Joe figures that ditching the fairy while amusing, would be mean and deprive them of a potential 'not Joe' target along for the ride.  He sidesteps the timesink of attempting to nudge Drizzleleaf awake by way of begloved finger snapping next to them.  "Wake up, shenanigans are progressing."

  That out of the way, he follows after his more consciousness inclined acquaintances.  "So, was a cushy roof part of the upgrades or was she just that tired?"

Nono listens to T'Shock's instructions and smiles at the sudden snooze of Drizzeleaf, thinking it adorable.  He headshakes and handwaves desperately at Joe's attempts at waking her.

"Nonono!" he whispers in a panic, wanting her to be allowed to continue sleeping.

At this point, what Nono does next depends on whether Driz wakes.  If she stays asleep, he would whisper to Joe the "Odd sleep" bit in the fae race thread.  He'd then ask if T'Shock or Joe would be willing to carry Driz's ship because it's a bit too heavy for him to lug around and keep up with them.

If she wakes, he would apologize to her and ask her to set the ship to hover and continue her nap inside.  He would assure her that he wouldn't let her miss any of the fun.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:00, Sun 12 Sept 2010.

"A fool and his money are soon parted."  That's the extent of Walter's "loyalty" to Lucky.  While Walter might fight to defend his current source of income, he's not sticking his neck out for the guy.  He was hired as a guide.  Nothing more.  He checks out Brian and gives a nod when introduced, then notices Rocky chatting with a bat.  A smile crosses his face as he considers the fun competitions that are sure to commence soon and considers entering himself if he can get away with it.

Lucky gives a bright smile and a wave when introduced, still thinking happy thoughts on Billy's lovely family when the topic is brought up and reveling in the man's music from the trip.  While many may consider his body language as sissy as a Blissian's he tends to be rather forward when it comes to what he says.

"Nice to meet you, Brian," he says, "I can see why you were picked to watch the entrance.  Wow you're intimidating!  I bet you even have the ear of Rocky himself!  I was wondering if maybe you could arrange a meeting for us?  We've a great idea for helping this colony along that I'm sure he'll love.  But I'll bet he's very busy right now, so maybe first we could pitch in with the competition preparations to help free up some of Rocky's time.  Think he'd go for that?"

A Gynomb in a business suit offering elbow grease.  Yeah.  Weird.

C.H.A.D. replies to Marcus, "Sir! Understood. I was created by Genitech labs Inc., sir."  He stares straight ahead, still at attention.  "The bug I had on my head has since vacated, sir.  I know I am not to follow any orders from any more unless instructed to do so, sir.".


Any correspondance sent to Genitech about C.H.A.D. would sure cause a ruckus in thier offices as he was supposed to have been disposed of with the other 4 units when the project was shut down.

Making his way through the colony, he came across the place where the piressian competition was to take place, but a familiar odor ran across his nose that made his midnight black fur stand on edge a little.  Blissians....It would be his luck and even at this distance, he recognized Billy the Bard.  Of course, there was only one way to get into the place, so he had to pass by the two Blissians and the Deksharr to get in.

Walking towards them, he said nothing, biting back a growl as he walked past them without as much as a blink or a word to any of them.  Blissians always left a foul taste in his mouth and he hated the Deksharrs that guarded them almost as much.  He couldn't say that any ally of the Blissians was his enemy, mainly because he would have more enemies than he could ever hope to deal with.  However, anyone that guarded a Blissian was, but that had a more personal touch.

As he walked, he merely looked for a place to hear what this was all about and to spectate.

When she is made to fill out the paperwork for the partnership, followed by a customary handshake, Jacqueline is sure to check over the documents carefully. After assuring herself that there are no hidden costs or agreements, she smiles in satisfaction and wishes Mr. Kimble well as he leaves the ship. He's escorted out by one of the opossums that had been keeping watch over the door and the proceedings. The other opossum, after Kimble leaves, gives a call to the security chief to tell him that the meeting has finished.

After the rep leaves, Jacqueline sits quietly in the conference room.  She looks towards the innocuous cupboard kept in the corner and strokes the underside of her muzzle.  Having formed a partnership with one of the most powerful groups in the settlement was certainly something worth celebrating over, but things weren't finished yet.  Once business was properly underway, she'd get an impression of just how big a cut the Lockmans would be getting out of her.  For now, she could only theorize.  Dealing with Kimble had also put a strange taste in her mouth.  An uncomfortable feeling that she just couldn't shake.

However, she reasoned, any gamble worth making always has an equal measure of risk in comparison to the payout.

Stepping out briefly, she tells the remaining opossum guard to keep his position and not let her be disturbed as she makes a call from the conference room.


When CHAD gives Marcus the name of the company that developed him, the opossum smiles in thanks, glad to have what seems like a solid answer to check into.  At the moment, of course, he can't check up on the company to see what's happened with CHAD, but at least he feels like the playing field is being leveled.
He also seems satisfied that CHAD has learned his lesson about following orders.  As he's about to give CHAD more specific details of his duties for the day, a device on his hip beeps.  Picking it up, he has a brief conversation with the creature on the other line and nods before looking at CHAD and putting the device down.

"Well, it looks like we're going to have more free hands today than I expected.  Your duties shouldn't change, though.  Now that I've got a rough idea of what you're capable of and what your history is, I think I can start giving you orders, proper." He stands up straight, narrowing his eyes, "Your duties for today, as I mentioned earlier, are going to consist largely of security patrol.  That means that, with your partners, you're going to be moving around the ship itself and the immediate surrounding area, looking for possible security breeches.  This will also give you an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the ship, and it'll do you more good than just a standard tour."

The opossum smiles at the end of his explanation and he's about to ask CHAD if he has any questions when the communication device at his hip beeps again. With a sound of frustration, he takes the device again and has a short, clipped conversation which leaves him with a look of surprise as he looks at CHAD.

"Huh... just when we were getting into the meat of things... Chad, there's been a slight change of plans for you today.  The Lady of the ship has some designs of her own.  She's requesting that you report to the Main Conference room to speak with her. I know we've been putting a lot of information in your head today about your duties, but she runs this ship.  When she asks us to do something specifically, that takes top priority.  I can take you to the conference room myself, since you're probably not familiar enough with the ship yet." He looks CHAD over carefully, "I know this is sudden, but little things like this happen.  Do ya have any questions from what we've talked about here so far?"

Nash can't help but shift a bit as Rocky talks about fist-fights and drinking contests as being standard.  From his research, he expected as much from a competition designed for this crowd, but it's quite different for him to hear it from the horse's mouth, to speak.

Still, he nods, putting on a light smile, "Heh... I guess they're called 'surprise' events for a reason..." He adjusts his glasses before assuming his aloof posture again, "I just thought... getting a little direct info might help me prepare myself... Still... well, this should be fun?"

Mentally, his mind is brimming with concerns: Fighting. My combat training is minimal. What do I do if the competition becomes that? I have a number of skills... I am not entirely unathletic, and I am here to see what I can find more than really trying to win this... but winning will make it so much easier for me to get closer. I need to try, but... Fighting? How will I do that?

Nash's ears twitch as he hears more people coming to join them, realizing that the competition will probably be starting sooner rather than later. Still, he keeps himself focused on Rocky for as long as he has the boy in conversation.

When they reach the location of the Lockman competition, Elena waves happily to Brian upon their getting close.  She's especially happy that he seems to be friends with Billy as well. If someone as nice as Billy is his friend, then he must be quite trustworthy.

Cheerfully, she waves again at Brian as they're properly introduced, "Hello there! It's so very nice to meet you!"

At Lucky's words about talking with Rocky, she stays mostly silent, letting Lucky do the talking as this is clearly more his area of expertise than hers. Still, she can't help talking up in agreement with him, "Yes, if there's anything we can do to help in return for talking with Mr. Rocky, we would greatly appreciate it!  Though, I'm sorry, but we're not gonna be joining in the competition itself, if you're wondering.  Is that okay?"

Meanwhile, Miya is looking around, in light alert.  She gives a nod of greeting to Brian when they're introduced, but her eyes and ears mainly pay attention to their surroundings.  She knows that it takes all sorts to come to these kinds of events, and it's nearly impossible for a Blissian to walk around unnoticed. Those two facts make her keep a closer proximity to Elena and keep her hand ready.

She sees the half-breed wolf as he walks past them, watching him as he does so, but otherwise not noticing anything about his attitude that he doesn't reveal through his body-language.

Drizzeleaf wakes up from the fingersnapping. Nono wasn't quick enough, despite using his own name as a whispered exclamation. "Huh? Oh... sorry. I'm a fae, so... I sleep more often then you giant creatures do. About 5-10 times more, really." she says with a slightly tired smile that is rather quickly becoming an awake smile.

What she doesn't mention is that proportionally, her kind live a VERY long time. Most creatures her size last a year, maybe 5 at best. But her kind can live to 70 or even 80 years! But then... details.

She hears Nono's offer and nods. "Oh. OK. Sure." she flitters into her ship, that jingle sound happening. The ship hovers, autofollowing Nono as Drizzeleaf naps inside.

T'shock is on autofollow also. This time it's HER turn to take backseat to Driz rather than the other way around.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:27, Wed 03 Nov 2010.

Rocky nods to Nash. "Yeah. It'll be fun. I aim for that, so people come back for more." he says with a smile. He looks in the direction of the doorway. "...more people? Already?" and heads to the door, not indicating whether Nash should or shouldn't follow. That's up to Nash.

Brian was about to answer the group when he notices Rocky walking up and says, "....well here's Rocky. Go ahead and talk with him."

Obviously, this means Leon would see Rocky showing up and being announced by Brian.

Billy lightly bows courteously to Rocky. Rocky gives him a smirk. He loves Billy, though Billy intimidates the boy a little... mostly due to the fact Rocky has a crush on the guy's daughter. Even if he realizes she's out of his league in age and status. He looks and sees another Blissian. His smile is becoming a little brighter.

------

Amy contacts Nash, "Follow him. Seems we have some other interested parties. And another Blissian."

   Joe would figure if finger snapping woke them up, then grabbing her would do the job in a much more unsettling manner.  What's a bigger shock, snap noise or waking up to 'oh crap huge person's got me'?  "I can imagine the coffee sales, though standardized cup sizes would mean not as much of a jump in business as some would hope."   Espresso the size of your head?  Closer to size of your closet in some cases there.

  "Though I am curious.  If someone with enough credits to throw around like they already are is involved, I'd think they would have already either fixed their ship by now.  Or want it left the way it is to examine for any remaining evidence."

  Joe could be wrong, but if he is he'll find out via another exposition of the 'you should have known this already Joe' variety for something not listed anywhere.  Few methods of information gather are faster than giving someone an opening to correct you however.

"Hi, Rocky," Lucky says with a smile and offered handshake, "My name is Lucky.  I'm an investor for Castrophie Corp.  This is Elena, an expert healer.  I'll get right to the point.  We're aiming to establish a hospital here.  But we figured we'd help with preparations for the competition until you had time to talk at length about such an idea."

Nono snickers at Joe's joke about coffee and heads off with the others, keeping an eye on Driz's ship to make sure it doesn't get hung up on scenery.  Auto follow mechanics aren't always perfect.

"Good point, Joe," Nono says, "Though from what I've heard about the Barakians, there's a good chance that they staked their entire available capital on the bounty, leaving them with no funds left for repairs."

C.H.A.D. Shakes his head curtly when he's asked if he has any queations. "No sir.  Orders from Ms. Diamant take top priority, understood.  I am ready to see her designs.".   If lead he will follow precicely 3 feet behind the opossum, asking as he walks, "Will I be expected to assemble something from these designs?  I wasn't given engeneering knowledge.".

He merely glanced around, looking around at all the people that had shown up for this mysterious competition.  He had no interest in participating in it, but it definitely had his full attention for the time being.  His body language didn't show any agitation as he walked and found a spot to lean against the wall, folding his arms over his chest.

It was as close to a greeting that anyone so far had been able to get from him, a mere nod to the young Rocky as he walked around, the half breed listening intently as to what was involved in this competition.  Things he knew that he could handle, given his profession, but again he wasn't going to take part.

At CHAD's response, Marcus raises a brow, keeping his pace in walking as he tries to determine exactly how to best respond to that. Finally, he simply says, "Uh, well, they're not actual designs, y'see. It's just a turn of phrase. It just means that she's got plans."

He gives a nod, seeming satisfied with his own answer and not saying much else as he leads CHAD along the way.

Before long, and without further interruption, they reach the conference room. The opossum keeping guard can't help but look curiously at CHAD before snapping to attention as Marcus tells him to alert Ms. Diamant.

A calm voice issues from the door when it's opened, "Let him in, please."

Once CHAD is ushered in, the opossum guard goes back to his post, as does Marcus, leaving CHAD alone with Jacqueline. She smiles politely at him as she sits at the corner of the table, "Hello, Chad. I hope your day's been going well so far? I apologize for interrupting things, but I have a task in mind that I'm sure would be perfect for you." She leans back in her chair and laces her fingers together, "Chad, how do you feel about having the position of Bodyguard for today?"

Nash's ears twitch at Amy's message to him, and he can't help but utter, "A Blissian? Is it the same one as before, or...?" He shakes his head to push himself out of his thoughts and keep his composure as he does as he's asked and follows Rocky to see the others.

Upon seeing the small gathering of unfamiliar others there, Nash takes a small step back, not wanting to draw much attention to himself. He eyes the new Blissian curiously, however, and his eyes drift over the others to figure out who they are and if they'll be competing or not. At seeing Billy, though, the bat immediately looks away, laying his ears back.

So, there are two Blissians now, and one of them knows me! Well, he kind of knows me, at least. He was extremely friendly then! But... is he competing? I didn't think Blissians would ever be interested in something like this. From what I've read, this almost seems like the polar opposite of what a Blissian would want to be involved in. Maybe these two are different from others? Need to watch them... but I need to watch Rocky too. Stay calm. This can work.

When Rocky comes up to them, Elena's eyes brighten up and she gives a happy, traditional bow in greeting. As Lucky explains the situation to Rocky, she rocks back and forth gently on her feet before nodding in agreement and speaking up, "This settlement really does need a good hospital! There are so many people in need in this area... We'd really appreciate your support!"

She smiles eagerly, clearly more than happy to help with anything Rocky might ask them to help with in return. She still doesn't say too much, however, as Lucky undoubtedly better understands how to best present this idea to folks like Rocky.

Miya gives a nod to Rocky as he comes up and regards him lightly, seeing the look he gives to Billy and then to Elena. She can't figure out if it's one of familiarity or interest in the Blissians themselves.

The Deksharr still maintains a general air of alertness as greetings are exchanged, looking around to see what others come to this competition. The bat trying to hide off to the side doesn't go unnoticed by her, but he also doesn't seem to be much of an immediate threat or interest.

"My support?" Rocky chimes with a helpless smile on his face in response to Elena. "A blissian-backed hospital is *exactly* what this area needs! But funding is kinda low and spread thin. So tell ya what... I'd be more than happy to carve out some property for you and a bunch of other blissians to just build one as you please. You guys seem to just generate resources. Though don't worry... I'll also be collecting charity for the cause."

Meanwhile, Billy raises his ears as he hears Nash say something out loud. He looks directly at the bat with a smile and a nod. He then looks in Leon's direction. He recognizes the half-coalwren. Clearly Leon matches the description Billy has heard of one of the best hired guns around. Why Billy has heard about such? Well... never mind that.

"Helpful as usual, Rocky." he says genuinely.

Team Joe follows some leads and soon find out the Barrakian from the news report (See very first post on this thread) is going to be at the competition Rocky is setting up. That said, Team Joe (That would be T'shock, Drizzeleaf, Nono and, of course, Joe) are arriving on the scene where it's all gonna go down.

(Sorry for the fast forward, my brain was hurting too much trying to get everyone in the same spot without just hand-waving it.)

  Joe wonders how taking up the task offered by someone with the logic of 'I'll pay you dead or alive, but if you kill them I'll *censored* you up'' in their offer will turn out.  The mere offering of such in the first place would indicate they are someone believed to be 'worthy of death'.  Of course, questioning the finer details of an employers moral logic can frequently lead to stretches of unemployment (a reason it was fortunate Joe primarily dealt in repairs, modifications, emergency cybernetics surgery, misc.  while the bounty thing was sorta just there).  Not to mention thinking about it too hard gets Joe thinking about his own inconsistent and at times hypocritical values.

  "It may be possible we'll be filled in once we meet up, but anyone else find it interesting that there's a reward for collecting the suspect but no mention at all regarding recovering the undisclosed stolen property?"  Sure, maybe there is the logic that they can torture it out of the suspect once they have them, but if it was so important they'd have said something.  Unless they don't want anyone else to find it.  Or Maybe Joe's just being too paranoid again instead of properly paranoid.

Nono of course follows along, excited about the adventure with his new friends!  Instead of questioning plot, he's content to just fantasize about how he can make himself useful to the team, kupo!  He idly wonders if Joe would mind him taking a closer look at that fancy eye patch of his, but since it's (probably) not a space ship, he hasn't worked up the courage to ask.  Yet.

"Kupohoho!  Sure looks like the fun's about to start!  I wonder what's the event."

That went well!  Much better than Lucky expected!

"Wonderful!" Lucky says with a surprised smile, "I knew you were a shrewd man!  Castrophe Corp will also be likely making a sizable donation to get the ball rolling as a goodwill gesture to this endeavor.  I'll just have to work out the paperwork is all.  But for today's event, I figured having Dr. Elena here to help with any injuries would be a good idea.  Is there anything we can do to help with the preparations?"

Walter takes more notice of the motley crew that is "Team Joe" arriving than the inconspicuous bat and wonders, what the heck?!  He's never seen a moogle before.

C.H.A.D. stands at attention in Jaquiline's room, listening to her proposal, he nods, "Good morning, Ma'am.  The Commander's orders are not an interruption, but the priority.  My day so far has been adequate, and I feel that will follow any orders you have."  he replies orderly