Re: All In The Game

[Guest]

He could see that she was not ready for his barage of words and actions. He continued on though as she stepped back and pulled her T shirt down trying to cover herself. It only highlighted her more then ample tits and he enjoyed the view. She tried to go on the offensive by demanding an explanation but he would not give up and continued. "You seem scared to have any kind of relationship besides a professional one." he pressed on, "What makes you think that it would not work between the two of us." Though he did stop and allow her to run into the bathroom. It was probably a bit embarasing for her.

"You and are are both Pirate Captains. We know the risks and we both know what each other is capable of. You are a damn good looking woman that any man would love to have, and besides looks, you have inteligence, courage, and you are damned stubron. That is something I have not found in a woman yet, and like." He moved to the bathroom door still not giving up and opened it, staring sternly, yet with a look in his eyes that told her he wanted her in more ways then one. "Now tell me why you don't think it would work?"

[LadyRaven]

Serenity could have screamed in frustration and embarrassment as once again, her privacy and dignity were utterly destroyed. "Why won't you just fuck off?!" She yelled, trying her damnest to get away from Krell. From the bathroom, she fled into the bedroom, forgetting her clothes and making do with keeping as much distance between herself and him as she could. "I can give you ten reasons why it won't work!" She screamed at him, "First and foremost your insane ability to get your fucking head knocked in by chasing me around like this!" She picked up the nearest thing she could find and lobbed it in his direction. She then didn't stick around to find out, using the few seconds to make another hasty escape.

The chase seemed to continue regardless and Serenity found herself cornered near the bedroom once again. "Second, hows about the fact we've been rivals for so many years and not given a damn about each other! And now, all of a sudden, you expect me to roll over and play happy fucking housewife? You need your head testing! Now get out!" More small objects went flying his way before she eventually rounded her fist for a proper shot.........

[Guest]

He was unrelenting as he tried to tell him the real reason. This time though he chuckled as she threw something at him. "That is not a reason." he told her for the first one she spouted off. "As for being rivals, what of it. We did not really know each other except for reputations and stories people told of us. We never seen each other but a couple of times and that was mostly at a distance." His face was not so stern now, nor was his voice. He was not going to give up, he wanted her, wanted her to be his. Most men would have probably left, ran, or would have been intimidated by her actions. But he was not going to be.

He moved up close to her, looking down into her eyes. He raised a hand up and gently caressed the side of her face. His other hand quickly moved down to hold her balled fist. "Why won't you let some one in?" his voice was soft, quiet and loving. Her defensiveness told him she was trying to keep herself locked within herself or something like that.

[LadyRaven]

Serenity had one simple answer to Krell of why she wouldn't let anyone that close. "Because I choose not to." She said quietly. Turning her face away, she stepped back and lifted her chin high. "You have to the count of ten to leave before I really do something you'll regret." Her stance and manner said she would indeed do something Krell would probably regret for a long time and she made it clear she was giving him no more reasons or answers to his questions.

Though outwardly, she showed strength and defiance, inside, Serenity was a jibbering wreck. Usually, any men that showed an interest in her had run for the stars long before this point, such was her adamant refusal to recipricate. Not that she didn't know and understand exactly what it was all about, she was far from nieve. After all, she had grown up around men and their needs, spent her entire life in a mostly male dominated trade and lfiestyle and learned to survive and avoid that aspect as best she could. It hadn't always worked and in the early years, she had been conned and cohersed many times. Serenity would never utter a word about those times, though she knew that one other person knew about it. And she had sworn him to secrecy on pain of death almost.

As she stood there, Serenity's eyes flashed with some of those memories, but she made no other sign of it. "One. Two. Three." She really wasn't kidding. "Four. Look Krell, we have a job to be getting on with and if we're going to remain civil on this trip, then I suggest you leave, get some sleep and come back clear headed again tomorrow. Five. Six....."...

[Guest]

Krell was at a loss of what he should do now. He had tried and tried hard. There was not much he could do. She was adament about not wanting anything to do with him. He shook his head. He had hoped, but it looked as if she wanted nothing to do with a man. He dropped his hand from her face and turned to the door. "Fine, if that is how you want it." He strode to the door and flung it open and walked out.

He headed towards the lifts to take him up to his level. It was then that the warning signal blarred. "Ship approaching Haven." Krell ran for the control center.

Krell raisd his arm up and spoke into a wrist com. "Any ID signal?" he asked, "Negative sir. Nothing being transmitted." came the reply. "Get the crews to the transports and prepare them for taking on all personnel in Haven." he called out. "Do we have a visual on it, any of the spy cams out there picking it up. "

"Negative sir. Something is interfering with the reception." When he got to the control center everyone was at their stations trying to identify the incoming ship. Finally the interference stopped and a view of the ship was on the veiw screen. It was the Raven. One could see that the holes had been patched to make her space worthy but deck plating was still gone, the scorch marks still were there. She looked a mess still and all eyes turned to the view screen.

As the doors to Haven opened and she slowly entered, the people gathered at the viewing windows that looked out into the Huge hanger. There was gasps, and murmers as the people saw what she looked like. Once the pressurized gangways were extended, the crew departed the ship and was met by tearfilled eyed people. They were hugged and kissed, and soon were taken away to their homes on haven.

Krell went out and met Jenkins as he left the ship last. "Welcome home." he told him and took his hand in his.

"She'll be right as rain in about 3 months Captain. Don't you worry. I'll have the repair crews working night and day on her." Jenkins told him.

"I know." Krell said. "Now off with you to your family. Bet they are waiting anxiously for you." As Jenkins left to be greated by his wife and small child, Krell walked down the gangway to the ship and entered her. He made his way to his quarters and changed clothing and then went up to the bridge and sat in his chair.

[LadyRaven]

With Krell finally gone, Serenity started to relax again. "Too close." She said quietly to herself, "Way too close." After a few more moments collecting her thoughts, Serenity went back to her bed and settled down, only to be disturbed once again by a loud alarm that could only signal an unknown ship approaching. Once again, the woman bolted for ehr bed and raced for the nearest comm link to find out what was happening. However, just as she reached the console, the alarm stopped and a quick check out of her window a few seconds after that told her that all was well. The Raven had finally made it back. She still looked badly beaten and battered, but she was space worthy and running. With a sigh of relief, Serenity left the living area and went back to bed a third time. She slept soundly for the rest of the night.

After showering and pulling on her newly cleaned clothes, Serenity stepped easily onto the gangway to her ship. It felt good to be home again. Looking across the docking bay through the porthole, Serenity spotted the repair crews already hard at work on the Raven. Krell would be pleased with their efforts, she thought. And she was pleased with the efforts on her own ship too. The gang was all there and already getting ready for the off in a few hours. Slyder was hard at work stowing away all the necessaries for the trip while Rat was eagerly taking inventory. Kai was on the bridge sorting through a miriad of new maps and other cartography and Mac was happy to wait for Serenity in the galley.

"How did it go last night?" The old man asked with a smile. "Did you two put aside your differences?"
Serenity groaned lightly and started checking through the cupboards for her favourite coffee packs. "Not exactly." She said back quietly, "We see things a little different, him and I."
"I see." Mac said, "So you're still fighting?"
"No." She replied, "We're not fighting. We just have a new understanding is all."
"Did he stay with you then?"
Serenity snapped her eyes firmly at her engineer and scowled, "He most certainly did not!" She announced loudly, "Much to his disappointment, I might add."
"You can't blame him for trying, Kiddo." Mac offered, "The minute he laid eyes on you, I knew he wanted you."
"He can want all he likes." She snapped, "He won't get it and you shouldn't be insinuating it either, Old Man."
"It still bothers you, doesn't it." Mac said, getting off the stool. He moved around the counter and stood close to Serenity. "I know what happened back then stayed with you and I wouldn't expect it not to, but you can't keep hiding away from yourself. Sooner or later, Serenity, you're gonna have to let someone in." He placed a careful hand on her shoulder. "Nine years is a long time to be alone."
Serenity closed her eyes and shook her head, "You promised me, Mac." She whispered, "You swore to me you would never bring that up ever again."
"I know." The old man whispered back, "But maybe it's time that you did. The way you and Krell were last night, dancing together and talking like nothing else in the 'verse mattered. Maybe it's time to let it go and move on with your life. People like Krell don't come along often and you should give him a chance. Do you really want to end up old and wrinkled and alone like me, hmmm?" He gave her his best smile and kissed her cheek. Serenity couldn't help but smile back at him.
"Anyone would think you're my father, the way you talk to me." She told him, then gave him a gentle hug, "And I wouldn't have it any other way."
"I love you too." Mac said, then shuffled off back to his engines.

Serenity sat on the bridge, getting reacquainted with her chair again and leaned back with her coffee. Everything had been prepped, tested and retested, ready for the launch and it was just a matter of waiting for Krell and Rahma to join them.

*****

Rahma had slept almost peacefully that night, though he found himself waking a number of times after the alarm. He was nervous about the trip and about the consequences of it. Valis had told him many things after he'd first arrived in Haven, but nothing had come close to actually having to deal with it and everything that had happened with his sister. It had bothered him. In the end, he woke a good hour before his call and ended up stood outside the airlock for the Raven. After receiving permission to board, he made his way to the bridge to talk with Krell.

By the look of it, Krell had been sat there all night. "Permission to come on the bridge, Captain?" He asked cautiously.........

[Guest]

Krell had sat there in his chair for some time, as the repair crews began boarding and he took the ship out to the repair dock. The crews began immediately, cutting and hauling damaged equipment, walls, wire and what ever that was not good any more. He remained on the bridge which looked a mess. Wires, conduet pipes hung from the ceiling through blackened holes where fires had burned. Scorch marks were everywhere on the station consuls where they had shorted out and blew out.

He tried to keep his mind off of what had happened the past few hours and concentrate on his ship. He didn't feel like sleeping and at times was able to go with out sleep for a couple days. When Rahma came aboard, he was notified by the work crews. So when he came up to the bridge and asked permission to come on the bridge, 'Granted. I'll be ready in a few minutes to return to the docking area and the Jezzebel."

[LadyRaven]

Rahma gave a warm smile and stepped onto the bridge. It was a heavy mess, but he knew it would be looking fine again soon enough. Stepping over a burned module, the man stood carefully just off to Krell's left. "How'd it go last night?" He asked. "You and Ren, I mean." He looked around at the damage and almost sighed. The Raven had really been battered in that last fight. "I saw Jenkins and his young wife passing by earlier. I'm glad they made it back safely." He looked over Krell's face carefully. "I take it things didn't go that well then. I hope she didn't hit you or anything, she can pack a real whallop."..........

[Guest]

Krell had a feeling what Rahma was going to ask him. "No it didn't go well. It was a waste of time and effort I guess." He rose from his command chair and took a last look around the bridge. Hopefully by the time he got back the Raven would be back in tip top shape. He looked over at Rahma that seemed like he was hoping to hear some good news about the night before. "No she didn't try to hit me, though she threw a few things my way."

He made for the bridge entrance and said, "It seems she doesn't want any thing to do with men except on a professional level. So be it. Come on I guess they will be waiting on us." With that he headed for the shuttle that would take them to the Main Hanger area and the Jezzebel. Once there he boarded the ship and told Rahma, "I'll be in my quarters, let her know that we are ready to go." he then left Rahma there and went directy to his quarters with a small bag of clothing and personal effects he had thrown together while he had been aboard the Raven.

[LadyRaven]

Rat let Serenity know that Rahma and Krell had arrived and she quickly set things in motion to get going. She received the clearance codes quickly enough and smiled as the docking clamps were released. "We'll be seeing you very soon Haven." She said, "Jezzabel is clear."
"Good luck Jezzabel." came the reply, "And safe journey."
Kai punched in the coordinates while Serenity led them carefully from the asteroid field and soon enough, she could feel the ion drive engaging. Everything felt so smooth and new, it was hard to imagine the ship herself was nearly fifty years old. There was no delay in the hyperdrive jump and Serenity could barely feel the inertia either. The crews had done a fantastic job. Everything was smooth as silk. Well, that was until Serenity and Rahma came to blows in the galley.

What had started as a small snipe about her treatment of Krell, had turned into a full blown and massive screaming match. Mac and Slyder were watching from a distance while the pair duked it out between them.
"What the fuck you think you're playin' at?!" Rahma yellled. "You just don't bloody get it!"
"I get more than I want!" Sernity screamed back, "And it's still none of your bloody business!"
"It is my business! Krell is my best friend! you're my damned sister!"
"Damned is fucking right!"
"What the fuck is wrong with you?!"
"What's wrong with me? What the fuck is wrong with you!" Serenity howled, "What gives you the right to interfere in my life?!"

And so it carried on for nearly an hour before Mac decided to let them to it. The old man turned about and started away, leaving Slyder to watch the action alone, but reminding him carefully not to get involved. The shouting and screaming echoed easily around the deck and even perhaps beyond because mac could still hear them when he reached the cabin deck. And it seemed krell might have heard them too, for no sooner had Mac turned around the bulkhead, he came face to face with him. "Ahh, Krell." he said carefully, then clearing his throat. "I'm sorry for the disturbance. It seems our illustrious captain and her beloved brother are having a disagreement. May I offer you a more quiet coffee elsewhere?".........

[Guest]

Krell had went to his quarters aboard the ship and tossed his bag on the bunk and then felt the urge to have some coffee and something to eat. He had eat some at the party, enough to be polite, but not to much. He left his quarters and began to make his way towards the galley. As he did he heard muffed voices. Well muffed because they were far away, but the tones were that of two people arguing. One was a woman's voice and he knew exactly who that was. The other one he could not tell since it was that far away.

He wondered who Serenity was screaming at this time. Probably her brother he thought. He would be the only other one aboard besides himself that she would be doing that to. He had a feeling she would not be screaming at a crew member. About that time Mac came around the corner and almost ran into him. He told Krell what was happening and offered him a quiet cup of coffee elsewhere. "Sounds good." he told him and wondered if this was going to wind up another advice session. He had seen Mac and the others watching him and Serenity the night before. As they walked he waited for Mac to begin asking questions.

[LadyRaven]

Mac strolled easily down the corridor in the opposite direction to the galley, hoping to put as much distance between them and the aruing twins as possible. Coming to his own quarters, Mac opened his door wide and invited Krell inside. "This should be peaceful enough." He offered, then entered and went about making some coffee. He pulled out some food packs and left them on the side while the hydrator brewed up the coffee. The whole time, he didn't mention a word about Serenity, or what he had seen the night before, or what the others were saying about the matter. If anything, he seemed happy enough with the silence. Eventually though, he did speak. It would be impolite not to.

"In all my years aboard the Jezzabel, I've never heard or felt her run so smooth." he said, "Your crews have done wonders for the old girl. I do what I can when and where, but nothing compared to this." The coffee brewed, he poured out two large mugs of it and handed one over to Krell. "The work you guys have done in only two days, it would have taken me and Rat years to complete. I'm truly grateful to you, Krell." The old man then eased himself into his comfy chair and sighed as he sipped at his coffee, waiting for whatever Krell had to say..........

[Guest]

Krell followed Mac to his quarters and sat down as the man made the coffee. He pulled one of the food packs and put it in the hydrator. When he put the coffee in front of him he took it and sipped it as Mac made his comments about how the ship was running and what a good job the crews had done on the old ship. He knew he was making polite conversation and was probably dying to know what went on between him and Serenity.

He raised the coffee cup up but didn't take a drink. "I know you and probably the rest of the crew want to know what happened last night." he began. "Nothing!" he took a sip of the coffee. "It appears your captain has no desire for any kind of relationship with a man other then professional. I merrly wasted my time in a pursuit that was doomed to failure from the beginning." he pulled the food from the hydrator and began eating. He looked up to see what Mac would say, he hoped it would not be advice. It was a dead deal and Krell knew it. There was no way Serenity had any intrest in him what so ever so it was pointless for him to try again.

[LadyRaven]

Mac listened with a raised eyebrow to what Krell told him, but made no other outward notion to interest. "Actually." He replied nonchalantly, "I already knew what had happened." He smiled and sipped at more of his coffee as Krell prepared himself something to eat. "And I wouldn't have asked anyway, it wouldn't be polite. Not that I wasn't curious of course, I've known Serenity since she was still the bilgerat and this ship was called Radience. Still, Serenity's life is Serenity's life and it's her's to do with what she chooses." He shrugged his shoulders in a defeated manner and then sipped more coffee as Krell ate.

"The only reason I already know is because she told me." The old man continued, "Like I said before, I've known her a lot of years and I've grown to appreciate her temperment better than most. She's a fiery wench, I'll give her that. If you think you're doomed to win her over, that's your opinion and decision. I'm not here to give you advice or comfort for it. As an adopted father so to speak, I should be telling you to back off and stay away from her, but we both know I won't do that, so it would be pointless don't you think?" He smiled again and sat back further in his chair.......

[Guest]

So Serenity told him what had happened. He nodded his head and leaned back in the chair with his coffee in hand. It seemed that Mac knew Serenity pretty well, especially if she had grown up on the ship so to speak. He probably knew why she had no intrest in him or for that matter anyone else. But that was something he would not ask. He figured that was a private matter between her and Mac.

This was going to be an akward couple of days as they traveled to Valara Prime. He had no wish to have looks, or questions or anything like that from her crew and he didn't even want to see or speak with her. He finished his food and coffee and thanked Mac for both. "I'll be keeping myself to my quarters." he told him as he stood up.

[LadyRaven]

The rest of the coffee and food seemed to go well and Mac was actually grateful for the company. Soon enough though, Krell was making his excuses to leave and Mac would not stop him. He'd be keeping to himself in his quarters, would he? Mac pursed his already thin lips as he put his coffee mug near a small sink in the countertop.

"I'd rather you didn't." He offered, "Just because you and Serenity haven't got off on the best foot, it doesn't mean you have to avoid each other. besides, this ship isn't big enough to do that. You'll have to come across each other at some point, so it would be pointless, don't you think?" The old man smiled knowingly, "And personally, I'd like to see you around. I could do with a little extra help down in the engine room. Rat is good, but his concentration isn't." Deep down, he badly wanted to let Krell know why his captain was the way she was, but it really wasn't his choice or place to do so. Still, he could give a hint or two to get them talking again.

"Serenity likes to think she's on top of things, but more often than not, she's dwelling somewhere darker and we all know that isn't a good thing." hint laid down, Mac let the other man out of his quarters.

Down the corridor, the argument was still going strong between Rahma and Serenity and it didn't seem to have progressed beyond the name calling and insinuation at all. There was still a lot of swearing too and as one passed by the galley entrance, there were a few broken pots and such littering the floor........

[Guest]

Krell really didn't want to make things any more tense then they were. The crew already was probably a bit up tight with Serenity arguing with her brother. "If you need help just give me a call. I'll be glad to give you a hand with the engines, though I don't think you will need much for awhile." he told Mac. Krell had a feeling that Mac was being the father type but quite the opposite of what he had said earlier. It was possible he was trying to throw him and Serenity together.

But he doubted that Serenity would have anything to do with that. So he figured he would be spending the next two days in his quarters reading or just sleeping. He just wanted to get to Valara Prime and see what the professor had found. Though with the Raven out of commission for a while, it would be Serenity's ship that would be doing most of the space traveling for awhile. He was not relishing that thought.

As he made his way to his quarters, he could still hear the two going at it. He would have to have a talk with Rahma and tell him, to leave things alone. His sister was not intrested, so he could just drop it and be a good brother to her. Somewhere out there there was some one for Krell, he knew it deep down. He had hoped it was Serenity, but it looked as if fate, or the powers that were in the universe said it was not to be. Unless she had a miraculous change of heart, and Krell knew that would never happen.

[LadyRaven]

As Krell got closer to his own quarters and therefore, the galley itself, he was treated, or rather cursed with ever more of the growing argument between Rahma and his sister. More things went flying in various directions, more smashings and bangings and thumpings. It seemed it would never end until finally, the shouting rose to such a tone and pitch that the silence that followed was unbearable.

"what the hell is wrong with you Serenity?!" Rahma yelled, growing exhausted with the seeming unending ability for his sister to deny the most basic facts. "Why won't you just listen for a damned second?!"
"Because I shouldn't have to!" Serenity yelled back.
"But why?!"
"It's not your business!"
"Yes it is!"
"No, it isn't!"
"You're my sister, for 'verse's sake!"
"Enough!" Serenity screamed.
"Not until I know what's happened to make you this way!" Rahma yelled back and once again, over and over it went until finally.
"You really wanna know what happened? You really wanna know!!!!"
"YES!!!!"
"I was raped, ok!" Serenity shouted, tears streaming down ehr face now.
Rahma backed off, catching his breath in his throat and utterly unable to speak. Still, Serenity though, was happy keep this going.
"9 years ago, before I became captain! His fuckhead first mate decided to have a little fun! Is that what you wanted to know Rahma, huh? Wanna know how and where he did it, huh, wanna know how he cornered me in this very room on third watch? how he smacked me around until I couldn't see straight? How he violated me in every possible way just because he could! Is that what you wanted to hear me say Rahma, well, is it?!"
Rahma fell back against the counter, shaking his head, "Ren... I...." He stammered.
"You what?!" She yelled at him, "You're sorry? You're shocked? You didn't know and want to help? Fuck you Rahma!" And with that, Serenity fled the galley and into the corridor. The broken and dented pots went flying as she kicked them out of her way, desperate to escape what she had just said to her twin. Desperate to make it all go away............

[Guest]

Krell had gotten to the point where he could hear what was going on as he approached his quarters. The argument had gone on for some time now according to his time piece. He stopped, and he listened. What he heard made him shake his head. She had a damn good reason for not wanting a man, though the right man would have helped make those feelings disappear. But with her attitude of not wanting to even try, coupled with the fear and the discust she felt about having sex with a man, Krell knew he definately did not stand a chance.

Serenity had to come to terms with what happened. Put it behind her and see what a man could do for her and how it would feel to be loved and when it came to sex how it really could feel. But that did not seem likely for her. Even more reason for him to just stay out of sight until they made planet fall. No sense bringing up unwanted memories. He would have a talk with Rahma later.

When Serenity left the galley, he made sure he was out of sight so she would not know that he had heard everything. As he found the door to his quarters, he could only hope that the Captain at the time had hung the bastard for what he had done.

[LadyRaven]

Utterly exhausted, Serenity stumbled through her cabin door and towards her bed. Krell, Rahma, the fight, the new mission, her old family secrets and the past had finally caught up with her. Not even bothering with her door, she fell face first into her bed and let her tears soak the pillow through. Despite the damage it would do for her crew to see her like this, she also knew they would rather close the door and pretend they hadn't seen a thing. Well, all but Mac. No doubt he would attempt the fatherly thing and try and comfort her, but she hoped he would let this one go. At least just for now. Soon enough, the tears relented and Serenity found herself drifting into a dreamless sleep. Just a few hours, she thought. Just give me a few hours of nothingness, please?

Back in the galley, Rahma had busied himself picking up the strewn pots and such left by his sister's temper. The devastation was quite wide spread and there were several items that would need replacing soon as possible, but he didn't dwell on them. What ran through his mind was what she had said to him. If only he'd known what had happened to her, he could have sought justice for her, maybe even taken her away where she couldn't be hurt anymore. But thinking as he was, he knew it would do no good. What had happened had happened and there was nothing he could do to change that. And he couldn't pander after her about it either, she wouldn't allow him to. So, he resigned himself to cleaning up after her and letting her get on with it. About an hour into his task, a faint crackling sound came over the intercom and he stopped to listen. "Is that.....?" He moved closer, "Music?" The closer he got, the more it sounded just like music and he furrowed his brow in confusion. After a few seconds longer listening to the music, he tapped the black button. "Uh, Bridge?" He asked, "Anyone up there?"
"Bridge here, what's up?" Kai answered.
"It's Rahma." He said, then carefully, "Um, it might be my head playing tricks, but I could swear I heard music coming over the comm a few seconds ago."
Slight laughter, "Don't panic." Kai told him, "You're still sane. We're passing near the Siem Probe, so we'll be picking up the broadcast bands for the next few hours. May as well enjoy it while you can. I'll tune it through if you like for a better sound?"
Rahma snorted a laugh and nodded his head. "Sure, we could use some light entertainment."
A few seconds later, the music came back, but much clearer and it seemed to have quite a bounce with it too. Rahma found himself almost dancing around the galley now and the cleaning up was going much quicker and easier.

As it turned out, the music was being broadcasted across pretty much every deck of the Jezzabel and the easy music seemed to lift spirits everywhere. All except the captain's quarters, it seemed. Serenity was still deeply asleep.........

[Guest]

Krell entered his quarters and just sat down on the bunk. He shook his head and wondered what he should do. He wished he had his own ship out there. More room to walk about and it would be alot better in a fight. Also he was the captain of his own ship. Here he felt useless and out of place. Also it seemed he had made a mess of things with Serenity and didn't know what to do about that.

He heard the music and knew what it was. Soon it was coming in clearer as those on the bridge piped it in. It had a good beat to it but he was not in the mood for it, nor was he in the mood for just sitting around. That was not like him. On his ship he would be about it, checking on the crew, be on the bridge, keeping himself busy. He sighed, rose from the bed and left his quarters to walk around a bit. He came to Serenity's door and found it open. He looked in and saw her on her bed asleep. He gently closed the door not wanting to disturb her or for that matter anyone else.

He went up to the bridge, Kai was there at his station. The captains seat and the others were empty. Not much to do when the ship was on auto pilot. Locked on course and speed. He took a seat and went over weapons and everything just to do something. A couple hours later though the alarm went off. He moved to the pilots station and ran a scan. "Damn. Imperial Frigget closing in on us. He is powering up weapons!" He looked over at Kai. It was not his ship, but he was not about to let it get hammered with out a fight. "Kai take weapons please. I'll fly." he then hit a button, opening a comm through out the ship. "Imperial Frigget closing in on us, battle stations! Engine room give us all you got."

He put the ship into a sharp turn, as beams of light from the Imperial ship flashed where they had just been. "Gemini Class, she is going to have thick hull platting, but nothing that the new upgraded weapons can't damage." he grinned. This imperial would feel the new teeth of the Jessebel.

[LadyRaven]

Battle stations indeed! The instant the alarm was sounded, every crew member instantly took their places. Rat vanished down one of his holes to the engine room to help Mac get the most from the engines. Saskia battled his way to the bridge to take his place at weapons, but finding Kai already there, he went to the visuals consol instead. Kai, though doing as he had been told, gave Krell an odd look, but said nothing. That just left the captain. The frigate closed in quickly, but not as quickly as Kai took aim. He wouldn't fire though, not unless it did first. The Jezzabel never took the first shot unless she had to.
"Attention Renegade ship Jezzabel!" Came the comm link, "This is Imperial Frigate Justify. You are under arrest. Power down your weapons and engines and prepare to be boarded. You will be fired upon!"

90 seconds earlier -
Red lights, crowing alarm, shouting. Lots of noise and commotion. "I know that sound." Serenity's eyes snapped open just as she heard Krell's voice come over the comm.
"Imperial frigate closing in on us, battle stations!"
It took less than a heartbeat for her to leap from the bed and barrel across the room to the door. Someone had closed it earlier and she had to hesitate in opening it again to get out. Soon enough though, she was running down the corridor towards the bridge. Her hair, messed up and tangled from her dreamless sleep swung over her shoulders as she bolted for the bulkhead and up to the next deck and the bridge. She made it just in time to hear the other ship's demands.

In the time it took her to stride across the bridge, Serenity not only had her business face on, but she was furious with it. She took no notice of the odd placement of her crew, but went straight to Krell and slammed her fist down on the comm link button. She missed Krell's hand by a mere inch if that.
"Imperial Frigate Justify." She said loud and clear, "Power down your weapons and turn your ship around. This is your only warning." She turned her head to Kai. "Take out the communications array." She then look down her arm at Krell. "Never a dull moment, is there?" She said to him almost with a smile..........

[Guest]

Krell knew what the Imperial Captain was thinking. When they didn't immediately do as they were ordered and Serenity gave her ultimatium, "Hang on to something." he called out and again put the ship into a tight turn, this time to starbord as again the beams of laser cannons flashed. This time though one grazed the Jessebel causing some insturments to spark and burn.

"Communications array and target their engines. The Frigget was a nimble ship and was now keeping pace with the Jessebel as Krell tried to out manuver it. "Their pilot is damn good." he hoped Kai was good with the weapons system. If the Imperials got off a message, they could be in big trouble and if they didn't get them off their tail they were sure to be in big trouble.

Kai's hands flew over the weapons consol and the rear Laser Cannon roared to life, taking out the Frigget's communications array. It fired again but the ship vered enough for the salvo to score only a hit on the outer covering of the engines. However carved a black gouge out of the hull plating.

The Imperial Captain's eyes widened as the array was destroyed. "Impossible! Such a small ship can't have that fire power!" he yelled out. As the second volley hit and took a nice gouge out of the ships hull, "Damn, she's got Mark VI's. Helm come about. Max power to the engines!" The Firgget turned and began to run away.

"Oh no you don't." Krell mumbled as he again made a sharp turn to fall in behind the fleeing ship. "Can't let it get away. If it does, we'll have all sorts of imperial ships on us." He looked at Serenity then over to Kai. "Take out their engines."

Kai looked over at Serenity for a moment. He was not use to taking order from anyone else but her but he knew Krell had a point. Again his hands flew over the console and the forward batteries fired. The beams cut through the hull plating covering the engines and they cut out.

[LadyRaven]

Serenity smiled again as the Frigate lay dead in space. "Nice work gentlemen." She told her crew and then looked down at Krell again. "Well done. May I have my chair back now please?" She took her seat and punched in a course for the Frigate. "Stay at high alert, I don't want anymore surprises please." She ordered, offering Krell the second seat. She then opened the comm link again.

"Imperial Frigate Justify." She said with a smirk, "Power down and prepare to be boarded."
"Over my dead corpse." The other captain responded coldly.
"That can be arranged." Serenity offered, "Though I'm sure there are wives and families waiting for your crew. Would you care to reconsider?"
Silence for a moment, then..... "Very well. This injustice will not go unpunished."
"Indeed not." Serenity said with a smile and moved the Jezzabel within reach.
"They've powered down all systems." Saskia announced, "Everything but the main helm and life support."
Serenity nodded and looked once again at Krell. "Care to join me and Kai?" She asked as she holstered her pistol and then shoved a knife into her boot. "They may have some valuable information we could use and I have a few questions."
Kai was already out of his seat and holstering his own pistol, ready to get over to the Frigate. He tapped the comm lightly on his consol. "Mac, keep the engines hot, just in case."
"Understood." Came the reply. They were all set to go.........

[Guest]

Krell looked at Serenity as she told the imperial captain to stand down and prepare to be boarded. The friggate was about the same size as the Raven but with a lot less hull plating and firepower. Still the crew size was about fifty men. He made sure he had his twins on and they were fully powered. When the airlocks were joined and sealed they were ready to board the imperial ship. He drew one of the twins and held it ready as the air lock opened on the other side.

As he exited the airlock the Imperial Captain was there with two other crewmen. The captain's eyes went wide when he saw Krell and a broad smile apeared on Krell's lips as he moved forward quickly putting the mussle of his blaster just under the captain's chin. "I should splatter your brains all over the bulkhead." Krell Sneared. "and blast this tin can full of holes." It was quite evident that Krell knew the Captain of the Justify and that he didn't like him to much.

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