"Although you might get a call from Gan looking for a solo ticket out of here." Tylen reminds Jago, before sipping appreciatively at his coffee.

Ash takes a sip of black coffee from the mug that Shui has prepared for him.

He merely nods when Jago talks about the cargo and the coming auction.  He raises a hand and asks, "How much security do you want for the auction, boss?"  Then after a pause and some tapping on his wrist computer, the navigator asks idly, "And do we have any new cargo lined up for the trip to Phlume yet?"

Ash listens to Jago's plan to dump their last passenger here after the others are off-planet, and simply nods.  Since he had supplied the Captain with the transit data, it is hardly a surprise to him.  He taps his chin thoughtfully for a moment, then prompts, "Should we get him a respirator mask as well?"  Presumably, the navigator is volunteering for the task, he glances at Shui and the others in turn soliciting them for any other items the Profit Margin might need. "Is there anything else that we need to stock up on here?  Anything for the Ship's Locker?  Or the pantry?"

While Rangent wasn't the highest tech world, he assumed it did have plenty of survival gear present (and generally unrestricted in access) and some cold-weather recreation goods whether they were snowshoes or skies or snowmobiles.  Ash wasn't so sure about food availability, at least, fresh (and not frozen) food availability...

Having been across to the passenger section to let Keryn know that she had to go to attend a meeting but would be over to talk about robots later, and that her head was not badly hurt (but without saying just how "not badly") Saskia arrives for the meeting and grabs herself coffee and sandwiches.

Boring stuff, from her point of view, just talk about cargo sales, and some sort of auction tomorrow.

Then Jago mentions having guests for dinner, and the engineer is suddenly all ears.  A change of routine.

"We should probably use the passenger lounge.  More room, and the EPS conduits and other ship systems are more concealed, so it looks tidier."

“Security for the auction, that’s a good point, we’ll keep it low key, I don’t want to put people off with battle armour stomping around, what do you think Yasmin?”

Jago sips his coffee as Ash goes on  . .

“I’ve not sorted an on-going cargo yet, but there doesn’t seem to be a lot of choice in the matter, seaweed or fish. There’ll be plenty of time to sort that out.”

. . and grabs a few more of those tasty little sandwiches.

“Ye, get him a respirator, I’ll sort out some funds for you after this. Shui, if you need supplies for the dinner have a word with Ash.”

“The passenger lounge, that’s a good idea Saskia, maybe put up some balloons and bunting.”

Jago drains his coffee cup and takes a long, slow pull on his unlit cigar and looks around at the assembled crew, “yea, that should work, anything else?”

Tylen checks the time using his dataglove before chiming in. "I want to do some shopping while I have the chance.  I need to get a few more bits and bobs and I can make a good show of security." he says thinking of the new gear he bought recently.  "I need some pseudo-military webbing for it, and perhaps a night stick, or something similar>" he grins broadly "Then I can look as formal as you like."

With that he reaches for some of the sandwiches, making sure he gets a share before Jago scoffs them all.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:39, Sun 07 Apr 2013.

Busy with cleaning one of her guns, the .50 cal revolver, Yas only looks up when directly addressed.

"Your opinion has been noted, thanks for the input," she says with a sweet smile at Jago and takes a sip of her cocoa before she says anything else.

"But yeah, the passenger lounge makes security easier to handle.  No one will accidentally spill their drink on the crucial control panel, find the captain stash of cookies in the locked bottom drawer or wander into engineering looking for spare parts," she continues with a shrug and returns to cleaning her weapon.  "Got to have this baby ready in case someone has too much to drink," she says under her breath.

With a wary glance at Yasmine's pistol, Shui nods to the Captain.  "Certainly, captain, to both the dinner and the sandwiches." She pauses a beat. "Should I make more now for the rest of the crew?" The question is pointed, but only a touch.  "I will require further supplies for the dinner - I would like to make something a little more palatable than the norm, so perhaps a trip into town would be warrented.  If not - duty may not permit - I will certainly liase with Mr. Tescali for the delivery."

One eyebrow rises.  "I will also determine our final guest's size, the better to outfit him."  She has some experience with purchasing clothing, and has the man's medical scans.  It should be enough to give her a basic idea of his size.  "Mr. Tescali, I'll bring up a list of basic supplies whether or not I will be going for the dinner supplies myself.  I shall also assist Ms. Blake with the lounge."

As usual, taking on more than she can easily handle, what with her other duties.  Shui merely makes a mental note that she won't be getting much sleep in the next short while.

The discussion of the proposed dinner, and of the auction, continues.  They both involve similar subject matter, so it seems sensible to address them at the same time.  Both need a location and consumables, and both apparently raise security issues.  There is also the matter of getting their one remaining coldsleep passenger safely ashore.

Fresh food might not be so easy to get on Rangent, unless the buyer is interested in fish or marine plants, but there should be imported produce available, and Shui agrees to draw up a list of required items.  Though there is, of course, no guarantee that they'll all be found locally.

The passenger lounge seems the natural location for the dinner, as it is more spacious and less cluttered with the crew's personal effects.  It also alleviates some of the security concerns.

Which still leaves a location to be selected for the auction.  The hold would seem like a good place, if a little lacking in creature comforts.

Ash nods in affirmation to Jago and then Shui in turn to acknowledge the shopping list generation.  He taps a bit on his wrist computer and then takes another sip from his coffee mug.  He leans forward to grab on the of the sandwiches before they are all gone, indifferent to the actual filling.  His time in the IISS had taught him that many different things could be eaten for sustenance and, honestly, Ms. Tiesi has never let him down with respect to anything that she has prepared with respect to taste; so, he has started to become accustom to accepting anything that she offers - trusting that it will take quite good.

He glances at Saskia, prompting, "Ms. Blake, any parts that I should be on the look out for?  Or do you plan to go shopping separately?"  Then not wanting to appear as though he is catering to the Margin's engineer exclusively, he glances in Yas' direction, "Or anything the you need me to pick up, Chief?"

Since Tylen has already stated that he intends to shop on his own, Ash doesn't bother to ask his fellow scout for his list.  When Ash does look over at Tylen, he merely ventures, "Mr. Ogresh, perhaps we should go into town together..."

Saskia gives Ash a look.  Then she smiles.  "You're offering to go shopping for Yas and me?"

The Enginer nudges the Security Chief with her elbow.  "Hey, Yas, you remember when Ridge offered to go shopping for us, and it turned out that it was just because then he'd know what sort of underwear we liked?"

She takes a sip of her coffee, and the mug doesn't quite conceal her grin.

"Ugh, you had to remind me!" Yas groans, and not from pleasure.  "But that reminds, me, I could actually use some...  Ah, never mind, Ash, I couldn't do that to you.  Beside, did you know there are over 250 different systems for measurements, that I have recorded so far?  Even the 'standard' is anything but, so you have to try it on every time..."

She trails off and grimaces, holding her hands up at Ash.

"Sorry, I suppose I shouldn't talk about some things, but that's me, and I know not everyone cares for the way I am, I think I scare a lot of guys, but I suppose if they can't accept me as I am then perhaps," she starts, the speed of talking growing throughout her speech and then she cuts herself off as abruptly as she stands up and blurts, "I appreciate the offer, but I best do my own shopping."

"Damn it," she mutters and turns to briskly walk towards her cabin in an unusual display of with might be embarrassment, holstering her gun.

"Wow!  Who knew she'd react like that over a few tiny scraps of leather and fur and handful of metal studs?"  Saskia comments, but not until Yas is well out of earshot.

His close-cropped head tilts to the side, eyes wide.  Ash is obviously taken aback when Saskia suggests that he try to help her add to her personal wardrobe.  Still, he tries to recover and rise to the occasion, "I'll do my best, Ms. Blake.  If you'll let me."  Then he taps another note into his wrist computer.

When the Security Chief states her request, Ash is about to agree, until Yasmine leaves rather abruptly.  Given the large caliber handgun in her hands, the navigator decides to keep his mouth shut.  He does type another quick reference into the keypad on his lower forearm.

Then Ash shrugs with a slight, crooked smile on his lips to Saskia's reference to the materials used in some undergarments.  "Interesting." he notes rather deadpan, "You know, I didn't realize that the Profit Margin wore leather undergarments..."  But, then the lanky ex-Scout knows that there are plenty of things that he is not privy to.

"That's standard issue Marine underwear.  But only to be worn with dress uniform.  The rest of the time they go commando."  Saskia replies with a chuckle.  "I thought everybody knew that."

She stands up, finishing her coffee without taking a breath, "I better see if she's okay.  She might be upset, and it wouldn't do to have her murder everybody in their beds.  Like she did last time."

"If you like." Tylen responds to Ash's  question as to whether they should shop together.  However he pauses to listen to the exchange concerning  underwear styles.  Then he grins "Tell her that I can check the calibre of "standard" ammunition for her is she likes  ..." he suggests to Saskia, before turning back to Ash.

"I need a military style holster, and a matching belt with all sorts of utility pouches on  it." he starts with a grin  "Another revolver, possibly a shoulder stock for it, and I want a shot gun -  standard  ammunition with a folding stock.  A police style helmet, a normal one - although I also want a psionic shielding device as well." he pauses for a moment as he thinks through his list before he adds, "Oh, and a grav belt if I can get one at a decent price." he adds casually, almost as an afterthought.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:32, Tue 16 Apr 2013.

Shui stays far, far out of the underwear discussion, seeing that Yasmine is actually discomfited by the whole affair.  Better not to add fuel to that fire...besides, it might lead to speculation about doctors, next.  Besides which, she already knows what kind of underwear everyone wears; it comes with that doctor territory.

"Poor Ms. Crow," she murmurs, then shoots Tylen a sharp look.  "Ms. Blake, please don't hesitate to page me if Ms. Crow needs to talk without men around...Mr. Orgesh, shall we move off the topic of you purchasing underwear for women?"  That came out a trifle too touchy, especially given the circumstances of their 'relationship', and Shui shakes her head.  "Ms. Crow seems a trifle stressed."

Then her eyebrow cocks.  "That is an...impressive amount of military equipment, Mr. Orgesh.  Are you preparing for something in particular?"

"Wha .." Tylens starts off in response to Shui's comments, but then half chuckles at the thought of trying to check the calibre of women's underwear.

"I just assumed that Yas would be worried about ammunition.  She is always after more weapons and ammunition ..." he offers in response.  "And you always check the calibre when you are buying somewhere this far out.  Just to be on the safe side." he adds in self defence.

"As for my list of equipment, it is just to complete the security guard set I started last time out.  I couldn't get any hardware at all back there, and I thought my more casual style of weapon belt didn't quite complete the look properly." he adds in reference to his own shopping list  "and I quite fancy a grav belt -  might be fun to play with." he says with a grin.

However, he makes a mental note to buy some of the skimpiest underwear he can find as a peace offering gift for the doctor  - OK, more of a tease really - but a bit of fun anyway.

Ash chuckles along with Saskia when the engineer makes her remark about Marine underwear protocols.  He shakes his head, "You likely have more experience than I, Ms. Blake."  Even though they are both ex- Imperial Navy.  He adds with a slightly rueful smile, "'Commando' isn't really my style.  I'm more just into terror and survival."  The lanky ex-scout waves to Saskia as she pads off after Yasmine.

As the meeting seems to be breaking up, Ash looks over towards Jago, and prompts, "Anything more, boss?"  Just to be sure.

Then he turns to Tylen.  "Right, it's a date." Ash nods to his fellow inactive IISS member about going shopping.  He adds off-hand, "Though, given what I saw in the entry for Rangent, I don't think that there will be very many shields or grav belts around."  The navigator shrugs slightly, before continuing, "At least not at bargain basement prices."  He puts his mug in the sink, and then brushes off one of the pleats on his coverall sleeves.

He smile slightly at the thought of Tylen rounding out his security kit, "You know I never really pegged you as a 'uniform' guy."  Especially, in light of their previous conversation with respect to the crew patches.  But to each their own.

"I'm not" Tylen responds with a smile.  "But other people are, and sometimes people behave differently when they see a security uniform." he shrugs.

"Take Port Security, for instance.  They see a man in jeans and a t-shirt, with a pair of low slung guns - they watch him to make sure he is behaving.  A man in a security uniform, they nod to and go about their business secure in the knowledge he is one of their own.  To some extent, the same sort of thing is true of the average man in the street." Tylen shrugs as he lays out the simple psychology behind his reasoning.  "And when we were back on Frenzie, I realised I wanted all the edge I could get." he adds, rounding out his reasoning.

"But it is a long standing shopping list.  If I can't find what I want at the price I want to pay, I'll wait until we get somewhere else."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:35, Tue 16 Apr 2013.

“Yea, that’s about it, don’t forget to take comms if anyone goes ashore, ” the Captain says, apparently oblivious to any pointed comments about sandwiches.

“Our next port of call is Phlume, Tylen, slightly more high tech and sophisticated than this place so it might be worth saving your shopping list for a while.”

There are, of course, a few more details...  The auction is scheduled for about midday, local time, which would put it at about 09:30 by Profit Margin's chronometers.  There is also a reminder for anybody leaving the ship to dress warmly and ensure that they have protection against airborne contaminants.

Saskia heads for Yas' quarters to check up on her friend.  The two have known each other almost as long as they've known Jago which, given the generally transient nature of freetrader crew rosters, is a very long time.

Ash finalises his shopping list, adding a few alternate choices, in case the local food retailers don't have everything that Shui would really like, and discusses with Tylen when they should head into the nearby dome to see what they can pick up.

That would leave Jago and Shui to handle the invites for dinner.  And deal with any passengers who might not be interested in attending, but would still have access to the lounge...

Shui coughs.  "Ammunition, yes.  Apologies, Mr. Orgesh," she continues, somewhat embarassed.  "I am...unfamiliar with terminologies and so forth used among military personnel..." This is just going to dig her in more deeply, and she abandons her attempt to nod along with his explanation of the security guard set.

It does seem a bit much for security, especially when Tylen has a laser carbine already, but having already placed one foot into her mouth, she's loath to taste the other.

Fortunately, Ash strikes up a conversation with Tylen, and Shui takes that moment to hurry off to the sink and wash the dishes placed therein, including Ash's recently abandoned mug.  With that completed, she retreats to work on her list of supplies, as well as head out to seek a head-count from the current passengers with regards to the dinner.  "Captain Lanza, I shall handle theinvitationsforthedinner, contactyoushortly," she rapid-fires on her way out.

Safe.  Or partly so; her life has certainly shifted a few degrees off-center of late.

First, she decides, to Mr. DeSant, and firming her shoulders, Shui strides down the ship's halls in search of that passenger.  It never occurs to her to send the invites via e-mail.

Tylen watches almost bemused as the women make their exits, then turns to Ash  ”I just need a moment or two to get my mask and cold weather gear.  Then I’m ready.” he says with a shrug.  ”Have we got Shui’s list yet?  Or shall I chase her up for it?  Although it might be easier to see what there is for sale and call …”

With that he makes his way back to his cabin to strap on his revolvers and the put his cold weather over-coat over the top. He selects a synthi-wool hat, that will fold up and go into a pocket, and a pair of gloves  made from the same material.  He keeps his normal boots on, working on the basis that he expects it to be warmer inside  the city and that he will only be out in the extreme cold in short bursts.

Once he is ready, he makes his way back to the lounge, his combi-mask swinging lightly from his hand.

Like Tylen, the navigator of the Profit Margin does have to pause and watch as all of the women leave in their various emotional states.  He tries with middling success to keep a mischievous expression from creeping on this his face.

His internal reverie broken by his fellow scouts' musings, Ash shrugs and notes off-hand, "I believe that I have enough input from Ms. Tiesi concerning food stores."  But then he adds with a slight, crooked smile, "But if you wish to pursue her further, feel free."

The navigator notes more seriously, "I am pretty much ready as well."  He stands and starts towards his quarters, "Meet you back at the 'lock in five?"  Ash just needs to grab his duster, cap, and gloves.  And stop by the locker for a mask - though he could probably just hold his breath and sprint if he really needed to.

As the others take their leave, Jago has one final item of preparation for his dinner party and turns to the comms consul.

“Hello the ‘Ore Hound’, this is the Profit Margin, anyone one there?”