Knock? Hah! (Veria)

[Mari Anziel]

What lengths down corridors Mari did have to venture from the mess hall towards the Captain's quarters were spent as any would expect her to be doing. Talking out loud. To herself. About nothing in particular. Or it least it didn't seem that way to crew members who happened to walk by.

Boy is she dense. Get a bag she says. Does she not realize I have COMPARTMENTS built into me? I mean lord I'm only might as well be one hundred percent machine. Minus this pretty face of mine at least. So what's that like a eighty/twenty split? Sure it's not twenty percent mass but it's gotta be worth something compared to the rest of me

The bantering continued as her legs carried her on her way, not needing to even pay attention to where she was going. Things got out of her way. It was so entertaining being someone people needed to squeeze thier spines against the wall for. Hell she wasn't even an officer. Not like the thought ever crossed her mind before either. Stay down and dirty like she had been, or get caught up in more red tape than a whole planet being opened up? Down and dirty was so much simpler. And enjoyable too. Another smile that could raise hairs on your neck.

Approaching the door she needed it dawned on Mari that it was in fact not public knowledge that she knew how to enter the Captain's quarters. Perhaps if Veria was a tad bit brighter she would have picked up on the hint back when the arrangement was made. But the words slipped out, crawled into some crevice (probably the one near the opening of her shirt) and failed to reach her ears. It seemed like the sort of thing that occurred often for the woman. Such a shame. They were being led around space by an idiot. Doesn't that make for fun times.

Now that opening the door was out the question for this visit a new dilema spawned. Knock politely, or kick the ever loving shit out of the door. Metallic feet were such a blessing for solving this issue. Two quick raps from the fist followed by a swift quick near the base of the door were given to signal her arrival. Mari always figured if she had real feet again, that action would hurt like hell. Once in the past, delivering the same knock produced a dent in the door. At least this ship was built a little better.

Hey I forgot the password but I brought the booze like you said to! she shouted at the top of her lungs. That ought to turn a few heads that may happen to be within hearing distance. Looking down at her hands, she wondered how the Captain would have reacted should she be telling the truth. Laughter errupted outside the door for a moment before Mari managed to regain some form of composure. Lord it was hard to be professional on this ship.

[Veria Holt]

Veria was waiting pretty much right inside the door, hoping to prevent its being kicked down by an impatient foot. Anziel's presence was announced by a string of muffled grumbling which she couldn't quite catch, followed by a short silence. Veria supposed she must be right outside the door, and she went to open it when the loud knocks and what she thought must be a kick startled her. As she was recovering slightly, she heard the woman's loud voice calling about the booze and the password. She winced and pressed her finger to the button that would open the door. She found Mari laughing outside it. Veria was doing no such thing.

"Now what are people going to think?" she asked crossly, pressing the button again once Mari came inside. The door slid shut, and Veria sunk into one of the plush couches in the sitting area. She eyed the cyborg's metallic frame, not seeing any evidence of food. She supposed it could be hidden inside, if any of those parts were hollow. "You didn't actually bring booze, did you?" she asked dubiously. Not that she would really mind if she had. She rubbed a finger into her forehead. She could use a drink, actually, but what alcohol was aboard was even more difficult to get than the food stash. It would be one thing to have the crew devouring all her chocolate, but quite another entirely to have a bunch of criminals and their guards stumbling around drunk.

She motioned for the guard to sit, her gesture including the entire area of her own couch, another smaller one, and one armchair. Veria's lunch was on the table, the salad now evenly dressed and half-eaten, and the sandwich reduced to a pile of crumbs. Veria sat there awkwardly for a minute. Oddly enough, she hadn't made many friends aboard the Tenacious VII, and she was a little rusty on small talk. Not to mention she could hardly discuss clothes and shopping with someone who was millions of miles away from any shopping mall and who didn't even wear clothes in the first place. What could she say: 'I like your interchangeable colored metal parts, where did you get them'? The pause stretched out. "So... are you interested in any of the men here?" she asked suddenly, randomly. "Oh, actually... do you date? she corrected herself, suddenly morbidly curious on the matter.

[Mari Anziel]

A difference in senses of humor was made evident as the door opened. Mari, out in the hall, laughing her brains out. Yes, it was possible, ask a doctor. And Veria, looking both confused and mildly pissed off. Was she too loud? Judging by her statement it seemed she was. Aw well? Ya that seemed like a statement that would cover the issue just fine. Gazing about the room she recalled that some of the furniture had been moved since last time.

Well I see you redecorated a bi- her sentence was stopped mid-word. Not because she cared to reveal anything, she was simply stumped upon seating choices. The obvious answer arose. Soon her metalic body was draped over the arm chair in a fashion you would not normally use the piece of furniture for. Well, not if you were the uptight Captain Holt. Mari however was right at home, legs over one arm, shoulder blades rolled over the other. No I didn't bring you any of my liquor today. Maybe next time she responded with a wink.

Veria may have been easy to bend on her private supply, but coming between Mari and hers was another story. Not even her own squad was aware she had smuggled any onboard, probably due to the nature of her smuggling. A secret she intended to continue to keep. Once poised comfortably upon the seat she tapped along one of the segments on her leg. Lines formed, followed by a compartment opening. Treat stash number one.

Several of the small candies were popped into her mouth at the same time. It made for a strange flavor, but that was sort of the point here. Why experience one when you can have it all at once. Just as the sensation began to hit her nervous system, her ears picked up on a question that damn near made her spit the pieces out. Addressing this would have to come one piece at a time.

Well, for starters, I don't think it would matter if I did to begin with. Everyone thinks I'm nuts. Not that they are wrong. she said with a slight giggle. It was true. Her mind had fled for safer pockets of space years ago. Now it was simply neurons firing off on autopilot so to speak. And as far as dating goes, well I think that ought to speak for itself she added.

Before the question had ever been asked Mari had always just figured people knew better. What point was there in someone constructed almost entirely out of cybernetics in trying to date? Oh sure Mari could find ways to have her fun with it, but not in a way that would be exactly healthy for whoever happened to be fine with the idea. It could make for a funny scene though.

Why the subject so soon Captain? Your eyes already start wandering off your own body? At least I can see my reflection when I look at mine she taunted. It did make things a slight bit easier to distract yourself at times.

[Veria Holt]

Redecorated? Veria glanced around the room at the assembled furniture. When would she have had the chance to see in here before the room looked like this? But she quickly lost track of that thought, watching Anziel settle down sideways in the armchair. Her eyebrow rose, but she said nothing. As for the liquor, she was a little more interested. So the staff sergeant had her own stash? That was certainly worth knowing. Veria only hoped it wasn't from the same place as her own stash on the ship. At least 'maybe next time' meant she was a little closer to being considered a friend. Maybe.

Veria watched interestedly as the compartment opened to reveal the stash. It was odd to watch - no matter how much she knew that the woman was almost entirely mechanical, it was still easy to picture an ordinary flesh and blood leg beneath the armor until the hollow compartment was revealed.

Perhaps her dating question had been a little tactless. Veria had only been trying to start a conversation based on the likes she had back home with her own friends... which had turned into a sudden curiosity about the cyborg's relationship habits. But at least it was a topic she was used to. Which is why she immediately replied "Noo... I'm sure men like you." It was nonsense, of course, an automatic reply. If her friend back home complained that nobody wanted to date her, that was obviously what her reply would be. But now she would be forced to qualify it. "I mean... well..." She had certainly put her foot in her mouth. But luckily the next sentence had come. Well, yes, perhaps it would not exactly be healthy to have a relationship with someone who was metal from the waist down. She couldn't help smirking at the images that entered her mind.

The smirk was lost when Mari spoke to her accusingly about her own tastes. To tell the truth, Veria hadn't had much of a look at the men on the ship. Romance wasn't exactly on her agenda. Who knew what sort of people had been taken aboard? And even if there was someone to her tastes, how would that be to be having relationships with the crew? No, indeed. Though she didn't like the implication that was being made. "I'm sure I don't know what you mean," she said shortly. Trying to make a joke of it, she added, "Perhaps it would be better if I be satisfied with my own reflection." She was not laughing, however, and her tone indicated no amusement. She shrugged and stabbed her fork through a dressing-covered leaf, suddenly wishing she had a compartment of sweets in her own leg.

[Mari Anziel]

Just as words first began to foam out of the other woman's mouth, the one who it was directed out bursted into a fit of laughter. She truly was one to speak before she thought. Some form of mental autopilot. Maybe that's how things were for her before any real kind of conversation with intelligent beings occured. Of course that would require Veria herself having some form of temporal goop. Perhaps it wasn't all bad, it could potentially prevent her from making some hard decision that either saved thier lives or killed them all.

Best to just knock her out when the time came.

The scene played in Mari's mind as he laughter continued, evolving from humor to plotting. Wasn't it great to not give a damn? Not like the Captain would really ever figure it out. After all, she was nuts, and all crazy people laugh like lunatics for no apparent reason. Right? Hell, even if they didn't it wouldn't matter. Then the reflection was addressed.

If you could constantly see yourself who would pilot this vessel? Mari teased. Best not to provoke the idea too far however, or else it might wind up happening, and then the crew truly could be screwed. Or blessed. It was one of those situations Mari wasn't willing to figure out until absolutely necessary. But enough with all the bullshit Cap'n, don't you find it odd that half of your crew is space scum? And armed guards were stationed onboard? Especially MY squad? I mean surely you aren't oblivious to at least that information, right? she questioned.

It would be pretty entertaining to see how much thier wonderful Captain knew about the situation. Sure it might have sunk in that she was surrounded by criminals, but did it ever dawn on her about the actual crew? Most had one foot in the grave and the other in an Organization made bear trap. Or space bear trap. Whichever was worse. That was of course suggestion space bears exist- A light smack was delivered to the back of Mari's head. Getting off track on such trivial things at a time like this was not good. Any other moment and she could have pondered the day away about space bears. Now, it was time to sit back, listen, and then laugh some more.

[Veria Holt]

Veria smirked noncommittally at the return of her little joke. At least her previous embarrassment had been passed over. But so much laughing. What was so funny? The little wrinkle between her brows appeared again. She noticed once more the utter lack of respect she was getting... that she always got... But then again, maybe Anziel was as crazy as she looked. And claimed to be. Even so, it was pissing her off a little. Veria was used to being the center of attention in a good way.

Veria hardly gave a second thought to the next speech. "Scum? What are you talking about? Everyone here is perfectly qualified. Let's see, there's..." She trailed off as she considered her crewmates. "My navigator. His record is spotless... other than that one time he directed the Harmony to land on that poison gas planet to refuel... Well, that doesn't count!" She was required to think harder. "What about our weapons tech? Hmm, well... I'm pretty sure those smuggling and stockpiling charges didn't go through..." But rather than admit her error, she pulled out this gem: "Well, there's me, anyway." She was smugly satisfied. How could anyone have anything bad to say about Veria Holt? No, indeed.

Then she was forced to ask herself about the woman she was sitting with, and the guards in general. She was quite right in saying that it wasn't standard to have this many. "Well, this is a particularly dangerous mission, isn't it?" she said importantly. She put her fork out for another leaf of her salad, only to find she had eaten it all and was futilely stabbing around the empty bowl. She laid the fork down neatly. Yes, there had been a reference to 'That psycho Anziel and her band of merry men', but Veria had put it down to nothing but rumor. She might, however, consider some other possibility.

"So what are you saying?" she asked sarcastically, as if mere supposition on the matter was ridiculous: "If things are odd around here, what's going on then?" She pursed her lips and leaned back as though waiting for an outrageous conspiracy theory.

[Mari Anziel]

Despite any form of effort that may or may not have been attempted, laughter could not be ceased as Veria named of crew members. Especially when she ended with herself. Had Mari been drunk she might have laughed herself out of the chair she was comfortably sprawled out on. Instead she vibrated with joy, certain to not rock one way or another.

Well you do at least have a sense of humor Cap'n I'll give ya that, she said with some form of salute given. If she really wanted to put some faith that people on this mission could potentially have some merit so be it. Blind faith often keeps someone from becoming doubtful a hell of a lot better than actual faith. A lack of faith from the start was even better in Mari's eyes. She had trust in her squad and her squad alone. Well, I suppose we aren't all completely screwed she added.

As the question arose about what her thoughts were on this situation it rendered an actual thought process to occur. No point in sarcasm for something like this, especially since it would most likely go unnoticed. It seemed there was a trace ammount of sincerity in the question, so at least a half honest answer could be mustered up.

The problem was, Mari didn't really have much of an opinion on the matter. She was told to get on board and keep people in line. Typically that means they expect there to be issues. Especially when her squad is specifically requested.

Well, either they aim to have these criminals attempt to kill us, and they all die, making some space in the prisons, or they hope they over take us, which is highly unlikely for me, and then they are down a good number of troublemakers. Either way, it's pretty obvious to me someone is not meant to make it back home. Long trip. Minimum supplies. My squad. And a crew log half full of aliens and criminals. What does that spell out to you Veria? she asked, hoping the other woman couldn't be that dense.

[Veria Holt]

Veria wasn't trying to be funny. She stoically waited out Mari's fit of laughter, tapping one small pointed heel until the attack ceased. She raised an eyebrow. But at least she took the next part as a compliment. No, there would be nobody 'screwed' as long as she was aboard. She smiled self-importantly in accepting the compliment. "I'm glad you think so," she said without any trace of irony.

Veria's smile faded as she listened to the guard's theory. Although she initially found the idea ridiculous, the more images invaded her mind: the skulking, malicious looks of the convicts, the shifty nature of her crew, Mari herself and those loyal to her. As much as she tried to dismiss it as coincidence, she found herself easily imagining any of the situations that Mari had mentioned... and she found it increasingly difficult to believe it was an accident. Her mind tried to find an explanation.

"Well this is one of the first Second Chance missions... Maybe the IO just didn't think it through... But no... they specifically handed me a list of crew members they wanted aboard.| If Mari's intent had been to penetrate Veria's thick skull, it was finally starting to work. But one thing still didn't fit. "But what about me?" she had to know. She suddenly felt the need to defend herself. "Haven't you heard of the time I led the Formidable mission? Even after the raid on the illegal weapons cache, we picked up even more stolen property than we meant to when I gave the order to give chase on the fleeing pirates!" Veria never could pass up an opportunity to brag about that mission. The truth was, she had spent most of that mission screaming things like 'Do something! Get them!' while her more skilled crewmates rolled their eyes and did the real work.

But this gave another unsettling thought. Where, if worst came to worst, would Veria be? It was entirely possible she'd be the first to go. Her concern showed on her face. "But you'll protect me, right?" She phrased is as a joke, but she was dead serious.

[Mari Anziel]

As more words began to flow out of Veria's mouth it became all the more apparent just how much they hadn't told her. And on purpose as well. Aw well, things would go as things would go. No turning back now, right? Well, technically, they could, but that would most likely require fighting the IO, and that was just not the sort of thing Mari's circuitry liked the idea of right now.

Hearing the Captain try to boast about her "feats" produced a smile upon the cyborgs lips. Oh she had heard alright about the "fearless" Captain Veria. It wasn't as if stories did not spread worse than wild fire when out in space. What the hell else was there to do? For now she the small victory remain within the others brain. There had to be some miniscule of positive thinking within that woman's brain if they wanted to consider life as an option.

Now she was asking about her own life. Well wasn't that what Mari was there for? Aside from keeping herself alive? The crew in effect was to be kept in line, which meant alive. Don't worry too much on breathing and what not. It's what we're good at. Keeping friendlies breathing that is she reassured the other woman. At least so far there was no true combat involved with this mission.

[Veria Holt]

Veria was relieved to hear she was considered 'friendly' and that her guards, at least, planned to do their jobs. But she was still nervous about what the situation on board might come to. For example, who would the 'enemies' be? This wasn't a combat mission, but she wondered if it would be necessary to be protected from her own crew and the convicts. She found herself planning to lie low for a while, hoping to check out the situation a little more but really just to keep herself safe until she knew the full extent of things.

Veria considered her position, and wondered if perhaps she had made the wrong career choice. But that thought was soon smothered by her ego, which assured her that none of this was her fault and that it had been a huge mistake to place her on board. Or maybe they had thought she was so good at her job that she'd be able to keep everyone else under control.

She was just about to voice this opinion, no doubt to the amusement of Anziel, when both of their vid phones went off. Veria's was an annoying song, one of the default programs, and it completely drowned out any other sound in the room. It stopped after about 10 seconds though, indicating that it was only a message rather than a call. Veria pulled it out of her bra and glanced at it. She hardly ever got any messages, perhaps because the rest of the crew didn't trust her with any important information, so this was rather out of the ordinary.

Turned out some idiot had sent everyone on board a link to a live feed. Veria followed it, leaning in closer to try and make out what was on the little screen. The foreground featured a bunch of heads, indicating that the vid phone was being held above a crowd. The focus shifted, and the real action could be seen - a rather violent fistfight. Veria couldn't see their faces, but she what she could make out was that one had two red stripes on the uniform and the other had one. There was audio, too. Something along the lines of "Fight! Fight! Fight!" as well as various encouragements and insults to either side. From the background, it appeared to be in the common area.

"What the hell is this, high school? This is bullshit," Veria muttered to herself, trying to disguise the actual fact that this was proving exactly what the two had just been talking about. She looked over at Mari, likely watching the same thing, and stood up to go. "I might as well go and break it up," she sighed. She assumed, foolishly, that her presence alone would be enough to scatter the gathered crowd, as an authority figure in a schoolyard fight would send everyone running. At the door, she waited for Mari to accompany her out. Even if the SSgt wasn't interested in the fight (which she no doubt would be), as if Veria was going to leave her alone in her quarters.