"Thanks, Jack".

On entering the BBC, Jim scanned the place with an eye for any captivating 'specimens'. Monica's enthusiastic invite threw him a bit, but he recovered and gave her a smile as he headed to the 'reserved' tables.

The raven-haired pilot nodded to Jack as he got the tab on the taxi and the five of them piled into the vehicle.  Dani purposefully looked out one of the side windows, fastidiously keeping her eyes off the road in front of them and the driver.  It was less about personal comfort level and more about professional courtesy, in her opinion.

Danica having noted that Doc had used a rather irreverent term for the woman they were about to meet, dutifully reminded him of her real name.  "Monica," she emphasized simply before the quintet actually entered the establishment, "is quite possibly waiting for us already."  They had taken their time getting there.  And as it turned out, the woman was already waiting for them.

The thin ex-spook noticed Jack's preoccupation with the crowd and while letting him continue his surveillance, gently started to guide him towards the tables.  While she could understand that he might be on edge - for she didn't particularly like the camerabug earlier either - Danica also figured that they should stay together.  As they wended their way through the crowd, her own mirrorshaded eyes made contact with the bartender's and with a gesture ensured that they got some measure of service.

Dani held out a hand to Monica as she approached the table.  "Thank you for meeting with us.  It was incredibly nice of you to do so, especially on such short notice..." she offered with genuine, if professionally tempered, enthusiasm to start the evening.

Thera cast a professional eye over the bar's clientele as they entered. She'd spent enough time in places like this to read them at a glance. She could sense the approach of a bar brawl like animals could sense an earthquake. She knew the others were keyed up about the cameraman even though they were playing it cool. She stayed with them and gave a polite smile as they met Monica.

In reply to Thera Santorini (msg # 43):

Thera has indeed logged a lot of time in bars, from the extremely seedy to the upscale.  The BBC tonight strikes her as lively but peaceful.  That could change later, but it is still pretty early.

Doc's reconnoiters the place with the experienced eye of a connoisseur and veteran raconteur, taking note of several "specimens".

Monica appears to be a small, slight woman in her mid-60s.  She has visible,but faded, tattoos on the side of her neck and her hand and, from the looks of it, is sipping bourbon on the rocks through a straw.  Her eyes are alert and twinkle when speaks, though she often seems to be people-watching even in the middle of conversation.  "Heh heh, glad to meet you, gave me an excuse to go out, heh heh."  She taps Hayden playfully on the shoulder, "I thought I'd seen it all, but ninety nine percent discount, heh heh."

“Well, we try to take care of our customers.  I just wish we could have gotten it here soon.  Unfortunately the delay was unavoidable.” Hayden said before ordering bourbon on the rocks as well, sans straw.  He didn’t care to elaborate on the shipping delay, hence the timing of the drink request.  When he was done, he changed the subject.

”Speaking of customers, I don’t suppose you know anyone interested in fish-oil or petrochemical lubricants?  I suspect you’re the type of gal who has a handle on most comings and goings in these parts.”

Doc ordered the first thing mentioned when he asked what local spirits were good.  Having judged the 'scenery' pretty decent, he was content to just look for a bit.  As he imbibed the drink, he was only half paying attention to the banter at the table.

So he nearly choked on his drink when he caught part of the conversation where Hayden asked something about 'anyone interested in fish-oil or petrochemical lubricants' ... his mind being on other things at the time.

It took a moment before he realized they were probably talking about cargo related to their cover story...

In reply to Hayden Marks (msg # 45):

Monica arches an eyebrow, "Fish oil and lubricants, heh heh?  Sure, I could make some introductions."  She lets the comment hang and takes a long sip of her bourbon.

OOC: Hayden, with your trading experience you know the value of local networks and references.  In game terms, a positive introduction from Monica is probably worth a +1 Sell DM, maybe even an outside chance for a +2.

Like Doc, Danica also scanned the crowd while Hayden and Monica talked shop.  Unlike Doc, Dani was not limiting herself to just those that looked good.  Her training was more looking for anything out of place.  Anything unusual.  Anything that just didn't feel right.  Anything that might be potential trouble for the establishment (well, besides her and her companions).  Admittedly, she was definitely on edge from the unsolicited photo-shoot at the docking bay.

Knowing that is was his area of expertise, the Gypsy Moth's pilot idly prompted the crew's navigator as she continued to people watch, "Jack, why don't you order a couple of bottles of wine for the table..."  Dani had never been much of a drinker.  But, in social situations, she would hold a glass in her hand.  And the contents would eventually disappear.  Slowly.

In reply to Referee (msg # 47):

"We'd be grateful for any help.  Not a 99% commission grateful, but grateful none the less." Hayden said with a wry smile.

"So Monica, are you from Tupolev?" Hayden asked.  He had learned the hardway not to guess where people were from based on accents - not that he could discern Monica's anyway.  He followed up with small talk, asking about her job, family, and if she had ever been a spacer.

Jack smiled and introduced himself to Monica as Hayden fell easily into trade banter. He nodded to Dani and strolled away to the nearest bartender to peruse the local wine offerings. He found a couple passable bottles and ordered another bourbon and straw for Monica.

While waiting he surreptitiously scanned the crowd a bit more, trying to take in a few details. He added a round of mineral waters to the order, paid and then sat down with the group. He poured for the ladies first, then the gents and offered an easy-going "Cheers, my friends."



OOC: @ Ref, figure Jack is staying in the Cr50-75 range for this round, decent drink but not ostentatious.

Despite a certain level of preoccupation appreciating the more intriguing forms in the joint, Jim didn't fail to notice Dani's edginess.

During the small talk with Monica he managed to casually interject a leading question related to their earlier encounter - "So does everyone landing here get special photo taking treatment, or just celebrities like us?"

In reply to Dr. Jim D. Jones (msg # 51):

Monica chuckles at Hayden's joke and pulls out a cell phone.  She queries Hayden briefly on the particulars of the cargo, then pulls out her mobile phone and says, "Excuse me for a minute, I'll plant some seeds now."
She gives Hayden a grin and a wink and starts tapping away on an old-fashioned SMS text.

She looks up, non-plused by Doc's question but quips, "Did someone already fall for you handsome?"

As Monica is putting her phone away, one of Doc's "specimens" approaches the table...



"Hey Monica, how've you been?"  She looks around the group and continues, "Who're your friends?"

Monica responds, "Still dirtside Dayani!? You must be going crazy girl, heh heh."
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:54, Tue 24 Sept 2013.

Jim smiles at Monica's query, "Lots of someone's."

"But this someone was a nondescript male taking head shots of all of us as we left our ship and with some high end equipment.  And looked like he was trying not to be noticed doing it.  Left in a hurry when I waved to him."

Doc quickly focused on Monica's friend as she made her approach - and just as quickly was the first to extend his hand, "Doctor Jones, call me Jim.."

He smoothly snagged a nearby seat, making space adjacent his own, "Please, join us."

Thera eyed the competition warily as a matter of habit, but gave her a pleasant enough smile. Thera was not looking to collect men this evening.

Danica pursed her lips and tacked onto Doc's description, "Likely a 12x telephoto lens with chromatic aberration compensation."  She took a small idle sip from her wine glass, before adding, "He looked pretty young - and not very professional.  Despite the equipment issued to him..."

She paused in her musings, as Dayani approached the table.  The mirrorshades shifted slightly and then moved up and down a bit, appraising and assessing the young woman.  The Moth's pilot remained silent; her face impassive - a look that might have been mistaken for haughty.

Then the edges of her mouth curled up slightly, when Doc invited the young lady to join them.  A slight shake of the head was her concession to the incredulity of the situation.  She leaned forward, still not quite sure what to make of Dayani.  "Danica." she stated simply as an introduction.  Then she took another sip of wine and leaned back once more.

Jack nodded in agreement at Danica's assessment of the photographer. "Wasn't very surreptitious, was he? Monica, have you heard anything about an animal called a Trill?"

Chuckling lightly as Doc did his patented shuffle and made room for the newcomer, he stood and extended a hand. "Hello, I'm Jacques. Care for some wine?"

In reply to Jacques Keveloh (msg # 56):



Dayani flashes Doc a lopsided smile, "Sorry Jim, I've got somewhere else to be..." To Jacques she adds, "...but if you really want to buy me that glass of wine, just come by the Flat Tail* a little later.  I think I know someone who wants to meet you."

She gives Monica a quick hug that seems more formality than genuine affection and gives the group a sardonic smile and wave with her fingers as she departs.

Watching Dayani drift away, Monica remarks, "Well, she sure is something."
  Then, with a confident laugh, "But if I were her age I could still kick her ass, in business, the bar, or the back alley."

Once Dayani is gone, Monica answers Jacques question, "I suspect a joke's coming along, but I'll play.  Nope, can't say I've ever heard of one of them. What's a Trill?"

* = Most of you know the Flat Tail.  It is a bar near the BBC, but little less expensive, usually a lot less busy, and with a more intimate, booth style, layout in contrast to the BBC's open floorplan.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:54, Thu 26 Sept 2013.

Doc takes the 'brushoff' in good natured stride, wishing Dayani a good evening.  As he returned the chair he had borrowed, he responded to Monica with a wink, "You're not her age?", before turning to Jack and adding, "Yeah, tell her what's a Trill, Jack."

Jim finished his drink, admiring Dayani's retreating form as it occurred to him late that the young lady's visit was probably not just random happenstance.

Jack blushed slightly as Dayani left. "Did she think I was hitting on her?" he said to no one in particular.

He sat and refilled his glass, smiling at Monica's comment. "No, no joke. Two meter long, furry spider crab things that breathe... methane, I think? Ammonia? Can't recall. They seemed like a big deal a couple systems back so I thought perhaps our photographer friend... well, never mind. Just a thought."

He seemed a bit flustered by Dayani's parting shot. "What's Dayani do for a cred, Monica?"

In reply to Jacques Keveloh (msg # 50):

Hayden ordered another two bourbons for Monica and himself.  There were plenty of worlds where buyer and seller agents were only dealt with over the planetary net.  Hayden appreciated the chance to put a face to the name and have a conversation in person.  Too often mercantile exchanges were arms length affairs over comm channels and text interfaces.  It was nice to sit down and chat with someone who shared the same interest.  The gregarious spacer seemed to be enjoying talking with Monica - two veterans of similar experience sharing war stories.

Seeing Jones lick his wounds, Hayden interrupts his conversation with Monica to offer some advice to the ship's resident libertine physician.

"Dammit Jim, I'm a merchant, not cupid*, but it seems like that was an invitation if ever there was one.  I wouldn't leave a lady waiting at a bar for me, you can bet on that.  Do you know the two bulls story?" Marks asked.

*OOC: I've been waiting the whole game to use a damn it Jim... ;)
This message was last edited by the player at 22:11, Thu 26 Sept 2013.

Jim feigned injury, "Not me!  Seems she more fancied our boy Jack here!"  ("Maybe she's got somethin' against doctors", he muttered.)

"But, we could move this over to the Tail in a bit and see how Jack fares over there - lady seemed more business than pleasure you ask me," he added with a smirk.

*OOC: Good one Hayden! :D
Edit: Oops, corrected bar name
This message was last edited by the player at 22:50, Fri 27 Sept 2013.

Dani shook her head.  First at the Doc's bravado.  And then at Hayden's question about the 'two bulls'.  It wasn't that she hadn't heard the joke (she had - it was one of Hayden's favorites), the thin brunette was merely playing the 'straight woman' as it were.  And keeping the conversation going.

She had also remembered what Hayden had said about Moscow Rules.  And even though she had broken one by giving Dayani her name, Danica remained vigilant.  Information was the true commodity in this day and age.  Even if, or especially because, the Gypsy Moth and her crew were on a mission.  She sipped and watched the young woman's receding figure as well.  But not for what it was or how it was shaped, but to see exactly where it was going and who else it might meet or bump into along the way.

Too many strange coincidences for her.  "I think that she has heard of you, Jack." Dani posited, her tone was slightly guarded, "she bolted immediately once she got wind of your name..."

In reply to Danica Moreau (msg # 62):

Monica thanks Hayden for the bourbon by cracking, "Trying to get me drunk sweetie, heh heh?"

To Jacques, "Dayani's an astrogator, and a decent one from what I hear.  She's been working this ship or that one out of here for a couple years now.  Won't work for Halowon or Ozawa Lines though, sticks to the smaller outfits."

"I don't know about you kids, but I'm about ready for some eats."  The menu in the BBC is pretty standard pub fare, nothing to comm home about.  On the bright side, it isn't pre-packaged or pre-cooked, and looks to be a nice change of pace from starship food.  Enough of a change of pace that you're able to put aside lingering doubts about TL-7 sanitation...

Doc orders whatever the first night's special is and asks Monica, "So anything interesting happening here or with the empire?"

Jack lets Doc's comments on Dayani's intentions slide by with an easy, "ha, you lost!" shrug but at Dani's remark he offers a sardonic smile. "Indeed. Though I never thought of myself as someone with any reputation to speak of."

Jack's smile grows as he hears Monica's words. "Alright, I give in... You're all reading too little into this... Dayani and I are ex-tentmates from an Astrogators' Society camping trip years ago. Role-playing first contact was a big part of the training... sounds like Dayani wants to replay one of our old scenarios. So yes, I'll be stopping by the Flats after we eat." He chuckles sheepishly and pours himself a little more wine. He sips then winks good-naturedly at Dani but their time on the bridge together lets her see the real intent of his eyes: Let's drop this for now...

Once Dayani's figure disappears out the door Jack orders the special as well.