[hr][hr][center][h1][b][i][color=f9ad81]Foy Coiffeur[/color][/i][/b][/h1][img]https://snippetstudios.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/a-million-ways-to-die-in-the-west-640x350.png [/img][hr][b][color=f9ad81]Location:[/color][/b] Cargo Hold [hr][/center]

	[color=f9ad81]"I should like to extend my sincerest regrets, my dear Dr. Moreau. It is an act of resourceful gymnastics, getting fresh butter aboard an Alliance Patrol Vessel. Unless of course, one brings it one's self. Even then, a gentleman must resort to bribery to secure storage in the galley's freezer. No, perhaps if we manage to set down upon our native Farraday, or a rock with a more civilized epicurean standard, I would be positively giddy to procure some fine, flaxen, Sugared Butter Shavings for ourselves." [/color]

	The call for his childhood friend sounded through the Retribution's PA system, urging him to report to Cargo. Taken by morbid curiosity and a desire to remain with Jahosafat for the time being, Foy fell into step alongside the similarly well-dressed individual. The walk was short; it was a smaller vessel, after all, but it seemed just a touch longer than usual due to a distinct lack of crew. The fully staffed Retribution was cleared down to essential personnel only since his ebon friend boarded, a topic which he intended to discuss with the good(?) Doctor before too long. 

	Foy was pleased to see that all requisitioned cargo was stacked, neatly and orderly, onboard. Everything seemed to be in order, nothing out of place, but that one huge, extra crate drew his attention. Not that it was trying very hard not to be noticed; it was mammoth in comparison to the individual boxes around it and surrounded by some of the larger goons that the Alliance could gather from Persephone. The unusual color of black was only slightly off-putting and ever so slightly prophetic. Jahosafat seemed particularly pleased to see the container. Meanwhile, Foy wasn't sure whether to be wary of it, as those Alliance strongmen were who beat a hasty retreat, or merely content that his good friend was happy about its arrival. 

	For the meantime, he chose the latter. But it, like a couple other things, raised questions. [color=f9ad81]"You know, Josie... it is very excellent to see you again, unexpected as it is. I must confess a growing sense that Providence (or some Admiral, at the very least) has something laying in wait."[/color]

	It was true, this scenario looked awfully strange for a bread-and-butter run to Whitefall. His presence on board the ship, for anyone who actually knew him, was a serious red flag. Another big one was his old working partner from the Agency, blue gloves and all. Jahosafat, as well. This made three people on board a small ship, now with minimal crew, that could receive outside instruction at any second and make life on this boat [i][b]very[/b][/i] interesting. All the same, friend or no, too direct an inquiry might be hazardous to Foy's health. 

	[color=f9ad81]"I am beginning to find all of this intrigue quite cumbersome, sir. Whenever you are able, you shall [i]have[/i] to explain to me the importance of this box; it is obviously a contrivance that has appreciably piqued your gumption. But that aside, the interim goings on aboard the Retribution remind me of a darker period in recent history. I daresay, I would expect to acquire new orders any hour now - or finally get my full and genuine ones. For the now, sir, I do have items that would alleviate the cravings of your sweet tooth, and that lovely stash of Brandy, if you would care to join me for a snort."[/color]

	At that moment, the call to secure all personnel came over the PA, temporarily halting Foy's plans for toasting with his fellow Farradayan. [color=f9ad81]"But not the now, it appears. My good sir, we should find a quiet spot and strap in, forthwith! The Grav Boot and the local gravity have the occasion to wrestle with one another when entering or leaving the atmosphere."[/color]

[hr][hr][center][h1][b][i][color=008080]William Harper[/color][/i][/b][/h1][img]http://www.equilibriumfans.com/EquilibriumStill0100-ClericJohnPreston(ChristianBale)MD.jpg[/img][hr][b][color=teal]Location:[/color][/b] Bridge [hr][/center]

	Finally. It was less than the hour provided by the Captain that Lieutenant Harper was advised that they were fully stocked with all supplies requisitioned, medical and other, and were ready for prep for departure. His diagnostic program had trilled to completion a number of minutes ago, leaving a soft but repeating beep to indicate its status. Everything was running well within engineering safety parameters, no difficulties detected elsewhere. 

	With any luck, the Retribution's Medical Officer would take it as a positive sign, and tuck away his organ harvesting equipment now that they had Med Bay's pantries fully stocked with skin bonding agents and anti-inflamatories. At least, William hoped so. 

	The shiny and new Flight Officer hailed the Port Controller, awaiting response. He released the docking clamps and began startup procedure, running deftly through the steps with practiced precision, one after the other. Were one to look closely at the man, they would see his lips barely moving, as if reciting what he was doing from memory. His nimble hands fell upon the controls comfortably nonetheless - one may merely conclude that it was the jitters associated with firing up a new ship for the first time. Just following, the Eavesdown Port Authority answered his hail, prompting Liam to respond. 

	[color=teal]"Received, Control. This is the [u][i]I.A.V. Retribution[/i][/u], requesting queue for departure offworld. We will be ready in Standard."[/color] Request processed, he pulled up the ship's PA, announcing himself to what remained of the crew for the first time. [color=teal]"Attention, Flight Officer Harper speaking. We have been cleared for departure in approximately seven minutes. Secure all personnel in that time, and remain until safely offworld. That is all."[/color]

	From the helm, William couldn't help but give a partially suppressed smile. It had been a while since he had done this, for the Alliance or any other ship, in quite some time. It amazed him how readily it flooded back to his mind, and how his hands hadn't forgotten a thing over his time... away. He really enjoyed it, the power of flight, the freedom it represented. It was nothing short of irony, given his situation. He would be away from Persephone in a few short minutes. The docking clamps were already loose. His next [b]huge[/b] hurdle was about to be overcome. The moment was tense, but hopeful. 

	Now if they would just let him at those engines...