Burning Skies Saloon

[Gryphos]

--Outside administrative plaza--

Tristan
"No, I do not believe we have. I'm Tristan."

He shook Plasma's hand.

Nidhogg
"Brother, this is Plasma, we were briefly acquainted a few days ago."

Tristan nodded in acknowledgement, before looking around.

Tristan
"We were just out for a walk, lovely day for it, apart from the recent carnage that is."

He gave a weak chuckle.

[Plasmarobo]

Plasma gives a sort of nervous laugh, an echo of Nidhogg's.

_Plasma
"I suppose it is rather nice out. But I wouldn't know. I've been away from the city on business. I have seen the reports. Nasty bit of business. Rather appalling that a Galleon was able to get within the defenses. It's actually sparked an audit of the guards! Us fleet folk are a bit lucky to have dodged that bullet. Still, shouldn't happen again I don't think."

He gestures vaguely to the buildings around him as he talks. Indicating perhaps the people within them, or maybe the very institution for which they stand for.

_Plasma
"But I'm forgetting myself. You're new to the city, right? Let me show you around! The city has a sort of compelling beauty to it. It's why so many people stay here in spite of the almost daily chaos. Well, that and it's one of the more defensible places you'll find."

Nidhogg and Tristan, accept graciously, and Plasma sets off towards the Council Gardens. With the two in tow.

[BdrLineAzn]

--Academy--

BdrLine wakes up from the couch and cracks his neck from the weird position he has slept last night.

Last night...hmm that went better than I expected, even.. with.. food.. on me. How that happen again?

As he was thinking, he sees his new rifle in a corner of his room. He stands up and walks towards it and picks it up.

I never did get a chance to see what this baby can do, even if I shot it yesterday. Wonder if the outdoor range is open?

With that, BdrLine quickly gets dressed and out to the range near the armoury. As he gets there. He sees some technicians setting up new targets. He calls out to them.

BdrLine
"Hey is this range free today?"

One of the guys hears him and look to see who it was.

Tech
"Yeah, just setting up some stuff. Once we're done you can go.

BdrLine
"Thanks"

10 minutes passes by and the techs finally place up new dummy targets. They all left for their break leaving BdrLine on the range. He goes over to an ammo storage and brings out a box of standard 30 ot 06 rounds and starts loading them in one of his magazines. Once he had two sets of 14 round mags, he goes back to his rifle and loads one in, pulls back the action, and fires. The recoil was smooth and almost non existent as BdrLine fires off three more.

*smilingYiski, you know how to make a rifle. 

He continues on for the next few hours.

[Yiski]

--Armory--

Yiski original idea of making a new light rifle failed miserably. Not so much Yiski wasn't capable of doing so (because we know he is), rather Yiski went in a new direction with his design. Instead of making a new rifle (which he decided half-way through the day), Yiski opted for a more innovative approach: interchangeable a barrels. While most of Blood Bolt would stay the same, Yiski made a system of three types of barrels: Assault, marksman, and sniper. Each barrel type would vary from short to long, respectively. Each barrel type would also need their own specially crafted ammunition because of the varying barrel calibers.

Another feature Yiski experimented with was installing a variable rate of fire. Almost all guns, except for the gatling, were semi-automatic weapons. Yiski could, theoretically, go semi, three-round burst, or full automatic fire under any barrel system.

Close to completion, Yiski thought it best to test the current state of the new Blood Bolt. Althea and Lauren had their apprehensions.

_Lauren
"You sure having a gun able to switch barrels isn't going to destabilize the gun and fall apart?"

_Yiski
"Nope. The interlocking system in place should keep it together tightly."

_Althea
"What about if you use full automatic fire, similar attempts were made, but the major flaw was jamming."

_Yiski
"Yeah. That was tricky, but I shaved down the trigger hammer and made a few adjustments to the springs. Though I'm not sure if it'll work."

Yiski had Blood Bolt in hand with six clips of ammunition, two for each barrel system. Technicians already had targets set at varying distances on the range.

Yiski removed the sniper barrel and installed the assault barrel. This shortened Blood Bolt by a two feet. Yiski then loaded the assault ammunition clip. Before firing, Yiski gave the gun a good shake to make sure it wouldn't fall apart. Checking to the the fire rate was on semi, Yiski raised Blood Bolt and opened fire on the close targets. The first few shots all landed. Next, Yiski tried three-round burst. The accuracy of the next few shot declined with about two of the three shots landing. Reloading a new clip, Yiski finally tested the full auto. The spread was horrendous, but the upside was there was no jamming.

Further tests using the other barrel systems proved successful (though it was interesting watching a sniper rifle on full auto). Satisfied with the tests, Yiski headed back inside the Armory.

_Lauren
"What now?"

_Yiski
"Reduce spread on full auto assault and make a sling or holster so I can carry the other barrels and ammo clips."

Althea looks to Lauren

_Althea
"I can see why others would want what he knows. If word of his latest invention got out..."

_Lauren
"Well, I guess that's why you're here."

[Yiski]

--NARRATOR--

The remainder of the day in Anvala went as 'normal' as one could expect. No fights, no invasions, no kidnappings, and no explosions. The group meet up again in the Officer's Barracks.

_Yiski
"Get any additional info out of Sebastian Zill?"

_Zill
"Nope. He says he told us everything he knew, but you know how it goes with spies."

_Yiski
"Always an ace up their sleeves."

Most of the evening went on, uneventful. Althea and BdrLine chatted a little more, but most of it hinged around Yiski's new Blood Bolt.

--Chang-ning--

Ny-Lee and Roland had made port and waiting for them on the docks were Shen and Liu. Ny-Lee ran up to her mother and gave her a hug while Roland and Shen settled for a firm handshake.

_Liu
"Oh! It's so good to see you again."

_Ny-Lee
"I missed you to mother."

_Shen
"You took a day longer getting here. What happened?"

_Roland
"Surprise sandstorm right on top of the transport."

_Liu
"Well, you two must be tired. Come, let's head back to the manor."

The four walked out where there was a carriage waiting for them. Approaching the carriage, a well-cloaked man came from behind. The cloak itself wasn't ragged, but well-kept, and minimally ornate. Something which stood out, but not all too noticeable. Given the reason behind sending Roland and Ny-Lee to Shen and Liu, Shen pulled out his pistol which immediately caused the cloaked man to raise his hands visibly.

_Shen
"Identify yourself."

_{Cloaked Man}
"Am I to assume the young man with you is Roland?"

_Ny-Lee
"What if he is?"

_{Cloaked Man}
"Yiski sent me under these specific conditions."

_Ny-Lee
"Wait. How do you..."

_Roland
*interrupting* "Dear, allow me." *looking toward the man* "The skies?"

_{Cloaked Man}
"Always bright. Always burning."

_Roland
"Hello Lance. What's this about instructions from Yiski."

_Lance
"Master Roland. Yiski gave me instructions years ago for whenever he should send you away from Anvala."

_Ny-Lee
"What are they?"

Lance hands Roland a piece of parchment. On it was the header "Roland's Permanent Relocation". Reading it, Roland found out that Yiski had funneled money to Lance even before opening the saloon. The money was to be invested in Lance's multiple dealings and holdings solely for Roland's purpose. Some of the held funds would also be used to keep a small protection detail on him and any future spouse. The parchment also had an attached letter.

Hey Roland,

If you're gettin' this letter it either means I'm dead, or I sent you to keep you out of harms way. Probably the first.

Anyways, you're probably wondering why I have you gone to wherever you're at. Well, I couldn't let you live your life here in Anvala. Yes, it's nice, but not safe. The constant threat of invasion from known and unknown enemies is hardly a place where you want to live, let alone try to raise a family. I don't know how well I did with raisin' you, given I'm writin' this when you were six.

But hopefully, Lance didn't screw up my plan and you have enough money to live comfortably for the rest of your life.

Also, I need you to do me a favor. Don't call or contact me from here on out. I know I'm bein' selfish and puttin' a burden on myself, but I can risk whatever is goin' when you're readin' this to ever reach you.

If I am still alive, then I'll come find your regardless of where you're at. That I can promise.

Goodbye,
Yiski

Roland couldn't believe what he read. Not contact him?! Not return to Anvala? Roland immediately turns to Shen.

_Roland
"I need a radio, quick!"

_Ny-Lee
"Darling. What's wrong?"

Roland hands his wife the letter and she too is in a state of disbelieve. Lance quickly intervened.

_Lance
"It's best you not contact Yiski. I'm sure he's already disabled all of his normal frequencies. Plus, it would make my job harder."

_Roland
"But... I can't..."

Liu hugged Roland.

_Liu
"I know this is a shock to you. It's a shock to us as well, but I'm sure Yiski is still alive and well."

Roland didn't like it, but he knew Yiski had a knack for being right ahead of time and it was best not to question Yiski's reasoning.

_Roland
"Lance, how much money did Yiski amass?"

_Lance
"From yesterday's account... over 1.2 million gold pieces."

Ny-Lee and Roland's mouths dropped. Lance grinned.

_Lance
"What can I say, Yiski made some good investment choices."

_Shen
"I guess you won't need much help with finances. So what do you plan on doing with your sudden wealth?"

Roland thought about it awhile. Then a smile came across his face.

_Roland
"I think I will start a saloon."

--NARRATOR END--

--END OF DAY 119--

[RearAdmiralZill]

--Start of day 120--

-Narrator-

Zill was slow to wake today. Yesterday also took a toll on him. He couldn't place it, but his body just wasn't quite up to the task of being the admiral lately. He shook off whatever thoughts he had and got ready to interrogate Sebastian himself. All of the previous accusations bounced around in Zill's head. All that service for the baronies just to get targets on their backs....Jun'ko broke his daydream.
_Jun'ko
"You look like a lost puppy."

_Zill
"That obvious? Just too much going on, and personal thoughts of my own. You seem alight with current affairs."

_Jun'ko
"I go with the flow, and right now that flow it tied with yours."

Jun'ko embraces Zill. It lasts a few minutes before he nods and heads out the academy towards the council chambers.

Upon reaching the holding cells, Zill stopped just before rounding the corner to Sebastian's. He knew that regardless of the information gained, there was no way Anvala had the resources to go after any Baron military officials. Sure, one or two may disappear, but who knew how far the order had gone? Plus, Zill hated enemy spies. It was like a poor in-law relationship which involves bullets. He made his decision, for both present and future.

-End Narrator-

[Yiski]

--Academy--

The day had been uneventful for the Commander. Given little confirmation on Sebastian's allegations and not having any other weapon to make or modify, Yiski had slept in and, for the first time in years, had absolutely nothing to do. It bothered him, a lot.

Yiski never liked the idea of taking a day off unless it was necessary (i.e. near death, unconsciousness, forced recovery, etc.). Lauren knew this all too well from their past and tried to keep Yiski occupied for the entire day. Sadly, she ran out of things.

The two and Althea were sitting around a table in the Academy's mess hall. Yiski was fidgeting his right leg and tapping the table with his fingers.

_Yiski
"Still should've...."

_Lauren
"We know already, it's not like you haven't repeated it a hundred times already."

_Althea
"Fifty-three times actually." *getting a look from Lauren* "Please, I'm just as bored as Yiski is."

_Yiski
"Fine. How about we go and about the city?"

_{Althea & Lauren}
"Works for us."

[RearAdmiralZill]

-Narrator-

The group really had a good day for once. Everyone went about their business, some exploring the city, and others relaxing with their loved ones. The "busiest" one was Zill, who had plans that would rattle the council to it's breaking point. However, that is not for this day.

-End Narrator-

--End day 120--

[Yiski]

--START OF DAY 121--

--FINAL EVENT: END OF DAYS--

--NARRATOR--

--Lord's Point, Baronies--

Unknown to the wider world, a few of the Baronies nobles successfully overthrew the current government and placed one of their own as King of the Baronies. These nobles were also the same group responsible for Sebastian and Wyrm. The new King's objective was to expand the influence of the Baronies further west. Many considered Anvala to be the key prize in their expansion plans. Anvala's vast array of weapons and high wealth made it an obvious target.

Knowing Anvala's defenses and its recent upgrades, the King of the Baronies ordered all available fleets to fly towards Anvala and overwhelm all their defenses.

However, there were a few unwilling participants in the matter. For one, Yiski's old friend, Roy, was separated from the rest of his flying fleet and forced to captain for the regime's loyalists under the threat of death of his family and friends.

--Throne Room--

_King
"Are the preparations complete?"

_Loyalist
"Almost, your Majesty. It will still take another few days in order to recall and reorganize our fleets for the Anvalan assault."

_King
"It's a shame we could not take out their defenses with Wyrm or claim Yiski."

_Loyalist
"Even so your Majesty, I doubt the city can withstand the the power of our entire fleet bearing on them. If you will excuse me, I will continue to organize our assault."

_King
"Very well."

--NARRATOR END--

--END OF DAY 121--

[Yiski]

--START OF DAY 122--

--NARRATOR--

--Lord's Point, Baronies--

Preparations were nearly complete for the King's plan to invade Anvala. Claiming the city would allow the Baronies critical access to additional trade routes as well as extend their influence across the Burrens. Currently, the Baronies fleet consisted of over sixty vessels of varying types in addition with over eight thousand infantry to storm the city. By the time their plan was to commence, those numbers would only increase.

--Anvala--

Things had been equally tense in the city since the last few days. The Council was increasing the restrictions of where Yiski could go and when. While Yiski wanted to disregard the new restrictions, a large group of guards prevented him leaving the Academy grounds. However, the original order on his friends was lifted and they were allowed to roam the city again without the need of guards.

Angry of not being able to run the saloon, Yiski temporarily gave control to run the saloon to BdrLine. This came about because BdrLine still did not have a place to stay. The two compromised that BdrLine could stay at the saloon so long as he ran it while Yiski couldn't.

Zill on the other hand was feeling a bit uplifted when he saw his galleon Then It Was Rebuilt... well rebuilt. Though completely salvaged and rebuilt, the ship wasn't too much to look at. Zill sighed thinking the ship looked a lot like him. The more he thought of it though, the more it brought a smile to his face.

While today would be calm, tomorrow would be anything but that.

--NARRATOR END--

--END OF DAY 122--

[Yiski]

--START OF DAY 123--

--NARRATOR--

--Lord's Point, Baronies--

The full Baronies fleet was gathered and set for their invasion of Anvala. As the fleet received its orders, they started course for Anvala. The Baronies were hoping to take Anvala using sheer brute force.

Because of the Baronies strategy of sending all vessels at once, it did not take much for the average person to realize the Baronies' fleet was going to go to war with another faction, or invade an independent city.

Given the Anvalan infantry recon along the Baronies' border, the later was assumed. When the massive fleet passed overhead, some of the recon units' mouths dropped.

_Recon
"Where are they headed?"

_{Recon 2}
"With their heading... Shit! Radio the city now!"

_Recon
"Alright. Frequency is set."

_{Recon 2}
"Base. This is Field Hawk 3. Base. This is Field Hawk 3. We've spotted roughly seventy Baronies vessels with headings for Anvala! I repeat, we have a massive fleet heading for Anvala!"


--Anvala--

--Council Building Gardens--

Minutes went by when Yiski and Zill got the orders of the impending Baronies assault. When other recon units confirmed the Baronies fleet's movements, a city-wide evacuation was ordered and by the late evening all civilians were relocated in the Crown Mountain bunkers.

Yiski and Zill were standing in the middle of the gardens in front of the Council Chambers. Both were discussing the future assault.

_Yiski
"Skies. Zill, how is our fleet lookin'?"

_Zill
"Flak. Not all that great. We have twenty-five ships against their seventy. How are the batteries?"

_Yiski
"Good news is we have a few lumberjack batteries set up along the wall. If they have transports, expect those to hit the ground first."

The two men stood looking over the walls and into the distant skies. Both knew their chances of survival against the current odds. All the two could do was hope they were ready when the Baronies' fleet arrived.

--NARRATOR END--

--END OF DAY 123--

[Yiski]

--START OF DAY 124--

--NARRATOR--

The whole city was silent. No ships entered or left the city. No people wandering the streets and chatting among themselves.

Yiski and Lauren sat on top of the Eastern Wall staring off into the distance. Additional reports from other recons gave the arrival of the Baronies' fleet until tomorrow because of their size. After a few moments, Althea joined the two.

_Althea
"Lieutenant are you not being deployed?"

_Lauren
"Rear lines." *leans over a kisses Yiski on the cheek* "To clear skies."

_Yiski
"To clear skies."

Lauren leaves to prepare the Kyllo for the eventual battle. Yiski turned back to the skies and gave a sigh.

_Althea
"Worried?"

_Yiski
"Nervous. Haven't excepted a battle like this since the Conflict."

_Althea
"Well, I have an order from..."

_Yiski
"Burnin's skies the hell do they want now?"

_Althea
"They want you off the front lines and take a defensive position within the city. You'll give any necessary orders through this radio provided."

_Yiski
"First they want me near them, now they want me away? Fine, do they have a specific place?"

_Althea
"No."

_Yiski
"Then we're headin' for my saloon."

--NARRATOR END--

[Gryphos]

--Firing range--

Tristan and Nidhogg were both leaning against a wall, observing the war preparations taking progress. Nidhogg saw soldiers up on the walls running along the bailey, checking turrets and scouting the horizon, all the while shouting orders at each other. Nidhogg, though fully aware of what was about to happen, struggled to grasp how large it would be.

Tristan
"We could have taken shelter with the civilians, why haven't we?"

Nidhogg
"I don't want to be a coward, cowering from danger. Anyway, I have a ship, why not put it to use."

Tristan
"A ship with no crew but us two, hardly an effective vessel."

Nidhogg
"So then We'll stay with the ground forces, we have weapons."

Tristan
"Swords! While they likely have guns a'plenty. So you'll be needing this."

Tristan conjured a second pistol from his pocket and handed it to Nidhogg.

Nidhogg
"I appreciate the gift, but I'm no marksman."

Tristan
"Neither am I, but had I not had one, you'd likely be dead back in that hamlet."

Nidhogg
"Fair point."

Tristan lead Nidhogg to the firing range to practice his aim with what little time was left. Nidhogg grasped the gun with both hands and pointed it at the target. Pulling the trigger firmly but slowly, he fired a shot into the dummy's shoulder.

Nidhogg
"See, hardly a marksman."

Tristan
"If that dummy was a man trying to kill you, you'd have incapacitated it, weakened it, startled it. A soldier with a bullet in his hide won't be pillaging any cities. Plus, should he be left open, he's in the perfect position to be struck down with your sword, which I know you're a bit better with... a bit."

Nidhogg thumped him on the arm. Tristan laughed.

Nidhogg
"Better than you."

[RearAdmiralZill]

-Council Docks-

Zill and Jun'ko were preparing all of Zill's ships for combat. Given the low amount of ready boats for the defense, Zill threw in most of his for the fleet. He only passed them along to his most trustworthy officers in the fleet command, including his squid over to Matty of the Black Squids.

The council tried every way they could to undermine Zill's authority. Luckily for him, the commanding officers in the fleet preferred a veteran's tactics over that of selfish diplomats. Mines were placed at the east walls, as well as the rear gate, just in case. All heavy ships would hold above the wall to support the battery fire, and light ships stayed low behind the wall until a push was getting close. Zill also hired a few mercenary friends from the Burren, who would snipe from the mountains.

Once preparations were complete and orders given, Zill and Jun'ko made to Port Tar Barrel for his boat in the fight. A couple familiar faces met them at his now empty warehouse.
_Nova
"Never though I would be defending a city I've never been to, legally."

_William
"Do you do anything legally?"

The two having met a few days ago, were getting along swimmingly.
_Zill
"Simmer down you two. I need you to at least play nice while on my boat."

_Jun'ko
"What boat anyway, I thought you gave them all to the fleet?"

Zill walks over and grabs some antique keys from the back room of the warehouse. He beckons the three over to his back shed at the port. They are confused as the old tool shed didn't look impressive at all, but follow knowing Zill will have a trick up his sleeve. Sure enough, a few key turns later, the shed roof opens up, creaking with age. A balloon inflates with a high pitched hiss, and lifts a junker hull out of an underground cavern.
_Nova
"You actually kept her?!"

_Zill
"Sure did. She's gotten me out of trouble too many times to warrant leaving her in the desert. Now put the guns you want, granted I want a brawl and snipe side configuration, and let's to it like old times."

_William
"Well I'll be damned. Better get her ready."

Jun'ko walked up to Zill and leaned on him softly as the other two made their adjustments on the But then it broke.
_Jun'ko
"At first, you had me worried with your plan, but now I'm feeling a lot better about it. You think everyone will be ok?"

_Zill
"I know they will. Besides, I have a means of contacting all of them. This isn't goodbye forever."

Zill notices Nova tinkering with a mercury and artemis and goes up to help her with his quick mounts. Jun'ko assists William with patching up the junker with, well any armor they could find.

[Shinkurex]

-Outside the Saloon-

*It has been a while since he visited the saloon, but it looked like the same old Burning Skies.... He was about to try the lock, when Yiski walked up.*

"Ahoy Yiski! I take it you're opening for the day?"