Miss Talia Kaji - Gossip and Coffee

[Talia Kaji]

((Saloon, Reverie Rock))

Kaji: This old geezer needs some coffee. 

Lucky: But that’ll sober me up. ::he frowned.::

:: The door opened and Talia turned away from the friendly veteran and looked at the doorway. It was the Deputy, dressed up nice and proper. Kaji gave her a wave.::

Lucky: Hey, there Deputy!

Danara: response

Lucky: I heard you got a couple o’ cowpokes in yer cell last night.

Danara: response

Kaji: Oh, was there some action here? Some of Nugra’s fellas I’ll bet. That’s a rough bunch.

Danara: response

:: Sabrina giggled quietly as she fixed up some coffee for Lucky and placed it before him. ::

Holly: There you are Lucky.

Shedet: response

:: Scruffy Detective Riley came out of the sunlight, squinting, probably from another hangover. He tipped his hat at the group gathered around the bar. ::

Riley: Morning, ladies. Lucky.

Holly: Can I get anyone anything else?

Shedet/Danara: response

Kaji: I could use some coffee too.

Lucky: ::Sighing:: Bit too soon for whiskey, I suppose. I'll have some bacon.

Riley: Just the usual, and a mug of your wonderful coffee, if you please.

Holly: Coming right up.

Riley: :: Smiling :: You're my saviour. Just don't tell the Reverend I said that. 

:: Kaji laughed. As a shaman she'd developed quite a friendly rivalry with their local minister. She wasn't sure how long that had been going on. The past was always a little fuzzy.::

Shedet/Danara: response

:: A mug fell behind the bar. Holly went to clean it up and chatted while she worked. Talia smoothed her dress, wondering if everything today was going to be the same as every day. It was starting out pretty regular. She felt stuck somehow, like the days blurred together. Depression nagged at her. ::

Holly: Anything new on the grapevine?

Kaji: Nothing new with me. I'm still interested to hear about the fight last night. What happened?

Lucky: I was in with the doctor most of the evening, so I missed it.

Shedet/Danara: response

Riley: :: Sheepishly :: I called it a day early, and slept so soundly a herd of buffalos could have stampeded across my living room for all I know. :: Pensively :: Now that I think of it, that would explain how messy it is. Nobody hurt, I hope?

Lucky: Not by those dumb cowpokes.

Holly: Nah, I’m fine. 

Shedet/Danara: response

Kaji: Was Mr Nugra there? He would've stopped it, I'd think.

Riley: Mark my words, that man's got snake blood in his veins. He's not evil, but step on his turf and he'll bite without a second thought. 

:: Kaji laughed lightly. As enamored as she was with the handsome cattle baron, that rough streak in him hadn't gone unnoticed. He was almost primal in many ways. Miss Holly came back in with the drinks and Riley's order.::

Holly: I’m your Savior now am I?

Riley: response

:: Talia sipped on her coffee and watched from the corner of her eye as the saloon owner whispered to the detective.:: 

Holly: Don’t tell the Reverend, but I think you’re cute.

Riley: response

:: Sabrina giggled slightly and backed up, going about  her business. Kaji smiled slightly. Riley could use someone in his life. Especially someone as steady as Holly.::

Holly: Anyone need more coffee?

Kaji: Always. :: She held out her already empty mug. Lucky grumbled and held out his as well..::

Riley/Shedet/Danara: response

:: Another man came in, removing his hat as he did. Talia didn't recognize him, but his uniform said Army.::

MacRae: I’d thank you for cup, Ma’am – if that offer was public of course?

Holly: response

MacRae: Thank you, much obliged.

::They all spent a moment enjoying their hot coffee.::

MacRae: That may just be the finest cup of coffee I've had.

Kaji: Yes, thank you, Miss Holly.

:: Lucky grunted.::

Riley/Shedet/Danara: response

Kaji: So where are you coming from, soldier?

MacRae: It’s been a hard ride; five days’ worth in a little over three to keep ahead of the storm. I’m quite glad to have found somewhere en-route to rest. 

Anyone: response

MacRae: Aye. I always make good time with Slipstream though.

:: Kaji cocked her head at the horse's name. It sounded familiar, like something from an old dream. It irritated her that she couldn't place it. She took another sip of coffee and shoved it to the back of her mind with all the other things that seemed off today. :: 

Anyone: response

Kaji: What's your destination?

MacRae: Fort Tyren. I'm headed towards Camp Ballard, which is about another ten days ride south of here but we're also scouting out the hills between here and there. To be honest we didn’t realize the railroad had come this far already – we’re not so familiar with things this side of the mountains.

Holly: response

Lucky: So what's your name, son?

MacRae: Sorry, where are my manners. MacRae. Sergeant Bryan MacRae, US Cavalry. Miss?

Holly: response

MacRae: A pleasure to meet you, Miss Holly. I couldn't impose upon you further for a room if you have such a thing spare, paid of course.

Holly: response

Kaji: You wouldn't happen to need the services of a shaman, would you?

:: Talia hated pandering her services like this. She'd once been respected, a leader. But she lived here in town to give her son a chance at a better life, and she had to make a living somehow. Oftentimes people came to her for advice, for communication with the spirit world, and even for healing when the town doctor couldn't help. They didn't usually pay her, but left her some food or something. Damir, with his job in the mines, did the most to support their small family.::

MacRae: response

:: The door opened once again and several men bustled through. Kaji's eyes were locked on Mr John Nugra. As always, it hurt somehow to look at his face, as if she didn't recognize him even though she'd known the man for years. It just seemed wrong somehow. Not that there was anything wrong with his face, it was handsome and chisled at sharp angles. Some of his cowboys were with him. They seemed to fill the saloon with their bulk.::

Nugra/McNight/Anyone: response

TAG/TBC

Talia Kaji

Indian Shaman

Reverie Rock

as simmed by

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LtCmdr Talia Kaji
Chief Researcher
USS Doyle-A, NCC-80221-A
E239008TK0
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By golly, Jim, I'm beginning to think I can cure a rainy day!
--Dr. Leonard McCoy