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Post by The Doctor plus one on Mar 15, 2008 18:03:21 GMT -5
But Charles simply smiled. “Sir, there's a British officer in India, who'd shoot me on sight. But that doesn't mean I hate all the British. I was once almost killed by members of a xenophobic movement in Japan and one of the leaders there, that was before the emperor took over the country again, threatened to kill me should his son not survive the surgery. That doesn't mean I hate them. There are rotten apples everywhere, that's one of the things I've learned on my journey. And you have to keep one thing in mind. The Japanese are different than the Chinese. No one has ever occupied their islands, they've repelled all invasions. Who knows, they might surpass us one day.” It was meant to be a joke, albeit not the best. “I wouldn't know whether O-Suzu is lovely. She's hardworking and dedicated to her chores, always has been. She's reliable, I'd trust her with anything. She's more like a daughter to me.” Charles nodded once, “I've heard some of the rumors. None of it is true.” Sipping from his drink he remembered his first trip to the United Kingdom. A very young Lister and a very young Franklin had been very drunk one day. Ah... memories... “I guess,” Charles finally mused, “some people see only the bad things in people, others see only the good things in them. I would say none of us can be blamed. You're a man of the law, I, on the other hand, am a doctor. We both have our duties.”
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Post by Shane Lawson on Mar 16, 2008 12:48:54 GMT -5
Again Bill chuckled at the Doctor. "Sounds like your circumstances and mine are a bit different." Though he was hinting at something more, he choose not to elaborate. "Well, That's good.. It's hard finding hard working help these days, and I mean that in the best possible way I promise." He said trying to assure the Doctor, otherwise his remark might've come off as having implied she was some sort of slave, which wasn't his intent. "You've been to a lot of places Doc, That's all fine and dandy.. You know how those places work, I don't.. I know how things work here, I've seen some pretty awful things and I suppose my outlook is a bit skewed.. but" he shrugged a bit. "Thats just how it is I suppose." Taking another swig from his glass he just smiled at the Doctor. "I wouldn't worry to much about the rumors.. They say some pretty down right awful things about me as well." Though the difference between Franklin and Sullivan, wasin the latters case? The rumors were probably true in part.
"Though, I still wonder.. Born in Boston, traveled the world, how the hell did you end up in this place? Or why?"
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Post by The Doctor plus one on Mar 16, 2008 13:04:39 GMT -5
Charles nodded while listening to the marshal. After taking another sip he simply shrugged. “You see marshal, I didn't spend all the years at university in Washington and then in Europe and Asia to come back to Boston and treat the hypochondriac headaches of rich widows. I rather leave that to my brother. I'm a doctor, marshal Sullivan, I took an oath when I graduated, I stick to it. Boston is nice if you enjoy mindless conversations while having a tea with a rich widow after you treated the oh so horrendous pains in her toes. Other than that, no thank you.” His train of thought trailed off for a second. He had seen things that most of the people of the high society in Boston couldn't even possibly imagine. “I've seen real suffering out there, marshal, so I figured I rather go into the west where people actually need a good doctor.” Then a smile crept on his face, “And I like a challenge.”
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Post by Shane Lawson on Mar 16, 2008 14:29:26 GMT -5
"Picked a hell of a place for that Doc." Sullivan grinned, Given the nature of Lost Haven it was quite a challange for Doctors, Marshals, Mayors and hell even barbers had a difficult time in this place. "So, has it been the challange you were looking for?" he asked while reflecting on the Doctors comments about Boston, sounded like a truly dreadful place to him.
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Post by Rose and Alex on Mar 16, 2008 14:51:12 GMT -5
When Rose was a little girl, living in the tiny apartment with her family, she used to sit by the one window they had and stare up at the sky. Day dreaming about having fancy clothing, and a maid or two, she knew, of course, that these were just fantasies. She knew that, there was no way she’d be a real lady. Like the one from her dreams. Occasionally she’d find herself, when the Hotel wasn’t busy, leaning on the counter. Chin propped up on her hand, she’d dream again of those old days, and the wishing to be a lady. Then she’d realize what she was doing and snap out of it. Today was one of those days. Rose gave a tiny shake of her head, brushing off the old cob-webs of thought, and straightened her back. Picking up the book she’d been reading, eyes scanning the room for any sign of Alex. He’d had invited some...plumber-man-type from California. They’d slipped off to the bar for a drink, to talk business and payment. It was really her own fault for telling Alex, simply in passing, that she’d read some where that some really hoity toity types had indoor water closets and an indoor bath. Three weeks later, when Rose came down to open the Parlor a man was sitting talking with Alex. He had a new type of copper or something, some break through in the plumbing business. Rose just gave Alex permission to take care of it, as long as it didn’t cost too much. That was the end of that. Alex said that the water closet was done, as was the bathing room. They had worked for a little over two months, building night and day, adding a room onto the side of the house, over by the lobby. Rose had been forbidden to go over there until Alex made sure everything was right. So, here she was, sitting behind the front desk of her lobby, everything in order the only two guests she had were the plumber and a passing cowboy who’d be leaving today. It was hard to tell, from one day to the next, how busy the Hotel was going to be. As far as Hotel’s went in this town, The Five Grace’s was one of the biggest. They had twenty two rooms, only twenty of them they could rent out. The other two were Alexia’s and Rose’s and those were found on the ground floor, hidden away behind the dinner room, tucked just under the stairs. The few serving girls that worked for them all shared lodging with Mark and his wife Jane. Rose made sure that Mark and Jane got a nice extra bit to feed and lodge the poor dears. If Rose hadn’t hired them, they might have become Soiled Doves. If there was one thing Rose really disapproved of, it was the women selling their bodies for money. That’s not to say that she wasn’t...unsympathetic to their plight, she just happened to think that there were other ways to earn money. Still, it wasn’t her place to judge. Her mother, god rest the woman’s soul, had taught her better then that. There were only four serving girls, plus Mark and Jane, so it was a small family. Jenny, a young 18 year old, would be leaving for New York in three days, and Macy, her best friend with her. It would drop down to her help to four, plus herself and Alex. Alex, her dearest friend, paid a bit extra when ever she was working at the bars, but for the most part, she protected the building. Helping out here and there, he was a good man, kept her safe. He’d also supplied the first two hundred dollars to help Five Grace’s get on it’s feet. Rose would feel forever in the man’s debt. And might have married him, but Alex never asked, never even hinted at that. Realizing that her mind had wandered away again, Rose sighed and gave up reading. Standing she walked to the door and pushed it open. There was a nice breeze blowing through town and for once, the heat wasn’t over bearing. Of course it was still early in the day. Turning round Rose looked over the foyer. Her hotel, her grand palace, was large and spacious. She smiled at it, walked over to the counter and straightened the plaque with the prices on it. Five dollars for a weeks stay, Five-fifty for food and bath, and six dollars for stable, food, bath, and a week’s stay. Slipping behind the counter again, Rose picked up her book determined to read. She'd just fallen into the story again when gunshots rang out. Yelping she ducked down behind the counter. It wouldn't be the first time windows got shot up. It happened, from time to time. She moved quickly to the door, looking out. It seemed the ruccus was further down the road and not near her and her hotel. Still, she kicked the door's stand and let it fall shut behind her, making sure the sign still read 'open'.
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Post by The Doctor plus one on Mar 16, 2008 15:04:10 GMT -5
“A challenge, marshal Sullivan?” He had to think for a second. Gunshot wounds weren't new, neither were those cuts and stabs from knives. Japan had been worse, much worse. Honestly, there he had seen really bad injuries caused by human engineering. Those katana swords, what a horrible invention. Charles smiled. “No, marshal, not yet. But given how things tend to change from one second to the other, who knows. It could be just around the next corner.”
Then he listened up. Outside there was O-Suzu's voice ordering around Jesse's friends. Of course, they couldn't leave him in the room where Charles was usually treating his patients. They had to move him to a bed, and luckily there were two additional ones in what could be called a small hospital ward. The doctor chuckled, those poor boys. He knew that O-Suzu wasn't evil or anything, but her own philosophy was an odd mixture of his own and Buddhism, thus her main concern when at work, but also often when she wasn't doing anything, was people's health. Sometimes, in some cases, her passion for this profession took over her temper. The results then were like the death glare that Jesse had received. “Sometimes, though,” he said, “merely moving on with ones normal life can be rather challenging as well.”
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Post by Shane Lawson on Mar 16, 2008 15:16:38 GMT -5
It was certainly a fascinating new world for the Boston native, even if it was a bit 'dirty' when compared to his homeland. Barton trailed behind Marshal as he lead them up the steps to the Five Graces Hotel, Politely opening the door for his boss Barton nodded in response as he stepped through the doorway and into the lobby of the hotel. Bartons eyes grew a little wide in response, it was far nicer then he could've imagined for such a dusty boomtown. "You're right, it's pretty nice." he remarked to Marshal while taking his time to look around. Behind him his number two, Lucas Burke and their two security men were close behind and Burke fully intended to make the reservations but that wasn't until Barton noticed the final, and perhaps most charming detail of the room. Quickly stepping up to the counter, Barton tried to introduce himself. "Nice to meet you! I mean... Hello there!" he said stumbling over his words, as he tried to engage his mouth without sticking his foot in it. Closing his eyes, and clearing his throat he tried again. "Good evening Miss, we need four rooms please.." he said while putting on a big smile for the woman. Yes, she was the first instance of a true blooded frontiers woman and he was utterly smittened with not only that fact, but her red-hair, green eyes and features that were quite easy on the eyes. Even though his second attempt was a bit smoother, he'd still forgotten to tell her for how long they were staying.
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Post by Shane Lawson on Mar 16, 2008 15:27:24 GMT -5
Enjoying another swig from his glass, Sullivan was kind of amused by Franklins remarks, it struck him more as a 'becareful what you ask for' moment then anything else. "You are right about that, It's not quite as bad as the first couple of years.. Trust me." He'd been in Lost Haven since day one when the first tents were erected and with his 'experience' he'd been elected the town Marshal at that time, he could still remember those early days when it seemed like the streets ran with blood atleast once a week. "It's quieted down a bit since certain influnces have taken hold." Masters, Yes All of those who had crossed Masters or his hired guns had either been killed or ran out of town which made things considerably more quiet, "But you're right, you never know with this place." And he'd seen it before, power shifted, collapsed and changed hands resulting in bloodshed. It seemed bound to happen.
"Just be careful what you ask for, might be more then you can chew." Bill said remarking before finishing off his drink. "God.. Damn Good Whiskey Doc, Damn good.. Guess if business ever gets a bit flat you can open a bar ride?" he grinned, though he'd noticed Franlins remarks about moving on and wondering if there was something more to it, he decided to leave it.
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Post by Rose and Alex on Mar 16, 2008 15:32:53 GMT -5
The door was pushed open and several men came in. Rose hopped off the stool and pushed her book aside quickly. She smiled pleasently watching them look around. To be sure her Hotel was done up nice and proper, all built by hand, her’s and Alex and Mark and Jane, from things she’d seen in magazines. She smiled again as the man stumbled over his words. Bowing her head lightly, she waited until he was done speaking. “Good Day Sirs, four rooms it is.” She said and pulled out the registry, her eyes darting up to look at the man standing before her. She was always like this with her guests, careful to not over step her bounds and be as lady like as she could. She pointed to the sign. “How long will you be staying? It's Two Dollars per day or Six dollars for the week, six fifty for a week and stabling for the horses. Seven dollars includes food and seven fifty includes bath. Well....when it’s working. But Ten Dollars flat for four rooms then it’d be about forty dollars. And that’ll include an extra week’s stay.” Though it seemed a bit much, Rose was good at telling the type who desperately needed a room and food, and generally gave them a cheaper price. To make up for it, when men were dressed as nice as this one was, well she figured he could afford it. If he made a fuss about the price, well she’d drop it a bit if she had too. “I’m Rose, owner and main runner of this hotel. My...friend who helps me, Alex, is away on business at the moment.” Her lips pulled back in another smile. Though the man was flustered, Rose figured it was from the long ride. It didn't even cross her mind that he might be flustered because of her. “ I know it sounds...silly but we’re getting running water and we have an indoor water closet.” she beamed proudly. “Now, if you’ll have you and yours sign these four lines, I’ll show you up to your room and have some one help you with your bags...”
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Post by The Doctor plus one on Mar 16, 2008 15:38:51 GMT -5
“Mister Sullivan, if there is one thing the Scots can do, then it's make decent whiskey,” Charles noted with a serious nod. He had been drinking a lot of different alcohol from different countries, but there wasn't anything that could really beat good, old Scottish malt whiskey. “Oh, I rather not go into that kind of business. Once you've seen the liver of someone who died because of alcohol you end up a tad bit careful with this stuff.” Apart from that, it usually didn't take much alcohol to turn Charles into a rambling and raving oddball.
“No, you can come to see him in the afternoon, maybe! If the doctor allows it!” O-Suzu insisted while shoving Jesse's friends towards the door so that they would leave. Thanks to those slobs she had to clean the doctor's tools and deal with the rest of the chaos they caused in the house.
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Post by Shane Lawson on Mar 16, 2008 15:56:02 GMT -5
"Uh.. How long? well.." Barton wasn't sure actually, he'd planned on just coming out and surveying things for awhile but what if he had to stay for longer then a few weeks? He blinked a couple of times, before getting over his hesitation and answering. "Uh.. Let's start out with two weeks.. No need for the stabling though." The Horse and coach would be kept at the company stables on the southern side of town, "But sure thing on everything else, Money isn't an issue." beamed to her, yet was he bragging? He hadn't really noticed, maybe he was bragging subconsciously? It'd be quite obvious that given his accent and clothes he was probably a 'big shot' from back east. "And it's quite a pleasure to meet you Rose," His lips twisted into a bit of a silly smile much to the bemusement of Burke. "My name is.. Oh I have to sign, well you'll know in a moment won't you?" he said with a goofy laugh as he signed her guest registiry. "Cornelius Barton," he said proudly, avoiding eye contact for the most part. It was a given she'd know the Barton name, given the presence of the excelsior mining company in town. "Oh, quite modern out here aren't we?" he teased, chuckling. Though it was a bit of a surprise that such modern conveniences could be found so far west. "Oh, we'll get our own bags, don't worry." The reality of that was his guards would get the bags for him of course.
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Post by Rose and Alex on Mar 16, 2008 16:12:41 GMT -5
”Alright then, two weeks but if you need more we’ll make arrangements.” Again Rose looked up and offered him a small smile, her eyes noted the speckling of freckles across his nose. Realizing she must be staring she flushed bright red, enough to match her hair and adverted her eyes. “ Alright then, it’s upfront cash if you don’t mind.” She said softly, swallowing. Then he signed, she looked at his name, all flourish and pretty. She touched the edge of the paper, getting a smudge of ink on her finger. She looked back up. His laughter at being a modern hotel made her flush with embarrassment. She shifted on one foot to the other. “ I-it’s ...I....Thought it’d be a good....I mean....yes...it’s silly I suppose.[“” She stuttered unable to come up with a good response. Giving up, face red with shame at his teasing. She thought he was making fun of her. She grabbed the keys and walked around the counter. “ This way please.” She turned and went up the stairs next to the Lobby, she’d put them all together on the second floor. “ Your men can stay in these three,” she pointed unlocking the doors and pushing them open. They were well furnished, with a table and chair in each room, on bed side lamp and queen sized beds, the sheets and colors were any where from blues to yellow. Each room sticking with it’s own pattern. She pushed open the last door, between the left one, and the right one, and let Cornelius Barton in. It was the largest room on site, a ‘king’ room if you will. Done in dark browns, with a large bed and deep dark wood that lined the floor and tables, it was spacious and had it’s own little couch. “ Breakfast is at Seven in the morning, and supper is at Eight in the evening.” Her voice was steady when talking about her hotel, but the minute she turned around and had to look up at Barton again, she flushed and looked away moving out of the room. “ There’s a library and parlor down stairs. Feel free to explore the house, though this floor and the third are just rooms.” Rose moved out of the room, hands shaking. Her shoulders slumped for a moment, but she straightened them, nodded her head to Barton’s men and headed back down the stairs. ((Barton's room)) ((His men's room style, please ignore any modern stuff, its really hard to find period accurate rooms))
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Post by Shane Lawson on Mar 16, 2008 16:23:17 GMT -5
"Yes Ma'am." He acknowledged, wondering in the back of his mind if such arrangements would be needed. The womans blushing caused him to snort and chuckle a breif moment before he stiffled it, if anything it embarrassed him a little to. "Sorry.. Oh.. cash.. uhm.." he said surprised, he started patting his coats, checking his pockets and realized that he had no money on him! It was all in the stage coach. "Allow me," Burke interjected, dropping the appropriate amount of gold coins on her counter. "Oh.. Thanks.." Barton blushed a little, embarrassed that despite his riches he had no money on him! Very impressive indeed. Nervously he shifted his weight from foot to foot as he realized he'd apparently stuck his foot in his mouth again.. This time over the improvements ot the hotel. "Oh no! That's quite good, promise.. It's wondererful." he said quickly trying to explain but it seemed the damage was done, and soon they were following her up stairs to their rooms. Left at his door, he again smiled at her and managed eye contact for a couple of seconds. "Thank you very kindly Miss, I'll let you know if I.. we.. err someone needs something." he said bowing his head before the door closed and she was gone. "What is wrong with me??" he murmured, staring at the door for a few seconds..
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Post by Rose and Alex on Mar 16, 2008 16:48:03 GMT -5
Rose took the gold coins and dropped them into the till, then locked it before she’d shown them the way up. His snort and chuckle at her blush had only caused her further self-consciousness’. She tripped over the door seal as she left. Turning back to him she nodded, eyes down cast. “Yes of course, if you need me I’m generally found in the lobby area, Jane, my...assistant is in the kitchen most times. If your hungry and you ask nicely she might let you and yours have lunch on the house. Tell her I said it was all right.” And then she was gone. Once back to the safety of her lobby, she buried her face in her hands, she could feel the heat of her face. She sighed deeply and stayed like that until the bell rang announcing visitors. Lifting her head up, she touched her hair unconsciously making sure it was in place. “Hello lovely!” Alex said, his short hair slicked back away from his face. Alex was one of the prettiest men she’d ever seen. Not handsome, like Barton, her mind supplied, which she immediately squished the thought, but pretty. He stood at 5’8, about five inches taller then herself, and had tan beautiful skin. She gave him a small smile, and nodded to the man with him. “Ah, I’ll see you later then.” The man said looking from Alex’s frown to Rose. He tipped his hat to Rose and slipped up stairs. Alex marched over. “Alright what’s the matter Rose? You’re upset. Don’t try to tell me your not. I know you are. Spill.” Alex demanded, his hands resting on the counter. Rose laid hers beside his. Alex picked hers up and held them. “It’s nothing, really. We’ve got guests. It’s just...” She said, trying to sound happy. She realized that Alex wasn't going to budge. “Silly really, the guest, Barton, laughed when I told him about the indoor water closet and bathing.” She hung her head. “Maybe it’s too fancy...” Alex scowled. “It is not to fancy. You’ve the best Hotel on the west coast. And some little pompous prick isn’t going to make me, or any one else think other wise. Plus, we’ve already spent two hundred dollars on it. It stays and they’ll all be grateful for it later.” He said, pulling her hand so that she was forced to walk around the counter. “That’s not all of it, what are you holding back dearest?” He asked softly, lifting her chin so that Rose was forced to look up and meet his eyes. Giving a small sigh she tried to look away, but Alex’s brown eyes tracked hers. “Language,” she remarked, then continued “It’s just...he laughed. I think he laughed at me. I know I’m not-.”Alex pulled her into a hug holding her tightly. Rose snuggled closer to her dearest friend, and then pulled away. “If he laughed at you, he’s a fool. Where is he? Want me to call him out?” Alex asked, he knew Rose would laugh, and she did. “No no! He’s a guest, no challenging the guests Alex.” Smiling up at her friend she stepped back behind her counter. “Now, Mark said he needed you in the back, something to fix on the second floor...And thank you Alex.” She whispered. “No problem love.” Alex heard a noise and looked over to the stairwell.
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Post by Shane Lawson on Mar 16, 2008 16:56:47 GMT -5
For a few minutes Barton scolded himself for being so silly over the woman, though that was how he was around girls like that.. Like what? The kind he fancied, the redheaded, green eyed type just made him act quite plainly stupid! There seemed to be a lack of those types in Boston, well ones who weren't phony anyway. Somehow he'd never ended up in a truly serious relationship with any woman back in Boston, though he'd had a fling during his travels through Europe he never found it within himself to click with the phony socialites his parents wanted him to marry. Perhaps that was another reason he'd come out west, not for romance of course but to find people who were real and not so damn phony. Regardless, his own ego wasn't going to allow his first impression to stand and whether or not he ended up trying to catch the girls fancy he was going to correct her perception of himif it was the last thing he did!
It took him a few moments before he finally found an excuse to go back down stairs and bug her, it was quite lame to be honest but whatever worked right? Within moments he was trotting down stairs and back in the lobby where his jaw almost dropped. There.. This new Girl.. Rose.. Yes Rose was her name was in a very tender moment with a man.. Barton looked a second time, and something just didn't seem right about the man she was with. Of course he couldn't put his finger on it but.. "Uh.. I forgot to tell you.." he said nervously as he clasped his hands behind his back, nervously playing with his fingers. "Feel free to call me Henry if you like.." he said, coughing nervously.
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