Back Posting:

When the action went down in Serenity Valley, Willow only had time to be a doctor. As soon as it appeared that the fight had gone out of Virgil and his men, Willow had hiked her sari up to her knees and dashed to the containers holding the most recent indentures. Javelin helped her open the containers, but reviving people from suspended animation was tricky business and each of them had to be watched closely as they woke. She moved from person to person, monitoring vitals, gently restraining those who fought in half aware panic and applying careful doses of stimulants of those who still slept too deeply. She was determined to not lose any of them to cryo-shock.

So absorbed was she that she'd missed all of the interaction with Colonel Wu and it was only when she realized Javelin was no longer helping her that she looked up to see Wyatt and Dash embrace. Her heart contracted with a joy it was akin to pain and she had to look away, suppressing a gasp of pleasure/pain.

"You know you have the gratitude of the Guild," Javelin had told her," and they like to square their debts. What can we do for you? What does your heart desire?"

Willow had considered the question before responding. " The Guild is perhaps one of the most influential organizations in the Verse, but can they restore a father's love for his daughter? Make brother and sister whole again? That would make the Guild mighty indeed," she'd smiled sadly, old pain in her eyes.

"You can help make my new family whole again. Sung-san is working to have our pilot pardoned, but the Alliance claims they don't know where he is. I think they may lie, but it may be true. If you can bring him home to me," and she'd forced the words through a closed throat," that would be my heart's desire."

Now, she could scarce draw breath as she'd not dared to hope Javelin would be successful, but there was her (their) Sam,in the proverbial flesh. She blinked away happy tears and waved at Sam, earning a sheepish grin back before she returned to her waking patients.

Present time:

Willow hunted around the colourful piles of clothes in her quarters, looking for trinkets and clothes she no longer wanted, but were likely to be reasonable trade items. Whitefall was pretty rugged, but folks liked a touch of luxury, and Willow had meds with looming expiry dates she'd need to replace. Jobs had been scarce, and funds were low. She'd just made a smaller pile of things she'd be willing to say goodbye to for her crew when Jade forwarded a message with a call on the comm: " Hey Piao Liang, someone named Percival is trying to reach you, I am just sending the message to you now."

Willow smiled distractedly but Jade's voice always lightened her heart. " Opening it now, mei-mei" , she responded as she sat at her terminal and looked at the sender: Percival Chao. She tapped her lower lip thoughtfully,Chao had been a client, a good and generous one, back on Sinhon. Most had known Chao as a gracious bachelor who'd ventured out in the ‘Verse for new opportunities, but Willow was one of the few who knew the real reason.

Chao had been a "fixer" with an extensive black market network. It had started off as a lark, being the one to source items that were hard to move or difficult to obtain legally, but as he built the secret reputation, he'd become entwined with the Sinhon Tong. He'd liked the dark thrill of illicit trading, but the deadly side of the Tong was not something he wanted to openly oppose. It was Willow who'd ultimately suggested starting a new life for himself - proclaiming it publicly so the Tong would have no hold on him.

"Willow Takahara," Percival's handsome face beamed at her assuredly," I trust this message reaches you in health and prosperity. I'd heard the Rocinante had landed and thought of my dear friend. You are just in time for tomorrow's shindig - I still do throw the best, no matter the planet - and I would love to have you join me. Not," and he tilted his head respectfully," as part of our former relationship, of course, but, I hope, as a friend from home. In fact, please bring an escort. I'm including coordinates and the time as part of this message, and I really do hope to see you."

Willow brightened and swept her little pile of trinkets back into the bigger pile of treasures. "Let's go find the captain, shall we," she asked the smiling Buddha on her vanity, who wisely said nothing. "this shindig will be full of anyone who is anyone here,we are bound to find a job!"

The door to the office read "Sterling Phoenix -Chief Custodial Engineer". Deep in the bowels of a Blue Sun Corporation megaplex, this wasn't the office of an ordinary janitor. If anyone were to walk in expecting such, they would soon be surprised by the luxurious furniture, the huge oak deck and the state of the art security feeds and cortex box. Many great crime lords had a base of operations. Niskai had his space station, Dwain had his floating plantation on Bellerophon, and Sterling had his office that few knew about.

It wasn't always the way of his life. Sterling had once been a Captain fighting on the independence side of the war - the losing side as it were. He lost a lot in the war, Friends, family, his arm, and eye on the left side. But the death of his parents and baby sister always hung on Sterling like a lead weight he carried around. Died in the firebombing of Athens by the "heroes" of the alliance, or so the media called them. There had been five young pilots smiling prettily after they burned his home and family beyond recognition. But that was the past, and today was the future. Using contacts he made during the war to "appropriate" supplies, Sterling had done well for himself. Quite well actually, starting with stolen goods and moving into drugs, smuggling and unsavory goods. It didn't bother him, let the spoiled kids of the stuck up alliance die of OD's or killing each other with illegal weapons. He made a profit, and money solved a lot of problems. His left eye and arm were replaced with the best that money could buy, making him better than he was before - better, stronger, faster - or so the doctors said. Then there was the four of the "hero" pilots that the news people lauded in their feeds and articles were now all dead. One by one, at the hands of Sterling, he killed them. One of them died in the war before he could get his hands on him, but the other four paid dearly.

Or so he thought.

Sterling stood behind the man called Snake as he viewed the screenshot on the security screen. Snake was a master tracker in the verse. He could find people with the smallest of clues and Sterling had used his skills before. He liked Snake because he was dependable, reliable and up front about what he'd do and not do. Sterling appreciated honesty.

"It is has been six months now, boss and I have not got a peep on them."

"I am ... very disappointed Snake." Sterling said quietly, "and you know I hate to be disappointed."

"Well I ain't never seen anything like this before. I tracked your Trent guy down to a firefly named Rocinante. But he rabbits before we can get him. He leaves the ship and the ship suddenly becomes famous for fighting mercs and stopping human trafficking. "

"Yes Snake. I know this. We took a heavy hit on both. A heavy hit financially, and yet you tell me he had nothing to do with it."

"Well, I have been snooping for his alliance file for awhile, it is buried deep so I have to wait for someone else to pull it up so they can't track me. Well someone called it up and them - whamo!"

"Explain Whamo to me, Snake."

"Gone. Deleted. Like never existed deleted. Someone mad the file vanish like it was magic."

Slerling leaned back and swore a blue steak of chinese under his breath. He shook his head, "Damn that Blue Fairy Bitch!"

"Come again Boss?" Snake asked.

"Nevermind. So we know that Trent is gone from the cortex and now he is working under the name ‘Sam Dash'. So find him.

"Well there is a problem. Two actually. One is the Rocinantehasn't moved a cargo for six months or at least they have stayed of the satellite tracking feeds."

"They'll pop up. What's the second?"

"Umm. Sam Dash has a gold star beside his name on the Companion Guild Registry."

Sterling's real eye when wide, "What? That's impossible. How'd he'd even get on the companion registry?"

"No. Very possible and there it is. You touch him then you incur the wrath of the Guild and all its influence."

"How many people have gold stars by their names?"

"About a dozen total in all the verse. I wonder if he knows about it?"

Sterling paced back and forth, "Snake. I want this man. I want to kill him so many times that it defies recording. I want to draw DNA from his dead corpse, clone babies of him and then when each one is as old as my sister was when she died, I will kill them all the same way. Now you are telling me that we can't find him? Can't touch him? No! No no no! My will shall be done, Snake! Or it will be done upon you and every member of your ,"

Suddenly the screen changed colour in one section the monitor.Snake hastily pressed a few buttons, "Boss! We got a hit. Rocinante entered atmo on Whitefall."

Sterling smiled a crooked smile, "Excellent. Get me Patience on a wave. Tightbeam comm. I am sure she'd like to do me a favour or two."

It was a strange place Whitefall, once referred to as "not quite civilization". On the edge of place in the Verse called "Reaver" territory, the people were all carrying weapons and the main ranch house of Sarafina's was surrounded by four tall watch towers, manned with four watchers per tower watching the skies. Although the Law out here was bought and the living was hard - there was a strength to the people here, and a sense of community that you only find where your life depends on the person beside you.

Eagle-Eye's ranch stretches both sides of a wide river with scrub and dirt near the banks and a scraggly forest beyond that. A large expanse is fenced in and a herd of horses runs around in front of Rocinante. The centre has several stables and barns, and a large main house on a hill overlooking the bend of the river.

You can tell a lot about a person by how they treat the people who work for them. Eagle-Eye had no indentured servants on his ranch - everyone worked together, ate together once a day and there were signs of "women work" vs "men's work" on his lands. So lunch was set up by all and once everyone was served once, the remaining food was set out in a tent and people could help themselves. There was an older lady, blond with grey showing her age who was clearly in charge of the day to day events at the ranch. She kept a watchful eye over everything and everyone, making sure everything was right. She told people what to do with a ready smile and often directed with only a glance or a finger point. All deferred to her, even Eagle-Eye and you could not help but draw similarities between her and Ma in the way the love within her shone without much being said.


The crew sat with the workers and close to Eagle Eye at the long tables. Once some food was consumed and drinks were being enjoyed as some contemplated seconds, Wyatt decided it was time to broach a topic.

"Eagle Eye," the Captain drawled, drawing Sarafina's gaze, "Thank you, on behalf of me an' my crew, fer the meal an' company. Can't properly say how nice it is t' get some authentic grub in the belly, but it's been real shiny,"

"Heh," Sam chuffed around a chicken leg, "I c'n ruttin' improperly say if'n ya want."

"Hell Captain, if you been feeding Wolf here protein paste, I say it's agreeing with him. I swear he's double in size since the last I saw him. What are you lifting now Wolf? The ship?" Eagle Eye responds with a finger pointed at the mechanic.

"I don't mean t' sway conversation away from pleasantries, but there ain't no rest fer the wicked an', well, Roc's hold is now bereft o' yer bees. You wouldn't know, by chance, o' no one lookin' fer passage fer themselves'r some cargo, would ya?"

"I'd cotton ta anythin' ‘cept bees," Dash added, offhand, before lifting a mug of beer, "Those li'l wong bah duhn bunched me up an' made m' pi guh pucker,"

Eagle-Eye smiled and stretched, "Well Captain, I'd pay a sure pretty penny or two if you'd take our dear governor away in a burlap sack and dumped her somewhere where she might be appreciated more - like Higgin's Moon!" The comment brought a round of laughter from the table as well as a few not so polite suggestions of what else you could do with Patience. "But that would be more work than I could truly pay you for. I'm not sure to be honest with you Captain. I have nothing that needs moving right now. But why don't you and a some of your crew come with me to the Slaughterhouse tonight? It is a Rancher Lodge Tavern - Patience and her ilk ain't welcome. But there will be a number of ranchers there and I can make some introductions if you'd like. There is usually a card game going on if you'd like to join."

(assuming some replies)

"As well, further in town there's a place called the Wreckage, which is where the salvage haulers hang out. They tend to be a close-knit bunch but you might pick up a smaller load that the Haulers don't want to waste fuel on. There is also the Co-Op store - Eugene might have a shipment needing a lift planet-side if you willing, or a pickup of goods."

(Replies)

The older Lady spoke up, "Mr. Sarafina. What about Mr. Potter? Did you not mention him the other day?"

Eagle-Eye smiled and snapped his fingers, "Right! Right! Thank you Mrs. Wilson. Well, I ain't sure you'll be interested but there is a fella hanging around for some time now, looking for a ship. Passenger and cargo he says but he ain't forthcoming on the details. His name is Potter, Paul? No, Saul, Saul Potter! Well dressed and very polite but I get the feeling he might be doing something underhanded. But what do I know? I really wasn't paying him much mind as I don't have a ship to fill. He'll be usually around the Slaughterhouse at nights - I think he tried the Wreck but salvagers don't like passengers - ask too many questions."

(Comments, Questions)

Once dinner was over, people began cleaning up and some people started filling up trays of food to be taken to the people on the watch towers. Other people moved off quickly to whatever duties and chores they had to do and you are left to your own devices as the household staff told down the tents and tables. Mrs. Wilson moves towards Willow in a manner that denotes she wishes to speak to her.

"Excuse me Ma'am." Mrs Wilson says politely, "I understand that you are a doctor?"

(assuming a yes I am)

"I was wondering if I might trouble you for some of your time? The Doctor in town is adequate in his services but he has a limited knowledge of the feminine health and, well I was hoping you could examine and talk to some of the ladies here? I am willing to pay your fees, Mr Sarafina has given me an allowance for medical matters. I promise it won't take much of your time.

"Eagle Eye," the Captain drawls, drawing Sarafina's gaze, "Thank you, on behalf of me an' my crew, fer the meal an' company. Can't properly say how nice it is t' get some authentic grub in the belly, but it's been real shiny,"

"Heh," Sam chuffs around a chicken leg, "I c'n ruttin' improperly say if'n ya want."

"Hell Captain, if you been feeding Wolf here protein paste, I say it's agreeing with him. I swear he's double in size since the last I saw him. What are you lifting now Wolf? The ship?" Eagle Eye responds with a finger pointing at the hulking mechanic.

"I don't mean t' sway conversation away from pleasantries, but there ain't no rest fer the wicked an', well, Roc's hold is now bereft o' yer bees. You wouldn't know, by chance, o' no one lookin' fer passage fer themselves'r some cargo, would ya?"

"I'd cotton ta anythin' ‘cept bees," Dash offhandedly adds before lifting a mug of beer, "Those li'l wong bah duhn bunched me up an' made m' pi guh pucker,"

Eagle-Eye smiles and stretches, "Well Captain, I'd pay a sure pretty penny or two if you'd take our dear governor away in a burlap sack and dumped her somewhere where she might be appreciated more—like Higgin's Moon!" The comment brings a round of laughter from the table as well as a few not-so-polite suggestions of what else you can do with Patience. "But that would be more work than I could truly pay you for. I'm not sure to be honest with you, Captain. I have nothing that needs moving right now. But why don't you and a some of your crew come with me to the Slaughterhouse tonight? It is a Rancher Lodge Tavern—Patience and her ilk ain't welcome. But there will be a number of ranchers there and I can make some introductions if you'd like. There is usually a card game going on if you'd like to join."

Wyatt glances at Sam knowing full well that the pilot will be in his element at the Slaughterhouse. Returning his icy blues to their host, he simply dips his head in appreciation of the invitation.

"As well," Eagle Eye continues, "further in town there's a place called the Wreckage, which is where the salvage haulers hang out. They tend to be a close-knit bunch but you might pick up a smaller load that the Haulers don't want to waste fuel on. There is also the Co-Op store—Eugene might have a shipment needing a lift planet-side if you willing, or a pickup of goods."

"Of all the options," Captain Sung rolls his shoulders and relieves some tension that's been building up as he's been leaning on the table. "The Slaughterhouse sounds like the most accommodatin'. I appreciate the offer."

The older Lady speaks up, "Mr. Sarafina. What about Mr. Potter? Did you not mention him the other day?"

Eagle-Eye smiles and snaps his fingers, "Right! Right! Thank you Mrs. Wilson. Well, I ain't sure you'll be interested but there is a fella hanging around for some time now, looking for a ship. Passenger and cargo he says but he ain't forthcoming on the details. His name is Potter, Paul? No, Saul, Saul Potter! Well dressed and very polite but I get the feeling he might be doing something underhanded. But what do I know? I really wasn't paying him much mind as I don't have a ship to fill. He'll be usually around the Slaughterhouse at nights - I think he tried the Wreck but salvagers don't like passengers - ask too many questions."

"We don't mind passengers none," Sung allows a very small hint of a thankful smile to play across his lips. "If'n he's there tonight, I'd appreciate the introduction."

Once lunch is over, people begin cleaning up and some people start filling up trays of food to be taken to the people on the watch towers. Other people move off quickly to whatever duties and chores they have to do and the crew is left to their own devices as the household staff take down the tents and tables. Mrs. Wilson moves towards Willow in a manner that denotes she wishes to speak to her and Wyatt considers their evening.

"Excuse me Ma'am." Mrs Wilson says politely, "I understand that you are a doctor?"

(assuming a yes I am)

"I was wondering if I might trouble you for some of your time? The Doctor in town is adequate in his services but he has a limited knowledge of the feminine health and, well I was hoping you could examine and talk to some of the ladies here? I am willing to pay your fees, Mr Sarafina has given me an allowance for medical matters. I promise it won't take much of your time.

Assuming that Willow won't turn down the request and that this might influence how she spends the rest of her evening, Wyatt turns to Sam, Asher, Jade, and Wolf. "The lot o' you interested in joining me at the Slaughterhouse tonight? We're keepin' our noses clean here, so don't go seekin' no trouble. I hear tell that Patience is some pofù an' we've precious li'l clout nowadays as is. Don' need no gov'nuh makin' life more difficult than it already is."

(OOC: responses an' conversin' an' such as needed,)

Seeing Willow through with her conversation, Wyatt calls her attention to him by asking, "You gonna join us t'night at the Slaughterhouse, mèi mei?"

"Eagle Eye," the Captain drawls, drawing Sarafina's gaze, "Thank you, on behalf of me an' my crew, fer the meal an' company. Can't properly say how nice it is t' get some authentic grub in the belly, but it's been real shiny,"

"Heh," Sam chuffs around a chicken leg, "I c'n ruttin' improperly say if'n ya want."

"Hell Captain, if you been feeding Wolf here protein paste, I say it's agreeing with him. I swear he's double in size since the last I saw him. What are you lifting now Wolf? The ship?" Eagle Eye responds with a finger pointing at the hulking mechanic.

Dash chuckles at that. "Looks like it, don't he? I keep tellin' him if his arms get any bigger they's like to stick straight out from his neck an' he won't be able ta reach his jiba no more,"

"I don't mean t' sway conversation away from pleasantries, but there ain't no rest fer the wicked an', well, Roc's hold is now bereft o' yer bees. You wouldn't know, by chance, o' no one lookin' fer passage fer themselves'r some cargo, would ya?"

"I'd cotton ta anythin' ‘cept bees," Dash offhandedly adds before lifting a mug of beer, "Those li'l wong bah duhn bunched me up an' made m' pi guh pucker,"

Eagle-Eye smiles and stretches, "Well Captain, I'd pay a sure pretty penny or two if you'd take our dear governor away in a burlap sack and dumped her somewhere where she might be appreciated more—like Higgin's Moon!" The comment brings a round of laughter from the table as well as a few not-so-polite suggestions of what else you can do with Patience. "But that would be more work than I could truly pay you for. I'm not sure to be honest with you, Captain. I have nothing that needs moving right now. But why don't you and an' some of your crew come with me to the Slaughterhouse tonight? It is a Rancher Lodge Tavern—Patience and her ilk ain't welcome. But there will be a number of ranchers there and I can make some introductions if you'd like. There is usually a card game going on if you'd like to join."

Wyatt glances at Sam knowing full well that the pilot will be in his element at the Slaughterhouse. Returning his icy blues to their host, he simply dips his head in appreciation of the invitation.

Sam nods excitedly. "Hell yeah," he says around a mouthful of potato salad, "I'm in!"

"As well," Eagle Eye continues, "further in town there's a place called the Wreckage, which is where the salvage haulers hang out. They tend to be a close-knit bunch but you might pick up a smaller load that the Haulers don't want to waste fuel on. There is also the Co-Op store—Eugene might have a shipment needing a lift planet-side if you willing, or a pickup of goods."

"Of all the options," Captain Sung rolls his shoulders and relieves some tension that's been building up as he's been leaning on the table. "The Slaughterhouse sounds like the most accommodatin'. I appreciate the offer."

Dash nods again; "I'm of a mind wit' you, Cap. If th' haulers don' wanna waste fuel on a load, prob'ly don't make sense fer us to, neither. Roc's runnin' a bit on th' dry side her own self."

The older Lady speaks up, "Mr. Sarafina. What about Mr. Potter? Did you not mention him the other day?"

Eagle-Eye smiles and snaps his fingers, "Right! Right! Thank you Mrs. Wilson. Well, I ain't sure you'll be interested but there is a fella hanging around for some time now, looking for a ship. Passenger and cargo he says but he ain't forthcoming on the details. His name is Potter, Paul? No, Saul, Saul Potter! Well dressed and very polite but I get the feeling he might be doing something underhanded. But what do I know? I really wasn't paying him much mind as I don't have a ship to fill. He'll be usually around the Slaughterhouse at nights - I think he tried the Wreck but salvagers don't like passengers - ask too many questions."

"We don't mind passengers none," Sung allows a very small hint of a thankful smile to play across his lips. "If'n he's there tonight, I'd appreciate the introduction."

"B'sides," Dash adds with a smirk, loading up a plate to take back to the ship, "if'n a body asks too many questions, we jus' send ‘em ta talk ta Ma. Woman'll talk yer gorram ears off." Covering the plate with a napkin, the pilot puts it aside and sets about helping others prepare trays that are to be taken to the guard towers. He's only vaguely aware of the conversation between Willow and Mrs Wilson, which is probably a good thing as he'd likely have volunteered his assistance in ‘helpin' ta examin them ladies.'

"The lot o' you interested in joining me at the Slaughterhouse tonight," Wyatt asks, drawing Sam's attention away from the tray of food he'd just passed off, "We're keepin' our noses clean here, so don't go seekin' no trouble. I hear tell that Patience is some pofù an' we've precious li'l clout nowadays as is. Don' need no gov'nuh makin' life more difficult than it already is."

"I'm up fer it," Dash grins, taking up the plate he'd put together moments ago, "Lemme deliver this grub ta Ma an' put on a clean shirt." He starts back for the ship, then, and claps Wyatt on the shoulder as he passes. "An' don't worry none bout me lookin' fer trouble, Cap. You an' me both know trouble finds me all on it's lonesome."

"I'm up fer it," Dash grins, taking up the plate he'd put together moments ago, "Lemme deliver this grub ta Ma an' put on a clean shirt." He starts back for the ship, then, and claps Wyatt on the shoulder as he passes. "An' don't worry none bout me lookin' fer trouble, Cap. You an' me both know trouble finds me all on it's lonesome."

"Don' it, though?" Wyatt raises a sardonic eyebrow. "Hey, Sam! Ask Ma t' put together a list o' things she needs an' we'll see wha' we can scrounge up.

Turning back to the others, Sung continues the original train of thought, "Jade? Asher? Wolf? What 'bout you three?"

"I'm up fer it," Dash grins, taking up the plate he'd put together moments ago, "Lemme deliver this grub ta Ma an' put on a clean shirt." He starts back for the ship, then, and claps Wyatt on the shoulder as he passes. "An' don't worry none bout me lookin' fer trouble, Cap. You an' me both know trouble finds me all on it's lonesome."

"Don' it, though?" Wyatt raises a sardonic eyebrow. "Hey, Sam! Ask Ma t' put together a list o' things she needs an' we'll see wha' we can scrounge up."

"Duhn ruhn, Wyungsung," Dash answers, lifting his hand in acknowledgement as he continues on towards Rocinante, "Got ya covered."

((OOC: This next bit assumes Sam makes it to the ship without any major complications... like the Spanish Inquisition...))

A short while later, Sam clomps up the Firefly's ramp and into the cargo bay. "Ma," he hollers, his eyes scanning the expanse of the bay and the network of catwalks that rim the place, "I'm home! Brought ya some grub!"

Seeing no sign of the woman, Dash takes to the gangway and climbs up to Roc's common area. "Ma," he calls, again, just before stepping through the door into the dining area, "you in here?"

She was, of course - taking inventory in the galley, it appeared - and turned to offer him a lopsided smile and a wave of acknowledgement before turning back to her counting of canned food and protein-packs.

Sam smiles back and clips around the counter, depositing the plate of food he'd brought back for her there, before he leaned over and gave the older woman a kiss on the cheek. "Brought some lunch back from Eagle-Eye's for ya," he says, "Chicken's still warm."

Ma nods and pats his cheek.

"I reckon least some of us're headin' inta town later," Dash tells her, then, "Cap says fer ya ta put t'gether a list o' stuff ya need an' we'll see if'n we can't scrounge up some o' it."

She nods, again, and shoos him out of her way as she moves on to the next cupboard.

"A'right," the pilot grins, then, extracting himself from behind the counter and making for the foredeck, "I'ma go change m' shirt, then. I'll come back fer that list 'fore I head back out..."

A banging on the counter stops him and turns his attention back to Trish who is furiously scribbling something on her pad. When she's finished, she looks up to find him eyeing her expectantly. She holds up the pad, showing him what she's just written...

"Nothing with boobies or cussing on it!"

"Aw, Ma! I was gonna..."

She bangs her hand on the counter, again, wags a finger at him and thrusts the pad out at arms length for emphasis.

"Yes ma'am," Sam says, cowed by the woman's matronly demeanor, "I'll find somethin' un-fun."

Day 1, Whitefall - Eagle Eye's Estate, 1:10 PM PT

"Eagle Eye," Wyatt drawled, drawing Sarafina's gaze, "Thank you, on behalf of me an' my crew, fer the meal an' company. Can't properly say how nice it is t' get some authentic grub in the belly, but it's been real shiny,"

"Heh," Sam chuffs around a chicken leg, "I c'n ruttin' improperly say if'n ya want."

"Hell Captain, if you been feeding Wolf here protein paste, I say it's agreeing with him. I swear he's double in size since the last I saw him. What are you lifting now Wolf? The ship?" Eagle Eye responds with a finger pointing at the hulking mechanic.

Smiling Fenris gives Wyatt a look then looks back at the Rancher. "Yeah Eagle, Captain Wyatt here takes good care of me, lots of exercise."

Dash chuckles at that. "Looks like it, don't he? I keep tellin' him if his arms get any bigger they's like to stick straight out from his neck an' he won't be able ta reach his jiba no more,"

Giving Dash a big smile he could not help but agree with the Rocinante's pilot that his words were true. As Fenris listened to the possible new jobs and the thought of going to check out this town he could not help wonder how his female mechanic was doing these days. He'd have to think about contacting her with the ship's radio soon. His attention was brought back to the present with Wyatt's agreement to visit the town

"Of all the options," Captain Sung rolls his shoulders and relieves some tension that's been building up as he's been leaning on the table. "The Slaughterhouse sounds like the most accommodatin'. I appreciate the offer."

"The lot o' you interested in joining me at the Slaughterhouse tonight," Wyatt asks, drawing Sam's attention away from the tray of food he'd just passed off, "We're keepin' our noses clean here, so don't go seekin' no trouble. I hear tell that Patience is some pofù an' we've precious li'l clout nowadays as is. Don' need no gov'nuh makin' life more difficult than it already is."

"I'm up fer it," Dash grins, taking up the plate he'd put together moments ago, "Lemme deliver this grub ta Ma an' put on a clean shirt." He starts back for the ship, then, and claps Wyatt on the shoulder as he passes. "An' don't worry none bout me lookin' fer trouble, Cap. You an' me both know trouble finds me all on it's lonesome."

"Don' it, though?" Wyatt raises a sardonic eyebrow. "Hey, Sam! Ask Ma t' put together a list o' things she needs an' we'll see wha' we can scrounge up.

Turning back to the others, Sung continues the original train of thought, "Jade? Asher? Wolf? What 'bout you three?"

Having an easy answer to Wyatt's question Fenris had no trouble responding.

"Yeah I think that would be fun. Captain, give us a chance to take leasure off of the ship. I'll head back with Sam, give the ship a quick once over" As she talks Fenris can't help but rub his head at his fading bruises. "Make sure everything is secure then head with him to this Slaughterhouse place." Standing he reached over giving Eagle Eye a good hug.

"Glad to see how well overall you've done here my friend. See ya tonight."

With that the large Mechanic followed Sam out the door.

"Glad to see how well overall you've done here my friend. See ya tonight." Wolf said as he turned to head for the ship.

"You know Wolf," Eagle-Eye said, "I'm heading out to the north quad to put down some posts. Love to have you join me. We could catch up some - that is if the work you have on the ship can wait. Not like we get to see each other often now that we both living honest lives." He looked over to the captain, "On your okay, of course."

"Glad to see how well overall you've done here my friend. See ya tonight." Wolf said as he turned to head for the ship.

"You know Wolf," Eagle-Eye said, "I'm heading out to the north quad to put down some posts. Love to have you join me. We could catch up some - that is if the work you have on the ship can wait. Not like we get to see each other often now that we both living honest lives." He looked over to the captain, "On your okay, of course."

Seeing no conflict with Wyatt Fenris turns to Eagle Eye.

"You know that sounds like a good idea, last time I was out and about on a wide open range, there were a dozen or so people trying to kill us. Captain, Sam, Ash, lady Jade, I guess I'll see you all tonight then."

Giving a look to the others for agreement he was not surprised when Sam spoke up.

"Yup. See ya tonight. Keep yer eyes t' th' sky, Wolfy; Sarafina ain't got but the one."

With a smile thrown the pilot's way Fenris moved out of the room behind Eagle Eye.....

"You know Wolf," Eagle-Eye said, "I'm heading out to the north quad to put down some posts. Love to have you join me. We could catch up some - that is if the work you have on the ship can wait. Not like we get to see each other often now that we both living honest lives." He looked over to the captain, "On your okay, of course."

Captain Sung shrugs knowing full well that Wolf always completes his chores. "Jus' don't get dead."

Seeing no conflict with Wyatt Fenris turns to Eagle Eye.

"You know that sounds like a good idea, last time I was out and about on a wide open range, there were a dozen or so people trying to kill us. Captain, Sam, Ash, lady Jade, I guess I'll see you all tonight then."

Giving a look to the others for agreement he was not surprised when Sam spoke up.

"Yup. See ya tonight. Keep yer eyes t' th' sky, Wolfy; Sarafina ain't got but the one."

With a smile thrown the pilot's way Fenris moved out of the room behind Eagle Eye.

Wyatt turns to Sam, Asher, Jade, and Wolf. "The lot o' you interested in joining me at the Slaughterhouse tonight? We're keepin' our noses clean here, so don't go seekin' no trouble. I hear tell that Patience is some pofù an' we've precious li'l clout nowadays as is. Don' need no gov'nuh makin' life more difficult than it already is."

Jade was pretty sure that looking for trouble part was more so aimed at her and Sam that anyone else. For most of the meal, Jade had been eyeing the guns and watch towers with a mix of curiosity and concern, wondering what everyone was so afraid of and had one point nudged Sam asking if he had any idea of what was making them so twitchy.

"I'm in, could even be fun, though for now I think I will stay here and help out a little. As a little thank you for the meal, help do the dishes, maybe even run some food up to whoever up on those Watchtowers. Plus that way if Williow needs anything, I can quickly run to the ship and grab things for her."

Willow enjoyed her lunch with the others, though somehow she'd managed to find herself seated in a center of fascinated ranch hands. They couldn't pass her more tidbits or fill her glass fast enough, though Willow was pretty certain she wasn't doing much more than making polite conversation. Of course, her way of conversation tended to be leaning into the person speaking and breathing,"Tell me more," so she managed to hear pretty much every bit of gossip around Whitefall and no small amount of tall tales about Imogene Patience that defied logic, biology and physics.

"I'm fair certain Miz Patience doesn't keep rattlesnakes in a baby's crib in her room, "she laughed gently, before a bite of fresh cherries nearly made her swoon from the intense flavor. She closed her eyes to savor the sweet/tart juice flooding her mouth and maybe the teeniest moan escaped her. Realizing all around her had gone quiet, she opened her eyes to see the men closest to her staring, gape-mouthed. She blushed and quickly checked that her outfit hadn't gone sheer in the sunlight or had been blown astray in the light breeze. She glanced over at her Captain for reassurance, but he was speaking to their host about more work.

Mrs. Wilson, a woman with a deft way of making people think helping her was their idea, spoke up, "What about Mr. Potter? Did you not mention him the other day?"

Eagle-Eye smiled and snapped his fingers, " Right! Right! Thank you Mrs. Wilson," and he continued to speak to Sung about a Saul Potter, but Mrs. Wilson, her purpose served, had already moved on, directing some early finishers to set aside plates of food for those in the watchtowers. Willow found her interesting, and watched her as the ranch hands continued to vie for her attention (offering more cherries, no less).

The older woman had an air of gentle yet undeniable command, yet none of what she directed was for herself, only others. Willow was reminded of the staff at the Companion House, trained to support the Companions, anticipating their every need, sometimes even before the need was known. Some acolytes started their training and realized that a Companion's life was not for them, but the need to serve, to nurture, to comfort was so strong, they stayed to serve the Companions themselves. Mrs. Wilson had that same calm air of loving vigilance, yet the assurance of a Companion House chatelaine. Sarafina may run the ranch, but Mrs. Wilson was clearly its heart.

As the meal was finished and people worked together to put away the long table, chairs and food, Willow was approached by the fine woman herself. "Excuse me Ma'am." Mrs Wilson says politely, "I understand that you are a doctor?"

"Indeed, Mrs. Wilson, I am. How may I help you in thanks for such a lovely meal?"

"I was wondering if I might trouble you for some of your time? The Doctor in town is adequate in his services but he has a limited knowledge of the feminine health and, well I was hoping you could examine and talk to some of the ladies here? I am willing to pay your fees, Mr Sarafina has given me an allowance for medical matters. I promise it won't take much of your time. "

"I am happy to do so," Willow smiled, pleased to feel useful. " Is there anything complicated I should know about? I can fetch my medkit from the ship but if anyone is really in a bad way, the ship has a decent medical bay."

"Why don't you come to the ranch house, I can set aside a quiet room for you to examine the women. I wouldn't want to parade them through the house and yard to the ship as it would be hard to keep things confidential - I am sure you understand," Mrs. Wilson responded and gestured to the ship. "I'll walk with you so we can fetch anything you need. "

Willow nodded her agreement and they headed toward the ship. She was mildly surprised at how deftly she was being "handled" but she could sense nothing but good intent and genuine concern from the woman walking beside her. Still, Willow felt she was not hearing the full story,

As they pass Sung, the Captain interrupts his conversation long enough to ask, " "You gonna join us t'night at the Slaughterhouse, mèi mei?"

Willow glanced at Mrs. Wilson who was being more inscrutable than her wee Bhudda statue. " I believe so, Captain-san. I'm sure I'll be done by then and changed into something slinky by then" and she waved merrily as she continued walking to the ship.

Along the way, Mrs. Wilson opened up more than she'd been the entire meal, wanting to know if they really were THAT Rocinante crew that had faced down a thousand mercenaries, and all for strangers. Willow'd laughed and said that it had seemed like thousands of enemies, but no, it hadn't been that many, and really, they'd just done what any ship in the Black would do.

"You and yours are on their own on Whitefall, after all," Willow tilted her head," So you help when you can, knowing it may be you that needs the help next time, right?"

"True enough, " Mrs. Wilson allowed, then walked a few strides before continuing," Your captain has a great deal of respect and affection for you." Willow nodded and admitted it was mutual.

" Are you two betrothed? No?" Mrs. Wilson seemed startled by Willow's surprised laugh and head shaking. " What kind of a man is he? He is obviously from the independence movement yet he does work with the alliance? "

" Captain-san is an honourable man and chose the side he needed to be on during those difficult times. Now?" Willow paused to choose her words carefully. "Now he has a ship to fuel and a crew to feed. Jobs come from wherever they do,we do the needful to keep our girl in the Black."

"That's an interesting point, Dr. Takahara. You strike me as someone used to fine things,you're speaking as plain as you can but it don't come natural. Why do you choose to live on a ship when you could be making money in a core hospital? "

Willow glanced sideways at the woman at her side; these questions were casually asked, but probing in a more subtle way than she'd expected. They'd reached the ship so Willow took the lead to the medical bay.

"Just call me Willow, please," she began, waving her companion to the one stool in the spotless room. She pulled out her medical kit and began inventorying the contents as she spoke.

"And yes, I was raised in the core, and could have practiced there. I've never been rich but I've had enough money to know it doesn't buy happiness. Nor freedom." Willow looked up from her task to see Mrs. Wilson studying her closely. "The core offers a hollow kind of happiness, and a hollow kind of medicine. I almost never had a chance to help people who really, truly needed it. Spoiled people ruining themselves out of boredom and paying money to be made new again. Out here is real."

Mrs. Wilson appeared to consider that response, her hands folded neatly in her lap. She nodded to herself, then resumed. " I would appreciate it if you did not tell Dr. Caulder about this visit. He is a good man and I would not want any bad feelings between us. You can keep a secret between us women?"

Willow smiled warmly. "I routinely take in far more information than I ever let out again. Confidentiality is rather my speciality, ha ha! I expect your doctor is indeed a good man, but used to stitching up cuts and splinting bones. Lady troubles require a bit more delicacy," she now spoke more briskly," and if I am to avoid carrying the entire med bay back with us, I will need some specifics. How many women can I expect to see and what kind of ailments are we likely to see?"

"Oh let's see," Mrs. Wilson consulted an inner inventory of her own, ticking off her fingers as she went through her list," there would be cramping and bloating and all sorts of pains due to menstruation. Some have bad migraine, or sore backs or trouble sleeping. A few infections and STD or two (with a knowing smile and a shrug). Some are having particularly difficult pregnancy with severe morning sickness, low stamina, with bleeding and cramping as well. About a dozen of us to see, all told."

"Goodness, then! I'd better pack a few bags! In the cabinet behind you are some additional sling bags, let's have them up on the examining table and I'll hand items to you to pack in them".

Willow began opening cabinets and pulling out various pieces of equipment, considering some items then setting them aside for others. She handed Mrs. Wilson a box of gloves before opening her med cabinet to review her options.

Asher lay on his bunk and uncrumpled the piece of paper he found laying the corner of the galley. He'd served Sam the bill fair and legal like, but Sam had treated it like a joke. The kid remember what his brother Ben used tell him when told Ben he'd owed him, "Well Di-Di I'm gon'na put that on account because I'd rather owe it to you than cheat you out of it." The memory made Ash smile. "Well Sam let's just see how long it takes to get this square." Looking around his room at the locked weapons cabinets he chuckled at the thought of Sam trying to boost his guns now.

Ash had spent more time working with Fenris then he did with Sam. The kid's interest in helping keep the Roc flying was as now strong as it was when he bugged Kora to teach him. With all the new upgrades there was so much more to learn. Fenris was pretty tolerant but he let Ash know that when they were in the engine room his word was law. Ash was good with it.

The jobs had grown thin and there wasn't much funds to keep them in fresh like vittles so when Fenris's friend offer up to have them join the meal at his ranch Ash was more than ready. He could the meat frying as they walked to the ranch house. Mr. Sarafina had ushered them into the line so the kid had grabbed a tray and stepped up.

As he moved down the line he nodded to everything that was offered, with a polite, "Thank you ma'm". He heard the ladies start to laugh as the pile of food grew. "My but he has a health appetite..I guess it should give him stamina."

One of the younger girls nudged another, "I wouldn't mind testing that thought." They giggled as Ash looked up and smiled.

When Ash got to end of they handed his mug of beer, "Thank you..but would have a glass of milk?" The giggles rolled out again. "Sure..it's over there at the kids table." Ash look over to the little ones gathered, "Well I reckon they need it more than me, I'll take water, if I might." "There's a pitcher on the table and glass at the place."

Ash made his way to table and found an open spot. The ranch hands chuckled at the sight of his pile of food. He smiled, nodded and dove it. He could swear he heard a few of the hands taking bets on if he'd finish it all. Then the bets changed to how soon.

The crew sat with the workers and close to Eagle Eye at the long tables. Once some food was consumed and drinks were being enjoyed as some contemplated seconds, Wyatt decided it was time to broach a topic.

"Eagle Eye," the Captain drawled, drawing Sarafina's gaze, "Thank you, on behalf of me an' my crew, fer the meal an' company. Can't properly say how nice it is t' get some authentic grub in the belly, but it's been real shiny,"

"Heh," Sam chuffed around a chicken leg, "I c'n ruttin' improperly say if'n ya want."

"Hell Captain, if you been feeding Wolf here protein paste, I say it's agreeing with him. I swear he's double in size since the last I saw him. What are you lifting now Wolf? The ship?" Eagle Eye responds with a finger pointed at the mechanic.

"I don't mean t' sway conversation away from pleasantries, but there ain't no rest fer the wicked an', well, Roc's hold is now bereft o' yer bees. You wouldn't know, by chance, o' no one lookin' fer passage fer themselves'r some cargo, would ya?"

"I'd cotton ta anythin' ‘cept bees," Dash added, offhand, before lifting a mug of beer, "Those li'l wong bah duhn bunched me up an' made m' pi guh pucker,"

Eagle-Eye smiled and stretched, "Well Captain, I'd pay a sure pretty penny or two if you'd take our dear governor away in a burlap sack and dumped her somewhere where she might be appreciated more - like Higgin's Moon!" The comment brought a round of laughter from the table as well as a few not so polite suggestions of what else you could do with Patience. "But that would be more work than I could truly pay you for. I'm not sure to be honest with you Captain. I have nothing that needs moving right now. But why don't you and a some of your crew come with me to the Slaughterhouse tonight? It is a Rancher Lodge Tavern - Patience and her ilk ain't welcome. But there will be a number of ranchers there and I can make some introductions if you'd like. There is usually a card game going on if you'd like to join."

"As well, further in town there's a place called the Wreckage, which is where the salvage haulers hang out. They tend to be a close-knit bunch but you might pick up a smaller load that the Haulers don't want to waste fuel on. There is also the Co-Op store - Eugene might have a shipment needing a lift planet-side if you willing, or a pickup of goods."

The older Lady spoke up, "Mr. Sarafina. What about Mr. Potter? Did you not mention him the other day?"

Eagle-Eye smiled and snapped his fingers, "Right! Right! Thank you Mrs. Wilson. Well, I ain't sure you'll be interested but there is a fella hanging around for some time now, looking for a ship. Passenger and cargo he says but he ain't forthcoming on the details. His name is Potter, Paul? No, Saul, Saul Potter! Well dressed and very polite but I get the feeling he might be doing something underhanded. But what do I know? I really wasn't paying him much mind as I don't have a ship to fill. He'll be usually around the Slaughterhouse at nights - I think he tried the Wreck but salvagers don't like passengers - ask too many questions."

Wyatt turns to Sam, Asher, Jade, and Wolf. "The lot o' you interested in joining me at the Slaughterhouse tonight? We're keepin' our noses clean here, so don't go seekin' no trouble. I hear tell that Patience is some pofù an' we've precious li'l clout nowadays as is. Don' need no gov'nuh makin' life more difficult than it already is."

Between bites the kid nodded an affirmative.

Eagle-Eye got a horse big enough for Fenris and the two of them headed up north from the farm. Along the way the two reminisced about the days in prison and the short time afterwards that the two worked together (look to Tann's post for this). After Fenris was finished, he asked Eagle-Eye how in the verse did he end up on Whitefall as a ranch owner.

"Well now, that is a story," Eagle-Eye said sadly, "And not a very long one I'm afraid. Here - let me introduce you to someone, sorta." he moved his horse to a faster trot off the path and towards the river. There was a small stone fence there around what became evident as a graveyard as they got closer. Eagle got of his horse there and walked into the cemetery, waiting for Wolf to follow. There were not a lot of graves here but Wolf's friend was standing beside the one with the biggest stone engraved with Cecilia Sarafina - Beloved Wife.

"This is, I mean was, Cecilia. I met her not long after you and I parted ways. Never thought of myself as a marrying type but sometimes you meet someone and you just can't picture your life without them anymore. Anyway, Cecilia was from a farm on Adonis. She went off to see the verse and got into some bad stuff, just like me and all she wanted to do was go back to farm living. So we took some money and bought a plot of land here on Whitefall. Worked the land - hell I had no Idea what I was doing, she taught me everything. First couple of years were tough, actually they were complete Go Sa but we kept going at it and we were really happy. Things got better and we made some money, bought more land, and then ... well then she got sick. Cancer, the doc said. If we were on the core, it wouldn't been nothing but she'd not even survive the flight there if I could have found a ship."

(assuming some condolences)

"I was a mess after that for awhile - tried to crawl into a bottle to deal with the pain. Patience was there almost immediately with an offer to buy my land and get me a ticket to whatever part of the verse I wanted. I almost took it, believe me. But all these people around me were pulling for me. Farmers, Ranchers, Hands - they were doing things to keep me going and not because I could do them a favour, or I owed them money or they could get an angle out of it. They did it just because that what you do when someone you know falls - you help them up. Hell, if it wasn't for Mrs. Wilson, I don't know where I'd be right now. So I sobered myself up, told Patience where to stick her offer. She was none too happy about that. She figured that I'd lost so much time that I'd fail financially and she could sweep in and take it all at half the price. But, despite it all, that year was our best year - like Cecilia was still there watching out for me. Next year after that was even better." Eagle-Eye patted the tombstone gently and smiled, " and that is how I got to where I am now. "

(assuming some conversation)

After the graveyard visit, the two friends continued on their way up to the northern part of the Sarafina ranch where a group of hands were already starting to work of building a fence along the field so the cattle could not wander off into the riverbed. Eagle-Eye introduced Wolf to the men and they joined in right away on the labour. It was hard work, but not without some merits. Eagle had made sure a small keg of ale was brought up to make the hot day and hard work more endurable.

After some hours of putting down holes with hand augers, mixing concrete and dropping posts, it was time to wrap up for the day. It was then that several men on horses were seen on the approach to your position. Some of the hands started to go for their gunbelt but Eagle stopped them with a single shake of the head and a calming wave. He looked to Wolf for a moment and then he walked forward to meet the riders.

(assuming Wolf is going with him for support)

There were seven men all together on horses, each on with sidearms and rifles in the holster but none of them made a move towards their weapons. Several of the men hade silver stars on their vest denoting lawmen but they seemed more of a gang than a posse but Wolf's eye.

"Duncan?" Eagle called out as they pulled up, "What brings you boys up here?"

The tallest of the group moved his horse closer to Sarfina, "Afternoon Eagle-Eye. We on a job for Patience."

"On a job?" Eagle-Eye laughed without mirth, "What does that mean Duncan? I thought you worked for Reverend Tubbs now?"

Duncan shrugged, "One and the same. You know.""

Duncan looked around uncomfortably, like he didn't want to talk in front of everyone.

"Come on Duncan! How long we known each other?"

"All my life I reckon." Duncan said,

"Right. I assume you ain't here to kill me so what are you out here on the edge of my property for?"

Duncan looked down at his saddle for a few moments, "She lost one of her servants the other day. Runner. We been tracking her to the river and ,"

"You lost the trail of a girl running from a farm?" Eagle-Eye shot a look at Wolf, "Glad I ain't paying him."

"Yep."

"And you think I have her?"

"Guess I'm asking."

"Duncan. As much as I hate Patience and her slaves ,"

"Servants. Indentur-tudeness. "

"Yeah. Whatever. As much as I hate the idea of it, I wouldn't want to get into the mess of trouble that would come with taking Patience's property. It ain't worth it."

"Well how do I know you telling the truth?"

Eagle-Eye shrugged, "Duncan, other than the Poker Table, have you known me to lie to you? I ain't seen no woman around here that I didn't already know."

Duncan looked at Wolf, like he was seeing for the first time, "Who the new guy" Bringing in muscle now?"

(assuming a polite but direct comment from Wolf)

"You from that ship we saw?" What you hauling for Eagle-Eye? Any passengers?"

(comment)

"Hey! Duncan, that was just rude. I said I ain't seen her and I sure the gorram hell not sneaking her onto someone's ship. Where's your head at? You may work for Patience but I can still talk a word or two to your mama about your manners."

Duncan sighed heavily, "Alright then. Sorry Mister. No offense. And sorry Eagle to ask but, mind if we look around?"

"Yes I do, Duncan. Yes I do. My word ain't good with you anymore?"

Duncan stared at Eagle-Eye for a moment, pondering his options. "Got to tell Patience. She ain't gonna believe you."

"Well that is her problem ain't it? Duncan, listen up, I don't have any girl and if one was one my land, someone would have seen her. This river is long and goes a ways. Can I offer you and your men a drink? Got some homebrew here, still cold."

Duncan looked over at the men and the wagon with the keg and licked his lips. "Thanks Eagle-Eye for the offer but we gonna track the river up aways and see if we can find anything. You see anything, let me know, okay?"

"Sure thing Duncan. You'll be the third person I call, right after the magistrate and my barrister."

Duncan signaled to his men to turn around and they rode off following the river, spreading out as they did. Eagle laughed as they did, "Look at them. Riding to fast and none going on foot - no wonder they can't find the girl. Might as well be blowing a bugle."

****


Willow was set up on a large room in the west wing of the ranch house, where there was a Table, some comfy chairs, a long couch, a sink and a well pump for water. Mrs Wilson had the women come in to see the Doctor one at a time and her description of the maladies were pretty well spot on as 10 women came in and out over the course of the next few hours. Interestingly, many of them asked Willow about contraceptives and how to avoid pregnancy -this concept was obviously considered very taboo to discuss. There was frequent mention of a Reverend Tubbs who was expostulating the "gospel" that it was the honour and privilege of women to bear children for the good of Whitefall and that women should embrace this gift from the lord with an open heart and closed mouth (you can imagine the jokes on that one).

All the while, Mrs Wilson was there, watching without comment other than to encourage the ladies to speak plainly and be serious. Her body language spoke to Willow of tension and stress though, as each woman came and went. Finally, there seemed to be no more to come ad yet, Willow had not seen anyone who was pregnant, as Mrs. Wilson had described.

(assuming some inquiry)

Mrs Wilson looked at Willow and then away for a moment. She got up and went to the door, opened it and looked around in the hallway and then closed the door and came up close to the Doctor and sat beside her. "Miss Tak, Willow, do you believe in a god?"

(assuming a yes)

"I have had my doubts in my life but events have occurred n the last few days that make me believe that there is a divine hand guiding circumstances around me. You say Confidentiality is your speciality; well, I have to put my faith in that because I think a young woman's life is in danger if I do not help her. But I need you to trust me. There is a reason for my caution and it will be very clear soon but right now, would you mind following me and I will take you t someone, but we need to be discrete on who sees us. Is that agreeable with you? Mr Sarafina does not know about this and if he did, well, I would be in a lot of trouble."

(assuming a yes)

Mrs. Wilson takes you out of the room and down the hall, to a stairwell going downwards. She moves quickly down the stairs, looking back frequently to make sure no one see you going there. At the end of the stairwell is a solid steel door with a keypunch panel on the wall next to it. She draws out a flat card from her pocket, puts it in the reader and presses several buttons. The door unlocks and he enters quickly, beckoning Willow to come in.

"This is part of an underground bunker that Mr. Sarafina had put in in case of a Reaver attack. It connects to the barns and all the building n the property. There is food and bedding down here for people to survive for many days." She says as she moves down the hall. "Very few have access, unless there is an alarm, then the doors unlock automatically." She leads Willow to a room and opens the door.

Inside is a young woman, probably in her late teens and in her later stages of the first trimester of pregnancy. She is very pale, shows signs of sweating and dark shadows under her eyes. She is lying on the bed and roses as you enter but Willow can see traces of blood on the sheets - not a lot but definitely enough to be concerned. Willow spotted on Chloe's hand there was a black tattoo of a stylized "P", much like a cattle brand.

"Chloe? This Is Miss Willow. She is a doctor and she is here to help you. We can trust her."

*****


Jade followed the other people towards the tower with a tray of food in her hands. The towers were quite tall, wood frame reinforced with steel within and a hand crank pulley system to use as a lift to get up and down as well and a stairwell that hugged the interior walls. The pulley system for the lift was elaborate so that two men working the crank could bring four people up without much effort.

At the top, Jade had a majestic view of the countryside and the mountains to the west and east. Whitefall was a place with many hills, valleys, mountains and plains. From high above, it was quite beautiful.

Each side of a tower faced a compass direction and had a watcher assigned to it. Each watcher had field binoculars as well as a strong single lens scope mounted to the side as well. There was a bell in the centre of the towers roof and pulleys at each station to pull it. There were also heavy caliber weapons mounted on racks at each corner, with spare ammo in magazines. Tube like Grenade Launchers were also on racks and well as small incendiary devices. The base of the tower was lined with steel shutters so the access to the tower could be shut off.

There were four watchers to be relieved and the three hands that came with Jade moved to take over watching for one remaining. A young lady, probably around in her 20's smiled when Jade brought her food. She was tall, at least 6 feet and had long brown hair with brown eyes. "Hello? Thanks for this? Are you new here? I'm Temperance, Temperance Holiday, but my friends call me Holly."

(assuming some response)

"Thanks for the food. Much appreciated. Have you worked a tower before?"

(assuming a no)

"Keep an eye on the sky. You see a ship of any sort, give a holler. One of us will come running. If it is a gyrfalcon, that's just Patience's navy showing off."

(what are we looking looking for in these ships?)

"Well, reavers , of course."

(Yeah. Really?)

"Oh you are definitely not from around here are you honey? You core born? Reavers are very much real. Madmen from the black attacking from the sky and taking people away. Whitefall has lost over a hundred people in the last year. Men, Women, Children - they take them all. We are dead serious about that. I ain;t ever seen a raid yet and I hope we never do but we gotta keep watch all the same."

(assuming some response)

"Say? Are you from the that ship down there? The firefly?"

(yes)

"Oh shiny! That must be so gorram shiny to fly around the verse in a ship. What you do? You the Captain's girl?"

(Umm. No. Pilot)

"Pilot! You fly that? That is awesome! Is it hard? You ever crash? Bet it is fun. More fun than being here let me tell you. Work, chores, watch, work, chores - it is just so boring here. And the Reverend Tubbs is all talk about settling down and having kids - bah! I want adventures."

(no crashes and it can be fun but there is work on a ship too and adventures usually involve people shooting at you)

"I would love to get off this rock and see the verse. Hey! Can I fly with you? I mean I can't fly but I can cook and I don't mind cleaning and I can do other stuff." She rambles on looking down at Rocinante. She pulled back from the edge and turned to look deeply into Jade's eyes wit ha mischievous smile. "I am very open-minded if you give me the chance?"