[center][h2]”We’re Gonna Need A Bigger Galley”[/h2][/center]

[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/NDubquz.jpg[/img]
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Part 1 of a JP/collab from [@Xandrya], [@Herald], [@PatientBean], [@Gunther], [@Theyra], and [[@sail3695]

“Listen up, everyone.”  Yuri’s voice echoed throughout the ship.  “This is the first mate.  Captain’s called for a meeting of all passengers and crew.  Be in the galley in ten minutes.”  

Abby couldn’t wait.  While they’s moments she didn’t mind jest layin’ around, never felt bein’ aboard a workin’ boat was time or place.  She hustled up the steps, bare feet hardly makin’ a sound as she climbed.  Weren’t til she set foot in tha galley that she conjured a few more stitches ‘o’ clothes mighta been called for.  Weren’t nothin’ wrong  with her sleepin’ togs…anyone’s been on China Doll seen her eatin’ breakfast in boxers an’ her [b]BLAME THE DOG[/b]  tank top.

[i]Nah,[/i] she reckoned as she grabbed a bottle ‘o’ Cap’n Bob’s, [i]guess I’m showin’ off a few bruises today.[/i]  Abby took ‘er reg’lar chair an’ sat down, foldin’ ‘er legs tribal style beneath ‘er afore takin’ a deep swallow of cola.

Quill had been sitting on her bed, pouring over some of the previous files she had obtained when she heard Yuri’s voice over the comms. She set her documents down as she listened. A shipwide meeting? That could mean a plethora of things. It would be standard to have meetings for the crew, but to include the passengers of the ship also? She had to admit, she was intrigued.

She put her documents away safely before she checked herself. It wouldn’t do to meet up with the entire ship looking anything less than ideal. She opted for a black silk top with a scarlet red skirt that hit just above her knee. And, of course, black heels. Everyone needs a statement piece. Satisfied she looked presentable, she left her room and made her way to the galley, thankful for the previous tour she received from the Captain.

Yijun had been in his room, lying down on his bed with his hands behind his head thinking about things. Mainly his next move if Pelorum proves to be a problem for him. That was when he heard the shipwide call for a meeting. What could that mean, he thought. Well better see what the captain wants to talk about. Getting up quickly from the bed and making sure his pistol was firmly concealed on his person.  . 

He made his way to the galley. Made easier with the tour that Yuri gave him. Wearing a simple attire, a gray shirt with white pants. Nothing fancy as that was not his style and liked to keep things simple when he wanted to. Not like he has to impress anyone on this ship.    

A sigh escaped her lips. Imani was sitting cross-legged on the deck, a small, square mirror propped up against the bulkhead. She had it angled so she could see the strands of hair she was cutting. It was indeed an impulsive move, but she figured a fringe cut would suit her. Half the time, her impulses did right by her; needless to say, she hoped this was one of those instances.
 
"...aaand done."
 
Putting the scissors down, Imani slowly moved her head side to side. She used her fingertips to mess around with her hair, failing to see any major concerns then. Satisfied, she uncrossed her legs and got herself to her feet, the red and gold print cheongsam dress flowing down to her ankles. Not feeling quite social yet, Imani wasn't all that thrilled to attend a meeting, especially since she was nothing but a passenger. 

Alana [i]was[/i] on her way to seeing Abby to make sure she was feeling better all over, but her plans changed. Once the announcement was made, Alana turned on her heel to retrace her steps, the datapad swinging along within her hand. She supposed she had the easy option of asking Abby those few pertinent questions after the meeting, keeping her back once everyone went about their business once more. Cal was also on her mind, but she was none too happy about that mess. She'd cleared him and aside from a generic warning to stay safe, she refrained from further nagging. Some things simply couldn't be helped. 

Edina’s eyes lifted, finding the speaker from which Yuri’s disembodied voice came into her cabin.  She’d only just returned from her errand, and empty handed, to boot.  Capital City was…expensive…too much so for a woman who attempted to stretch her coin to travel so far that Andres would never find her.  [i]Just have to get Abby’s book when we reach Pelorum,[/i] she thought as she checked the time.

After a quick glance at one of the lave mirrors, her footsteps brought her to the stairway…and a woman she’d not met.  “Hello,” Edina offered an easy smile to the attractive blonde.  “New passenger?”

Quill was half paying attention when she heard a woman’s voice. Quill glanced up to see a rather attractive woman in front of her. If she had to guess, the other woman was a passenger. “Hello. Yes, I got on the ship recently. What about yourself? Passenger or crew?”

As she waited for the woman’s response, Quill gestured forward, allowing the woman to take the lead towards their destination.

Tommy rose out of the pilot’s seat, an old printed series of word puzzles and mathematical exercises left abandoned on the consoles as he brushed the last crumbs of a hastily eaten meal from his shirt. A smile darted across his face as Yuri finished his announcement. He had been looking forward to this for a bit now and was eager to have a sit down with the rest of the crew and their guests aboard the China Doll. As he caught his reflection in a monitor, he lamented the fact he had forgotten to shave again, but hoped the Captain wouldn’t mind overmuch. 

After all, he was new here and still had much to learn about the China Doll, her rules, and her crew. Besides, it had been far too long since he had a decent cup of coffee and longer still since he had had partners to converse with. Patting the pilot’s seat as though bidding the ship to wish him luck, he started walking towards the galley.

“I guess I’m a passenger.”  The smile translated to brown eyes that regarded Quill with unabashed admiration.  “I’m Edina Wyman,” she thought of offering her hand, but decided such a greeting might be awkward while both were climbing the stairs.  “I’ve been aboard for a few runs.  Not quite sure where I’m bound,” she said as they reached the upper deck, “but China Doll’s been a pretty good place to stay while I figure it out.”

This new woman was a master of first impressions, from the subtly stunning choice of apparel to highlights in both her hair and cosmetics.  She carried the package with a relaxed sense of grace that artfully did away with any self conscious doubt for those in her company.  When her gaze fell upon Edina, the feeling conveyed was that the rather plainly dressed  woman was bestowed the whole of her focus…a nonverbal affirmation that warmed the soul.  She offered her hand.  “It’s nice to meet you.”

[i][b]...to be continued…[/b][/i]