[From Kyoko's shuttle]

Wei-Li did her best to fade into the bulkhead when she heard the soft murmer of voices.   'Charlie and Raef,' she thought to herself.

The last thing she wanted to do was interrupt them.  Time together was so rare...

When she saw Raef head towards the bridge she headed down the stairs, swinging down the last few steps and doing a half turn as she landed.

A grand entrance that was both playful and afforded her a good scan of the area as she landed.  She didn't see Geoff anywhere and she wasn't sure if she felt relieved or all the more anxious.

She smiled at Charlie "Hey Charlie... you seen Geoff?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:57, Mon 22 Feb 2010.

Charlie quirked a small smile at Wei-Li's grand entrance, that was one way to get down, she thought wryly.  She pushed a stray piece of hair from her face and glanced up to where Rhaef had disappeared somewhat wistfully, "Boys'r all up on the bridge, y'know doin' business stuff n'all." she explained to the other woman.

Wei-Li looked towards the bridge, almost as if she could see through the bulkheads, and sighed.  It figured.  She got up the courage to be direct with Geoff and of course-- he wasn't there to be direct with.

She paused.  "Charlie... "

She turned, her expression one of exaspiration and confusion.  "When did things get so complicated?"

"Yer sayin' there were a time that it wa'nt." Charlie said, arching brow.  She'd been sailing the black for a while now and while there had been moments of boredom she didn't think there'd ever been a time without complications.  Maybe back on Whitefall, when she was younger living with her brothers.  Maybe then.  But certainly not at any point in her adult life.

"I s'pose things aren't meant ta be easy, that way we can be figurin' out what's worth fightin' for." she shrugged her shoulders, letting Wei-Li make what she would of her words.  Charlie wasn't exactly used to being the one giving advice.

[From Destiny: Bridge]

Dake stopped at the catwalk that overlooked the cargo bay.  He had goaded Geoff.  He knew it.  He was sure that Kale knew it as well.  Kale was right about one thing.  It had to be taken care of.  The only person Dake hadn't seemed to rub the wrong way was Rhaef and that was because the man had only just come back on board.

Dake watched as Wei-Li talked to Charlie.  He thought about the feelings he was having for the woman.  While it had been a while since he had been serious with anyone, Dake could not help but think about what a closeness like that would mean on a ship with other people.  And Dake was already having issues with those other people.  Maybe adding more problems was not the right choice at this point in time.  Besides, Geoff had been with her first, even if he did not appear to appreciate her now.

Making up his mind, Dake made his way slowly down the stairs, watching for a moment to speak to Wei-Li.

Wei-li thought about it for a minute and nodded.  "Guess that's part of growing up... Something that wasn't going to happen back home... but what do you do when what you think is worth fighting for... isn't fighting?"

She kicked an imaginary peice of dirt then sighed.  "Ya know what... I'm not going to think about it... Anything I can do to help?"

Charlie cocked her head to the side slightly, listening to Wei-Li talk.  She was pretty sure this all had come on on account of Geoff and Dake but she was also pretty sure that she was the last person Wei-Li should be going to for advice.  Kyoko was much better suited for this sort of talk.

When Wei-Li asked if she could help Charlie waved her off, "Ah, don'cha be worrin' 'bout fixin' stuff.  You got that date'n all, you'd just get'll sortsa greasy." which was the truth, being covered in grease and oil stains was pretty much a permanent part of Charlie's appearance, "There ain't all the much'ta do anyways, least not til the Cap'n get's some'o the parts we need."

Dake cleared his throat as be walked toward Wei-Li.  He had heard what she just said and knew she was not talking about him.  That made his decision even better.

"Hey Wei-Li," he said.  "You got a sec?"

He tried to keep his voice neutral.  For whatever reason, he had decided to settle things with Geoff.  This was probably one of the best ways to do it.  The last thing Dake needed was to get kicked off the crew because he could not get along with the other members.

Wei-Li looked up blushing slightly when she saw Dake.

"Sure..." she said hesitantly, then turned back to Charlie.  "Thanks..."

She wasn't sure what she was doing anymore.  She like Geoff, but he'd been running colder and colder for so long... she didn't want to string Dake along, but she liked Dake too-- and...

She sighed.  This wasn't accomplishing anything.  She grabbed the cargo netting and pulled herself up to the ramp where Dake stood.

"Everything all right?"

"Yes and no," Dake answered.  "I was wondering..."  Dake found the words sticking in his throat.  "Can we take a raincheck for tonight?  Something's come up and I don't want it to get me kicked off the crew."

Dake found himself wondering if he should tell Wei-Li about what happened on the bridge.  He quickly dismissed the idea, realizing that the only reason to retell the brief encounter would be to cause more trouble with Geoff.  He was trying to avoid that.

Wei-Li tilted her head. She could tell there was something more Dake wasn't saying but from the sound of things it was probably something she should ask about.

"Dake, the captain likes you-- he may not act like it but... I really hope you two get things worked out... "

She gently rested a hand on his arm for a moment.  "No worries," she added, giving him a questioning like as if to say.  "That goes for you too."

After a pause she smiled.  "You need someone to talk to... I'm here."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:18, Tue 06 Apr 2010.

"Yeah.  Thanks." Dake answers.  "I appreciate the offer.  I'll be fine though.  I got some old friends here that I think I'm going go see."

Dake stand there, looking both satisfied and dejected.  He hoped that Wei-Li was right.  Kale had been a friend before.  Despite their problems in relation to Nate, Dake found himself hoping that the could become friends again, Nate a common link to that friendship.  Maybe then the loss wouldn't hurt as much.

"Hey, I think the other guys are talking about doing dangerous stuff up on the bridge.  Might want to go make sure no one is planning to hurt themselves.  I was already kicked out, but I'm sure they wouldn't mind you joining them for a bit."
This message was last edited by the player at 11:21, Tue 06 Apr 2010.

[From Destiny: Bridge]

"Ah hell, even the new guy knows 'bout my bad luck?" Rhaef said with a smirk as he entered the cargo bay. His smile widened a bit as he walked over to Charlie, "Guess that's why Kale wants someone to go with me, who's actually concerned that I could home in one piece." He winked at Charlie.

"So what you say Charlie? Up for a trip to casinos and the theater? As far as I can tell, we both could use some R&R - even if we are working a bit too."
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:46, Tue 06 Apr 2010.

"I been here long enough to hear at least a few stories, Rhaef," Dake said to Rhaef.  "'Sides, I've seen my fair share of trouble, too, since coming on board."

Dake turned back to Wei-Li, giving her one of his usual smiles, that gleam back in his eye.

"Don't think you're out of our date, though," he said.  "This is a rain check only.  If we get time, I really think you'd like the free-fall.  So next time..."

Dake reached up and gave Wei-Li's cheek a slight brush with his hand.  While he had conceded the night, he was far from giving up on a chance at Wei-Li.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:45, Sun 11 Apr 2010.

Charlie frowned slightly at Rhaef's wink, but it was more in show than anything else.  She knew full well the man's penchant for getting himself injured whenever he was out on a job.  It had gotten to the point where it was a joke among the crew.  Somehow it was now a lot less funny though.  Now that she was finally admitting to herself how much losing Rhaef would actually mean to her ... now that she had almost gone through it already.

At the mention of getting off the ship and going to fancy casinos and theaters Charlie couldn't stop from smiling though and the frown disappeared completely.  Santo's casinos were known throughout the 'verse.  They weren't just some table with a group of grubby men standing 'round it betting on a game of poker.  Charlie had heard about the flashing lights and glamorous people.

"We goin' out into the city'with all them lights'n pretty p'ple?  The Cap'n is sayin' its all'righ' if'n I come 'long?  Could we get some'o those token things that folk play with?" a gush of excited questions poured out as Charlie moved across the cargo bay towards Rhaef.  Then she stopped, suddenly realizing how silly she'd look in her oil stained coveralls and grease covered skin walking around in the city, "Ah, Rhaef.  I got'nothin' o'the sorts't wear out for somethin'like this."

Wei-Li smiled at Dake.  "It's a deal," she said with a nod.

The idea of flying through the air was not new to her, but doing it without a catcher or a suit would be novel.

She smiled at the exchange betweeen Rhaef and Charlie.  She knew he'd do everything in his power to protect the mechanic, he had ever reason to-- even more than he'd had when he'd protected her after the Kyron incident.

Dake watched Rhaef and Charlie as the talked.  He could see the subtle changes in both of them.  He was sure everyone could.  Dake wanted that some day.

Dake smile back at Wei-Li.  Giving a quick wave, he headed off Destiny, planning to lose himself in the city for a while.  He needed to take his mind off events on the ship.

[-> Santos: The Spare Room]
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:30, Mon 28 Apr 2014.

Rhaef smiled widely at Charlie's rush of questions, it was to be expected. "Yeah, Charlie, we're gonna out and see the sights, Cap'n fine with it, thinks you might notice somethin' I miss, while we're out." He paused and thought about her other questions. Thankfully Kale had left his room untouched, his hoard of credits had still been there, before Charlie wasn't much Rhaef had ever thought of spendin' money on. "Yeah, we'll get some tokens, Charlie. And well, if you ain't got nothin' to wear, we'll have to stop and find you somethin'."

Charlie's lips quirked into a small smile.  Shopping wasn't normally something she did.  Buying nice things was more for people like Kyoko, or even Acacia back when she'd been on the ship.  Charlie was much more at home inside an engine and well, that didn't require no fancy clothing.  It felt strange for Rhaef to be offering to buy her things, she just wasn't used to ... well them.  As a couple.  But if she were going to get anything to wear he'd have to do the purchasing.  Charlie typically spent all her creds on getting new parts for Destiny even though the Captain kept telling her to stop doing that, that her money was supposed to be for her personal use.  She didn't have anything else she felt like spending it on.

"Alright, Mister.  I s'pose y'got y'rself a date." she tapped him on the nose and then immediately laughed.  She hadn't washed her hands yet and now he had a grease spot on the tip.

"I think we both need't do a bit of cleanin' up first though." she added with a smirk.

Rhaef smiled and nodded, "well then, we best get busy, 'cause the day ain;t gettin' any younger." He paused with a smirk, "An' longer we stand 'round here, better the chance Kale goes an' changes his mid."

"Well, let's not give'm tha'chance." she Said, allowing herself to enjoy the moment by planting a quick kiss on his lips.

She pulled away and blushed as she realized that Wei-Li was still there. Charlie wasn't really used to public displays of affection.  Or romantic affection in general ... it'd been a long time.

"Ah'ma ..." she stuttered somewhat embarrassed, then quickly tried to change topics, "Wei-LI d'ya think Kyoko migh'be able ta do'my hair.  If'n ah'm gonna wear somethin' pretty n'all it only seems right."
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:12, Sun 27 Apr 2014.

Wei-Li smiled, feeling more than a little wistful, but then she was back in full swing.  "I think Kyoko'd enjoy it- if not I could help... and I could probably lend you something until you kids find something you like..."

"Why don't I check with Kyoko and you get cleaned up..."

Wei-Li bounced away, hoping to give Rhaef and Charlie a little more time together.

<to Kyoko's Shuttle>
This message was last edited by the player at 18:34, Mon 28 Apr 2014.

"Thank ya, Wei-Li" Charlie said.  She was completely oblivious to Wei-Li's exit on her behalf and found herself nearly bouncing away as well as she spoke, <purple>"Guess ah'll meet'ya back down here'n a bit.  An'doncha go leavin' withou'me." she lightly scolded with a finger before disappearing up the stairs.  She'd clean up in the bathroom and then head to Kyoko's shuttle.  Hopefully the companion wasn't too busy.

Charlie felt an odd giddiness about getting ready to go out.  Her and Rhaef had never done anything so normal as go out on the town together.  The change of pace would be nice.

<To Destiny: Kyoko's Shuttle vis a stop in the bathroom>

Rhaef watched Charlie head out and then pushed himself off the wall.  It was time he went and made himself presentable as well.

-> To Rhaef's Quarters via the Dining Hall.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:47, Wed 30 Apr 2014.

This message was deleted by the player at 01:33, Wed 07 May 2014.