Welcome to The Heart of Gold

Mid-morning, and the Heart of Gold was stirring to life. In her cabin, Petaline slowly rolled the little tabby cat off the end of the bed, and went about dressing for the day.

The Reaver attack was two days past, now, but it's horror was still lingering in all of the residents of Burgess County. And it lingered in Petaline's nightmares, and in the ache of her still sore muscles. It lingered, too, in the effects on the Heart of Gold's receipts. No one had spare time for play in the mess of rebuilding and burying and mourning.

Fastening up her corset, leavin' it loose enough to breathe cozy, she walked out into the morning air, already smelling of warm earth and dry prairie. Tabby-cat lingered around her ankles for a moment, then trotted off to the back door of the kitchen, where, if she were lucky, there'd be scraps for the having.

Turning one eye up to the bright blue Jinye sky, the double moons hanging on beyond like a pair of mismatched eyes, she sent a prayer to her little boy, wishing him safe and come home soon, then she made her way into the Comfort Room. "Well, folk, reckon we're lookin' another slow day in the face. Might as well make some use of ourselves and get some cleaning done... And Rae, that means MORE than washin' your hair! I'm talkin' strip down the upstairs beds and haul those mattresses out in the sunshine to air. Let's get the floors scrubbed and tables polished. Vittie? If you got roses in bloom, how's about boilin' some petals for rose-oil to freshin' things a bit? And while we're at it, let's see if we can't think up an idea or two to put the kabosh on that new whorehouse Max," And the name was a blistering epithet, "is tryin' to kick off up in Los Alamos."

A smile whisped across her face, and she gave a cautioning look to Jacky-Boy, "Oh, We'll play fair! Or fairer than that rat-bastard, anyways. No stealin' or smashin', but if you got thoughts, I wanna hear 'em."

Julia was expecting less. Really. Of course saying so would be a complement to whomever was running this place! When she'd arrived on this small moon and told people she was an entertainer, they'd all pointed her to this Whore House, "The Heart of Gold," (even after she'd made it abundantly clear she wasn't a whore.)
"If you're any kind of entertainer at all they'll take yah." She'd heard over and over again. Her bare feet had plodded through the warm sand, thinking she was going to find a shack or maybe a barn. That was about the opposite.

It was more than one building, a multi structure complex! Well built too! She could see a towering hotel, a luscious looking pool, a full sized restraint and what appeared to be the main house, shinning in the morning sunlight. Better find out who's in charge here. I could possibly get a nice solid and respectable gig! Just as well, her piano was getting heavy.

She was an odd looking traveler, a backpack slung over her shoulder, plainly dressed with no shoes, a crossbow handle sticking out of the top of said pack. The oddity was the massive carrying bag slung crisscross from the back, almost as large as her, yet she shoulders it as if it were nothing.

She made the last couple of paces towards the main building in casual stride, taking in all the sites; she'd never seen a place for this kind of activity look so... respectable. It just oozed class. When she parted the doors into the main house the interior seemed to match. Everything was luscious and clean, full of smiling charming faces. "Excuse me?" She asked a blond woman, who was standing casually, "My name's Julia Summers and I'm looking for work. Folk said you needed help. Can you tell me who's in charge?"

Helen was leaning against the front desk, eyes half-closed as she listened to Petaline outline the day's work. Baby Evangeline had been up half the night with a fever and was finally nappin' quiet and peaceful, but there was no rest for the wicked, Helen decided with a little sigh.

The door banging open caught her eye and she turned her head, taking in the traveler, barefoot and slinging a travelin' pack. Another girl down on her luck hopin' to make it big at the Jinye waystop? Helen popped a tired smile on her face, "Julia, ya said? Wull, Welcome. I'm Helen. Woman there in the scarlet corset by the bar is Petaline, she's in charge."

In charge today, Helen almost added with a chuckle. Petaline's attempts to quit and leave the Heart to the rest of 'em were gettin' to be downright legendary. "She's the one for talkin' to about work. Things are a bit slow right now, since the... well... You come in from Burgesstown, so you seen what happened, I'm guessin."

"Follow me, an' I'll get you introduced. That over there is Raeton, mind him... he'll bed most anythin' with a muff and a smile on it." Helen's words were more teasing than wicked, the good natured joshing of folk who were comfortable with each other. She waved to each of the Heart's members as they moved across the room, "Bright and bushy-eyed over there is Tuesday, she's a dancer. Even got us to put in a pole an' rail for her. Jacky-Boy an' Dusty over there are kinda the main men-grabbers 'round here, if you know what I mean. Vitorria, she's a sweet thing, most days, but don't go pickin' out of her garden without askin', less you want trouble. Sasha's still out in the kitchen, along with Emma, but I reckon they'll be along..."

"And this here is Madame Petaline, House goddess and local Prime Minister. Or would be, if we had one." Helen finished with a grin she was almost too tired to feel, and a flourished bow to Petaline, who took a good natured swat at her shoulder, "Petaline, meet Miss Julia. She's lookin' for a job. So, Miss Julia, what kind of ... work ... d'you do?"

This Helen woman seemed pleasant enough, as she led her around, introducing the various personages at the Heart.

"She's the one for talkin' to about work. Things are a bit slow right now, since the... well... You come in from Burgesstown, so you seen what happened, I'm guessin."

As a matter of fact she had seen the results from the town. It wasn't pleasnt; apparently something had happened very recently to it, though she was still foggy on the details. Whatever it was it had caused a lasting impression on the few people she'd spoken with. None of them wanted to talk about it.

The Raeton fellow set her on edge, probably just his hair, even in all her years of Show-biz Julia had never seen hair quite like that. It was....massive.

"Bright and bushy-eyed over there is Tuesday, she's a dancer. Even got us to put in a pole an' rail for her. Jacky-Boy an' Dusty over there are kinda the main men-grabbers 'round here, if you know what I mean. Vitorria, she's a sweet thing, most days, but don't go pickin' out of her garden without askin', less you want trouble. Sasha's still out in the kitchen, along with Emma, but I reckon they'll be along..."

Julia shot Jack a disappointed glace. Sly? Ah go se. That fine hunk of man.... Her thoughts trailed away as Helen introduced her to the House madam.

"And this here is Madame Petaline, House goddess and local Prime Minister. Or would be, if we had one. Petaline, meet Miss Julia. She's lookin' for a job. So, Miss Julia, what kind of ... work ... d'you do?"

Julia nodded towards the pleasant looking woman who Helen had named as the leader. "First, Miss Petaline, I would like to say just how impressed I am with the accommodations here. I'm not sure what I was expecting but a luxury resort? That sure as hell wasn't it. This place is amazing!" Julia realized that she'd started babbling, shook her head and tried to bring herself back to focus. She tapped the tip of the piano bag casually, her bare feet feeling much better after being planted in the luxurious carpet. "The kind of work I do is that of a musician and composer! I'm a bit famous....okay not really, but folks tell me I have a really pretty voice! I can play my piano real well and compose some mean tunes." She shifted her massive pack again to clarify that, in that package was her musical tool of choice. "But if you ain't looking for music I've got other talents too. I'm a bit of a psychiatrist and I can cook a mighty fine meal! Well several variations, and I'm not talking about throwing hash browns on the pan.... not that there's anything wrong with hash-browns! I love 'em! I'm talking, fine stews and soups, roasts, potatoes...that sort of thing."

Her feet shifted nervously, toes pulling at the carpet; she looked down at her feet casually, feeling quite a bit nervous. "So....are you hiring?"

"If we ain't hiring, I'll hire you myself. 'm sure I could find somethin' for you do to." Rae said with a broad wink as he got closer to her.

As he passed by Helen, he gave her a grin. "It don't even need to have a smile on it for me. Just makes 'em prettier when they do."

Reaching the newcomer, Raeton decided to give them all a bit of a shock and took the newbie's hand and kissed it as though he were some sort o' courtly gentleman from them bodice rippers he just knew some o' the folk here had hid beneath mattresses.

Of course, then he went back to being himself as he shouted over his shoulder at Petaline. "We still doin' trial runs on people 'fore we give 'em jobs?"

Wearing a pair of denim short shorts and the red hoodie with the sleeves cut off, Tuesday sat crosslegged by her new pole, arms over her head to wrap around it, being entirely too overprotective of the thing. She had never actually thought Petaline would agree to put it in when she'd made the suggestion, but the madame had gone above and beyond, having both the bronze pole and a rail installed. That alone was enough to make her feel at home at the Heart of Gold even though she had only been here a couple of days.

Those had been a long two days too. A gunwoman had taken people hostage, wanting to kill the Reverend Baxter and at the same time, there had been a Reaver attack on the town. That part still felt unreal and hard to believe for Tuesday, but she had seen the results, having gone into town yesterday and there could be no denyin' that something had happened there. But if there were Reaver bodies still there, she hadn't seen any and somewhere deep inside, she was glad of that. It meant she could still live in happy denial that those creatures existed.

When the newcomer entered and started introducing herself, Tuesday perked up when the woman talked about being a musician and a composer. Live music would go great with her own show, well depending on the kind of music this Miss Julia played. But live music? The thought of that made Tuesday smile, but before she could ask any of the questions that started piling up in her mind, Rae jumped in with his leering grin and sleazy remarks. ”Rae! If you scare her away, I swear I'll never let ya borrow my bleach, ever!” she called out and got up, bare feet padding across the floor as she walked over to give the blond man to give him a loving slap to the back of the head.

Ignoring the leer Rae gave her in return for the slap, she turned to the newcomer with a smile as the man-whore said something about rough foreplay beside her. ”Don't mind Rae, Miss Julia, he's just got this compulsion where he has to hit on anyone of the female persuasion,” she said as if she'd known the man for years and not just a few days. ”So, what kind of music do you play? Maybe we could work out an act together? That is...” She gave a look toward Madame Petaline, her eyes wide and pleading. ”If Petaline'll hire you.”


<<OOC: GM of Rae approved by Zira. In fact, it was her idea!>>

You know....Up close he's isn't so bad. Just the hair... its a bit much Taking the showman ship with a good natured smirk, she simply nodded her flaming head of hair.
”Rae! If you scare her away, I swear I'll never let ya borrow my bleach, ever!” The woman that Helen had introduced as Tuesday Morrow, a very cute name truth be told, was approaching, giving the other whore a smack to the head. He shot back some banter and it was clear enough that the people at this establishment were a friendly lot, comfortable with each other. ”Don't mind Rae, Miss Julia, he's just got this compulsion where he has to hit on anyone of the female persuasion. So what kind of music do you play? Maybe we could work out an act together? That is...” Her expression turned toward the house madam, pleading with her for a yes. ”If Petaline'll hire you.”
"Well, Miss Morrow, Julia began with a laugh, it was a tinkling almost musical sound, "I play and compose a lot of classical music as well as the style from Earth that Was called Symphonic Metal. Though I'm not above laying some techno beats. Which I think, based on your profession is the kind of music you would need?" She half asked half told the erotic dancer, raising a single crimson eyebrow.
She turned on her bare heel to look at Raeton, "Oh and handsome? Do something with that hair of yours. And then we can talk." She gave him an overly exaggerated flirtatious wink and then returned her gaze to Miss Petaline. Hopefully she'd left them with a good impression.

"I think we've already got that something," Vitorria said to Petaline, and stumbled. Her voice was rough, her eyes were red. She looked battered and drawn, but full of wonder at the same time. It felt like... Like when her throat went tight when she wanted to cry. Like losing that toy she'd had for years. Like thinking about someone she hadn't seen in for a very time. Or wouldn't see again. Like when she'd broke her wrist during harvest and hadn't wanted anyone to know. Like when that drifter had told her Roland was dead. Like when she thought- No. It wasn't just bad, the feeling. It was good, too. It was like watching Brun talk. Like when Petaline had told her Jonah was alive, the kind of joy that made her throat tighten and her eyes burn. Like she’d never felt it before in her life… though she had, she had, that was the point. She had.

Beautiful, is what it was.

Petaline had survived. Jinye had survived. No matter what had happened to her, it didn't matter, not at all, and that thought came as an odd sort of comfort. That no matter what she'd done or not done, no matter if she'd died back there, the Heart would have survived. That was what was important. Not that- that thing she'd left on the side of the road to Burgesstown, dead and spilled and empty, gone, or that letter in her pocket. If she remembered that, everything else would turn out okay. Right?

So Vitorria nodded and smiled and put it from her mind as she stood and moved to get about her chores, though she stopped at Julia's side on her way. She stopped and caught Julia's fingers by the crooks, curled in her own. One by one, she folded those fingers. Counted the rises, tense and uncertain in her own, and pulled their joined hands to her face. "Julia," she said, and the corners of her eyes wrinkled as though focused on something beyond the young woman or anything in all of fair Jinye, something that she could not see, but wanted to with a longing that took root as a twinge in the belly and pushed downwards into a hard ache she dared not bring to stuttering words. She smiled, a soft and slow thing, and pressed a kiss to the back of Julia's hand, gently. She did not let go. "Why would we turn away a sister who's only just come home?"

"We still doin' trial runs on people 'fore we give 'em jobs?"

"Down, boy." Her voice was laced with contained laughter. The boy was a heap of sexification that shouldn't be loose on civilization, but at the Heart he fit right in. And even more pleasing, the new girl held her own against him.

Tuesday leaped in and gettin' involved brought an even broader smile. Live music would be appreciated, least on Friday and Saturday nights, and if Tuesday could get a regular show goin', that'd help put 'em a shoulder up on Max's whore-hole.

But it was two words, well, one word and a look. The word was 'cook'. With Szatsu off-world, (not that he'd ever been much a cook) the restaurant was hurtin', and there was no word from Shanti except the cryptic message months back. And the look.. the look was that one in Vitorria's eyes. That look was Vittie's way of sayin' that her soul approved. And what Vittie's soul approved of, how could Petaline deny?

She took a deep breath, glancing to Helen to make sure the woman would stop her if the numbers didn't line up with the financials, "Tell you what. Two month trial period. You and Tuesday work us up a three-night a week show that 'll bring the house down, and you get run of the kitchen for the dinner and breakfast shift? Leastways 'til Szatsu or our regular girl get on home again." Petaline tried not to, but added grimly, "And lord knows when that's gonna be. You cook, you get 5% restaurant profits off the top, Show runs standard rate, based on take on show nights. You and Tuesday can work out who gets what. After two months, if we're seein' a good draw, we can renegotiate salary. Job comes with full room and board. Chores are communal- Everyone pitches in with everything, cleanin', gardening, laundry, the works."

"If that works for ya, Vittie can find ya a room and show you around."

"Down, boy." Petaline's laughter laced order came. Rae flashed her a grin as he stepped back from Vittie and the newer girl and watched them goin' at it for a bit.

Made him happier than a..than somethin' that was happy with somethin' else though when Petaline said that the new chit could stay. She was cute, he wasn't denyin' that. Didn't seem as though she was overly interested in him though.

And with Tuesday's hit and threat, he knew it was time to back off.

At least a bit.

"If that works for ya, Vittie can find ya a room and show you around."

"Got room in mine if she needs a place to stay while she's gettin' settled in!" he piped up.

"If that works for ya, Vittie can find ya a room and show you around."

If that works for her? Julia couldn't ask for a better deal! The possiblity of working here.... surrounded by these people. She could write her music! She could have access to a full kitchen! All her dreams… they were within range. But more so than employment opportunities, this place could hold the answer to something she had been searching for for a long time. A place she could call home.

This could be your home. You could be happy here.

"Miss Petaline, She stated holding her hand out, "That sounds wonderful! You've found yourself a cook and I'll be glad to perform for you! As for the chores I'm looking forward to getting my nails dirty! I may be a musician, but I'm a self made woman. Besides, there's just something peaceful about weeding a garden or beating a rug. She turned her head towards the charming Miss Morrow. "We'll have to talk! I've got some ideas already!

"Got room in mine if she needs a place to stay while she's gettin' settled in!" The man whore Raeton piped up, a smirk on his face.

Julia gave him a long apprising look. She was finding him better looking by the minute, still the hair was a bit much, mind you once the rutting started the hair gets pulled down anyway she thought wickedly. You have no idea how true that very well might be... still... I've got a reputation to maintain.

She simply smiled and said with a wink "We'll see."

A Few Miles Straight Up

Captain Luke Carroth moved with ease through The Yehuo, it's creaking old walls familiar and warm beneath the trailing of his hand. He couldn't help it, the touching. It was just part of what he was. Least fond memories were of his mother hollering 'Lukie! You LOOK don't touch!', but the lesson never set. Couldn't help it- whatever it was, whatever he saw, he had to feel it. It was natural as pie coming up behind Aster as she guided the ship down, and resting his hand on her shoulder, feeling the bare skin around the edge of her tank-top strap and the soft cotton material against his palm.

"We gonna make it down okay?"

Aster gave a snort, tilting her head, "Like you need to ask."

Luke felt a chuckle rising, but suppressed it. Wouldn't do to let Aster know he accepted her beligerance as easily as he accepted her expert flying. Instead, he reached for the com, "Good mornin', gang. We'll be dropping in ..." The Yehuo gave a lurch as Jinye's gravity caught them... "Well, about now. Be ready to go or get left."

Pulling his hand from Aster's shoulder, the woman giving no indication that she'd even noticed it was there, Luke gave a last glance at the planet they were rocketing towards, "See you downstairs. Try not to kill us."

"Not today, sir." Aster's reply was crisp and clear, but a smirk followed him off the bridge, and she added, "Gonna be a good day."


Lord, he hoped so. They'd had too many bad days of late.

Downstairs in the supply-bay, the rest of the crew had gathered. Mojo, looking the devil's own dressed in all black, had shaved and trimmed his facial hair. Looked like he'd actually bathed, too. Now he was busy checking the line of sight on his side-arm before holstering it at his waist.

Jess was shrugging on his long brown coat, letting it drape his slender, elegant frame. As usual, he was immaculate, though it seemed he'd gone through the trouble of casting a hand through his black locks, leaving them stylishly disarrayed.

"Look like you could be in a gorram corcast, Jess." Luke cracked, rolling his shoulders. Catching sight of Milly standing quietly aside, he grabbed her around the waist and tucked her close, landing a kiss on top of her head. "You're in charge of little sister here while we're there."

"Luke, I'm..." Her protest fell silent as he gave her a little shake. No good arguing with him.

Jess, on the other hand, groaned, "I was in charge of her last time. Why can't Mojo do it?"

Mojo growled, turning to face Jess with barely a scathing glance down at Milly, "No! I can't get my mojo workin' with the kid on my arm."

The Yehuo bumped down with a graceful swoop, and there was a hum, and then sudden silence as Aster shut down the engines. Luke looked back and forth between his crewmen. "Fine. You take turns. Your Mojo can't last all day, can it?"

Mojo glared but remained silent as Aster joined them. She'd taken time to exchange her usual sports-tank for a plain red blouse with pink buttons and as she landed the last few steps she glossed her lips deep pink. "We gettin' gone?"

Luke glanced them over, top to bottom, "We're getting. Everyone remember the rules. Just because we got coin don't mean we need to spend every penny. Whores here are the same as everywhere. Just..." He gave a half grin, "Watch your backs, and have some fun!"

The cargo bay doors opened, and the Crew of The Yehuo headed across the road and up the front drive of The Heart of Gold. It was early yet, and he didn't reckon they'd be quite ready for a crew to pop up, but the Black didn't know what time it was, and his crew had been out there for a long time. A very long time.

At the Heart

Luke Carroth led the way up the steps, his crew spreading out behind him. Firmly, he pushed open the door with both hands, a grin of anticipation spreading across his face, "I need rooms and hospitality for my crew! Where do we pay?"

Admin Note Please feel free to interact with any and all of the crew. I'll create accounts as needed to keep up. :) (And I will TRY to keep up!)

Standing back as Vittie made her bond with Miss Julia, Tuesday looked back toward Raeton, sticking her tongue out at him for a brief moment, giving him a wink and a smile. Having Julia here meant that neither she or the boy-whore were the new kids anymore and that suited her just fine even though she had been welcomed to the Heart by Vitorria in much the same way she was greeting Julia. Even with all that had happened since she had arrived, she felt at home here, and safe too.

"We'll have to talk! I've got some ideas already!"

Bouncing up and down on her feet, Tuesday turned back to Julia with a wide grin, coming up to balance on her toes for a few beats of the heart. "Shiny! It'll be fun, though I dunno what that symphonic metal is. You'll hafta play some for me," she said, doubting that anything with the word symphonic in it was something you could actually dance to. "I usually prefer rock or pop, though. Mostly fast paced, but I got a few slow numbers too." She was so excited about working with a real musician that she didn't notice the new arrivals until one of them spoke.

"I need rooms and hospitality for my crew! Where do we pay?"

He was really kind of handsome, the one who had spoken. Rough looking and just the kind of type of guy Tuesday would fall for with a loud crash. Forgetting about Julia, Raeton and the idea of putting on a brand new show with live music, she grinned and moved on over toward the gruff captain, her hips swaying to internal music. "Hullo, handsome. I'm Tuesday. What do they call you?"

There were exactly two women who came in with the crew of the men, although one of the lads did look like he belonged on some Corecast. Raeton didn't think he looked like he would be into any of the pain, so maybe that one would be alright to be with if the ladies weren't interested in him.

Although, who could they not be interested in him was the real question.

A swagger in his walk, his hands moved down his body to come to a rest on his belt, framing a portion of his anatomy most called "well endowed" or, his personal favorite, "god yes please more". The repeat of a dozen such encounters played quickly through his mind and his swagger was suddenly accompanied with a cocky smirk as he reached the crew.

He wrapped an arm around each woman, the one wearing a plan red blouse on his left, the other, younger looking one standing next to Mr Corecast on his right. "Welcome to the Heart 'o Gold, ladies. 'm name's Raeton. And who might you both be?" His voice was pitched low and he thought it sounded like silk wrapping itself over bare skin. A promise of sex and pleasure.

Luke had a good long moment to sweep the room, taking in the comliness of the ladies, the strident gazes of the lads. Full bar. Scents of food drifting in from somewhere. The place was clean, the wood polished. Kind of nice. He allowed a softer smile to touch his expression, glancing over to Mojo with a raised eyebrow.

A little blonde thing, perky eyed in a red top and shorts that seemed to hug every curve of her luscious hips broke off from the pack and sashayed over.

"Hullo, handsome. I'm Tuesday. What do they call you?"

Luke's smile spread to full, and his dark blue eyes glittered in greeting. He never needed to pay for it, but on a time, it was nice just to have a good time. The red tattoo, the Chinese for his ship's name, rippled along his bicep leading up to the sleeve of his t-shirt as he extended his hand to her, eyes warm with interest. His Londinium origins rippled in his accent, "Luke. Luke Carroth. Captain of the Yehua. But a lady lovely as you can call me whatever you like, providing I can get a cold drink while you call me?"

The lanky lad with the bleached hair strode over, eyeing both girls, but when he scooped arms around them, Luke fetched Mojo a swift glance, waiting for his nod before turning his full attention back to Miss Tuesday of the shining eyes.

Milly hadn't bothered to dress up. She didn't have much to dress up in anyway. One of Jess's white dress shirts was buttoned down to her waist, where she'd tied it in a knot. Her jeans were hand me-downs, cut off at the ankle so they wouldn't drag, exposing her blue sneakers.

She'd hung back as they entered, between Aster and Jess, but found herself swept up by the tall blonde man, his lanky form pressing close.

Wow, he smelled kinda good. Her eyebrows shot up, a sheepishly embarrassed smile startling across her face as she found herself dragged along.

"Welcome to the Heart 'o Gold, ladies. 'm name's Raeton. And who might you both be?"

"Milly..." She barely got the word out when Mojo spoke up.

"Sorry, man. The little one - She's no fun." The dark man's eyes appraised the trio, but returned quickly to Raeton, his crisp consonants echoing his Xhosa speaking origins, "Mils? Find a seat. Get something to eat. Behave yourself."

Her face fell, smile drifting downward. With an apologetic glance at the handsome man with the big smile and big... big... It weren't fair. "Sorry," She whispered, ducking away.

"Welcome to the Heart 'o Gold, ladies. 'm name's Raeton. And who might you both be?"

Now this what she called a welcome! Aster cut a white-toothed grin, bumping her hip against Mr. Raeton's as he swung an arm around her, "Aster Martin. No jokes."

"Sorry, man. The little one - She's no fun."

"Aw, pill it, Mojo. Go get sexed or somethin'," Aster gave the first mate of the Yehua a glance, but even she wasn't about to go against the captain and delicately steered Raeton clear of Milly with a brief explanation.

"Don't give a bit on it, Rae," She edged in, dark eyes dancing, "They're protective of the baby, s'all. You still got me..." And her eager gaze traipsed down his body, and she reached a hand down to see if his tush was as tight as those jeans made it look, "And I'm plenty, ain't I? I hear you folk have a pool... Hopin' it's a nekkid pool? Or we gotta get wet clothes-on?"

Vitorria moved to touch her fingers to Milly's chin and, as her fingers glossed over her, caught Milly's eyes and smiled. Her eyes were bright and pale and glittering beneath her lashes, sweeping on her cheek as she bent to take the girl's hands. "Oh, no," she said, slipping her fingers between Milly's own, curled and curling about. "We can't leave as pretty a girl as you sitting by your lonesome. Not here, and most certain not now. Now is the time for stories and dancing, and," she pulled at those hands, pulled Milly away from the tables and back out onto the floor and into Jinye, spilling gold and incandescent, lit with the sun, "for joy. So sing, little bird. Carve out something new and shining and yours, because tomorrow never comes." Vitorria's smile dipped low, the whole of her open and yet removed as she looked to Milly and to Jinye, to the tomorrows that had never come. "Make it yours. Close your eyes and fall back and," she said and laughed, breathless, lifting their joined hands up and out, in time to music that wasn't there, "dance with me."

"Luke. Luke Carroth. Captain of the Yehua. But a lady lovely as you can call me whatever you like, providing I can get a cold drink while you call me?"

As her fingers danced up his arm, Tuesday couldn't help notice the look he tossed to one of the other males of the party, who then proceeded to tell one of the girls to sit down and stay out of trouble. It really wasn't up to her to interfere with how a captain wanted to handle his crew, but Tuesday's smile slipped a little at the thought of the girl being kept out of the fun. She was just about to speak up about that when Vittie did the interfering for her and she could turn her attention back on Captain Handsome. Her fingers traced over the tattoo, feeling the hard muscle underneath the skin and she just knew that she was going to have a good time today.

"I'll get you a drink, but..." she teased, leaning closer to let her body touch his ever so lightly, a playful smile on her lips, head tilted as she look up at his face while her fingers danced back down his arm to his hand, taking it in her own. "I can provide you with so much more'n just drinks, Cap'n Handsome." She gave him a wink and turned, her hands still holding his as she started toward one of the couches near her new pole, pulling him with her as she tossed a look over her shoulder at him. "You just sit right here 'n I'll get ya whatever it is you fancy."

"I can provide you with so much more'n just drinks, Cap'n Handsome."

Her hand was cool, so small in his caloused fingers, and Luke felt a smile dance across his face as his gaze was drawn to the sway of her hips and the curve of her ... Gorram, when did they start making them look like that? Must be the clean Jinye air, he mused as he let her steer him off to a wide couch, his eyes forgetting to watch exactly where he was walking, "That's just what I'm hoping for, Miss Tuesday. And it's just Luke. I'm not captaining today."

Seemed to Luke there aught be a joke in there somewhere, but he imagined she'd heard them all. Good part of running a crew is knowing when to keep your mouth shut, and sometimes, he managed to actually do it.

"You just sit right here 'n I'll get ya whatever it is you fancy."

He slid into the seat, found it as comfortable as it looked. "Gin Rickey?" He requested, but his fingers tightened on her hand and pulled her back around towards him for a quick kiss on the lips, just a playful, 'Hello, good to meet you,' kiss, (and one that made him wonder if he shouldn't have followed Mojo's lead and taken time to shave that morning). Her lips were soft and full of promise, promise he fully intended to take up and it was with a teasing gleam that he managed to draw back, adding a playful, "You know it? Gin, lime, soda? Don't skimp on the lime."

He fired her a wink, finally giving his hand permission to slide down her backside as his muscular form relaxed back into the cushions. He refused to glance back to see how the others were managing. Luke's voice was rich with promise, "I'll be right here."



OOC: GM-ING of Tuesday approved by Charlie. :)

Vitty was dancing around with the smaller girl from the new crew’s arrival. She was a pretty young thing, not that Julia noticed her much, her eyes were on the Captain. He was chiseled out of solid granite from the looks of it.

Damn, that there's a hunk of man... She thought to herself. Judging by her actions, Julia's new friend Tuesday seemed to think so too. Figuring all plans of organizing a show or getting a room were shoved aside by the arrival of the new people Julia decided to earn her pay.

The barefooted woman slid the piano off her shoulders, pulling the covers off it with a practiced hand. Her bag was deposited next to the newly assembled synthesizer, the crossbow handle within easy reach and draw, she didn't make it this far in life by not being cautious.

"The time for music? I'm only to happy to oblige!" With that Julia's hands began to fly across the keys of the Synthesizer, her fingers playing exquisitely the tunes of an old Earth-That-Was Symphonic metal band, "Within Temptation."

"Woah Sinead! For the first time! Life is gonna turn around! I'm telling you! You will like it I know! Woah Sinead its the first time! Only you can set it free! Woah Sinead, come break away with me!"

Her voice was in perfect pitch, her synthesizer playing without a hitch. The woman couldn't have asked for a better test.

OOC: This Particular song is Sinead, from Within Temptation, my favorite song off the new CD. Highly recommended.

Milly felt a surge of grumpiness at Mojo's interference, but she knew he was just following Luke's orders. Really! She glanced around the room. How could she get in trouble in this place? But a glance at Luke, in full charm mode with the perky blonde, darkened her eyes. Oh, yeah, well, maybe she could.

She'd almost managed to follow orders and take a seat when the pretty blonde whore with the dreamy blue eyes cut her off and took her hands.

"We can't leave as pretty a girl as you sitting by your lonesome. Not here, and most certain not now. Now is the time for stories and dancing, and, for joy. "

The dark-haired, birdlike girl blinked as she was drawn into the bright sunlight that dashed through the glass windows and turned the dark-hardwood floor to polished bronze beneath her feet. The bright of it after over a month in the artificial light of the Black made her eyes blink and water.

"So sing, little bird. Carve out something new and shining and yours, because tomorrow never comes. Make it yours. Close your eyes and fall back and... dance with me."

A giggle escaped Milly's throat, but she stayed stiff and resisting in Vitorria's hands. Was the pretty little whore feather-brained? Maybe she'd had too much of the sun? Whatever it was, it didn't seem like anything worth Mojo getting uptight about, and Milly's amusement carried into the sound of her voice as she confided to the girl, finally closing her fingers arounnd the other woman's, "Yer gonna get me in trouble!"

And then the music started, and her fingers clenched more tightly around Vitorria's. Her eyes, wide and dark as polished hazelnuts, refused to look to the rest of her crew, to see what they might be doing, or thinking. The smile she'd almost forgotten whispered back onto her face, "My name's Milly... What's yours?"

Despite the forgivings of crossing Luke's orders, Milly found her body moving to the sounds, her feet and hips and shoulders rolling to the sounds. Her body became freedom, and Vittie's smile became all the encouragement she needed.

For the first time
Love is gonna turn around
I'm telling you
You will like it, I know

Jess Wong moved to Mojo's side, easing a hand onto the First-Mate's shoulder. He shuttered one eye closed in a wink, "I'll take it from here, brother."

He half expected Mojo to resist, and for a moment his eyes locked with the taller man's in anticipation, but with a sudden sigh, Mojo gave in. "It's on your head."

"Always is, isn't it?" He gave Mojo a push toward the desk, "Why don't you sign us in and get yerself a lovely lady. Or six. I plan to... not strictly the ladies, either."

Average of height and slender of build, with a handsomeness that could border on pretty, people often mistook Jess for a weak mark. Now, moving across the floor, his black jeans tight across his hips as he moved across the floor with the lean, relaxed stride of one who lived in his body, it was hard to mistake him for anything but the combat artiste he was. Jess Wong was living. Entirely.

But the music, the music was striking a chord- a song that mingled regret and revenge, - it was capturing his attention. It was a song that spoke of the future. His future.

And he was gonna like it. He knew.

Sliding close to the comely blonde girl and Milly, he reached his finely scarred hands over where theirs were joined, gently breaking their grip, but not the circle as he inserted himself into their dance. Milly fired him a startled look, but opened the way to make room, her smile returning as she accepted the limitations placed on her.

Jess realized it was the closest he'd been to her in a long time, and his white-toothed smile was full of promise as he shifted it between his crewmate and the pretty little whore who'd seemed to choose her.

With any luck, she'd choose him, too. And if not, it wasn't like the room wasn't full of possibility...

It's the first time
Only you can set it free
Oh Sinéad
Come break away with me

He hesitated by the doorway, not sure if he dared go in or if he should turn around and leave before somebody saw him. He didn’t want people to get the wrong impression about him; but, he supposed, that was an unnecessary concern since most of the people he’d already talked to already seemed to have the idea stuck in their heads. He wasn’t entirely sure why those from the town directed him to this place. Maybe it had to do with the fact that something horribly bad had obviously happened there recently. Or, perhaps, this was the only place hiring. Either way, here he was; standing at the door.

His hand reached for the handle of the door as he made his final decision. What mattered here was he needed work. Whether the work be short term or long didn’t matter so much at this point. With calm resolution, Somchai opened the door to The Heart of Gold and stepped inside. He was met with what he could only call an interesting scene. There was a woman playing music and singing, people dancing, and those who had obviously come to take advantage of what there was to offer. No, this place was absolutely not somewhere he would normally be and for a fleeting second he thought that he might be able to turn around and leave again before any of the workers caught sight of him. That moment was but a second and Somchai decided he would stay and see what this new experience might give him.

Having new folk in a dry spell was like having a spring come up in a desert. Petaline gave the newcomers a once-over glance, and was satisfied with what she saw. And more than a little tickled at her people's handy-fast response! Despite Helen's grumping, this show could run itself just fine without her.

The new gentleman coming through the door lookin' uncertain caught her eye, and she surmised that he wasn't with the first group. Sashaying his way, her skirt swaying around her knees, she paused to give Jacky-Boy a shove towards the front desk and nudge Emma towards the gaggle Vittie was center to.

As she approached the new fella, she eyed him up and down. Competent-looking, but not bright eyed sure he was where he wanted to be. A smile more business than businessin' found it's way onto her face, "Welcome to the Heart of Gold. I'm Petaline, and I'm in charge here-bouts. Is there somethin' we can help you with?"

His dark brown eyes surveyed the room, taking in everything about the place. Most everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. A woman headed his way with seeming purpose caught his attention. Something he was grateful for. By the way she moved towards him, he guessed she was the owner of the place, or at least the person in charge at the moment.

“Welcome to the Heart of Gold. I’m Petaline, and I’m in charge here-bouts. Is there somethin’ we can help you with?”

Her words confirmed his thoughts as he bowed his head slightly in greeting. “I am Somchai. The people in town seem to believe this is the place for work.” He glanced around the room again at the people dancing and talking. Somchai still wasn’t fully sure about asking for work in such a place. It was so different to what he was used. Not to mention close to the line he swore never to cross. Holding onto his determination, he looked back to the woman who introduced herself as Petaline. “I do not possess the skills most of your workers do...” He paused, hoping he hadn’t suddenly chosen the wrong words. He was sure most of the men and women who worked here were decent people. “But I am a skilled chef.” Somchai finished.

He didn’t know if she would accept his employment, or if they even needed someone who could cook. If it turned out they didn’t, then he would simply go elsewhere and try. He would be no better or worse off if she decided to turn him down. But if he did find that they needed someone of his skills here, then he would just have to get used to the area, he decided. There were worst places he could have been sent to after all.

"Milly..." She barely got the word out when Mojo spoke up.

"Sorry, man. The little one - She's no fun. Mils? Find a seat. Get something to eat. Behave yourself."

"Sorry," the little one told him. Rae gave her a soft smile, a leer surprisingly gone from his face. "Don't be love. Vittie'll keep you safe while the rest o' us are busy."

He turned back to the woman on his other arm and was back to being normal Raeton.

"Don't give a bit on it, Rae,They're protective of the baby, s'all. You still got me...And I'm plenty, ain't I? I hear you folk have a pool... Hopin' it's a nekkid pool? Or we gotta get wet clothes-on?" He returned her grap of his arse with a pinch of his own as he lead her off away from the others and out into the yard where the pool was waiting.

"Way I see it, it's just gonna be you and me out there. So why bother with all that changin' in 'n out if we're both gonna end up outta clothes in the end of it all?"

The flower knows it must be pollinated in order to live, to sustain. To draw in the bees and butterflies, nature has given her flora various weapons - bright colors to lure the eye and sweet nectar to tempt the taste buds. This was the attitude as the crew came into the Heart of Gold. The place was thirsting, fearing it's own demise, as it always did. The shadow could be ignored, forgotten, until the day the colors of the flower began to fade. Today, the desert flower that was the Heart had received proof; its colors had not faded.

William waited, listening with eyes closed as propositions were made around him. Slowly, blue eyes opened, a soft smile on rosy lips. Every muscle lengthened in a languid stretch before he let the chair's contours welcome him again. So few years ago, he would've joined the others, would've taken part in the talk and the competition, reading body language with the eye of a novice. Now, there was no itch in his feet. The twinkle in his eye was an open invitation as opposed to the laser sight focus of one or another mark in the new crew. Today, the Master practiced the patience learned at the hands of another, at the hands of a Companion.

Another languid stretch brought him to his feet, gaze calm as he surveyed the room, memories on Damian. The patience of the Companion turned slave turned Master had been unmatched, had driven William half crazy in the early days of their relationship. Damian had rarely asked any questions. He had rarely objected to much. His enthusiasm had been wonderful, a fire that wouldn't die. Still, his patience had been maddening in its endurance. Today, William drew from that learned patience.

Walking amongst the crowd, moving closer to the Dark Room, he waited, drawing in any prey that expressed interest, willing and ready to change roles based on need. He would fill Damian's role perfectly. Waiting, meeting new and known gazes, his invitation was open. The flowers of the Heart would be pollinated; they would live. Each would draw what was needed, each working in their own ways. This time, William would wait to be approached. It hardly seemed right to invite someone in when his thoughts lingered on someone else.

"That's just what I'm hoping for, Miss Tuesday. And it's just Luke. I'm not captaining today."

"You just said I could call you anything I like," Tuesday whispered as Captain Handsome pulled her closer after sitting, her eyes meeting his for a moment before he planted a quick kiss her on lips. Sadly, he pulled away before she could respond, but that brief touch of his lips on hers was plenty enough to light a fire inside her. She almost forgot what the drink he wanted was called. Gin.. something... Rickety?

"You know it? Gin, lime, soda? Don't skimp on the lime."

The hand sliding down her back to her buttocks made her draw in a deep, shuddering breath and she closed her eyes for a moment, that silly grin still plastered all over her face. If it were up to her, she'd be dragging Captain Handsome to her room right now, no stopping in between for pesky drinks or anything else. "I ain't never heard of it," she admitted, giving a shrug and a quick glance to the bar. "But I'm sure Dusty has."

Touching her fingers to her lips and then to his, she turned and danced her way to the bar, substituting her internal music with Julia's as the new girl started to play. The music wasn't bad at all, but more importantly, it was danceable. At the bar, she climbed onto one of the barstools, on her knees, hips and backside rocking in time with the music, leaning on the counter toward Dusty. "Hey there, Dusty. Captain Handsome over there wants something called a Gin Rickety. Says not to skimp on the lime."

She looked back over her shoulder, giving her captain a little wave and another air kiss and only just then noticed another newcomer at the door. Another of his crew? He didn't look much like he would enjoy it, though, not by that look on his face, Tuesday judged. Whoever he was, Madame Petaline was already taking care of him and Tuesday returned her attention to Captain Handsome, giving him a wink as she let the tip of her tongue creep slowly across her lips, fingers drumming on the bar as if to hurry Dusty up in making the drink.

Julia's hands continued to flash across the keys, tinkling away as her feet kept time on the fine carpet. She hadn't played like this in.... well she wasn't sure exactly the last time she'd played like this. Her constant travel had made it difficult, but now she was settling down. Life was looking up.

A new fellow, sort of Indian looking entered the establishment. Even with one eye trained on the music and singing at the best of her capacity she could make out the jest of it. This fellow hadn't come in with the Captain Tuesday had fixed herself too and he wasn't looking for a woman (Or man) he was looking for employment. He seemed nice enough but who was she to judge? She had literally just been hired not more than an hour ago! That was a funny thought when you think about it. Not even an hour and already getting her work done... not many others could say the same.

She'd need a tour of the kitchen of course, that wasn't something she could start without knowledge of everything's placement. But for now she was happy with her piano and she was happy with her new friends.

She smiled, closed her eyes, and started up a new tune.

“I am Somchai. The people in town seem to believe this is the place for work. I do not possess the skills most of your workers do...”

Petaline smiled. It was pretty obvious the boy wasn't a whore. But what was also obvious was the way he carried himself, and that said he did indeed have a place here at the Heart.

“But I am a skilled chef.”

Aw, shucks. Petaline glanced to Julia who was playing her heart out. "Well, Somchai, you jest come on over and have a seat, let's talk a bit. See, up 'til about half-an-hour back, I was in desperate need of a good cook. But that's not the only gap we're lookin' to fill."

Gesturing to her 'business' table, a small two-chair spot in a quiet corner where she could watch the rest of the room, Petaline continued as she led the way to her seet, "First, let me give you a run-down. I run a clean house. No drugs, no dope, no under-the-counter deals. We pay our taxes, and what happens at the Heart stays at the Heart."

Her skirt rustled as she slid into the chair, "That being said, we're a long way from town, and trouble comes up from time to time. I could use someone who can see trouble comin' before it hits, who can keep my gals and guys safe. Now, most the time it's just a drunk or two, lookin' to catch a freebie. Just chuck 'em out to let 'em sober up. But sometimes, it's turned ugly, and that can mean usin' some firepower. Now, if you think you can mind my house, it's free room and board- a cabin all yer own out back- plus a two-percent on house take."

Petaline gave Julia a last glance over Somchai's shoulder, "And if you really love cookin', you can try workin' somethin' out with Julia over there. Most of us wear all kinda hats. So, what d'ya say?" A coy smile and a wink flashed over her face, "Wanna be my gun-boy?"

“Well, Somchai, you jest come on over and have a seat, let’s talk a bit. See, up ‘til about half-an-hour back, I was in desperate need of a good cook. But that’s not the only gap we’re lookin’ to fill.”

He followed Petaline to the small table and took the chair opposite of her, his back straight. The idea of getting a job here seemed to diminish as he heard her words and he wasn’t entirely sure he wanted to know what these other gaps in her employment opportunities were. But he remained silent to hear what else she had to say before deciding to depart the establishment.

Somchai was glad to hear that the house had nothing to do with illegal activities. He knew that other places such as this one had a tendency to lean towards the not wholly legal, so the entire subject of a possible underground was high on his list of worries about the place. He was relieved that it was something he wouldn’t have to worry about here.

Then came the heart of what she was looking for, the job she felt he could fill for her. To say he was surprised would be a bit of an understatement. He had never considered that he could use his marksmanship or martial arts training as skills he could use to get a job. In fact, the very idea wasn’t all that appealing to him. He never trained so he could fight, it was spiritual. And he only learned to shoot after his father’s death. However, he could understand why the women and men who worked here might need a bit of protection. There was no harm in being a bouncer/bodyguard type, was there? Besides, it wasn’t as if she was actually asking him to go out and beat or kill people just because.

“So, what d'ya say?" A coy smile and a wink flashed over her face, "Wanna be my gun-boy?"

Somchai’s dark eyes focused on Petaline, her words bringing him out of his thoughts. “Yes. I believe I can do that for you.” He didn’t like the phrase ‘gun-boy’, but he had made his decision.

"Yer gonna get me in trouble!" said Milly, but she was beaming in spite of her nervous eyes --she had a nice smile-- fingers catching at Vitorria's own, drawing her closer. Leaning forward against the pale background of the sky, deep blue and clear like a watercolor wash across fresh paper, so that spots of brilliant pricked through the windows, twinkling and sparkling like light on raindrops, and Milly dangled before it. Arms aloft and face blurred as it turned to heaven.

Vitorria's breath, when she found it, was a gasp. "For this?" she said, a tone of soft surprise. "For dancing?" The pool of heavy, liquid heat that bloomed in her chest fluttered, hot and cold at once, and she couldn't breathe, every inch of her caught up and pinned in the thickness of sound and movement. For feeling? Who could look at that smile, so bright and so beautiful she felt a compulsion to shade her eyes, and not feel like joining in? Wasn't that what living was?

Her answer came in a question, sweetly said, that she could no more have brushed aside than she could have given the wrong answer, now or at any other time. "My name is Vitorria," she said, gratitude, pride, and that peculiar softness all tangled up in her voice. "And..."

There was a pause in the air itself, a lowering of pressure, as if the whole world had briefly ceased in its respirations. Music slipped by her ear, a tickle of gold and silver, a melancholy sweetness that made her ache inside, so badly she could barely stand it, and yet somehow she never wanted the pain to go away. And it felt so simple, so natural, that it was then that she felt another hand slip into her own, and another joined their dance. Jess, she would learn later. His name was Jess. The low, warm rasp of his smile curled, like his fingers, against her skin, and she could barely feel the burning in her throat and legs and cheeks but for that.

Vitorria shuddered and made a strange, high fluttering sound, like a bird's trill. She refused to cry and so she laughed instead. She couldn't hold it in. The laughter bubbled up and over, spilling out of her in a torrent, doubling her over and pushing her up and up and up, pulling her after it in a headlong rush, and for that one moment, everything was perfect.

and this is what I am.

"Hey there, Dusty. Captain Handsome over there wants something called a Gin Rickety. Says not to skimp on the lime."

Dusty glanced up from the polishing he was giving the bar, meeting Tuesday's grin with a confused smile, "Rickety? You mean a rickey? I think they put the limes in it so it ain't rickety, Tues."

The Athens shuttle had come through the day before the Reaver attack, so real limes were on hand. As he mixed the drink, he followed Tuesday's kissy-wave... (WAY cute when she did that) over her shoulder, eyeing the new clients up and down, gaze lingering for a beat on Luke Carroth. "Man," He whispered to Tuesday under his breath, "That's a score I'd arm wrestle you for. Or, you know... if he's into both ways, well, you know where to find me."

He didn't have much hope, though. Maybe if he was lucky, after it was Sasha's turn to take over the bar, he'd get a go-down on a tired range cowboy later, some one of his regulars who was done watching the town burn. But the new folk were all pairing off already. Sliding the drink across to Tuesday, he dropped a curly-q of lime peel on top and shot her a wink of encouragement, "Go get 'em, tiger."

Mojo watched with dark gaze until he was certain Jess had meant what he said about looking after Milly. It wasn't that Jess was a liar, he was just easily distracted sometimes. Finally, he turned to the counter, ordered rooms along with dinners and breakfasts for the entire crew and handed over a credit chit for the ship's general cash-fund account to the lad behind the desk.

"That'll be all, sir?" And the boy's eyes were bedroom slow as leaned over the desk, showing a long stretch of hairless chest, "If you'd like, I can show you the sights. I know some great sights..."

Mojo smirked at the attempt, but seeing a pout touch the lads lips, he reminded himself to be nice. The first mate let a chuckle escape his lips, rejecting as politely as he could, "That will be all, friend."

With payment made, and a long glance at the current vaccs list to make sure they were all up to date (Hadn't been that long since Deadwood, had it?) Mojo tipped a hand to the lad, and headed for the bar. He needed a drink of something cold, and then a drink of something hot, maybe smallish, with dark hair? Or that tall blonde one? She looked like she knew her way.

He glanced back at Luke, but the captain was watching the little bleached peach fetch his drink. His dark eyes turned back towards Milly, dancing now with Jess and the waif-like girl. He'd told her to sit the rutt down, but Jess was there. Mojo sighed and started to relax, eying the women in the room to see if any caught his eye.

And really, how much trouble could she get in just dancing?

Jolene drifted unseen, unfelt, unheard, through the room, drawing from the energy of those around her in increments too small to count. To her ears, the music was nearly silent, on a different plain, but it made colours that arced through the air to touch the dancers.

Vitorria was happy, riding the music, riding the love of the life around her, and those she'd chosen were happy to be with her. Tuesday was an echo of the joy that Jolene once held, reckless and wild and dangerous, but so good, so alive.

Drifting through memories and emotions, she was still no closer to finishing her quest, the one that would allow her to move on, but the longer she remained, the more part of her wondered if she wanted to go. She slipped through the counter, closer to Dusty, where she could see them all and be close to them.

"That's the problem with being dead," She told Dusty, who continued chopping his lemons and wiping his bar glasses without so much as a glance, "It's so gorram lonely."

The Pool

Giggles, stolen touches and fondles abounded as Aster and Rae stumbled out to the pool behind the main house of Heart of Gold. Smiles graced both faces as the two teased one another until they were almost close to boiling over.

With a grin, Rae stripped out of his clothes and dove into the pool before anyone was able to get a good look at him. His hair seemed even more unnaturally bright in the sunlight as it glistened with water that felt like warmed silk sheets around him.

"C'mon in then, Aster, love. Water's gorgeous, but it'll be even more gorgeous with you in it," he told her, the sweet talk coming easy to his lips.

With a sly grin that rivaled Raeton's, Aster dropped her clothes as well and slipped into the pool with him.

They acted like kids, cares washing away as the water ran over their bodies until a race turned into Rae swimming under the water to grab at Aster's legs, pulling her under water.

A simple kiss turned into something more until the two were quite glad that they were the only ones outside by the pool and that someone had had the foresight to leave out a few towels to make a rather comfortable nest with.

"Rickety? You mean a rickey? I think they put the limes in it so it ain't rickety, Tues."

"Rickey, sure," Tuesday said with a casual shrug, not really caring one whit what the correct name of the drink was. She was neither a bartender, nor a waitress, after all, just getting Captain Handsome his drink as a courtesy. "Had a boyfriend named Ricky once." But she quickly shut down that trip down memory lane, not caring to think about what had happened back home.

"Man. That's a score I'd arm wrestle you for. Or, you know... if he's into both ways, well, you know where to find me."

Grinning, Tuesday reached over to give Dusty a light slap on the cheek, not even had enough to leave a mark, just a friendly little pat, really, followed by her index finger touching him briefly on the nose. "This one's mine, loverboy," she said and glanced back toward the captain again with a huge smile. "But he looks strong. Prolly got lots o' stamina in him. He swings both ways, you can have seconds. Promise!"

"Go get 'em, tiger."

Taking the drink from Dusty, the little faux-blonde slid off the barstool and waggled her free fingers at him and turned, focusing on Captain Handsome again, slow-dancing her way back to him, setting one bare foot in front of the other in time with her inner music this time. Stopping just out of reach of Luke, she lifted the glass to take a little sip of the drink, smiling over the rim at him even though she wasn't particularly thrilled with the taste of this gin rickey thing. "Nice 'n refreshing," she told him, sitting on the couch close to him, legs drawn up under her, holding the slickly condensed glass toward him. "And the limes are real. Tasty too."

“All I want, is a little of the good life, all I need, is to have a good time! Woah the good life!” Julia's voice hit the pitch of the old Earth-that-was tune. Dancing across the keys, her fingers struck every note with expert precision. Even as the final notes faded away, Julian inclined her head. “Thank you all! I'll take a ten minute break and then be back to you!”

Stepping away from her keyboard, slinging her bag over her shoulder as she did so, Julia's bare feet slapped the soft wooden floor as she padded towards the bar. She was a bit tired and lightheaded after pouring herself into the set like that, but honestly she couldn't have been happier if she tried.

My first set as an employee. I can't believe it.

Sitting down at bear across from the cute guy serving, Julia shook her fiery mane, getting strands of hair plastered all over her face. “Hello there,” she addressed the fellow on the other side of the bar cheerfully, “I'm parched, what do you think I can get for five credits?” Glancing over at the captain Tuesday seemed so infatuated with, Julia had to ask, “Who do you think they are anyway?”


OOC: Lyrics, “The Good Life” by Three Days Grace