there is a long history of miscommunication between military and Marshalls. WE enforce the law for the people, Marshalls chase the people that refused to be enforced." She said plainly and leaned back. "However, when a lone tramp freighter appears out of the blue to rescues passengers from a liner that no one knew was going to be taken, and then said crew fights off the most vicious and ruthless set of mercenaries in the verse with minimal causalities - I start to wonder. Then said crew decide to honour the dead by coming here and gets permission to bury someone in the valley - well that seems to be a bit much."

The doors opened to the room and waiters brought in bowls and began to serve duck soup with thin wonton noodles to everyone. Tea was served and they filled the centre table with Har gau, Chiu-chao fan guo and Siu mai. Wu did not speak while the servers were in the room but as soon as they left, she waved her hand to say that you should go ahead as she sipped her tea. "What I think is you are working with the federal Marshalls on a covert mission. I would like to know what that mission is as I have worked very hard to gather what information I have on Mr. Morningstar and I will not have it Ni
tama de tianxia suoyou de ren duo gaisi." She stabbed a Siu mai with her chop sticks harshly and popped it into her mouth while waiting for your response.


Day 1, Serenity Views, Phoenix Heights. 7:10 PM PT

As Wolf was walking through town trying to find his way to the noodle house he saw a group of trade workers (by their clothing) walk by with duffel bags. Normally Wolf wouldn't have noticed them but there was something about them that triggered a memory. It was the way they walked, a sorta swagger that Wolf learned in prison meant a gang was planning to rough someone up or teach a lesson. The swagger said - I mean to hurt and enjoy it. The mechanic decided to follow them for awhile just to make sure they were planning anything that would effect his own people. So it was that Wolf was lead pass the junk yard to a ghetto like place called "Phoenix Heights". His gut instinct turned out correct as there was Jade alongside a preacher and a guy with a shotgun who were not too happy to see these gentlemen.

(Note: Wolf would have overheard the initial exchange of the workers and the three)

Jim stepped forward, put his hand under the Doc's shotgun and moved the barrel downwards, "You'll have to excuse my friend's caution but we have had some strange dealings around here of late, and we rarely get civic minded visitors. Who sent you?"

"Guy, Our Guild boss, asked for volunteers. Said it would look good on the guild if we did some community service. It is just sandwiches and water. We ain't looking for a fight or nuthin'."

Jim and the Doc exchanged a look and Jade took the lead. "That very kind of your guild leader! As Jim said, not too many civil visitors come by. However just to make sure everything stays that way," Jade gave the shotgun a pointed look, "I will stick around and make sure that everyone gets a sandwich and there are no problems.

The Doc whirled his head towards Jade, "What? I thought you had to run off to some noodle house lady? And who appointed you lawkeeper?"

"Now Doc, She is trying to help." Jim admonished gently.

"But we don't know her! Or them!"

One of the workers takes advantage of the distraction and sweeps his long wrench out of his side pocket to knock the shotgun out of Doc's hand. The doctor is knocked to the ground and starts to cough violently as the dust and dirt are stirred up. The others take up their hand tools as well and move menacingly toward the preacher and Jade.

(Jade is in combat. Wolf, you are able to act with surprise on your side)

Asher looked up over the food that had been placed before him and into Colonel Wu's dark smoldering eyes. In his low boyish drowl he said, "Maam,..When a distress call comes out of the black, you answer it. It's never a bit much,,..When a bunch frightened people look to you as their only hope, it's never a bit much,,When someone takes a bullet to save you, honor is never a bit much,,. I'm sorry someone broke your trust, but it weren't us,.. Maam." The kid waited to see if Wyatt and Willow were going eat before he started, he was ready to leave.

Day 1, Serenity View's Spaceport, 7:17 PM PT
Quickening his pace to catch up he followed behind the six trade workers into the Heights. However watching the six trade workers move quickly with duffel bags, there was something about them that triggered a memory. Wolf easily realized it was the way they walked, a sorta swagger that he had learned to be aware of in prison. That walk meant a gang, or in this case the trade workers, were planning to rough someone up or teach a lesson. The swagger said - I mean to hurt and enjoy it.

So it was no surprise as he caught up to them that heated words were being exchanged.
Thugs, and the six workers were that for sure, no matter in or out of prison it seemed like to talk first in an attempt to seem all bad ass. Moving more into the shadows Wolf took in the scene before him.

The newest member of the crew, Jade, stood alongside a preacher and an older man with a shotgun. The three of them facing the six trade workers who Wolf had followed here.

Jim stepped forward, put his hand under the Doc's shotgun and moved the barrel downwards, "You'll have to excuse my friend's caution but we have had some strange dealings around here of late, and we rarely get civic minded visitors. Who sent you?"

"Guy, Our Guild boss, asked for volunteers. Said it would look good on the guild if we did some community service. It is just sandwiches and water. We ain't looking for a fight or nuthin'."

Jim and the Doc exchanged a look and Jade took the lead. "That very kind of your guild leader! As Jim said, not too many civil visitors come by. However just to make sure everything stays that way," Jade gave the shotgun a pointed look, "I will stick around and make sure that everyone gets a sandwich and there are no problems.

The Doc whirled his head towards Jade, "What? I thought you had to run off to some noodle house lady? And who appointed you lawkeeper?"

"Now Doc, She is trying to help." Jim admonished gently.

"But we don't know her! Or them!"

One of the workers takes advantage of the distraction and sweeps his long wrench out of his side pocket to knock the shotgun out of Doc's hand. The doctor is knocked to the ground and starts to cough violently as the dust and dirt are stirred up. The others take up their hand tools as well and move menacingly toward the preacher and Jade.
As he watched Wolf's first reaction was to go for the cut down pump shotgun holstered on his right hip or the machine pistols under his arms. However he caught himself realizing none of the six workers had so far revealed anything more then bludgeoning weapons.

Plus first time on this planet the Rocinante mechanic had no knowledge of the laws dealing with dead men, and dead would be their fate if he drew his holstered weapons.
Seeing that the workers had no idea he was behind them Wolf knew he had the element of surprise. Drawing both his combat and utility knives, with no words of warning, he raced into the rear of the six workers hoping at least Jade would see him coming and assist him in the attack.

(OOC: Ok Wolf is not going for kill cuts but disabling cuts to the knees, body tendons and the like. In a mixture of knife fighting, brawling, and martial arts and help from Jade we should be able to drop these six quick. Then again no plan survives contact with the enemy)
((Praying for good dice rolls!!))

Idly picking up her napkin and laying across her lap, Willow asked casually," What's the Alliance's interest in visitors to Morningstar? You weren't briefed by Saunders, I take it."

Colonel Wu did not smile or change her expression. "Briefed? No I was not briefed nor would I expect to be. Saunders is a federal Marshall and there is a long history of miscommunication between military and Marshalls. WE enforce the law for the people, Marshals chase the people that refused to be enforced." She said plainly and leaned back. "However, when a lone tramp freighter appears out of the blue to rescues passengers from a liner that no one knew was going to be taken, and then said crew fights off the most vicious and ruthless set of mercenaries in the verse with minimal casualties - I start to wonder. Then said crew decide to honour the dead by coming here and gets permission to bury someone in the valley - well that seems to be a bit much."

The doors opened to the room and waiters brought in bowls and began to serve duck soup with thin wonton noodles to everyone. Tea was served and they filled the centre table with Har gau, Chiu-chao fan guo and Siu mai. Wu did not speak while the servers were in the room but as soon as they left, she waved her hand to say that you should go ahead as she sipped her tea. "What I think is you are working with the federal Marshals on a covert mission. I would like to know what that mission is as I have worked very hard to gather what information I have on Mr. Morningstar and I will not have it Ni tama de tianxia suoyou de ren duo gaisi." She stabbed a Siu mai with her chopsticks harshly and popped it into her mouth while waiting for your response.

Asher looked up over the food that had been placed before him and into Colonel Wu's dark smoldering eyes. In his low boyish drowl he said, "Ma'am,..When a distress call comes out of the black, you answer it. It's never a bit much,,..When a bunch frightened people look to you as their only hope, it's never a bit much,,When someone takes a bullet to save you, honor is never a bit much,,. I'm sorry someone broke your trust, but it weren't us,.. Ma'am." The kid waited to see if Wyatt and Willow were going eat before he started, he was ready to leave.

Offense was something that could be taken by the foolish man at the shifting of a shadow. Wyatt likes to think of himself as a little wiser than some, so the tone and accusations did nothing to stir his ire. This is a game of political posturing for the time being, and Wyatt knows that if they play their hand correctly it will remain as much.

"I honestly appreciate the compliment, Colonel," Sung declared with a wry smile as he hung his hat from his knee and shifted the position of his chair so that it afforded him easy access to open floor should he need it. "T' think tha' the crew o' a lone tramp freighter could be conscripted by the Marshals t' work on somethin' complex an' cantankerous, well, tha's jus' made my day.

"Tha' which was done fer the boatload o' high-'n-mighties was jus' what occurs in the Black. We was due fer some luck, an' the ‘Verse paid us out in dividen's. Them tha' was rescued weren't rescued solely on the backs o' me an' mine, I assure you. No. No matter how pretty we are, an' no matter how much the ‘Verse dished heapin' amounts of luck on us tha' day, Colonel, it all boils down t' the timely arrival o' the Marshals fer us livin' t' tell the tale.

"Now, we've had plenty o' trouble t' last a lifetime, an' ain't lookin' t' stir nothin' up; as I said. So, we've been straight with ya from the onset, but I'll repeat our position jus' so as we're clear.

"Our job ain't nothin' more than a courtesy t' an old war dog who won my respect an' my help when he saved my skin durin' the very firefight tha' took his life. Well, that an' t' enjoy some o' these fine noodles. Thanks t' you."

Willow let the others respond to Wu's irritation as she considered her options on the table. Her nose didn't lead her astray and soon enough she had a choice selection of lotus paste filled bau, garlicky bok choy and sesame noodles. She nibbled delicately until she'd eaten enough for politeness sake (and Buddha's mercy, but it was tasty!) then set her chopsticks aside. She'd unsettled Wu enough to get her to blurt more than perhaps she'd meant to, time to see if she knew anything about the enigmatic Carson.

"Not much opportunity for a covert mission if we're just here long enough to lay a hero to rest with his men," Willow added, eyebrows raised, " and what little we were given in the way of info by Saunders could be gleaned from the cortex by a five year old. Didn't learn anything more in meeting him other than he's a very eligible widower with no interest whatsoever in a travelling lady doctor," she ended with a sniff.

"Now the Shepherd visiting when we called? Shepherd Carson? " Willow blushed prettily, "Don't you think he's too perfect for a Man of the Book? I wouldn't mind him trying to save my soul, if you know what I mean."

Jim and the Doc exchanged a look and Jade took the lead. "That very kind of your guild leader! As Jim said, not too many civil visitors come by. However just to make sure everything stays that way," Jade gave the shotgun a pointed look, "I will stick around and make sure that everyone gets a sandwich and there are no problems.

The Doc whirled his head towards Jade, "What? I thought you had to run off to some noodle house lady? And who appointed you lawkeeper?"

Jade had to bite her tongue from answering "I used to be a lawkeeper" and instead answered "I'm just want to make sure that everything is fine before I leave, I hate to leave at a bad moment."

"Now Doc, She is trying to help." Jim admonished gently.

"But we don't know her! Or them!"

One of the workers takes advantage of the distraction and sweeps his long wrench out of his side pocket to knock the shotgun out of Doc's hand. The doctor is knocked to the ground and starts to cough violently as the dust and dirt are stirred up. The others take up their hand tools as well and move menacingly toward the preacher and Jade.

Instantly the pleasant smile disappeared of Jade's face, and a stern almost cold expression replaced it. With the palm of her hand, Jade struck at the inner side of the attacker's elbow, attempting to make him let go of the weapon or make it hurt too much to be used. Mentally she could hear her sensei's lesson echoing in her head:

Don't kill, if you can wound. Don't wound if you can subdue
Not pausing to let him recover, Jade let her knees bend and dropped her weight onto an angled strike with her foot, almost stomping on his shin bone.

Don't subdue, if you can pacify
A quick strike to the back of his head to bring him closer to the ground, before alternating to his knee to make him lose any last sense of balance, and a final stomp on the shin bone to keep the pain fresh in his mind.

(OOC: Assuming Jade is successful and he on the ground and in too much pain to get back up)

Knees bent, arms up to protect herself, Jade focused on the closest attacker as she called out "Jim, take your friend and get out of here! This is the last place you want to be right now!"

Never raise your hand before you have extended it

Day 1, Mei Long's Fine Dining, 7:20 PM PT
"Maam,..When a distress call comes out of the black, you answer it. It's never a bit much,,..When a bunch frightened people look to you as their only hope, it's never a bit much,,When someone takes a bullet to save you, honor is never a bit much,,. I'm sorry someone broke your trust, but it weren't us,.. Maam." Asher replied.

"I honestly appreciate the compliment, Colonel," Sung declared with a wry smile as he hung his hat from his knee and shifted the position of his chair so that it afforded him easy access to open floor should he need it. "T' think tha' the crew o' a lone tramp freighter could be conscripted by the Marshals t' work on somethin' complex an' cantankerous, well, tha's jus' made my day.

"Tha' which was done fer the boatload o' high-'n-mighties was jus' what occurs in the Black. We was due fer some luck, an' the ‘Verse paid us out in dividen's. Them tha' was rescued weren't rescued solely on the backs o' me an' mine, I assure you. No. No matter how pretty we are, an' no matter how much the ‘Verse dished heapin' amounts of luck on us tha' day, Colonel, it all boils down t' the timely arrival o' the Marshals fer us livin' t' tell the tale.

"Now, we've had plenty o' trouble t' last a lifetime, an' ain't lookin' t' stir nothin' up; as I said. So, we've been straight with ya from the onset, but I'll repeat our position jus' so as we're clear.

"Our job ain't nothin' more than a courtesy t' an old war dog who won my respect an' my help when he saved my skin durin' the very firefight tha' took his life. Well, that an' t' enjoy some o' these fine noodles. Thanks t' you."

"Not much opportunity for a covert mission if we're just here long enough to lay a hero to rest with his men," Willow added, eyebrows raised, " and what little we were given in the way of info by Saunders could be gleaned from the cortex by a five year old. Didn't learn anything more in meeting him other than he's a very eligible widower with no interest whatsoever in a travelling lady doctor," she ended with a sniff.

"Now the Shepherd visiting when we called? Shepherd Carson? " Willow blushed prettily, "Don't you think he's too perfect for a Man of the Book? I wouldn't mind him trying to save my soul, if you know what I mean."

Clearly, this meeting is not going the way that Colonel Wu had expected and she expresses that feeling with no more than a cocked eyebrow and pursed lips. "I see." She says after eating her dumpling. "Well that is ... disappointing, but not without some interest." She continues to eat while obviously contemplating your usefulness. "Then, as law abiding citizen-heroes that you are, Allow me to say that I have my eye on Mr. Morningstar and his business dealings. I would be interested in any insight that you may have into his dealing, as well, if he asks you to move some cargo. I would make it worth your while, not in a payment as I am sure you are not looking to be paid but am I not without influence and having a favour owned by me could be worth its weight in platinum.

"As to the Shepherd, I have to say that I do not know much about him. That in itself is of interest because give me enough time and I can find out anything about anyone but the good Shepherd is a mystery to me. As to trying to save my soul, I do not find him of interest at all." She leans back and looks around as if deciding what to do next, "As you are here to bury your friend and you are not doing so, I would assume there is a delay? Need to clear the mines and such? You know they work so much down in the valley clearing the mines and yet so much of it is still roped off. Really just enough for the tour donkeys to take the visitors down - everything else is roped off. Between that and the talk of ghosts snatching people, it is a wonder anyone goes down there. "



Day 1, Serenity Views, Phoenix Heights. 7:20 PM PT
One of the workers takes advantage of the distraction and sweeps his long wrench out of his side pocket to knock the shotgun out of Doc's hand. The doctor is knocked to the ground and starts to cough violently as the dust and dirt are stirred up. The others take up their hand tools as well and move menacingly toward the preacher and Jade.

Instantly the pleasant smile disappeared of Jade's face, and a stern almost cold expression replaced it. With the palm of her hand, Jade struck at the inner side of the attacker's elbow. The move worked and the lug wrench fell to the ground while the worker drew his hand back in pain while attempting to slap Jade with the other hand. She easily dodged that blow and drove her foot into his shin, dropping him
painfully to the ground.

Seeing that the workers had no idea he was behind them Wolf knew he had the element of surprise. Drawing both his combat and utility knives, with no words of warning, he raced into the rear of the six workers hoping at least Jade would see him coming and assist him in the attack. The men stepped back in response to Jade's sweeping attack so Wolf used his large form to stop them and strength to punch one of the worker in the back of the head while holding the hilt of the knife. The man lurched forward and smashed into one of his comrades, bringing both of them to the ground. One of the others still standing swings at the mechanic but Wolf stops the wrench in midflight with his knife and kicks the attacker in the groin for good measure.

The Reverend Jim moves quickly to scoop up the shotgun and with a flourish, flips it over in his hand to smash another one of the boys across the face with the back end of the gun. He then flips it back to aim the business end at the remaining attackers. "Okay that is ENOUGH!" he yells in a commanding tone. "You are not welcome here! You turn around, go back to whoever sent you here and tell him to leave us alone! You got me!"

The workers seem to lose any fight they may have had, with four down so fast. They curse wildly as they gather up their friends and tools and walk away - promising that you haven't heard the last of it.

The Reverend puts the shot gun down gentle and helps the Doc get to his feet. "Well that could have gone better don't you think?" He says sardonically to his friend. He looks back at Jade and Wolf. "I assume you two are together? Well thanks for the assistance."

"Wouldn't *cough* had happened *cough* if they didn't interfere!" Doc said.

"Right. You were doing so well pointing guns at people and making demands." Jim quipped back.

Asher blushed a little after his minor outburst. He had been ready leave this bountiful table but was now just sitting quietly as Capt'n and Miss Willow answered to prod Colonel Wu. When Miss Willow started to nibble selectively at the food he figured they'd be staying. Hiding his face a bit he started into the duck soup and wonton noodles. It wasn't long before his youthful appetite had sampled nearly everything and in his usual portions. Asher had kept his attentions on the Har gau, Chiu-chao fan guo and Siu mai until Colonel Wu mentioned ghosts. That's when the kid looked up at their host, "Shuh Muh?"

Day 1, Serenity Views, Phoenix Heights. 7:23 PM PT
In seconds it was over and though Wolf had gone into the fight with every intention to carve a message to these workers the end result was not as hoped. The fight had taken a different path with lesser wounds then intended given by the Rocinante's mechanic.

As Wolf sheathed his combat knife and pocketed the utility, the Reverend placed the shot gun down gently and moved to help the Doc get to his feet.

"Well that could have gone better don't you think?" He says sardonically to his friend. Then looking back at Jade and Wolf, spoke to them.

"I assume you two are together? Well thanks for the assistance."

"Yes Jade and I are crew on the recently arrived Firefly, I'm Fenris Apollo, ship's mechanic." Holding out his hand to shake that of the Reverend's

"Wouldn't *cough* had happened *cough* if they didn't interfere!" Doc said.

"Right. You were doing so well pointing guns at people and making demands." the Reverend quipped back.

"I don't mean to pry into your business Reverend, but may I ask what all that was about?"

"Looking to the three before him, Jade, the Reverend and the Doc he hoped for an explanation..................