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RP [Firebrand Crew] Chapter One, An Odd Bouquet

SirSkully

🦊 FM of Neshaten
🦾 FM of Nepleslia
🎖️ Game Master
RP Date
Ye 40
RP Location
Morant, Nassau System
1324 hours



It was a rather nice day in one of Morant’s many planetside ship ports, a breeze that carried a hint of the passing summer rolled across lush fields of greenery, causing the tall grass to roll like waves in some land-bound ocean – it may have been one of the smaller locales on the planet but it bustled with life regardless of size, galactic citizens that lived outside claimed space went about their lives in various ways. The port itself was a mix of low, rather ramshackle buildings that looked like they were built hastily and then changed to help withstand the test of time - with clearings of varying size having been marked out for ships to land at, though given how busy today was there were a few smaller vessels that had spread themselves out amongst the grassy surroundings.

There was one issue, though it was more of a niche thing that cursed the crew of the ISS Veilburner II more than some wide-spread plague or a political uprising – they still had those god damned high-yield missiles in their possession. Someone had shown interest and that was in fact the whole reason the Firebrand Crew had come to this nice little planet, but time passed and now the ship’s fox-like captain of questionable gender and species was rather fed up as they laid atop the pallet – bushy tail swishing about absentmindedly as the wind gently tousled its red fur, they’d give the buyer another few minutes and then start packing up to move on because this was starting to become a rather fruitless endeavour. The ship itself wasn't anything too fancy - a Tenba class transporter that had some obvious after market mods scattered around the place, that antennae for instance certainly looked intimidating as it cast a shadow over the grey ship's open cargo bay.

Just needed to wait for the two newest members, chef and the elf to return from their quick supply run, they should be back soon – it was just a few general things for the ship and nothing too specific… with an exception being what Vinni scribbled down onto Sakura’s list of things.

Speaking of the crew, a Daur clad in the Firebrand Crew’s jacket was trying to un-fudge one of the ISS Veilburner II’s landing thrusters after they took a few blasts recently and a large Nepleslian woman who had been seen moving cargo a moment ago was currently nowhere to be found – the crowd was your standard mix of folks who lived outside of galactic borders, beings of nearly every conceivable shape and size each ran around with their own things to do. One such individual was a seven foot something Nepleslian man with metal components shining through the patchwork of scars that was his face, a red eye that glowed something fierce as he bartered with an Iroma over a heavy looking energy rifle - another was a shady figure moving about the crowds, swift as the wind and as gentle as the nearby river as their scaled hands reached into the occasional stranger's pocket, teal-hued eyes on alert in case they needed to absconder at a moment's notice.

Just your standard day in independant space then...

To further reinforce the fact this was very much an independant port, a window on a nearby building was suddenly broken as a Geshrin woman was thrown through it - hitting the dirt hard and causing a plume of dust to scatter into the air, the crowd hushed for a moment as a sturdy-looking 'spacer vaulted through the broken window and broke some shards underneath the weight of their boots.

The white noise from the crowd toned down a few octaves as the Geshrin and the 'Spacer exchanged a few glares, some folks in the crowd getting ready to run as others reached for both concealed and proudly displayed weapons incase something was about to go down. Though a few moments later and the mechanical figure reached a hand down that the Geshrin happily accepted, being hauled upright before the two figures embraced and something was muttered between them - the crowd collectively calmed down whether they wanted to get involved or not and continued about their day as the 'Spacer and the Geshrin moved back indoors.

"Well that happened, what do you think Grelish~?" Vinni asked as the armoured fox-like captain hauled themselves upright, modulated voice and protective plating only furthering the mystery of the captain's gender - but Vinni looked around, not finding the ship's IDSOLian woman anywhere, somewhat concerned as they stood atop the pallet of missiles and called out to the crowd.

"Has anyone seen a tall woman with a big club?" there were a few dismissive looks from the throng of people that caused the little captain's shoulders to dip a fraction - Grelish would probably be close by but nobody wanted to talk apparently, so Vinni did what anybody would do, the genderless thing pointed into the crowd at somebody randomly in an attempt to rope them into the situation as Pietrov continued to try and fix the thruster.

"You, you look like you can see well with those peepers - did you see a big nep lass with a slightly smaller stick walk past?" the captain demanded, standing on the tips of their toes to try and grab this random person's collar.
 
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Market Area

Sakura had found every item on her list, except one. We'll she'd found a small amount of it but it seemed no one wanted to give up enpugh milk to last a whole crew for a year in one transaction, then again they didn't know it was mostly for just one person. On her way back the neko decided to stop into a small tucked away place and grab a funny looking necklace with bits of strange wood and stone on it, according to the merchant it warded off evil spirits.

"I mean it's not like they exist but it looks funny." Had been her entire thought process before purchasing the item for what was definitely a rip off price, luckily she'd been smart enough to use the ship expenses to cover that so she wouldn't have to lose any money over it. Same with a new set of clothes she bought herself, and also a hat with a feather in it she'd gotten for Zoe just because she could.

Eventually she arrived back at the ship with plenty of cooking supplies, a portion of the milk requested, and a bunch of odd trinkets, none of which had been paid for from her own pocket although that was a dont ask dont tell situation. "Heya bushy, got everything except the milk, Im guessing they didn't show up?" She said with the same uncaring yet upbeat tone.
 
Morant had not been a friend so far to the independently employed Wylde. He had run a few minor jobs and served as a freelance middleman for various parties looking to sell questionable goods. This had left him barely getting by in regards to eating, lodging and maintenance.

Today found him strolling through the ports on the look out for more work when it seemed to have found him instead. This armored, short thing first yelled at him then grabbed his collar for attention. Wylde didn't take it too seriously although the armor showed it was probably best not to antagonize this person. He called up his most helpful tone, "Sure, sure, I saw them," though he had no idea what this person was talking about. He patted their gauntlets in reassurance, "Just calm a bit okay friend? I can help for sure."

He took a small step aside to not hinder traffic any more than they already were, gently guiding Vinni with him. "Now listen, I will go grab them for you but I will need a little help for travel expenses. It's just a precaution of course, in case they need help or something." Wyle left the offer in the air.
 
Market Area -> Shady basement

Being cooped up on a ship for so long made the relaxing stroll through the port so much more exciting. People moved, talked. The independant port was bustling with activity. The straps of her sheathed swords clung tightly to her body. The large, muscled elf found her eye wandering. There were people bartering, buying goods and provisions. But with a passing glance, Zoeichi took note of the less than legal and morally dubious bussiness that also thrived. Small plastic bags being passed around. Open carry and extortion. Though one thing caught the elf's remaining good eye. Leaning over to her companion, she bumped her behind against Sakura's and gave her a soft smirk. "Still have half an hour. I'll meet you back at the ship," she stated with a chuckle, suddenly turning on her feet and moving into a run down alleyway. And like that, she had disappeared.

What had caught her attention was a Nepleslian who had emerged in the alleyway, with bloody bandages wrapped around his hands. A zipped hoodie that hung loosely over his muscled body. And fresh bruises and small nicks on his face. Enough indication of an underground fighting ring. And yet again, being cooped up on a ship for too long showed. Tensions ran high with cabin fever. So why not make some money on the side and cut loose.

Pushing the door open she saw the Nepleslian leave in, Zoeichi ducked down into the basement. Being greeted by the waft of smoke and liquor. Sweat and blood. A deep snort as she took in the scent.

Stepping through the countless gamblers and spectators, she pulled up her wallet and stepped into the empty ring. Tossing it on the floor and cracking her knuckles as a silent invitation.

The murmuring and chattering she heard as she entered had died down and a silence now hung in the arena. "Sure, I'll give 'er a go," someone from te crowd suddenly piped up. Her challenge had been met. Undoing the straps of her swords, Zoeichi handed it over to one of the waitstaff. Who nodded and backed off again.

Rolling her shoulder, the elf stepped forward. Raising her fists as her opponent, by now, was also ready for the scuffle. Money changed hands and bets were closed. The wallet she had tossed down at her own feet was already taken away by the organisers, counted and determined what comission she'd get if she won.

A split second passed. The loud ding of a bell being hit, concluding the start of the fight.

It was a quick and short scuffle. Trading blows and measuring eachother's strength, though soon, Zoeichi got the upper hand by a straight jab for the man's nose. Her foot hooked behind his and pulled his feet away. Causing a loud thud as he smacked down on his back. Turning on her feet, Zoeichi slammed her arm down as she fell. Smacking her chiseled tricep against his nose once more. A loud snap resounding as she sat up. Glancing over at her opponent. Who raised a shivering hand. Tapping the hand, Zoeichi gave him a warm smile, which was returned by a faint one of his. A short, wordless back-and-forth between the two warriors. A mutual thanks, respectful and grateful for the opportunity to face eachother. Zoeichi gave a soft tap against his cheek as the man finally passed out. Slowly pushing herself to her feet again. Wiping a line of blood from her busted eyebrow.

Outside the ship

Returning back, with a gazue wedged between her eyepatch, a thick, busted lip and several bruises, Zoeichi seemed to be all smiles and relaxation. Her shoulders slumped, contrary to what usually may've been spotted. High, tense and ready to pounce at a moment's notice. Having completely lost the riled up demeanour she now wore. She got to cut loose, she had beaten up, got beaten up. But in the end, made money out of the venture. And had made a friend in her opponents.

Raising a hand to wave at Vinni, Zoeichi moved back to Sakura's side. Helping with whatever the pale-skinned Neko was doing if she could.
 
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Veilburner II

Sakura had spent most of her time since returning, putting away the various items she'd purchased for the ship as well as her own personal purchases, she hadn't heard back from their captain yet and didn't know if they were going to cope with the lack of milk or have a full on temper tantrum in which case there was no hope for any of them.

"Welcome back, you look like you had fun somewhere." Sakura commented slyly noting Zoe's appearance with a sideways glance. She knew what their elf crew member was like, always rearing to go and looking to challenge bigger and badder opponents when she could so it wasn't a surprise she managed to find someone to trade punches with. "If you're looking to help out, could you let Bushy know that dinner will be a little earlier tonight, and also that these supplies will last us for the next month or so before it becomes urgent." Sakura said with a playful flick of her tail in Zoe's direction before turning back to her inventory duties.

"Oh and then if you're still bored there's plenty to count and put away here."
 
Veilburner II

Vinni looked up into Wylde's golden eyes thoughtfully for a moment before the fox-tailed captain's attention was grabbed by two of the crew returning, the sight of Sakura with her bounty and Zoe with her... latest injuries - while Vinni understood the Elf was a rather rough woman with a certain fire the captain just hoped it wouldn't get them into too much trouble.

Though at the mention of the nickname 'Bushy' their beady little volumetric eyes narrowed towards the cook, sending the grey-skinned Neko a mental message that carried a hint of annoyance as it was received ~I thought we agreed you wouldn't call me that in front of the others...~

"Nah they didn't show up... supplies look good though so go yell at Pietrov to help you put them away," the armoured, seemingly genderless thing offered as a response as they released Wylde from their grasp and pointed toward the ship mechanic's lower half sticking out of a conduit, his own fuzzy tail was poking out and whipping around absentmindedly as the Daur worked.

The Captain decided it would maybe be better to not ask Zoe how she got so beat up, instead giving the strong woman a wave in kind as Vinni gave some advice.

"Hey Zo, do you reckon you can move the missiles back into the ship? okay thanks," Vinni half-ordered, beaming toward the elf happily with those blue little eyes before remembering this stranger said he knew where Grelish was.

"Oh right ahem, buddy I'm not just going to give you money but hold up a few moment and you can show me where my Nep is yes?" the modulated, synthetic voice asked - hoping this man would be reasonable at least.

"If you don't rob us then I might reward you."
 
Veilburner II

~In my defense I didn't know she was so close behind, but don't pretend you don't like the attention.~ Sakura sent back to Vinni with her equivalent of a digital smirk and wink, messing with people happened to be one of her strong suites which was owed to her interesting personality and their captain happened to be the current target. Although the neko pouted a little when she realised the captain had taken her elf friend away, she didn't dislike the little foxy looking boy but the language barrier didn't help too much, and apparently he was either a really slow learner or was just trying to avoid picking up on trade.

"Hey I had her first captain, don't go taking my helpers away like that!"

With a flick of annoyance she swished her tail and sauntered over to the pointed at technician. "Hey, cap said you can help me put all this crap away, you got a minute?"
 
Veilburner II

Vinni's tail puffed up a little bit at the response but the captain didn't send back a response as they were too busy focusing on the guy who said he knew where their large Nepleslian friend had gotten off to, as the Neko entered the ship though she would see Pietrov's lower half disappear before it was replace with his top half - small stains of grease smudged the Daur's face as he looked at her and muttered something in Tinacen.

The captain had picked him up a cheap and nasty translator at their previous stop though it had become apparent Pietrov was not fond of wearing it so the thing had currently been discarded - he understood Trade as much as anyone though for some reason this rage-filled fox boy refused to wear it constantly.

Begrudgingly he reached into a pocket to retrieve the thing though, holding it to the side of his throat as the voice of a Nordic woman came from the device. "Do have I to?" the voice asked, though it was clear even the Daur wished the box was better at its job as he rolled his large, golden eyes in disgust - giving a shrug to Sakura.
 
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Veilburner II

Sakura grinned madly while simultaneously flinching at the voice that was projected towards her, it was funny hearing such an intense, and not to mention feminine voice come from this small little foxboy but the neko also felt a little sympathy towards him with what he had to put up with. "Well no, you don't have to if you don't want to... But it'd make me very happy." She said with a wink in his direction. It was definitely a long shot trying to charm this fluffy ball of rage and grease but she hadn't tried yet so who knows, maybe he had a thing for cats.
 
Veilburner II

Pietrov's golden eyes narrowed at Sakura's jade orbs, as if he was intently studying the Neko for some kind of hidden motive - he was silent for a few moments as the Daur thoughtfully scratched a screwdriver against the side of his head, finally huffing and holding the translator up to the side of his neck to speak once more.

"If I do, you'll away-from alone me?" Pietrov growled as he considered crushing the box and throwing the remains into a nearby river swallowing hard as he thought of different words to try and make the feminine voice get his point across better.

"Will stop annoy me if I do?" he said this time with that accent the Daur had grown to hate, though there was a certain triumphant look about the inverted fox this time as he waited for Sakura to speak.
 
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Veilburner II

"Sure, anything you want buddy, I can throw in some extra helpings at dinner too if you like." Sakura continued in an ever increasing sweet tone to aid her cause, she knew the original crew were a little weary of her after she'd just shown up one day and almost tried stealing their ship so most times she entered conversation it was on the defensive.

"And hey I can get you something special next time we stop for supplies too if you like, perhaps maybe say, a new translator?" And with an almost evil glint in her eye she played her trump card, given his situation and obvious fondness for the current box the prospect of a new translation device ought to interest him, although she was also considering just buying him a book to read so he could just speak trade too. His little voice speaking their weird language was one thing but one day she wanted to hear him speak trade without a device on his neck.
 
"You bet," she answered with a chuckle. Flicking out a golden lighter and a cigar box. It seemed to be an epensive brand. "Managed to buy this for kickin' ass and takin' names." Pushing the box back into her pack and adjusting her sheaths. Zoeichi flicked the lighter open and let out a soft purr of contentment as the flame flickered to life. It was more a miniature flamethrower, rather than a lighter.

"Ladies, ladies," Zoeichi turned on her feet as she pointed her rigid back towards both Sakura and Vinni. Arms held up as she lowered into a pose. Flexing both her arms and the muscles of her neck and back. Smoothly outlined, veins still pumping and muscles bulging just that bit more due to the earlier strain she went through. "Enough o' me to go around." She remarked as she flexed. Before turning on her feet again with a grin. "I'll help the Cap first, then I'll find'ya where exactly?" Zoeichi asked with a gentle smile.

Regardless of Sakura's answer, the elf moved up the ramp of the ship. Pulling the loader from the dust. With a arm on the backseat, she backed up and turned the small freight vehicle out. Barreling down the ramp with no hands on the wheel. Though using her knee to steer. Plucking a cigar from the box and lighting it. "Pietrov!" She beamed happily after a soft puffs. Tossing the box ontop of the crate of missiles. Picking the cigar from her lips. She leaned back in the seat and began to line up with the crate. "These things are premium quality, come and get one. My treat!" She chimed happily. "You down some Warpfire tonight? I've got an axe to grind. And I've drinks 'n these badboys." She invited the daur with a grin. He'd beat her almost always. But little did Pietrov know Zoe had been looking up guides and playing in her downtime.

Finally loading up the missiles, Zoe put the cigar back in her mouth. Taking several content puffs before she began backing up the ramp. Slow enough for the Daur to actually take her up on her first invite.
 
Veilburner II

The prospect of a new translator made the fox-boy's golden orbs light up with delight as he quickly tucked in and dropped, landing almost perfectly on all fours just in time for Zoeichi to enter with the crew's cursed munitions - though Pietrov scoffed in disgust and waved away the cigars he did, for maybe the first time since the elf and the neko had joined the ship, not look as pissed off as usual.

If you looked hard enough there might have even been some fondness there, enough to distract the Daur from noticing his translator was falling until the polymer box made a loud crunch against the ships' deck and then an electronic hiss - there was a look of hope as he picked it up and tested the device, it turned into surprise as a new voice came out.

"Testing," came a burly voice that was way too deep for the fox of diminutive height, though the accent of some eastern european man did sound faintly similar to when the boy cursed in his native tongue it was clear he liked it so much more than the previous setting.

"We will put shit away," he spoke, turning back to the elf as he continued, "Then find Nepleslian with big stick - and play games after." Pietrov continued, almost taking pride in the commanding tone he now possessed that would seem so different to his previous synthetic one, he looked back toward Sakura.

"Then you buy me box voice in next stop," the Daur continued with his head held high, the light catching on his jacket's golden badge as he finally turned back to Zoeichi.

"But you help too, big strong and all that."

It was far from perfect, but for now at least the crew's violently misunderstood mechanic was content with it - hell he was grinning madly as the Daur began to heft an armful of supplies that looked too big for him.
 
"Zoe you're still as bad as before, despite not seeing you for the last few months you still take every chance to show off your muscles don't you." Sakura teased as she went off to unpack the supplies with the small fox boy. "I think you know where to find me, I only have one major skill after all but it helps me make some tasty treats." The neko said with a swish of her tail.

"You got it foxy, now lets go do some lightning fast unpacking so I can get to cooking some great food for all of us huh?" She said, winking at him again as she began lugging up the most recent supplies to join a few other scattered crates around the kitchen and storeroom area.
 
Wylde's shoulders sagged just a little as he realized this thing before him was easily smarter than your average port mook. He had no idea who this person wanted and honestly did not really even care, he just figured he would shoot for some easy cash. He quickly started to look around him to see if there was any way to slip out of this mess but saw very few options.

He plied his most disarming smile, "I mean, really I can go get him, her, it, them?" Crap, he thought, what was this thing looking for again, an ork with a chub? A man in a pub? no wait, it was a woman with a club. "Your looking for that lady with the stick, I will go get her. I won't even charge for it, really would I steal from such a fine... warrior?" He said this with a little too much of a questioning tone for his liking. He really was down on his luck, his charm was clearly fading due to this damned planet.

"She was this way," he pointed off randomly and made to go off in that direction.
 
"I work for it on a daily basis, I'm allowed to do just that, bragging and showing off," the elf retorted with a smirk, before rolling her shoulders and getting to the task at hand, of dragging the massive crate inside before unpacking could happen.

"Put shit away, find big stick Nepleslian, beat your ass on Warpfire, got it," Zoeichi chimed with a grin she couldn't surpress, both due to her bravado, as well as the new voice. In her opinion, it suited the daur far more than the previous setting. Though, it was still quite funny to see nonetheless. Such a deep and burly voice for someone as lithe and little as Pietrov.

Beginning to loosen the straps, Zoeichi began to shoulder a crate of missiles, putting a second one under her arm. "Shit, still no buyer," she stated. "Oi! Cap'n! Fix this shit once, will ya. I'm not too happy to be snoozing ontop of shit that takes out mechs."
 
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Veilburner II

Vinni's helmeted noggin tilted sideways again as they regarded Wylde with a faint sense of confusion at the whole warrior thing... then the captain remembered they had about seven guns hanging off of their person in various places and gave a modulated giggle before moving to speak with this golden-eyed man. "Ehhh more Captain than Warrior I'm afraid, Vinni Firebrand and their motley crew at your service - but if you know where our lovely Grelish is then that is great!" the fox-tailed thing chirped, genderless voice hitching up with excitement toward the end.

Whatever the Captain may have been beneath all those layers turned sideways to face the ship's muscle-bound elf as a question was asked of the titular crew's leader, huffing out a breath through the helmet's rebreather system before answering miss Sasken-Coburg. "You sleep next to them... but yeah I'm trying my best to get rid of them, maybe the next person will actually buy them?" the fox-tailed thing finished before turning back to Wylde with one last thing to add, "but yeah if you help us I'll pay you or something I guess, how's 'at sound?"

Wylde's golden eyes may have spotted what Vinni currently had their back to, some hundred meters or so away was a seven foot tall figure with blue ink running down one broad arm in a rather tribal manner, a large studded club rested over her back and the blonde woman's face barely poked out of her hooded cloak - it seemed plausible.

Meanwhile in the cargo bay Pietrov was busy trying to pick up a bundle that was clearly too large for the angry Daur who now spoke with a comically manly voice for a lad of diminutive height - having been raised on a planet with heavier gravity he had an easier time than you'd expect but the awkwardness of what he was carrying caused the boy to stumble and fall onto his rump with a thud. Quite frankly Pietrov still didn't understand why the cat kept winking at him and acting so sultry after all his clear disinterest, but right now he was more concerned with standing up before anyone had a chance to mock him - glaring daggers at the two women from his adorably large, golden eyes as he spoke.

"...food would be good, I'm starved and I can't put the elf in her place on an empty stomach," came that burly Kutz voice as Pietrov tried to play off the whole incident as he hefted the bundle once more and started moving it into storage.
 
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"Well, we can make food when we're done moving this stuff out the way, and getting the food stored away so that I can actually make something out of it." Sakura said, moving over to offer a hand to carry the box for the Daur, "don't worry little guy I can do this one, how about you just grab some of the uh, the smaller ones." The neko said, smiling at him trying not to come across as rude about his shorter form.

"Not to burst your bubble buddy, but I don't think you'll be able to put Zoe in her place anytime soon, I know her a lot better than you do and she's quite the warrior." Sakura chuckled, "But I'm flattered you think my food would give you such amazing powers." The grey neko finished, stealing a glance at the elf as she sauntered away, it had been too long since she'd caught up with Zoe, especially given the chance of them ending up in the same crew again for almost 0,
 
"Well I can certainly help," Wylde replied as he grinned looking upon the missing person. Looks like things were swinging his way after all.

Another detail caught his attention,"Did that elf just say something about missiles? Are you looking to unload some cause I have been here a while, it won't be the best prices but I am sure I can help you move them.

"Regardless though I think we want to go this way, I am positive she was this way," he directed Vinni off on a diagonal path that did not lead directly to the large woman he had seen. After all, they probably would not pay him if it were that easy.
 
"Well~" Zoeichi had to chime up. "Normally, yes. And that doesn't really assure me either, but you've clearly not seen the security footage a week back," the elf argued with a grin.

Focussing back on unloading, Zoeichi just pulled up several crates lifted above her shoulder. Pulling another crate under her arm. Sauntering over to the designated places to store them. The elf however, stopped in place as Pietrov glared at both herself and Sakura, a grin spreading across her face. "I'm not sayin' anything~" she chirped happily, before moving over to unload the crates, grunting at the strain. "Big words," she hummed, slamming the last container properly in place. "Better not snack, though, you'll need all the space to eat them words."
 
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