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Episode 2: The Better Part of Valour
Topic Started: May 15 2011, 08:25 AM (3,031 Views)
Meatball Express

5/16/10

Coming into Watersview is uneventful, although by the time Prometheus has landed, a small crowd has gathered outside (perhaps two dozen men). They are townsfolk and ranchers much like those in Culver, but this group have a more hard-bitten and paranoid look about them and guns are far more in evidence. While one might not go so far as to call them ruffians, that term is closer to a description of these men than is comfortable. No one has actually pulled leather on the crew, but many of the men have their hands close to their weapons. A few women watch also, but from a distance behind the men. It seems that these people are more protective of their womenfolk than those fine folks in Culver.

One person shoves his way through the slowly gathering group of people. He's not unfriendly, per se, but his expression is far from welcoming. There is no preamble nor greeting.

"What's yer business here?" he demands.
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Tojiro “Tojo” Yamamoto
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5/18/10

It had been Tojiro's intention that he, Cappy and Kate would greet the people of Watersview; tell their story, make their plea for help. Depending on how they were receivled.. they had discussed several options. The talking out of getting lynched option seemed best left to Cappy and Kate. Tojiro would accompany them, sans swords in belt given the large presence. He led them out.

Tojiro was not dressed in his finest, it seemed not a good idea to look regal. Instead plain was the most endearing feature, like one 'them'.

He bowed deeply at the bottom end of the ramp. "I am Tojiro Yamamoto, Captain of the Meatball Express; deserted for an interim. This is First Mate Sampson and my relations woman." Tojiro then nodded to Cappy and Kate then stepped aside in case anyone of the proper level of caste or such cared to make themselves known.
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Kate McManus
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5/18/10

Before they landed, Kate had gone to each of the townies from Culver and told them the story that they were going to tell the townies of Watersview. She hoped they'd back her up on it...she didn't think they wanted to tell the real story, and risk being thought crazy.

Kate's expression was one of profound relief. "Thank the powers that be that this town is unharmed! We were afraid the pirates had attacked this place like they had Culver. Our ship is still there. We had to land for repairs and maintenance, but the pirates attacked before we could finish the repairs. This ship is one of theirs...or was. See...we couldn't fly our own ship, but we found this one stripped and abandoned by the pirates. It's low on fuel and needs some maintenance, and that's probably why they abandoned it. It wouldn't get very far if they tried to escape with it." She paused, trying to judge the effect her words were having on the townsfolk. "We were able to drive them off, but just barely. We had to ram one of their ships with this one to do it. Some of the folks from Culver came with us. We weren't able to save all of them, and only a few of the ones we saved came with us...they'll be needing supplies and things to repair the town." Kate paused again. "Speaking of supplies...we'll need to buy some ourselves. Food, fuel, parts...that sort of thing. The first mate has the list of parts and things we need. We're well able to pay, of course. I'll be taking care of that myself. I have connections within the Companions' Guild that I can call on to pay for the supplies." She winced mentally, and hoped that last part wasn't too much...and she hoped that the Guild wouldn't be too upset about her dipping into their coffers. Well...if they were, it wasn't like her parents couldn't afford to pay them back, and it wasn't like the Guild was going to go bankrupt from purchasing supplies for a ship.
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Meatball Express

5/21/10

Leo had watched Tojo, Kate and Cappy depart the ship. He had few doubts about what they would find in Watersview; the rumours of the place had spread all the way to Culver. He couldn’t let them face that on their own; those people had no idea what they were about to get into.

So, he followed them. Quietly and at a bit of a distance, so that by the time Yamamoto discovered his presence, they’d be too deep into this for the captain to turn him back or so he hoped. He listened to Kate’s story, impressed with her ability to spin a tale. She'd told him in advance what story she’d wanted them all to know and he’d spent the remainder of his time coming up with one of his own that would hopefully help her out some. So, when she finished, he piped up with his own version.

“Yeah, shoulda seen it. They was flying straight at us. Only Cappy here” He nodded in the pilot’s direction. “Just managed to keep us in the air. Scraped on past 'em and done took their engine almost clean off. Tain’t no way they was going to follow us after that ‘un. They done saved us, they did.”

The townsfolk were skeptical about Kate’s story, even with Leo’s addition. The self-assigned spokesman looked over the group with doubt clearly showing in his eyes.

“Wall, now,” he drawled. “That ain’t no problem of mine. You’d best be talking to the mayor for whatever you need.” He lowered his voice so that the others around him couldn’t hear. “Wanna let you know you done come at a bad time. We got hit by those same… pirates, of your’n.” His tone implied he didn’t believe the part about it being a pirate attack.
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Tomas “Cappy” Sampson
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5/21/10

Cappy had simply nodded along with the story - what else was there to say? Oh I'm sorry, it's my fault the reaver ship smashed into the town and went up like a nuke? Whoopsy, my mistake for accidentally slaughtering an entire town of civilians? But it wasn't my fault the reaver ship crashed into the town after I knocked the engine off the ship, noooo, it was the reavers fault? Oh yes, that was believeable. He was sure these nice and friendly townsfolk would just up and give them everything they needed to get Meatball running again, lickety-split, just like that.

When the man mentioned the "pirates" Cappy looked at him in much the same manner that a laser targeter looks at the next thing the gun is to fire at.

"How did you get rid of these... raiders?"

Then he stopped and waved that aside.

"Nevermind. You said the mayor would be able to help us. Where is he?"

What else was there to ask or say?
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Tojiro “Tojo” Yamamoto
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5/22/10

Speak then without a direct statement of what you mean, yet allude to that which is true and you only carefully mean to convey. The subtleties of the diplomatic exchange and the high-class discussion among the upper classes. Interesting that these commoners took to it. More so that it was the case when discussing the 'reavers' as Kate had called them. Without understanding the reason for the cautious distinction; the very idea that the Alliance and Military would avoid seeing a threat and moving quickly to honorably meet it head on did not follow with the training and experience of the Yamamoto Clan or any others of Shambhala.

So again, without truly understanding the motives and manner; he plunged ahead.

Tojiro tried as best he could to bow in response to the mention of pirate and raider; to indicate that he understood what they were talking about. And that they were kindred in spirit in the reason for not speaking directly of them. 'this is very confusing' Tojiro walked a step ahead of any indicated direction, to take the lead from Cappy, once his underling received directions.
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Meatball Express

5/23/10

The man waved a couple more men to the fore and told the group “Follow me. I’ll take you there.” The rest of the people faded back to wherever they had come from.

The trip wasn’t far, the mayor lived only a few streets over. Along the way, the crew noticed a few things that didn’t set right. There were very few people out on the streets and those few who were hurried from place to place, scuttling along like rats, looking around furtively all the time as if expecting something to jump out at them any second now. For those who are perceptive, there are faces in the windows of the houses they passed by. Not many faces and not all houses, but enough to be noticeable. People were watching the crew warily behind closed doors.

Anyone who’s been in a war would recognise the signs. This is a town under siege. Either something just happened or it’s still occurring now.

The mayor’s house is quietly ostentatious. It’s not a flashy display of wealth, but more a subtle snobbery, a way of saying I’m better than you.

They were escorted into an office/library in the house. There was an ornate desk and two chairs already set up. A butler came in, offering a tray of refreshments, sandwiches, biscuits, coffee and even a bottle of whiskey for those so inclined. Two of the men left, returning shortly with a chair each, so there were places for everyone to sit if they felt the need. The men who had accompanied them remained standing, spaced evenly around the room. Not threatening, more like potential crowd control.

It was a long while before the mayor put in his appearance. A middle-aged man, impeccably dressed and not a hair out of place. Probably because his hair would have been too frightened to move; the man exuded a slimy sort of understated menace. He seated himself behind the desk, helping himself to a coffee and pouring a shot of whiskey into the mug.

“I'm Mayor Sampson. Please, have a seat.” He waved those still standing to a chair. “I understand you’ve recently escaped from Culver and came here seeking help.” He held up a hand to ward off any explanations from the crew until he’d finished his own piece. “I may be able to help you… for a price.”

“My dear,” and he looked at Kate. ”I’m most sorry, but your idea of credit simply isn’t sufficient here. I’m sure you believe the guild will pay your expenses, but we deal in cashy gold right up front. No cash, no business. I’m sure you can see my position.

“Which brings us to the matter of business. Just what do you want and how much can you pay?”


He paused, leaning forward and staring Yamamoto straight in the eye.

“Oh, and don’t lie to me, please. I know you’re running from Reavers. Nice story, by the way,” he added as an afterthought to Kate, leaning back casually in his chair again.
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Kate McManus
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5/24/10

Kate had taken two sandwiches, a cup of coffee, and a seat. She had finished the first and was starting on the second. She didn't stand when the mayor entered because she had the coffee in one hand, sandwich in the other, and the plate was on her lap, but she did nod briefly in greeting. At the comment about the credits from the Guild not being good enough, Kate was clearly offended, but took another bite of her sandwich and contented herself with casting a glare at the man. When he got to the part about the reavers and their story, she raised an eyebrow as she finished the bite in her mouth. She took a sip of coffee and shrugged as Cappy spoke. Kate remained silent for now, letting Cappy and the captain be the ones to talk to the mayor. She'd step in if needed, but some things could only be handled by those in charge. She thought about the money she had in her bank account, and figured out how much of that she could put towards the ship's expenses...if there was a bank in this town that she could pull cash from. She had a decent amount in cash stashed in her pockets, but doubted it would be enough to cover what they needed even if she didn't use part of it to buy some clothes here. She wondered if the mayor would accept the firefly instead, after they'd repaired their own ship and no longer needed it. Kate decided if the captain or Cappy didn't suggest it, she would. It would be up to the captain ultimately of course, and they'd need to keep use of it while they got their own ship repaired. It was an idea at least...though the firefly wasn't in good shape after ramming the reaver ship. Still, it was better than nothing at all. She cast a glance at the captain, waiting for him to speak.
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Tomas “Cappy” Sampson
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5/23/10

"We felt it would be a good idea if anyone from the alliance were nearby. As to what we want... well, what we need is supplies, both mechanical and medical. possibly food too, but I wouldn't know just yet, but we do also need fuel. I've got a list of what I do know we need."

He tried to ignore the name Sampson. It was entirely likely that it was simply another person in the 'verse who happened to share the same last name. Nothing more, nothing less.

"As to how much we can pay,..." he shrugged and looked over at Tojiro.

Right now, he wasn't sure how much - if anything - he had on him in hard cash to pay with. Worst came to worst, they could always try trading in the firefly so long as they were able to use it to head back and repair Meatball. For now he had to leave that part up to the captain.
Other than standing out of politeness when the mayor had entered the room, Cappy was currently sitting down with a whiskey. He'd already nabbed a few sandwiches.
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Tojiro “Tojo” Yamamoto
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5/24/10

Tojiro merely stood, without any sign of impatience. He studied the men that had accompanied them with some mild interest. Taking food or drink before the host arrived and partook himself, that was barbaric; but he made no sign of it to Cappy or Kate that he thought so. It was their way... perhaps...

It was a long while . . .

Perhaps the food were meant to refresh while they waited, not some formal cheap monk's trick to impress the superiority of the host. The whiskey did look like a good idea. And a sandwich wouldn't be so bad. He looked over the room for any sign of possessions that would be a possible subject for preliminary conversation. But when the Mayor came in, it was straight to business.

Yamamoto took a seat when offered with a courtesy bow. The man stared at him, so typical of these people; so mannerless. Demanding, the obvious stressing of an advantage without any form of subtlety. So be it. Tojiro returned the stare with passive indifference.

Cappy made the techincal and accounting of their needs, the Mayor pressed for cash, which he likely judged them to not have. So it was peicemeal work for what they required. Simple enough, a barter. Tojiro stood, the manner was insulting enough to cause a little anger to rise in him. Hospitality forgotten. He poured a stiff half glass of the whiskey and took a long drink with no indication it was anything but water. He looked to window.

"State your price. You know our needs." He took a sandwich and started to eat it, taking a swallow of whiskey as though the food needed washing down.
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Tomas “Cappy” Sampson
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5/24/10

Cappy nodded at the captain's words, and pulled out the list which they'd put down all the parts and supplies they needed, along with the estimation of required fuel.
He slid the paper over the desk to the mayor and sat back so that the man could judge for himself.He knew full well not to say anything further right now because otherwise it would likely damage what Tojiro had already said.Better to let Tojiro have the last words rather than undermine the man's command by speaking after him.
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Meatball Express

5/25/10

Cappy wrote:
"We felt it would be a good idea if anyone from the alliance were nearby. As to what we want... well, what we need is supplies, both mechanical and medical. possibly food too, but I wouldn't know just yet, but we do also need fuel. I've got a list of what I do know we need."


Mayor Sampson looked at Cappy with an expression mixed of amusement, scorn, and bewilderment.

"Alliance?" he barked a short laugh. "You won"t be finding any Alliance out here. They're probably hoping the Reavers chew us all up and save them the trouble."

He sat back again and studied each face in turn. When he'd made a circuit of those in the room, he sighed and leaned forward once more to face Yamamoto.

"How about we make a trade? You have come at a propitious time for us. See, the Reavers hit Watersview also. Two ships, but one took off and the other stayed behind. We guess they're enjoying their 'spoils' right now. Only one of those people was my niece, Charity. And I don¡¯t much like thinking of her in the hands of those wang ba dan.

"So, I'll tell you what. You do a job for me and I'll get you what I can from your list. We don't carry everything you want here, but I've got most and what I've have, you'll get.

"Sound fair?"
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Tojiro “Tojo” Yamamoto
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5/25/10

The Mayor's eyes told him nothing. These outworlders were unclear, boorish, barbaric and extremely good liars. But he had learned one thing. A deal is a deal. They can't keep respect if they .. what was the word for it?

Kate's voice replayed in Tojiro's mind as he considered what was asked.
Reavers are cannibals. The stories say they were once human, but something changed them...brought out their aggression.
"We'll need supplies first, to keep our ship running. And of course some destination in mind."

Tojo's eyes narrowed.
They don't care about anything except killing, eating, and raping.
"And you understand, that bringing her back alive."
And if you're lucky they kill you before they get to the other two.
"Is a most unlikely option." 'Let's be clear' Tojiro's eyes told him.

With an affirmation from the Mayor, Tojo will accept the disgusting spit in the hand and shake. of course, its possible he's competely misjudged the entire situation.

'welsh... ' The mayor didn't seem the type to welsh on a deal.
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Kate McManus
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5/25/10

"Can't be too careful" Kate replied at the comment about the Alliance. "Never know what'll get back to them and what won't."

She listened to the offer, and thought of the other people in the hands of the reavers. "We'll need medical supplies, too" she said thoughtfully, her mind on Pat's condition. "And what about the people who aren't your niece?" she asked, her tone a bit sharp. "You expect us to just leave them there if we can get them out?" She certainly hoped not...not that she'd likely be part of the rescue effort, being a non-combatant and all. The mayor didn't need to know that, though.
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Tomas “Cappy” Sampson
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5/28/10

Cappy leaned forward.

"If you could outline the exact nature of the job? Incidentally, we'll need to repair our own ship if we are to complete such a job, which means we'll need at least the fuel and mechanical parts and supplies first, or we won't be able to go anywhere at all. Much less do a job."

He let Kate's comment slide for now - he could bring it up later in regards to how antagonising the mayor was a bad idea.
But on most of the points that Tojiro and Kate had brought up, he agreed.
Still, the least they could do was to try and perhaps save some lives after what they'd done to save their own. Or at least give the mayor and his citizens some peace of mind.
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