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Post by Ilana Logan on May 2, 2012 7:08:53 GMT -5
The Rodeo Boys
April 22, 2517 5:49 - Alliance Standard Time
- Burnswell Dock –
The ride across the empty portions of the planet had taken quite some time. Though the vehicle had been moving as fast as it could, it still was much longer when compared to the shuttle ride they had taken earlier. Having spent nearly an in the poorly lit interior of the box shaped truck, no one was particularly comfortable. There had been several of the men in the back of the truck as well, but they hadn’t said a word at all for the entire ride. They’d gotten updates on how far and how long the ride would take periodically, but nothing definitive as to where they were, or where they were going. For the safety of those who were driving, it was better if that was the way it stayed, and so anytime the question was raised of who they were, or why they had been at the warehouse district, had only been met with “Can’t answer that.” The ride was particularly smooth, and considering they were riding on wheels, that was rather surprising.
”Right en. We’ze gonna be stopping here soon.” The man who was discerned as ‘Jag’ said over the intercom to the people in the back. From then on the ride felt slower. They were making many turns, and stopping, and starting up again. Through the walls of the truck one could here the noise of a city. But they couldn’t see out as the back cab was completely enclosed. After another twenty minutes of driving like this the truck came to a stop. ”And here we are. Sit tight’n we’ll have ya out momentarily.” Jag said over the intercom again. The doors at the front of the truck were heard to be opening, but because they were in the cab, they couldn’t see what was going on. They sat for another five minutes, and then finally the back of the truck opened up. And there was the driver and Jag. They were unarmed, and had everyone get out. They said no words from there, they just pulled everyone out, closed the door, hopped into the front of the truck, and drove off.
They were standing in the middle of a massive spaceport. The ground beneath them was metal. It was very massive, dozens, perhaps a hundred vessels were around them. It was very well lit, and there were people all around. Many were wearing the uniforms of mechanics and dock workers, while others wore common clothing found on the Central Planets. Behind them, there were a great amount of High Rise buildings. Air traffic ripped through the air non stop. This port was clearly at the end of the large city behind them. Around them there were vessels, large and small, some clamped, others not, many with hoses running from them, but equal amounts with cargo ramps deployed. It was fairly loud, as a Cartigan Class-Cargo Ship pointed it’s engines down and began lifting off the ground. The size of this port they were standing on was difficult to tell, but was at least 10 square miles. Though there were clearly a fairly large amount of people here, because the place was so large, they were all dwarfed and it seemed as though they were far fewer. The truck that had dropped them off had disappeared from view already as it had moved away from them fairly quickly. So there they stood, awkwardly in the middle of a row between ships.
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Post by Marcus O'Terra on May 2, 2012 7:09:59 GMT -5
The pain of his wounds had dulled considerably during the ride. The patch job done on his rear and his foot seemed to be holding up well. But he just wished things would be going better. He admitted the conversation during the ride wasn't stellar.
Something about the way these guys moved. They were Mercs, probably. but on Londinum of all places? Something was up. Somebody had to be throwing a serious amount of credits to pull any kinda job on the Capital planet. It didn't sit right with him.
Not that he objected to the deaths purple bellies who killed Hope and left Mercy for dead; he'd buy these guys a round, if he ever got the chance. But he always had to look over his shoulder, even when he did border jobs.
These guys were something different.
Or maybe he was just being paranoid.
"Column A and Column B" He sighed, shaking his head.
When they reached the starport, Marcus wasn't TOO surprised. They had to get offworld somehow, and big honking freighters had lots of room to stash a few extra folks. The sooner they were out of the core, the better.
Get Ali and get the HELL out of here.... He looked to the girl and found he'd grabbed ahold of her hand sometime during the ride. He blushed and let go, as they climbed out of the truck.
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Post by Ilana Logan on May 2, 2012 7:11:29 GMT -5
Sasha Shaw
The ride had been smooth and uneventful. Questions they had were always answered with the same, monotonous response. So she had given up on asking any very soon after their departure and just embraced the considerable silence and the fact that the pain killers did their work and numbed the pain in her arm.
Sasha had her eyes closed and her head propped against one of the metal braces in the inside of the truck. When it came to a final halt she blinked wearily. The noises from outside were different from the ones they could hear before, indicating that they drove through a city. It still seemed to be some place crowded but Sasha couldn't quite make anything of the whooshing noises that sounded through the metal walls of the truck. Though once out of the truck the constant swoosh that filled the air made a lot more sense. Of course, she shouldn't be surprised. Their options to get off planet were limited but that they would just drop them off at a starport without any further words or instructions...
Well nothing of their concern what happens now, if they were just paid to get us out of the shuttle and to this place.
It made her even wonder more about the last hours. The woman that was with them in the interrogation room. If it had been Shalyx from the start, did she have enough time to plan this all? Without a doubt Shalyx probably had the resources for it.
Sasha furrowed her brow while she turned around herself in a circle, looking for anything or anyone familiar. Or at least for someone that seemed to be waiting for them. How else were they supposed to get away from here without any money or ID? Walk up to some ship and ask for a transfer in exchange for work? It didn't sound too bad actually but it would probably raise a lot of questions and suspicions considered the state they were in.
"Care to have a look around, or do we just sit tight and wait?" She didn't care too much about Marcus' plans, she didn't know him that well at all. So she looked at Rina, the only one she actually knew from the people that were left and whom she trusted.
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Post by Ilana Logan on May 2, 2012 7:13:16 GMT -5
Thaddeus
Thaddeus had stood there at the meeting point for nearly half an hour beforehand to the meet. It would end badly if he wasn't there on time to meet these goons then he might blow the whole mission due to one bit of sloppy timing. His heart was pounding in his chest and he was sweating a little, it had been a long time since he had been involved in anything like this and he was very much on edge. He wasn't scared yet, just very nervous.
Here's hopin' that the Alliance didn't leave them in too much of a state; damn their hides, just cause they be having all the power means they think they can shove the others around. He had seen a few other things that had happened with alliance custody, sometimes they came out just fine; most of the time infact, but every so often people came out looking so close to death that they had to spend weeks in recuperation.
His thoughts were cut short as he spotted a glimmer in the distance, he turned and reached into his pocket for a leather wallet. He got it out and tossed it from hand to hand as the vehicle approached. Best to have the money on view, means the deal could go through in seconds and he could get out of here.
The vehicle stopped and Thad walked towards it as he saw the man he had negotiated with get out of the door. Pausing he waited for the leader to approach him, he held out his hand for a greeting then wordlessly handed over the money giving the man a nod of thanks as he turned and looked up into the sky. Contemplating the slightly muggy sun he heard the sound of people getting off the lorry. When he heard the lorry start he turned and raised his voice to the figures as his whole body seemed to unwind in tension terms.
"Some of you i know, some of you i am meeting for the first time, but your out of the woods now, so follow me and lets get you off this rock before the alliance come and find us," he paused as he waved them on towards himself, "And if anyone hesitates or even thinks about uttering the words, "How do i know i can trust you" I'm gonna smack you. Now come on please Gentlemen and women."
His patience was at an all time low, his shoulder hurt like buggery and he felt like throwing up with the adrenaline come-down, but thank god it was all nearly over as he waited for them to catch up before leading towards the nearby ship.
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Post by Ilana Logan on May 2, 2012 7:21:03 GMT -5
Marina Kseniya Sebastian
Their custodians--Rina couldn't quite call them rescuers or even allies--weren't the talkative sort. That suited Rina fine. She was weary. She'd put in a full day before Logan got boarded and though she'd spent some time unconscious before coming to on Dominion, it wasn't anything like true rest.
How long has it been since I've slept? 24 hours? 36?
She gauged her fatigue, measured the level of grit and and background throb in her eyes, and reckoned it closer to 48 than she cared to acknowledge. And yet despite everything she was too keyed up to sleep. She envied Sasha's ability to go with the flow so phlegmatically. Had she herself possessed it, her blood pressure certainly would be happier with her. As it was, she kept herself awake by eyeing everything in the rear compartment in which she and the other sat. Top to bottom, side to side. She was trying to figure out the make and model of the engine by sound when the first announcement came over the intercom and by the fitful movement of the truck and the multiple turns that came afterward, Rina knew they'd entered a settled area. Settled areas meant people and buildings and places to hide.
Safe house, maybe? Don't know. These guys don't look the sort.
The ride was surprisingly smooth for so rough-looking a vehicle and the road noise had dimmed considerably once they hit that settled area. And as the time passed, a subtle recurring series of sounds grew. They came at irregular intervals, though close together, and having nothing better to occupy her attention, Rina latched onto it as a clue to their whereabouts. The walls of the truck were too thick, however, the vehicle too sturdily built, to give her more than that tantalizing hint of the outside environment. The second announcement over the intercom ruined her ability to hear the current iteration of the noise. Frustrated, she closed her eyes and listened harder. The sounds came again and a distinctive jitter hit the outside edge of her hearing, and then disappeared as the truck rounded a corner.
Tannhauser C-47? Of course ... a spaceport. Figures. Well, I suppose it beats an anonymous ravine where we'd be lined up and shot.
A more cynical part of her mind whispered that a spaceport only delayed the inevitable if they were destined to be shoved out an airlock once they'd cleared atmo. Their bodies would be truly untraceable then.
Shut up.
The truck came to a halt and in a moment the doors at the rear opened. Ride over, Rina hauled out with the rest of her friends and put her boots to the metal deck of a huge spaceport. The backwash of the ships passing overhead ruffled her hair, their engines roared in her ears, and Rina tipped her head back, closed her eyes and breathed deep. The air was damp but warm and tainted with exhaust and fuel... but to her it tasted like freedom. She opened her eyes and leveled her gaze on the people around her, caught Sasha's query, saw her expression. Rina gave her a minute shake of her head, delivered the tiniest of frowns: wait.
Then a figure rounded the front end of the truck and she couldn't help it--her eyes widened in surprise as she recognized who it was. Thad? What the hell are you--? Never mind. Listen up. She paid attention as he said his piece and didn't hesitate when he motioned them forward. She gave the man she'd heard called "Jag" a respectful quick nod as she passed him, a silent thank-you and goodbye, and when she drew close enough to Thad to talk without being overheard, she said:
"Good to see you, Thad. I owe you one."
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Post by Ilana Logan on May 2, 2012 7:23:01 GMT -5
Sasha Shaw
Just as wordless as Rina's response to her question she nodded at the other woman in the same manner and buried both hands in the pockets of her cargo pants.
Waiting then.
They didn't wait long. Sasha saw the surprised expression on Rina's face before his voice was heard and she knew who it belonged to before she turned around to see if it really matched the face she thought of.
Merely staring at him while he gave his little speech of some sorts she contemplated if she was astonished to see Thad or not. It had really been one surprise following the other and it was good to finally see a more familiar person. In some way it still had surprised her less if another stranger had waited for them. However, that Thad picked them up seemed for the better although he was just as terse as the guards on the Dominion or the men dropping them off at the starport, not wasting a moment of their time.
To follow another order without questioning the intention behind it appeared to be common practice ever since their little odyssey had started. So when Rina caught up to Thad, Sasha motioned to Marcus and Ali to go ahead before she tagged along behind the group.
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Post by Marcus O'Terra on May 2, 2012 7:25:17 GMT -5
Marcus was a little confused by this new chap. He'd seen him exchange a sum with the leader of the group, and was hopeful that it meant they were on the way to freedom. Rina's clear recognition of the man earned an audible sigh of relief from Marcus.
A friend, or at least a friendish contact. Thank you, happy, well fed, Buddha! He placed his hand on Alison's back and followed after Rina and the new guy. He flashed a thumbs up to the leader of the crew who'd saved him, keeping pace with the new chap and Rina as best he could.
Whatever happened next, he'd roll with it as best he could. That was his life, wasn't it? Rolling with the punches, step by bloody step; a gorram slog through the mad slivers of this 'verse.
At least he'd gotten to eat those peaches. He smiled, remembering the taste, his mouth watering for something any sort of nourishment.
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Post by Ilana Logan on May 2, 2012 7:27:01 GMT -5
The Patrol - Alliance
The Alliance presence at the dock was easily recognized. There were several ASREV’s on the landing pad, though very far away. Every now and then a Federal Shuttle would fly over, much faster then anything else in the air. But more then that, there were a cluster of soldiers moving from ship to ship, doing a serious inspection. There were many more then you’d find on a usual day, as they were starting at one end of the port, and doing a full ship to ship sweep of every ship they came along as they made their way towards the other end of the landing pad. There was a small group, about half the size of a squad, moving in the direction of those who had just gotten off the truck. They were running to chase them, but they were marching in their direction. The intent of the patrol was impossible to tell, but they continued to march on towards them at an eased pace. They were at least 50 meters away, but they were closing that gap as they moved over the port. They looked over the various people as they moved by, but their direction didn’t change.
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Post by Ilana Logan on May 2, 2012 7:28:22 GMT -5
Thaddeus
Thad couldn't face up to them all right now, he pause back and walked alongside Rina, giving her a nod, "Think nothing of it, your probably in worse shape after being on that ship." As he spotted oncoming trouble in the form of a patrol, without looking further towards them he set them walking off to the right, leading off through the press of spaceships to evade them. He was headed for the Minerva, the ship on which he had just acquired a commission as the pilot. He keyed his radio earpiece as they approached the pod-like ship. "Captain we are just on our way in, please open up the cargo bay ramp for us, we have a couple of wounds but nothing too threatening right now."
With that he saw the sight of the Minerva rearing up before them, the modified dragonfly sat out on one of the separated landing pads. He lead them up into the bay ramp, turned and spoke once, "I have to go fly this magnificent lump of metal, I shall leave you in the capable hands of our Captain, I'll catch up with you all later over a drink, most of you know i carry the good stuff." He doffed an invisible cap before jogging up the bay and towards the cockpit.
(Ooc: A brief explanation, i needed to get myself onto the Minerva before i went away to keep to the thread deadline, sorry for the slightly shonky post but I'm in a rush i gotta pack and try and get some sleep.)
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Post by Ilana Logan on May 2, 2012 7:29:53 GMT -5
Virgil Galton
Virgil waited on the top deck of the Minerva, spending his time pacing between the idling engine and the bridge, pausing occasionally to look out the visor at the bustle of the port. He had made Thad start the engine before leaving, since he was the only one who could if they needed a quick dust off. Of course, Thad was the only one who could turn it off, or notice if the whole thing was about to blow. I need more crew, Virgil thought to himself as he once again stared out onto the docks. His focus was broken by the crackle of the comms.
"Captain we are just on our way in, please open up the cargo bay ramp for us, we have a couple of wounds but nothing too threatening right now."
"Acknowledged."
Virgil hustled down the front stairs to the cargo bay and pounded the control console, opening airlock and bay doors. While the Minerva opened up, he jogged over to the lift and pushed the bottom to bring it to the level. If there were wounded, they'd probably not want to walk up the stairs to the infirmary. Not that the Minerva had a medic to treat them. Running back to the console, he grabbed the comm.
"Corran, our guests are arriving. We'll be taking off momentarily."
As Thad came in, he said some quick words to the others and began to make his way to the bridge. Virgil stopped him only briefly to say, "Greenleaf, Mr. Elias, as inconspicuously as possible. And a hazard advisory came in; a large ship is apparently having some sort of failure in orbit." He then let Thad on his way.
Turning to the others, he quickly motioned them in. Once they were, Virgil closed up the cargo bay and gave the all-clear to Thad. Finally, he was able to get a good look at who he just let on his ship. One man with an obvious wound in his foot and a faint scent of urine. Three women, one with a wound on her arm. The wounds appeared bandaged. Still, there were less of them than he had been told. And none of them were who he was looking for.
"Hello. My name is Virgil, and I'm captain of this ship. I had a whole welcome aboard party planned with balloons and buffet tables. It was going to have a Hawaiian theme. However, we kind of need to leave as quickly as possible, so that will have to wait until later. The infirmary is up two decks, but we have a lift. You can check your bandages and such once we're there."
Virgil gestured towards the waiting lift. For the first time, he noticed the wounded man had loose fabric hanging down from his pants. Virgil had been in enough combat to know what that meant. He only hoped the guy wouldn't get any pi gu huang on his new cargo bay.
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Post by Marcus O'Terra on May 2, 2012 7:30:49 GMT -5
It sat well with Marcus that things seemed to be going well at this point. There were no more subtle plans. No more disastrous dialogues, no boot kicks of mass destruction. Just a ride to Greenleaf.
Greenleaf.... he always liked the sound of that planet. He'd never been, but was hopeful.
"Got any spare clothes captain? And a place to shower?" He asked. His ass could wait, the stink on him was going to be a bother soon, now that they were back on a ship.
(ooc: sorry for the short post, my head is killing me right now)
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Post by Ilana Logan on May 2, 2012 7:32:01 GMT -5
Sasha Shaw
With the closing of the bay doors came a feeling of safety. Sasha had no actual reason to believe they were safe but it was just a matter of letting go of the usual paranoia probably most of them had. Everything looked fine and why shouldn't it be that way. At least for now.
Tiredness spread across her mind while she half listened to Thaddeus before he left and the captain's introduction. Her eyes followed his motion to the lift that would bring them up two decks to the infirmary. Her arm could wait though, the foam bandage would hold for a little while longer as would the pain killers most likely. The possible prospect of a warm shower and fresh clothes was far more inviting. But she didn't get her hopes up too much on the latter one, just gave it a brief nod of agreement when the conversation turned on this subject and waited for the outcome before she moved towards the lift. Presumably they wouldn't stay in the cargo bay for forever so it was one of the only things she could think of doing right now. If there weren't any other problems heading their way; problems that might involve the exploding ship above their heads for instance; there would be plenty of time for talk later.
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Post by Ilana Logan on May 2, 2012 7:33:09 GMT -5
Marina Kseniya Sebastian
Rina brought up the rear, lagging behind Thad as he got aboard in a hurry, and did her headcount of her friends and crew mates. Once everyone was on the ship, she listened to the man named Virgil, taking in his bearing, his features, his voice. Fatigue had her firmly in its grip and she knew there were nuances she'd missed but the broad strokes painted him as safe enough. When Sasha was halfway to the lift, she approached Virgil with her gaze level and her shoulders back and offered her hand with a curt nod.
"Marina Kseniya Sebastien. Engineer. You need help taking off, sir, I'm willing to help."
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Post by Ilana Logan on May 2, 2012 7:35:17 GMT -5
Virgil Galton
After everyone was corralled inside the lift, Virgil pressed the button to the passenger level. Turning to the man, Virgil replied "There are passenger rooms on the same level as the infirmary. They have the basic retractable washrooms. You can wash up, and I'll see about getting you some clothes."
As the lift rose up through the cavernous cargo levels, Virgil turned to Rina. "I had Thad prep the engine room before he picked you up, so I think we're alright. However, as we're currently undermanned, I may have to take you up on your offer in the near future." He then addressed everyone. "Like I said before, there are passengers rooms on this floor. You may pick whichever ones suit you. We also have the infirmary. Due to the aforementioned need for a quick getaway and the consequent lack of manpower, we don't have a medic on board. However, you're free to use anything in the infirmary you know how to use. The galley is on the top level. I figure once everyone's settled and shaken off the nerves of the day, we'll have a sit-down meal for anyone who wishes to join."
The lift stopped at the passenger deck, and Virgil stepped out onto the floor. "The infirmary is right here. Your quarters," Virgil said as he walked through a hallway, "are right here. Now, you're free to move about the passenger area, the forward lounge, the infirmary, and the galley upstairs. If you have a burning need to go somewhere else, please ask one of the crew first."
Looking at Marcus, Virgil concluded with "I'm going to see if I can find you something a little more stylish." With that, Virgil walked up the stairs to the crew deck. He took a quick look into the bridge, where Thad was at the controls. Through the visor of the bridge, he could see the Burnswell Docks fall away as the Minerva ascended. Damn, the newer grav drives are good. I didn't even know we were airborne. He didn't see Corran or the other new hire anywhere. He figured they'd pop up sooner or later. Virgil entered his room and began to rifle through some of his clothes.
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Post by Ilana Logan on May 2, 2012 7:36:32 GMT -5
Marina Kseniya Sebastian
Rina nodded at Virgil's acceptance of her offer and said, "I'll see what I can do." The ride was a short one and she bailed with the others. She paused to get her bearings, Minerva's deck plan being slightly different from the Dragonflies she'd been aboard before. The principal elements were the same across the models, however, and she got herself going in the right direction soon enough.
If I'm wrong, at least I'll get a tour of the ship out of it...
So thinking, she strode with a purpose aft, noting the details and differences on the way.
((OOC: And that's all I dare describe of the ship. I can't find the thread where we'd posted the plans and such. Virgil, can you point me in the right direction? Thanks! )))
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Post by Ilana Logan on May 2, 2012 7:37:27 GMT -5
The Patrol - Alliance
The squad of troops moving towards the people watched as they boarded the transport. Given that, the squad commander discerned they may be leaving. The squad moved faster towards the vessel, just as the cargo ramp began to close. The vessel needed to stop for inspection. By the time they were coming up to it the engines were kicking on. This simply wouldn't do. The squad commander reached terminal in front of the vessel, and began trying to speak with the bridge, demanding it power off. But the vessel had already disconnected with com. The powerful engines began to shoot forth heat and energy, and the squad was forced backwards. Quickly vessel lifted off, and moved up towards the sky. There was nothing that the squad could do about it. They simply turned and began moving towards the next vessel in the line up.
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