Common Area - Firefly Class Transport
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A few stairs lead into this space. It is spacious, containing a kitchen area, eating area, and place to lounge all in one. Cabinets and alcoves provide room for storage.
Two support beams have been given an opportunity to hold a flat plank of a table between them, thus serving as a primary staging area for both preperation and delivery of the food to the table. Behind this sits another counter top, this one with several cooled storage units above it. To the left lies the sink itself.
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[Cole]
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A small boy, looking a little over four and a half feet tall, with furly reddish-brown hair that likes to stick up in the back. He has hazel eyes, and a light dusting of freckles across his nose and cheeks. All in all he looks like your typical kid, probably about 12 years old. Draped over his slim frame is a grey t-shirt with white text splayed across the front declaring, 'I'm out of bed, what more do you want?'. Over his left shoulder is slung a red and black iNGear backpack with a coke can nestled into one of it's outer pockets. Plain dark blue shorts made of some kind of faux silk end just above severely scabbed knees. Covering his socks are a pair of faded blue and white sneakers, poorly laced, stringently displaying what was probably a Keds logo about a year ago, although it's tough to be sure now.
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Ahhh, the joy of freshly washed clothes. Even Cole's knapsack looks shinier now, although his sneakers still leave a lot to be desired. With a spring in his step, he strides gleefully into the common area, grinning at Mei Li. "Mornin', Doc," he greets cheerfully. "Anything cookin'?"

Mei Li is, as usual, in the process of making coffee as that seems to be the beverage of choice on board for most of the crew. Turning her head at the sound of Cole's entry, she flashes him a bright smile. "There will be in a moment," she tells him with cheer. "What do you feel like? Protein, protein or.. protein?"

"Tough choice," Cole responds with a deadpan look and a grim nod of the head. Slinging his knapsack onto the table, he shrugs and says, "Protein it is, I guess." He points up. "Hey, do you think the bridge computer could handle a game or two? I mean, it's not bein' used for anything important right now, right?"

Mei Li chuckles at that and then begins diving into the food compartments, digging out various and sundries to add to the main of the meal. Peering into the fridge, she responds, "I don't have a problem with it myself but you might want to double check with Mister Jace or Nathan first. What kind of games do you have?" Arms laden with what vegetables she could find, she moves to the counter top, depositing them there.

Cole shrugs. "I wrote a couple of the classics... tic-tac-toe, chess, velocity, arturaco, those sorts of things. Mostly I just write my own stuff, though. Puzzle and riddle stuff. One time I even made a combat simulator of sorts."

Mei Li grabs a knife to begin chopping. She pauses though, her hazel eyes lifting to study the boy, a brow arching. Visibly impressed, she gives a lop-sided grin. "You need to speak with Mister Valsh," she advises, cutting into a root. "I think he'd be interested in chatting with you. He counts himself as a bit of a computer expert. It sounds to me as though he is not the only one on board. Where did you learn to do that, Mister Cole?"

Cole's cheeks redden slightly and his face turns down a bit, but he shrugs, and in a cavalier tone replies, "You ever been stuck in a four meter shuttle cockpit for a six month haul with only your mom for company? The computer was like my best friend." He gets up from the table, heading over to her side. "Can I help?"

Mei Li is more than a little amused by the young man. "I can't say that I have. My mother didn't know how to fly a shuttle," she replies teasingly. To his request she nods, her smile managing to widen. "I'm going to assume that as resourceful as you are you know how to wield a knife without slicing off a digit?" The woman slides a few veggies his way. "What was she like?" she asks softly.

Cole picks up the knife diligent and ready to start the task... until the last question comes, as it's so unexpected that he nearly /does/ sever that digit. Taking a moment to compose himself, he starts to chop again, several seconds into it before he dares try to answer. "She was... she picked things up quick." He snickers at some memory of the past. "Luxury cruiser, little tiny shuttle... she could go from one to the other and back in an hour and it was like she didn't even realize she'd gained anything." With a sniffle, he wistfully adds, "Or lost anything." The chopping sounds get a little heavier.

Mei Li listens, her own knife slicing rather quickly, her moves efficient. Her eyes remain on her task, pausing to gaze over at him at the sniffle. "If you don't wish to talk about it.. We don't have to. I'd like to hear about her and.. well.. you and what happened though. But only if you're ready and willing, bao bei," she murmurs gently.

Cole stops working, pushing an idle strand of hair back with his free hand as he swivels his head towards Mei Li, a melancholy grin aimed at her. "What's a 'bao bei'?" he asks curiously.

Mei Li laughs, a faint flush tinging her cheeks. "It means 'sweetheart'," she explains. "My mother always called us that. I think it was because she could never keep us straight." A wink is given and the woman resumes her chopping. "If it bothers you though, I'll not call you that again."

Cole turns back to the chopping as well. After a few seconds, he casually remarks, "I don't mind it so much, I guess."

Mei Li smiles at that, perhaps a bit pleased. "I promise not to say it in front of the other crew," she tells him, lowering her voice slightly. Her veggies are shoved aside, well chopped and sliced, and she reaches for the block of protein. "Next job we get, I'm buying strawberries," she promises herself, the words uttered loudly enough to be heard. "Where are you from? Originally?"

Cole scratches the back of his neck. "You probably wouldn't believe me," he admits, pushing his own chopped veggies aside and, after putting down the knife, picks up a piece of onion and munches on it. (If Mei Li is the type to notice such things, it's worth noting that Cole's knife action reveals him to be left-handed.)

Mei Li grins at the reply, slicing into the protein as she murmurs, "You'd be surprised what I'd believe. Try me, Mister Cole. I promise not to call you a liar." The words are offered playfully, her hazel eyes shifting to watch him as he nibbles.

Cole nods, moving over to the heater to turn it on. "Well... I was, uhh, 'nonterrestrially birthed' is the legal term, I think. But our home was at the Conchillion. On Londinum."

Mei Li laughs at the term he uses, wrapping up the rest of the protein and placing it in the fridge. "I have never been to Londinum or the Conchillion. Do you remember much of it?" she asks, watching him turn on the warmer, a faint note of concern on her features until she's certain he doesn't burn himself.

Cole doesn't recognize the paternal concern on Mei Li's face, his own brow consterning a moment when he turns around and notices it. But he doesn't comment, instead focusing on the question she asked. "Londinum is... well, paradise, really. Food on every plate, a roof over every head, sadness is practically illegal." He smirks. "I used to love the way the moons' light would sparkle against the Spires of Justice when they were positioned in just the right spots to hit on both sides..."

Mei Li's lips curve upwards at his description, amusement lighting her eyes briefly. "It sounds lovely," she murmurs in response as she grabs a pan to set on the warmer. "How old were you when your family left?" He has most of her attention but the doctor has difficulties not 'doing' something and as she questions him, she gathers up the stuff set aside for the meal and brings it over.

Cole clears his throat, turning his head away. "I'm... umm, I'm not sure," he remarks with an edgy tone. He starts for his knapsack. "Y'know, I realigned the temperature sensors on that warmer the other day, but maybe I should double-check it while you're cooking. Make sure I got it right."

Mei Li steals a glance over at him when he clears his throat, her brow furrowing slightly. The doctor chooses to let it go, nodding instead as she smiles. "Certainly. I don't mind the help at all." A bit of oil is added and permitted to heat up before she tosses the whole kit and kaboodle in. "I'm from Sihnon, myself."

Cole returns with a handheld scanning device, which he aims at the panel under the warmer. Looking up with surprise at Mei Li, he muses, "So we're neighbors, sorta? I didn't think anyone else from the Central Core really got out even this far, much less all the border worlds you've probably been to."

Mei Li inclines her head at his train of thought. "Neighbors," she agrees, stirring the food about with her spatula. "When I graduated from med school one of the first things that I did was journey out with some of my fellow doctors to some of the newly colonized moons. Tried to help as we could. Those poor people.. in desperate need of good medical facilities. But since I've been with Nathan I've seen a great deal more."

Cole taps a couple of buttons on the scanner, shoulders raising slightly at the display on the scanner. "Medical school... must be really weird, to be in school with other people. How old were you?"

Nathan Roman arrives from Forward Passageway - Firefly Class Transport.
Nathan Roman has arrived.

"When I graduated? Twenty-six," she tells him. "And it wasn't so weird. I found I rather enjoyed it. It's where I met my husband, after all. And you're so bright, Mister Cole, I'd wager we'd have little trouble finding a way to further your own education should you ever wish it. There's so much that can be done with computers and machinery and with your natural knack.." She trails off, realizing that she's beginning to sound like a mother. Her gaze shifts to the scanner. "How is it looking?" The doctor is in the process of cooking, Cole standing beside her with a handheld scanner.

"Looks like everything's evenly heated now," Cole answers. "No more overcooking the left side of the dish." He looks quizzically up at Mei Li. "You went to school as a /grownup/? Heh, I've never seen a bunch of grownups in school before."

Footsteps are heard before the man enters. Nathan walks in from the fore rubbing his eyes slightly. "Morning." He says, making a B-line to the kitchen itself and likely for some form of caffine.

Mei Li nods approvingly at the report and then laughs, giving the veggies and protein (blech!) a bit of a stir. "I don't know that I'd say we were grown up," she murmurs wryly. That thought really does seem to amuse her but she sobers after a bit. "As an adult, yes. There are some professions that require you to attend schools for years in order to gain the proper knowledge you need. And some.. well.. some people go because they just like learning new things. And Osiris was lovely. Have you ever been there?" she asks. The familiar voice offering greeting is met with a smile and Mei sets the spatula to the side so that she can grab a mug and pour a cup of hot coffee for the Captain. "Good morning," she greets cheerily.

Cole puts the scanner away. "Mornin', Captain," he greets.

Nathan Roman nods a little. "Did you stake your claim on a room yet, Cole?" he asks, and reaches for the poured coffee as soon as its ready. He cocks his head to the side to look at what is being cooked as well.

Mei Li hands the coffee over with a warm smile and then resumes her cooking, letting the men chat for a moment. It's nothing fancy, but the food was quick and easy to make and at least it's edible. Rising on her toes, she reaches to open a cabinet, pulling down a few plates before searching for cutlery.

Cole rubs the back of his head nervously. "Oh! I, uhhh... forgot?" He sighs. "They told me about the room, but it's so /warm/ in the electrical junction. I guess I kinda got used to it."

"Well, the passenger rooms are right under the engine room, more or less. They stay plenty warm." Nathan points out. He sips his coffee. "You worried about not having a way out of them if you need it?"

Mei Li just continues to busy herself, doling out portions of food for at least three plates. There is still more in the pan however in case others awaken soon to join them. Without a word, she offers the first plate to Nathan, giving him a small smile as she does so.

Cole looks down at his feet, as if he'd been caught stealing. He doesn't answer, but of course he doesn't have to.

Nathan Roman nods, "That's fine. Just a bit worried about the electronics there. I'll see if I can get Jace in to clear the area a bit. Can't be good for you to be sleeping on live power lines or risk getting tangled." He pauses, "If it can't be made safe though... you understand why we'd want you to sleep elsewhere? If you wanted, the couch over there might be comfy enough. Close to the passageways too."

Mei Li just listens for the moment, a faintly amused smile on her lips. She carries the plates to the table, setting them down carefully before returning to fix herself some tea and get something for Cole as well.

Cole heads over to said couch and takes a seat, still looking a little guilty. "Uhh... the doc said I should ask you if I could maybe use the bridge computer to play a game or two, while we're docked?"

Nathan Roman looks down to the meal given to him and then over to Mei Li, "You are going to eat too, right?" he says, almost rhetorically, before nodding to Cole, "Yeah. Shouldn't be a problem. You know enough not to break the ship, right?" His gaze narrows a little.

Mei Li just chuckles faintly at Nathan's question. "Sure. But not until you eat it first. I'm not chancing having the doctor get food poisoning or anything," she teases. Tea is poured for herself and milk for Cole. It sucks being a kid sometimes. Bringing the drinks to the table, she motions for Cole to come join them. "You're still hungry, aren't you?"

Cole gets off the couch, a reserved grin on his face at Roman's approval. "Yes sir, I'll make sure all my stuff is in a secondary router." He peers into his glass and then looks up at Mei Li. "Is there any chocolate?"

Nathan Roman takes up a fork and begins to poke at his food, not quite eating yet. "Sounds good then," he allows. As Cole asks about chocolate, he looks to Mei Li too. He raises a brow. "Do we have any?"

Mei Li blinks at the question, a look of uncertainty crossing her face. "I.. don't know," she confesses. "Let me check." Rising to her feet, she makes her way to the kitchen, her skirts rustling as she moves. The woman peers into cabinet after cabinet, searching. "I.. Well I don't recall us ever using any..." Her voice is filled with doubt. More than one container is opened and sealed once again, stowed away before moving on to the next. Crouching down, she searches some of the lower storage units.

Cole watches Mei Li search with another guilty expression. "You don't have to go to so much trouble," he insists. He says to the Captain, "I'm not a snob or anything, it's just, well... even on the streets I thought plain milk was just too yucky."

"We may have some chocolate left over from what was bought for Peri. But other than that..." Nathan says.

After a moment, Mei Li is seen again, sighing softly and shaking her head. Looking to Cole, her gaze is apologetic. "I'm sorry, Cole. I'm afraid everyone is a coffee or tea drinker here. Maybe we can see what we can do.. but.. for now.. You can have my tea if you wish and I'll drink the milk," she offers. Hazel eyes flicker to Nathan briefly, watching him a moment. She returns to the table and takes her seat once more, a hand lifting to push back a wisp of hair and tuck it behind her ear.

"We can root through Peri's shuttle later. See if there isn't anything that was bought. Anastasia may have a little left as well." Nathan says dismissively.

Cole grins between the two adults. "It's okay, Doc, thanks for lookin' anyway." He pushes the milk aside and starts nibbling on the protein food. After a moment, he takes his food with him up to the bridge.

Cole has left.

Mei Li arches a brow slightly and then lowers her gaze. She smiles warmly to the boy and nods. "It was hardly a hardship," she tells him softly. Her gaze shifts again to Nathan, studying him idly as she takes up her fork and pokes at her food. "Any word on when we'll be leaving?"

"Soon as we get fully fueled." Nathan says, "Maybe an hour or so." He looks to Mei Li, "Remy is off the ship, right?"

Mei Li blinks, surprised at the rather suddenness of their departure. "We have cargo?" she asks. "I must have been sleeping better than I thought. Um.. I don't know. I haven't seen him since before last night," the doctor murmurs, her brow furrowing a bit.

Spider has arrived.

Nathan Roman spears a piece of protein and eats. "Haven't seen him at all. So we'll assume he's actually gotten off." He pauses, "It also depends on whether our Engineer deems us fit to go. And on whether the astrogation system decides to be legible today."

Mei Li nods slowly, picking at her food still. "I think Mister Jace said this morning that everything was alright. And.. that's something we need to talk about, Nathan," she murmurs softly, looking troubled. And don't they just need more trouble. "Have I got time to run out and pick up a few things before we leave?" she asks.

Spider makes her way into the common area then, bright-eyed and alert. "Good day," she greets as soon as she's inside, pausing for a moment. "Not disturbing, am I?" she asks carefully, realizing that the doctor and the captain are conversing about something possibly serious, catching the atmosphere more than any words.

"Not without an escort." Nathan says easily. He looks over to Spider, "Not at all. Take a seat." He does give Mei Li a second look to say that he has heard her hint of more prooblems.

Mei Li inclines her head, smiling. She hadn't really expected that much. Spider's entrance gets a quick nod. "There's food if you're hungry. Tea and coffee too," she tells her before looking again to Nathan. "It won't take me long," the doctor assures. "Is there anything you want me to bring back for you, Nathan?"

There's a lingering hesitation in everything Spider does, a carefulness and some awkwardness around the captain and the doctor, yesterday's discussion not forgotten. To say that she's nervous is an overstatement - but she's definitely not so sure of herself anymore. She nods to both of them and goes to get herself some food and a cup of coffee before taking a seat. "Are you heading out, Mei Li?"

Nathan Roman stands up, "I'll get a few things ready, if you are, Mei Li. You can join us if you wish, Ma'am." He heads fore.
Mei Li inclines her head to Spider, pushing her plate aside, most of the food untouched. "Yes. We need to pick up a few more things before we lea-" She pauses in her explanation to look to Nathan, a brow lifting in surprise. Her lips follow suit, curving into a pleased smile. "Whenever you are," she responds warmly.

Spider relaxes a little. "I'd love to come," she confirms and sits down to eat quickly, so she won't hold anything up. She looks at Mei Li, hesitates, and asks; "I can come with you then? I can pay for myself, you know that. I am more than willing to pay more than I do already, too."

Mei Li blinks at Spider, confused for a moment. The doctor nods her head slowly, her tone giving hint to her uncertainty if her expression wasn't enough of a clue. "Nathan just invited you, Miss Spider. You're more than welcome to go with us," she confirms, evidently believing that the woman means 'into town.'

Spider's shoulders tense slightly. "I don't mean into town. I mean, as a passenger on the ship," she explains, poking at the food with a fork, having eaten most of it already. "At least to the next planet."

Mei Li blushes as she realizes her mistake. "Oh. Maybe I didn't sleep as much as I thought," she murmurs. Her gaze shifts to Nathan and then back to the woman, offering a small smile. "There is not need to pay more than you do already. The fare is the fare. We have no wish to cheat you, Miss Spider. And yes, you may travel with us when we leave Persephone."

Spider perks up a bit then. "Yeah?" She smiles at Mei Li, a warm and friendly smile. "Thanks. I really, /really/ appreciate it." Appetite back, she finishes her meal, not leaving a single crumb on the plate. "I'll stay out of trouble." Yeah, right.

Nathan Roman heads through Forward Passageway (FP) into Forward Passageway - Firefly Class Transport.
Nathan Roman has left.

Mei Li barely manages to smother her smirk of amusement though she does murmur, "We don't ask for miracles, Miss Spider. Just don't get us killed or hunted." With Nathan gone to get his things, Mei rises, gathering up dishes to take into the kitchen. "We're stopping at the grocery. Mister Cole.. well.. I want to pick something up for him. And then.. if there's money enough.. I want to stop by that little dress shop.. the one with the really nice window? I think I have enough.. if not.. well.. a little window shopping won't hurt anything but pride, right? Is there anything you need? Nathan says we leave pretty much when we reboard."

Spider moves to help Mei Li with the dishes, or at least take her own plate and mug there. "Don't think I particularly need anything, but I would love to come with you. I can offer my impeccably tasteful advice on clothes," she says a bit teasingly. Considering the rather 'slutty' dress she showed the day before, her taste in clothing is a bit questionable. "And it's another chance to see Persephone before we leave." A pause, and she asks; "How's Cole doing?"

Mei Li doesn't say a word about the offer to 'help'. Mei simply smiles and takes the dishes from her. The woman is quick and efficient when it comes to simple chores that need to be done and she wastes little time in the washing. A small sigh escapes her at mention of the last. "Still sleeping in the electrical junctions. We tryied to get him to move to a passenger room but.. Nathan thinks he's still worried that he'll need a quick getaway. So.. we've asked him to try sleeping on the sofa in here and if that doesn't work, we'll have Jace try to organize things in the junction so that he won't accidentally pull something out that needs to stay plugged in." She lifts her head and gives the woman a grin. "Other than that.. I think he's actually easing a bit. I hope so. He's a very bright child."

[The two continue talking until Nathan takes them away into town.]