Addressing Nadine's query as to his travels extending to the Rim, Jim replies simply, "Past," with continued bravado and a big swig of his drink.

The Danica arrangement is spoiling his game, but he's had enough drink that he's not bothered by it, and Tucker's timely interruption has him amused as he watches the interplay with their pilot.

After Jack arrives and garner's Linsey's attention, Jim acknowledges him with raised glass and "HiJack!," bemused by his own inside humor.

Then the blonde mechanic catches his keen, if slightly intoxicated, eyes.  Leaning in to talk to the bartender, he asks, "What's her prescription?"

In reply to Dr. Jim D. Jones (msg #52):

Tucker doesn't miss a beat.  He turns towards Linsey and says, "You're quite a little bottle rocket yourself.  Wanna go?"

The petite brunette holds up her hand, rolls her eyes in disgust, and answers with an exaggerated, "Pleeaze, I already have a vibrator."

Linsey's retort draws howls of laughter from the other Ozawa crewmen, and their satisfaction at Tucker's lack of success is obvious.

Linsey's remark also catches Nadine in mid-drink, causing some spray and coughing from the young navigator.  This gives Doc the perfect opportunity to catch the bartender and ask about the blonde medic, "Oh, Casey?  Yeah, she's new here.  She's drinking chardonnay.  I got her tables drinks right here if you want to take them over."  He indicats a glass of white wine and two glasses of beer.

Linsey catches Jacques elbow, leans in, and says, "Give you a tour of Camille?  Fewer jerks there."

About that time Lance Charpentier joins the group.

Jack shoots a sardonic smile to the good Doctor at his greeting. What?! I just walked in, brother...

He watches Tucker with bemusement as the spacer hits on Linsey and she shuts him down. "Seems like you're in the wrong place, friend," Jack says to Tucker firmly.

When Linsey leans in to invite him to the Camille Jack likewise leans in to her, allowing some discrete body contact. "Thank you, I'd love to. But I've invited someone to meet me here soon. How about dinner? If that's a busy time on your ship, maybe we could tour the Gypsy Moth instead..."

Lance's arrival pulls Jack back to the group at large. He introduces the gunner to Nadine and Linsey and when Doc is finished he catches the bartender's attention. "Red wine, Alsacian if you have it. Linsey, can I get you a drink?" He glances at the others. "Anyone like anything?"

In reply to Jacques Keveloh (msg #54):

"Don't mind if I do, Jack, mine's a sweet white."

Having changed out of her work clothes, Thera enters the beach wearing a black leather catsuit and a red sash belt with matching shoulder bag. (Gotta use the colours.)

Danica nods to Lance and makes sure that she places herself between him and Prisa for the time being.  Since Linsey seems a bit preoccupied with Jack and has proven that she can take care of herself, given her rejoinder to Tucker, Dani refocuses her attention on the crowd and their growing group, making idle conversation as necessary.  She smiles as Thera approaches, giving the young woman both a thumbs-up and a raised eyebrow as she appraises her apparel.

The dark-haired pilot begs off from any libations offered; she does, however, partake of food - seemingly fond alternately of salty and sugary items.

When a break in the conversation between Jack and Linsey occurs, Dani prompts the Moth's navigator, "So, who are we meeting with, Mr. Keveloh?"  Her interest is piqued...

"Thera! Good to see you!"

Jack orders a round to everyone's liking then replies to Dani. "Captain Peter Kurbatkin of the Svetlanan merchant Sascha. His First Officer Anna will be joining him, I believe. They were looking at vacc suits in Alagash's. I offered to give them some advice on EVA gear as I thought it'd be a good way to find out what's been happening lately in their region of space."

Jim grabs the three glasses, having to take care not to spill them, "Thanks, watch this will ya" he says as he leaves his drink, and credits to cover the next with tip, at the bar and heads to the fetching blonde's table.

"Two beers," he announces, placing them in front of the maintenance types.  Looking up, he acknowledges Thera's entrance and unnecessarily indicates, with his head, their party at the bar - mostly to make sure it's apparent he's with the group from the Moth in the hopes to get some points in.

"And a white for Ms. Casey," he continues, placing the chardonnay before the blonde, with a flourish.

"At least, that is what the man behind the counter would have me believe in return for delivering these," he added with mock concern that he may have been duped.

To the table at large, with a slight bow and his most fetching smile, "Forgive my intrusion, but I suspect Ms. Casey and I may share a common profession - Doc Jones, Jim, at your, " he pauses to emphasize the pun, "service."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:40, Tue 13 Dec 2011.

In reply to Dr. Jim D. Jones (msg #58):

Casey seems pleasantly surprised by Doc's approach, and glad to have some company other than her regular co-workers.  "Thank you for this," she says, indicating the wine.  Casey pats the arm of a chair next to her and invites Doc, "Have a seat."

Back at the bar, Tucker's eyes flash anger at Jacques' comment.  He looks about to turn and confront Jacques, when one of his shipmates places a hand on Tucker's shoulder and steers him towards a white liquor shot.  "Fracking dykes", he can be heard to mutter.  His eyes appraise Thera head to toe, lingering on some areas in between, but he doesn't say anything, choosing instead to down another drink.

Linsey shrugs at Jacques, "I go on shift at 1800", she says with a trace of disappointment.

Lance pairs off in conversation with Nadine.  Prisa is her usual laconic self when in groups.  She sips a juice and laughs at others jokes.

The group of Ozawa crewmen create a little space between themselves and your group at the bar.  Somehow Tucker ends up farthest from you, but whether this is by design of his cohorts or simple coincidence is unclear.  One bald, goateed Ozawa crewman, who seems an experienced bar hand, gives you a furtive wink and shrug.

After a few minutes, the female business woman approaches the bar to order entrees for herself and her companion.  As she is waiting for the now overworked bartender, she mentions casually, as an aside to Danica, Jacques, and Thera, "You wouldn't happen to be from the Gypsy Moth would you?  I'd like to talk to your captain or purser about passage, whenever convenient."

Shortly after that, captain Kurbatkin and Anna enter the bar.  They take a table near the fountain and wave Jacques over.

OOC: Time is distinctly non-linear in the bar today, part of the relatavistic physics of RPOL. ;)  If it really bothers anyone let me know, otherwise we'll roll with it.

In reply to Referee (msg #59):

Thera quickly recognises the situation with Tucker - Lindsay's nervous glance between her attire and the predator, Danica's almost imperceptible smile, Jack's comment. She ignores Tucker's stare and eases herself with professional aplomb into a chair next to Danica.

She appraises the businesswoman carefully, getting a measure of her body language, attire, accent, etc, looking particularly for warning signs of dishonesty, malicious intent and story disparities during the conversation.
21:03, Today: Thera Santorini rolled 13 using 2d6+2. Street: appraise businesswoman.
"I'm sure the captain will be along shortly," she says with a bright smile, "Can we get you a drink?"
She proceeds to make small talk with the woman.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:53, Fri 16 Dec 2011.

Jack doesn't hide his own disappointment at Linsey's comment. But when he sees Kurbatkin enter, he smiles to her. "Ah, look, the captain I was waiting for has arrived. If you can give me just an hour or so, I would love a tour of Camille..." He leans in a bit closer, looking her brightly in the eyes, his voice dropping so others can't hear, "...or we could tour the sauna on the Moth..."

When the businesswoman approaches and inquires about passage Jack almost goes into his Bridge Officer routine but Thera's smooth reply allows him to merely nod courteously to the woman. He shoots Dani a quick, knowing look - Mr. Nagel, perhaps?

Jack responds to Kurbatkin with a wave of his own and the universal gesture for give me just a minute.

"Sure thing," Jim responds to Casey's thanks and invite, "though I think it only fair I relieve the barman the duty of guarding my drink - be right back..."

Jim heads back to the bar, busying the bartender with topping up his drink, and providing a pitcher of beer and bottle of white for the table before he returns... catching the businesswoman's quiet query to the rest of the crew as he heads back to take a seat by the blonde, but not acknowledging it.

Jim manages to smoothly hitch his seat closer to Casey after he delivers the drinks, but addresses them all.  "Hope you all have time to enjoy these.  Just in off the Moth out of Alsace, and catching some downtime, myself.  So what's to know around here?"

In reply to Dr. Jim D. Jones (msg #62):

It is obvious to Thera's discerning eye that the woman is Imperial, probably from Halowon itself based on the woman's high cheekbones and narrow face.  Her staid business attire and conservative, hair up style convey an impression of efficiency and business-first professionalism.  The woman's posture and well-worn data device holder indicate one who deals with details and is usually setting things up and implementing them.  Despite the high quality of the woman's clothing and jewelry, Thera's detects the aura of functionary rather than boss, but probably someone close to the boss like and aide or private secretary.

The woman accepts Thera's invitation of a drink and orders a high-end Alsatian wine.  She Introduces herself with a professional handshake and pleasant smile as, "Julianna Biebroeck.  My two associates and I are returning to Tupolev from Espiaux and are interested in comfortable, expeditious passage."  She allows, "Right now we're looking at passage on Sascha, but... we're still open to other ideas.  Is your ship headed towards Tupolev?"

Linsey replies to Jacques, "That sounds lovely."  She flashes a polite smile, says, "Don't let me interrupt your business.", and turns to disinterestedly listen to Nadine and Lance's conversation.

Meanwhile, at Doc's table...

The maintenance techs thank Doc warmly for the beer.  Casey asks, "How is it on a starship?  I've only been out here for a few weeks, on a one year contract, and I'm already getting station fever.  When I got here they let me tour one of the Navy ships and I can't imagine living in such spartan conditions for weeks on end."

Jack smiles grandly at Linsey's reply.

He can't help but notice the wine Ms. Biebroeck orders and makes a mental note to pick up a bottle or two if they land a deal with her. When she mentions passage to Tupolev, Jack intones "Indeed, we are. We've been approached by others for passage as well. You wouldn't by chance be travelling with a Mr. Helmar Nagel?"

In reply to Jacques Keveloh (msg #64):

Julianna Biebroeck looks surprised, "Yes, I'm his assistant.  I guess word travels quickly on a station this small.  I hope you haven't already booked all your staterooms."

"Jacques Keveloh, Bridge Officer of Gypsy Moth. Indeed not, we still have rooms available. I'll leave you in Thera's good hands to describe our ship and services or to make arrangements if you feel so inclined." He gives Thera a subtle look - this is our next gig, I'll tell you later. "But please excuse me, I have a prior meeting." With another courteous nod to Biebroeck and a sly smile to Linsey, Jack crosses the bar toward Kurbatkin.

He catches the shrug from the goateed Ozawa spacer on the way, giving the man a quick shrug in return. No harm no foul, friend. Before he reaches the Svetlanans' table Jack lingers near the bar and pulls his comm; he sends a quick text message to Thera: Helmar Nagle VIP passage to Tupolev by personal request of Port Director. Ask many questions. And then to the crew of the Moth. Sauna and VIP suite offlimits until 1800, by order of the Bridge. Expecting special guest. He felt like a shit, but what the hell. He called it first. Besides, 1800 was early enough for the Doc to still take advantage of the amenities. Or anyone else for that matter.

Sliding the comm in his pocket, Jack smiles grandly to Kurbatkin and Anna. "Captain Kurbatkin, Anna - well met! What shall we drink?"

Jim nods in affirmation of the warm thanks, and then grimaces in sympathy to Casey, looking around the confines of the Beach, "A year - ouch."

A sip of scotch and he adds, "Well, I've done months at a time on ships make Navy birds look like palaces... but the Moth, she's pretty posh."

"You got some free time, I'd be happy to show you around her ... just what I'd prescribe for that fever."

In reply to Jacques Keveloh (msg #66):

Thera relaxed again as Jack took charge of the visitor. Bridge officers' remit. She gave a slight frown as Jack excused himself and dumped the visitor back on her, a frown that deepened as she received his text a few moments later.

She'd noticed what had called him away, too. Damn Svetlanans.

She suppressed a grin at mention of the sauna, that was on her wavelength, but Jack was either a very smooth operator or a little optimistic if he was booking the sauna after a few minutes chat with someone in the Beach - she'd be hard pressed to match that herself.

She cleared her countenance and gave Ms Biebroek another cheery smile.
"Sorry, Ms Biebroek, I'm not sure what bookings have been made, but if Jacques says there are rooms available I'm sure Captain Marks will find something appropriate for you when he arrives. Excuse my ignorance, but who is Mr Nagel?"

In reply to Thera Santorini (msg #68):

OOC: So terribly frustrating when one types almost an entire post and is confronted by the blue screen of death just before the last line.  Sigh.  Attempt two.

Julianna Biebroeck doesn't seem surprised at Thera's question nor does she seem to mind it, "Mr. Nagel is one of the founding partners of Newcastle Capital Solutions, a private equity firm that specializes in high-yield projects.  He has just finished a business development trip to Espiaux and we are returning to Tupolev.  As you can imagine, Mr. Nagel's time is quite valuable and he is quite eager to get back to Tupolev quickly.  Captain Kurbatkin, with whom it appears your colleague has gone to speak, has assured us he can deliver our party to Tupolev in under seven weeks."  Having established the standard, she then indicates, "But, if your ship can make the journey more expeditiously, then we would be quite interested."

Julianna Biebroeck's companion gets up from their table and joins your gorup at the bar.  He introduces himself, "Anthony Nichol, legal counsel to Mr. Nagel.  Nice to meet you."


At Doc's table,

Casey smiles, "Well technically I'm on shift until 1700, which is why I have to limit this", she taps her wine glass, "but I don't see how a ship tour would keep me fromresponding if something happened."  She gestures towards the table, "Can we do it after lunch?"

Casey continues, "Sounds like you've traveled extensively.  That must be fascinating.  Have you ever settled down or is traveling a lifestyle thing for you?  I could imagine emigrating one day to the new colony on Marsoui, but traveling constantly must be tough."

At Jacques table,

Anna is at the bar at the moment, taking possession of a plate of food.

Peter welcomes Jack to sit, "Have a vodka!  A very fine Svetlanan label."  There are three shot glasses filled to the brim on the table. Kurbatkin slides one towards himself and pushes another in Jacques direction.  Before Peter picks up his glass, he takes a sideways glance at the conservatively dressed Svetlanan family at one of the other tables in the bar.  Perhaps he is checking to see if they are Old Believers.*  He shrugs his shoulders almost imperceptibly and raises his glass to you.  "Your health!" and downs the vodka in a single gulp.

Anna returns with a heaping plate grilled shrimp.  Peter rubs his hands with anticipation and digs in heartily, "Ah Espiaux seafood!  One of my favorite parts of visiting this system."

Between shrimp, Kurbatkin mentions, "You know, I've having trouble keeping the retaining mechanisms on the wrist joints of some of my vacc suits from binding.  Do you have that problem?"

OOC: Jack, rather than role-play a technical discussion, please roll a vacc suit (or Deception if you want to go that route) skill check to establish yourself as an authority on vacc suits in Kurbatkin's eyes.

*Old Believers = A peaceful religious movement widespread on Svetlana.  Unlike the majority of humans in the sector, for whom religion is something like a personal, individual philosophy or ill-defined spirituality, the Old Believers are strongly organized and place the church at the center of the daily activities of its members.  Not anti-technology, the Believers are anti-alcohol, disprove of gambling, and are quite conservative, or even old-fashioned, on many social issues.

In reply to Referee (msg #69):

You receive a text from Hayden: Am off ship see freight agent.  Have left Aksina and Bertrand in charge.

Shortly thereafter, each member of the group is amicably chatting with their counterparts, when Danica glimpses station crewman Wylins entering the bar.

He spots her and makes a beeline for Danica and Thera at the bar.  As he approaches, Julianna Biebroeck has to step back to allow Wylins to pass in front of her towards Danica.  Coming close, Wylins says to Danica in a low, urgent tone, but loud enough for Thera and possibly Biebroeck to hear, "Director Xiu requests the presence of your bridge crew in Station Operations as soon as possible."  Shifting his weight uncomfortably, he adds, "Like, right away."

A slight smile plays on Danica's lips as she edges toward Thera and the two potential clients.  When she realizes the Julianna is Nagel's personal assistant, her head turns slightly to include what she says more readily.  She has been quietly watching the crowd for a bit, but when Jack excuses himself leaving Thera, who was not at the meeting with the Director, to deal with Mr. Nagel's associates - Dani decides to act.

She offers a hand to Julianna and introduces herself, "Ms. Biebroeck, pleased to meet you.  I'm Danica Moreau - pilot and First Officer of the Gypsy Moth."  She nods to Thera, inclining her head slightly, and noting amiably, "I see that you have met Ms. Santorini, our primary Steward."

"As for availability..." Dani glances down at her dataglove and then taps a few notes and messages, some personal, like to inquire about Newcastle Capital Solutions, and another as a crew-wide heads-up ++Sascha/Kurbatkin also courting Nagel++, "Thera is right, we do have some availability, still.  How many staterooms would you require?"

Dani notes that Anthony has joined the conversation and Danica shifts her position to include him as she ventures, "Three?  For high passage?  And how much cargo space would we need to allocate for all of you?"  Danica offers a firm handshake to Anthony, "First Officer Danica Moreau, Gypsy Moth's pilot.  Well met, Mr. Nichol."

"As for timing," the thin brunette offers, "the Gypsy Moth is a special young lady.  We are geared towards high-speed transport of personnel and goods."  She offers both Julianna and Anthony a genial, if slightly wry, smile as she ups the ante, "Even though our route getting to Tupolev is not yet set, we have been contracted to deliver other cargo there.  So, we will be required to stop in that system in the very near future."  She glances down at her dataglove looking thoughtful for a moment, and then back to Julianna, "Even if we were to go the 'long' way through Svetlana, the Moth would be in Tupolev in less than four and half weeks.  If, instead, our route takes us through Vauclain - then I would say that we'll be there in three weeks..."

Danica purses her lips as Wylins passes by and addresses her.  She gives him a slight curt nod in acknowledgement.

"...  Of course, such expeditious passage comes at a premium." she finishes quickly.  Dani raises her hands and gives Julianna, Anthony and Thera a slightly plaintive gesture.  She inclines her head slightly, "I am afraid that I am being called away.  Please excuse me.  Ms. Santorini," she motions to Thera, "should be able to handle any additional questions or concerns that you may have concerning working with us."  Danica backs away from the group and starts to move towards Wylins.  Her expression is quizzical and slightly concerned - her raised eyebrow connotating that whatever is going must be important.  She taps on her dataglove to Doc and Jack ++Xiu wants to see us again. Now. Heading there.++

"After lunch it is," Jim responded amicably to Casey regarding the ship tour, though thinking to himself he could come up with several things that might keep her from responding to the station if something happened...

He chuckled about traveling extensively.  "Well, I started off aiming to be a scientist, wanting to study a few worlds other than my watery homeworld.  But the Pathfinder's got a hold of me - a somewhat interesting tale, that - and I've spent the last twenty years traveling.  So, yeah, quite extensively.  And sometimes very interesting."

Jim paused to drink, Wylins' approach to the bar finally catching his eye, which he ignored - finding Casey's eyes a far more engaging subject.

"Marsoui - now that is an interesting place - quite beautiful and exotic.  I can definitely picture you there," Jim avoids her other questions, attempting sly flattery as a diversion.

Unfortunately, Danica's message provides a different diversion.

"Ah.  Appears the director of this place requires my presence," adding with a saddened smile to the table as a whole, "Again."

"My apologies," he said as he got up to follow Danica.  To Casey, "I presume you are the only Casey in medical - so I can easily reach you regarding that tour?"

In reply to Dr. Jim D. Jones (msg #72):

Julianna Biebroeck's eyebrows rise as she is completely unable to hide her surprise, "Three weeks?  Gypsy Moth is special indeed.  That speed is on par with Ozawa Lines!"  She muses,  "Fascinating. I think Mr. Nagel would be very interested in that."

After Wylins interrupts their discussion, she gracefully notes, "We would require three staterooms, and prefer executive class accommodations.  But, if you have urgent business to attend, we can work out the details later."    She holds out her handheld to wirelessly exchange contact info with Danica's dataglove.

At Doc's table, Casey is disappointed, "Leaving already?  Well, I'm really glad to meet you."  Looking Doc directly in the eyes and giving his hand a parting squeeze, "Yes, I'm the only Casey in medical on the station.  I very much look forward to that tour."

"Likewise," Jim responds, all smiles, as he returns Casey's goodbye in like fashion to her own.

Heading to intercept Danica, with good scotch in his belly and pleasant things on his mind, he calls out across the room to Thera, "Joining us in the Director's office, Ther?"

"This is good," he declares raising his drink, "but Xiu's is better!"

Jim's 'discretion' leaves something to be desired...  he also fails to leave the Beach's glassware on his way to the door...

In reply to Dr. Jim D. Jones (msg #74):

Thera grabs the opportunity to join an activity that sounds far more exciting than idle chat, welcoming the doctor's invitation even if she deplores his lack of discretion.

"Excuse me Ms Biebroek, Mr Nichol, I think my colleagues may need my input. We'll meet later to discuss your requirements - should Mr Nagel choose the Moth for his transportation."

She smiles her way out of the conversation and joins her colleagues heading for the Director's office.

Jack makes small tech talk with Kurbatkin, Dani's first text causing his eyebrows to raise slightly. He covers it with more tech talk, focusing mainly on safety concerns.

OOC: 10:24, Today: Jacques Keveloh rolled 10 using 2d6+2 with rolls of 5,3. Vacc Suit only, Kurbatkin chat.

When Dani's second text comes in, Jack looks up to see the gang departing. With another glance at his comm, he stands, saying, "My apologies. There seems to be a sudden issue with Gypsy Moth I need to address. I'll look you up later and we'll continue."

Jack joins the others to report to the station director.