Falcon Island Part 1 - Parks and Recreation

***This post is an ooc introduction to the two Parks Canada employees you’ll meet on Falcon Island. We are doing a special event role play series there this weekend. Of course your character won’t be aware of these prelude conversations but Crystal (aka Ziven Ayala) and I (AKA Charlotte and Norman Gibbs) needed to get a baseline for our characters working relationship before hosting a tour group. It’s my goal for this to be an easy anyone can play set up.

There are a few ways role players can join the time on Falcon Island. If you’ve been in a role play where it was mentioned and suggested, that’s one. We’re going with the plan that Parks Canada has put up posters and brochures in Cedar Point and Alexandra for this last excursion time to the island so if you have a character you’d like to have seen the ads and assume you booked online, that’s the second way. Any way you decide to join in the fun for our weekend special event role play, there is a kiosk in the Cedar Point bus station with landmarks to Falcon Island.

If your character is flying there (which would be the most common way to get there), please try to attend or read the role play that is happening for the flight. That extra role play time is added to make sense of arrival and will occur at 1:30 pm grid time today (Friday Sept 16th) beside the plane on Falcon Island. I don’t have a flying plane so we’ll just point our cameras into the sky and use our imaginations. If you are not flying and you see us standing there, please ignore us until we “’land”. We will post the flight for those who didn’t make it but want to assume you were there and sitting quietly. This is the flight rp timeline:

RP begins at 1:30 ... anyone there will emote getting off the plane and oooohhhhhh and ahhhhhhing at the island.

Between 1:30 and say 1:50,  anyone arriving in that time frame has to sort of get themselves together ... maybe airsickness .. maybe they fell asleep and are just waking up ... whatever.

After 1:50 anyone arriving did NOT arrive on the plane and will be coming up from the boat dock/clinic with a plausible story for the boat that brought them (including NPC boat captains or boating/sailor friends who dropped them off and they would fly home after their stay on Falcon Island)

***

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Charlotte Gibbs Pulls on her hip waders and slides her water sample kit over her shoulder, ready to wade out in the marsh and do some work. She steps sideways and looks into the sleeping quarters, seeing her father still lying down. He's been sleeping a lot and she's not sure if it's causing healing or sinking him deeper into dementia. She brought him out here to care for him herself after his stay in a mental health ward that wasn't really attending to his needs. With a sigh, she pulls on her hat and clomps outside, going behind the staff cabin along the shoreline.

 Ziven Ayala pulls himself out of the water after his morning swim and shakes his head hard, as if he were a wet cougar. He is as naked as the day he was born but doesn't immediately reach for anything. This was his morning swim/bath and he moved to a tree where he'd hung an old shaving mirror. In his bag is a comb and brush as well as a safety razor and a bottle of 100% aloe vera. He brushes his hair out, leaving it down over his back and squeezes some aloe into his hand, then over his jaw and lower lip for his weekly shave. It is always nice for him to commune with nature in the mornings. His uniform is neatly folded in the grass a bit away with his boots for when the shave is done and his hair is mostly dried in the air.

Charlotte makes her way around the sample area, focusing on the water, the algae and top swimming insects as she carefully fills up some phials. As she keeps moving she catches something out of her periphery on the shore and turns, seeing Ziven naked, again. Charlotte averts her eyes and blushes but turns her head so he can't see her face at all "For fuck's sakes Ziven...." she mutters and then says a little louder "There was poison ivy over there last week, waist high.....pants might help..."

Ziven isnt surprised to hear her, but he also doesn't turn to look at her. He continues to shave, carefully but quickly. "Yes, Charlotte. Over THERE ... not over HERE." he shakes the aloe off of the razor. "And how in the world would pants help me shave?" he asks her, done with his cheeks and lifting his head for his throat. "How is the old man this morning?" he asks, as he often does.

Charlotte slowly fills another phial, seething quietly and not looking up as Ziven argues and then refers to her father that way, again. She stops addressing his nudist tendencies. It's a futile conversation. "My father has a name you know. It's Norman, or Mr. Gibbs if you're going to be ageist anyway."

Ziven does finally reach for a towel ... and uses it to wipe his face off. Finally he turns to face her, seeing her kneeling and working. "Old Man is a term of respect within my tribe." he tries to explain it to her, although he has to admit he never really got into it before her father came. But his talk with Garrett Yamada has him slightly softened towards her. "Your father is an old man and has seen much, Charlotte. I am acknowledging that by not calling him Mister Norman Gibbs ... as if he were just some ... person." he shrugs and reaches for his pants, stepping into them. "And listen to my tone. Or maybe you should hear me call my father 'old man' to understand the difference between insult and compliment. Ageist." he snorts and hops to get the pants over front and back. "Don't be culturally ignorant and insensitive, White Girl From Town." he teases. He'd always been the more laid back of the two of them.

Charlotte's cheeks redden even more. His comment about cultural insensitivity cut through her a bit. She always strives to do better on that front and struggled between wanting to own up to his call out and her conflicted working relationship with him. Awkwardly she mutters "Didn't know..." She looks like she has more to say but stops herself and starts to pack up and walking away. It's hard to tell whether shame or anger is winning this moment.

Ziven grabs his shoes. "Stop, Charlotte." he calls before she can get too far. "Don't run away from me. Besides we have to talk." he leans against a tree to put on his socks and boots. Dressing had always been one of life's great downers for him.

Charlotte turns and trudges to shore and then inhales as she walks to meet him "What do we need to discuss?" This is her work tone now. She's bottled her emotions and shifted, trying to be professional. Charlotte is grateful he dressed. It's distracting when he's not and she doesn't want or need such distractions with everything on her plate right now.

While Charlotte comes ashore, Ziven grabs his shirt and puts it on, not buttoning it. He pulls his long, straight black hair out of the back and finds the air and slight breeze has already nearly dried it. Charlotte's tone of voice irks him. She is being a professional and bottling things up again. But he was figuring out that maybe she wan't doing this just to be a bitch. Maybe there was more to it. He hated to admit it, but for all their time working together ... hell .. living under the same roof on the same somewhat isolated island together, they barely knew each other. "I understand I will be picking up your friend Anna and a friend of HERS in a few days?" he tells her, because it was news when Anna mentioned it to him over brunch in Cedar Point.

Charlotte smiles as if pleased "Oh good, you read your passenger manifests for the weekend already...I did put them in the binder I made you.....but how did you know she was my friend?" Her smile fades as confusion sets in. "There might be a few others coming in today. Anna just emailed me and a few people have made payments to secure rentals by e-transfer this morning. I'm assuming they don't all own boats."

Ziven chuckles. "Yes, I have read the manifests and everything." he shrugs. "I can fit a few more into that little plane, no problem." then he grins. "I know because effective strangers confide in me more than my co-worker and roommate does." it's a chide and he isn't ashamed to use it. "In case you didn't know I spend my weekends as the Cedar Point travelling veterinarian. But I met Anna over pizza one night and we've become friends that wave to each other. But I DID take out her friends cats ovaries last weekend. He;s cute, by the way ... maybe you should talk to him. Use your friend to get yourself a couple nice, relaxing orgasms." he is deadly serious. In his opinion, Charlotte could use a couple nice relaxing orgasms more then he himself could.

Charlotte had been softening to Ziven's humour, almost smiling even, until it got sexual. At that she tensed up, looking irritated again and glanced down at her phials in her hand like she was considering jamming them into his nose "That's neither necessary NOR appropriate Ziven. Anna is my friend and whomever she brings here is part of my work, OUR work. You would do well to remember that." The expression "resting bitch face" didn't even begin to cover what was happening on Charlotte's right now.

Ziven sighs deeply and shakes his head. "Well, the last time I saw Anna a couple DAYS ago, she did NOT look like pond scum ... and neither did her friend. Nor did they look like any form of mammal a veterinarian would look at. I was TOLD she was coming as a sort of mini-vacation. And I remember that VERY well." he narrows his eyes. Part of him knows very well he's pissed her off speaking on any subject remotely resembling sex, but he wholeheartedly believed this woman needed to loosen up. "Now may the Great Spirits forbid you tell me what the HELL is going on, but I hope your little friends are trustworthy enough not to tell the damn Department Heads about our little visitor, because if they do and we're blessed by ALL the gods, all we will do is lose our funding. he growls. He loves the old man now but .. its still one HELL of a violation.

Charlotte glares at him and just says "It'll be fine. Just fly them in please." She turns on her boot heel, which would be much more dramatic and bad ass if it wasn't a marsh mud covered hip wader that squelched as it turned. Charlotte drew herself up to her full height, which wasn't anything significant and stalked off. She knew the risks of bringing her father to the island, but they were outweighed but the neglect and rapid down slide that was happening at the mental ward. Charlotte couldn't lose him to the system, or himself.

Ziven watches her storm off without replying. Just another morning of swiping and snapping. He buttons his shirt and tucks it in, then takes a length of copper colored wire to put his hair in a pony tail. Truth was, he liked the old man who, in his opinion, was haunted by spirits. Not everyone could handle such things. Maybe that was why the old man seemed insane. No matter what, Ziven would do what he could ... which was nothing more than good, solid, wholesome food and nature to bring him back.

Charlotte drops off her kit at the staff cabin and sets aside the phials for later testing. Ziven's reminder about the weekend guests compels her to make checking the guest cabin supplies a priority first. Her father still sleeps, but fitfully. He's mumbling but it sounds distressed. Charlotte tiptoes too him. She notices he's thrashed again and his sleeping bag has fallen to the floor. Charlotte picks it up and puts it on him and he sits bolt upright and grips her arm blurting out "Harley!" His eyes are still closed and she eases him back down. They've done this dance before. With some quiet soothing words he drifts back into a peaceful slumber. Charlotte moves her hand from his arm to her mouth, stifling a small sob.

 Ziven is halfway to his 'clinic', a shack on the other side of the island when his phone vibrates in his pocket. He takes it out and reads the alert. Grumbling he turns back to the staff cabin, walking in without looking up from the notice. When he DOES look up he sees Charlotte kneeling by her father's bunk, hand over mouth. He stares at her in this moment of sensitivity.

Charlotte raises her head from watching her father after his little episode and sees Ziven standing there. She backs up from her father and defensively wipes the tears that had spilled out. She suddenly has a great need to re-roll the sleeping bag on the top bunk and takes it down to start fussing with it. It's fine of course, but she's clearly trying to pull herself together and look busy.

Ziven watches her and suppresses a knowing half grin. Charlotte wouldn't appreciate it. "When you're done, Susy Homemaker, meet me on the pier." he stage whispers and goes out, hanging a left and going to the sunny end of the pier where he has a strip of electronics batteries recharging on a solar strip. She should be happy he is still sniping at her. Its affectionate or him, but seems to annoy the hell out of her, which also entertains him.

Charlotte doesn't answer him but finishes with the sleeping bag and gives her father a last glance. The dreams are more frequent, and he seems more frightened than ever. She feels so helpless sometimes. She stands at the kitchen basin and then pours and downs a glass of water before following Ziven to the pier. She arrives dry eyed and calm, waiting to see what he needs.

Ziven is kneeling over the electronics, checking on their charges. Nodding he stands and turns to face Charlotte. "How's he doing?" he asks, his voice concerned. But he also goes on. "Your friend invited her friend ... and the list keeps going." he holds up the newly updated passenger manifest. "My bird only holds fourteen passengers ... the park capacity more or less. This is turning into a second summer camp." he grouses. Summer camp ended at the end of August and he felt like he was still recovering. He was more comfortable with the lower animals than humans sometimes.

Charlotte sighs "He's having an off day....not sure if I should wake him so he's not up all night again. I don't think he knows his days from nights anymore." She looks at the manifest and grimaces "You know Parks posters for fall rentals right? Bit of a last cash grab before it's only research grants and private donors. I'll handle the people once you get them here. We still have one cook on staff and supplies enough to feed them. If you could dazzle them with your falconry at some point I'd be grateful, Hitchcock." When Charlotte was feeling less guarded she actually snipped back. Ziven had just seen her cry. It was a rare crack into her well defended shell and for some reason the stars aligned to let her keep the crack open for the time being. She was also talking more than normal. "I can only offer so many guided hikes and dip netting marsh talks. Maybe they all just want a real vacation and not an educational eco vacation. I know Anna will want some space. I couldn't get time off my research deadlines for the funeral but her brother's service was today."

Ziven sighs himself. "At night, he and I scry the stars." he tells her about a night or two he and her father had had when he found him wandering. But then he moves on to their weekend. "I know I know. After this bunch I get out my knee pads for winter begging. I know." he considers. "I can do one. There a couple birds that will over winter here until their spring release." he looks at her. She's almost human. "They're all adults, so maybe a skinny dipping swimming class? I know the guy coming with her turned vampire white when I mentioned outhouses. I promised him a pamphlet. That's what I was working on a couple nights ago. How to use an outhouse. My life has peaked." he rolls his eyes, chuckling to himself. "I figger that's what they all want ... a vacation in the middle of nowhere and that's us. So unless they look bored enough to burn the place down, I'll leave them to it. I'm just the limo pilot." he nods again. "Is there going to BE a funeral? I mean ... did they find his body someplace?" considering the length of time, he doubts that any body washed ashore in Canada ... maybe the US .. but it would be a mess. Most likely her friend’s brother was shark or whale droppings by now. But he doesn't say that out loud.

Charlotte looked truly touched by Ziven reaching out to her father and then actually burst out giggling when he talked about making an outhouse pamphlet and then shakes her head, but still smiles at the skinny dipping "No naked time with the tourists. The department head would shut us down for sure. Why don't we just play it by ear. If they need stuff to do we can offer it." She shrugs sadly about his questions about Lee "Sometimes there's a funeral with no body. They've been mourning him and needed closure. Did you actually write an outhouse pamphlet?"

Ziven grins a bit at the laughter. He doesn't often make her do that. Growl, yes. Giggle, no. Maybe they were at a change in their relationship. "Fine, they probably wont like the water now its getting cooler." he nods his agreement about both the winging it and the mourning and then straightens and pulls a pamphlet out of his jacket. "I certainly DID." he shows her one, which even has art showing it is not best to sit directly on the seat and how you obviously cannot flush. And emphasizing that they DO use toilet paper, but the kind more likely seen in RV's which decomposes more quickly. "The guy probably thought I was joking, but you didn't see this guy! I don't know if he's gay or straight but he is one of my fantasy men from now on." he winks. "And he rescued the most interesting little kitten he named April after that girl in Parks and Recreation? You know the one?" he has all the seasons both on Google Play and pirated on an external and watches it pretty regularly. "He's her Andy." he chuckles.

Charlotte looked at the pamphlet, shaking her head and laughing and then when he started going on about his fantasy guy she had a brief but completely transparent look of disappointment and muttered "Figures..." almost under her breath. then she put on a smile but not the real one she'd been wearing and joked "So that's why you wanted a skinny dipping class huh? Instead you get to talk to dream boy about pooping. That's attractive." She chuckles a little "I do like Parks and Rec. It's possible I channel Leslie Knope....you know...the binders."

Ziven chuckles. "Yes, private lessons. But yea ... I have to admit ... discussing pooping isn't the most romantic thing BUT I got practice in approaching the subject at all with taste, style and maybe some humor." he chuckles. "We should watch it more together ... and with your father. And you do not CHANNEL Leslie Knope, I think you are who she is BASED on." he snorts, slightly. He pauses. "Charlotte. What is it you think is wrong with your father?" he asks, bold enough to try and ask finally. If she exploded, it isn't like she was ruining more than five minutes of close companionship.

Charlotte sits down on the dock, dangling her feet over the edge above the water "There are a few layers to it Ziven. He saw a guy...basically die or something...let's go with die, in front of him in an earthquake. He thought it was something else, some kind of disappearance. I mean maybe he snapped then...My mother and brother and sister took him to doctors...they gave him all sorts of drugs and therapy. It seemed to make him worse. Living with him was hard. Then there was...stuff with my mom....and he got way worse and ended up in the psych ward eventually. He got moved from hospital to hospital. My brother was overseeing it all but he's a clueless asshole. One day I went to visit and Dad had soiled himself and they just left him in a hallway for hours and then sedated and restrained him when he screamed for help. I snuck him out the next day, cleaned him up and brought him here."

Ziven listens and nods. "He's had a hard time, to be sure." he agrees. He is silent a moment, sitting beside her. "He doesn't feel ...." he growls in frustration. "Are all those hospital poisons out of his system yet?" he asks her, never finishing what her father feels like.

Charlotte looks at Ziven with an unsure expression "I kept one of his prescriptions. He's still taking an anti-psychotic. I let him go off it in Vancouver and he tried to choke me. I knew it wasn't him....but as soon as he was back on he leveled. It might be OK to try again now. He was coming down from about 6 drugs then. But not this weekend for the sake of our guests. He's pretty weird but docile now. What do you mean by he doesn't feel....did he say something to you...something lucid?"

Ziven frowns slightly. "One man's lucid is another man's crazy-talk, Charlotte. I think the food on my plate for giving its life that I might live. Vegetables, meats, fruits, whatever. And a lot of people think I am five beers short of a six-pack because of it." he tells her. "I come from a whole line of people who aren't stuck in some box is all and I sort of have to wonder if yoru father is even crazy to begin with ... or was BEFORE they put all those mind altering drugs in his system to get him thinking liek everyone else." he shrugs. "But you also have to consider my grandmother was a medicine woman shaman so ...."

Charlotte squints at him "Ok...you're spiritual...that's cool and all. I respect your culture Ziven. You think my Dad just needs some kind of detox plan?" Charlotte is a loudly declared atheist and a known skeptic. If asked what her belief system is, her standard and resolute answer is "Science."

Ziven blows out a breath. "Well he's as close to that as he’s ever likely to get already so yes and keep up the good work." he almost says something more, then closes his mouth. He's dealt with realists before now and they can be ... difficult. "Now come on, we have blown off enough of Canada's time and money sitting by the dock of the bay wasting time. I have birds to tend to and you have scum to examine." he smiles and stands straight, offering his hand to help her to her feet.

Charlotte looks at the hand as if about to refuse and then at the last second clasps it and allows him to help her. Awkwardly she says a quiet "Thanks." before moving past Ziven.

Ziven follows her a few steps. "Thank YOU." he quickens his step. "I am glad you let me be the one to set Women's Rights back more than one hundred years." and with that swipe he laughs and starts jogging up the trail to get to the clinic.

Charlotte had begun to smile until he cracked the women's rights joke and she groaned loud enough for him to hear. Once he was out of earshot she muttered "Maybe it's just as well he likes men....jackass."

What's Laid to Rest Part 3

A silent buzz went off on Anna’s phone, reminding her of the official start time. She stood up and walked to the front to deliver the eulogy for her brother. Anna smoothed a few pages of notes she had set up at the podium and swallowed nervously as she looked out at the room. Public speaking was never her favourite thing and especially not in these circumstances. Her gaze connected with Stephanie and Tamela’s and she exhaled, smiling a little as she began “Thank you all for joining us. Today we celebrate the life of Lee Chen Wright. He was my brother and my friend. Lee was a complicated person but he had a good heart and he tried his best. Through the path of our lives, we didn’t meet until we were both ten years old. At first we didn’t get along because of the adjustment in our lives and our maturity at the age when it was all happening but we quickly grew to rely on each other and really know what it was to be a sibling. Lee taught me to fish. I taught him to cook and dragged him into nerd culture.”

Some laughter broke out around the room. Anna smirked and continued.

 “We used to ride our bikes all over town like we owned the roads when we were kids. Lee couldn’t wait to drive a car. He had posters of them and could tell you everything about how an engine worked. He got his licence faster than I did and borrowed our dad’s old truck every chance he got. He became the delivery guy for Chen’s because it meant more driving. He loved the highway and the freeways. When we had days or weekends off he’d take me with him to explore all the parts of BC we could get to and from in one day. He just wanted to cruise and listen to music. He didn’t even care where we ended up. On one of those road trips when we were in our late 20s he met Rosa. She lived in Abbotsford so it was a long distance relationship but he didn’t mind the commute at all. Together they had a daughter, Rosalee.”

Anna looks down at her niece who smiles up at her through her tears.

“Rosalee was the light of Lee’s life. I remember when she was a baby and he would barely let any of us hold her because he didn’t want to share his baby with anyone. He had brought her to Cedar Point on his own for a weekend because Rosa had to work. Unfortunately she got into a car accident on her way to meet them here and didn’t make it. So with the help of Ushi, Jade, and Michael…..Dad and I, Lee was left to raise Rosalee without her mother.”

Anna’s voice had gotten a little hoarse and she took a moment of pause and then quietly cleared her throat.

Morgan shifted uncomfortably in his seat and even more so when Ushi swung her head around and gave him a tear filled glare. The tension in the room was a little thick. People seemed relieved when Anna continued on a less emotionally charged front.

“For most of his life, Lee worked at Chen’s grocer. He always had a knack for fixing things there, and cars and machines in general. His general handyman attributes led him to apply for a job at the school as a custodian. He loved working there, maintaining the building and the grounds. It was the perfect job for him and he got to bump into Rosalee and know how her school days were going. His coworkers tell me he could fix anything.

Lee loved Cedar Point. He loved the smell of the ocean, the town and his family. We’ll remember him best by doing the same. We’re not going to the graveside. There will be a private family time at the headstone another day. You’re all welcome to join in some refreshments in the hall. Thank you.”

Anna left the podium and walked back to her seating place to collect her purse and her cardigan sweater. Her mother stood up and gave her a hug and then wordlessly smiled and walked toward the back of the hall. Some of her other Beal relatives followed, hugging her or displaying other supportive affection as they passed Anna such as a pat on the shoulder or a squeeze of the hand. Quiet words were exchanged and a few tears were wiped away during. Anna pulled on the cardigan and shouldered the purse and then turned to the aisle, coming face to face with Ushi Chen. The two stood staring at each other in an unsure moment and then to the shock of the townspeople in the room Ushi smiled tearfully at Anna and grabbed her in a hug. Anna reeled a bit and then gently hugged the older woman back, the mother of her brother. As they let go Ushi simply said “Thank you.” She stepped back from Anna and walked through the hall and right out the door to the parking lot. The crowd froze as she passed and watched her before resuming their migration to the community room.

As Anna stood there still slightly stunned, but also very moved, she was approached by Oshi Shikigami. She held out a large card in an envelope and a single flower. It was a White Chrysanthemum (Shiragiku, 白菊).  She tells Anna it is a customary bloom to give at funerals, as is wearing white clothes. Inside the envelope is in her own hand, a drawn sympathy card, and some long narrow strips of paper, with Japanese calligraphy hand written on them in ink. The card explains that these are 'sutras' blessed by a Buddhist priest, prayers for the deceased, and family. At a later time, Oshi will visit the cemetery, and wherever they have the marker, take and symbolically wash it with water, and place a bowl filled with rice, and a set of chopsticks placed standing up in it. Say some prayers and toss into the wind, blowing offshore, a few more sutras...

Anna thanked and hugged Oshi. She placed the chrysanthemum on a small table in front of the lectern where there was a picture of Lee standing in front of his car and then joined the exodus to the hall. For better or worse, the main part of her task here was complete.

What's Laid to Rest Part 2

In the apartments above The Black Hole nightclub owns, Ryan Yamada scrunches pomade into his hair in the bathroom and then sees the time on his phone "Shit Indy...we gotta go. Are you ready?" Thankfully he's at least dressed, but the hair is an art.

India Tor was able to put her hair up in a nice bun, more than just locs tied any kind of way. Now she is working on her dress. Hopping up and down. "Come zip me up. I can't get it." the side zipper doesn’t want to go all the way up on her skirt. An obvious sign of weight gain.

Ryan gives his head a turn in each direction and then nods at himself in the mirror before washing his hands to get the product off. He walks over to India and starts to zip but hesitates "You sure you'll be comfortable in this? I think our little person is crowding you out Love."

India inhales deeply and exhales, causing her body to deflate while Ryan zips her up. "It's this of go like some ghetto hood rat in a jogging suit so." she exhales. "It's not TOO tight but .. yea .. I guess I need to do some shopping." she winks at him and straightens her clothes. "Your hair looks great, baby." she compliments him through a cheeky grin, loving that he takes twice as long to do his hair as she does to do hers.

Ryan smirks and runs his hand lovingly over her little baby bump. He acknowledges the compliment with a smarmy "I know." before giving her a quick peck on the cheek and complimenting her back as he heads through the bedroom door "But yours is pretty damn hot." He jogs down the stairs towards the front hall to grab his shoes and keys.

India laughs and then snorts as she follows him down the stairs. "Watch it, Officer." she warns as she steps into her shoes. "All that butt pattin how we got this one." she opens the door and heads out, not needing to put more swing in her hips ... she's always had plenty.

Ryan scoots out after her and pats her butt just to be a brat "What were you saying about butt patting? Have some decorum Madam!" He teased.

India shakes her head and chuckles to herself, ready for the short walk. "Looks like a lot of people showin up."

Michael Reinhardt walked in alone and remained near the back entrance. Officially he was here simply out of respect for the man he had only met once, liked and then found himself assigned to his missing person’s case. And officially he'd come up with officially nothing. His face is quite stoic and when he stands it is just the side of military attention. The Quake Takers bunch he ignores. The interviews with them are long over an officially he has no reason to continue any association with them.

Ryan nods, taking India’s hand as they walk towards Spokes "Yeah parking lot's full...good thing we live close." He sees a hulk of a redheaded male walk up towards the steps of Spokes. It's his partner Michael but he doesn't see them and his entry into the building is efficient.

"Well there's Mike..."

India sees Michael too ... he's difficult to miss. She moves up the steps and glances inside before reaching for the door handle.

Ryan grabs the door handle before her in a grandiose yet rather tongue and cheek gesture "M'lady..." He becomes a little less silly as they enter the room and take in the sombre mood. Ryan also sees Chief Callahan immediately as he hovers by the entrance "Good day Sir." He says respectfully.

He spots Michael past Callahan and exhales a bit, stepping past and moving to the other side of Mike. Of course the Yamada radar kicks in and Ryan sees Sakura waving madly and Hiro negotiating with people to shuffle around and make two spots. He manages to essentially free up a section of bench that would just fit Ryan and India, if they want to squish right against Hiro. Sakura, Garrett and Tristan are pressed into the wall to make it an option and Tristan looks a little awkward.

India only grins a little bit, but as they pass, she grabs Michael's hand. "Come on, I ain't tryin to let you stalk here in the back like this is some gangster funeral or somethin. Come on, boy."

Michael half considers protesting, but he doesn't want to cause a scene, so he just lets India lead him to her family.

Hiro sees India dragging his son's partner and his eyes pop out a bit. How is he going to make room for the huge man? He leans forward and starts nattering at Stephanie and Tamela. Stephanie frowns at her father slightly as if not understanding what his deal is and then Tamela looks back, waggles her fingers at Michael, Ryan and India and scoots over saying "Reinhardht, come be the meat in our sandwich."

Stephanie blinks at Tams and then looks up at Michael and turns a little pink. She crosses her legs and arms but then smiles politely at Michael "Hi...."

Hiro chuckles delightedly, pats Tams on the shoulder and then gestures to the spot for Michael before settling back into his own spot.

Garrett let out an audible guffaw and then looks self consciously around, remembering they were at a funeral.

Ryan just shakes his head laughing quietly. His family always contributed to every awkward scene in town. Add Tams in and it was a shit show guaranteed.

India can't help but giggle a little bit. She stands in the aisle and shows no signs of wanting to sit. "You sit. I'm standing. I have to with THIS skirt." she grins at Michael, innocently, glad others are helping to pull him out of his shell.

Michael was about to beg off when Tamela speaks and he turns a bright strawberry red. He gives Tams a look promising revenge and sits, watching Stephanie crossing both arms AND legs. "Hi." he murmurs. "I haven't managed to insult you ALREADY, have I?" he wonders, sitting as comfortably as he can given his broad shoulders.

Ryan leans in towards India as she says she needs to stand "Want me to come with you?" Hiro didn't hear her and is looking at the spot beside him expectantly. Sakura eyes India and her eyes travel to India's abdomen. She grins delightedly at the inklings of a baby bump and gives India an unexplained thumbs up.

The jovial antics of the Yamada row attract the attention of some of the Chen cousins who look over judgmentally and whisper among themselves.

Stephanie smooths her skirt and shakes her head politely at Michael "If you think I'm easily offended you haven't spent enough time with my family and friends." She leans forward giving Tams a pointed look. Tams chuckles and then makes eye contact with some whispering Chens, giving them a smile and a nod.

 India blushes and nudges Ryan to sit beside Hiro, blushing slightly at Sakura's thumbs up and then turns her attention to Michael and Stephanie. "He needs to socialize. Break that anti-social cherry, Steph." she deadpans.

Adum watches from his position and coughs, looking down at the floor with his shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter.

Michael is about to open his mouth to reply to Steph when India speaks. "India!' he stares at her as if she’s the embarrassing little sister.

Stephanie lets out a little alarmed squeak and then clears her throat, blinking rapidly at India before taking out her phone "Oh look it's one minute to start..." she mutters "thank god..." under her breath after.

Tams snorts and leans back to Ryan, pointing at India "I like her."

Garrett wipes at his eyes, turning his face to the wall to hide his continued laughing.

Tristan looks between the adults with a slightly confused expression.

Sakura catches the glances from the Chens and puts a finger to her lips looking sternly at the lot of them "Shhhh!"

Ryan had been laughing breathily through his nose with India but then nodded, sat down and pursed his lips, trying to look serious.

Anna had been half watching the Yamadas and company with mild amusement and gave them a look like she'd rather be sitting in that row than where she was now and about to do what she had to do to facilitate this service.

India stands in her tight skirt, able to keep her expression deadpan from long years of acting in her own videos. She places her hand on Ryan's shoulder and stares straight ahead.

Michael hears Steph and agrees with her. "Amen." he looks straight ahead also, waiting for the beginning of the end of it all.

Adum had overheard the Yamada's and glances back, then he leans forward, shoulders shaking. "Poor guy. Thats Ryan's partner, I think."

Megan just chuckles and shakes her head "My sister's not helping at all. I can tell. Pass the popcorn...."

Adum straightens his face out and sits up. "Well, at least I'm not bored. Lets pay attention, eh?" he offers and does his best, to set the example.

Oshi Shikigami arrived dressed in a conservative looking white suit-coat and skirt, with white gloves.  Noting the time she sat in a row close to, but not directly with Anna. And just observe how things are going. As regarding others there, those that she knows, she will give a brief smile to if they look towards her, but she will not go out of her way to mingle. Oshi considers Anna, and by extension, all her relatives, to be a good friend. Although they do not have years to relate to, the time they have had together, has been good. However, Oshi also knows that Anna has many lifelong friends, so she will just make sure that Anna is aware she is there for her, as she wants or needs, but try hard not to interfere with those whom she has a longer relationship with, or family

The last person to walk into the room was Mayor Shirley Douglas. She was down to earth and unpretentious and took an open seat in one of the back rows on the Wright side despite several offers from townspeople to be closer to the front.

What's Laid to Rest Part 1

Lee Chen Wright had been missing since the devastating earthquake on May 22^nd . The police had stopped looking for his body months ago.  Reluctantly, the family had decided to have a memorial. He was thought to have fallen into the sea and drowned. Lee was 38 years old and had a reputation in Cedar Point for drinking too much, picking fights with people and leaving a trail of disastrous relationship carnage with women. There were still some who knew him hoping he was alive somewhere, but others who mourned and needed closure. There was an eclectic gathering of townsfolk filing into the Spokes Community Hall and quietly finding seating among the old church benches. An iPod plugged into a portable dock at the front of the room played a mix of Lee’s music that his sister Anna had compiled into a play list. The current song was Everybody Hurts by REM and quite appropriately timed.

Lee’s mother, Ushi Chen, sat stoically at the aisle seat on the left hand first row. Beside her was Lee’s 10 year old daughter Rosalee leaning into the crook of her Aunt Jade’s arm and quietly sobbing. Jade was crying into the top of her niece’s hair. Beside Jade Chen was Michael Chen who looked misty eyed and held the hand of his and Jade’s 9 year old daughter Lian. Lian looked sadly down at her small sandaled feet. Ushi and Michael’s other living brother Wei took up the second row with his now second wife Miyoun his two grown children; Emma and Joseph and two grandchildren Peyton and baby Chase sitting with and on Emma. Baby Chase was fussing and Emma scooped him up in her arms and walked to the back of the hall, pacing with him and trying to will him to settle. 

The Wright and Beal side of Lee’s family sat on the opposite side of the hall. Anna was seated in the aisle with her mother Tallulah Beal beside her. Tallulah’s cousin Jennifer was next over beside Tallulah’s brother Alan and his wife Patricia. Morgan Wright was not sitting among the family at the front but awkwardly perched on a bench at the back on the same side, looking ready to make a hasty exit at any time. His brother John Wright was at the front, one row back from Anna in the aisle. Uncle John was in a wheelchair so the second bench had been pushed a little further back to accommodate him.

Anna sat sideways on her end of the bench and had a whispered conversation with her uncle. She had noticed her father and his purposeful absence from the family group seating and given him a hopeful look. Morgan had smiled sadly back at her and shaken his head. Uncle John held her hand in both of his and spoke words of comfort.

Beside John were some old family friends of the Wright brothers, known to the town as some of the original Quake Takers.  The Quake Takers were said to be a cult like group that emerged in the 1970s, spouting the view that people who disappeared in the Quakes were part of some elaborate government conspiracy and cover up. Tallulah glanced back and gave the group an awkward smile as she had heard them slide into the bench after helping John position his chair. As the room kept filling up, Chief of the CPPD crept in, scanned the room and stayed purposely at the back, on the opposite side from Morgan Wright. The two men exchanged a curt nod and Nick Callahan stood right by the doorway and leaned against it, not remotely looking like he was even planning to sit. Tallulah smiled knowingly at Nick and appeared to ignore Morgan. Morgan glanced between Nick and Tallulah and quietly sighed.

Wolfgang Pots, with a cane in hand, hobbles in quietly as he can, feeling awkward to be included in such an enduring private moment. He is at the same time honor to have known Lee.. enjoying a drink after work with him from time to time.. He felt necessary to pay his last respects to his bar buddy .

He is dressing in a simple but elegant black suit and tie.. a bit more dressy than his usual garb of choice but leaning back to his rich upbringing. He removes a black felt hat as he enters.

He walks toward the Wright side.. and politely gets Anna attention. With a soft "pardon me, Miss. Anna ' he says softly "so fer yer lost.. yer brother was a hoot and the black hole is sure a bit more quite without his laughter .. ain't the same . He say in softly ..holding his hat with a look of deep sympathy ..

Anna looks up from her conversation with her Uncle, noticing Wolf approaching. She takes in the cane and the formality and swivels on her seat until she can stand, offering him open arms for a careful hug if he's so inclined to accept it.

"Thanks Wolf. It means a lot that you came today."

Wolf accepts her hug gingerly and he nods "wild drunken horse's couldn't keep me away from paying my respects to the old orney fella. He chuckles softly . "Always had a good joke fer me went I had a helluva day" he smiles and makes to go to find a seat on the Wright side

Anna steps back, chuckling and puns "Wild and drunken horses huh? You southern boys get up to some interesting farming. And you've chosen the right side." Her Uncle John and her mother both give a little groan at the pun and Anna smiles smugly as she sits back down.

The room was getting surprisingly crowded now. Anna’s friends Tamela Douglas and Stephanie Yamada arrived together and found two spots on the Wright side. Anna noticed them and they all exchanged a kind but silent greeting. Some of the custodial staff from the school that worked with Lee came in as a group along with a couple of Rosalee’s teachers and the school principal. That group took the Chen side and occupied two rows behind some more distant Chen cousins and some of the staff from the grocery store. Jack Douglas arrived with some of his staff and regular patrons from the Black Hole Nighclub. For good or ill, Lee had been a regular there. The Black Hole group settled in a scattered pattern on the Wright side. Jack ended up diagonally behind his daughter Tamela and tapped her on the shoulder before sitting down. She leaned back and gave him a hug and he exchanged some words with Tamela and Stephanie.

Brandy Miller looked apprehensively around the room and quickly took a seat in the back row at the wall on the Chen side. She was perfectly made up as always in a little black dress and a pair of thigh high boots that looked simultaneously alluring and deadly. Arriving directly behind her was Garrett Yamada. He lingered in the wake of her perfume and watched her sit down, hesitating and looking like he was contemplating trying to join her in the empty row she only took up one bit of. Brandy unconsciously flipped her silky long blonde hair.  He shifted his stance from foot to foot, thinking. Behind him, Nick Callahan stifled a chuckle and then did a little face palm like he just couldn’t watch. Tamela happened to glance in Garrett’s direction, inhaled quickly at the site of Brandy and then snorted at Garrett. She elbowed Stephanie beside her who rolled her eyes and then waved frantically at her brother and pointed behind him. Their parents Hiroshi and Sakura were arriving and they had her son Tristan with them. Tristan was in the care of his grandparents so Stephanie could be more present to Anna at her brother’s funeral. Hiro was oblivious to Garrett’s distraction and simply herded him into a row with his wife and grandson. Tamela and Stephanie looked like they were trying to keep a straight face.

Megan Douglas steps out of Adum Brate’s car as they arrive at the Spokes Hall and gives him a grateful smile "Thanks for coming with me. I hate these things....we've had too many..."

Adum closes the car door Megan came from and nods. "I agree.' he moves towards the door with her, his arm casually and comfortingly around her, remembering how scared shed been to find out about the quake.

Megan sighs "Lee was kind of a dick, but I like Anna so I'm here for her. I'm sure my sister's already in there, which is good." She starts walking but slow enough so that it's easy for her and Adum to walk with his arm around her. She just catches the back of Garrett Yamada as the door shuts behind him.

Adum smiles. "It's got to be hard on her. I haven't asked about the investigation, but ... it's pretty obvious they haven’t found his .. him." he corrects himself and avoids saying 'his body'.

Megan nods and says quietly "Just like my mom...." She reaches for the door and steps forward from being in his arm hold as they approach it. As it opens you can just see Nick Callahan face palm as he hovers by the entrance.

Adum only nods and stays close to her, offering his support. He nods to Nick and, as they move in, notices other officers, obviously either off duty or in plain clothes around. A town event, to be sure.

Megan noticed the tail end of some kind of exchange between her sister and the Yamadas. She was sitting beside Stephanie and looking back so Megan gave her a little smile. Tamela smiled back after some silliness that seemed to be happening and then poked their father. Jack Douglas turned around and saw Megan and Adum, waved, and then spoke to the Black Hole staff and patrons around him. The group rearranged, freeing up space for the two to join Jack. He beckoned them over. Megan looked at Adum in asking and head jutted back to her father.

Adum nods at the head jut and nods for her to head on over. "Ryan gonna make it?" he asks as he lifts his hand in acknowledgement of Jack Douglas.

Megan looks around and shrugs "I dunno. I don't see them...." She walks towards her father's row, hugging him before sitting down. Jack reaches out to shake Adum's hand.

Adam continues to follow. "He better or it looks bad." he grumbles softly, then reaches out to shake Jack's hand. "Good to see you again, Mister Douglas." he keeps his manners in check.

Megan observed another Yamada kerfuffle and then saw the parentals waving. She follows Sakura's gaze and gives Adum a little nudge to look back. Jack had muttered something about Mister Douglas being his father but wasn't pressing the issue. He got quickly distracted by one of his staff pulling him into another conversation.

Cedar Point Brunch Sept 11

Anna Wright picks up a coffee pot as she sees a familiar face "Dr. Ayala. good morning. Sit anywhere."

Ziven Ayala nods and smiles. "Thank you .. and some coffee, please ... and keep it coming." he looks a smidge tired.

Anna Wright comes over and pours "We have lots. I'll come back after you've had a few sips. I know those mornings." she smiles.

Ziven Ayala reaches gratefully for the coffee with a smile. "I wish it was that fun." he blows to cool and sips it black THEN adds a little sugar and creamer. "Since I am only in town on the weekends ... I had a bit of a backlog with surgeries." he admits

Michael Reinhardt walks into the brunch and raises a hand to the Dr, as if he might be considering saying something, but then moves to a chair and sits. "Mornin Anna .. let me have the granola and fruit please. And coffee." he asks.

Anna Wright turns and smiles at Michael "Morning and absolutely." She looks back at Ziven "Do you know what you'd like to eat before I hit the kitchen?"

Ziven Ayala sees Michael walk in and wave. He takes another sip and calls out. "Good morning, Officer Reinhardt. And April is fine. She's a little trooper." he winks a bit, already knowing what Michael is worried about. "I want her to rest a bit more, but I will drop her off before I go back to my week job ... station or your apartment?" he looks at And. "Actually that granola sounds good. I'll take that too. The regular breakfast has eggs in it right? So yea .. the granola."

Michael Reinhardt heaves a bit of a sigh. "Thanks Doc. I appreciate that. I SHOULD be home by around three thirty or four. So my house if possible. If not drop her off at work and someone will slide her under my desk for a couple hours if she’s alright for that."

Anna Wright smiles "Kitty mascot for the CPPD! We can do a tofu scramble if you want the full breakfast Ziven." She moves towards Michael, pouring him a coffee but looks back, still in earshot before her trip to the kitchen.

Ziven Ayala chuckles, but doesn’t reply to the comment about the CPPD.  "No ...  I think the granola will be fine, but thank you for the offer.  I just can't eat eggs and look my falcons in the eye later."  he teases.

Michael Reinhardt laughs. "I doubt that." he tells Anna. "I .. found a kitten during the earthquake and .. I'm just .. now getting her all fixed and her shots and all that." he tries to sound mildly annoyed. "Since no one claimed her after the quake. You know .. I put up the posters and all, but .. so .. I took her in is all."

Ziven Ayala chuckles.  "Which reminds me, Officer.  Because of your sacrifice, I a giving you the shots for nothing.  It's a special I give rescuers."  he drains his coffee.  "One time only, but I know both April AND I appreciate your taking her in."  he smirks.  "Pain in the butt that it may be and all."

Doctor Song: Looks around and shyly asks for some granola and coffee.

Anna Wright sees the new patron and walks over, pouring a coffee "Of course. Good morning and welcome to Cedar Point."

Michael Reinhardt blushes, but chuckles himself. "Appreciate it, Doc." he says nothing more, really about it. He looks at the newcomer and nods a quick greeting.

Doctor Song: thank you, just sailed in yesterday evening

Ziven Ayala looks at the newcomer with a nod of greeting and then looks at Anna, lifting his coffee mug for a refill.  "Please."  he adds the verbal to the request.

Anna Wright smiles at the woman and then walks over to Ziven, giving a new refill "The docks are so nice this time of year. Not so many tourists." She heads for the kitchen next to make all the granola bowls.

Michael Reinhardt nods at the woman. "Welcome to Cedar Point." he greets her with a friendly and quasi official smile, as he represents Cedar Point as a peace officer.

Doctor Song: thank you it’s a pleasure to visit

Ziven Ayala smiles as he watches the black gold poured into his cup.  "Bless you."  he chuckles.  He looks at the woman.  "Are you syaing or only visiting?"  For him the tourist season is over, but his work is not usual.

Anna Wright comes back out with three bowls, dropping them off in the order they were ordered, to Ziven first, then Michael and then the new patron "Bon appetite." she says to the room.

Michael Reinhardt smiles. "Thanks Anna." he looks into his bowl. "How's it goin?" he asks her, casually. He knows she is still dealing with the mess with her brother and is well aware of how he hasn't been the biggest help in many ways.

Doctor Song: Thanks Miss , I am visiting the area for now until my home is finished down the coast.

Ziven Ayala thanks Anna and picks up his spoon.  He murmurs something quickly that is unintelligible.. It’s perhaps a prayer.  Then he begins to eat, not speaking much as he does so.

Anna Wright replies to Michael "It's going.....this week is a bit intense." She smiles wryly and then steps closer to the new patron "And you sailed here? I'm Anna by the way."

Michael Reinhardt eats a bit of the granola and nods at Anna's reply. "I bet." he glances at the newcomer. "Oh .. my manners. I'm Officer Reinhardt. Michael Reinhardt. Just one of the cops about town." he introduces himself, without commenting on the sailor aspect of this woman.

Doctor Song: Hi Anna, Officer,Dr.Rose Song, Friends call me Rosie, yes I sail all over it seems as of late.

Ziven Ayala eats neatly but quickly .. one of the signs of a man on a relatively tight schedule.  He does take a pause to introduce himself.  "Ziven Ayala.  The local part-time vet."  he doesn’t use the term doctor.  That part is pretty obvious in his opinion.  Even though he has only been paying half attention, it’s safe to assume she called him 'Doctor' because Michael or Anna did.

Anna Wright gives Michael a little smile at his introduction and then nods at Doctor Song "May I call you Rosie? And are you a medical doctor or is it an academic title?" She glances at Ziven and adds "Because we seem to be 50% docs in here today."

Michael Reinhardt chuckles and gets back to concentrating on his meal for the now, listening to the whole doctor confusion with mild amusement.

Doctor Song: Ret. Norwegian Navy Medic served in Kosovo conflict now a day I do charity work.

Ziven Ayala grins and drinks of his coffee.  He arches a brow.  "So you aren't a medical physician?"  he wonders, knowing little about Canadian or Norwegian militaries, mostly only American where physicians aren’t medics.  "Interesting."

Anna Wright looks between the two doctors, not knowing the finer points of the training, education and title and then over to Michael with a shrug. She stays quiet so as not to talk over Ziven's question.

Michael Reinhardt looks at Anna and winks. "I can apply a bandage AND call for an ambulance at the same time." he makes it sound like he's bragging about his complete lack of higher medical education.

Doctor Song: aside from stitching up the wounded I suppose your right but then I have done the nastiest work of piecing together small bodies after a bunker blaster tears though apartment blocks /tears up a little/

Ziven Ayala offers a grin as he chews and shakes his head at Michael as he swallows.  "But you may be more important to me on a day to day basis, Officer." he compliments.  "Oh no .. no insult intended."  he apologizes.  "I was advised against joining the military in the U.S., and of course never joined here, even if I am half Aboriginal.  Seems the medics are the ones who get the people TO the doctor, so ...."  he shrugs and offers the woman an olive branch.  "What do I know?  I work with Peregrine falcons during the week and pets on the weekends."

Anna Wright had laughed at Michael's bandage comment and then was reaching for the coffee pot again when she heard Doctor Song talk about stitching small bodies. She turned, clutching the pot to her, reacting to the words and the woman's emotion with her own breath catching in her throat a bit. She nods vaguely at Ziven, appreciating his words diffusing the intensity in the air and then peers into the cups in the room, looking around "Anyone for a refill?" she asks a little quietly.

Michael Reinhardt arches a brow at the conversation's direction. "It can get interesting. I was never military, but I worked in a civilian war zone." he shrugs. "But without one, the other fails and the person, a.k.a the patient dies. No man is an Island blah blah blah." he looks at Anna. "I think I strained my little brain on that one. So yes, more coffee for me, please." he touches his temple. "I need a vacation." he murmurs.

Doctor Song: Yes, Please breathing a sigh just memories things I have to let go of, its why I sail, it helps me. And maybe someday I would love to see the falcons.

Ziven Ayala watches Anna's reaction and Michael's reply.  "Yes, more coffee for me Anna."  and with that he kills the coffee he HAD been drinking.  With his empty cup he mock salutes Michael.  "I heard that."  he agrees, apparently needing one as well.  Looking at the woman, he nods a bit.  "We would love to have you on the island.  It's beautiful and relaxing .. not that Cedar Point isn't but ...  I'm not used to all this hustle and bustle, even only on weekends."

Anna Wright walks around and fills all the cups. When she's at Ziven's table she says "I'm coming there next weekend. You work with my friend by the way, Charlotte. I figured it out after the pizza place. She's invited me up to decompress." She gives Michael a poke after the fills his "You should join me. It's really nice there and this is the time of year to go." Moving to Doctor Song's table she says "Falcon Island, Deisling Provincial Park. You could sail there I'm sure. It's less than a day's journey. I'm going to go to escape some stress. I have to deliver a eulogy next Thursday...for my brother Lee...I need a break after."

Michael Reinhardt laughs a little at Ziven suggesting that Cedar Point was hustle and bustle. "See, I was thinking Cedar Point WAS beautiful and relaxing ... compared to The Devils Kitchen  ... the neighborhood in Vancover I worked with the PD there." he shakes his head. "The idea there is MORE peace and quiet than HERE?" he shakes his head, clearly a city boy. He looks up at Anna after her blatant assault on his person. "I'd love to .. seriously. I need a couple days off to decompress ...." he pauses. "Or whatever passes for it in my life."

Doctor Song: I am so sorry, for your loss, and maybe I will sail by after I resupply and check the rigging on the boat. It’s a busy week of things for me /laughs at her internal joke about beings busy/

Ziven Ayala raises his brows at both Michael’s words and Anna's comment. "You know Charlotte? Nice. We'd love to have you. When I get back tonight I will see about tidying up the place." he finishes his granola and fruit. "Might even iron my uniform for company." he teases even though he's always pretty put together and professional. He wonders about the comment abut her brother, but doesn’t follow through. None of his concern so no need to rip at what is clearly a scab.

Anna Wright smiles a bit at Michael "It's quieter than here. Basically a little cabin retreat. Hope you don't mind outhouses." She nods at Doctor Song "Thank you. It was the quake that took him...like too many here." She chuckles a bit at Ziven "I used to babysit Charlotte when we were young. She was always trying to save the starfish and crabs that were beached...now she just gets paid to." she pours herself a coffee now and stands, drinking it.

Michael Reinhardt grins at the doctor’s early welcome. "I can do quiet ... um ... yea ...outhouses ... I ... I'm ... teachable?" he offers, although it sounds like he isn’t' completely sure he can handle something that complicated.

Doctor Song: Giggles at the outhouse comment, I am sure outhouses won't pose a big treat.

Ziven Ayala chuckles over his coffee.  "I'll write you up a quick instructional pamphlet and provide toilet paper from my PERSONAL stock, Officer."  he promises, not mocking, just teasing a bit.  "It is far from rocket science.  You'll do fine."

Anna Wright snorts "Michael....you look like you could take down a bear...but you can't shit in the woods?" She seems highly amused by this and smiles at both Ziven and Doctor Song.

Michael Reinhardt snorts. "I appreciate that, Doc. Really, I do." he shakes his head and drains the coffee. "Anna .. let me know when you want to go and I will make sure to be available. Ryan and India can cat sit for me. And Doc I will see you when you drop off April." he stands, going for his wallet to pay, nods to the woman and exit for his shift.

Doctor Song: pays her bill and leaves a generous tip.

Ziven Ayala laughs aloud and kills his own coffee.  "And I have to see a couple of patients before I can head back to Falcon Island.  But I will see you in a couple days." he also pays and leaves, turning in the opposite direction Michael turned to continue his day.

Doctor Song: thank you kindly Ms. Anna that was wonderful.

Anna Wright waves as Michael passes "I'll text." and smiles at Doctor Song "thanks so much. Have a great day and see you again. Cheers Ziven.  I look forward to it." She starts to gather dishes, smiling at him too. 

Cedar Point and Alexandra News Bulletin Sept 12, 2016

***on all channels, broadcasts and social media in print and video format***

Vancouver police are investigating a rash of pharmaceutical and cash thefts in the lower mainland area. No less than 7 storefront pharmacies and two pharmaceutical warehouses were victims of robberies over the last week and a half. Four suspects are described as male, dressed in black ski masks and black clothing and carrying automatic assault rifles.  Anyone with information on the robberies is asked to contact their local police department immediately.

Mariner’s Pub Role Play in Cedar Point RPG August 27, 2016

Michael Reinhardt wanders into the Mariner, pausing to look at the afternoon crowd. Showing up in uniform is always a crap shoot, but it makes people behave, so it’s all gravy. He notes Anna at a table with another young woman, so, for a bit he loiters at the doorway.

Tallulah Beal glances up from a bite of broccoli and smiles at the officer. She chews, swallows and says to Anna "One of Nick's boys." offhandedly. She's not trying to be quiet and her tone is jovial.

Anna Wright chuckles at her mother mid sip and then swivels to follow her gaze. She grins when she sees a friendly face "Michael. How's it going? "

Michael Reinhardt overhears the woman and chuckles slightly. He sees Anna and moves a bit closer. After a polite nod to the other woman, he looks at Anna. "I'm good. Ryan and I are on lunch, so I went home to feed April and he just went home." he snorts. "Who’s your friend?" he offers one of his most charming smiles.

Tallulah Beal laughs "I'm her mother. You know I'm sure I've seen you around but we haven't been introduced. I'm Tallulah." She extends a hand.

Anna Wright wiggles her brows "Hope Ryan's not too late getting back then."

Michael Reinhardt arches his brows in stereotypical charming mock surprise. "I have seen you but I didn't know ..." he takes her hand and shakes it, opting not to go overboard by kissing it. Then he looks at Anna. "I might have the rest of the day off ..... again." he winks. "It's not like they can make another baby." he pauses not wanting to impose himself on mother and me time.

Tallulah Beal: Tallulah shakes the hand, laughing along "No that's a one way ticket but best to get their jollies while they can. Are you here for a meal Michael? You're welcome to grab a chair and join us. Then I'll really have something to tease Nick about."

Anna Wright nods "The chief bailed on dinner with Mom so she texted me. He's apparently drowning in paperwork again. Course I had a late lunch so it's just a pint for me."

Michael Reinhardt smiles and pulls up a chair. "I'd love to." and then he freezes, putting two and two together and coming up with unemployment insurance. "As long as I get to keep my badge and get no new scars." he winks, realizing who Tallulah is. "I suppose it’s alright, since everyone knows how head over heels I am with Anna here." he grins, teasing Anna, which is always good for a giggle.

Tallulah Beal raises a brow looking at her daughter and back to Michael "Why am I always the last to know?" She has a suspicious look like she might be thinking he's kidding.

Anna Wright rolls her eyes and laughs and then pretends to fan herself "I bet you say that to all the girls." She hears the door open and looks back, giving Oshi a wave.

Oshi Shikigami: Oshi waves back, but does not interrupt. Finds a seat, and waits to order.

 Michael Reinhardt smiles and leans between them, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "I do, but don't let the word get out." he whispers. He leans back and looks aver at Deidre, who is watching with slightly narrowed eyes. "Fish and chips and coffee, please." he calls out, then notices Oshi and nods at her.

Oshi Shikigami nods back

Tallulah Beal gives Oshi a big smile and then shakes her head at Michael before saying to Anna "Better keep an eye on this one." She digs into her salmon now. It's got that deep Pacific red perfectly flaky quality that makes it simply divine.

Anna Wright smirks and then glances back at Oshi "Let's invite another female to the table so Michael can just be a total stud." She cranes around "Oshi are you on your own over there? Would you like to join us?"

Oshi Shikigami: Yes, on my own it would seem. Thank you for the invite, I will be right over! She smiles, stands a bit wobble, as she now has a cane, and not a crutch, and seats herself at the table with the others.

Michael Reinhardt chuckles and rolls his shoulders. "See." he stage whispers to Tallulah. "She’s always trying to foist me on others. It's heartbreaking ... really ... it is."

Tallulah Beal laughs heartily "Well two redheads....the world might implode. Hello Oshi. How are you this evening? How's that foot? "

Anna Wright gives Michaela fake withering look "You're too much for me all on my own." she teases and winks and then looks at Oshi "Still rough eh?"

Oshi Shikigami: Oh, me, I guess I am doing OK, Just got the cast of, and trying to navigate with a cane instead. Doesn’t hurt too much unless I move just right.

Michael Reinhardt snorts slightly "And that's why your my kind of woman." and looks at Oshi. "And you look lovely today. How is Tatsu? Anyone else inquiring at her school?" he wonders.

Tallulah Beal looks kindly at Oshi and just keeps eating, listening now with curiosity.

Oshi Shikigami: Oh Michael, so glad you asked. Well it is a long story, and only beginning. Perhaps I could buy all of you a drink first? I would be honored to do that for my friends. Oshi smiles and attracts over the barkeep, and says to her, whatever they would like, it on me...

Anna Wright half smiles and then it falters "Is Tatsu having trouble in school? She seems so bright."

 Michael Reinhardt arches his brows. "Oh?" he glances over. "Just coffee for me, thanks." he has every intention of paying, but doesn't tell Oshi. Deidre knows, however.

Oshi Shikigami: Well we don't have to have the police investigate any more. So that's a good thing. Tatsu, well Tatsu is in Australia now. But not for long. She is going back to Japan. But there is so much more...

Michael Reinhardt nods. "With her parents?" he wonders, casually.

Tallulah Beal chews her salmon, looking between them, intrigued.

Anna Wright's eyes go wide "Is everything OK? Police?"

Oshi Shikigami: Anna, well we were concerned about some people that came to school with a bunch of tests for Tatsu, that seemed well real odd. But now I have answers, and although very odd are not as bad as we feared. Two days ago her parents phoned from Australia, and they wanted her to come as soon as possible, but did not really say why.

Michael Reinhardt pauses a moment as his food is delivered. "They didn't say, eh?" his fries seem to be a double order and he picks one up, munching it thoughtfully. "SO .. now they want her...."

Tallulah Beal looks rather confused "Want her for what? Some kind of academic exchange in Australia?"

Anna Wright nods along with her mother confirming she holds the same question in her mind and then looks at Oshi.

Oshi Shikigami: Tatsu has flow alone before, so I know she could deal with that, and her parents asked, so I had to let her go. When she gets there, they tell her, that the government had indeed had those tests done. They were from the Japan Defense Force, the military if you will. They wanted her to join! Now she is a minor of course. So they need her parents’ permission. And as it is all volunteer, not "draft" she had to choose to as well.

Michael Reinhardt blinks, another French fry halfway to his mouth. "She's ... thirteen, is it? Fourteen?" he seems even more confused.

Tallulah Beal blinks "What does the Japanese military want with a young girl?"

Anna Wright looks worried "This sounds kind of frightening."

Oshi Shikigami: She got perfect scores in math. PERFECT. They don’t even have a place for a third digit on their digital scoring. LOL. So, they think it would be huge PR for starting up a program for smart military and young. Oh, and she is 13. True. But I know of some cadets in Defense Force military schools who are 15 years old, now. I guess they lowered the age requirement?

Michael Reinhardt eats the fry. "But Oshi .... perfect scores or not ... I thought there were worldwide restrictions and sanctions AGAINST using child soldiers .... and fifteen is still a child. Japan can't really ... you'd expect that more from North Korea, I would think." he's blunt as a plane flying into a building sometimes.

 Tallulah Beal sighs "Some countries have mandatory service but usually it's at eighteen. Does Tatsu really want this?"

Anna Wright looks anxiously for Oshi's answer.

 Oshi Shikigami: I would not be surprised, if they were going to get her involved in some very technical research projects. Yes, but you forget, their constitution forbids acts of military aggression. They do not train them for combat but "self defense". And even kinds deserve to know how to defend themselves, Yes?

Michael Reinhardt picks at his fish, but doesn’t eat. "Is that what they're calling it these days/" he murmurs darkly. "I'm sorry Oshi, but the only think I can think of is Hitler Youth and other child soldier programs that began the same way." he sighs and goes back to moving the food around his plate.

Tallulah Beal says gravely "I hope she never needs to use that defense. Is this more of a military school or funded facility?"

Anna Wright says quietly "I hope she stays safe."

Oshi Shikigami: What does Tatsu want? She is a teenager! Who can determine. She is smart, but she also feels an obligation. Japanese can be like that. Obligated to her parents, and her country. And maybe she has some info or inclination of what is involved. I saw her do research on the net, about some very interesting stuff, involving math like that.

Oshi Shikigami: And they have been watching North Korea launching missiles right up to their waters. All that can affect ones thoughts on the matter?

Michael Reinhardt pushes his plate away, having only eaten two of the fries. He opens his mouth and closes it, then slowly shakes his head.

Tallulah Beal asks carefully "If she decides...that's it's not for her...can she withdraw from this choice easily? Like you say she is still figuring out what she wants in life, still maturing...."

Anna Wright observes Michael's lack of appetite and takes a slow sip of her pint, watching Oshi.

Oshi Shikigami: In any case, it is settled. Her parents asked, and her country asked. And she said yes. For whatever reason you can suppose. And she is heading back to Japan, and getting assigned. And perhaps the most odd, is that they are making her a "Warrant Officer." She will have the option to resign, if that is what she chooses...

Michael Reinhardt snorts and picks up his coffee, staring into its depths. He sets it down, undrunk and begins to stir it vigorously, clearly upset.

Tallulah Beal silently processes, nodding slowly and looking pensive.

Anna Wright looks at Oshi pointedly "How are you with all this?"

Oshi Shikigami: You must understand, this is all real new to me. And I have not had chance to sort it all out. But please also understand that the Japanese people have very strong feelings both about family obligation and obligation to country. Hell, I don't know. I am so sad to loose her, after so much and so little time. Tears start to fall on Oshi's cheeks.

Michael Reinhardt stops stirring his coffee. "Oshi .... " he pauses again and stirs into his still swirling coffee. "I understand stories about obligation to country and family. Believe me. I've hears stories from my own family so .. I sort of ... ugh." he growls and runs a muscled hand through his red locks.

Tallulah Beal reaches out and pats Oshi's hand "I know this is hard on you."

Anna Wright looks sympathetically at Oshi "I can't even imagine..."

Oshi Shikigami: Oshi pulls out her phone, and shows a picture on it to all. Tatsu did this for me, She says she will be writing a detailed letter soon.

The picture on Oshi's phone is a drawing in anime style of a young Japanese woman in military uniform, her hair windblown, with a Japanese flag in the background. The woman depicted is holding a sword in one hand and a sheath in the other.

Michael Reinhardt looks at the picture and buries his face in both of his hands, groaning.

Tallulah Beal looks at the picture and then at Michael before looking at Anna and then Oshi in question to his reaction.

Anna Wright looks at the picture , trying to be positive and starts to say "It's a good drawing..." and then Micheal groans and she watches him hunch into his hands. She shrugs at her mother and Oshi, not knowing why it's hitting him this way and wondering.

Oshi Shikigami: Oh my! I need to notify the school, and some of her friends too, Aw, poor Hani, it will break his heart!

Michael Reinhardt stopped at the first groan, but keeps his head down in his hands.

Tallulah Beal looks sadly at Oshi and then concernedly at Michael "Did you have a connection with Tatsu...or are you feeling unwell?"

Anna Wright: Anna nods at Oshi "It will be a shock for sure." She reaches out a hand towards Michael and just gives him a little light finger tap on the back of his elbow.

Oshi Shikigami: Tatsu really likes Michael, he taught her some nice self defense moves, and always has a kind word for her.

Michael Reinhardt looks up and clears his throat, gruffly. "Well, Tatsu is a good kid and I'm not pleased with this news, but ..." he sighs deeply and keeps his eyes lowered. My granduncle was Deutsches Jungvolk at eleven. Then he went on to be Hitlerjugend." he sighs again. "The sole official youth organisation in Germany and was partially a paramilitary organisation. Emphasis on paramilitary, Oshi. DO you see my problem with all this?"

Tallulah Beal looks taken aback and swings her gaze between Michael and Oshi like she's watching a tennis match.

Anna Wright exhales into a low whistle, letting her gaze fall to the table.

 Oshi Shikigami: Yes, I can but all countries have worked hard to not make that happen again. Although she is brilliant, she also has a very good and kind heart. I cannot see her doing anthing that would bring herself dishonor.

Oshi Shikigami: Oh, and I promise to keep you all up-to-date, as much as I can with what is happening to her there in Japan. Who knows, it is at least possible, it will be good things?

Michael Reinhardt sighs deeply. "I am sure my grand uncle felt the same, but he .... " he holds up his hand in the classic stop sign. "Anything is possible, Oshi." he replies, but a bit stiffly and mechanically.

Tallulah Beal looks down now too and then up at Oshi "Will she be close to where her family is at least?"

Anna Wright gives Oshi and encouraging little smile and then inhales audibly as she glances at Michael. There's clearly more to this for him.

Oshi Shikigami: Michael, you have my word, if I see even the slight of anything like that happening, I will move heaven and earth, to get her out of it! Oh Tallulah, her parents are in Australia now. Of course my parents are in Kyoto, and she has some relatives most everywhere in Japan as well.

Michael Reinhardt nods, very slowly. "I know you'll try." he closes his eyes. "So her parents are staying in Australia? Seriously?" Tatsu's parents are not on his list of favorite people. He looks at Anna and sighs a bit more softly.

Tallulah Beal furrows her brow "Are the parents working in Australia? Will they go back to Japan?" She darts a look between Michael and Anna before giving Oshi her full attention again.

Anna Wright glances at each speaker at the table as they verbalize, focusing briefly on Michael as he sighs. And then glances up just as her mother gives her a little look. She turns her head and rolls her eyes.

Oshi Shikigami: Well for now, they are in Australia. In a few months, or a year? Well all bets are off on that. They are "Dilettante Travellers" That globe trot, as it suits them, and they can profit from it. In other words they have been incredibly lucky with business ventures, and they can go to wherever, whenever, they want, and do.

Oshi Shikigami: It is the only way I could afford to care for her, as they have been paying me to care for her. They do not begrudge money for her, only time, it would seem.

Michael Reinhardt shakes his head. "Well, the government can take care of her from this point, I guess." his voice is heavy with sarcasm and more than a little anger.

Tallulah Beal leans back now, folding her arms "Well it will be an interesting path for all of you. I do hope it goes as well as it can."

Anna Wright sighs "Tatsu's pretty well adjusted, considering all that. As long as she keeps her head straight. I think you've probably given her more support than she's had before Oshi. She'll miss that."

Oshi Shikigami: Michael, it is just possible, they might do a better job? Oshi looks half serious as she responds. And yes Tallulah, it is not like there is a lot I can do to change this, at least for now. And yes, Anna. I know she will. More than she would admit too. But all in all, I do have faith in her. She is one of the best parts, of her up-coming generation. And I do feel she will prevail and make something marvelous for a life.

Michael Reinhardt nods, but ignores the whole better job thing. . "I'll miss her. The cemetery probably will too. And the Chief may have been thinking of hiring her to answer the phones." he gives a smile a valiant attempt and mostly succeeds.

Tallulah Beal had smiled at Oshi and now can't help but outright laugh at Michael's words "Maybe just his phone to divert a few more callers."

Anna Wright smiles at Oshi warmly and then laughs along with her mother about Tatsu being hired for the cop shop phones.

Oshi Shikigami: Well you tell the Chief, that I am sure she would be honored to do phones any time she is here LOL Yeah, the cemetery is going to be a lot more "ordinary" too. I hope she has time to do and send her art back this way.

Michael Reinhardt chuckles, welcoming another subject. "He would like that. He liked the kid, but if he cries when he finds out, you know why." he grins. "You know who gets sent out on Ushi calls now, don't you?" he looks at Oshi. "I like the cemetery. Have lunch there a lot." he shrugs as if this is the hottest place in town for a picnic.

Tallulah Beal shudders at the word Ushi like it's the beginning of a severely allergic reaction. She then shakes her head around and stands "Speaking of Nick. I was going to drop him off some take out. It's been nice meeting you Michael." She looks pointedly at him and then Anna "I'll see you at home dear...." Her eyes bore into her daughter briefly before she turns to Oshi with a tone of warmth "Good luck with it all and all the best to Tatsu." She picks up her empty plate and heads towards the bar.

Anna Wright chuckles a bit about the cemetery and then looks exasperatedly at her mother "Behave yourself Mom. Later."

Oshi Shikigami: Well perhaps sometime I can join you there for lunch. We can share sushi and the sea, and maybe reminisce a bit too? Tallulah, a pleasure for sure. Hope to catch up with you soon again.

Michael Reinhardt smiles at the look mother gives daughter and looks at Anna as if dying to be a fly on the wall of THAT conversation. "I'd better go too ... see if my partner is done with his lunch." he snorts, rolls his eyes and goes into his wallet paying for his uneaten meal.

Tallulah Beal thanks Deidre and walks away with a takeout container, giving a little wave behind her as she saunters off.

Anna Wright watches Michael walk by and nods "OK see you soon...take care eh?" She waves at her mother briefly and turns to Oshi "I should head out too but if you need to talk more, don't be shy to get a hold of me."

Oshi Shikigami: Michael, Have a great time for the rest of the day, you deserve it. And try not to worry too much? And Anna, so many thanks! I still need to sort things out for sure. And I just may well take you up on that. I appreciate your common sense. Thanks!

Oshi Shikigami bows “ SO I will be scooting too...”

Michael Reinhardt winks as he passes Anna and leaves the Mariner with a mischievous grin on his face.

Anna Wright gives a little bow back to Oshi, chuckles and rolls her eyes at Michael and then stands up to pay for her pint "Cheers."